Re: [SAN JOSE] Guadalupe River Trail safety issue

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Robert Gonzalez

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Oct 18, 2021, 3:46:02 PM10/18/21
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Just saw this in the City of San Jose's Annual Report. 

  • Coyote Creek Patrol  establishes the Coyote Creek Trail Patrol City-Wide Expenses appropriation to the Police Department in the amount of $400,000. City Council’s approval of the Mayor’s March Budget Message for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 prioritized funding for enhanced maintenance and safety of the Guadalupe River Park as well as the Coyote Creek Trail. This allocation provides matching funding for a pending agreement with the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), which aligns with previous agreements the City has had with SCVWD over the years to fund safety-related programs. The one-year agreement is still under development, though both parties are anticipated to allocate $400,000 for a total of $800,000, providing police officers to maintain a law enforcement presence on the Coyote Creek Trail from William Street to Tully Road for 10 hours a day, 7 days per week to address potential criminal activity within waterways. This section of the Coyote Creek Trail is new and will likely have high usage. It is anticipated that the agreement and the corresponding budget adjustments related to the SCVWD’s share will be brought forward for City Council approval as part of a future City Council agenda. (- $400,000)


On Sun, Oct 10, 2021 at 2:32 PM Mikhail Haurylau <haur...@gmail.com> wrote:
GRT section from Willow Glen to North San Jose has been a part of my bike commute to work for the last 13 years. And even though the trail itself saw quite a few improvements (such as pavement under hwy 101 back in 2007-2009), the homeless problem just kept getting worse. And it definitely took a steep turn for the worst in the last year. While the homeless problem itself is very complex, vehicle ban on the trails is a must and has to be enforced.  

Elizabeth S: thank you for listening in and replying. I hope the city can enforce the "no vehicle" law. 

On Fri, Oct 8, 2021 at 5:34 PM Mallory von Kugelgen <mall...@gmail.com> wrote:
Agree ~ 

On Fri, Oct 8, 2021 at 5:32 PM 'Martin Delson' via SVBC San Jose Team <san...@bikesiliconvalley.org> wrote:
Just to give credit where credit is due, the trail between 880 and 101 is completely satisfactory, and from 101 all the way to the end in Alviso is a genuine pleasure. (I was just on it again this morning.)


On Friday, October 8, 2021, 04:49:56 PM PDT, John Kelly <jo...@johnandmary.com> wrote:


When I lived in Willow Glen, I rode this trail all the time. I originally wanted to ride from Tamien to Curtner using the trail but gave up after I got flats in both tires at the same time due to broken glass. After that, I always rode through Willow Glen to Curtner and down to the path. At least Curtner has a bike lane.

On the other end of the trail, I rode from Virginia out to the bay a few times a week, during the pandemic. The section between Virginia and Woz Way was always an eyesore, and the area getting down to the Guadalupe River near Woz Way was littered with trash and urine that came from the homeless encampment above. There was an occasional service vehicle on the path through downtown.

After the death of a cyclist on the trail section under the train tracks north of Julian, I started avoiding that portion and riding on the path along Autumn Parkway. That area under the tracks is too narrow and has no sight lines.

North of downtown, the homeless encampments were generally far enough away from the path that they weren’t an issue. Vehicles were more prevalent in the section between Coleman and 880, but there was plenty of space for them to park off the main bike path—which they did. It always felt good to get past 880 and get wide open paths, and I looked at the other travel as unfortunately necessary to get to the good part.

It sounds like things have deteriorated since my last time riding down there in January. It could be a wonderful path, but it definitely needs attention. I’ve been riding the Los Gatos Creek Trail more recently. It has many more pedestrians but has a much better feel.

My 2¢,
John

On Oct 8, 2021, at 10:12 AM, Nick Laskowski <ni...@sjbikeparty.org> wrote:

Hello team and thank you Liz -

I ride the trail regularly from Woz Way South to Hillsdale, a section that receives a lot fewer comments. It's unfortunate and a sad reflection on the failures of funding and governance in San Jose. Alternative routes in this area (Almaden, Current/Tully, Monterey) are very dangerous but the trail is poorly serviced by the city. 

The twin sections between Woz and Virginia are frequently blocked or partially blocked by trash or service vehicles, and I'm surprised that even when it's a city service vehicle blocking the path, there is no effort to leave a pasable lane or to post a detour/closure. 

