Response
CITY OF SAN CARLOS
RESPONSE TO THE BICYCLE SAFETY IN SAN MATEO COUNTY
GRAND JURY REPORT
August,7, 2003
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. 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:
a. the priorities set forth in the San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle Route
Plan.
b. a bicycle advisory committee.
c. at least one city employee whose job responsibilities involve bicycle transportation
and safety issues.
d. 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 along with recently prepared "City of
San Carlos Bicycle Transportation Plan" will be adopted by City Council.
b. The city of San Carlos has appointed an eight member Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory
Committee.
c. The city of San Carlos has designated the Public Works Director as the contact
person for all matters relating to bicycle transportation and safety issues.
d. The City of San Carlos 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. In the future
the City of San Carlos 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 City of San Carlos 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.
Recommendation 3.
C/CAG should increase its efforts to address bicycle issues within the cities
by:
a. 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.
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.
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.
