HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-21-2015 B1 Distributed by BrooksMayor Jan Marx RECEIVED
City Council Members John Ashbaugh, Dan Carpenter,
Carlyn Christianson and Dan Rivoire APR 22 2015
�0909 Palm St.
San Luis Obispo CA 93401 - `: LQ CITY CLERK
April 21, 2015
Re: Proposed 2015 -17 City Budget
COUNCIL MEETING:
ITEM NO.: 11
Dear Mayor Marx and Council Members Ashbaugh, Carpenter, Christianson and
Rivoire:
The San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition enthusiastically supports additional
funding for multimodal transportation, one of the City's major goals. Prioritizing
implementation of the Bicycle Transportation Plan will help the City achieve the 20
percent trips -by- bicycle goal set by the updated Land Use and Circulation Elements.
We need continuous cross -town bicycle facilities for bicyclists of all abilities, including
children riding to school. Therefore, our top priorities for this budget cycle are:
• Completion of the Railroad Safety Trail, including the two -way conversion of
Marsh Street between Santa Rosa and Johnson.
• Completion of the Bob Jones Trail, including the Octagon Barn connection and
an at -grade crossing at Los Osos Valley Road. The at -grade crossing at Los
Osos Valley Road should have a higher priority than the Bob Jones Prefumo
Creek Bike Path listed on page 131 -43.
• Bicycle boulevards.
In the previous two -year budget cycle, the City Council responded to the Bicycle
Coalition's request for more funding by allocating $100,000 annually for bicycle projects.
Our priority was more bicycle boulevards, but it soon became apparent that the city
didn't have enough staff to design complicated projects like bicycle boulevards.
That's why we enthusiastically support the staff's recommendation for more staff who
can design these projects.
The good news is that your $100,000 annual investment in what's known as
miscellaneous bicycle projects has been wisely spent. An informal group that includes
the Bicycle Coalition, Bicycle Advisory Committee, San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club and
parents who support more Safe Routes to School projects meet monthly with staff to
860 Pacific St, Suite 105, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 1 slobikelane.org /business
-2-
discuss which projects will improve safety and generate more bicycle trips. Projects
constructed to date include the green bike box on eastbound Madonna Road where it
intersects with Higuera Street; sharrows and "bicycles may use full lane" signs on Broad
and Chorro streets; and green bike lanes on northbound California Boulevard at the
freeway on- and off -ramps across from California Highway Patrol headquarters.
Additional projects will be constructed in the coming months, including green bike lanes
on Santa Rosa at Olive and Walnut streets; removal of the left turn lane and
construction of a small traffic circle on Chorro Street at Mill Street so there's enough
room for continuous bike lanes on Chorro; and buffered bike lanes on Johnson Avenue
between Laurel Lane and Orcutt Road.
We respectfully request that you increase this miscellaneous fund to $300,000 annually
and to include pedestrian as well as bicycle projects.
Thank you for your financial commitment to transitioning to a multi -modal transportation
system, including an extensive bicycle transportation network.
The Bicycle Coalition exists to improve the quality of life throughout the Central Coast
through bicycle advocacy, education and inspiration. With more than 800 members
throughout the region, our efforts are motivated directly by the wants and needs of
people who believe community wellbeing is dependent on safer and easy access to
active transportation.
Sincerely,
Lea Brooks, Chair
San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition Advocacy Chair &
Board Member
860 Pacific St, Suite 105, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 1 slobikelane.org /business