The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2023-12-05 Rail Agenda PacketRAIL COMMITTEE Special Meeting Tuesday, December 05, 2023 Community Meeting Room & Hybrid 2:30 PM Rail Committee meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/86388142528) Meeting ID: 863 8814 2528 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833 PUBLIC COMMENTS Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line. PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. VERBAL UPDATE ON INTERAGENCY ACTIVITIES A.Caltrain B.VTA C.City Staff STUDY SESSION 1.Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: an active transportation plan — Introduction & Overview, Community Engagement, Context & Baseline Conditions, and Next Steps FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s) ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item. 3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 863‐8814‐2528 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. 1 Special Meeting December 05, 2023 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.cityofpaloalto.org/agendas RAIL COMMITTEESpecial MeetingTuesday, December 05, 2023Community Meeting Room & Hybrid2:30 PMRail Committee meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintainingtransparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home orattend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting islocated at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. Themeeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/86388142528)Meeting ID: 863 8814 2528 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line. PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. VERBAL UPDATE ON INTERAGENCY ACTIVITIES A.Caltrain B.VTA C.City Staff STUDY SESSION 1.Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: an active transportation plan — Introduction & Overview, Community Engagement, Context & Baseline Conditions, and Next Steps FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s) ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item. 3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 863‐8814‐2528 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. 2 Special Meeting December 05, 2023 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.cityofpaloalto.org/agendas RAIL COMMITTEESpecial MeetingTuesday, December 05, 2023Community Meeting Room & Hybrid2:30 PMRail Committee meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintainingtransparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home orattend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting islocated at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. Themeeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/86388142528)Meeting ID: 863 8814 2528 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.CALL TO ORDERPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. VERBAL UPDATE ON INTERAGENCY ACTIVITIESA.CaltrainB.VTAC.City StaffSTUDY SESSION1.Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: an active transportation plan— Introduction & Overview, Community Engagement, Context & Baseline Conditions,and Next StepsFUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDASMembers of the public may not speak to the item(s) ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item. 3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 863‐8814‐2528 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. 3 Special Meeting December 05, 2023 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.cityofpaloalto.org/agendas Rail Committee Staff Report From: City Manager Report Type: STUDY SESSION Lead Department: Transportation Meeting Date: December 5, 2023 Report #:2309-2014 TITLE Study Session: Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: an active transportation plan— Introduction & Overview, Community Engagement, Context & Baseline Conditions, and Next Steps RECOMMENDATION Hold a study session to receive a Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update— Introduction & Overview. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City’s existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP), adopted in 2012, is a critical planning, policy, and implementation document that supports efforts to improve the safety and attractiveness of walking, biking, and rolling as a means of transportation and recreation. The objectives of the BPTP Update are to seek robust community feedback; reevaluate implementation progress from previous plans to adjust recommendations for new policies, facilities, and programs; and to determine appropriate criteria and metrics to prioritize recommendations and network routes. The BPTP Update effort will also further investigate safety data to propose impactful recommendations, explore the role of emerging transportation technologies such as electric-bicycles and micro-mobility devices, and establish big-picture planning to expand bicycling and walking for all user types in support of the City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the Sustainability/Climate Action Plan, a Safe System approach, and other planning documents and policies. The Plan Update effort will be an 18-24 month process. BACKGROUND At its May 17, 2021 meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution supporting the City’s grant application for the State Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Funds for the BPTP Update project, and in September 2021, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) approved of the allocation of Transportation Development Act Article 3 (TDA3) funds to the City of Palo Alto in the amount of $334,852 for the purposes of updating the 2012 Bicycle and Item 1 Item 1 Staff Report Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 4 of 25 Pedestrian Transportation Plan. At the June 19, 2023 meeting, the City Council approved a professional services contract with Kittelson & Associates, Inc. with subconsultants Mobycon, to prepare this BPTP Update. ANALYSIS The existing conditions and needs analysis is underway. The following section presents a brief discussion of each of the topics covered in this task. Network Mapping and Facilities Inventory. Available data has been compiled and the GIS-based infrastructure inventory has been updated to reflect the existing pedestrian and bicycle network. Demographic Analysis. The City of Palo Alto has a population of 68,680 according to the American Community Survey (ACS) 2021 5-year estimates. The working age population cohort (ages 20 to 64) represents the largest population segment in the City at 57 percent of the total population. Palo Alto residents are highly educated, with the majority (98 percent) of people aged 25 years or older having at least a high school graduate degree. Fifty-three percent of the population is White, 7 percent of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino, and 35 percent Asian. Chinese, Asian Indian, and Korean constitute the major Asian ethnic groups in the City. Approximately 61 percent of the population exclusively speaks English at home. Asian and Pacific Island languages make up about 22 percent of the population, with around 32 percent of this group not speaking English proficiently. Other Indo-European languages account for 11 percent, of which roughly 14 percent do not speak English very well. There are no Equity Priority Communities or Disadvantaged Communities within the City of Palo Alto but there are Equity Priority Communities in Stanford University and East Palo Alto. Program and Policy Inventory. Over twenty relevant planning documents and programs were reviewed to develop an enhanced understanding of the policy and planning environment