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BACKGROUND In the year 2000, Alameda County voters authorized Measure B, a 20-year, 'h cent sales tax increase, to fund transportation improvements in Alameda County. Most of the Measure B funds are allocated to jurisdictions based on population. The Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian Countywide Discretionary Fund is a competitive grant program that is one of several programs funded out of the 5% of Measure B funds dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian programs. The grant fund goal is to expand and enhance bicycle and pedestrian access, convenience, safety and usage in Alameda County, focusing on projects and programs with countywide significance. In December 2006 staff applied for a grant to prepare a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan for the City of Pleasanton. DISCUSSION The goal of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan is to make Pleasanton a city where walking and biking are a viable alternative to the automobile, for work, school, and recreational trips. Walking and biking facilities should be a safe and pleasant means of accessing jobs, schools, major community facilities, parks and trails. The Master Plan will identify areas where improvement in the bicycle and pedestrian network are most needed and will provide the most benefit. This Master Plan will also be used to identify projects and the funding priority for both local and regional facilities. The Master Plan will complement the existing Community Trails Master Plan and provide added detail to the on-street component of the Trails Master Plan. The main goal of the Master Plan is to identify and prioritize a list of future projects that will create a uniform and complete pedestrian and bicycle network in the City. The Master Plan will also identify policies and programs that will provide encouragement and safety education for pedestrians and bicyclists. While the Master Plan will be developed by a consulting firm, the majority of the document will be the result of input from Pleasanton residents. A Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will be formed consisting of Pleasanton residents and City staff. The makeup of the committee will be determined at a later date. Several public meetings will be advertised to maximize public awareness and input. An important part of promoting bicycling and walking is to provide continuous bike lanes and sidewalks by eliminating the gaps in the system. The Master Plan will identify and prioritize the improvements that are needed in order to provide a continuous network of biking and walking facilities. Page 2 of 3