HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/20/2020 Item 2, Otto
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Garrett Otto <
To:Advisory Bodies; Fukushima, Adam
Cc:Schwartz, Luke
Subject:8/20 ATC meeting Item 2
Attachments:82020ATCAgendaPacket - Otto.pdf
Dear Committee Members,
I met with Jonathan Roberts yesterday to discuss several recommended modifications to the policies within the plan. I
made comments directly on the agenda packet attached. I noticed several items repeated, so you may see the same
comment in two places.
I want to highlight a couple items that I think may need some clarification:
Adjusting parking fee to help fund ATP projects. Let me be very blunt here. Parking is too cheap considering the
amount of public space they take up, especially when we talk about on-street parking. Money from the parking fund has
only resulted in spending millions for more vehicle parking. It's a spiral effect, where parking fees only result in more
vehicle parking. What I am proposing is an additional "impact fee" which would be dedicated to building out the ATP and
encourage healthier transportation choices to offset the negative impact of those traveling to downtown with the
vehicles. Many cities try to discourage vehicle trips into the urban cores by implementing congestion fees. A parking
impact fee would be like a SLO scale version of that sort of concept. Council adopts changes to the parking fees though
our municipal code. What I am proposing is asking staff to start planning for an adjustment to the parking fee in the next
iteration (likely post Covid impacts). I think it is appropriate to put this on the table for our Council to consider as a
method to fund the build out of the ATP.
Quick builds - As we speak Higuera is converting a vehicle travel lane to a buffered bike lane. This is awesome and
exactly what we have been advocating in terms of quick builds. Discussing with Luke, by converting the existing vehicle
travel lane they were able to do this quickly and inexpensively. I would like to make sure this sort of scenario is captured
on potential quick build projects. I think we can expand the list of possible quick build corridors if we start thinking about
converting vehicle space to bike/ped space.
Default speed limits - If we are going to meet our vision zero goal we need to bring vehicle speeds down on all streets.
Most recent fatalities have all been on roads with prevailing speeds above 40MPH. Though we are not able to legally
change the speed limits YET, that may change at the state level in the near future. We should be clear in the ATP that
when we are allowed to make that change that we want to implement default speed limits to safer levels. That means a
maximum speed of 30MPH on collector and arterial streets, 20 MPH on residential streets, and 15MPH in school zones. I
proposed a change to wording to make it clear of our preference for default speed limits and replacing the 85th
percentile speed studies.
Thanks for reading and considering
Garrett Otto
BSLOC advocacy chair
1
City of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Agenda
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Thursday, August 20, 2020
6:00 p.m. SPECIAL MEETING Teleconference
Based on the threat of COVID-19 as reflected in the Proclamations of Emergency issued by both the Governor
of the State of California, the San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Director and the City Council of the
City of San Luis Obispo as well as the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20 issued on March 17, 2020, relating
to the convening of public meetings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of San Luis Obispo will
be holding all public meetings via teleconference. There will be no physical location for the Public to view
the meeting. Below are instructions on how to view the meeting remotely and how to leave public comment.
Additionally, members of the Active Transportation Committee are allowed to attend the meeting via
teleconference and to participate in the meeting to the same extent as if they were present.
Using the most rapid means of communication available at this time, members of the public are
encouraged to participate in Council meetings in the following ways:
1. Remote Viewing - Members of the public who wish to watch the meeting can view:
➢ View the Webinar:
➢ Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/567722242650441229
➢ Webinar ID: 517-606-491
2. Public Comment - The Active Transportation Committee will still be accepting public comment. Public
comment can be submitted in the following ways:
• Mail or Email Public Comment
➢ Received by 3:00 PM on the day of meeting - Can be submitted via email to emailcouncil@slocity.org or
U.S. Mail to City Clerk at 990 Palm St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
➢ Emails sent after 3:00 PM and up until public comment is opened on the item – Limited to one page
emailed to cityclerk@slocity.org, which will then be read aloud during the public comment period on the
item specified.
• Verbal Public Comment
o Received by 3:00 PM on the day of the meeting - Call (805) 781-7164; state and spell your name, the
agenda item number you are calling about and leave your comment. The verbal comments must be limited
to 3 minutes. All voicemails will be forwarded to the Committee Members and saved as Agenda
Correspondence.
Active Transportation Committee Agenda August 20, 2020 Page 2
o During the meeting – Comments can be submitted up until the Public Comment period is opened for the
item when joining via the webinar (instructions above). Please contact the City Clerk’s office at
cityclerk@slocity.org to more information.
All comments submitted will be placed into the administrative record of the meeting.
MISSION: The purpose of the Active Transportation Committee (ATC) is to provide oversight
and policy direction on matters related to bicycle and pedestrian transportation in San Luis Obispo
and its relationship to bicycling and walking outside the City.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Jonathan Roberts
ROLL CALL : Committee Members Thomas Arndt, Lea Brooks (vice chair), Donette
Dunaway, Timothy Jouet, Briana Martenies, Russell Mills, Jonathan Roberts
(chair)
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the
agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address.
Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred
to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the July 16, 2020 Regular Meeting
ACTION ITEM
2. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
(FUKUSHIMA – 110 MINUTES)
At the June 11, 2020 meeting, the ATC requested a meeting to discuss the Implementation chapter
of the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) before it begins administrative review and the public draft
of the Plan in its entirety is released in the fall.
The Implementation Chapter details the steps necessary to implement the Active Transportation
Plan, as well as lists projects in terms of highest priority, information on equity, funding strategies,
maintenance, monitoring, and evaluation.
In addition to the Implementation Chapter, a consolidated list of all draft policies in the Active
Transportation Plan is being provided for the committee for review. This item will provide an
opportunity to review all of the draft policies before the Plan completes graphic design,
administrative review, and the public draft of the Plan in its entirely is released in the fall.
Active Transportation Committee Agenda August 20, 2020 Page 3
Note: To aide in referencing individual policies, line numbering has been added. These numbers
are only temporary and will only be used until a full numerical policy list is completed in the public
draft release.
Staff Recommendation: Receive input on the Implementation Chapter and the consolidated list
of Plan policies and recommend continued development of the Active Transportation Plan in
anticipation of the release of the entire public release draft and beginning of environmental review.
Attachment 2: DRAFT Implementation Chapter
Attachment 3: Consolidated List of DRAFT ATP Policies
ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Active Transportation Commi ttee is scheduled for
Thursday , September 17 , 20 20, at 6:00 p.m., by teleconference.
ATTACHMENTS
1.Minutes of the July 16, 2020 Special Meeting
2.DRAFT Implementation Chapter
3.Consolidated List of DRAFT ATP Policies
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the
public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to
persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or
accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request to the City Clerk’s
Office at (805) 781-7100 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications
Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7107.
Agenda related writings and documents are available online or for public inspection at the Public
Works Department, 919 Palm Street, SLO. Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following
web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/60965/Row1.aspx
Minutes – Active Transportation Committee Meeting of July 16, 2020 Page 1
Minutes - DRAFT
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Thursday, July 16, 2020 1
Regular Meeting of the Active Transportation Committee 2
3
CALL TO ORDER 4
5
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Active Transportation Committee was called to order 6
on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 6:05 p.m. via teleconference by Chair Roberts. 7
8
ROLL CALL 9
10
Present: Committee Members Thomas Arndt, Lea Brooks (vice chair), Timothy Jouet (joined 11
at 6:10), Briana Martenies, and Jonathan Roberts (chair) 12
13
Absent: Donette Dunaway 14
15
Staff: Active Transportation Manager Adam Fukushima, Associate Planner Kyle Bell, and 16
Recording Secretary Lareina Gamboa 17
18
PUBLIC COMMENT ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA 19
None. 20
21
--End of Public Comment-- 22
23
APPROVAL OF MINUTES 24
25
1.Review Minutes of the Active Transportation Committee Meeting of June 11, 2020:26
27
ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BROOKS, SECONDED BY 28
COMMITTEE MEMBER MILLS, CARRIED 5-0-2 (COMMITTEE MEMBERS 29
DUNAWAY AND JOUET ABSENT), to approve the Minutes of the Active Transportation 30
Committee Meeting of June 11, 2020, as presented. 31
32
Public Comment 33
None. 34
35
--End of Public Comment-- 36
37
ACTION ITEMS 38
39
2.600 Tank Farm Road Active Transportation Facilities40
Associate Planner Kyle Bell and Active Transportation Manager Fukushima provided a41
presentation and responded to Committee inquiries in regards to the 600 Tank Farm Road mixed-42
use development and its relation to Active Transportation projects in the city. The applicant for43
Attachment 1, Page 1 of 2
Minutes – Active Transportation Committee Meeting of July 16, 2020 Page 2
the project, represented by Darin Cabral from RRM Design Group, also provided a presentation 44
and responded to questions. 45
46
ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BROOKS, SECONDED BY 47
COMMITTEE MEMBER ARNDT, CARRIED 6-0-1 (COMMITTEE MEMBER 48
DUNAWAY ABSENT), to recommend providing committee suggestions to staff and the 49
applicant for consideration as the project progresses. 50
51
Public Comment 52
None. 53
54
--End of Public Comment-- 55
56
3. Climate Action Plan For Community Recovery 57
58
Active Transportation Manager Fukushima provided a PowerPoint presentation and 59
responded to Committee inquiries in regards to the Climate Action Plan for Community 60
Recovery and its relation to the Active Transportation Plan. 61
62
Public Comment 63
None. 64
65
--End of Public Comment-- 66
67
ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER ARNDT, SECONDED BY 68
COMMITTEE MEMBER BROOKS, CARRIED 6-0-1 (COMMITTEE MEMBER 69
DUNAWAY ABSENT), to thank City staff for their work putting together the Climate 70
Action Plan, and moves to request that the list of Climate Action Plan comments recorded 71
during the meeting be included for consideration. 72
73
ADJOURNMENT 74
75
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. The next Regular Active Transportation Committee 76
meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 6:00 p.m., by teleconference. 77
78
79
APPROVED BY THE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: XX/XX/2020 80
81
82
Attachment 1, Page 2 of 2
DraftImplementing the Active Transportation Plan
This chapter outlines the City’s strategy to invest in bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure projects. Given that this Plan identifies over
240 projects, it is imperative that the projects are prioritized based on
their greatest potential to increase bicycling and walking given the
high cost of infrastructure investments and limited city resources to
implement them. Therefore, the bicycle and pedestrian
recommendations were evaluated against a set of criteria and scored.