for walking and biking in Palo Alto. This work also supports the creation of an updated inventory of existing programs and policies relevant to biking and walking and identifies gaps or needs that could be addressed by the Plan. Bicycle Friendly Community Assessment. Since 2003, the League of American Bicyclists’ (LAB) Bike-Friendly America program has been evaluating states, communities, businesses, and universities with the aim of rewarding excellence and raising standards and expectations for what constitutes a bicycle-friendly environment. As of May 2023, there were 506 Bicycle Friendly Communities, though nearly 900 have applied. As of 2023, Palo Alto was designated as a Gold- level cycling community. It has been listed as a Bicycle-Friendly Community since 2003 and has been a Gold-level community since 2010. Palo Alto scores well on the percentage of high-speed roads with bike facilities, bicycle education in schools, and share of transportation budget spent on cycling. However, Palo Alto has a much higher rate of crashes and a lower cycling mode-share than the average Platinum community. Last year, the League of American Bicyclists announced a change in their awards process. The Item 1 Item 1 Staff Report Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 5 of 25 biggest change is the addition of the Equity and Accessibility section as part of the Five E’s, but the new process also puts emphasis on other criteria. The 2023 application increases the emphasis on addressing gaps in the low-stress network with the most recent report card indicating that quiet streets are underutilized in Palo Alto, which could easily become low-stress linkages in the cycling network for a relatively low cost. Specific opportunities identified for the City of Palo Alto to progress up to a “Platinum” level community are as follows (based on the 2021 Report Card and the 2023 application criteria): •Increasing the overall mileage of bicycle network with a specific focus on addressing gaps in the low stress cycling network. •Increase high-quality cycle parking, especially near major activity centers and transit. •Expand cycling education efforts to reach adults, especially women, seniors, under- represented groups, and non-English-speaking communities (noting the large Chinese and Hispanic groups present). Further, the LAB suggests that Palo Alto could offer bicycle- friendly training to motorists, particularly commercial drivers and fleet operators (such as delivery drivers). •Creating a bicycle-friendly environment through laws & ordinances. It is considered that working towards the above suggestions by building a more extensive/robust cycling network, increasing the amount of high-quality cycle parking and access to transit, expanding education efforts across different demographic groups, and improving cycle-friendly ordinances through policies could increase cycling mode share from a modest 9 percent closer to the Platinum-level average of nearly 14 percent. This would have the added benefit of reducing crash and fatality rates by increasing overall road safety which would also work towards a Platinum-level community designation. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan can also help to identify opportunities to achieve the items that were identified as opportunities to improve. Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS). Bicycle level of traffic stress (LTS) is a rating given to a road segment or crossing indicating the traffic stress it imposes on bicyclists. Levels of traffic stress range from 1 to 4 with LTS 1 indicating low stress facility and LTS 4 indicating a high stress facility. The segment analysis considers roadway functional classification, vehicle volume, posted or prevailing vehicle speeds, number of vehicle lanes, the presence of on-street parking, and vehicle parking and bicycle lane widths. The crossing analysis considers the right-turn lane configuration and length, bike lane approach, vehicle turning speeds, and the presence of a median refuge. The results of the LTS analysis will inform the locations and types of treatments and facilities needed to create a low-stress all ages and abilities bicycle network. Pedestrian Barriers. The analysis of pedestrian barriers will examine linear barriers (such as freeways, water bodies, and rail lines) and barriers near transit (including gaps in sidewalks, curb ramps, signals, or disconnected cul-de-sacs) that force people to take detours and increase the Item 1 Item 1 Staff Report Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 6 of 25 length of their walking trip. The results of the pedestrian barriers analysis will inform the locations and types of treatments and facilities needed to create direct connections and reduce the length of walking trips. Safety and Collisions. Spatial analysis of the five most recent years of reported collision data involving bicyclists and pedestrians will be conducted to identify pedestrian and bicycle high injury networks (HINs). Additionally, available variables in the collision data will be analyzed to identify patterns or trends based on temporal characteristics, lighting conditions, location characteristics (intersection versus segment), primary collision factors, age, and gender. These collision profiles will provide a better understanding of the common risks, and where and how efforts should be focused to most effectively make streets safer for people walking and biking. Activity and Benefits. The analysis will utilize various data sources, including counts and location- based data, to estimate existing and future walking, biking, and rolling activity in the City and forecast benefits of investments in the active transportation network. NEXT STEPS The City’s Office of Transportation will host a Visioning Workshop with stakeholders in January 2024 to craft the Vision and Goals for the Plan Update effort. The project team has introduced or will introduce the project at the following public meetings: •Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC): Tuesday, November 7, 2023 •Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC): Wednesday, November 29, 2023 •City/School Traffic Safety Committee (CSTSC): Thursday, November 30, 2023 •Rail Committee Meeting: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 •City Council: Early 2024 Additionally, the existing conditions and needs analysis will be completed over the next few months and brought back to committees for review and input as part of Phase 2 engagement, anticipated for early 2024-Spring 2024. Following committee review and input, the City Council will review the existing conditions and needs analysis in Spring/Summer 2024. Further along in the project, Council will provide input to shape the process during the later phases, when we get to the criteria development, prioritizing projects, and ultimately the draft and final plan. