SVBC Highlights City of Cupertino Bike Lanes, Plus Action Alert
On Friday, July 20 Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition partnered with City of Cupertino to organize a city infrastructure ride of current and future projects, which gave folks from neighboring towns an opportunity to learn and share approaches to bike facilities. Seven cities were represented on the 3-hour morning ride that included Councilmembers, city staff, and members of Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committees (BPACs). So far, SVBC has led rides in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Gatos and San Jose, and plans to hold future infrastructure tours in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties with cities that are in the process of updating their bike plans.In particular, the Cupertino infrastructure ride highlighted protected bike lanes on McClellan Road and Stevens Creek Boulevard in addition to several projects along creeks and rail tracks. For example, the De Anza Trail proposes a five-mile trail along Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks that begin in Saratoga and continue north to Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. With UPRR's support of the project in its right-of-way, City of Cupertino staff inspired their counterparts to explore the feasibility of trail development along rail tracks in their own cities.One of the proposed trails discussed would utilize Water District right-of-way along Regnart Creek to create the Regnart Trail, which would provide a Safe Route to School for over 225 Cupertino High and 400 Eaton Elementary students who live in the neighborhood and bike to/from school. Unfortunately, the project is being opposed by many of the residents who live adjacent to the proposed trail. On August 21st, City Council of Cupertino will vote to move ahead with a feasibility study for the proposed project. If approved, the trail would create nearly a mile of safe off-street bicycle and pedestrian paths connecting three parks, from the soccer fields at the Cupertino Library to Wilson and Creekside Parks.Our Ask: Here’s how you can show support for the proposed Regnart Trail:
- Sign the Walk, Bike Cupertino petition: http://www.walkbikecupertino.org/new_wbc/index.php/petition-regnart-creek-trail/
- Email the City Council in support of the trail at citycouncil@cupertino.org; discussing why City of Cupertino ought to continue investing in safe, on and off-street bike infrastructure.
- Show up at the August 21st City Council meeting to show your support, especially if you live along the proposed trail. (10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014-3202.)
SVBC earnestly thanks the City of Cupertino and its staff for organizing the route and showcasing the great work they are doing. Thank you to the City Council of Cupertino for prioritizing investment in high quality bike facilities, as well as hiring excellent staff to bring these projects to fruition. And thank you to Councilmembers Larry Klein of Sunnyvale, Pat Showalter of Mountain View, and Steven Scharf and Rod Sinks of Cupertino for coming out to learn and share their experience with the broader community. And one last, but not least, thank you to Trail Head Cyclery for hosting us in the morning at their brand new location in Cupertino.