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Report regarding a resolution supporting the El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor Study and submitting an application to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 6 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding. (Christopher Espiritu, Senior Transportation Planner)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution supporting the El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor Study and submitting an application to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 6 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City of South San Francisco’s (“City”) Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (Active South City) has identified the El Camino Real corridor, as a priority location for near-term pedestrian and bicycle safety treatments, as well as a ‘study corridor’ for further evaluation of feasibility of a greater number of improvements. The community outreach process for the Active South City Plan resulted in the recommendation of installation of Class IV bicycle facilities for nearly the entire length of the corridor, as well pedestrian safety improvements at key intersections along the corridor.
The El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor Study (“Study”) aims to analyze the deployment of various bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements along the El Camino Real Corridor within the South San Francisco city limits.
These identified improvements in the Plan were also included in the San Mateo Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, completed in 2021. The Study is meant to be the next step in advancing the County and the City’s plans for establishing a safe and continuous bike and ped “backbone” through the corridor. In addition, several large developments along or near the El Camino Real corridor are slated for construction, or have already been completed, which would bring new residents, employees, and new users on this roadway.
The City’s objectives for this Study are to conduct an analysis of the feasibility of implementing continuous Class IV bike lanes along El Camino Real, as well as identifying pedestrian safety improvements, effects on transit operations, and engage the community in priorities for safe connections across El Camino Real within the City of South San Francisco. The Study would include development of a community engagement component which includes walk audits, community information events to assess needs and desired outcomes for the community, and collaboration with multi-jurisdictional partners (SamTrans, Caltrans - District 4, BART, and neighboring cities). Lastly, the Study would aim to develop various conceptual designs and analysis of potential costs related to infrastructure changes related to the implementation of the active transportation improvements on El Camino Real.
The Study is a continuation of elements identified in the update of the City’s Active Transportation Plan (Active South City, completed July 2022), which includes Class IV bicycle facilities, pedestrian safety improvements, connections to local and regional transit (BART and SamTrans), as well as community resources (parks, libraries, community centers) on and around El Camino Real.
Currently, the El Camino Real roadway is defined by multiple-vehicle lanes with discontinuous Class II bike lanes. Also, given the multiple travel lanes in each direction, pedestrian crossings are often tense or difficult due to turning vehicles and general speeding along the roadway. Substantial active transportation safety improvements would materially change the operations of a significant north-south intracity corridor but would have the potential to become an important link for all modes of travel through South San Francisco.
The City seeks $100,000 to initiate the Study of the El Camino Real Corridor and would seek the maximum amount allowed for Plans/Programs from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) during its Call for Projects for the Cycle 6 Measures A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program issued on August 4, 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City would commit to funding a 5% match of the requested TA funds in the amount of $5,000 if awarded the grant. If awarded the City would be required to enter into a funding agreement or memorandum of understanding with the TA for Measure A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program funds for the Project.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of this action will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan outcome of improved Quality of Life by improving the bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution supporting the El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor Study and submitting an application to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 6 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding.