Hon. Beth Labson Freeman
Judge of the Superior Court
Hall of Justice
400 County Center; 2nd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063-1655
Dear Judge Freeman:
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the findings of the
Grand Jury related to Bicycle Safety in San Mateo County. It is very obvious
that the Committee of the Grand Jury that studied this issue spent considerable
effort and did extensive research on this issue. As the Committee has discovered,
C/CAG has a very active and forward thinking Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee (BPAC) that provides advice and guidance to C/CAG on these programs
and issues. Although we have come a long way in addressing bicycle and pedestrian
issues, clearly there is much more that needs to be done. The following are
responses to each of the Grand Jury’s recommendations including the steps that
will be taken to implement the suggestions where appropriate.
Recommendation 1.
Within one year, San Mateo County and every city without a long-term strategic
bicycle safety and transportation plan should develop one that includes:
The priorities set forth in the San Mateo County Comprehensive
Bicycle Route Plan.
Abicycle advisory committee.
At least one city employee whose job responsibilities
involve bicycle transportation and safety issues.
Coordination of roadway construction projects with
neighboring cities.
Response to Recommendation 1.
C/CAG commissioned the development of the San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle
Route Plan in 2000. It represents a long-term vision of bicycle programs and
improvements for all of San Mateo County. Copies of the Plan in paper and electronic
form have been provided to all of the cities in San Mateo County.
C/CAG will encourage all local jurisdictions in San
Mateo County to adopt the Comprehensive Bicycle Route Plan and make modifications
to the Plan that reflect the unique characteristics of the local jurisdiction.
The Transportation Development Act (TDA), Article 3
Program is the major funding source available to C/CAG for the funding of
bicycle and pedestrian projects. C/CAG is now making it a requirement that
local jurisdictions applying for TDA Article 3 funding must have approval
from its local bicycle advisory committee. C/CAG will develop guidelines for
the establishment of such committees and provide them to all local jurisdictions.
San Mateo County is composed of 21 local jurisdictions,
many of which have extremely small administrative structures. In fact some
jurisdictions contract out some of the city services including Public Works.
C/CAG will work with the jurisdictions to ensure that each jurisdiction identifies
a contact person for issues dealing with bicycle safety. In some instances
this individual may be a contractor.
As one of the major funders of roadway construction
projects in San Mateo County, C/CAG will incorporate into its funding criteria
the requirement that projects must be coordinated with neighboring cities.
Recommendation 2.
The county and cities should seek grant funding to support bicycle projects
and programs in their communities.
Response to Recommendation 2.
C/CAG will assist the County and cities in seeking grant funding for bicycle
projects and programs by notifying them of available funding sources and offering
guidance where appropriate in preparing grant applications. At least once each
year C/CAG will prepare and distribute to the County and the cities, a comprehensive
listing of potential sources of funding for bicycle projects and programs.
Recommendation 3.
C/CAG should increase its efforts to address bicycle issues within the cities
by:
Developing a community outreach program for bicyclists
that includes the distribution of designated bicycle route maps and safety
tips, and provision of free maps to local bicycle shops and the non-profit
bicycle organizations.
incorporating in its Congestion Management Plan the
requirement that consideration must be given to bicycle safety during new
construction and roadway improvement projects.
Response to Recommendation 3.
C/CAG does not directly implement programs. It is primarily
a planning agency and a source of funding for bicycle improvements. In the
past C/CAG has encouraged one or more local jurisdictions to sponsor projects
such as the development of a countywide bicycle route map. Funding for such
efforts however, has been diminishing. This recommendation will be taken to
the C/CAG BPAC for consideration as it develops plans for the 2004-05 TDA
Article 3 Program in the fall. This will include consideration as to whether
free bicycle maps or maps provided at a nominal fee should be made available.
C/CAG is currently in the process of updating the Congestion
Management Program for 2003. This recommendation of the Grand Jury will be
incorporated into the Program.
Recommendation 4.
C/CAG should prioritize and fund projects that demonstrate inter city coordination
of bicycle projects, e.g., bicycle lanes and paths.
Response to Recommendation 4.
The TDA Article 3 Program includes criteria that promote the connection to and
continuity of other significant bicycle routes. The C/CAG Board will request
that its BPAC consider strengthening this criterion when it develops the scoring
and application process for the 2004-05 Program. This process generally begins
in the fall.
If there are any questions about the items contained in this response, please
do not hesitate to contact Walter Martone at 6510 599-1465.
