Active Transportation Commission Meeting – February 15, 2024

The Active Transportation Commission met on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Complex, 915 I Street, Sacramento. The meeting included approval of minutes and the commission log, presentations on the Truxel Bridge feasibility study and the Dixieanne Neighborhood Clean and Green Alleys project, and a vote to recommend two grant applications to City Council. Commissioners also discussed traffic safety, alley naming, and future agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 – Approval of Meeting Minutes (January 18, 2024): Approved by roll call vote (9 ayes, 1 abstention – Commissioner Harris).
• Item 2 – Active Transportation Commission Log: Commissioner Westbrook pulled the item from consent to add a new inquiry about banning right‑on‑red in Sacramento. The amendment was approved unanimously (10 ayes). Commissioner Harris requested status updates on two log entries (semi‑annual Vision Zero and Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan updates). Staff noted recent hiring of a data analyst and expected progress within 6–9 months.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Truxel Bridge (Item 3): Three speakers addressed the commission. Dan Allison (District 4) argued the bridge was approved without motor vehicles by the county and SAC RT, stated that light rail may never be built, and questioned the project’s VMT reduction benefits. Troy (District 4) urged a car‑free bridge, citing noise, pollution, and induced demand. Matt Anderson (District 4) acknowledged staff work but noted major shifts since 2013 (remote work, climate emergency) and suggested revisiting assumptions.
• Dixieanne Alleys (Item 4): Troy spoke in support, proposing alley‑to‑alley crossings and mixed‑use alley frontage to maximize pedestrian activation.
• Public Comments – Matters Not on the Agenda: Dan Allison raised concerns about a reconstructed sidewalk on Broadway that is only 34 inches wide (below ADA and PROWAG standards) and suggested a rapid‑response program after traffic fatalities (citing Oakland’s program). Matt Anderson echoed support for a rapid‑response program and suggested the commission hold a tour of alley projects.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 – Truxel Bridge Concept and Feasibility Study (T15235000): Principal Planner Sparky Harris presented the project, which evaluates a new all‑modes bridge over the Lower American River connecting Truxel Road/Garden Highway to Sequoia Pacific/Richards Boulevard. Three draft cross‑sections were shown: mixed‑flow (cars+transit), separated transit/cars with cycle track, and a traditional layout from the light‑rail green line. The study is in early stages; public engagement continues through summer 2024, with council consideration expected in early 2025. Commissioners and the public overwhelmingly expressed support for a car‑free or transit‑only option, citing induced demand, safety, and consistency with city climate goals. Several commissioners requested that the CEQA analysis include an active‑transportation‑only alternative. Commissioner Gibson presented five recommendations (later expanded to six) including no personal‑vehicle options, transit‑funding guarantees, physical barriers for cyclists, and improved connections to the Niños Parkway.
• Item 4 – Dixieanne Neighborhood Clean and Green Alleys (T15235100): Sparky Harris described a $5 million Clean California grant to remove litter, install permeable pavers in five alleys, commission local art, and repair fences. The project has completed community cleanups, soil analysis, and art commissioning. Bids for paver installation are due; construction expected to begin April 2024 with completion by June 2024. Commissioners praised the project and discussed alley naming, maintenance funding (none beyond grant), and potential for a citywide alley program. Staff noted the city lacks a standard for alley lighting but is working on it.
• Item 5 – 2024 SACOG Carbon Reduction Program Grant Applications: Transportation Planning Manager Jennifer Donlon Wyant presented two grant applications: (a) Niños Parkway Gap Closure Project (connecting the shared‑use path to the American River Parkway) and (b) a Walking and Bicycling Wayfinding Project. The commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation to City Council for approval of both applications.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Minutes approved (9‑0‑1). Commission log amended to add a right‑on‑red inquiry; log adopted (10‑0).
• Item 5 – Grant Applications: Motion passed unanimously (10 ayes) to recommend City Council approve the two SACOG Carbon Reduction Program grant submissions.
• Commission Log Requests: Commissioner Westbrook’s right‑on‑red item added. Commissioner Gibson requested formal ATC recommendations on the Truxel Bridge (six items) be added to the log. Commissioner Banks requested a future discussion on consistent trail‑use policies (walk‑right vs. left) across jurisdictions.
• Staff Updates: The 2023 ATC annual report will be on City Council consent March 12, 2024. The 2040 General Plan update is scheduled for council adoption February 27, 2024. An artist‑in‑residence (Melissa Mugonzo) is embedded with staff to enhance public engagement.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Haupt reported that the annual report was well‑received at the PMPE committee but will go to council on consent. Commissioner Gibson noted three recent pedestrian/cyclist fatalities and suggested the commission expand its scope to general traffic safety. Vice Chair Gonzalez promoted a March 2 traffic safety forum. Commissioner Westbrook requested the log award discussion be placed on the March 2024 agenda (staff noted it would be commissioner‑led).