Honorable Beth Labson Freeman
Judge of the Superior Court
Hall of Justice
400 County Center; 2nd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063-1655
Re: BICYCLE SAFETY IN THE CITY OF SAN MATEO
Dear Judge Freeman:
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the findings of the
Grand Jury related to Bicycle Safety within the City of San Mateo. It is obvious
that the Committee of the Grand Jury that studied this issue spent considerable
effort and did extensive research on this issue. The following are responses
to each of the Grand Jury’s recommendations including, if necessary, the steps
that will be taken to implement the suggestions where appropriate.
Grand Jury 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
a bicycle advisory committee
at least one city employee whose job responsibilities involve bicycle transportation
and safety issues
coordination of roadway construction projects with neighboring cities.
City of San Mateo Responses to Recommendation 1
a. The C/CAG Comprehensive Bicycle Route Plan for San Mateo County that was
adopted by C/CAG in October 2000 has been adopted by the City of San Mateo including
modifications that will make it specific to the City of San Mateo. This Plan
represents a long-term vision of bicycle programs and improvements for all of
San Mateo County including the City of San Mateo.
b. In 1993, the San Mateo City Council adopted a resolution (No. 129) appointing
the Public Works Commission as the City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
In late 1993, a committee of volunteer bicycle and pedestrian advocates was
also established to serve as a working committee to advise the Public Works
Commission on pedestrian and bicycle issues. The volunteer committee meets six
to eight times a year and provides staff comments on the community’s bicycle
and pedestrian needs. The committee also determines, discusses and adopts bicycle
and pedestrian projects for application to the County’s TDA Article 3 Grant
Program.
The City Engineer has been designated as the individual responsible for bicycle
transportation and safety issues for the City of San Mateo.
The City Of San Mateo currently works with its neighboring jurisdictions to
coordinate roadway construction projects that may impact that jurisdiction.
Projects that increase capacity must also undergo an environmental clearance
that includes review of the project by all impacted jurisdictions. The City
Of San Mateo also ensures that neighboring jurisdictions are notified of any
bicycle projects under consideration, and has in the past partnered with the
Town of Hillsborough and the County on joint bicycle improvement projects.
Grand Jury Recommendation 2
The county and cities should seek grant funding to support bicycle projects
and programs in their communities.
City of San Mateo Response to Recommendation 2
With the assistance of C/CAG, the City of San Mateo will actively seek grant
funding for bicycle projects and programs to benefit our community. Priority
will be given to seeking funds to implement projects that have been identified
as high priority in the San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle Route Plan.
Grand Jury 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 provisions 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.
City of San Mateo Response to Recommendation 3
This recommendation is being addressed directly by C/CAG. The City of San Mateo
fully supports the actions of C/CAG to provide direction to Cities in topics
related to bicycle transportation and safety issues.
Grand Jury Recommendation 4
C/CAG should prioritize and fund projects that demonstrate inter city coordination
of bicycle projects, e.g., bicycle lanes and paths.
City of San Mateo Response to Recommendation 4
This recommendation is being addressed directly by C/CAG. The City of San Mateo
fully supports the actions of C/CAG to provide direction to Cities in topics
related to bicycle transportation and safety issues.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to provide comments to the Grand Jury’s
bicycle safety recommendations. Bicycle safety is a priority within the City
of San Mateo, and it is through the efforts of groups like the Grand Jury that
allow San Mateo citizens an opportunity to live in a bicycle friendly environment.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail
at citymanager@cityofsanmateo.org, or by phone at (650) 522-7000.
Sincerely,
Arne Croce
San Mateo City Manager
cc: City Council
Public Works Commission
Larry A. Patterson, Director of Public Works
Darla G. Reams, Deputy Director of Public Works
Shawn Mason, City Attorney
Mike Ogaz, Assistant City Attorney
Gary Heap, Senior Engineer
City of San Mateo BPAC