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT The BPTP Update project cost is $333,945, including a 10 percent contingency. The City is eligible to cover project expenditures under MTC’s TDA Article 3 program and can request an allocation of up to $334,852 for the effort. City staff anticipates that all eligible costs incurred will be reimbursed through the TDA Article 3 payment reimbursement process. These funds are included Item 1 Item 1 Staff Report Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 7 of 25 in the FY 2024 Adopted Budget in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Implementation Project (PL-04010). STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Goals of the community engagement include: •Communicate timely information to the public and agency partners throughout the Plan Update •Actively seek feedback prior to key milestones during the development of Plan Update •Provide meaningful opportunities for involvement •Demonstrate how community input has influenced the Plan Update’s development •Seek participation of potentially underserved and disadvantaged communities •Ensure consistency with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, as well as local policies, goals, and objectives •Coordinate with ongoing community engagement efforts carried out through other plans and programs such as the Safe Streets for All Plan and Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) Community engagement is divided into three phases: 1) Visioning; 2) Needs & Concerns; and 3) Recommended Projects and Programs. The community engagement effort includes a combination of digital outreach and in-person events. •Project website and interactive map. The project website can be accessed at: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/bikepedplan. The website includes an interactive map that allows respondents to provide geographic input on key issues and opportunity locations for walking, biking, and rolling in Palo Alto. The interactive map is open through November 2023. •Committee and Working Group Meetings. The project team will engage the following committees and working groups at three key points over the course of the plan: a. Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee b. City School Transportation Safety Committee c. Planning and Transportation Commission d. Rail Committee e. City Council f. Interagency Staff Working Group •Neighborhood and Focus Group Meetings. Four neighborhood meetings will be held during the second phase of engagement. These meetings will be jointly organized by the consultant team and community partners and will be distributed geographically throughout the city. Community partners will provide a range of roles, including distributing materials, promoting events, hosting events, providing translation and note- taking, facilitating focus groups, and reviewing material for the inclusion in the Plan. Item 1 Item 1 Staff Report Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 8 of 25 •Street Level Engagement: Four street level engagement events will be held at various locations, to be selected with recommendations from City staff, working groups and committees. These events will include tabling to introduce the project and seek input on community needs and recommendations at key locations such as farmer’s markets, City fairs, community events, and pop-ups during peak lunch, dinner, and drop-off/pick-up hours on site (e.g., downtown, California Ave., middle and high schools). a. The project team tabled at the Bike Palo Alto event on Sunday, October 1, 2023 to introduce the project and to receive input from the community on specific locations that need improvement. •Community Meetings. Two community meetings will be hosted and are planned to be hybrid, offering both in person and virtual options for participation. a. Meeting #1: Visioning Workshop (January 2024). The goal of the visioning workshop will be to identify the direction of the Plan and set forth objectives and goals. The outcomes from the visioning workshop will be revisited at the STAR Analysis workshop as part of the multi-day in-person collaborative work sessions. Stakeholders will be invited to this meeting. b. Meeting #2: System Development & Network Priorities (June 2024). The goal of the second meeting is to refine project recommendations and gather feedback on prioritization. Stakeholders will be invited to this meeting. Multi-Day Collaborative Work Sessions. Mobycon staff will be curating and executing a multi- day collaborative work session at two points along the project. The first will occur in Spring 2024. Activities conducted during this time will set the stage for the network evaluation and project identification process to follow. The second session will occur in Fall 2024. Activities will focus on solidifying network recommendations and developing a process to prioritize projects, programs, and policies for implementation. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW California Senate Bill 922 (2022) exempts active transportation plans, such as bicycle transportation plans like the BPTP Update from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Existing Facilities Map Attachment B: Basemap Attachment C: Bicycle Friendly Community Benchmarking Memo Attachment D: Literature Review Summary APPROVED BY: Philip Kamhi, Chief Transportation Official Item 1 Item 1 Staff Report Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 9 of 25 101 280 82 Mid d l e f i e l d R d Alm a S t Bry a n t S t Ha m i l t o n A v e Un i v e r s i t y A v e Lyt t o n A v e Ad d i s o n A v e Ne w e l l R d Channing Ave San d H i l l R d Cow p e r S t Embar c a d e r o R d Lou i s R d Or e g o n E x p y Ca l i f o r n i a A v e Ca l i f o r n i a A v e Pa g e M i l l R d Col o r a d o A v e Lom a V e r d e A v e Mea d o w D r Me l v i l l e A v e Se a l e A v e El D o r a d o A v e Cha r l e s t o n R d Fa b i a n W y Sa n An t o nio R d Ba y s h o r e R d Gre e r R d El C a m i n o R e a l Lo s R o b l e s A v e W i l k i e W y Ar a s t r a d e r o R d Foo t h i l l s E x p y Ha n o v e r S t Hi l l v i e w A v e Junipe ro Ser r a B l v d Sta n f o r d A v e Ros s R d Ma t a d e r o A v e Ma y b e l l A v e Ho m e r A v e Col o r a d o A v e EAST PALO ALTOMENLO PARK STANFORD UNIVERSITY LOS ALTOS MOUNTAIN VIEW LOS ALTOS HILLS PALO ALTO Byxbee Park Mitchell Park Hoover Park Pearson-Arastradero Preserve Greer Park Eleanor Pardee Park Ramos Park Robles Park Bol Park Palo Alto High School Gunn High School JLS Middle School Greene Middle School Palo Alto Caltrain California Ave Caltrain San Antonio Caltrain Menlo Park Caltrain Palo Alto Airport Mat a d e r o C r e e k Bar r o n C r e e k Adob e C r e e k 101 280 82 EAST PALO ALTO MENLO PARK STANFORD UNIVERSITY LOS ALTOS MOUNTAIN VIEW LA HONDA PALO ALTO PORTOLA VALLEY Class I - Shared Use Path Class II - Bike Lane Class III - Shared Lane Class IV - Separated Bikeway Trail Ped/Bike Bridge Ped/Bike Underpass City of Palo Alto Park/Open Space School/University Commercial Center Community Center Library Caltrain Stop Railroad Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC 0 1 2 Miles City of Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update Existing Facilities Map, DRAFT 10/2023 Item 1 Attachment A - Existing Facilities Map Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 10 of 25 101 280 82 Mid d l e f i e l d R d Alm a S t Bry a n t S t Ha m i l t o n A v e Un i v e r s i t y A v e Lyt t o n A v e Ad d i s o n A v e Ne w e l l R d Channing Ave San d H i l l R d Cow p e r S t Embar c a d e r o R d Lou i s R d Or e g o n E x p y Ca l i f o r n i a A v e Ca l i f o r n i a A v e Pa g e M i l l R d Col o r a d o A v e Lom a V e r d e A v e Mea d o w D r Me l v i l l e A v e Se a l e A v e El D o r a d o A v e Cha r l e s t o n R d Fa b i a n W y Sa n An t o nio R d Ba y s h o r e R d Gre e r R d El C a m i n o R e a l Lo s R o b l e s A v e W i l k i e W y Ar a s t r a d e r o R d Foo t h i l l s E x p y Ha n o v e r S t Hi l l v i e w A v e Junipe ro Ser r a B l v d Sta n f o r d A v e Ros s R d Ma t a d e r o A v e Ma y b e l l A v e Ho m e r A v e Col o r a d o A v e EAST PALO ALTOMENLO PARK STANFORD UNIVERSITY LOS ALTOS MOUNTAIN VIEW LOS ALTOS HILLS PALO ALTO Byxbee Park Mitchell Park Hoover Park Pearson-Arastradero Preserve Greer Park Eleanor Pardee Park Ramos Park Robles Park Bol Park Palo Alto High School Gunn High School JLS Middle School Greene Middle School