06 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND In the Fall of 2007, the City of Pleasanton was awarded a grant of $111,000 for preparation of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. This grant money was provided by the Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority (ACTIA) through the Measure B Bicycle /Pedestrian Countywide Discretionary Program. The intent of the development of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan is to complement the existing Community Trails Master Plan by creating a plan that will provide a detailed guide for the development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Additionally, an adopted Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan will improve the City's ability to compete for grant funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects. In order to meet the requirements of the grant funding, and to help guide the process, a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) was formed in December of 2007 to oversee the development of the Master Plan. The BPAC participated in the selection of the consultant in April of 2008 and held regular meetings to review the consultant work product and provide comment and direction. In addition to the BPAC meetings, three public workshops were held to discuss the progress of the Master Plan and receive input from Pleasanton residents. These workshops were held in May 2008, October 2008, and March 2009. Each workshop included a presentation on the progress of the Master Plan, followed by informal review and comment on exhibits. The first workshop provided an overview of the master plan process, the second workshop focused on bicycle facilities, and the third workshop covered pedestrian facilities. On average, each two -hour workshop was attended by about 30 Pleasanton residents. A major theme of the public input received at the workshops was the desire to create continuous bicycle facilities by closing gaps in the existing network of bicycle lanes. Workshop attendees also expressed a strong desire for better on- street and off- street connections to Dublin and Livermore, and more connectivity between on- street and off street facilities. At the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting of June 17, 2009, the committee voted to approve the Draft Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan and forward it for further City approvals. The Master Plan has been reviewed by the Trails Ad Hoc Committee on July 27, 2009 and by the Parks and Recreation Commission on August 27, 2009 with a recommendation that the Master Plan be forwarded to the City Council for review and adoption. At both the Trails Ad Hoc meeting and the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, several comments were collected and have been incorporated into the document. DISCUSSION The Master Plan creates a guide for achieving a comprehensive system of bicycle routes, pedestrian routes, trails, and related facilities that will result in a safe and convenient circulation system for pleasant, non motorized travel. It addresses goals, policies, standards, funding strategies, education and intermodal linkages throughout Pleasanton. The Plan provides prioritized lists of specific projects for implementation of a system that balances all modes of travel. Page 2 of 8