City of San Carlos Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Minutes of Regular Meeting

August 1, 2006 – 7:00 P.M.

1. Roll Call:         

2. Approval of minutes: June 28 Special Meeting – M/S Peale Baumgarten

3. New Business

a) Staff Report: 22 new parking spaces have been added on Alameda adjacent to Carlmont High School in Belmont.  No bike lanes have been added.  Also new is a turn lane devoted specifically for the South entrance of Carlmont.

b) Report from Police Department: Due to budget reductions, Sergeant Robbins’ position as Traffic Sergeant has been eliminated, but he has been reassigned to work as a Patrol Sergeant.  He wishes to continue to contribute to the B/PAC.  He reported that traffic crossing guards have been eliminated due to budget cuts, but that public reaction has been fine because most students who walk to school cross streets with an adult.

4.  Old Business

a) San Carlos Bike Map (discussion): The map is an official document, and therefore any changes made must be adopted by the City Council.  Tony has prepared a list of recommendations which will be discussed at the next meeting.  A priority list and cost estimate must be made.  It was suggested that the city create two maps, one as a resource for bicyclists that lists only current lanes and routes, and one as a complete list of current and future routes and lanes.

b) Pedestrian Safety Plan: An official pedestrian safety plan would require more elements than a map suggesting sidewalk improvements.  The map represents a great deal of work, though, and should become part of the city’s General Plan when updated in 2008.  Jack Baumgarten and Margaret Pye agreed to meet to discuss long-term goals for a pedestrian plan.

c) Status of Bike Parking for Arts and Wine Faire: Advertising and location for parking will be provided by Arts and Wine staff, but the festival will take no official responsibility for bike parking.  Item continued to September agenda.

d) Safe Routes to Schools Workshop: In order to schedule and complete a workshop, we need a school to agree to participate, and a champion within the school community to spearhead the effort.  The PTA Coordinating Council may be a good place to start.

e) Status of plans to install bike racks on Laurel St: Areas behind planters at mid-block crosswalks can accommodate small racks that will hold up to 4 bikes.  Parviz suggested 1 rack per block, on one side of the street.  Comments and complaints will determine whether more racks are added.

5. Recurring Items

a) Continue listing/reporting problem intersections: The Laurel St. entrance to Bell Market is dangerous because of its width and the minimal definition between car and pedestrian space.  Narrowing the drive or adding something to define the edges of the drive would be ideal.

b) Identify Subcommittees and Members: Continued to September meeting.

c) Commission reports: The Traffic and Transportation commission studied intersections on Laurel St. that currently lack stop signs.  None met the warrants for installing a stop sign.  A new member from the Youth Advisory Council will be replacing Anne Peale as YAC representative.

6. Public Comment: None

7. Adjournment: M/S Pye/Baumgarten.  Meeting adjourned at 8:30.