Fletcher Middle School Palo Alto Caltrain California Ave Caltrain San Antonio Caltrain Menlo Park Caltrain Palo Alto Airport Mat a d e r o C r e e k Bar r o n C r e e k Adob e C r e e k 101 280 82 EAST PALO ALTO MENLO PARK STANFORD UNIVERSITY LOS ALTOS MOUNTAIN VIEW LA HONDA PALO ALTO PORTOLA VALLEY City of Palo Alto Park/Open Space School/University Commercial Center Community Center Library Caltrain Stop Railroad Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC 0 1 2 Miles City of Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update Basemap, 2023 Item 1 Attachment B - Basemap Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 11 of 25 Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Technical Memorandum BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY This memo provides a review of the criteria for a “Bicycle Friendly Community” as outlined by the League of American Bicyclists and a comparison of the City of Palo Alto (the City) to Gold- and Platinum-rated peer communities. We will also examine the detailed evaluation metrics to identify areas for improvement in Palo Alto and provide suggestions to help Palo Alto improve from a Gold to Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community. The Importance of Walking & Wheeling Walking (or moving by wheelchair or mobility device) is the most fundamental form of transportation available. Regardless of what mode one chooses, there is a point at the beginning and end of their trip in which they are a pedestrian. Additionally, walking or moving by wheelchair is the one form of transportation available to everyone, regardless of age or ability to drive or ride a bike. Similar to walking, wheeling (by any one of the various means from cycling or scootering to using a wheelchair or mobility device) is, in theory, a widely accessible means of transportation and recreation. In comparison to owning a vehicle or even purchasing a transit pass, using any of the various wheeling devices is a low-cost (and sometimes no-cost) way to travel throughout one’s community. Active modes of travel have a wide variety of benefits for individuals and society as a whole. Walking and wheeling (when requiring human effort), provide users with exercise opportunities that can be incorporated into their daily routine. Exercise has been found to improve both physical and mental health, improving overall public health and wellbeing. This can have significant benefits to the health system and result in economic benefits as well. This can have significant benefits to public health with one study finding that a moderate increase in active transport (40.5 to 53.4 minutes per person week) – in line with preferred transportation scenarios from the five largest California transportation planning regions – could result in an annual reduction of 909 deaths and 16,084 disability adjusted life years (DALYs) which is the sum of years of life lost due to premature 155 Grand Avenue, Suite 505 Oakland, CA 94612 P 510.839.1742 August 22, 2023 Project# 28476 To: Ozzy Arce City of Palo Alto, Office of Transportation From: Kittelson & Associates, Inc. and Mobycon CC: Sylvia Star-Lack, City of Palo Alto, Office of Transportation RE: Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update – Bicycle Friendly Community Item 1 Attachment C - Bicycle Friendly Community Benchmarking Memo Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 12 of 25 August 22, 2023 Page 2 Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update Bicycle Friendly Community Kittelson & Associates, Inc. mortality and years of living with disability. A significantly more ambitious scenario, increasing cycling to 283 mins per person per week could result in 8,543 fewer annual deaths and 194,003 fewer DALYs.1 In addition to public health improvements, active transportation provides economic benefits in a variety of ways, from reductions in healthcare costs associated with a healthier population, to increased property values, business revenue, and tourism. Such benefits have been observed across the country with Northwest Arkansas seeing $137 million in economic benefits from investments in cycling2, Indianapolis generating a $1.01 billion increase in property values adjacent to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail3, and the Miami Valley in Ohio attracting $13 million worth of goods and services income annually associated with the trails in the region4. It is well-known that walking and wheeling by human-powered modes is also much more environmentally friendly than travelling by motor vehicles, whether powered by fossil fuels or electric motors. Achieving higher mode share of zero carbon emission (walking) and low carbon emission (cycling) modes can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, linking back to public health outcomes due to reduced pollution. Motor vehicles also produce a significant amount of environmental microplastic pollution from tire wear, an issue that is of growing concern with larger, heavier vehicles that wear down tires more quickly. This is especially pertinent with the growing number of large vehicles on streets and roads (such as SUVs and pick-up trucks) as well as electric cars (which weigh more than internal combustion vehicles). It is noted that bicycles (both pedal-powered and electric) produce emissions through the logistics and assembly chain, as well as brake and tire particulate during use, however at almost insignificant levels compared to motor vehicles. Walking and wheeling are also economically more sustainable for communities as walking and wheeling infrastructure tends to be cheaper to provide and maintain, as well as being more space efficient in moving similar numbers of people as car infrastructure. In almost all cases, walking and wheeling are the cheapest forms of transportation even when compared to transit. Finally, providing well-planned and designed walking and cycling networks ensure residents and visitors have mobility options to safely and comfortably travel within their community. Traditional auto-centric planning and street design has created auto-dependent cities where using sustainable forms of transportation can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Without access to a car, people can be excluded from opportunities to participate in society. This has manifested within Palo Alto through historical zoning practices relegating non-residential uses to a concentrated location resulting in significant travel distances for day-to-day errands. Providing diverse transportation networks allows people of all ages, abilities, incomes, and ethnic backgrounds to choose what form of transportation is best suited to their needs and desires, contributing to the creation of a more equitable community. 