HomeMy WebLinkAboutBicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 2020-02-05 Agenda Packet
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City of San Rafael
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
Agenda for Wednesday February 5, 2020
6:00 PM
Community Development Conference Room
3rd Floor, City Hall
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments for Items Not on Agenda: 2 min each
3. Approval of meeting minutes
a. August 7, 2019 meeting (attachment 1)
4. Subcommittee update: Downtown East-West Bike Connection
5. Project Updates:
a. Lincoln Avenue Curb Ramp Improvements
b. Merrydale North Promenade
c. Multi-use Path from 2nd Street to Rice Drive
d. Uncontrolled Crossing Improvements (attachment 2)
6. Discussion of BioMarin contributions to alternative modes (link to project
documents: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/999-3rd/)
7. Request for future agenda items
San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Meeting Notes – August 7, 2019
In Attendance:
City Staff: Cory Bytof, Lauren Davini, Dave Nicholson, Hunter Young
BPAC: Jerry Belletto, Kevin Hagerty, Shoshana Harlem, Phil Mooney,
Tyler Nielsen, Kate Powers, Marc Solomon
Members of the Public: Steve Lamb, Craig K. Murray, Lori Schifrin, Jean Severinghaus
1) Call to Order
2) Public Comments for Items NOT on the Agenda
Craig Murray’s comments:
• BPAC should consider reviewing projects that are being developed and their contribution to bike/ped
improvements. Committee should be better connected to Design Review and Planning Commission. It would
elevate the status of BPAC and BPAC would provide much needed input. Craig referred to 350 Merrydale
project and path on south side of SMART station. BPAC discussion: now that Masterplan Update is
approved, it would be good to keep track of developments that are coming, proactively look at
transportation aspects of projects and how they may impact bike/ped access, comfort and safety.
• It’s important that North Merrydale Rd connects the Promenade to Civic Center SMART station.
• On the North-South Greenway heading north down steep hill of N. Merrydale, the intersection at North San
Pedro Road, bicycles won’t trigger light. Bicyclists have to dismount and cross as pedestrians. It’s dangerous.
• SF Bay Trail across Richmond/San Rafael Bridge – access on the Richmond side bike/ped improvements will
be completed by November 9, 2019. San Rafael side is under construction. OC Jones is contractor. Not
widening sidewalk all the way to Grange Way. Jean Severinghaus asked if parking could be taken away
temporarily for the duration of the project construction because it’s dangerous passage now for bikes.
Tyler (BPAC) asked whether path between Salvador Way and Los Gamos could be maintained. It’s overgrown
and currently impassable.
Jean Severinghaus reported on 580/Sir Francis Drake flyover connecting from Grange to Richmond/San Rafael
Bridge path to Andersen. Caltrans has expedited permits, TAM is waiting for funding.
Cory announced TAM and the City are co-sponsoring a Bike to the Ballpark on Sunday with free bike parking by
MCBC.
3) Francisco Boulevard East Sidewalk Project Update
Dave Nicholson reported that the Grand Avenue bridge is completed and is located at the terminus of the last
segment of the E. Francisco sidewalk widening project that extends to Vivian Way. The segment will be 8 feet
wide. Existing utilities (light poles and fire hydrants), street trees and street signs will remain. Segment lies
completely in City’s right of way. The driveway approaches to businesses are part of the pathway. Craig
suggested colorized box or markings on street to alert drivers coming out of driveways that they will be crossing
bike/ped path. Stop signs at driveways are not planned. Construction is expected to begin Spring 2020 and will
be completed in segments. Caltrans is administering the federal funding. Resurfacing of the road will follow, and
drainage in area will be upgraded. Parking at Vivian and Midway will change.
4) Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 9 --Third Street intersection improvements update
Project is divided into two projects to separate work being funded from two sources. Hunter Young reported on
the $4M project from Grand Avenue to Lindaro Street funded by the Highway Safety Improvement Program
(HSIP), which is administered by Caltrans. (The other project is the $12M project from Lindaro Street to Miracle
Mile funded through Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM). DPW will do environmental review for the whole
stretch from Miracle Mile to Grand together.) Craig Murray asked “Conceptually, how do bicycles get East-West
across San Rafael?” He said that In Richmond an East-West Greenway was created. And then major corridors for
trucks and heavier traffic were delineated separately. Lauren replied East-West bicycle route is not delineated
on Second and Third, no definitive determination on where yet.
