This is in response to the 2002-2003 Grand Jury report filed on May 15, 2003 on Bicycle Safety in San Mateo County. The following are the City of Belmont’s responses to each of the recommendations outlined in the Grand Jury report:

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.

Response to Recommendation 1:

The City of Belmont partially agrees with the finding. The recommendations of the San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle Route Plan relating to Belmont have been implemented. The Public Works Director has been designated to respond to bicycle transportation and safety issues.

RECOMMENDATION 2:

The County and cities should seek grant funding to support bicycle projects and programs in their communities.

Response to Recommendation 2:

The City of Belmont agrees with the finding. The City is aggressively seeking grant funding to fund the pedestrian/bicycle bridge project, as well as other projects, identified in the San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle Route Plan.

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.
b. 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:

The City of Belmont generally agrees with the finding. However, C/CAG is a separate joint powers agency and subject to budget constraints. Belmont is only one member of C/CAG and cannot implement this recommendation unilaterally.

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 City of Belmont partially agrees with the finding. As noted above, Belmont is only one member of C/CAG and cannot implement this recommendation unilaterally. The City of Belmont believes that high priority should be given to fund projects that remove significant barriers to bicyclists. An example would be the pedestrian/ bicycle bridge project in Belmont, which will provide a critical connection between the City of Belmont and Redwood Shores, the San Francisco Bay Trail, the Ridge Trail, and the Caltrain Station.