HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-2015 B1 BrooksMayor Jan Marx _..
City Council Members John Ashbaugh, Dan Carpenter,
Carlyn Christianson and Dan Rivoire
909 Palm St. JUN 09 2015
San Luis Obispo CA 93401 j
June 9, 2015 COUNCIL MEETING:__ C 115
ITEM NO.:
Re: Proposed 2015 -17 City Budget _ —
Dear Mayor Marx and Council Members Ashbaugh, Carpenter, Christianson and
Rivoire:
The San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition appreciates the opportunity to comment
on the preliminary 2015 -17 financial plan. We enthusiastically support the
recommendation to change the Principal Transportation Planner position to an Active
Transportation Manager position and to create a bicycle coordinator position to
implement the Bicycle Transportation Plan. Prioritizing implementation of the Bicycle
Transportation Plan will help the City achieve the progressive 20 percent trips -by-
bicycle goal set by the updated Land Use and Circulation Elements.
However, the Bicycle Coalition is concerned about the proposal to divert $25,000 in
general funds earmarked for bicycle projects to the Octagon Barn, which is not listed as
a project in the Bicycle Transportation Plan. Even though the Octagon Barn is a
wonderful project, we believe the City's limited transportation funds should be spent on
bicycle projects that will replace motor vehicle trips and help the city meet its 20 percent
trips -by- bicycle goal. If the City Council chooses to use transportation funding for the
Octagon Barn, it should specify that the money be used for the Bob Jones Trail on the
barn site. Alternatively, the City Council should consider funding the project with
resources intended to promote tourism or enhance parks and recreation.
We reiterate the need for 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 connection from Los Osos
Valley Road to the Octagon Barn and an at -grade crossing at Los Osos Valley
Road.
860 Pacific St, Suite 105, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 1 slobikelane.org /business
-2-
• Bicycle boulevards. However, the Bicycle Coalition is concerned about the timing
of prioritizing the Broad Street Bicycle Boulevard in this budget cycle. We believe
the closing of the Highway 101 on- and off -ramps and construction of the
bicycle /pedestrian overcrossing are years away. We support construction of the
traffic circle on Chorro Street at Mill Street as soon as possible because people
on bicycles, including children riding to school, must use Chorro to pass under
the highway until Broad Street is transformed into a full Bicycle Boulevard
connecting the Foothill Boulevard corridor and downtown.
• $100,000 for annual miscellaneous bicycle projects, which will include
improvements to make it safer for children to ride their bicycles to Bishop Peak
and Pacheco elementary schools.
The Bicycle Coalition exists to improve the quality of life throughout the Central Coast
through bicycle advocacy, education and inspiration. With over 4,500 supporters
throughout the region, our efforts are motivated directly by the wants and needs of
people who believe community wellbeing is dependent on safe and easy access to
active transportation.
Sincerely,
h-CL,
Lea Brooks,
Board Member and Advocacy Committee Chair
San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition
860 Pacific St, Suite 105, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 1 slobikelane.org /business