The following criteria were used to prioritize the proposed bicycle and
pedestrian projects: (placeholder for graphic)
•Ridership/Usage
•Safety/Collisions
•Disadvantaged Communities
•Outreach Results
•Destination Proximity
•Alignment with Existing Pavement Projects
The projects have been categorized into the following categories:
Tier 1: Projects with the highest potential to increasing the number of
people bicycling and walking. The City will actively pursue funding
for these projects.
Tier 2: Projects with a lower potential than Tier 1 in increasing
bicycling and walking yet still play an important role. These projects
will be pursued as funding opportunities arise.
Tier 3: Projects that help complete the bicycling and walking network
will be funded mostly by development projects.
Some of proposed projects can be completed more quickly, based on
having minimal challenges and positive community support. Other
projects still need to go through a community design process to
evaluate challenges, undertake additional study, or require multi-
agency coordination.
Tier One, Two, and Three Projects
The prioritization corridors were organized into three tiers based on
the evaluation metrics. Figure xx shows the recommended bicycle
facilities which are separated by priority. Tier 1 projects, in purple, are
considered to be the City’s top priority. It is important to note that the
prioritization projects shown on the map below include both bicycle
and pedestrian projects. The prioritization tiers in this chapter are
intended to serve as general guidelines. Implementation priorities may
change as a result of a variety of factors including funding
opportunities or integration with other planning efforts, pavement
projects, or development. Figure xx shows the proposed crossing
improvements throughout the City.
Table xx shows the Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 projects. A more detailed
project list can be found in Appendix xx.
Community Collaboration
The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to provide community
engagement as bicycle and pedestrian projects move from ideas into
designs and eventually built infrastructure. The City engagement
process will use a number of tools to ensure outreach is inclusive.
Depending on the project, tools include identifying the groups and
individuals having a stake in the project, using a variety of outreach
methods including pop-up workshops, online engagement tools,
community-based meetings to reach community members that do not
usually engage in traditional town hall type meetings.
Engagement will also work to identify disadvantaged communities
informed by the SLOCOG Disadvantaged Communities Assessment
as well as other tools to ensure an inclusive outreach process
depending on the project.
Equity Principles
Planning and implementing this Plan through an “Equity Lens” is
critical in pursuing the kind of transformational mode shift described
in the Active Transportation Plan. Community engagement that
effectively considers equity in its implementation through diverse
stakeholder consultation, guarantees equitable distribution of burdens
and benefits, ensures transparency and accountability to stakeholders,
and tackles today’s issue without creating burdens for future
generations is capable of achieving significant increases in bicycling
Attachment 2, Page 1 of 16
Draftand walking and enhancing the quality of life of the City’s most
vulnerable populations. In the implementation of the Active
Transportation Plan, the City of San Luis Obispo is committed to the
following actions across four areas of equity:
• Procedural equity – Implementation strategies for the Plan
will be informed by a cognizance of diverse stakeholders from
community organizations, individuals, and academia to ensure
equity considerations are fully integrated into how the ATP is
implemented.
• Distributional equity – Upon assessing all feasible options for
a project, the City will identify solutions that distribute
financial benefits and burdens equitably across stakeholders
while prioritizing those that are low-cost, high-impact.
• Structural equity – The City will maintain transparency
through regular reporting to the public and the Active
Transportation Committee on program progress throughout
implementation, including feedback from those participating in
the program.
• Transgenerational equity – The City will focus on utilizing
strategies that effectively increase bicycling and walking that
have benefit across generations.
Attachment 2, Page 2 of 16
Draft
Attachment 2, Page 3 of 16
DraftAttachment 2, Page 4 of 16
Draft
Attachment 2, Page 5 of 16
DraftAttachment 2, Page 6 of 16
DraftTier 1 Projects
*A more detailed project list can be found in Appendix xx.
Corridor User Project Components Miles
Anholm Neighborhood Greenway Bike/Ped
Shared Use Path
Bike Lane
Cycle Track
Neighborhood Greenway
Crossing Improvement (Minor)
1.83
Broad Street/Santa Barbra Corridor Bike/Ped
Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Major)
Crossing Improvement (Minor)
Grade Separated Crossing
2.42
Foothill Boulevard Bike/Ped
Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Major)
Crossing Improvement (Minor)
Grade Separated Crossing
1.28
Higuera Street Bike/Ped
Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Major)
Crossing Improvement (Minor)
3.82
Los Osos Valley Road Bike/Ped
Shared Use Path
Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Major)
Crossing Improvement (Minor)
Grade Separated Crossing
2.63
LOVR to Broad Street Corridor Bike/Ped Shared Use Path
Crossing Improvement (Major) 1.02
Marsh Street Bike/Ped
Bike Lane
Cycle Track
Neighborhood Greenway
Crossing Improvement (Major)
Crossing Improvement (Minor)
1.43
Mill Street Bike/Ped Neighborhood Greenway 0.45
Morro Street Bike/Ped Neighborhood Greenway 0.27
Oceanaire Neighborhood Greenway Bike/Ped
Shared Use Path
Cycle Track
Neighborhood Greenway
Crossing Improvement (Major)
1.39
Prado/Dalidio/Hopkins Bike/Ped
Shared Use Path
Bike Lane
Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Major)
4.45
Railroad Safety Trail Bike/Ped
Shared Use Path
Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Minor)
At Grade Crossing
1.09
Attachment 2, Page 7 of 16
DraftGrade Separated Crossing
Santa Barbra Street Bike/Ped Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Minor) 0.32
South Street Bike/Ped
Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Major)
Crossing Improvement (Minor)
0.78
Tank farm Road Bike/Ped
Shared Use Path
Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Minor)
2.73
Tier 2 Projects
*A more detailed project list can be found in Appendix xx.
Corridor User Type Miles
Broad Street Bike/Ped Bike Lane
Crossing Improvement (Minor) 0.3
Nipomo Neighborhood Greenway Bike/Ped Neighborhood Greenway 0.83
Orcutt Road Bike Cycle Track
0.81
Grand Avenue Bike/Ped Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Minor) 0.54
Johnson Avenue Bike/Ped Cycle Track
Intersection Improvement (Major) 2.13
Monterey Street Bike/Ped
Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Major)
Crossing Improvement (Minor)
0.79
Chorro Street Bike Bike Lane 0.25
Industrial Way Bike Bike Lane 0.39
Santa Rosa Street Ped Crossing Improvement (Major) N/A
Cerro Romauldo Neighborhood Greenway Bike/Ped Neighborhood Greenway .81
Highland Drive Bike Bike Lane 0.2
Buena Vista Street Bike/Ped Cycle Track 0.13
Toro Neighborhood Greenway Bike/Ped Neighborhood greenway 0.69
Elks Lane Bike Lane Bike Bike Lane 0.12
Bob Jones Trail Bike/Ped Shared Use Path 0.19
Islay Street Bike/Ped Neighborhood Greenway 0.59
General Curb Ramp Upgrades Ped Curb Ramps N/A
Street Light Installations Bike/Ped Street Lights N/A
Attachment 2, Page 8 of 16
DraftTier 3 Projects
*A more detailed project list can be found in Appendix xx.
Corridor User Type Miles
Avila Ranch Bike/Ped
Shared Use Path
Bike Lane
Creek Crossing
7.5
Bob Jones Trail Bike/Ped Shared Use Path 0.27
California Boulevard Bike/Ped Shared Use Path 0.62
Santa Rosa/Cal Poly Bike/Ped Grade Separated Crossing N/A
Highland/Santa Rosa Bypass Bike/Ped Shared Use Path
Crossing Improvement (Major) 0.51
Laguna Lake Paths Bike/Ped Shared Use Path 3.69
RRST Bike/Ped Shared Use Path 0.27
Santa Rosa Street (State Route 1) Bike/Ped Cycle Track
Crossing Improvement (Major) 1.1
Attachment 2, Page 9 of 16
DraftCosts
Planning level, construction cost estimates for each project are
provided in appendix xx. Being a planning level assessment, project
unknowns exist, and therefore a high and low-cost estimate is
provided. The broad range of potential costs is appropriate given the
level of uncertainty in the design at this point in the planning process.
The following provides greater detail on some of the associated costs
estimates:
Facility Type Per Cost Estimate
(LOW)
Cost Estimate
(HIGH)
Shared Use Path Mile $787,500 $1,575,000
Bicycle Lane Mile $138,600 $406,350
Bicycle Route Mile $24,150 $36,750
Protected Bike
Lane
Mile $326,550 $931,350
Neighborhood
Greenway
Mile $304,500 $1,071,000
Rectangular Rapid
Flashing Beacon
(RRFB)
EA $31,500 $63,000
Pedestrian Refuge
Island
EA $10,500 $52,500
Protected Intersection EA $787,500 $1,575,000
High Visibility
Crosswalk
EA $2,625 $5,250
ADA Curb Ramps EA $3,675 $5,250
Curb Extensions EA $15,750 $131,250
Crossing Signals LS $5,250 $525,000
HAWK Signal EA $210,000 $420,000
Proposed Bikeway Level of Traffic Stress
Back in Chapter 3, a street’s Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) was
introduced in order to better understand the needs of the different types
of bicyclists in San Luis Obispo. The level of traffic stress scores was
mapped to reflect the existing low stress connections and gaps
throughout San Luis Obispo.
Figure xx returns to this methodology to map a future in which the
proposed bicycle network for San Luis Obispo has been implemented.
This map illustrates the bikeway level of traffic stress after each
project has been implemented. The results of this analysis
demonstrate the benefit for low-stress connectivity associated with
completion of the proposed bicycle network.
Proposed Bikeway Level of Traffic Stress Findings
The proposed network supports a complete, connected low-stress
bicycle network for San Luis Obispo. The addition of protected bike
lanes (Class IV), particularly along roadways in the central and
southern areas of the City support more comfortable travel that
connects to new or existing shared- use paths (Class I), other low
stress routes, and destinations across the city.
When compared to the existing LTS scores, more than 25 miles of
roadway are improved from high stress (LTS 3 or LTS 4) to low stress
(LTS 1 or LTS 2). In fact, nearly 30 miles of roadways in the proposed
network will score as LTS 1 as compared to fewer than 3 miles in the
existing conditions network, over 10% of the City’s roadways will be
updated to be LTS 1.
Attachment 2, Page 10 of 16
DraftAttachment 2, Page 11 of 16
DraftImplementation Strategies
The City of San Luis Obispo will continue to build a strong connected
active transportation network using a variety of implementation
strategies. The Plan will be built over a number of years focusing on
the Tier 1 projects that have the highest potential to increase walking
and biking. Throughout the implementation process staff will continue
to work with critical partners and the community to gather input. The
implementation of the Plan, will be incremental, but is guided by
established policy to continue to prioritize funding toward meeting the
City’s goals for increasing bicycling and walking.
