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CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by
Chairperson Wadler, Valley Transportation Authority, Auditorium, Building A,  3331 North First Street, San Jose, California.

ROLL CALL

Members Absent                              Members Absent                                   
Carl Hagenmaier                                 Bart Thielges
Richard Swent, Vice Chairperson

A quorum was declared.

Akos Szoboszlay, Interested Citizen, distributed a handout entitled, “Quotes (with copies) of violated policies and Board (BOS) orders:” and discussed violated policies and actions taken by the Board of Supervisors regarding pedestrians on expressways.

James Wightman, Interested Citizen, stated VTA did a great job at the Grand Prix.   Mr. Wightman recommended that advertising for the Grand Prix should commence the first week of June and added that advertisements should include local hotels.

Mr. Wightman urged that surveillance cameras be added to light rail stations to keep vandalism down.

Mr. Wightman asked when the St. James Light Rail Station will reopen.

Jack Lueder, Interested Citizen, asked the BPAC Members and public speakers to either use the microphones or speak louder. 

Mr. Lueder requested staff add lead-in paragraphs explaining the content of the reports. 

Chris Augenstein, Transportation Planning Manager and Staff Liaison, summarized the General Manager’s Report noting that preparations for the Grand Prix included creating a Special Operating Plan for increased light rail service, bus bridges, and development of a Comprehensive Communications and Promotion Plan to notify the public of VTA services, routes, and schedules.   Mr. Augenstein reported that there were approximately 42,000 more boardings during the Grand Prix Weekend than a normal Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

Mr. Augenstein noted that the Paseo de San Antonio Station Light Rail Station was reopened July 26, 2006.   Mr. Augenstein noted that Chairperson Wadler participated in the Reopening and Chairperson Chavez was a keynote speaker.

With regard to ridership, in comparison to Fiscal Year (FY) 2005, System ridership increased 5.8 percent, bus ridership increased 2.1 percent, and light rail ridership increased 22.1 percent. 

Express Line 522 is a new service that was introduced, which created a 17 percent increase in ridership in the El Camino Real Corridor. 

BART Scoping Meetings are scheduled for August 14, 15, and 21, 2006. 

The Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Corridor (SVRT) Policy Advisory Board (PAB) will receive an update on environmental activities at their August 23, 2006 Meeting.

The contract for the Management Audit will be awarded in August 2006 and status reports will be provided to all of the Committees in upcoming months. 

Mr. Augenstein reported that as a result of the bicycles on Light Rail Vehicle issue raised by Zachary Mallet, Ms. DeRobertis, Mr. Mallet, Mr. Walton, and himself, along with their bicycles, met at the Light Rail Yard on Younger Avenue to assess the situation and define both near term and long-term solutions.   Ms. DeRobertis has forwarded a memorandum to Mike Hursh, Maintenance Deputy Director, and will be meeting with him in upcoming weeks to discuss the next steps.   Safety and convenience issues were discussed and the group has decided that safety issues should take precedence when considering implementation changes.  Mr. Augenstein advised that the BPAC will be provided with status reports.

Member Walton noted there are real liability and safety issues with the present bicycle storage arrangements in light rail vehicles.   Mr. Walton advised that consideration was given to putting bicycles in diagonally rather than straight in so it would allow more aisle room.   Member Walton noted that while the safety issues can be taken care of quickly, the configuration of the bicycle racks might take longer due to the expense. 

Mr. Augenstein advised that a survey regarding the bicycles on light rail will be posted on VTA’s website and will be provided to the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC).     Once the surveys have been reviewed, a report will be provided to the BPAC.

Michelle DeRobertis, Senior Transportation Planner, provided an update regarding the following: 1) Mary Avenue/101 Overcrossing - VTA is encouraging the  City of Sunnyvale that the Overcrossing have the appearance of a more inviting pedestrian and bicycle overcrossing rather than just a straight four lane roadway with minimum sidewalks and good bicycle lanes, 2) State Highways 152/156 – VTA has received a request for a copy of the interchange design from a member of the public.   Mr. Burns responded with a description of how the bicycle path bypass will be constructed.  The Bypass will be included in the construction package when it goes to bid, and 3) Brokaw/880 Interchange – a letter was received from a member of the public asking why bicycle lanes were not included in the Project.  

