SVBC News
Recap of Page Mill Public Workshop
SVBC had the pleasure of working with Santa Clara County’s Roads and Airports Department to convene a public workshop on the notoriously bad-for-bikes Page Mill/280 interchange last week. The County did a great job on the event, which was the latest step toward an interim design solution, following the tragic death of cyclist Jeff Donnelly last year.
Public Meeting on Page Mill/280 Improvements-April 20
Happy to announce the next step, a public workshop at which some concepts will be presented for your feedback. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 20, 6:00 pm.
Supporting Cities' Funding Applications
As part of our work to get better biking infrastructure across our two counties, we offer our support to local jurisdictions as they apply for various funding pots. Whether it’s the statewide Active Transportation Program (ATP), nationwide grants, or local level funds, we reach out to cities and the counties to offer our review and support of their grant applications for better bike infrastructure and programs. Because these funding programs for bicycle and pedestrian improvements are always oversubscribed and there are a lot of good projects, support letters from relevant organizations make applications more competitive, can be worth several points in the ranking process, and can be the difference between being awarded a grant or not.
Update on Millbrae Station Area Specific Plan
City Council of Millbrae will hold a study session on the Millbrae Station Area Specific Plan (MSASP) on Tuesday, January 5 at 7:00 pm at City Hall. Following that, there will be a public hearing on the MSASP and the Final Environmental Impact Report on Tuesday, January 12 at 7:00 pm at City Hall. This gives you two chances to provide your voice and comments to this plan, which will have a big impact on the future of regional transportation moving forward. SVBC first got involved over the summer, partnering with other organizations to educate residents and stakeholders on some of the key issues .
Page Mill/280 Interim Improvement Process
In the six weeks since cyclist Jeff Donnelly was fatally struck by a vehicle on Page Mill Road near Highway 280, staffers at all the involved agencies have been working to improve, fund, and construct an interim design solution that will boost safety in the short term. SVBC has proposed a forum intended to gather public input and come to consensus on a design. The County Roads and Airports Department would prefer to first meet with technical staff from Palo Alto, Los Altos Hills, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and Caltrans, then bring a more fleshed-out design to local cyclists for input. In any case, finding the money necessary for detailed design and construction is first on the to-do list.
Palo Alto Local Team 11/12 recap
Thanks to those who attended last Thursday. Here are the highlights and action items:
Holly St. and Highway 101 update
Freeway crossings are one of the biggest barriers to biking and walking and discourage people from biking for transportation. As highway interchanges are updated, they should include safe and comfortable facilities for all roadway users, for all ages and abilities, which is the definition of Complete Streets. The Holly Street overcrossing of Highway 101 in San Carlos currently has a narrow sidewalk on one side, some fading sharrows, and shoulders adjacent to 4-6 lanes of fast-moving traffic entering and exiting the freeway. Even the most experienced bicycle riders are intimidated by this interchange, with good reason.