Below are a number of implementation strategies that the City of SLO
will use to build the active transportation network:
Building the Network by Tiers
As described above, the City is committed to building projects that
have the highest potential to increase walking and biking. The majority
of these projects are on large corridors that provide direct connections
to important destinations. These projects also focus on improving the
comfort level on higher-stress roads. A number of these projects in
Tier 1 will require additional study due to their complexity and the
need for focused outreach. While the Tier structure provides a path
forward and a long-term guide, SLO will remain flexible and
innovative to ensure that the City implements the plan quickly and
takes advantage of opportunities when they arise.
Quick-Build, Opportunistic and Pilot Projects
As implementation of the active transportation network begins, the
City will be smart, innovative, and opportunistic to efficiently deliver
projects.
The City shall review the project list to determine which ones can be
accelerated to be done quickly and efficiently. These “quick-build”
projects are typically inexpensive “low-hanging fruit” projects that
achieve a more connected network. Such projects could include:
o Bike routes and neighborhood greenways
o Bike lanes that require striping only to complete
o Short sidewalk gaps that provide better connectivity
o Crossing improvements to join pathway/trail segments
When evaluating effectiveness, Quick Build Projects should remain
installed for enough time to allow for behavioral adjustments to new
traffic control or facility features provided if no safety concerns or
other unforeseen concerns arise. Results will be provided at the
conclusion of the evaluation period with findings and future
recommendations, depending on the project.
The city shall update the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program to
provide additional flexibility for community-driven traffic calming projects
and for more rapid deployment of temporary quick-build treatments to
address potential neighborhood traffic safety concerns related to high
vehicle speeds and/or unsafe driving patterns. The city shall consider
developing a toolbox of pre-approved, low cost, temporary residential
traffic calming designs/elements that can be installed rapidly, such as traffic
circles, painted intersections, mid-road flex posts, chicanes, medians and
roadway planters that can be installed by the city or by local residents,
businesses or community groups with the City’s oversight and approval. The
intent is to increase the comfort level for walking, running, biking, playing,
and socializing especially for our youngest and most vulnerable residents.
Pre-approved design and potential for community-led implementation will
reduce the time and cost it takes the City to typically implement these
features. The City may decide to make these permanent or upgrade them
during road repaving efforts.
While not always the easiest or cheapest, opportunistic project
implementation relies on coordination and planning. The opportunistic
implementation focuses on leveraging on-going or planned projects to
build active transportation projects such as:
• Bike lanes or shoulder bikeways in conjunction with roadway
resurfacing projects as they occur.
• Improvement of crosswalks to improve visibility while
resurfacing.
• Coordinating and combining projects to leverage economies of
scale for sidewalk and curb ramp improvement projects.
An additional opportunity is to ensure that the city works with
developers to pay for or implement active transportation project that
Attachment 2, Page 12 of 16
Draftare necessary for their new developments. The city has been successful
with this strategy and have established policies to assist in this effort.
The City requires that development contribute its share toward the
costs of active transportation facilities and programs. This creates a
“win-win” scenario for the community and the developer as it provides
a necessary treatment to improve the community while providing
transportation options for the residents, workers and visitors of the
development and potentially reduces vehicle miles traveled and
greenhouse gases.
“Pilot” or “Demonstration” Projects are a way to test the impacts of
changes to the transportation network by temporarily constructing
improvements using removable materials, that can be adjusted or
removed entirely as experience is gained. These projects enable the
City to study the real-world efficacy of such changes, often at a
relatively modest cost. Utilizing before and after data collection,
project prioritization can be monitored to understand benefits and
tradeoffs, with the goal of adjusting the final design before committing
to a more expensive permanent capital project.
Short-term demonstration projects, sometimes called tactical urbanism
or temporary installations, are installed for short periods of time in
order to quickly evaluate a project and to gather feedback from the
public. These projects usually use cones, temporary marking tape,
moveable planters, and other non-permanent materials that can be
easily be installed, modified, and removed, as needed.
Longer-term pilot projects may be intended to eventually become
permanent. This allows for extensive data collection and public input,
especially for potentially contentious projects. Materials could range
from temporary to more durable materials like paint and bolted in
features.
Opportunities for Curb Ramps, Street Lighting, and Other
Pedestrian Amenities
In addition to the pedestrian projects included as part of Tiers 1-3, the
City will also actively pursue opportunities to construction pedestrian-
specific improvements such as curb ramps and street lighting in the
downtown, and in areas within 500 feet of schools (including Cal Poly
University), parks, and senior living facilities.
Placeholder for map
Attachment 2, Page 13 of 16
DraftFunding Strategies
The City of SLO provides significant funding to bicycle and pedestrian
projects. In accordance with the General Plan mode share budget
goals, the City plans to spend a minimum of 20% of all transportation
funds on bicycle projects an projects, 12% on transit, and 18% on
walking, car pools, and other forms of transportation than non-single
occupancy motor vehicle use. The City shall secure and earmark
sufficient funds to implement Tier 1 projects by 2035 as called for in
this Plan’s Objectives. While these funding commitments are
significant, the cost of these projects far exceed the City’s general
funds. There are a variety of funding sources that exist to supplement
local funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects,
programs, and studies.
Below are a number of common local grants:
• SLOCOG Safe Routes to School Capital Grant Program
This small grant program is administered by SLOCOG which
allows cities within its jurisdiction to apply for funds to
implement Safe Routes to School infrastructure to support
walking and biking.
• Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA
SB-1)
Funds made available by this program can be used to satisfy
match requirements of a state or federal program, or for
projects that include, road maintenance and rehabilitation,
safety projects, railroad grade separations, traffic control
devices, and complete streets components.
• The Transportation Development Act (TDA)
The TDA provides two major sources of funding for public
transportation: The Local Transportation Fund (LTF)and State
Transit Assistance (STA). LTF is distributed to the region by
the State and allocated by SLOCOG to each of the seven cities.
• Measure G
This local revenue source provides the City with $7.5 million
annually to offer essential municipal services and fund
infrastructure projects including neighborhood street paving
and bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
State and federal competitive grants provide another opportunity to
support the study, design and construction of large bikeway projects
and programs.
• California’s Active Transportation Program (ATP)
Funds infrastructure and programmatic projects that support
the program goals of shifting trips to walking and biking,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving public
health.
• Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant
This grant is available to communities for planning, study, and
design work to identify and evaluate projects, including
conducting outreach or implementing pilot projects.
• Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
Funds projects on any publicly owned road or active
transportation facility, including bicycle and pedestrian
improvements.
• Urban Greening Program The program funds the
development of green infrastructure projects that reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Developer fees will also contribute to the construction of bicycle and
pedestrian projects. The City shall require that development contribute
its share toward the cost of active transportation facilities and
programs.
Following adoption of the Active Transportation Plan, the City shall
update the Citywide Traffic Impact Fee Program to include the
Attachment 2, Page 14 of 16
Drafthighest-priority bicycle and pedestrian projects included in the plan.
The City shall explore available funding options beyond local funds to
expedite implementation of the highest priority active transportation
projects, including state and federal grant programs, development
impact fees, public/private partnerships and debt financing for high-
cost projects that offer significant benefits to pedestrian and bicycle
safety and mobility.
Maintenance
The City of San Luis Obispo maintains its street infrastructure in an
effort to keep bicycle and pedestrian facilities comfortable and free of
hazards. This includes making sure traffic control devices, street lights,
signs, and pavement are in good working order. Facilities with cracked
pavement, vegetation, broken glass and other debris are a hazard and a
barrier to walking and biking.
The City has a number of systems in place to ensure proactive
maintenance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the City’s right of
way.
• Street, bicycle, and pedestrian maintenance issues can be
reported to the Public Works department for response.
• The pavement management program provides an opportunity
to upgrade both bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Repaving of
streets creates the opportunity to make sidewalk repairs, and to
install sidewalk ramps and new bicycle facilities.
• The addition of protected bike lanes to the bicycle network will
require the facilities to be free and clear of debris, but
traditional street sweepers are too large to fit. Planters will also
need to be watered and maintained. Strategies to address the
maintenance of protected bike lanes include:
o Partnering with neighborhoods, volunteers, and
community groups to coordinate planter and facility
maintenance.
o Using contractors to provide the work when it makes
fiscal sense.
o Exploring the use of a City-owned sweeper designed
for narrow facilities such as protected bike lanes.
This plan also proposes strategies to incorporate maintenance concerns
as part of the planning and design process, and to collaborate across
different departments at the City of San Luis Obispo:
• Incorporate maintenance needs into the design and planning of
bicycle and pedestrian facilities to ensure proper maintenance
after construction.
• Identify and regularly update annual maintenance costs for
bicycle and pedestrian facilities to ensure adequate funding
levels for routine maintenance costs.
• Include other operational issues such as parking, traffic
enforcement, and traffic operations during the design of bicycle
and pedestrian facilities to ensure the proper operation and
maintenance.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are critical in achieving the goals
of this Plan. The City’s Annual Traffic Safety Program identifies high
collision locations within the City and actively pursues corrective
measures to reduce collision rates and improve safety. The City
performs Traffic Data counts for all modes of transportation every 2
years at selected intersections and segments. Bicycle and pedestrian
counts show volume over a 24-hour period.
Several other programs to highlight and understand the progress of
implementing this plan include:
• Conducting citywide statistically valid surveys with active
transportation questions on a regular basis to track the
behaviors and issues of bicycling and walking.
• Conduct pre and post implementation evaluations of all Tier 1
infrastructure improvements to understand the change in use,
and the community impacts and benefits.
• Conduct bi-annual Traffic Data counts at high volume bicycle
and pedestrian corridors to understand usage patterns.
• Dovetailing with the Climate Action Plan monitoring, the City
will provide an update every other year to report on status of
Attachment 2, Page 15 of 16
Draftactive transportation project implementation and on overall
progress towards achieving the City’s adopted mode share
targets.
• As part of the City’s two-year financial planning process, the
Active Transportation Committee shall provide
recommendations for prioritization of funding for active
transportation projects.
Attachment 2, Page 16 of 16
Chapter 1: Introduction
A discussion of what an ATP is and its role in guiding decisions regarding active transportation investments
NO POLICIES IN THIS CHAPTER
Attachment 3, Page 1 of 35
Chapter 2: Vision and Goals
Vision: San Luis Obispo will be an active transportation friendly city
where bicycling and walking are healthy, safe, convenient, and
comfortable forms of transportation for people of all ages and
abilities.