Ms. DeRobertis advised that copies of the letters are available for review.

Chairperson Wadler introduced newly elected BPAC Member Norma Rome, representing the City of Morgan Hill and Anna Brunzell, representing the City of Los Altos Hills.

CONSENT AGENDA

Approve the Minutes of July 12, 2006. 

Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report.

M/S/C (Reisinger/Kobayashi) to accept the Transit Sustainability Report.

REGULAR AGENDA

Ying Smith, Senior Transportation Planner, distributed a document entitled, “2005-2006 VTA Rider Survey Overview Presentation,” and highlighted the following:   1) Survey Methodology; 2) Key Findings; 3) Who are Passengers – a) Respondent’s Home Location, b) Age Distribution VTA Passengers, c) Comparison of Age Distribution – VTA Passengers versus Santa Clara County Residents, d) Ethnic Background,   e) Household Income of VTA Passengers, f) Comparison of Income – VTA Passengers versus Santa Clara County Residents, g) Employment Status, and h) Transit Dependency; 4) How do passengers travel - a) Frequency Riding VTA Transit, b) Length of Time Riding VTA,  c) Trip Purpose, d) Access and Egress Modes, e) Fare Category, f) How did you pay your fare on this trip, g) Bus Compared to Light Rail – What is your main reason for riding VTA, and h) Line 22 Compared to Rapid 522; 5) What do Passengers think of VTA Service – a)  Ratings of Service Characteristics, b) Positive Ratings, c) Fair and Poor Ratings, and d) Service Improvements by Level of Importance; and 6) What will the survey be used for? 

Member Sullivan stated he would be interested in finding out how disabled riders are rated, if any data has been received and if so, is the data included in the report.   Ms. Smith responded that the data has been gathered and the information will be provided, along with information regarding individual routes, age groups, comparison between light rail and bus, and weekday and weekend services in a more detailed report that will be available September 2007.    Ms. Smith responded that the presentation being provided is merely a snapshot.

Member Muniz asked if any of the questions posed for the survey were related to bicyclists.   Ms. Smith responded the question was not asked and that the only thing rated is how they get to the bus stops. Member Muniz also asked if the database can identify the length of travel that one undertook from Point A to Point B.   Ms. Smith said the while the data is available, it is not ready to be presented but will be made available in the final report.

On order of Chairperson Wadler, there being no objection, the 2005-2006 VTA Passenger Survey was reviewed.

Member Walton reported that the Nominating Committee nominated Richard Swent for Vice Chairperson.   Member Walton advised that Richard Swent accepted the nomination for Vice Chairperson for the remainder of the current term ending in January 2007.

On order of Chairperson Wadler, there being no objection, the Nominating Committee Report for Vice Chairperson was received.

Paul Pascoal, Santa Clara County Roads and Airport Department Staff Liaison, distributed a document entitled Table 7-1 New Sidewalks, which are two tables from the Expressway Planning Study. 

Mr. Pascoal stated that the Tables depict the locations of the expressways, project need, potential implementation, and status of the project. 

Chairperson Wadler asked the meaning of gap closure.   Mr. Pascoal explained that if there are three blocks and blocks 1 and 3 have a sidewalk and block 2 does not, a sidewalk is needed for connectivity sake to close the gap. 

Mr. Pascoal referenced county pockets explaining when there are county pockets, there is a supplemental form for funding such as Safe Routes to School, Transportation Development Act (TDA), or discretionary money to be used in particular locations.   To date the County does not have a list of improvements to be completed in county pockets. 

Mr. Pascoal advised that several weeks ago, the County filed for a Community Design and Transportation (CDT) Grant.   Once the application is processed and evaluated, there is a possibility to receive funding to complete gap closures along Capitol Expressway. 

