Active Transportation Commission Meeting - May 20, 2021

The Active Transportation Commission met on May 20, 2021, via teleconference. The commission approved the consent calendar, heard public comments on the J Street Bikeway, received updates on e-bike charging stations, a year-in-review of active transportation projects, and the Transportation Priorities Plan (TPP) public engagement. Several commissioners raised equity and safety concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2021 – Passed unanimously.
• Active Transportation Commission Log – Received and filed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Enzo (Streets Are Better) – Reported that 67% of flex posts on the J Street Bikeway are damaged, urging alternative solutions and investigating delays. Staff responded with a “battle of the bollards” plan to test different vertical elements along the entire corridor, citing resource challenges during the pandemic.
• Angela Herring (written comment) – Requested the commission to invite Gig car representatives to address expanding the home zone to Natomas, where transit options are limited.
• Sue Haida (written comment) – Asked about equity in bike facility distribution east-west between Freeport and Stockton Boulevards, specifically for less privileged communities.

Discussion Items

3. Commission Staff Report

• Jennifer Donlon Wyant reported on shared rideables update (going to City Council June 15), slow/active streets in various neighborhoods, corridor studies, and state legislation (AB 859 and AB 550 did not move forward). Commissioner Carpenter requested regular legislative updates.

4. Charging Stations for E-Bikes and Scooters Update

• Subcommittee (Commissioners Brasel, Houpt, Smith) presented meetings with vendors Spin and Swift Mile and cities (San Antonio, Portland, Pittsburgh, Santa Monica). Charging stations could be vendor-agnostic, funded by digital advertising revenue sharing. Staff noted that advertising is currently prohibited in public right-of-way, but charging stations without advertising are allowed. Commissioner Dewar Westbrook questioned alternative treatments; staff explained planters are not viable due to maintenance and vandalism.

5. Year in Review

• Drew Hart presented a high-level overview of projects and programs: pedestrian crossing guidelines, wayfinding procedure, creative crosswalks criteria, and engineering projects (12th Street Complete Streets, Del Rio Trail, Niños Parkway Trail, etc.). Installed 146 bike racks, taught bike/scooter classes to over 600 participants. Commissioner Haut asked about specific funding for the Del Rio Trail bridge; staff confirmed full funding. Commissioner Wardwaller inquired about project capacity; staff noted delays due to external factors.

6. Transportation Priorities Plan

• Jennifer Donlon Wyant introduced the TPP, aiming to prioritize over 700 approved projects with limited annual funding (~$42 million). The first phase of public engagement (values survey) is open through June 14. Survey available in five languages; paper surveys at libraries and community partners. Commissioner Carpenter asked for staff’s prioritized values; staff will bring recommendations after feedback. Vice Chair Wardwaller expressed concern about low participation from environmental justice communities and suggested the commission submit its own priorities. Commissioners Buenostro and Dewar Westbrook advocated for equity goals and language access. A written public comment raised six detailed questions about the prioritization tool; staff stated they will respond to commission questions.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved (minutes and log).
• No formal votes on information items (charging stations, year-in-review, TPP).
• Staff directed to explore scheduling a presentation from 311 manager on active transportation reporting and to continue work on construction detour guidelines.
• Next meeting scheduled for June 17, 2021 (virtual).