The section from Tamien station to Unified Way is a great connector which avoids a lot of conflict on side streets, but it is also often blocked by debris, trash, or vegetation, and there is no escape in that section to detour a blockage or unsafe condition. I have tried reporting dumping and other blockages there using the SJ 311 app only to have city staff play the "not our jurisdiction" game, refuse to pass it on to the correct jurisdiction themselves, and ultimately ignore the reported problem for weeks. I've mostly given up reporting things as a result.  For a few weeks last year I saw a couple who appeared to be volunteering doing daily trash cleanups by bike... They were heroes and I have no idea where they came from.


I love my hometown and love biking here, but this trail is disgusting and strongly represents the institutional problems we have. SVBC and the City alike say all of the right things but I'm not seeing any progress. 

Thanks,

Nick

On Wed, Oct 6, 2021, 3:59 PM Elizabeth S <esew...@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Cycling Community,

My name is Liz and I am the Trail Manager (on the Capital Improvements team) for the City of San Jose. I really appreciate that you are taking the time to discuss these incidents and experiences on the Guadalupe River Trail. It saddens me to know that this is happening on what should be a safe, inviting, trail network. Please complete this trail survey to note any complaint (or praise!) you have about our trail network. The City is constantly trying to improve our parks and trails, and we love to hear directly from the community!  My colleague and I review these survey responses directly and report prominent issues to the executive staff on our Maintenance and Operations team.  If you ever need to report a trail incident in the future, please see the below contacts for response within at least 24-hours (but usually that day). Always feel free to cc me at liz.s...@sanjoseca.gov.  
  1.  If you feel that you are in imminent danger because of a vehicle or any other situation on a trail, please call 911.  
  2. If you would like to report maintenance or vegetation cleanup needs, please write park.c...@sanjoseca.gov.  
  3. If you would like to report an encroached encampment or vehicle on trail, please write homeless...@sanjoseca.gov.
Happy trails,
Liz

On Wed, Oct 6, 2021 at 2:42 PM 'Martin Delson' via SVBC San Jose Team <san...@bikesiliconvalley.org> wrote:
Although I've never felt myself in any danger, I agree, riding the Guadalupe River Trail between Coleman and Hwy 880 is a distinctly unpleasant experience. It is a tragic blight on the trail system.

Also, speaking of vehicles on the trail, there are 3 or 4 vehicles parked on the GUA south of Woz Way where the trail goes under the 87-280 interchange.

On Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 11:26:26 AM PDT, Catherine McBain <cvmc...@gmail.com> wrote:


I was riding from Hedding to Alviso (and beyond) regularly until about a year ago. Just too sketch and do not feel safe with cars, tents, carts, and other detritus blocking the path. I called in three fires in a span of about six months. Very sad. 

On Wed, Oct 6, 2021 at 11:05 AM Diana Crumedy <di...@bikesiliconvalley.org> wrote:

Open Discussion - Have you had a similar experience on Guadalupe River Trail? Please feel free to chime in


People camping along the trail are parking and driving on it. Recently a fellow cyclist was nearly hit 3 times by moving vehicles while on Guadalupe River Trail. Yesterday, he counted twenty-three vehicles parked on the trail. He’s been sending complaints to City Trails Program, and it has resulted in some efforts—citations of vehicles which resulted in relief for a little, but every time it comes back. 






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Kevin Wang

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Oct 18, 2021, 8:43:30 PM10/18/21
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I'm not familiar with this new section of the coyote creek trail. Does anyone have a map of where the new section is? looks like google maps lacks a connection just north of story rd, and there's no trail to speak of south of it. When does/did it open?

   - Kevin

Mallory von Kugelgen

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Oct 18, 2021, 11:29:49 PM10/18/21
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Last I saw from the Tully end of this segment, around May, this was a dirt trail, mostly pedestrian, very close to the water. Many many people camping there. Could it be paved by now?

Buck Crockett

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Oct 19, 2021, 12:05:16 PM10/19/21
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Before moving further south I used to commute from South Down Town to Almaden Valley on the Bike Path next to HY 87. 

I was always very scared to pass through the segment between Curtner Ave and Tamien Station at night. And moderately fearful to pass through this section during the day. 

A few incidents stick with me to this from this time in my life; 

1. The lack of sanitation within the camps along the trail. In the morning I would often see folks wake up and pee and poop right outside their tents. These folks need bathrooms. Access to sanitation should be a basic right for humans in San Jose. 
2. Drug use and creation. I remember watching a camp be built which quickly became a meth lab. During this time I see a cop parked in his car on Unified Way next to Curtner Ave. I report the drug lab to him directly and inform him that I can show him exactly where it is at. He refused to do anything at the moment and said he would report it to the homeless abatement department. When I got home I emailed SJPD annotated maps of the exact location of the drug lab.  Each day that went by after this report this camp always had a long line of drug users looking to trade stolen phones for dope. It was months before the city took any action. 
3. The bike chop shops. There was a camp that basically became a bike chop shop. They would openly steel bikes from the Tamien station and basically collect inventory at their camp. 

