September 11, 2017

Dear Petaluma City Councilmembers,

We, the undersigned, urge you to commit to updating the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in 2017-18. Of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans that have been adopted in California, Petaluma’s is now among the oldest.

As the blueprint for improvements that would make Petaluma a safe, active, and healthy community, it is crucial that this plan is kept up-to-date in order to incorporate 1) new approaches to bicycle network planning, 2) the latest in street design techniques, 3) recent changes in Petaluma’s bicycle and pedestrian network, and 4) projects that would compete for regional and state funding and/or can be included in new development or street repaving projects. These needs are outlined in greater detail below.

Adopting a New Approach to Bicycle Network Planning

A 2015 survey of US residents found that over half of the population is interested in cycling, but too concerned about their safety to do so. Cities that have been most successful at reaching this group have undertaken a new approach, emphasizing low-stress connections that can be used by people of all ages and abilities.

This approach has been far more successful at increasing the number of people who bike than the standard bike lanes and shared lanes proposed in Petaluma’s existing plan. A new plan is needed to identify steps towards the creation of a bike network that works for all Petalumans, not just those who are confident and able-bodied.

Incorporating Innovative Street Design Techniques

In order to create a bicycle network that can be used by people of all ages and abilities, it is important to work with the most up-to-date street design techniques. Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration recently approved a new type of bike lane (Class IV) that provides physical separation from vehicular traffic. Class IV lanes--like many other new street design elements--did not exist when Petaluma developed its current plan.

Incorporating Recent Changes in Petaluma’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Network

Improvements along the Lynch Creek Trail, the new bicycle and pedestrian bridge near Water Street, and the SMART multi-use pathway form the spines of Petaluma’s walking and biking network. A new plan should prioritize low-stress connections to these facilities.

Leveraging Funding, Development, and Street Repaving for Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements

As a result of having an outdated plan, 1) Petaluma projects will be less competitive for grant funds and 2) projects implemented alongside new developments or as part of street repaving projects will largely maintain a status quo that has not successfully increased the number of trips made by walking and bicycling.

As more cities make strides to become better places to walk and bike, funding opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian projects continue to grow more competitive. Those who control these funds use this competitive process to encourage cities to implement more innovative projects that will better support climate change and safety-related goals. By including the latest in bicycle network planning and emphasizing projects that create connectivity for all ages and abilities, Petaluma’s grant applications will remain competitive.

With a number of large scale development and street repaving projects in the pipeline, it will be important for the City to leverage these opportunities to incorporate our needs in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Again, the existing plan calls for improvements that will not compel people to walk or bike.

We encourage you to prioritize the development of an updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in order to meet the mobility needs of children, those who are unable to drive, and those who would like the freedom to use active modes of travel to stay healthy and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Sincerely,
[The undersigned]