HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/4/2025 Item 6b, Otto
Garrett Otto <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Item 6B Prado Interchange
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
After reading the staff report, I would like to clarify the motions and preferences discussed by the Active
Transportation Committee meeting on Oct 23rd. I think there is a misinterpretation of what we intended.
Let me first say that the committee is receptive to the cost cutting measures proposed and generally feel
that it mostly serves the needs of those that will bike and walk along the corridor. A mix-use path along
the south side of Prado is a logical connection of the BJT and San Luis Ranch path and is supported by
the ATC. There is a preference to keep the mixed use path elevated at sidewalk level and generally did not
like the k-rail barrier as a separation barrier.
I think the confusion comes from the preference for the Class IV (separated/protected) one way bike
lanes on each side of the road. It was not our intent to ask for both on-street and raised sidewalk level
bike lanes as shown in the cross section. It was to provide one or the other, with a preference of the
raised bike lanes. It was brought to the committee's attention that Caltrans standards require an on-
street 5ft buffer on either side which can act as a normal class 2 bike lane. Though the committee's
preference is to have an elevated bike lane, it is not our desire to add overall width (and construction
cost) to the overpass to accommodate both the on-street bike lane/buffer area and the sidewalk level
bike lanes.
Where we would like to see the sidewalk level bike lanes would be on "Segment 3" between the overpass
and Higuera intersection. In this section, where we are not on the overpass section and are outside of
Caltrans jurisdiction, the need for an on-street buffer is not required per City design standards. In this
case, the ATC feels that it would be safer and generally more preferred by drivers and bike riders to keep
the bike lanes at sidewalk level. The ATP indicates a preference for separated or protected bike lanes for
most new roadways and therefore more consistent with the ATP.
We understand that there may be right of way limitation especially at the new creek crossing. If there are
constraints to implementing a south side bike lane and mixed-use path then the preference is for the
separated mixed use path as the priority.
I have provided the two sections for additional clarification.
Segment 2: When 5ft on-street buffer is required by Caltrans
1
Segment 3: When no on-street buffer is required and no longer on overpass:
2
I hope this helps clarify the ATC's motions and intent.
Thank you
Garrett Otto
ATC Chair
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