1 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140516302419 2 https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/about-us/newsroom/bicycling-provides-137-million-in-economic-benefits-to-northwest-arkansas 3 https://uli.org/wp-content/uploads/ULI-Documents/Active-Transportation-and-Real-Estate-The-Next-Frontier.pdf 4 https://uli.org/wp-content/uploads/ULI-Documents/Active-Transportation-and-Real-Estate-The-Next-Frontier.pdf https://www.mvrpc.org/sites/default/files/2013trailsurveyreport.pdf Item 1 Attachment C - Bicycle Friendly Community Benchmarking Memo Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 13 of 25 August 22, 2023 Page 3 Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update Bicycle Friendly Community Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Principles of Good Network Design To create a truly sustainable transportation network, high quality facilities for all road users must be provided. Five key principles are considered for network planning and design. By ensuring all five principles are met within the network, a system of streets and spaces are created that improve access and connectivity while encouraging people to walk and cycle for all kinds of trips, from the work commute to daily errands and beyond, thus serving a wide variety of users. ◼ Cohesion – A cohesive active transportation network is one that allows users to get from A to B using active modes, with key origins and destinations linked as a cohesive whole that can be easily navigated by bike or on foot. Gaps in sidewalks or cycling facilities undermine cohesion as they present barriers for users to overcome, forcing users into environments that are not suited to them, such as a busy roadway. ◼ Directness – A direct trip by active means, or any mode for that matter, is one that can be completed quickly and with minimal effort. Since walking and cycling are human-powered modes, it is important that unnecessary detours are avoided. Such detours may require excessive time or energy for the user, presenting a barrier to active modes. Routes that are short and quick for pedestrians and cyclists result in walking and cycling trips that are competitive to other forms of transportation, increasing the likelihood of their use. ◼ Safety – Safety is a key aspect in an active transportation network. Unsafe conditions, such as mixing active users with vehicles on high speed and volume roadways is a major deterrent to a large proportion of the population. A key aspect of creating a safe environment is minimizing differences in speed and mass. In practice, this means providing dedicated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists in the form of sidewalks and cycle tracks where traffic speeds and volumes are high. In some cases, such as local streets where volumes are low, mixing users can be safe as long as the street is designed to slow vehicles to 20 mph or less, a speed that is safe for vulnerable road users. When creating a safe environment, perceived safety must also be taken into consideration. If an environment feels threatening to active users, even if there is no real danger, that environment will be avoided when possible. ◼ Comfort – Comfort is an often-overlooked aspect of designing an active transportation network. Frequent stops at stop signs and red lights can negatively impact user comfort as this increases the physical exertion required of cyclists when starting from a stop and can be irritating for pedestrians. Other aspects that can negatively influence comfort include bumpy or uneven surfaces and excessive noise from vehicles or other sources. Perceived safety, as mentioned above, can also be linked to comfort as a feeling of being unsafe undermines feelings of comfort. ◼ Attractiveness – While attractiveness is a personal opinion, there are certain elements that have been found to be widely considered as attractive along an active transportation route. Open spaces with greenery, a well-maintained route, quiet streets, and an aesthetic built environment are generally seen positively while traffic congestion, certain land uses (such as industry), and poorly lit routes are considered unattractive and deter from the use of a route or network. What Makes a Great Cycling Community? Since 2003, the League of American Bicyclists’ (LAB) Bike-Friendly America program has been evaluating states, communities, businesses, and universities with the aim of rewarding excellence and raising standards and expectations for what constitutes a bicycle-friendly environment. As of May 2023, there were 506 Bicycle Friendly Communities, though nearly 900 have applied. Communities hoping to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community must complete an extensive application process covering bicycling facilities, maintenance, last-mile connections, education, media presence, data-collection, promotion, regulations, planning, staffing and other conditions. The LAB report Item 1 Attachment C - Bicycle Friendly Community Benchmarking Memo Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 14 of 25 August 22, 2023 Page 4 Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update Bicycle Friendly Community Kittelson & Associates, Inc. card uses information from the application as well as federally available data to make decisions regarding awards. The League of American Bicyclists has identified five elements5 essential to great cycling communities: Equity & Accessibility, Engineering, Education, Encouragement and Evaluation & Planning. • Equity refers to fostering a fair and inclusive planning process and cycling environment that seeks to include all potential users, regardless of background, and re-balance historical inequities by proactively reaching out to and providing extra support for marginalized groups. Accessibility means expanding the traditional “cycling” umbrella to include a wider range of mobility options which can open mobility opportunities to those with a range of disabilities. • Engineering means designing, building, and maintaining safe and convenient places to cycle and park. High-quality cycling environments are connected networks of trails, quiet streets, and protected cycle- tracks. They also include a variety of convenient, secure cycle parking options. • Education means providing a wide variety of opportunities for community members to acquire the skills and confidence to ride – from bike classes in elementary schools to accessible courses for beginner adult riders. • Encouragement includes providing a range of incentives and opportunities to get and keep people cycling – from Bike to Work programs to National Bike Month Activities and Open Streets events. • Evaluation & Planning means planning for and evaluating the cycling system to measure current gaps and challenges and plan for future improvements. League of American Bicyclists – Bicycle Friendly Communities The most recent publicly available report card for Palo Alto is from spring 2021. The Bicycle Friendly Communities application has been offline for a significant update (discussed in more detail below) but still focuses on the core Five E aspects. As of 2023, Palo Alto was designated as a Gold-level cycling community. It has been listed as a Bicycle- Friendly Community since 2003 and has been a Gold-level community since 2010. The following table shows awards made to comparable peer communities6. Platinum-level communities include Davis, CA; Fort Collins, CO; Boulder, CO and Madison, WI. Peer gold-level communities include Oakland, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. 