Hunter presented conceptual designs of five intersections along Third Street from Lindaro/Lootens to Grand,
consisting mostly of traffic signal pole upgrades, pedestrian push buttons and crosswalk improvements, drainage
improvements, and new ADA ramps. Biggest concern is that Third Street looks seamless. Hunter is hoping
summer of 2021 for construction of project.
• At Lindaro/Lootens block, DPW is proposing to close driveway at Walgreens on Third to reduce hazards from
cars pulling out. Also under consideration is removing WB left-turn pocket at Lindaro and replacing with
bulb-out.
• The intersection at Lincoln will have new traffic signals on mast arms to increase visibility. It’s been a
challenge to locate new signals because PG&E utility lines are underground in the area. Marc mentioned
some cities are putting art in crosswalks. (One crosswalk was designed as piano keys.) The creative
improvements were found to slow traffic, however they can be expensive.
• Regarding the north-south crosswalk on the east side of intersection with Tamalpais, Jean asked that in light
of the number of accidents at that intersection and the location of the SMART and future transit stations,
would DPW consider tripling width of crosswalk for greater visibility and to accommodate higher pedestrian
volumes. She also asked whether push buttons at signals could also be designed to accommodate bicyclists
at the Tamalpais intersection since it currently serves as the North-South Greenway. Lights at that
intersection are already timed with leading pedestrian intervals. (Pedestrians have 3 seconds before light for
traffic in same direction turns green.)
• Irwin intersection will receive similar treatments.
• The intersection at Grand has traffic congestion and many types of users. DPW is proposing to redo entire
intersection, removing existing sidewalk from Grand to Irwin, installing new bulb-outs on west side of Grand
intersection. Work would include new sidewalk, street trees, grading and replacing asphalt where road is
sloped possibly due to bay mud underneath.
• There are high pedestrian volumes and traffic when high school lets out. Could the traffic signals be
changed during those periods to accommodate higher ped volume? All lights are sequenced on Third so
it would impact many signals along Third.
• Since Grand Street Bridge provides crossing for bicycles, could project funds be used to also make bike
improvements on Grand to 4th or 5th where East-West bike travel is encouraged? Pros and cons of
removing N-S crosswalk on west side of Grand was discussed. Patterns of getting to new transit center
(depending on its location) will impact car and ped/bike volumes at intersection.
• Regarding proposed bulb-out, concerns of traveling south on Grand to Grand Avenue Bridge. Jean asked
if a protected turn signal could be installed at intersection, but staff said it would affect lane storage
capacity especially between Second and Third and have ripple effects. Phil stated all the projects on
Francisco and Grand are important for bikes to get north and south. If there’s space for bulb-outs, is
there space for a 4-foot green bikeway instead?
• There are two gas stations at intersection where cars are pulling in and out. Intersection has flooding
during King Tides. Storm drainpipes are close to Canal and are flat. Bioretention zones are being
considered.
5) Update of City projects
San Rafael is submitting two projects for TAM’s Safe Pathways funds. One is a hybrid beacon signal with a
pedestrian refuge on the island of Third Street between San Rafael High School athletic fields and the Credit
Union near the east end of Montecito Shopping Center. The project is led by the school district and endorsed by
Safe Routes to School.
As part of the uncontrolled crosswalk project in San Rafael, maintenance crews are adding Yield to Pedestrians
signs, extra red curbs, and “sharks teeth” markings at the uncontrolled crossings. The next step is to build bulb-
outs and high visibility “Continental” style crosswalks. San Rafael Is requesting funds for bulb-outs in four
priority areas close to schools: two on Mission with bulb-outs where possible and flashing beacons, one at Fifth
Ave and River Oaks, and one at Knight and Ashwood in Glenwood.
San Rafael has hired a new Honorary Dean Allison Intern. Lauren’s plan is to have her help build out bike and
ped projects and asked for BPAC’s support. She hopes more BPAC subcommittees will be formed to work on
outreach and individual projects downtown as well as the Grand Avenue bridge connection to Fourth Street.
Craig requested that the intersection at N. Merrydale and North San Pedro be added. Other projects will include
First Street from Albert Park to Miracle Mile, Tamalpais Ave., and the main East-West route through downtown
(Will it be Fourth or Fifth?).