4. One time I saw a southbound community at the end of the day. I was northbound. She had a flat right in the most dangerous section. And I stopped to ask if she needed anything. She said no it was just about sunset. I continued home anxious about her safty. I regret not just offering to stay present with her while she changed the flat. I would encourage any bikers who encounter someone solo fixing a flat, especially at night to stop and stay with them until they are back on the road.  The sidewalk in this section is walled from the highway on 1 side and fenced on the other so you are really trapped and venerable. 


Elizabeth Sewell,

Thanks for joining our thread. My hard feedback is that I felt in danger every time I passed through this section on my bike. I appreciate your work to make things better. 
Screen Shot 2021-10-19 at 8.41.21 AM.png






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Thanks, 

Buck Crockett
303.809.1430

Ian Emmons

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Oct 19, 2021, 12:34:42 PM10/19/21
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i think it's still a work in progress...
not sure it's open yet.

Elizabeth S

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Oct 19, 2021, 3:53:46 PM10/19/21
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Hello everyone! These segments of the Coyote Creek Trail will connect the trail between William and Phelan.  Unfortunately, the segment between Phelan and Tully has been held up due to a property issue.  PRNS is working to resolve the property issue.  Once resolved, we will be able to construct the Phelan - Tully and trail users will be able to connect from William all the way to Morgan Hill!  

I will let you know as soon as the date for the ribbon cutting for William - Phelan segment has been decided.



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Ian Emmons

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Oct 19, 2021, 3:58:14 PM10/19/21
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Please do :) i'm ready for that party....


         -Ian Emmons
               I...@emmons.name


Matthew Bartlett

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Oct 19, 2021, 7:49:20 PM10/19/21
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It appears I am not allowed to respond via email (likely and email address issue, I would guess).
I had responded a couple of times so I will repost here:
first:
I only ride the trail ever few weeks or so, usually getting on at Guadalupe River Park.  I just rode out to Alviso to do SVBC Valet Bike Parking at Day on the Bay.  I can only echo all the comments that have already been made, along with the explosion of garbage and detritus from the pandemic.  The one thing I noticed on this trip that I didn’t notice before is abandoned cars, and more than just a few.  The vehicle aspect of this mess does seem like one of the easiest to deal with, and it doesn’t make sense to me that it hasn’t been.
Blocked bike lanes on city streets is one thing I did try and get the city to address, but gave up after several months, as generally no action is taken.  As for San Jose 311, it seems like a faceless bureaucratic blackhole.  I tried one more time with them with a very clear cut easy to solve case:  A sign trailer placed by the City of San Jose for Viva Callé, in a bike lane.  It seemed to ironic to be real.  A week after the event was over San Jose 311 reported that they investigated and the trailer was no longer there, and closed the case.
My feeling is that San Jose is doing a good job with Bike Lanes and Bike Infrastructure, but once the lanes are put in, it is a free for all: Anyone can block a bike lane at anytime, for any reason, for as long as they like and the city won’t do anything
San Jose 311 is useless copy.jpg

Thanks to everyone who keeps on pushing.
Matthew

P.S. I have had several people tell me that they don’t ride the trail any longer because they don’t feel safe.  I’ve never had a negative experience on the trail, but several on city streets, so the trail seems just as safe as ever for me.  Not so for wildlife though.

Second:
I believe the new section goes from Story Road to William Street at Olinder Elementary School.  I ride it once a week and it was just done this summer.  The border fence is still being installed.  There are encampments along this section, but I didn’t really pay attention yesterday when I rode it, to see if that section is being cleaned up or not.  There was a very large stolen bike encampment during the summer.  There was a temporary fence that was breached at several places.  The new fence is partially done and it looks much better.
It’s paved and open, and the fencing is partially completed. I’m not sure if it is supposed to be open, but the entrance on both ends is open. 

Matthew 

Red line is new section:
new trail.png

Kevin Wang

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Oct 20, 2021, 1:18:54 AM10/20/21
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Thanks for the clarifications, everyone! I also eagerly await the completion of this missing link


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Moria Merriweather

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Oct 20, 2021, 11:16:26 PM10/20/21
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Hello,

Thanks Matthew for writing about the trail segment shown in red.  I’ve also ridden my bike on this section of trail, and was excited that it exists.






