REPORT TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Bicycle Parking and Security (Shariat)
Report
BACKGROUND
At the August 28,2023 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting, BPAC member Megas requested to have the BPAC discuss Bicycle Parking and Security (Attachment 1).
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 usually more secure than Class II bicycle parking spaces and are typically protected from weather.
Public areas in need of 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 Civic Center or the 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 and Funding
The Bicycle Plan Update 2018 identifies 49 public and private locations throughout the City for possible installation of new bicycle parking (Attachment 2). The Bicycle Plan Update cost estimate in 2018 dollars for installation of a bicycle rack is $800 and for a bicycle locker is $2,000.
As part of new land redevelopment, staff requires developers to install new bicycle parking facilities in accordance with the Santa Clara Zoning Code Update, which was approved in December 2023, as part of conditionals of approval. The Santa Clara Zoning Code incorporates bicycle parking requirements from the VTA Bicycle Technical Guidelines. Bicycle parking requirements contained within the Zoning Code were brought forth to BPAC for discussion and comment back in August 2022.
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) approved for the Related project and the funds for these improvements are due to the City upon issuance of building permits for each phase. Related has not provided a project schedule to the City at this time.
|
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 Article 3, etc.) available for 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.
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. Bicycle Parking and Security Topic Request Form (Megas)
2. Bicycle Plan Update 2018 Figure 16