Hon. Beth Labson Freeman
Judge of the Superior Court
Hall of Justice
400 County Center; 2nd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063-1655
Re: Grand Jury Report, Bicycle Safety
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. 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.
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.
a. The C/CAG Comprehensive Bicycle Route Plan for San Mateo County that was
adopted by C/CAG in October 2000 will be adopted by the Town of Atherton including
modifications that will make it specific to the Town of Atherton at such time
the Town applies for any applicable bicycle grant funding. This Plan represents
a long-term vision of bicycle programs and improvements for all of San Mateo
County.
b. The Town of Atherton will utilize its existing Transportation Committee as
its bicycle advisory committee.
c. The Town of Atherton will utilize the Public Works Director as Atherton’s
contact for all matters relating to bicycle transportation and safety issues.
d. The Town of Atherton currently works with its neighboring jurisdictions to
coordinate roadway construction projects that may impact that jurisdiction.
In the future the Town of Atherton will ensure that neighboring jurisdictions
are also notified of any bicycle projects under consideration.
Recommendation 2.
The county and cities should seek grant funding to support bicycle projects
and programs in their communities.
Response to Recommendation 2.
With the assistance of C/CAG the Town of Atherton will actively seek grant funding
for bicycle projects and programs to benefit our community and that are consistent
with our General Plan. 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.
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.
This recommendation is being addressed directly by C/CAG.
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.
This recommendation is being addressed directly by C/CAG.
