REPORT TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Closing Bike Lanes, Trails, and Sidewalks (Garcia)
Report
BACKGROUND
In July 2024, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Member Megas requested that BPAC discuss the procedure for closing sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails during various activities/events and how they are communicated to contractors and to the public (Attachment 1).
DISCUSSION
California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices: The City utilizes the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) when reviewing proposed roadway and/or trail closures. The CA MUTCD is issued by the California Department of Transportation to provide uniform standards and specifications for all official traffic control devices in California, in accordance with California Vehicle Code (CVC) 21400 and 21401. The City follows the CA MUTCD standards including Part 6, Temporary Traffic Control, which specifies standards for temporary traffic control around construction zones. The latest version of the CA MUTCD notes the following as guidance in Chapter 6F “Temporary Traffic Control Zone Signs”:
Guidance:
Neither portable nor permanent sign supports should be located on sidewalks, bicycle facilities, or areas designated for pedestrians or bicyclists. Sign supports should be located to accommodate bicyclists in areas designated for their use. A minimum lateral width of 4 feet should be maintained for pedestrian pathways.
Roadway Closures: If construction blocks a bicycle lane, the CA MUTCD requires that traffic control includes signage or devices to accommodate bicycle travel.
If construction does not block a bicycle lane, staff reviews plans and permit applications to ensure traffic cones and signs do not block bicycle lanes. In early 2020, staff implemented new operating procedures to check plans and permits to ensure signs do not obstruct bicycle lanes or sidewalks. The City has the following requirement for traffic control plans (Attachment 2) used for construction activities:
Signage, channelizing devices, barriers and other equipment shall not be placed in active bike lanes or in locations that would block a bicyclist’s path of travel (where possible). Where bike lanes must be closed, advanced warning signs and taper lengths shall be provided to allow bicyclists to safely merge into adjoining travel lane in advance of the bike lane closure. Bike lanes shall not be closed for construction activities unless the closure is documented and approved in a traffic control plan.
If construction impacts a City trail, the City will close the trail with barricades and signage at each entry point where the trail is closed for construction. A detour plan will be developed, and detour signage will be installed throughout the detour to guide bicyclists around the trail closure. A notification showing the detour is also placed at entry points where the trail access is closed. Additionally, advanced signage before the detour (typically at other trail entry points) is often utilized to provide advanced notice to trail users.
Signage Placement: Signs typically cannot be narrowed because the CA MUTCD requires a minimum size for visibility. A typical sign used for construction (i.e. “ROAD WORK AHEAD”) must be a minimum of 30-inches by 30-inches and is recommended to be 36-inches by 36-inches.
The CA MUTCD requires signs to be placed at specific distances based on the speed limit of a roadway. If located within these distances, signs are encouraged to be installed on existing streetlights and posts.
Plan/Permit Review and Inspection: After approval of the plans or permits that result in lane (vehicle or bicycle) closures, a DPW inspector is assigned to inspect the project and work with the contractor to ensure permit compliance.
In summary, the City currently follows State standards to close bicycle lanes, and checks plans and permits and inspects projects to minimize signs obstructing bicycle lanes.
If members of the public find a sidewalk or bicycle facility blocked by construction signage or if there is a detour issue, they can report it to the MySantaClara App or submit an online request at <SantaClaraCA.gov/mysantaclara> for inspection and code enforcement evaluation.
Staff
Written by: Ralph Garcia, Senior Civil Engineer, Public Works
Reviewed by: Carol Shariat, Acting Transportation Manager, Public Works
Approved by: Michael Liw, Assistant Director/City Engineer, Public Works
ATTACHMENTS
1. Annual Work Plan Topic Request Form (Megas)
2. Standard Operating Procedure for Right Lane and Bike Lane Closures