Member Simons recommended a study be done of all unmet needs in the  County of Santa Clara to have a way of determining how long it is going to take to finish a project.   Mr. Pascoal stated he will add Member Simons’ recommendation to the list.

Member Walton stated he appreciates that the Lawrence Expressway/Mitty Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements were added and recommended that in place of improvements, pedestrian crossings be added.  

Member Stallman stated he does not find Montague Expressway mentioned on the list and asked if that means there are no gap closures needed on Montague Expressway.   Mr. Pascoal clarified that sidewalks for Montague Expressway are included in the  eight-lane Widening Project. 

Member Rome left her seat at 7:09 p.m.

Member Stallman requested sidewalks along DeLaCruz be added to the list. 

Member Rome took her seat at 7:10 p.m.

Mr. Augenstein asked if any counts or research was performed to understand where pedestrians and bicyclists are using expressways and to help prioritize projects for the Expressway Study.   Mr. Pascoal responded he did not have any information but would research it and provide the information to VTA staff.   Member Kobayashi advised there might be information available in the Pedestrian Element of the latest Expressway Study. 

Member Muniz inquired if County Roads and Airports is responsible for  Santa Teresa Boulevard and Monterey Road and if so, if the two could be included for future planning.   Mr. Pascoal responded that while the two roadways can be included in the list, there is a possibility that the majority of Monterey Road is within the jurisdiction of the State of California. 

Chairperson Wadler expressed concern regarding the Coyote Valley Project and requested the County of Santa Clara monitor the Project.

Member Stallman referenced a comment regarding the update to the Expressway Study and advised that Board of Supervisor Beall wanted the Expressway to be presented to the Board of Supervisors for action at the August 2006 Meeting.   Member Stallman   inquired as to the Expressway Study’s timeline.  Mr. Pascoal advised that the Study will not be ready by the August Board of Supervisor’s Meeting.  Mr. Pascoal reminded BPAC that Dan Collen, Santa Clara County Director of Infrastructure Development, advised at the July 9, 2006 BPAC Meeting that the Study will be provided to the BPAC for input prior to being presented to the Board of Supervisors for action.   Staff requested  Mr. Pascoal check as to the status of the Expressway Study and advise VTA staff. 

Mr. Pascoal assured the BPAC that the County of Santa Clara is trying to meet as many pedestrian and bicycle needs as they can.

Member Stallman expressed concern regarding County staff going to local jurisdictions and opposing pedestrian use of County roadways.   Member Stallman noted that nothing will change until changes are made within management in the County Roads and Airport Department. 

Member Sullivan advised that he received feedback from the City of Santa Clara regarding “roadway departures” and two references made to two Federal Highway   Administration documents, states that 60 percent of fatalities occur because of roadway departures.   Member Sullivan explained that roadway departures do not only mean when a vehicle leaves the travel lane but also refers to head-on collisions.   Member Sullivan advised that the documents received the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) were directed at pedestrian using shoulders but that shoulder fatalities are only five percent of fatalities on the expressways.  Mr. Augenstein requested the information Member Sullivan is referring to be provided to VTA staff and staff will then forward the information to the BPAC.

Member Kobayashi stated that the issue cannot be resolved overnight and noted the importance of further discussion by the BPAC.   Member Kobayashi stated it might be something that can be discussed when reviewing the Expressway Study.   Member Kobayashi noted that studies were done at the Mineta Institute in the early 90’s but the results were vague and not too clear with regard to access. 

Member Sullivan noted that the FHWA categorizes principal arterials into the following four groups:   1) rural interstates, 2) urban interstates, 3) freeways, and 4) expressways. There is also an “Other” category which all of Santa Clara County expressways fall under.

Mr. Szoboszlay stated someone brought up the question of pedestrian safety on shoulder which is a moot point because the Board of Supervisors have told County staff to create pedestrian paths on all expressways.   County staff keeps stating, time and again, that shoulders are dangerous when in fact pedestrians are further away from vehicle traffic than bicyclists are. 

