HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-10-2012 B1 Walter2RECEIVED
AH 10 2012
,, council memoRAn u
LERK
AGENDA
April 10, 2012 CORRESPONDENCE
TO: City Council Date=d —10142 Item# L—
FROM: Jay Walter, Public Works Directo
VIA: Katie Lichtig, City Manager
SUBJECT: Los Osos Valley Road Bike Path
heard ca
emiku:
• COUNCIL
a CDDDIR
• CITY MGR
a FIT DIR
• ASST CM
a FIRE CHIEF
• ATTORNEY
a FW DIR
• CLERVORIG
a POLICE CHIEF
• PIB
a PARKS do REC DIR
• TRIBUNE
a UTILDIR
• NEW TIMES
a HR DIR
• SLO CITY NEWS
o COUNCIL
a CITY MGR
a CLERK
Laguna resident Carolyn Smith provided the Council with a letter regarding the Los Osos Valley
Road Bike (LOVR) path citing 4 concerns. The purpose of this memo is to provide information
to the Council addressing these concerns.
Item #1: Will the bike path preclude widening of eastbound Los Osos Valley Road to three lanes
in the future?
No. This bike path will not preclude the potential for future widening of EB Los Osos Valley
Road. Based on traffic volumes and future forecasts at this time there is no indication that
widening of EB LOVR is necessary within the next 20 years. However, if at some future time 3
EB lanes do become necessary, physical widening and right of way acquisition from Laguna
Lane up to 400' East of Madonna would be necessary regardless of this project.
Item #2: Has the volume of bikes and pedestrians declined since the :rant was approved to the
point where it's no longer justified?
No. Volumes collected in 2010 and pictures taken in 2011 indicate that pedestrian & bicycle
volumes are actually increasing since the original grant application. Pedestrian and bicycle
volumes on any given day can vary dramatically depending on weather, school activates, or other
influences, which may account for periodic low observations. However, counts validated for
these types of influences recorded 48 bikes and pedestrians in the morning using this route in
June of 2010. Also the attached picture, taken in May of 2011, shows heavy afternoon bike and
pedestrian activity including children cycling the wrong way on Los Osos Valley Road.
Item #3: Will this project degrade the safety of Los Osos Valley Road & Oceanaire and was a
crossing ward or traffic signal considered?
No. This project should not degrade the safety of the LOVR & Oceanaire intersection. In regards
to the safety at LOVR & Oceanaire, City staff and the private consultants working on this project
are sensitive to the potential for EB cyclists riding out into the intersection from the path and
therefore have incorporated specific design features to address this potential. It's important to
understand that this is effectively already happening with cyclists riding the wrong way in the
street. This project should provide a substantial conflict reduction over the current configuration.
Los Osos Valley Road Bike Path Page 2
In regards to consideration for crossing guards, the San Luis Unified School District oversees
and implements the crossing guard program. It's the City's understanding that a crossing guard
at Oceanaire is not justified at this time. In regards to consideration for a traffic signal; through
the City's Traffic Safety & Operations programs this intersection is monitored annually for
potential safety & operational improvements. At this time, there is no evidence to indicate that a
traffic signal is warranted. If a traffic signal is warranted at a future point that will be
recommended as part of these programs at that time.
Item #4: Was removal of` taxi- street parking on Los Osos Valley load between-Royal &
Oceanaire considered to improve bike safety?
Not as part of this project. There is no on- street parking within the boundaries of this project.
In regards to on- street parking east of the project area; this segment is monitored annually for
safety issues through the City's Traffic Safety & Operations programs. In the last five years there
have been no bicycle collisions in the vicinity noted by Mrs. Smith and there has been no other
evidence to indicate that removal of on- street parking is necessary at this point. If removal of the
parking lanes become necessary at some future time, that will be a recommendation as part of the
City's Traffic Safety program.
Los Osos Valley Road Bike Path
Los Osos Valley Road Bike & Pedestrian Activity — May 2011
Page 3
G:\Staff-Reports-Agendas-Minutes\—CCMemos\2012\LOVR Bike Path \B l Agenda Correspondanceldocx