BPC 11-16-05
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION
November 16, 2005
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Staff:
Greenstein, Koski, Paulsen, Walton, Wiant
None
Glenn Goepfert, Assistant Director of Public Works
Capt. John Hirokawa, Santa Clara County Sheriffs Department
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Anne Ng stated that she attended a meeting on November 15 at Santa Clara Valley Water
District regarding widening of the Bollinger Road bridge. She was interested in how bicyclists
and pedestrians would be impacted by the construction. Asst. Director Goepfert stated that
usually provisions are made for pedestrians to pass through the area and since construction may
take a long period oftime (April-November), he will look at providing a temporary bike lane.
OLD BUSINESS
3. September 8 bus-bicycle accident @ Hazelbrook/Stelling
Capt. Hirokawa gave an overview of the accident and the bicyclist's injuries. Following
discussion regarding various bicycle education programs, traffic problems, and enforcement
issues, a motion was made to direct staff to contact the County Sheriff s Department to put
together a proposal for developing a staff position that would provide educational programs
regarding bicycle and pedestrian safety. The motion passed unanimously.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Asst. Director Goepfert stated that he received an e-mail from a citizen who feels the new
crosswalk and ramp at Stelling and Alves are unsafe.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
I. September 21 Minutes - The minutes were approved as submitted.
OLD BUSINESS
2. Parking Cash out - Request for BPC endorsement by Mike Bullock of SVBC
Mike Bullock stated he wanted the Commission's assistance by encouraging the City Council to
adopt car-parking cashout in the City. He distributed handouts and defined car-parking cashout
as "... when employers pay their employees an extra amount of money each time they get to
work without driving." He stated the Commission should be very interested because the cashout
increases bicycling and walking and also defends the interests of those who wish to bike and
walk. He stressed that this should be a voluntary program and would like the City Council to
amend the off-street parking ordinance to define car-parking cashout and incorporate a schedule
of parking lot size reductions as a function of amount paid.
Discussion followed regarding pros and cons of cashout programs, the City Council position on
the subject, and the role of the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission. It was moved by Comm.
Greenstein and seconded by Comm. Walton that the Commission ask the City Council to give
guidance as to what can be done with cashout as a viable alternate transportation strategy.
Comm. Koski stated that she felt the Chamber of Commerce also needs to be involved before
this item is moved into an official realm. The motion passed 4-1, with Comm. Koski dissenting.
4. Bicycle Friendly Communities Application Status
Comm. Wiant stated he met with Public Information Officer Rick Kitson and was told that a
timeline would have to be developed for the process. Mr. Kitson was given the application
materials and told that the due date is March 17,2006. He will need to determine which member
of staff will compile a listing of all bicycle lanes and trails in the community for the application
package.
NEW BUSINESS:
5. Street Smarts - Commissioner Koski
Comm. Koski stated that she is continuing to write articles about bicycle and pedestrian safety.
To increase awareness, she looked at various ways to encourage participation, such as:
a) An on-line web quiz placed on the City's website. Upon completion of the quiz, the
results could be printed out and exchanged for wristbands at designated locations. (After
researching costs, she found that this idea was not feasible due to budget limitations.)
b) A contest with on-line activities. After completing the activities and submitting a form,
the form could be entered into a drawing for movie tickets, music certificates, or other
pnzes.
She asked for general feedback or other ideas for using the Street Smarts funding.
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6. City Bike Path Recommendations
Commissioners identified both problem areas and those they feel are good examples of safe and
effective bike lanes and routes. Asst. Director suggested that the Commission look at the areas
and prioritize them. In response to a question of whether this could be a standing item on future
agendas, the Commissioners were advised to provide information on observed problem areas as
they are encountered rather than placing a standing item on the agenda.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
. Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
. 2006 Commission goals
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
Carol Shepherd
Administrative Assistant
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