Mr. Szoboslay expressed concern that Michael Murdter, Director of Santa Clara County Roads and Airport, will attempt to eliminate the Board Policy supporting pedestrian use of shoulders.

On order of Chairperson Wadler, there being no objection, the Report from the County of Santa Clara County re: Pedestrian-Related Information was received.

M/S/C (Stallman/Sullivan) to review and recommend that the VTA Board of Directors approve an increase of $1.68 million in the Bicycle Expenditure Plan (BEP) allocation for the City of Sunnyvale Borregas Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing to a total of $8.4 million.

M/S/C (Stallman/Walton) to review and recommend that the VTA Board of Directors approve the programming of approximately $4.8 million Fiscal Year 2006/07 and Fiscal Year 2007/08 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds for six Bicycle Expenditure Program bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Member Kobayashi stated that throughout the document there is mention made to SVRT and requested clarification if SVRT is in fact the BART Project.   Samantha Swan, Environmental Planner, responded in the affirmative and informed the BPAC that there is a list of acronyms listed in the back of the Memorandum.   Member Kobayashi inquired as to the reality of the BART Extension being built.  Mr. Augenstein responded that the reality is that staff has received direction from the Board of Directors to continue developing the project and looking for funding for the Project. 

Mr. Kobayashi referenced Page 5 of 32, City of Milpitas, South Main Street and Page 7 of 32, City of Milpitas, Transit Specific Plan, stating that if either project has an impact on expressways the City of Milpitas should provide their monetary contribution or if any changes are made to the expressways, the change must comply with the Bicycle Accommodation Guidelines (BAG) and Expressway Study.            

With regard to Page 16 of 32, City of San Jose, Valley Fair Extension,  Member Kobayashi expressed concern regarding SR-17/880/Stevens Creek Boulevard Interchange and the I-280 Stevens Creek Boulevard.  Member Kobayashi stated no improvements have been made to those locations in 20 years and with the addition of Santana Row, Stevens Creek Boulevard has become even more congested.   Mr. Augenstein advised that the City of San Jose is working with VTA staff regarding redesigning the intersection.

Member Kobayashi requested that the Sony Planned Development, City of San Jose, located on Page 17 of 32, be in compliance of BAG and considers potential improvements on the expressway per the Expressway Study. 

Member Carpenter referenced Page 29 of 32, City of Mountain View, Moffett Towers, and inquired if the Blue Cube and Air Force property will be demolished.   Member Simons advised that while there are plans to demolish the Blue Cube Facility sometime in the near future the Moffett Towers Project is referring to land that is immediately next to Moffett Field. 

Member Simons referenced Page 29 of 32, City of Sunnyvale, Moffett Towers, and stated it would be desirable for VTA to request that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) include the Mary Avenue Corridor for pedestrian access to the I-280 Bicycle Bridge when the project is being built.   Member Simons recommend that the Draft EIR discuss improved access to the nearby light rail station and park-and-ride lot, street access to the light rail station, and that VTA review the routes going through the development and its appropriateness in the future to modify the County Bicycle Plan.   Ms. Swan requested Member Simons email his recommendations to her.

Member Muniz referenced Page 4 of 32, City of Gilroy, Gilroy Cannery Mixed-Use Development Master Plan, stating that when the area had a working cannery, there was a truck route going through the neighborhoods.   Member Muniz requested that the truck route issues be addressed because although the route is no longer needed, signage is still present.    Member Muniz advised that next to this development there are railroad tracks, two schools, and a park within close proximity and requested that Safe Routes to School funding be utilized.

Member Augenstein asked if VTA can forward Member Muniz’ comments to the  City of Gilroy or if Member Muniz should contact the City of Gilroy directly.    Ms. Swan stated that staff could contact the City of Gilroy but noted that it would be better if Member Muniz provided his comments to City of Gilroy directly.  Member Kobayashi recommended Member Muniz contact Don Dey, City of Gilroy Transportation Engineer.    

