REPORT TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Proposal for a Data-Driven Framework to Evaluate Bicycle & Pedestrian Projects in Santa Clara (Chan)
Report
BACKGROUND
In July 2024, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Member Jenaro requested BPAC to discuss establishment of a data analysis working group that would measure the impact of BPAC on bike-friendly initiatives in Santa Clara (Attachment 1).
The City is committed to improving safety, mobility, and the use of active transportation. As the City develops its Vision Zero Plan, there is growing recognition of the need for a more expanded, data-driven approach that goes beyond traditional collision reports, which can underrepresent the full scope of safety concerns.
To address this, the BPAC member outlined a potential framework for evaluating bicycle and pedestrian projects using multiple data sources, including collision records, user counts, mobile GPS data, near-miss tracking, and other key performance indicators. This approach aligns with state and federal trends emphasizing proactive safety planning and outcome-based evaluation and could support measuring project effectiveness, guiding investment priorities, and strengthening future grant applications.
DISCUSSION
Current Approaches to Data-Driven Project Evaluation
To effectively evaluate bicycle and pedestrian projects, some jurisdictions have adopted practices that prioritize safety and data-informed planning. An expanded data strategy and evaluation framework could improve transparency, guide future investments, and help achieve active transportation and Vision Zero goals.
Key Data Collection Methods and Innovations
* Collision Data Integration
Combine police collision reports with hospital trauma data and community reports to better capture underreported pedestrian and cyclist injuries. Tools such as public reporting maps and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) sensors can supplement these efforts by trackin...
Click here for full text