There is also a section of the trail that goes SOUTH from Keyes, starting across the street from the south end of the red line on your map.
I have only followed that trail a short distance, and I don’t know where it ends or whether it yet connects to anything.
I’ve heard this segment is not complete and does not yet go to Tully.
The day I rode on it (which was viva calle day), I didn’t have time to follow it, but was excited to find it, and wanted to go back to explore — but then I forgot all about it until now.
So, I’ll go back there and follow it soon.


Oh — and also -- the NEXT viva calle — on November 7 — has the north part of Kelley Park as a major activity hub — so I imagine all or most of the people reading this will be able to explore that area then.

Thanks
in support for bike trails
Moria

“The opposite of division is not unity — it is collaboration”  —Dar Williams (live concert in Hawthorne Barn, May 26, 2018)







On Tue, Oct 19, 2021 at 4:49 PM 'Matthew Bartlett' via SVBC San Jose Team <san...@bikesiliconvalley.org> wrote:
It appears I am not allowed to respond via email (likely and email address issue, I would guess).
I had responded a couple of times so I will repost here:
first:
I only ride the trail ever few weeks or so, usually getting on at Guadalupe River Park.  I just rode out to Alviso to do SVBC Valet Bike Parking at Day on the Bay.  I can only echo all the comments that have already been made, along with the explosion of garbage and detritus from the pandemic.  The one thing I noticed on this trip that I didn’t notice before is abandoned cars, and more than just a few.  The vehicle aspect of this mess does seem like one of the easiest to deal with, and it doesn’t make sense to me that it hasn’t been.
Blocked bike lanes on city streets is one thing I did try and get the city to address, but gave up after several months, as generally no action is taken.  As for San Jose 311, it seems like a faceless bureaucratic blackhole.  I tried one more time with them with a very clear cut easy to solve case:  A sign trailer placed by the City of San Jose for Viva Callé, in a bike lane.  It seemed to ironic to be real.  A week after the event was over San Jose 311 reported that they investigated and the trailer was no longer there, and closed the case.
My feeling is that San Jose is doing a good job with Bike Lanes and Bike Infrastructure, but once the lanes are put in, it is a free for all: Anyone can block a bike lane at anytime, for any reason, for as long as they like and the city won’t do anything

Mikhail Haurylau

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Oct 21, 2021, 11:20:00 PM10/21/21
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Just snapped this picture on my ride to work today. Sadly very symbolic of the current state of the SJ trails. 
sj_trail.jpg

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Ian Emmons

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Oct 26, 2021, 4:38:32 PM10/26/21
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on the plus side at least it's picked up...


         -Ian Emmons
               I...@emmons.name


Kevin Wang

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Oct 26, 2021, 9:05:36 PM10/26/21
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A few months ago I noticed that some homeless encampments in Berkeley had those "per home" plastic wheeled bins for trash and recycling; like half a dozen all lined up by one of the encampments. Do they have some sort of program to encourage less mess making and "put it in the bin" ? I have no idea if that's an actual program or whether the homeless are simply "relocating" all the bins. or whether something like that would even work. (won't make the camps go away, but would make them tidier)

   - Kevin

Martin Delson

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Dec 2, 2021, 7:15:38 PM12/2/21
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Yesterday, biking south, I met a car on the main trail heading north just north of Hedding, going, I would guess, a good 25 or 30 mph. Not what I want to see on a city trail.

Diana Crumedy

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Dec 3, 2021, 1:30:40 PM12/3/21
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Attention San Jose Team and San Jose Trail users!!!


We are pulling together a bunch of folks to provide an update on trail quality issues. Because this is a topic of interest to the San Jose team specifically, we have dedicated 30 minutes of the team's breakout time for updates on trail quality issues. The format is super informal with an end goal of understanding all that's going on to improve trail quality for all users. 


Folks we'll be inviting include:

- SJCCC
-  PRNS
- the Mayor's office
- Destination Home

If this is something that makes sense for you to be a part of or if you have any recommendations/questions on how to make the trails better please register with this link (for the December 8th Biketivist Forum and join the San Jose team breakout session). The session/discussion will take place via zoom on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 6:00-6:30 PM (PST).

Again, the end goal is for our folks to walk away understanding what's going on to clean things like broken glass off the trail and the issue with cars. 

All the best,

Diana Crumedy
Santa Clara County Advocate
SVBC




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