Attachment 3, Page 2 of 35
Goal 1: Safety, Health & Sustainability
This Plan will empower residents to live a more active lifestyle by providing a network of safe and, efficient, and enjoyable facilities to support walking and bicycling as
functional and dignified forms of transportation. The Plan will support the City’s climate action goals by reducing dependence on fossil fuel powered forms of transportation.
What will the Plan do for SLO? How will SLO Implement the Plan?
•Will the Plan help reduce crashes and
fatalities, particularly involving vulnerable
road users?
•Does the Plan increase opportunities for
physical activity among residents, workers
and visitors?
•Does the Plan help reduce air pollution,
asthma rates, and greenhouse gas
emissions?
•Eliminate transportation related fatalities
and severe injuries for both bicyclists and
pedestrians by 2030.
•Increase level of outreach and education
programs.
•Increase percentage of K-12 students
receiving bicycling and pedestrian
education.
•Reduce air pollution, traffic congestion,
and greenhouse gas emissions
Objective Actions
A.Reduce frequency and severity
of bicycle and pedestrian crashes
through the implementation of
systematic safety improvements
and street designs that prioritize
safety for vulnerable road users
1. Continue implementation of the City’s Vision Zero policies and traffic safety programs to develop
a transportation system that will reduce fatal and severe crashes around San Luis Obispo.
2. Prioritize rapid implementation of bicycle and pedestrian improvements on San Luis Obispo’s
high-injury network to rapidly address known safety issues. Prioritize public safety and active
transportation mobility over motor vehicle throughput and street parking when considering
tradeoffs of transportation safety improvements.
3. Continue the implementation of the City’s new streetlight installation program, prioritizing new
lighting installations at locations where known bicycle and pedestrian safety concerns exist.
Attachment 3, Page 3 of 35
4. Apply bicycle and pedestrian design policies and guidance as presented in the Plan Design
Guidelines (Appendix X) and consider innovative guidance from organizations such as NACTO and
ITE publications, and the Dutch CROW Manual. Guide planners and engineers to design streets that
support safe bicycle and pedestrian transportation.
5. Fund safety education programs that encourage safe behaviors for all road users.
6. Design for traffic speeds of 20-25 mph on residential and local streets and for 15-20 mph along
neighborhood greenways and within school zones. Explore development of a city ordinance to authorize
posting speed limits as low as 15 mph in designated school zones consistent with California Vehicle Code
procedures. Apply strategies and innovative best practices to reduce speeds on arterial and collector
streets where collision patterns exist.
7. Within the legal framework of the California Vehicle Code, apply best practices for setting safe speed
limits on collector and arterial streets using guidelines such as Caltrans’ California Manual for Setting
Speed Limits, and NACTO’s City Limits: Setting Safe Speed Limits on Urban Streets.
8. Improve enforcement of City’s traffic control requirements around construction zones to minimize
impacts to pedestrian and bicycle accessibility and safety during construction activities.
9. Partner with community health groups to address safety concerns related to walking and biking.
B. Promote an active lifestyle that
includes biking and walking.
1. Support and incorporate bicycling and walking programs by community partners.
2. Promote programs that encourage residents to walk and bike together on city streets.
3. Develop tools such as a web-based map or app to promote the use of the bicycle and pedestrian network
and distribute them as part of a wayfinding strategy.
C. Reduce air pollution, asthma
rates, and greenhouse gas
emissions
1. Develop a bicycle and pedestrian network that provides the freedom for residents and visitors of San
Luis Obispo to active modes of transportation other than driving by providing low-stress, well-
connected facilities and integrating bicycling and walking with transit.
2. Consistent with the City's Climate Action Plan, implement programs, policies and physical
improvements to support targeted reductions in automobile vehicle miles traveled annually as
residents, workers, and visitors meet daily needs by walking, biking, and using transit.
3. Advocate for active transportation as a key strategy for addressing climate change, preserving
clean air, reducing traffic congestion and noise, promoting good health, and conserving land and
energy resources.
Attachment 3, Page 4 of 35
Goal 2: Access & Mode Shift
This Plan will serve as a catalyst for significantly increasing citywide bicycle and pedestrian transportation mode share through improved access to community
destinations such as employment centers and schools, grocery and shopping centers, senior facilities, recreation centers, and transit stops. Pedestrian and bicycle
facilities will be designed to provide an accessible, low-stress experience for users of all ages and ability levels.
What does the Plan Address? How do we Measure Progress?
•Does the Plan prioritize projects and programs
that offer the greatest potential to increase
walking and biking?
•Does the Plan support infrastructure that
accommodates users of all ages and ability
levels?
•Does the Plan help support and complement
access to transit services and other potential
forms of transportation?
•Does the Plan provide flexibility for rapid
development of priority projects and
programs?
•Increase the density of low-stress bike facilities
so that 90% or more of San Luis Obispo residents
live within 1/4 mile of a low stress bikeway.
•Regularly measure progress towards increasing
percent of highest-priority (Tier 1) bikeway and
pedestrian projects completed each year.
•Increase the share of commute trips made by
active transportation users to 20% by bicycle and
18% by walking /carpool, and other forms of
transportation
•Consistent with the City’s Climate Action Plan,
achieve the General Plan mode share target of
50% city wide trips by single occupant motor
vehicles by 2030
•Continue to allocate transportation capital
project expenditures by transportation mode
consistent with City’s adopted mode split
percentages
•commuters to match percentage of all
commuters
•Double the mode share for all bicycle and
pedestrian trips for K-12 schools
Attachment 3, Page 5 of 35
Objective Actions
A. Increase access to jobs, grocery
and shopping centers, senior
centers, parks, schools,
recreation centers, transit, and
other neighborhood destinations
1. Build low-stress bicycle and pedestrian facilities that provide access to local destinations in every
neighborhood in San Luis Obispo.
2. Complete the highest-priority (Tier 1) bicycle and pedestrian projects recommended in this Plan
by 2035. Complete lower-priority (Tier 2 and 3) projects as opportunities arise based on funding,
potential to combine with other capital projects, and as part of private-public partnerships.
3. Prioritize mobility, connectivity, and comfort for active transportation users over motor vehicle
throughput and street parking when considering tradeoffs of transportation improvement
projects, particularly on collector and arterial streets.
4. Develop and implement a quick-build program, allowing for rapid implementation of priority
active transportation projects using lower-cost, interim materials to provide immediate benefits
for safety and mobility while exploring funding for higher-cost permanent improvements.
5. Continue to evaluate all streets during pavement resurfacing to determine if pedestrian or bicycle
facilities can be provided and/or improved. Prioritize streets with planned Tier 1 and Tier 2
bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects when establishing each pavement management
program schedule.
6. Install additional controlled bicycle and pedestrian crossings across major arterial and collector
streets to connect neighborhoods to major destinations. Guided by the bicycle facility selection
tools provided in the Plan Design Guidelines (Appendix X), and the proposed future network
illustrated in Chapter 5, develop low speed/volume neighborhood greenways, physically
separated bikeways on higher-speed thoroughfares, and intersection crossings that prioritize
pedestrian and bicycle safety.
7. Develop a focused Safe Routes to School Improvement Plan for all K-12 schools in San Luis Obispo
to reduce safety and mobility barriers to walking and biking to school.
8. Increase the supply of bicycle parking at neighborhood destinations like schools, medical centers,
grocery stores, and government offices.
9. Implement a bikeshare program in partnership with Cal Poly to maximize convenient access to
bicycling as a form of transportation. If supported by the City Council, explore additional
micromobility transportation options to increase sustainable transportation choices in San Luis
Obispo. Explore allowing expanded use for personally-owned skateboards, scooters, and other
personal mobility devices in the Municipal Code.
Attachment 3, Page 6 of 35
B. Coordination and maintenance
1. Coordinate the implementation of active transportation facilities with the City’s paving program
to deliver bicycle and pedestrian enhancements in a cost-effective manner while maintaining
pavement and sidewalk systems in a good state of repair.
2. Continue and improve a maintenance program for pedestrian and bicycle facilities to provide
continued safe and comfortable use of the network. Procure a low-profile street/sidewalk
sweeper to maintain pedestrian pathways and physically-separated bikeways.
3. Look at other resources to expand maintenance funding opportunities, including community
partnerships and volunteer programs to assist with bikeway/sidewalk sweeping and other minor
maintenance activities.
C. Support access to public transit
service and integration between
active transportation modes
1. Design bikeways and pedestrian facilities that safely and efficiently facilitate first and last mile
connections to transit.
2. Locate future micromobility stations at popular transit stops and explore mobility as a service
system to incentivize use of transit and micromobility as seamless transportation services.
3. Work with SLO Transit and the Regional Transit Authority to improve bicycle and pedestrian
access to transit stations and the comfort of transit stops.
4. Work with SLO Transit and the Regional Transit Authority to improve transit stations by providing
more seating, shade and lighting to increase comfort for users.
5. Install secure, long-term bicycle parking at, transit centers, and other major stations.
D. Serve people with mobility
challenges 1. Ensure that bikeway designs do not create additional barriers for people with mobility challenges,
including cyclists using bicycles with trailers, recumbent bicycles or other devices adapted for those
with diverse mobility needs.
2. Expand bikeshare opportunities for people with physical mobility challenges.
3. Install or upgrade curb ramps, sidewalks, and traffic control devices to improve access for
pedestrians with mobility challenges and visual impairments per current ADA standards.
4. Provide ample crossing time at signalized crossings at or near major destinations that are heavily
used by pedestrians. Provide additional clearance time at crossings frequented by seniors and users
with mobility challenges. At crossings of high volume/speed collector and arterial streets, provide
pedestrian refuge treatments where feasible.
Attachment 3, Page 7 of 35
B. Create an active transportation
environment that is interesting,
enjoyable, and inviting.
1. Work with local businesses to provide additional opportunities for sidewalk dining, parklets and
other forms outdoor seating to encourage a vibrant, human-scaled pedestrian environment.
2. Support streetscape enhancements, public art and other placemaking strategies that promote a
more interesting, enjoyable walking experience.
3. Support open streets and pilot active transportation projects, such as creation of temporary
pedestrianized, car-free streets within the downtown to expand public space for visitors and
community members.
4. Support land use and community design policies that allow more residents to live closer to places
of employment, schools, and neighborhood retail services--such as grocery stores, drug stores
and restaurants--improve the convenience of active transportation modes for daily trips.
Promote development strategies that create a “15-minute City”, where most residents can access
their day-to-day destinations within a 15-minute walk, bike or transit trip.
