Merced Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Meeting - August 26, 2025

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) of Merced, California, held a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. Key topics included the introduction of new commissioners, engineering project updates, a comprehensive general plan update, and the election of new officers. The meeting also featured public comments on traffic safety and a parks master plan.

Consent Calendar

• No items were placed on the consent calendar.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jean O'Cooley, representing Strong Towns, expressed support for traffic calming and pedestrian/bicycle safety. She proposed quick-build solutions such as bollards and painted striping at intersections to reduce crossing distances and slow vehicles, particularly near schools in South Merced. She mentioned a meeting with Councilmember Michael Harris about traffic calming on 21st Street.
• Kim Garner, Executive Director of the Central Valley Opportunity Fund, provided an update on the Parks Recreation and Open Space Master Plan (PROS Plan). She announced an open house on Wednesday, October 10, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Senior Center to review community feedback and the draft plan. She emphasized that the plan will feed into the General Plan and urged community involvement.

Discussion Items

• Introduction of New BPAC Members and Staff (G1): Planning staff introduced new and returning commissioners and supporting planning staff (Vicky Lane, Leah Brown, Valeria Renteria). Each commissioner shared their background.
• Engineering Report Changes and Project Updates (G2): City Engineer Daryl Jordan explained that future engineering reports will list specific items to comply with the Brown Act. Updates were given on:
  • Bear Creek Trail Restoration Project: At 50% design; permits being obtained; plans to be brought to BPAC for review.
  • Main Street One Way Project: Nearing completion; punch list includes energizing a bicycle loop detector at an intersection.
  • SS4A Grant Project Submission (G Street corridor from hospital to Bellevue Road): Grant submitted to USDOT; seeking funding; design will consider separated bike lanes and pedestrian improvements.
• Comprehensive General Plan Update and Downtown Station Area Plan (G3): Planning Manager Johnny Land presented the update. The last plan was adopted in 2012. The new plan will include circulation, safety, and land use elements. A Citizens Advisory Focus Group (CAFG) will meet seven to eight times; first meeting on August 27, 2025. Public workshop on October 23, 2025. BPAC members encouraged to participate.
• Bellevue Road Bicycle Path Update (G4): Johnny Land reported that UC Merced is leading a demonstration grant for a temporary separated bike path on Bellevue Road from G Street to the UC campus. Environmental review (NEPA/CEQA) nearly complete. UC will present the design to BPAC in October.
• Bike Month Discussion (G5): Commissioners noted a lack of a city proclamation for Bike Month in May. They planned to start the request process earlier (February) next year. The Merced Bicycle Coalition's ride with the mayor occurred for the third year.

Election of Chair and Vice Chair (H1)

• Chair: Commissioner Caroline Marez was nominated by Commissioner Kaiser Grant and seconded by Commissioner Ewing. The motion passed unanimously.
• Vice Chair: Commissioner Arturo Martinez nominated himself, seconded by Commissioner Ewing. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Comments (H2)

• Commissioner Thomas reported enjoying the new campus bikeway but noted a lack of trees beyond a certain point and expressed interest in completing tree planting.

Requests to Add Items to Future Agenda (H3)

• Commissioner Thomas requested discussion on adding physical separation to the Main Street bike lane.
• Commissioner Marez requested a presentation on the design for the G Street (hospital to Bellevue) project.
• Commissioner Martinez requested a safety analysis on M Street and Cardella, citing close calls with vehicles.
• Commissioner Thomas raised an urgent concern about near misses at a V Street crossing near an elementary school, where a crossing guard has reported hazards. He requested BPAC review and recommend improvements to City Council.
• Several commissioners discussed the need for citizen representation on the Traffic Committee. Commissioner Ewing noted that Councilmember Harris added an agenda item to the October City Council meeting to consider making the Traffic Committee an appointed commission. Johnny Land agreed to bring back information on the history, roles, and pathways for citizen input.

Key Outcomes

• Elections: Caroline Marez elected Chair, Arturo Martinez elected Vice Chair (unanimous).
• Future Agenda Items: The following items were added to future BPAC agendas: (1) Physical separation on Main Street bike lane; (2) Design concepts for G Street corridor; (3) Safety analysis on M Street and Cardella; (4) V Street crossing safety concerns; (5) Presentation on Traffic Committee history, roles, and potential changes.
• General Plan Engagement: BPAC members will be notified of CAFG meetings and public workshops; commissioners encouraged to participate as citizens.
• Engineering Report Process: Going forward, engineering reports will list specific agendaized items to comply with the Brown Act; the full project list will be provided for reference and future agenda requests.