5 https://bikeleague.org/bfa/5-es/ 6 https://bikeleague.org/bfa/award-database/#community Item 1 Attachment C - Bicycle Friendly Community Benchmarking Memo Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 15 of 25 August 22, 2023 Page 5 Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update Bicycle Friendly Community Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Community Award (2023 spring) Population Land Use Davis, CA Platinum 69,289 Suburban Palo Alto, CA Gold 67,082 Suburban Santa Cruz Gold 59,946 Suburban Boulder, CO Platinum 108,090 Small town Santa Monica, CA Gold 90,401 Urban Fort Collins, CO Platinum 174,871 Urban core surrounded by low density suburban areas Madison, WI Platinum 258,054 Urbanized area Benchmarks for Palo Alto Applicants for the Bicycle Friendly Communities complete an extensive application7 in order to be evaluated on a series of metrics. Palo Alto submitted an application and was evaluated in spring 2021 by the League of American Bicyclists on these measures relative to the average platinum-level community, as shown in the following table. Average Platinum Palo Alto Comparison High Speed Roads with Bike Facilities 36% 80% Exceeds average for Platinum communities Bicycle Education in Schools GOOD VERY GOOD Exceeds average for Platinum communities Share of Transportation Budget Spent on Bicycling 14% 76% Exceeds average for Platinum communities Bike Month and Bike to Work Events VERY GOOD VERY GOOD Meets average for Platinum communities 7 https://bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/Guide_to_the_Bicycle_Friendly_Community_Report_Card.pdf Item 1 Attachment C - Bicycle Friendly Community Benchmarking Memo Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 16 of 25 August 22, 2023 Page 6 Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update Bicycle Friendly Community Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Presence of Active Bicycle Advocacy Group; YES YES Meets average for Platinum communities Active Bicycle Advisory Committee MEETS AT LEAST MONTHLY MEETS AT LEAST MONTHLY Meets average for Platinum communities Bike Plan is Current and is Being Implemented YES YES Average Total Bicycle Network Mileage to Total Road Network Mileage 80% 33% Below average for Platinum communities Bicycle–Friendly Laws & Ordinances VERY GOOD ACCEPTABLE Below average for Platinum communities Bike Program Staff to Population 1 per 21k 1 per 26.8k Below average for Platinum communities Cycling Ridership 13.6% 9.19% Below average for Platinum communities Crashes per 10k bicycle commuters 100 281.05 Below average for Platinum communities Fatalities per 10k bicycle commuters 0.4 0.69 Below average for Platinum communities Palo Alto scores well on the percentage of high-speed roads with bike facilities, bicycle education in schools, and share of transportation budget spent on cycling. However, Palo Alto has a much higher rate of crashes and a lower cycling mode-share than the average Platinum community. The League of American Bicyclists provides numerous resources8 to communities aspiring to become Bicycle Friendly Communities or improve their awards. The site includes resources to improve on the Five E’s but also guidance on conducting a bicycle parking inventory, organizing bicycle events, and forming a bicycle advisory committee. 8 https://bikeleague.org/bfa/community/resources/ Item 1 Attachment C - Bicycle Friendly Community Benchmarking Memo Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 17 of 25 August 22, 2023 Page 7 Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update Bicycle Friendly Community Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Opportunities for Improvement and 2023 Application Year Last year, the League of American Bicyclists announced a change in their awards process9. The biggest change is the addition of the Equity and Accessibility section as part of the Five E’s but the new process also puts emphasis on other criteria. A review of the 2023 application for Bicycle Friendly Communities includes the following additions: ◼ Understanding community socioeconomic and demographic information including: o median age of the community o languages other than English spoken at home o foreign born population o median household income o poverty rate o bicycle commute by sex o percent of household without vehicles o disability characteristics o racial and ethnicity distribution ◼ Defining the bicycle network for on-road and off-road cycling facilities and adoption of a Safe System approach to the delivery of the bicycle network. ◼ Updating bicycle infrastructure to make it more accessible for all ages and abilities, including people with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. ◼ Network maintenance and use of mechanisms (e.g., 311) for cyclists to identify issues, problems and hazards on the network as well as funding mechanisms for ongoing maintenance. ◼ Providing bicycle access to transit ◼ Regional coordination of bicycle facilities to ensure network connectivity and cohesion across municipal boundaries. The 2023 application increases the emphasis on addressing gaps in the low-stress network with the most recent report card indicating that quiet streets are underutilized in Palo Alto, which could easily become low-stress linkages in the cycling network for a relatively low cost. Specific opportunities identified for the City of Palo Alto to progress up to “Platinum” level community are as follows (based on the 2021 Report Card and the 2023 application criteria): ◼ Increasing the overall mileage of bicycle network with a specific focus on addressing gaps in the low stress cycling network, especially on quiet neighborhood streets where traffic calming can create safe cycling spaces for a relatively low cost. The 2023 application has been adjusted to place a heavier emphasis on building a cohesive low-stress network rather than disjointed pieces of infrastructure, reflecting the Safe Systems Approach10. ◼ Increase high-quality cycle parking, especially near major activity centers and transit. ◼ Expand cycling education efforts to reach adults, especially women, seniors, under-represented groups, and non-English-speaking communities (noting the large Chinese and Hispanic groups present). Further, the LAB suggests that Palo Alto could offer bicycle-friendly training to motorists, particularly commercial drivers and fleet operators (such as delivery drivers). ◼ Creating a bicycle-friendly environment through laws & ordinances: o The BFC application asks about the following Bike-Friendly policies: ▪ Banning parking in bike lanes and harassing cyclists 9 https://bikeleague.org/change-coming-bicycle-friendly-community-awards/ 10 https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/zerodeaths/docs/FHWA_SafeSystem_Brochure_V9_508_200717.pdf Item 1 Attachment C - Bicycle Friendly Community Benchmarking Memo Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 18 of 25 August 22, 2023 Page 8 Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update Kittelson & Associates, Inc. ▪ Banning cell phone use while driving and harassing cyclists (now enacted statewide) ▪ Penalties for failing to yield to a cyclist when turning, 'dooring' cyclists ▪ Vulnerable road user and safe passing distance laws ▪ A law that allows cyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign (i.e. whether the “Idaho Stop” is legal in your state), a law that allows cyclists to treat an unresponsive red light as a stop sign (i.e. “Dead Red” law) and a law that allows bicyclists to follow pedestrian signals instead of motor vehicle traffic lights at signalized intersections ◼ The BFC application also asks communities about bike-unfriendly policies and ordinances. The City seems to require cyclists to use bike lanes, where available. The City also prohibits riding on sidewalks in the central business district and bans “trick riding”. The following are other bike-unfriendly policies the BFC application asks about: o Where Cyclists Can/Must Ride: Local law requires bicyclists to use side paths and/or bike lanes regardless of their usability, laws requiring cyclists to ride as far to the right of the road as practicable without exceptions, restrictions on sidewalk riding inside and/or outside of the Central Business District, dismount zones/regulations on shared-use paths and the banning of cycles from non-highway roads that are open to vehicles. o What/How Cyclists Can Ride: Local law restricts usage of electric-assist bicycles, mandatory bike registration and/or helmet use for all ages and bans on exhibition or “trick riding” (e.g. wheelies). o Who Can Ride: Local or school policies restrict youths from riding to school, “Bicycle safety