REPORT TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Bicycle Parking and Security (Shariat)
Report
BACKGROUND
In July 2024, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Member Megas requested to have the BPAC discuss Bicycle Parking and Security (Attachment 1) and in July 2023, BPAC Member Kratz requested BPAC discuss Bicycle Racks (Attachment 2).
DISCUSSION
Typical bicycle parking options for public and private areas are long-term (Class I) and short-term (Class II) spaces. Generally, long-term parking is more than two hours and short-term parking is less than two hours. Class I bicycle parking spaces may include individual bike lockers, bicycle rooms, bicycle valets, and secured parking areas. Class II bicycle parking is typically bike racks. Class I bicycle parking spaces are typically more secure than Class II bicycle parking spaces and are often protected from weather.
Public areas that have Class I bicycle parking spaces are typically next to transit or other venues where the public may spend more than two hours. Public areas with short-term parking may be next to City-owned facilities such as the City Hall campus or next to a library. Private areas with long-term parking may be located at employment centers or multi-family housing developments. Private areas with short-term parking may be at retail centers or restaurants.
Bicycle Parking Installations
The Bicycle Plan Update 2018 identifies 49 public and private locations throughout the City for possible installation of new bicycle parking (Attachment 3). The Bicycle Plan Update estimates that the cost for installing a bicycle rack is $800 and for a bicycle locker is $2,000 (in 2018 dollars). As a reminder, the BPAC assisted with the development of the Bicycle Plan and provided comments on the plan, which included the locations identified for new bicycle parking found in Attachment 3.
As part of land redevelopment in Santa Clara, staff requires developers to install new bicycle parking facilities in accordance with the Santa Clara Zoning Code, which was recently updated and approved in July 2024, as part of the development project’s conditions of approval. The Santa Clara Zoning Code incorporates bicycle parking requirements from the VTA Bicycle Technical Guidelines (Attachment 4). The updated Zoning Code Section 18.38.050 states the following in regard to placement of bicycle parking spaces: “For commercial and industrial uses, at least 50% of the required bicycle parking spaces must be closer than the closest non-handicapped automobile parking space.”
Bicycle Parking Funding
One notable project is the Related Santa Clara project, which will provide funding for installation of parking at several locations in multiple phases (see table below). This bicycle parking is a component of the Multimodal Improvement Plan (MIP) which was approved for the Related project and the funds for these improvements are due to the City upon issuance of building permits for each phase. There is no current definitive timeline for the development of the project.
|
Locations |
Funding Amount |
Related Project Phase |
|
At Convention Center, Youth Soccer Park, VTA light rail stations (Old Ironsides, Great America, and Lick Mill) |
$275,000 |
Phase 1 |
|
At Northside Library, Thamien Park, Live Oak Park, Montague Park, and Agnew Park |
$100,000 |
Phase 1 |
|
At City Hall, Police Headquarters, Senior Center, Fremont Park, Larry Marsalli Park, Mission Library, Triton Museum |
$140,000 |
Phase 2 |
|
At Walter E. Schmidt Youth Activity Center, Skate Park and Teen Center, Bowers Ave Park, Warburton Swim Center, Bracher Park, southwest corner of San Tomas Expy/Monroe St at San Tomas Aquino Creek trailhead |
$120,000 |
Phase 4 |
There are also various grant opportunities (Active Transportation Program, Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3, etc.) available to apply towards installation of bicycle parking facilities. Currently, the City applies for these grants to implement recommendations such as installation of curb ramps at priority locations from the Pedestrian Master Plan. However, the BPAC can suggest using TDA grant funding for the purchase of bicycle racks and to have them installed at locations identified in Attachment 3.
Bicycle Security
Member Megas identified that the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC) offers free classes to the public designed to educate individuals on bicycle security and enhancing bicycle riding skills. These classes are taught by certified League Cycling instructors and information related to these classes can be found at the following webpage: -Learn Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition <https://bikesiliconvalley.org/learn-ride/learn>.
Member Megas also mentioned that there is no longer a statewide bicycle registration program, but there are other websites where one can register their bike such as at 529 Garage (<https://project529.com/garage>) and at Bike Index (<https://bikeindex.org>). City staff reached out to the Santa Clara Police Department to determine if they use these websites for stolen bicycles. The Police Department stated they are aware of these websites and use them, when applicable.
Staff
Written by: Carol Shariat, Principal Transportation Planner, Public Works
Reviewed by: Steve Chan, Transportation Manager, Public Works
Approved by: Michael Liw, Assistant Director/City Engineer, Public Works
ATTACHMENTS
1. Work Plan Topic Request Form (Megas)
2. Work Plan Topic Request Form (Kratz)
3. Bicycle Plan Update 2018 Figure 16
4. Excerpt from Santa Clara Zoning Code Update