5. Incorporate landscaping, stormwater treatments and other “green street” infrastructure as part of active
transportation projects where feasible. Expand the City’s urban forest, encouraging installation of new
street trees to provide shade, physical separation from auto traffic, and a more inviting pedestrian realm.
6. Cooperate with the County, State, San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, Cuesta College and Cal Poly in
the planning and design of regional bicycle and pedestrian facilities, such as the Bob Jones City to Sea Bike
Trail, to expand regional transportation and recreation opportunities.
Attachment 3, Page 8 of 35
Goal 3: Collaboration and Equity
This Plan will foster more equitable and inclusive access to the public planning process. The Plan will lead to investment in active transportation infrastructure, policies
and programs that benefit all members of the community, particularly low-income and otherwise disadvantaged communities who will benefit most from increased
access to lower-cost transportation options and opportunities for physical activity, safer streets, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Understanding the Community What is Progress?
•Were community members consulted from the
beginning and throughout the planning
process?
•Do community members of all economic
backgrounds feel like they have equal opportunity
to participate in the City’s plans?
•Does the Plan address primary mobility barriers to
vulnerable populations?
•Does the City incorporate community
feedback in their projects?
•Does the City follow through?
•Does the Plan help reduce the burden of
household transportation costs (e.g. by
reducing the need for vehicle ownership)?
•The City utilizes innovative strategies to engage
all community members in the project planning
process, including working with Community
Organizations to broaden participation.
•Follow through with project and program
implementation.
•Conduct and publish results of citywide Active
Transportation survey and all project specific
studies.
•Implement projects that improve public health
and access to reduce transportation cost-
burdens.
Objective Actions
A.Increase equitable and
inclusive access to the public
planning process for all
community members
1. Target outreach efforts to reach community members who may not be able to participate in
traditional, evening townhall meetings. Strategies may include increased electronic/online
outreach, pop-up workshops at popular community destinations, and less-formal, children-
friendly community workshops where participants may feel more comfortable engaging with
staff and other community members.
Attachment 3, Page 9 of 35
2. Ensure project-level planning efforts for Active Transportation Projects follow inclusive public
engagement practices.
3. Work with community-based organizations to host outreach events and interact with more
people as part of future planning processes. Leverage existing relationships and cultivate new
relationships with community-based organizations to distribute information and encourage
public participation with planning efforts.
B. Continue to build community
trust with transparent and
inclusive planning and
decision-making
1. Implement short-term, high visibility projects in collaboration with community-based
organizations that can be applied throughout the city.
2. Incorporate opportunities to enhance neighborhood vitality and livability as part of active
transportation projects, such as incorporating public art, traffic calming, landscaping and other
elements. Encourage neighborhood residents to participate in selecting design elements that
best fit the unique character of their neighborhoods.
3. Leverage electronic media resources, including the City's website and social media forums to
provide easily-accessible project information, outreach materials, community surveys, and public
meeting schedules for active transportation projects.
C. Improve access to active
transportation for
disadvantaged communities
and implement strategies to
reduce the burden of
household transportation costs
1. Implement bicycle and pedestrian projects that address disparities in access to sustainable and low-cost
transportation options in neighborhoods with higher concentrations of economically-disadvantaged or
historically unrepresented populations.
2. Evaluate the feasibility of low- or no-cost bikeshare memberships to economically-disadvantaged
individuals.
3. Promote bicycling and walking as cost-effective ways to reduce transportation costs. Include educational
information on the comprehensive costs to the community and individual of using different
transportation modes.
4. Continue working with partners on programs that promote low-cost bicycle maintenance. Explore
opportunities to provide grants, discounts, or credits for low-income individuals towards the purchase of
bicycles from local businesses, with particular focus on increasing access to cargo bicycles, which provide
increased flexibility for transporting children, groceries and other goods.
5. Continue to refine the City’s Zoning Code to ensure that free, safe, and secure bicycle parking is provided
with new development projects to meet growing demand.
6. Explore opportunities to provide free and secure long-term bicycle parking at transit stops to allow for
more convenient multi-modal connections to transit.
Attachment 3, Page 10 of 35
Chapter 3: Bicycling and Walking in San Luis Obispo1 2
3
This chapter describes the current state of bicycling and walking in SLO. It describes our recent successes and challenges in increasing mode 4
share, provides collision data, and data on disadvantaged communities. Also introduces Level of Traffic Stress methodology. 5
6
NO POLICIES IN THIS CHAPTER 7
8
Attachment 3, Page 11 of 35
Chapter 4: Community Engagement9 10
11
This chapter documents the public outreach campaign conducted in the fall of 2019 and provides feedback on what SLO residents think the 12
barriers are to walking and bicycling and what they recommend the City should focus efforts on in the ATP. Includes survey data including the 13
results of the web mapping exercise, sample comments, and people profiles to tell the story of how walking and bicycling are important to us 14
here in SLO. 15
16
NO POLICIES IN THIS CHAPTER 17
18
Attachment 3, Page 12 of 35
Chapter 5: Recommended Bicycle & Pedestrian Projects19 20
21
Shows multiple maps detailing the complete proposed bicycle and pedestrian network. Provides information on the bicycle and pedestrian 22
facilities toolbox and detailed information about each kind of facility type 23
24
NO SPECIFIC POLICIES IN THIS CHAPTER 25
26
Attachment 3, Page 13 of 35
Chapter 6: Bicycle & Pedestrian Programs27 28
29
• Maintain funding for a full-time active transportation manager as well as sufficient support staff to manage capital projects, seek grant 30
funding, review development projects, ensure consistency with active transportation policies, and coordinate City-sponsored active 31
transportation promotion and education activities 32
• Continue to sponsor and provide funding for active transportation promotion and education as well as safe behaviors for all modes that 33
make bicycling and walking challenging 34
• The City shall work with the San Luis Coastal Unified School District to create and support Safe Routes to School Plans and programs for 35
all schools in San Luis Obispo 36
• Work with partners on programs that reduce transportation costs and provide active transportation education and opportunities to 37
underserved populations 38
• Develop tools such as a web-based map or app to promote the use of the bicycle and pedestrian network and distribute them as part of 39
a wayfinding strategy. Coordinate with online map and navigation companies where feasible to ensure that bicycle and pedestrian 40
navigation services accurately route users to low-stress bicycle and pedestrian routes within the city. 41
• Enforce traffic laws regarding active transportation rights and responsibilities while also emphasizing that facility design efforts may be 42
more effective in making bicycling and walking more safe and attractive. 43
• The City should continue providing incentives for employees to commute to work by walking and bicycling and encourage local 44
businesses to do the same. 45
46
Existing Programs 47
• Bicycle Rodeo
• Bike Light Pop-Up
• Pedestrian Halloween Safety Campaign
• Racks with Plaques
• Bike Education Workshops
• Kidical Mass
• Bike Kitchen
• RideWell Program
• Fall Prevention for Seniors
• Back N Forth Club
Attachment 3, Page 14 of 35
• Rideshare Week
• Bike Month
• Bike and Walk to School Days
• Ticket Diversion Program
1
Recommended Programs: 2
• Safe Routes to School 3
• Safe Routes for Seniors 4
• Pop-Up Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Campaigns 5
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Media Campaigns 6
• Open Streets Events 7
• Demonstration Projects 8
• Bikeshare Programs 9
10
11
Attachment 3, Page 15 of 35
Chapter 7: Implementation12 13
14
15
16
Implementing the Active Transportation Plan 17
• The following criteria were used to prioritize the proposed bicycle and pedestrian projects: 18
o Ridership/Usage, Safety/Collisions 19
o Disadvantaged Communities 20
o Outreach Results 21
o Alignment with Existing Pavement Projects 22
o Destination Proximity (schools, Parks and Rec facilities, Cal Poly, downtown, retail and employment centers, senior 23
facilities) 24
• The projects have been categorized into the following categories: 25
o Tier 1: Projects with the highest potential to increasing the number of people bicycling and walking. The City will 26
actively pursue funding for these projects. 27
o Tier 2: Projects with a lower potential than Tier 1 in increasing bicycling and walking yet still play an important role. 28
These projects will be pursued as funding opportunities arise. 29
o Tier 3: Projects that help complete the bicycling and walking network will be funded mostly by development projects. 30
31
Community Collaboration 32
• The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to provide community engagement as bicycle and pedestrian projects move from 33
ideas into designs and eventually built infrastructure. The City engagement process will use a number of tools to ensure 34
outreach is inclusive. Depending on the project, tools include identifying the groups and individuals having a stake in the 35
project, using a variety of outreach methods including pop-up workshops, online engagement tools, community-based 36
meetings to reach community members that do not usually engage in traditional town hall type meetings. Engagement will also 37
Attachment 3, Page 16 of 35
work to identify disadvantaged communities informed by the SLOCOG Disadvantaged Communities Assessment as well as 38
other tools to ensure an inclusive outreach process depending on the project. 39
40
Equity Principles 41
•Procedural Equity-Implementation strategies for the Plan will be informed by a cognizance of diverse stakeholders from42
community organizations, individuals, and academia to ensure equity considerations are fully integrated into how the ATP is43
implemented.44
•Distributional equity – Upon assessing all feasible options for a project, the City will identify solutions that distribute financial45
benefits and burdens equitably across stakeholders while prioritizing those that are low-cost, high-benefit.46
•Structural equity – The City will maintain transparency through regular reporting to the public and the Active Transportation47
Committee on program progress throughout implementation, including feedback from those participating in the program.48
•Transgenerational equity – The City will focus on utilizing strategies that effectively increase bicycling and walking that have49
benefit across generations.50
51
Implementation Strategies 52
53
•Building the Network by Tiers: City is committed to building projects that have the highest potential to increase walking and54
biking. The majority of these projects are on large corridors that provide direct connections to important destinations. These55
projects also focus on improving the comfort level on higher-stress roads.56
➢A number of these projects in Tier 1 will require additional study due to their complexity and the need for focused57
outreach.58
➢While the Tier structure provides a path forward and a long-term guide, SLO will remain flexible and innovative to ensure59
that the City implements the plan quickly and takes advantage of opportunities when they arise.60
61
•Quick-Build, Opportunistic, and Pilot Projects: As implementation of the active transportation network begins, the City will62
be strategic, innovative, and opportunistic to efficiently deliver projects. The City shall review the project list to determine63
which ones can be accelerated to be implemented rapidly. These “quick-build” projects are typically inexpensive “low-hanging64