checks” or other legal or de facto enforcement stops occur. It is considered that working towards the above suggestions by building a more extensive/robust cycling network, increasing the amount of high-quality cycle parking and access to transit, expanding education efforts across different demographic groups and improving cycle-friendly ordinances through policies could increase cycling mode share from a modest 9 per cent closer to the Platinum-level average of nearly 14 per cent. This would have the added benefit of reducing crash and fatality rates by increasing overall road safety which would also work towards a Platinum-level community designation. Item 1 Attachment C - Bicycle Friendly Community Benchmarking Memo Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 19 of 25 Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Technical Memorandum LITERATURE REVIEW The Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update will examine the existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, guide investments in active transportation and recommend policies and practices to build a safer and better pedestrian and bicycle network in the City of Palo Alto. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide a synthesis and summary of existing plans, programs, and polices from recent documents. This will help develop an understanding of the policy and planning environment for walking and biking in Palo Alto. Documents List The following table lists the relevant documents and programs that were reviewed, summarized, and synthesized for this task. Table 1. List of Documents Reviewed No. Document Name Year of Adoption 1. City of Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan 2012 2. City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan 2017 3. City of Palo Alto Sustainability and Climate Action Plan 2023 4. City of Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space and Recreation Master Plan 2017 5. City of Palo Alto Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan 2019 6. City of Palo Alto Public Art Master Plan 2016 155 Grand Avenue, Suite 505 Oakland, CA 94612 P 510.839.1742 October 24, 2023 Project# 28476 To: Ozzy Arce City of Palo Alto, Office of Transportation From: Kittelson & Associates, Inc. RE: The Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update – Literature Review (Task 2.2) Item 1 Attachment D - Literature Review Summary Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 20 of 25 Page 2 October 24, 2023 The Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update – Literature Review (Task 2.2) Literature Review Kittelson & Associates, Inc. 7. City of Palo Alto Safe Routes to School (SRTS) 2021 8. Palo Alto SRTS Five-Year Work Plan, Safe Routes to School Partnership Consensus Statement 2021 9. Adopted Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) Safe Routes to School Policies 2021 10. Santa Clara Countywide Bicycle Plan 2018 11. The County of Santa Clara Stanford University Community Plan 20221 12. 2050 Plan Bay Area 2021 13. VTA Bicycle Technical Guidelines 2022 14. VTA Valley Transportation Plan (VTP) 2040 2014 15. Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) Regional Bicycle Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area Update 2009 16. Central Bikeway Feasibility Study Alternatives Analysis 2022 (Peninsula Bikeway Study) 2022 17. VTA Bicycle Technical Guidelines 2012 18. Caltrans District 4 Bike Plan 2018 19. Caltrans District 4 Pedestrian Plan 2021 20. Caltrans Bay Area Bike Highway Study 2022 21. Palo Alto’s Local Road Safety Plan by VTA 2022 1 Track changes version available - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ef397ab7a79e315cd9066ae/t/648a1d95f21c5553baf74820/1686773154192/SCP +Draft+Board+of+Supervisors+12.13.22+Tracked+Changes.pdf Item 1 Attachment D - Literature Review Summary Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 21 of 25 Page 3 October 24, 2023 The Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update – Literature Review (Task 2.2) Literature Review Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Topics and Key Themes The following relevant topics were reviewed and summarized for each document and overall themes within each topic and across all reviewed documents are synthesized in this section. ◼Vision and goal statements ◼Existing policies and programs related to active transportation ◼Established needs, issues, and concerns raised in the study ◼Current/planned projects coming from the study ◼Community feedback captured in the document ◼Community partners/contact information if available ◼Data documentation to incorporate The complete summary for each document is provided as an attachment to this document. Key themes from this review are presented in this section. Vision and Goals There is strong alignment among the vision and goals established in the documents reviewed, particularly surrounding sustainability and climate action. For example, the 2012 Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan support the goals identified in the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan and reflect specific targets mentioned in the 2007 Palo Alto Climate Protection Plan. Common themes around vision and goals from the review of these plans include : ◼Increasing biking and walking trips for all purposes ◼Constructing and maintaining safe and accessible streets for walking and biking to all modes and people of all ages and abilities ◼Developing a network of bikeways, pathways, and traffic-calmed streets that connects various business districts, residentials areas, open spaces and parks ◼Improving the aesthetics of walkways and bike paths to attract more walking and biking trips ◼Reducing overall vehicle miles traveled ◼Seeking to improve the quality of life, as well as environmental quality, economic health and social equity Policies and Programs Most of the policies and programs mentioned in each plan aim to promote the goals and vision of that specific plan. They are also in line with the vision of similar plans that promote non-motorized transportation. For example, the 2030 City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan introduced programs and policies that focus on collecting bicycle counts and conducting surveys to understand bicycle use (Program T1.16.1); encourag ing participation in local walking and biking events (Program T1.16.4); providing facilities that encourage walking and biking (policy T-1.19); prioritizing investments for enhanced pedestrian access and bicycle use within Palo Alto (Program T1.19.2) etc. These policies and programs are in line with the goals and visions of the Comprehensive Plan and are consistent with the 2021 City of Palo Alto Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan as well. Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) Regional Bicycle Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area 2009 Update mentions programs and policies such as Bike-to-Work day, pedestrian and bicycle training, resolution Item 1 Attachment D - Literature Review Summary Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 22 of 25 Page 4 October 24, 2023 The Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update – Literature Review (Task 2.2) Literature Review Kittelson & Associates, Inc. 8752, resolution 37653 etc. developed by MTC that aim to make bicycling safer and more accessible throughout the region. These existing programs and policies mentioned in the relevant plans are consistent with the purpose of the BPTP Update and will be reflected in the Plan. Needs and Challenges Common themes surrounding needs and challenges per review of the plans include: ◼Improving access to neighboring commercial centers ◼Improving bicycle parking facilities ◼Defining a core network of crosstown and recreational routes ◼Introducing traffic calming strategies ◼Drastic changes in future environmental conditions due to climate change ◼Enhancing comfort and making parks more welcoming ◼Safety concerns such as unsafe crossings due to high vehicular speeds and volumes and unfriendly freeway interchanges ◼Traffic congestion in educational districts during peak hours ◼Issues related to optimizing bicycle safety such as angle of crossing, smoothness of crossing, gap between the flangeway and roadway, and closing bike paths at night ◼Uncertainty of funding opportunities ◼Improving level of traffic stress of bicycle facilities on major and minor bike corridors ◼Failure to yield to pedestrians on the roadway ◼Bicycle theft Plans and Projects Some plans and projects recommendations that have been initiated through adoption of these plans include: ◼Across barrier connections across the City (Adobe Creek Highway 101 Overcrossing, Caltrain/Alma Barrier Crossing at Matadero Creek etc.) ◼Trails and Shared Use Pathway projects (Embarcadero Road / Rinconada Park Sidepath, Adobe Creek Reach Trail etc.) ◼Bicycle boulevard projects (Castilleja-Park-Wilkie Bicycle Boulevard, Bryant Street Bicycle Boulevard etc.) ◼Intersection spot improvements (El Camino Real Intersection Through-Markings, Charleston Road at Middlefield Road Bicycle Through-Lanes etc.) ◼Infrastructure Programs (Bicycle Parking Corral / Rack Installation Program, Pedestrian Countdown Signals & Crossings Program etc.) ◼System rehabilitation and Maintenance (Castilleja Street-Park Boulevard, Lytton Avenue etc.) ◼Design, Feasibility, and Planning (Middlefield Road "Complete Street" Plan Line Study, Embarcadero Road Plan Line Study etc.) ◼Non-Infrastructure - Education Encouragement (Citywide Traffic Counts and Data Collection, Bike Palo Alto! / Palo Alto Sunday Streets etc.) 2 First adopted in 1980 and most recently amended in 2005, this resolution guides the allocation of the “Transportation Development Act, Article 3,” which funds $2.9 million worth of Bay Area bicycle projects annually 3 This resolution, adopted in 2006, requires agencies applying for regional transportation funds to document how the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians were considered in the process of planning and/or designing the project for which funds are requested Item 1 Attachment D - Literature Review Summary Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 23 of 25 Page 5 October 24, 2023 The Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update – Literature Review (Task 2.2) Literature Review Kittelson & Associates, Inc. ◼Plan, design and construct 10.5-acre site in Baylands for park uses; plan, design and redevelop Cubberley Community Center ◼Incorporate 7.7-acre site into Foothills Park ◼Demonstration projects: Hale Avenue Extension, SkyLANE, 101/Blossom Hill Road, Lundy Place Connector, Diridon Bicycle Connections ◼Freeway interchange improvements (I-280/Page Mill Interim Improvements) ◼Planned Bicycle Bridge/Undercrossing (Stanford Avenue /Seale Avenue, San Francisquito Creek, Adobe Creek Bridge) Public Input Community feedback and public input is a crucial factor throughout long -term planning processes. It helps inform and shape the final recommendations of plans. Most plans significantly invested in conducting public workshops, public surveys, open houses and community engagement events to hear from the public throughout the development of the plan. Common themes and takeaways per the review of the relevant plans include: ◼Providing accessible and safe active transportation (walking, biking, etc.) routes to natural open space, community centers and parks is a high priority ◼Enhancing physical and mental well-being is a critical function of parks for people who live, work and play in Palo Alto. Loop trails, bicycle and pedestrian paths to parks and places to relax are top priorities, along with exercise equipment or additional classes ◼Low-stress bicycle facilities are desired ◼Frequently requested bicycle infrastructure improvements include more trail lighting, better accommodation at signalized intersections, better access and signage to bicycle paths, more frequent maintenance, more space to store bicycles on transit vehicles, secure bicycle parking ◼Access to Berryessa BART, connections to east San Jose, completion of the Coyote Creek Trail and Guadalupe River Trail, north-south connections in east and central Santa Clara County are desired ◼Design safer and more intuitive highway crossings and interchanges ◼Streamline and communicate the process for local agencies to engage with Caltrans and for Caltrans to engage with local communities ◼Increase investment in bicycle facilities on state highways ◼Preference for fully dedicated bike facilities that is separate from traffic and has space for multiple modes ◼Bike highways should prioritize access and connection for low-income and disadvantaged communities and people without personal access to vehicles Community Partners and Champions Community partners and champions involved in the formulation of some of these plans include: ◼The Junior Museum and Zoo ◼The Children’s Theatre ◼Cubberley Artist Studio Program (CASP) ◼Palo Alto Art Center (PAAC) ◼Police Department staff ◼PTA Transportation Safety Representatives at each PAUSD school ◼Student representatives ◼School principals ◼PAUSD staff in Sustainability ◼County Department of Public Health ◼Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Item 1 Attachment D - Literature Review Summary Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 24 of 25 Page 6 October 24, 2023 The Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update – Literature Review (Task 2.2) Literature Review Kittelson & Associates, Inc. ◼Almaden Valley Cycling Club ◼County Parks and Recreation Department ◼Santa Clara Valley Water District ◼Bicycling advocacy organizations ◼Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) ◼Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) ◼Business Community ◼Community-Based Organizations, Advocates and Non-Profits ◼County Transportation Agencies (CTAs) Data and Other Resources Data that would be relevant to this Plan based on the review of the relevant plans include: ◼Percentage of workers who bike to work, by place of residence, in Santa Clara County (2015) – (Santa Clara Countywide Bicycle Network, 2018) ◼Financially constrained projects in Santa Clara County - (VTA Valley Transportation Plan (VTP) 2040, 2014) ◼Regional bikeway network mapping - (MTC’s Regional Bicycle Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area Update, 2009) ◼Average Bay Area weekday bicycle trips (2000) - (MTC’s Regional Bicycle Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area Update, 2009) ◼Motor vehicle/bicycle collision analysis - (MTC’s Regional Bicycle Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area Update, 2009) ◼Unbuilt regional bikeway network mapping - (MTC’s Regional Bicycle Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area Update, 2009) ◼Santa Clara County top tier projects – (Caltrans District 4 Bike Plan, 2018) ◼Collision data – (Palo Alto’s Local Road Safety Plan by VTA, 2022) ◼Collision classification – (Palo Alto’s Local Road Safety Plan by VTA, 2022) ◼Bicycle/pedestrian collisions – (Palo Alto’s Local Road Safety Plan by VTA, 2022) ◼Top collision trends – (Palo Alto’s Local Road Safety Plan by VTA, 2022) ◼High injury network – (Palo Alto’s Local Road Safety Plan by VTA, 2022) Item 1 Attachment D - Literature Review Summary Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 25 of 25