6) Bike Racks Downtown
Lauren sent out document “Essentials of Bike Parking” published by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle
Professionals. Phil Mooney and Marc Soloman volunteered for ad hoc subcommittee that will recommend
standards for bike racks in downtown and will get quotes. Bike racks that connect in two places are
recommended. New downtown outdoor dining projects require bike parking as part of their projects.
7) BPAC Positions
a) Openings
b) Terms expiring - Some BPAC members have terms that are expiring.
8) Request for Future Agenda Items and Final Thoughts
Lauren and Rafat Raie (DPW) would like BPAC to form subcommittees to start hammering away on bike/ped
facilities looking at top priorities for neighborhoods, also where there are current development projects under
review promoting Updated Bike/Ped Masterplan projects and priorities. Northgate Walk was mentioned as an
example, where bike path dead-ends near creek and bike connections to site are questionable. While projects
are under City review would be the appropriate time for BPAC to voice its priorities. Seagate project on Third
which fronts on Tamalpais Ave. was also mentioned. It was suggested that BPAC also identify gaps in the bike/
ped network that potential development projects could be asked to contribute to.
Kevin suggested that BPAC determine a process by which a BPAC subcommittee track project applications that
will impact circulation or are in areas in need and are identified as Bike/Ped Masterplan priority projects to bring
those to BPAC in a timely way. Developers could be asked to contribute to the quality of life in the City,
providing funds for priority bike/ped projects. Kate Powers, Tyler Nielsen, and Jerry Belleto agreed to be on the
subcommittee.
Cory suggested that there may be a more active way to get knowledge about development projects than by
searching for them online. While San Rafael posts applications for projects before they go to Design Review or
Planning, there may be a mechanism to notify the subcommittee when projects come in. Cory will check. Also,
Cory is working on a Development Checklist of requirements and recommendations that are in the Climate
Action Plan, that every development application larger than a remodel of home will receive. He will add that
applicants should check the Bike/Ped Master Plan to make sure projects are in alignment to the Checklist.
Tyler reported a bush that needs trimming near a park on Las Gallinas that blocks view for crossing intersection.
Cory suggested he report it on the City’s website cityofsanrafael.org. There’s a “Report a Problem” link on the
home page where a photo can be uploaded.
Phil shared a kudos to Lauren. He uploaded photos of 27 faded sharrows and DPW said they would replace them
with thermoplastic within two weeks.
Criteria For Study
1. 85th Percentile Speed
2. Current Posted Speed Limit
3. ADT (Average Daily Traffic)
4. Lane Configuration
5. Crosswalk Distance [ft]
6. Crosswalk Type
7. Signs Posted
8. Street Composition (bikes, street parking,
schools, etc.)
9. Collision History (pedestrian, bike, and traffic
collisions)
10. Photos of Crosswalk Visibility from Driver’s
POV (150+ ft from crosswalk)
Studied & Improved Crosswalks (2019)
1. Park St & Mission Ave
2. Mary St & Mission Ave
3. 5th Ave & River Oaks Rd
4. 5th Ave & Happy Lane
5. Mission Ave & Alice St
6. Ashwood Ct & Knight Dr
7. Las Gallinas Ave & Oleander Dr
8. Devon Dr & Tamarack Dr
