Bicycle Drivers May 19th meeting summary

[Jim Baross]

(Provided by Zoom)

Meeting summary for Calif Bicycle Drivers Ploting (05/19/2025)

Quick recap The meeting began with informal discussions about past gatherings and experiences, including costume parties and email management techniques. The group then addressed various transportation and infrastructure topics, including bike lane configurations, autonomous vehicles, and roundabouts, with detailed discussions about safety concerns and design considerations. The conversation concluded with updates about bridge infrastructure and transportation network leadership changes, particularly regarding the Golden Gate Bridge and Richmond-Santa Fe Bridge projects. Next steps Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Committee: Make final decision on the 7-year pilot bike lane program this summer Scott: Attend District 4 Bike Advisory Committee meeting to raise concerns about the planned bicycle signal implementation on Willow Road overcrossing in Menlo Park Alan: Complete the financial comparison analysis and prepare pie charts showing income sources for the CABO annual report Bert: Continue oversight of new bike roadway implementation to reduce congestion to Sausalito as part of Golden Gate Bridge responsibilities Jim: Will send out inquiry to directors about the timing for CABO's general membership meeting Pete: Monitor the situation with roundabout opposition in Encinitas and gather data to support roundabout effectiveness San Jose DOT: Remove vestigial bike lane signs when implementing hardscape instead of quick build for class 4 facilities Summary Cabo Membership Meeting Scheduling Discussion Jim proposed scheduling Cabo's general membership meeting for either the weekend of May 31st or June 1st, as Alan and Scott were unavailable on Memorial Day.  Vista Bike Lane Safety Concerns The group discussed concerns about a new Class 4 bike lane project in Vista, where Pete revealed the city had been trying to rewrite the California vehicle code to accommodate the planned bike lane. Pete explained that the city planned to install posts to create a buffered bike lane on Melrose, a high-speed road, despite his suggestion to first observe how traffic flowed without the posts. The group expressed concerns about the safety implications, including right-hook hazards at driveways and intersections where the bike lane would revert to class 2 status. Bike Lane Design and Politics The group discussed bike lane configurations, particularly focusing on Class 4 lanes and center-running facilities. Jim explained that CABO would generally prefer open traffic lanes over mandatory bike lanes, but noted that buffered bike lanes are preferable in high-speed environments with few intersections. John Allen shared a video of Pennsylvania Avenue's bike facility in DC, which was narrowed due to taxi driver complaints, and mentioned its political significance as a parade route. The discussion concluded with a brief political commentary about current events in DC. Bike Facility Design and Safety The group discussed various center-running bike facilities in different locations, with Scott describing examples in Monterey, San Mateo, and Los Altos. Alan shared an overhead view of a former freeway converted into a bike path, highlighting its wide design and traffic circles. The discussion then shifted to concerns about the design speed for Class 4 facilities, with Jim and Alan agreeing that 8-12 mph might be more appropriate than the suggested 20 mph, given the presence of parked cars, driveways, and bus stops. John Allen shared insights from New York City's 9th Avenue Bikeway, noting its 10-foot width and synchronized traffic lights, while emphasizing the importance of considering both speed between intersections and delays at intersections. Autonomous Vehicle Progress and Challenges Bert discussed the development and potential of autonomous vehicles in San Francisco, highlighting the progress of Waymo and Zooks(?) and their safety records. He emphasized the benefits of transitioning to autonomous transit, including cost savings, reduced parking issues, and the potential for converting garage space into housing. Scott shared insights on a recent incident involving a cyclist and an autonomous vehicle, noting the ongoing investigation into human driver reaction times. The conversation also touched on the challenges of human-driven delivery vehicles in New York City and the varying performance of different autonomous vehicle technologies. Menlo Park Bikeway Safety Plans The group discussed Caltrans' plans to install a separated bikeway and bicycle traffic signal at the Willow Road overcrossing in Menlo Park, raising concerns about the rules of the road and potential conflicts with motor vehicles. They also addressed a recent fatal accident in Menlo Park that led to calls for lower speed limits around schools, with some suggesting 5 mph limits, which was met with skepticism. The discussion concluded with a brief mention of outdated bike lane signage in various cities and a pending meeting with CDCVZ(?). Roundabouts: Safety and Perception The group discussed the implementation and challenges of roundabouts, particularly focusing on safety concerns and public perception. John Eldon defended roundabouts as effective DUI checkpoints, while Pete noted that public opposition often arises when crashes increase at roundabouts, leading to calls for their removal. The discussion covered various design aspects, including lane usage, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and specific examples from cities like Berkeley and Lexington. John Allen highlighted cultural differences in yielding expectations between the US and UK. Bicycle Infrastructure and Bridge Updates The group discussed bicycle infrastructure, particularly focusing on traffic circles and bike lanes. They examined examples in Pebble Beach and Hollister, with John Eldon suggesting that bridges over traffic circles would be the best solution for bike access. Bert announced he would be the new president of the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation Network in January, and mentioned that 2027 would be the bridge's 90th birthday. The group also discussed the Richmond-Santa Fe Bridge, where a decision is pending about whether to continue the 7-year pilot bike lane program, with Bert suggesting a dedicated breakdown lane rather than a regular traffic lane.

Jim Baross