fruit” projects that achieve a more connected network. Such projects could include:65
Attachment 3, Page 17 of 35
66
o Bike routes and neighborhood greenways that do not require costly traffic calming or crossing improvements 67
o Bike lanes that require striping only to complete68
o Protected bike lanes that can be implemented with low-cost physical separation, such as plastic flex posts, rubber69
armadillos, or by relocating curbside on-street parking to the left of the bikeway.70
o Short sidewalk gaps completed with lower-cost temporary materials, such as asphalt, to provide better connectivity.71
o Lower cost crossing improvements to join pathway/trail segments72
o Temporary bulbouts with paint and flex-posts73
➢When evaluating effectiveness, quick-build projects should remain installed for enough time to allow for behavioral74
adjustments to new traffic control or facility features provided if no safety concerns or other unforeseen concerns arise.75
Results will be provided at the conclusion of the evaluation period with findings and future recommendations,76
depending on the project.77
➢The City shall update the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program to provide additional flexibility for community-78
driven traffic calming projects and for more rapid deployment of temporary quick-build treatments to address traffic79
safety concerns related to high vehicle speeds and/or unsafe driving patterns. The City shall consider developing a80
toolbox of pre-approved, low cost, temporary residential traffic calming designs/elements that can be installed rapidly,81
such as traffic circles, painted intersections, mid-road flex posts, chicanes, medians and roadway planters that can be82
installed by the City or by local residents, businesses or community groups with the City’s oversight and approval. The83
intent is to increase the comfort level for walking, running, biking, playing, and socializing especially for our youngest84
and most vulnerable residents. Pre-approved design and potential for community-led implementation will reduce the85
time and cost it takes the City to typically implement these features. The City may decide to make these permanent or86
upgrade them during road repaving efforts.87
➢While not always the easiest or cheapest, opportunistic project implementation relies on coordination and planning. The88
opportunistic implementation focuses on leveraging on-going or planned projects to build active transportation projects89
such as:90
✓Bike lanes or shoulder bikeways in conjunction with roadway resurfacing projects as they occur.91
✓Improvement of crosswalks to improve visibility while resurfacing.92
Attachment 3, Page 18 of 35
✓Coordinating and combining projects to leverage economies of scale for sidewalk and curb ramp improvement 93
projects.94
➢An additional opportunity is to ensure that the city works with developers to pay for or implement active transportation95
project that are necessary for their new developments. The city has been successful with this strategy and have96
established policies to assist in this effort.97
➢The City requires that development contribute its share toward the costs of active transportation facilities and programs.98
This creates a “win-win” scenario for the community and the developer as it provides a necessary treatment to improve99
the community while providing transportation options for the residents, workers and visitors of the development and100
potentially reduces vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gases.101
➢“Pilot” or “Demonstration” Projects are a way to test the impacts of changes to the transportation network by102
temporarily constructing improvements using removable materials, that can be adjusted or removed entirely as103
experience is gained. These projects enable the City to study the real-world efficacy of such changes, often at a104
relatively modest cost. Utilizing before and after data collection, project prioritization can be monitored to understand105
benefits and tradeoffs, with the goal of adjusting the final design before committing to a more expensive permanent106
capital project.107
➢Short-term demonstration projects, sometimes called tactical urbanism or temporary installations, are installed for short108
periods of time in order to quickly evaluate a project and to gather feedback from the public. These projects usually use109
cones, temporary marking tape, moveable planters, and other non-permanent materials that can be easily be installed,110
modified, and removed, as needed.111
➢Longer-term pilot projects may be intended to eventually become permanent. This allows for extensive data collection112
and public input, especially for potentially contentious projects. Materials could range from temporary to more durable113
materials like paint and bolted in features.114
115
•Opportunities for Curb Ramps, Street Lighting, and Other Pedestrian Amenities: In addition to the pedestrian projects116
included as part of Tiers 1-3, the City will also actively pursue opportunities to construction pedestrian-specific improvements117
such as curb ramps and street lighting in the downtown, and in areas within 500 feet of schools (including Cal Poly118
University), parks, and senior living facilities.119
120
Funding Strategies 121
Attachment 3, Page 19 of 35
•In accordance with the General Plan mode share budget goals, the City plans to spend a minimum of 20% of all transportation 122
funds on bicycle projects an projects, 12% on transit, and 18% on walking, car pools, and other forms of transportation than 123
non-single occupancy motor vehicle use. 124
•The City shall secure and earmark sufficient funds to implement Tier 1 projects by 2035 as called for in this Plan’s Objectives.125
•The City shall require that development contribute its share toward the cost of active transportation facilities and programs.126
•Following adoption of the Active Transportation Plan, the City shall update the Citywide Traffic Impact Fee Program to127
include the highest-priority bicycle and pedestrian projects included in the plan.128
•The City shall explore available funding options beyond local funds to expedite implementation of the highest priority active129
transportation projects, including state and federal grant programs, development impact fees, public/private partnerships and130
debt financing for high-cost projects that offer significant benefits to pedestrian and bicycle safety and mobility.131
132
Maintenance 133
134
•The City has a number of systems in place to ensure proactive maintenance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the City’s135
right of way.136
➢Street, bicycle, and pedestrian maintenance issues can be reported to the Public Works department for response.137
➢The pavement management program provides an opportunity to upgrade both bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Repaving of138
streets creates the opportunity to make sidewalk repairs, and to install sidewalk ramps and new bicycle facilities.139
➢The addition of protected bike lanes to the bicycle network will require the facilities to be free and clear of debris, but140
traditional street sweepers are too large to fit. Planters will also need to be watered and maintained. Strategies to address141
the maintenance of protected bike lanes include:142
143
o Partnering with neighborhoods, volunteers, and community groups to coordinate planter and facility maintenance.144
o Using contractors to provide the work when it makes fiscal sense.145
o Exploring the use of a City-owned sweeper designed for narrow facilities such as protected bike lanes.146
147
•This plan also proposes strategies to incorporate maintenance concerns as part of the planning and design process, and to148
collaborate across different departments at the City of San Luis Obispo:149
Attachment 3, Page 20 of 35
➢ Incorporate maintenance needs into the design and planning of bicycle and pedestrian facilities to ensure proper 150
maintenance after construction. 151
➢ Identify and regularly update annual maintenance costs for bicycle and pedestrian facilities to ensure adequate funding 152
levels for routine maintenance costs. 153
➢ Include other operational issues such as parking, traffic enforcement, and traffic operations during the design of bicycle 154
and pedestrian facilities to ensure the proper operation and maintenance. 155
➢ 156
Monitoring Plan 157
158
• Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are critical in achieving the goals of this Plan. The City’s Annual Traffic Safety Program 159
identifies high collision locations within the City and actively pursues corrective measures to reduce collision rates and 160
improve safety. The City performs Traffic Data counts for all modes of transportation every 2 years at selected intersections 161
and segments. Bicycle and pedestrian counts show volume over a 24-hour period. 162
• Several other programs to highlight and understand the progress of implementing this plan include: 163
➢ Conducting citywide statistically valid surveys with active transportation questions on a regular basis to track the behaviors 164
and issues of bicycling and walking. 165
➢ Conduct pre and post implementation evaluations of all Tier 1 infrastructure improvements to understand the change in 166
use, and the community impacts and benefits. 167
➢ Conduct bi-annual Traffic Data counts at high volume bicycle and pedestrian corridors to understand usage patterns. 168
169
• Dovetailing with the Climate Action Plan monitoring, the City will provide an update every other year to report on status of 170
active transportation project implementation and on overall progress towards achieving the City’s adopted mode share targets. 171
• As part of the City’s two-year financial planning process, the Active Transportation Committee shall provide recommendations 172
for prioritization of funding for active transportation projects 173
. 174
Attachment 3, Page 21 of 35
Design Appendix: Design Policies175 176
177
The Overall Network 178
•All bikeways and pedestrian facilities shall meet or exceed minimum standards set forth in the current version of the California Highway179
Design Manual and the City’s Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards.180
•Traffic Calming: On streets where vehicle volume, speed, or collisions are impacting bicycle and pedestrian travel, the City shall consider181
possible remedies such as signage, striping, other traffic calming devices, or roadway right sizing.182
•In accordance with the Circulation Element of the General Plan, the City shall design and operate city streets to enable safe,183
comfortable, and convenient access and travel for all users of all abilities including pedestrians and bicyclists.184
•All developments/subdivisions shall be designed with bicycle and pedestrian use as an equal and viable option for transportation to,185
from, and within a development.186
•Developments shall adhere to all policies in this Plan, include all bicycle and pedestrian improvements described within this Plan that are187
within or adjacent to their property as required per applicable entitlement approvals, and include approved bicycle parking as188
referenced in the Plan’s bicycle parking policies.189
•After receiving input from the Active Transportation Committee, the Public Works Director may approve adjustments in the location190
and/or designation of bicycle or pedestrian improvements to reduce environmental impacts, better serve the needs of bicycling or191
walking, or provide a bikeway bike or pedestrian connection through a new development consistent with the intent of the Plan.192
•Signs and pavement markings shall be installed along City bikeways, consistent with Caltrans and City standards and those contained in193
adopted Specific Plans.194
•Where cul-de-sacs are used in subdivisions, pedestrian/bikeway connections shall be provided to through streets. Where perimeter195
walls are employed, breaks shall be provided and maintained at safe locations to enable pedestrian and bicycle circulation to adjoining196
areas or public streets.197
•All bicycle and pedestrian facilities shall be designed for users of all ages and abilities.198
•Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) should be utilized for analysis of roadway traffic impacts in lieu of Bicycle Level of Service (LOS).199
•Unpaved trails and paved walkways identified in this Plan provide bikeway and walkway connections and therefore shall be retained and200
Attachment 3, Page 22 of 35
remain open for use by the general public 201
202
Operations and Maintenance 203
• Annexation, planning and development activities, street reconstruction or reconfiguration projects, and street maintenance shall 204
provide for bikeways and bicyclists as prescribed by this Plan. 205
206
• New active transportation facilities shall be considered a priority for installation in advance of, or during the first phases of 207