9. Nova Albion Way & Don Timoteo Ct
10. Nova Albion Way & Northgate Dr
11. Woodland Ave & Octavia St
12. G St & 5th Ave
13. Devon Dr & Golden Hinde Blvd
14. Canal St & Bahia Way
15. Del Ganado Rd & Terra Linda Park
16. Belvedere St & Vivian St
17. Las Colindas Rd & Las Pavadas Ave
18. Playa Del Rey & Bellam Blvd
19. 3rd St & Embarcadero
20. G St & Mission Ave
21. Arias St & Trellis Dr
22. Mills St & Medway Rd
23. F St & 5th Ave
24. Tarragon Dr & Tamarack Dr
25. Mark Day School
26. Las Gallinas Ave & Corte Almaden
27. Las Pavadas Ave & Tamarack Dr
28. E St & Mission Ave
29. Arias St & Las Pavadas Ave
30. Arias St & Trinity Wy
31. Bernard Hoffman School
32. Bryn Mawr Dr & Mission Ave
33. Smith Ranch Rd & Yosemite Rd
34. Kerner Blvd & Sonoma St
35. Las Gallinas Ave & Corte La Paz
36. Pt San Pedro & Knight Dr
37. Pt San Pedro & Peacock
38. Del Ganado Rd & Las Ovejas Ave
39. Front St & Medway Rd
40. Pt San Pedro & Riviera
41. Las Ovejas Ave & Las Colindas Rd
42. Locust Ave & Grand Ave
43. Robinhood Dr & Knight Dr
44. Las Gallinas Ave & Corte Saratoga
45. Las Colindas Rd & Las Raposas Rd
46. Pt San Pedro & Cantera
47. Pt San Pedro & San Marino
Uncontrolled Crosswalk Study
Crosswalks for Ongoing Study
1. 1st St & Shaver St
2. 2nd St & East St
3. 4th St & Ida St
4. 4th St & G St
5. 4th St & F St
6. 4th St & Shaver St
7. 5th Ave & Nye St
8. 5th Ave & Eye St
9. 5th Ave & Cottage Ave
10. Andersen Dr & Simms St
11. B St & Mission Ave
12. B St & 1st St
13. B St & Treanor St
14. 730 Bamboo Terrace
15. 640 Bamboo Terrace
16. Baypoint Dr & Egret View
17. 224 Baypoint Dr
18. Bellam Blvd & Vista Del Mar
19. Belle Ave & Coleman Elementary
20. Belvedere St & Alto St
21. Canal St & Sonoma St
22. Canal St & Fairfax St
23. Canal St & Harbor St
24. Clark St & Clorinda Ave
25. Civic Center Dr & Judge Haley Dr
26. Civic Center Dr & NW/O Pt San Pedro Dr
27. Court St & Mission Ave
28. D St & 1st St
29. D St & Taylor St
30. D St & San Rafael Ave
31. D St & Antonette Ave
32. Dowitcher Way & Baypoint Dr
33. Sun Valley Elementary
34. 410 Hibiscus Way
35. 396 Hickory Ln
36. 412 Holly Dr
37. 3175 Kerner Blvd
38. Kerner Blvd & Larkspur St
39. Kerner Blvd & Novato St
40. Armory Dr
41. Larkspur St & Alto St
42. Las Colindas Rd & Wintergreen Terrace
43. 650 Las Gallinas Ave
44. 442 Las Gallinas Ave
45. Las Pavadas Ave & Whitewood Dr
46. 786 Lincoln Ave
47. 775 Lincoln Ave
48. Lincoln Ave & Maple St
49. Lincoln Ave & Pacheco St
50. Lincoln Ave & Laurel Pl
51. Lincoln Ave & Brookdale Ave
52. Lincoln Ave & Grand Ave
53. Lincoln Ave & Glenwood Dr
54. Lincoln Ave & Wilson Ct
55. Lincoln Ave & Fair Dr
56. Lindaro St & Albert Park Ln
57. 1650 Los Gamos Dr
58. 1600 Los Gamos Dr
59. Los Gamos Dr N/O YMCA
60. Manderly Rd & Locksly Ln
61. McInnis Pkwy & Bridgewater Dr
62. Merrydale Rd & Willow Ave
63. Mission Ave & Forbes Ave
64. Mission Ave & Wilkins St
65. Mission Ave & Nye St
66. Montecillo Rd & Tarragon Dr
67. 750 Montecillo Rd
68. Morphew St & Kerner Blvd
69. 120 N Redwood Dr
70. Vallecito Elementary
71. Pelican Way & Kerner Blvd
72. 792 Penny Royal Ln
73. Peter Behr Rd & Pt San Pedro Dr
74. Peter Behr Rd & Judge Haley Dr
75. 790 Pine Ln
76. Redwood Hwy & Paul Dr
77. 4460 Redwood Hwy
78. Ross St & Clark St
79. 216 San Rafael Ave
80. San Rafael Ave & Marin St
81. Shaver St & Latham St
82. Skyview Terrace & Corte Miguel
83. Smith Ranch Rd & Regency Center
84. Spinnaker Pt & Portsmouth Cove
85. 602 Wakerobin Ln
86. 600 Woodbine Dr
87. Woodland Ave & Seibel St