REPORT TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Safety Tips on BPAC Website, Posters, and Bicycle Map (Garcia)
Report
BACKGROUND
In August 2024, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Member Kratz requested that BPAC discuss bicycle safety tips on the BPAC website, posters, and bicycle map (Attachment 1).
DISCUSSION
The work plan topic request includes recommendations to change the BPAC webpage, distribute a bicycle and pedestrian safety poster, and make additions to the City’s bicycle map.
BPAC Webpage
Recommendations for the BPAC webpage include adding links to bicycle and pedestrian safety information, provisions to allow messages to be left by the public on the webpage, state and local laws applicable to bicycling and walking, and a link to the Santa Clara County Public Health Guide, “Getting from Here to There Safely.”
In 2024, City staff updated the BPAC webpage to add informational links to other agencies and City resources. The resources include:
• Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition - Bicycle riding information
• Santa Clara County Public Health - Information on active and safe transportation
• VTA Bicycle Program - Bicycle infrastructure and encouragement
• 2013 City of Santa Clara Bicycle Map
• Bicycle Plan Update 2018
• Bicycle Plan Update 2009
• 511 San Francisco Bay - Bay Area bicycle programs and resources
• Santa Clara County Bikeways Map
• San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail Map
It should be noted that the Santa Clara County Public Health Guide, “Getting from Here to There Safely,” is accessible from the Santa Clara County Public Health webpage link currently on the BPAC webpage. Recommendations for additional links should be submitted to staff. Staff will determine if the source is a reputable agency and will maintain the linked page before adding the link reference to the BPAC webpage.
A public message box added to the BPAC webpage would be redundant to existing platforms available to the public. Members of the public can contact the BPAC via the email address: bpac@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:bpac@santaclaraca.gov>, which is posted on the BPAC webpage. In addition, members of the public can contact City staff through the MySantaClara App (<https://www.santaclaraca.gov/services/make-a-service-request>).
It would not be feasible to summarize all of the state and local laws applying to bicycling and pedestrians and posting them to the BPAC webpage. City webpages should be as brief and concise as possible to avoid overwhelming individuals with too much content. Individuals interested in laws applying to bicyclists and pedestrians should review the California Code (Vehicle code, Civil code, Streets and Highways code, etc.) and Santa Clara City Charter and Code.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Poster
The work plan topic request includes a recommendation to create a bicycle and pedestrian safety poster to be distributed to schools, libraries, recreation centers, youth centers, and City Hall.
Public outreach on safety will be a component of the Vision Zero program, if approved by Council. Posters addressing bicycle and pedestrian safety may be included in the program.
Bicycle Map
The work plan topic request includes a recommendation to add safety information and an index to the City’s bicycle map.
City staff are in the process of updating the City’s Bicycle Map. The update will include the new bicycle facilities that have been implemented since the last publication of the map. The map will also include safety information. A draft of the safety information to be included on the bicycle map is included as Attachment 2. It was determined that creating an index of City streets to include on the bicycle map was not practical or feasible as there is not enough space to publish the index with the map. However, a grid will be added to the map for reference.
Staff
Written by: Ralph Garcia, Senior Civil Engineer, Public Works
Reviewed by: Carol Shariat, Interim Transportation Manager, Public Works
Approved by: Michael Liw, Assistant Director/City Engineer, Public Works
ATTACHMENTS
1. Annual Work Plan Topic Request Form (Kratz)
2. Draft Santa Clara Bicycle Network Map - Safety Information