development. 208
209
210
• Shared Use Paths and Protected Bike Lanes should be kept clear of debris and litter which service may in part be performed by volunteer 211
organizations. 212
• Bikeways and sidewalks along arterial routes shall be swept on a routine basis to remove road debris and litter 213
• The pavement surface of bikeways shall be smooth and free of potholes, and shall be maintained consistent with the table below. 214
Include table on bikeway surface tolerances Update Graphic showing grooves no more than 1/2 in, and steps no more than 1/2 inch 215
horizontal to travel 216
• Construction Work Zone Safety 217
o Traffic control plans prepared for work within the street right of-way shall address bicycling and walking during construction. 218
Signage should warn bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists in advance of any location where the bicycle lane or sidewalk is 219
closed. 220
o Where space is available, a coned-off four (4) foot wide area for bicycle travel shall be provided between the construction zone 221
and the vehicle travel lane. If space is not available, measures must be taken to reduce roadway speeds such that it is safe for 222
bicycles to share the road with motor vehicles. 223
o If a sidewalk must be closed, signage must be provided in advance of the closure so that an alternative route can be taken. If 224
space is available, a separated area for pedestrian travel shall be provided. 225
o All efforts shall be taken to avoid placing traffic control signage in the bike lane or sidewalk including placing signage on utility 226
poles. 227
Attachment 3, Page 23 of 35
• Bikeways and pedestrian facilities shall be inspected regularly, especially before pavement upgrades, to identify opportunities for 228
maintenance and upgrades, including upgrading old style drain grates and pedestrian ramps. 229
• New or modified traffic signals along designated bikeways shall include detection for bicycles. Video detection is the preferred system. If 230
in-pavement loop detection is used, pavement legends shall be applied to the road surface and maintained to identify the optimum 231
location for bicyclists to position their bikes to trigger a signal change. Push button actuation may be used, when appropriate, to avoid 232
accidental detection by motor vehicles. 233
234
Designing Intersections for Bicycles and Pedestrians 235
• Roundabouts 236
o Roundabouts shall be the preferred intersection control device 237
o On multilane roundabouts, additional crossing enhancements should be considered such as Rapid Reflective Flashing Beacons 238
(RRFB). 239
o Where roundabouts are installed, A) curb ramps should be designed using best practices for bike and pedestrian safety and 240
convenience and B) separated facilities for bicycle and pedestrian travel should be provided in the roundabout design 241
• Protected Intersections 242
o For signalized intersections, protected intersections shall be the preferred bikeway facility. 243
o Where protected intersections are infeasible, other bikeway intersection tools must be considered including bike boxes and 244
colored pavement 245
• Bicycle Channelization at Right Turn Lanes 246
o At intersections with high speed streets, bike channelization should be avoided in favor of alternative strategies including 247
protected intersections or dedicated bike signal phases to facilitate more comfortable intersection crossing. The City shall 248
encourage Caltrans and the County to do the same. 249
• Freeway Crossings and Interchanges 250
o The City shall work with Caltrans to encourage freeway overcrossing and undercrossing or interchange projects to incorporate 251
the needs of bicycling and walking as part of the project design. 252
Attachment 3, Page 24 of 35
• Angled Parking 253
o The City shall avoid combining front-end angled parking with bike lanes given concerns for visibility. 254
• Bicycle Push Buttons 255
o When used, push button for bicycles should be accessible so that bicyclists do not have to dismount too actuate 256
257
Pedestrian Facilities 258
• Marked Crosswalks 259
o The crosswalk should be located to align as closely as possible with the through pedestrian zone of the sidewalk corridor 260
o Users should not have to leave the crosswalk or reorient themselves from the crosswalk when accessing the curb ramp onto the 261
sidewalk 262
o High-visibility ladder, zebra, and continental crosswalk markings are preferable to standard parallel or dashed pavement 263
markings. 264
o To reinforce yielding to pedestrians and reduce vehicle incursion into the crosswalk, consider using an advanced stop bar in 265
advance of the crosswalk and advance yield markings ahead of uncontrolled crosswalks. 266
• Sidewalk Zone Widths 267
o Sidewalk widths above minimums in the Zoning Regulations may be required based on pedestrian Level of Traffic Stress 268
thresholds 269
• Curb Ramps 270
o Curb ramps must be installed at all intersections and midblock locations where pedestrian crossings exist, as mandated by 271
federal legislation. All newly constructed and altered roadway projects must include curb ramps. In addition, existing facilities 272
must be upgraded to current standards when appropriate. 273
o Where feasible, separate directional curb ramps for each crosswalk at an intersection should be provided rather than having a 274
single ramp at a corner for both crosswalks 275
• Curb Extensions (Bulbouts) 276
Attachment 3, Page 25 of 35
o For purposes of efficient street sweeping, the minimum radius is 10 ft or per applicable city standards 277
278
Bicycle Facilities 279
280
Bicycle Routes & Neighborhood Greenways 281
o Class III bike routes shall only be provided on streets with prevailing speeds of 20-25 mph. Where existing speeds exceed these282
levels, traffic calming measures should be incorporated.283
o Neighborhood Greenways shall be constructed with traffic volume and speed management measures to provide for target284
speeds of 15-20 mph and traffic volumes preferably under 1,500 vehicles/day, but no greater than 3,000 vehicles/day. Traffic285
diversion should be considered where volumes exceed 1,500 vehicles/day.286
o Neighborhood Greenways should include branded pavement markings, signage, hi-visibility crosswalk markings, public artwork,287
green street elements, and other features to specifically convey priority for cyclists and pedestrians along these routes.288
o Advisory bike lanes may be considered as an alternative to Class III bike routes or neighborhood greenways on streets where289
there is insufficient width to install standard Class II or IV bikeways.290
291
Bicycle Ramps 292
o Bike ramps should have a minimum width of 6 feet with flared transitions instead of vertical curbs, where feasible. Bike ramp293
entry and exit angles shall be forgiving with angles of 30 degrees or less measured from the approach alignment. Entry angles294
shall be less than 15 degrees on downhill approaches where cyclists are likely to enter ramps at higher speeds.295
o Bike ramps should not include truncated domes that can be confused with pedestrian ramps. Other design elements, such as296
tactile guide strips, shall be used to provide ADA-compliant visual and tactile warning to distinguish bicycle ramps from297
pedestrian ramps.298
299
Bike Lanes & Protected Bike Lanes 300
o Protected bike lanes are the preferred bikeway facility and should be installed as part of the overall bikeway network.301
o The preferred location of bike lanes is at the edge of the road, adjacent to a curb. Bike lanes shall run parallel to the motor302
vehicle lane, not the curb. Where on-street motor vehicle parking is allowed, bike lanes shall be located along the outside of303
parking bays next to the travel way (protected bike lanes excluded).304
Attachment 3, Page 26 of 35
o When a street with bike lanes or protected bike lanes is repaved, smooth surfaced material shall be used. The pavement within a 305
bike lane shall be installed without seams or creases. 306
o Before a street with bike lanes is slurry sealed, pavement deficiencies such as severe cracking and potholes shall be repaired. 307
Existing surface elevation differences between the edge of asphalt and the concrete gutter shall be made flush. Streets with 308
bikeways shall only receive a Type I or Type II slurry seal. Chip seals are not to be used on streets with bikeways. 309
o Bike lanes shall be kept clear of all vegetation, including overhead (a minimum of 8 feet of vertical clearance) 310
o When installing new drainage inlets along bike lanes under curb inlets shall be used to eliminate grates from the bikeway. When 311
resurfacing roadways or performing other construction maintenance, inspection and assessment for replacement or repair of 312
drain grates shall be performed and corrective measures pursued. 313
o When constructing protected bike lanes, elevated or sidewalk level bikeways should be the preferred facility, where feasible. 314
o A quick-build strategy shall be considered when constructing bikeways, allowing for rapid implementation of priority active 315
transportation projects using lower-cost, interim materials to provide immediate benefits for safety and mobility while exploring 316
funding for permanent improvements 317
o Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) should be utilized for any analysis of roadway traffic impacts in lieu of Level of Service (LOS). 318
o Separated bike ways should be designed to avoid incompatibility with other micromobility devices 319
o Bikeway Width Design Standards 320
321
Update Graphic to include Class IV widths including 7 foot recommended with, 6 feet minimum on street, and 5 feet when elevated or on 322
sidewalk (width of protected bike lane does not include width of physically separated area from motor vehicle traffic or gutter pan)" 323
324
Shared Use Paths 325
• Intersections 326
o Intersections of shared use paths and roadways should align at 90 degrees, either at crossings where motorists can be expected 327
to stop, or a location completely out of the influence of any other intersection. Design of intersections not able to align at 90 328
degrees should consider assignment of right of way via traffic control devices 329
• Adjoining Creeks 330
Attachment 3, Page 27 of 35
o Shared Use Paths shall be located outside of creek setbacks except where otherwise allowed or as provided for in the City’s 331
Conservation & Open Space Element. 332
o Where setback encroachments cannot be avoided, their extent shall be minimized, and existing riparian vegetation shall be 333
reinforced with native plants to create landscaped buffers between the bikeway and the riparian canopy. 334
o Bikeway encroachments into the creek setback shall be subject to the exception process of the Creek Setback Regulations 335
contained in the Municipal Code 336
o The number of bicycle-pedestrian bridges over creeks shall be minimized. Bridges shall: 337
a. Be of a “clear span” design. 338
b. To the greatest extent possible, be located to avoid removal of native trees and streamside habitat or impacts to 339
important aquatic habitat areas . 340
c. Minimize grading of creek banks or changes to the channel alignment. 341
d. Include a smooth riding surface to minimize noise" 342
• On Agricultural Land 343
o Shared Use Paths that cross or border agricultural land shall: a. Use existing service roads where shared use is compatible with 344
agricultural and bicycling operations. b. Be fenced and signed to discourage trespassing onto adjoining areas. c. Avoid dividing 345
properties in a way that unduly complicates agricultural operations." 346
• Near Laguna Lake 347
o Shared Use Paths located near Laguna Lake, should: 348
a. Be located beyond and adequately buffered from wetland habitat. 349
b. Not alter the hydrological dynamics of the wetland. 350
c. Be closed when flood hazards exist. 351
d. Ensure construction is preceded by a census of bird life in adjoining areas. Bird populations should be periodically 352
monitored, and remedial action taken, as needed. 353
Attachment 3, Page 28 of 35
• On Flood Control Channels 354
o Where an existing creek channel is widened to establish a new top of bank, Class I bikeways shall be located outside of creek 355
setbacks except where otherwise allowed or as provided for in the City’s Conservation & Open Space Element. 356
o Where parallel flood control channels are constructed, shared use paths may be located within the riparian canopy established 357
by the new flood control channel, parallel to the channel side that is farthest from the parent creek. 358
o When existing creeks are widened or when new flood control channels are constructed, shared use paths should be installed at 359
the same time or, at a minimum, their rights-of-way shall be reserved and maintained as clear space to enable their eventual 360
installation. 361
o Along parallel flood control channels, shared use paths and service roads may share the same alignment. The structural design of 362
