Active Transportation Advisory Committee Regular Meeting - October 29, 2026

The Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) held its regular meeting on October 29, 2026, at 5:30 PM (per agenda, though transcript indicates start time), in City Hall Conference Room #2165, with remote participation via Zoom. The meeting covered a presentation from the Central Valley Health Equity, Access & Longevity (HEAL) Coalition, appointment of an ATAC representative to the coalition, approval of letters of support for a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant, adoption of the 2027 meeting schedule, establishment of two task forces, updates on Palm and Belmont, and reports from existing task forces. Committee members also gave district reports and discussed citywide active transportation issues, including safety, equity, and infrastructure gaps.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the September 23, 2026 meeting (Item 2 & 3.A).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tony Molina (Fresno County Bicycle Coalition) commented on the HEAL Coalition presentation, asking about funding sources and the coalition's founding date. He also noted that he had attended the coalition's first meeting. Later, during Member Reports, he suggested tying the Protected Bicycle Parking Task Force to Bike Month.

Discussion Items

• Presentation by Central Valley HEAL Coalition (Item 5.A): Mohammed from the United Services and Equity Foundation (UCEF) presented the HEAL Coalition, focusing on chronic disease prevention and access to care for immigrant and refugee families in Fresno County. He highlighted that transportation barriers (lack of cars, unsafe walking/biking routes) prevent families from reaching clinics, jobs, and schools. ATAC members expressed interest, noting the coalition's work aligns with equity goals and invited the coalition to participate in ATAC meetings. Committee members asked about geographic distribution of need (zip codes south of Shaw, near Tower District) and the coalition's monthly meeting commitment.
• Appointment of ATAC Representative to HEAL Coalition (Item 5.B): After discussion, the committee voted to appoint an ATAC representative (or representatives) to the HEAL Coalition. Multiple members volunteered, including representatives from Districts 3 and 1. The motion passed without objection.
• Approval of Letters of Support for HSIP Grant (Item 5.C): Cheryl Burns, grants development manager, presented a request for letters of support for the City's applications to the California Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 13. Projects include retro-reflective backplates, high-visibility crosswalks, RRFBs, and other safety improvements. Total project cost for one signal retrofit is $3,543,700. Committee members questioned whether projects were primarily roadway or pedestrian safety oriented. The committee approved the letters of support with one abstention (Jacob Bailey), citing lack of time for review and revision before the November 2 deadline.
• Adoption of 2027 Meeting Schedule (Item 5.D): The committee approved the calendar year 2027 meeting schedule without discussion.
• Establishment of Biannual Report 2026 Task Force (Item 5.E): A hearing was held to adopt a resolution establishing this task force. Jacob Bailey was nominated again to lead the report, building on the previous format but incorporating key concerns (e.g., Vision Zero, pedestrian/bicyclist fatalities). The committee approved establishing the task force, with final report expected in January 2027.
• Establishment of Bike Month 2027 Task Force (Item 5.F): The committee established a task force for Bike Month 2027. Members discussed incorporating the event into larger community activities (e.g., Porch Fest) to increase visibility. Volunteers included several committee members. Motion passed.
• Updates on Palm and Belmont Memo (Item 5.G): Staff (Song) reported that more time is needed to study feasibility and costs for proposed low-cost safety improvements at the Palm and Belmont corridor. No new timeline was provided.
• Protected Bicycle Parking Task Force (Item 6.A): The task force discussed identifying high-visibility, secure bike parking locations (e.g., near shopping centers, libraries). Members agreed to combine efforts with Bike Month events (e.g., Porch Fest) to promote practical demos. No budget identified yet.
• World Day of Remembrance 2026 Task Force (Item 6.B): The task force reported that the event is set for November [date unclear] at Woodward Park, with speakers including a family member of a bicyclist killed in a collision and first responders. A City Council proclamation is scheduled for November 12. Committee members encouraged attendance.
• Safe Routes to School Task Force (Item 6.C): The task force reported on initial brainstorming: flagship events (Bike to School Day in fall and spring), safety education curriculum, a driver's license-style bicycle education concept, and compiling best practices for bicycle buses. Members suggested linking with Bike Month and Porch Fest.
• Member Reports and Comments: Members from each district reported on local active transportation projects and concerns. Highlights include: District 1 (April Henry) – bike rack designs for schools, bike safety camps, and step grant outreach; District 2 (Laura Gromis) – attendance at Clean Mobility Forum in Sacramento, shared mobility hubs, and equity issues for seniors and youth; District 3 (Aric Mine) – disparities in tree maintenance on commercial properties, sidewalk and bike lane parking enforcement, and frustration with short notice for grant approvals; District 4 (Mohammad Shaikh) – meeting with council member on Vision Zero and Fresno State transportation committee; District 5 (Paul Marquez, absent) – no report; District 6 (Diana Durham) – paving projects and design of parking lot near Fryant intersection. Jacob Bailey (Chair) reported on Bike to School Day and upcoming trauma center data updates.
• Staff Reports (Item 8):
  • Capital Projects (Item 8.A): No new updates; staff asked for any additional project requests.
  • October's Traffic Collision Report (Item 8.B): Data from January to September 2026 compared to same period 2025: pedestrian collisions decreased from 186 to 164; bicyclist collisions increased from 126 to 146. Pedestrian fatalities decreased from 20 to 11; bicyclist fatalities stayed the same (number not specified), with one e-bike fatality added. Data covers January 1 to September 30.

Key Outcomes

• Appointed ATAC representative(s) to the HEAL Coalition (approved).
• Approved letters of support for HSIP grant applications (passed with one abstention).
• Adopted 2027 meeting schedule (approved).
• Established Biannual Report 2026 Task Force (approved, Jacob Bailey as lead).
• Established Bike Month 2027 Task Force (approved, with multiple volunteers).
• Task forces for Protected Bicycle Parking, World Day of Remembrance, and Safe Routes to School continued work with specific action items.
• Staff directed to provide more information on Bullock Avenue sidewalks/suite guides and Polk/Gettysburg reconstruction for walking community.
• Next regular meeting: December 9, 2026.