COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

October 10, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 29, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Addendum to the Comprehensive Bicycle Route Plan Consistent with Section 891.2 of the State of California Streets and Highways Code and Authorization for the Director of Public Works to Submit Grant Applications - Mirada Road, El Granada Area

Recommendation

Adopt resolutions:

1.

amending the San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle Route Plan (Bicycle Route Plan) to include Mirada Road from Alameda Avenue to Magellan Avenue consistent with the requirements set forth under Section 891.2 of the Streets and Highways Code; and

2.

authorizing the Director of Public Works to submit grant applications to fund the installation of a bridge across Arroyo de en Medio on Mirada Road and to improve Mirada Road from Arroyo de en Medio to Magellan Avenue.

Previous Board Action

Adopted the San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle Route Plan that was developed and approved by the City/County Association of Governments in March 2000, and an addendum to the Plan that addresses specific requirements under Section 891.2 of the Streets and Highways Code, as the Bicycle Route Plan for the unincorporated area.

Key Facts

1.

The State of California Department of Transportation is currently accepting applications for city and county projects that improve safety and convenience for bicycle commuters.

2.

Applications must be for projects located on routes identified in the agency's Bicycle Route Plan.

3.

The proposed Mirada Road Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge and improvements to Mirada Road can qualify for the proposed funding if Mirada Road is identified as a route in the Bicycle Route Plan.

Discussion

We are, at the direction of your Board, currently preparing plans for the construction of a pedestrian/bicycle bridge over Arroyo de en Medio on Mirada Road in order to maintain pedestrian/bicycle access across the Arroyo west of Highway 1, and to provide a northerly extension to the City of Half Moon Bay's bicycle trail to the south.

We also believe that Mirada Road from the Arroyo de en Medio to Magellan Avenue should be graded and resurfaced to allow the road to be used by vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic as the road parallels the ocean bluff in this area. However the road's use by pedestrians and bicyclists is currently limited by the condition of the road.

The State has grant funds available for projects such as the proposed bike bridge and the improvements of the road. However projects must be on a route identified in the agency's Bicycle Route Plan in order to qualify for these grants. We are recommending that your Board amend the current Bicycle Route Plan to include this portion of Mirada Road and authorize the Director of Public Works to apply for grant funds to provide these improvements to benefit both bicyclists and pedestrians.

Vision Alignment

We believe our recommendation is consistent with the Shared Commitment to "ensure basic health and safety for all" and Goal Number 7 "maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors," as the proposed project will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to continue north along the coastal bluffs toward El Granada without having to enter the Highway 1 right-of-way and compete with the vehicular traffic on this State highway.

Fiscal Impact

There is no fiscal impact in applying for grant funds. However, $150,000 in the County's 1/2 Cent Transportation Funds proposed to be used for the bridge project could be used on other projects if a grant is obtained for this project. Road Funds in the amount of $85,000 could also be used for other projects if a grant is received to repair Mirada Road between the bridge and Magellan Avenue.

There is no impact to the General Fund.

Forms of resolutions have been approved by County Counsel.