these facilities shall be sufficient to support maintenance vehicles" 363
• Near Railroad 364
o Reconstruction of “at-grade” railroad crossings by the Union Pacific Railroad or others should be at right angles and shall include 365
the installation of bicycle friendly panels on the approaches and between the tracks 366
o New bicycle and pedestrian bridges along the Railroad Safety Trail should generally be separate from existing railroad bridges. 367
o Shared Use Paths along the railroad should include appropriate setbacks and fencing to ensure safe and compatible operations 368
with active rail lines." 369
• Lighting 370
o Vandal resistant lighting shall be provided for all Class I bikeways and shall be consistent with City plans, located overhead 371
(including in under crossings), generally not more than 16 ft. (5 m) high, direct light downward, have bulbs well recessed to 372
avoid direct glare, and comply with City regulations. approaches and between the tracks 373
• Access Control for Shared Use Paths. 374
o Obstacle posts (bollards) and gates are fixed objects and placement within the bicycle path traveled way can cause them to be 375
an obstruction to bicyclists. Obstacles such as posts or gates may be considered only when other measures have failed to stop 376
unauthorized motor vehicle entry. Also, these obstacles may be considered only where safety and other issues posed by actual 377
unauthorized vehicle entry are more serious than the safety and access issues posed to bicyclists, pedestrians, and other 378
authorized path users by the obstacles. 379
Attachment 3, Page 29 of 35
o The 3-step approach to prevent unauthorized vehicle entry is: 380
a. Post signs identifying the entry as a bicycle path with regulatory signs prohibiting motor vehicle entry where roads and 381
bicycle paths cross and at other path entry points. 382
b. Design the path entry so it does not look like a vehicle access and makes intentional access by unauthorized users more 383
difficult. Dividing a path into two one-way paths prior to the intersection, separated by low plantings or other features 384
not conducive to motor vehicle use, can discourage motorists from entering and reduce driver error. 385
c. Assess whether signing and path entry design prevents or minimizes unauthorized entry to tolerable levels. 386
387
Pedestrianized Streets (“Woonerfs”) 388
• Pedestrianized streets, such as woonerfs, shall be designed to encourage vehicle speeds of 15 mph of less, giving special attention to the 389
safety of pedestrians. 390
• Pedestrianized streets should include pavers, stamped/colored concrete, street murals, or other unique surface treatments to convey 391
that these streets are unique human-scaled environments where road space is prioritized for walking and bicycling. 392
393
Bicycle Parking 394
• General Provisions 395
o As part of the goal to increase all trips in the City to 20% by bicycle, the City shall maintain bicycle parking requirements as part 396
of the Zoning Chapter of its Municipal Code 397
o "As stipulated by the Zoning Regulations, short and long-term 398
o bicycle parking shall be provided whenever a new structure is erected or enlarged or whenever a new use is established" 399
o The City shall explore areas in the downtown to add more bike corrals. 400
o The City shall look for opportunities to provide cargo and other large bicycle parking accommodations in the downtown. It shall 401
also develop standards to accommodate the needs of these types of bicycles. 402
o The City shall explore ways to accommodate the needs of electric bicycles and their charging equipment. 403
• Bicycle Parking Design & Engineering 404
Attachment 3, Page 30 of 35
o Development plans submitted for consideration by the City shall include dimensioned drawings that clearly describe and depict 405
the location, orientation, number, type, and storage capacity of long and short-term bicycle parking facilities. 406
o The City shall encourage existing development to upgrade their bicycle parking facilities to meet current City standards (e.g. type407
of rack, number of bicycles accommodated)408
o The City’s Community Design Guidelines shall contain illustrations of how bicycle parking should be installed and oriented as409
part of new development projects410
o "Bicycle racks and lockers shall be installed pursuant to City411
o requirements and the manufacturer’s specifications for placement and clearance from obstructions."412
o The City shall maintain and regularly update bicycle parking standards in its Engineering Standards.413
o In the Commercial Core, bicycle racks shall be colored forest green consistent with City Council Resolution # 9278 (2002 Series)414
o Where bike corrals are considered for installation. bicycle racks should be mounted off the street to the extent possible, to allow415
for street sweeping and to minimize conflicts with drainage. Preferred locations shall include:416
a.Low traffic speed and volume streets417
b.Just prior to mid-block pedestrian crosswalks418
c.Prior to driveway/street intersections outside of normal turning Radii and where turning volumes are low419
d.High visibility areas420
e.High pedestrian volume421
f.Known high bicycle parking demand areas422
o "Bicycle parking shall be provided where direct connections423
o between surface modes of transportation are made (e.g. train station, bus terminals, park-and-ride facilities, ride hailing pick up424
points), at public buildings, medical centers, public facilities serving disadvantaged communities, and at public parks, plazas or425
other recreation facilities."426
o "City transit vehicles shall continue to provide racks427
Attachment 3, Page 31 of 35
o for the transport of bicycles and increase capacity as demand increases and rack design improves. City transit vehicles shall also 428
continue efforts to accommodate electric bikes on bus racks as much as possible." 429
o Should grant funds become available, the City shall offer racks or lockers to businesses at high bicycle parking demand locations430
if they agree to install and maintain them.431
o "The City shall continue to require enhanced bicycle parking432
o services, such as Bike Valet, at community events such as Thursday night’s Farmer’s Market, or Concerts in the Plaza, when over433
300 attendees are expected."434
•Short-Term Bicycle Parking (Typically used for 4 hours or less)435
o Bicycle rack siting and design:436
a.Install at highly visible locations that are as close to the main entrance of the destination as possible, at least as437
convenient as the most convenient automobile parking space available to the general public.438
b.Be visible from the interior of the destination.439
c.Be located where clear and safe pedestrian circulation is ensured.440
d.Parked bicycles should neither be in jeopardy of damage by other area users, nor create unexpected hazards to those441
users.442
e.Be distributed to serve all tenants/visitors on sites that contain more than one structure or building entry.443
f.Avoid locations that require bicyclists to travel over stairs.444
g.Area shall be illuminated during nighttime hours of use.445
h.Whenever possible protect bicycle parking areas from weather.446
i.To the extent possible, accommodate cargo and other larger bicycles as well as electric bicycles and charging equipment447
o The City shall continue to promote and manage its Racks with Plaques bicycle rack donation program which provides short term448
public bicycle parking to serve public facilities and throughout the downtown area.449
o Inverted “U” racks, Peak Rack type racks, or other City approved design shall be used to meet the City’s short-term parking450
requirement. Wave, comb, and toast style racks are examples of racks not permitted by the above guidelines. "451
Attachment 3, Page 32 of 35
•Long-term Bicycle Parking (Typically used for more than 4 hours) 452
o Bicycle lockers, lockable rooms reserved for bicycle storage, and Bicycle Centrals (Stations) shall be used to satisfy the need for453
long-term bike parking.454
o Bicycle Centrals are defined as consolidated sheltered storage areas for employee or tenant bicycles, integrated into the design455
of job sites or developments, which may be combined with showers and bicycle repair and support facilities.456
o The City shall encourage the development of bicycle centrals at employment centers, mixed use developments, and locations457
where people gather.458
o Bicycle lockers shall:459
a.Be located at least as conveniently as the most convenient automobile parking space and installed at highly visible460
locations that are as close to the main employee entrance as possible.461
b.In the commercial core, be provided in parking structures, surface parking lots, or incorporated into new buildings and462
managed to enable safe and convenient access by downtown employees and residents.463
c.To the greatest extent possible, be integrated into a project’s overall architecture and site design themes.464
d.Be constructed of durable materials and be waterproof. Fiberboard or high-density foam walls or dividers shall be465
avoided as construction materials.466
e.Be installed on, and securely attached to a pad with a cross slope between one and two percent. Concrete is the467
preferred pad material.468
f.Employ secure locking mechanisms that make it easy for the intended users to access them.469
g.Encouraged to employ designs that prevent or discourage uses for anything other than bicycle storage470
h.To the extent possible, accommodate larger bicycles for cargo use or electric bicycles."471
o When interior locked rooms are used to provide long-term bicycle storage, these rooms shall:472
a.Have a minimum dimension of 11 feet (unless bicycles are stored vertically) to accommodate a 6-foot-long bike plus 5473
feet of aisle space outside of the doorway area.474
b.Include a means to organize bike storage with at least one wheel touching the ground.475
Attachment 3, Page 33 of 35
c.Be located near or at the employee street level entry and arranged in a way that enables convenient ingress and egress 476
for people with bicycles.477
d.Exclude other routine indoor activities and be reserved for bicycle storage.478
e.To the extent possible, accommodate cargo and other larger bicycles and electric bicycles and charging equipment"479
•Long-Term Bicycle Parking Support Facilities480
o The City shall support programs where commuting or touring bicyclists can shower, change, and possibly store their bicycles at481
athletic and fitness clubs and gymnasiums in the San Luis Obispo area.482
o The City shall maintain requirements for the provision of shower and locker facilities at workplaces and their upkeep for original483
intended use. Work sites that are not required to provide showers and clothing lockers should be strongly encouraged to do so.484
o The City may require a particular land use to provide more than the minimum number of showers or locker facilities, as485
established by the City Zoning Regulations, when it determines that the land use will generate higher demand for these facilities.486
o Full-length and well-ventilated clothing lockers shall be the preferred type of facility for storing personal gear and bicycling487
equipment.488
489
Parklets 490
491
•Parklets are defined as public seating platforms that convert curbside parking spaces into vibrant community spaces. Parklets are often492
the product of a partnership between the city and local businesses, residents, or neighborhood associations. Most parklets have a493
distinctive design that incorporates seating, greenery, and/or bike racks and accommodate unmet demand for public space on thriving494
neighborhood retail streets or commercial areas.495
•The decision to install parklets shall consider the speed of the roadway and its impact on the safety of individuals using the parklet496
space.497
•Parklets must be closed off on 3 sides, and open to sidewalk498
•Locations for potential parklets shall avoid vertical obstructions that may impact the safety of individuals using parklet space499
•Parklet designs must be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and should use a slip resistant surface500
Attachment 3, Page 34 of 35
•Parklets shall not inhibit storm water drainage or block any utility access such as but not limited to drainage inlets, valves, or fire501
hydrants.502
•Parklets shall not block bicycle racks or bike corrals503
•Parklets shall include vertical separation to increase visibility and additional delineation for corners adjacent to travel lanes for safety504
•Any bolting to the street or curb will not be allowed without prior written permission from the City505
•Opportunities should be explored to combine parklets with adjacent bike corrals, where possible.506
•Parklets should have a flush transition at the sidewalk and curb to permit easy access and avoid tripping hazards.507
Attachment 3, Page 35 of 35