Member Stallman asked why this report was not provided to them early on to provide BPAC with the opportunity to present their comments.    Member Stallman requested staff consider the process timeline so that the BPAC’s comments can be incorporated into the report.  

Member Stallman referenced Page 23 of 32, City of San Jose, GPA at SR 237/North First Street stating that the bicycle path along SR-237 needs to be put back. 

With regard to Page 17 of 32, City of San Jose, Sony Planned Development Member Stallman queried if there a bridge over Coyote Creek in the River Oaks Corridor is being contemplated for the bicycle network.  

Member Stallman referenced Page 31 of 32, Transportation Agency of Monterey County, Caltrain Extension to Monterey County Passenger Rail Stations, commences the engineering phase for double tracking.   Member Stallman stated there is no need for a $6 billion track undercrossing but if the areas are going to be dug up, laterals and oblong corrugated steel should be added so there are grade separated pedestrian crossings at various locations. 

On order of Chairperson Wadler, there being no objection, the Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report was reviewed.

Member Reisinger, City of Milpitas, advised that the City of Milpitas will hold their Art and Wine Festival on August 19, 2006 and August 20, 2006.

Member Stallman, City of Saratoga, acknowledged that funding was allocated to the  City of Saratoga in tonight’s action for continued work along the Railroad Corridor.   Member Stallman reported that the railroad crossing located on Cox Road, the  George Gotlesky Memorial, cannot have crossing arms because of the overhead wires.  Member Stallman assured the BPAC that the gates at that location will be out of the way of the bicycles.  Member Stallman stated that regarding the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) action to adopt a Routine Accommodation (RA), there is a meeting on August 20 2006 of the MTC Regional Bicycle Group to discuss a checklist for various jurisdictions to use and to make sure they do not miss bicycle and pedestrian issues.  MTC will be scheduling a workshop to present RAs.  Member Stallman stated that it will be mandatory for any road project to do RAs and the RAs can cost up to 20 per cent of the project cost.  Member Stallman noted that funding outside of the project money cannot be utilized.            

Member Simons, City of Sunnyvale, stated he did not attend the July 12, 2006 BPAC Meeting and requested to review the discussion regarding 101/237 Mary Avenue Bridge.

Member Rome, City of Morgan Hill, thanked the BPAC for welcoming her.   Ms. Rome announced that A Taste of Morgan Hill is scheduled for September 21, 2006.

Member Walton, City of Cupertino, stated that the Mary Bridge Project has been approved by Caltrans but is in review stages within various departments in Caltrans. 

Member Sullivan, City of Santa Clara, reported that the City of Santa Clara Council meets on August 22, 2006 and pedestrian use of expressways and path creations will be discussed. 

Member Sullivan stated he reviewed the preliminary design for the San Tomas Creek Trail and found that the Trail will not follow the creek bed because there is not enough for a path on the Water District property.   The proposal for an alternate path turns out to be a path following a section of San Tomas Expressway between Monroe Street and Cabrillo Avenue, which currently prohibit pedestrians.  Member Sullivan stated he will provide the BPAC with an update of the August 22, 2006 City of Santa Clara Council Meeting.

Member Carpenter, City of Mountain View, reported that the REI Store opened in the City of Mountain and attracted over 500 people on bicycles. The SVBC collected approximately $5,000 on the event.  

Chairperson Wadler, City of Campbell, reported the City of Campbell City Council will not meet the month of August.   Chairperson Wadler noted that the SVBC meeting is scheduled for August 10, 2006 at Round Table Pizza.  The guest speakers are an attorney and traffic accident reconstruction officer who will discuss bicyclists and the law.

Chairperson Wadler requested that Member Thielges provide a report to the BPAC regarding the City of San Jose submitting a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) for the airport expansion.

On order of Chairperson Wadler, there being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                                                                    

Gilda M. Gozdanich, Board Assistant
VTA Board of Directors