Last month the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC) joined the Tropicana-Lanai Neighborhood Association for a community workshop focused on the King Road Complete Streets Plan. This workshop provided residents and business owners an opportunity to offer feedback on the latest design updates and ensure the project reflects local priorities.

Why King Road Matters

King Road is a vital corridor in San José, serving as a key connection for several neighborhoods, businesses, and transit routes. It plays a critical role for residents commuting by car, bicycle, foot, and public transit, making it essential to improve safety and accessibility for everyone. The King Road Complete Streets Plan, led by the Department of Transportation (DOT), aims to address these needs by creating a street for all users. The project focuses on improving walkability, bike lanes, public transit stops, and traffic flow to foster a safer, greener, more inclusive environment.

A Collaborative Process

Wilson Tam, transportation planning manager at the City of San Jose’s Department of Transportation, presents updated King Road Complete Street Designs to members of the Tropicana-Lanai Neighborhood Association.

The Department Of Transportation kicked off the project over a year ago with a strong focus on public engagement. Through outreach events and collaborative efforts—such as a walk audit held last October—community members identified specific areas for improvement. This feedback shaped key changes in the design, which were presented during this recent workshop.

The Tropicana-Lanai Neighborhood Association played a critical role in community outreach, canvassing homes and businesses along King Road to ensure those most affected by the project were informed and encouraged to attend the workshop. Their efforts ensured a diverse range of perspectives was represented, with over 30 attendees at the September event.

Key Updates in the Design

*San Jose DOT’s latest designs include reduce vehicle travel lanes, bus-only lanes, expanded sidewalks, and raised and separated bike lanes.*

The San Jose DOT shared a series of design adjustments based on community input. Some notable updates include improved lighting for pedestrians and automobiles as well as VTA bus stop maintenance to enhance safety and accessibility for transit users. Additionally, DOT listened to the feedback provided in the first round of engagement regarding the need for parking spaces along the corridor, in response to this feedback, the current designs includes parking spaces in front of businesses to support local commerce.

One of the most impactful aspects of this engagement was San Jose’s DOT decision to offer two design options for the community to consider. Rather than finalizing a single plan, residents are invited to vote on the design that best aligns with their preferences, giving them a direct role in shaping the future of their neighborhood.

What’s Next?

Members of the Tropicana-Lanai Neighborhood Association engage with Wilson Tam, transportation planning manager at the City of San Jose’s Department of Transportation, sharing input on the King Road Complete Streets project and potential impacts it will have to neighborhood traffic.

The San Jose DOT will continue gathering input at upcoming engagement events, providing more opportunities for residents to influence the project’s direction. If you missed this workshop, there’s still time to review the two proposed design options and share your thoughts. Your feedback is essential to creating a safer, more accessible King Road that serves the entire community.

Below are the future dates for you to make your voice heard on this process!

Berryessa Flea Market Pop-up

When: Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: 1590 Berryessa Road, San Jose, CA

Mexican Heritage Plaza Open House #1 (English, Spanish, Vietnamese)

When: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: 1700 Alum Rock Ave, Theater Lobby

Mexican Heritage Plaza Open House #2 (English, Spanish, Vietnamese)

When: Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: 1700 Alum Rock Ave, Theater Lobby

We hope to see you there! Please reach out to mayra@bikesiliconvalley.org for questions or concerns about the King Road Complete Streets Project.