Active Transportation Commission Meeting Summary – April 18, 2024

The Active Transportation Commission met on April 18, 2024, at 5:30 PM (13:30 UTC) at City Hall. The meeting included a staff report, consent calendar approval, discussion of three infrastructure projects, commissioner comments, and public testimony. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1: Approval of March 21, 2024 Meeting Minutes – Passed unanimously with one abstention (Commissioner Erasmus).
• Item 2: Adoption of Active Transportation Commission Log – Passed as part of the consent calendar. Commissioners discussed log items with TBD status; staff provided updates on Vision Zero Action Plan, complete streets benchmarking, pedestrian crossing signals on Alhambra, and sidewalk enforcement inquiries.
• Vote: 8 ayes, 1 abstention (Commissioner Erasmus). Motion by Commissioner Houpt, seconded by Commissioner Harris.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Allison (on Item 3): Expressed strong concern that the Traffic Signal Safety Project prioritizes traffic flow over pedestrian safety, criticized the lack of traffic calming, and argued that rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) are inappropriate on streets with 40 mph speed limits. He also noted 60 unneeded signals in the central city.
• Dan Allison (on Items 4 and 5): Expressed full support for the Kastanis Way Shared Use Path and Grand Avenue Sidewalk Infill projects, praising the closure of pedestrian gaps and improvements to transit stops.
• Matt Malkin and Jerry Champa (public comments on matters not on the agenda): Proposed a citywide rollout of modular mini roundabouts, citing high safety benefits and low cost, and requested time to present a grant-eligible project. They advocated for a dialogue on roundabout implementation.
• Dan Allison (public comments on matters not on the agenda): Requested that staff post presentations at the beginning of meetings if not available with the agenda, and inquired about the city's responsibility for transit stop amenities (e.g., benches, shelters) versus SACRT's role.

Discussion Items

• Item 3: Traffic Signal Safety Project (T15215000) – Presentation by Luke Fuson, Associate Engineer. Proposed improvements at nine unsignalized intersections across multiple districts, including full traffic signals, pedestrian signals, and RRFBs. Commissioners raised concerns about RRFB enforceability, the lack of leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs), and the absence of disability advocacy group input. Commissioner Harris asked why the Roanoke Avenue/Rio Linda Boulevard intersection was not upgraded to a full signal; staff explained it did not meet MUTCD warrants. Commissioner Doerr Westbrook urged the use of LPIs at all signalized intersections and called for updates to the California MUTCD. Commissioner Erasmus requested pedestrian signal upgrades at RRFB locations to accommodate blind users. The item was received for feedback only; no vote taken.
• Item 4: Kastanis Way Shared Use Path (T15180400) – Presentation by Kelli Lacy, Assistant Civil Engineer. Proposed a 10-foot asphalt path connecting northern and southern Kastanis Way, filling a sidewalk gap and addressing a desire path. Commissioners asked about tree planting, lighting, vehicle intrusion prevention, and maintenance. Staff noted the project is funded from a small local pot ($300,000) and is already over budget, limiting additional amenities. Commissioner Banks suggested partnering with the Sacramento Tree Foundation. Commissioner Doerr Westbrook inquired about coordination with the adjacent apartment complex; staff clarified that city policy prohibits asking private property owners to contribute. The item was received for feedback; no vote taken.
• Item 5: Grand Avenue Sidewalk Infill (T15180400) – Presentation by Kelli Lacy. Proposed filling a sidewalk gap on Grand Avenue from Altos Avenue to Rose Street, relocating a bus stop to improve safety, and upgrading ADA curb ramps. Public comment supported the project. Commissioners asked about bus stop amenities (shade shelters, trash cans), potential community cleanup, and coordination with SACRT. Commissioner Harris noted that many residents in District 2 are forced to walk in the street due to missing sidewalks. The item was received for feedback; no vote taken.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved (8 ayes, 1 abstention).
• Staff report noted: Council rule changes limit commission meetings to two hours (extendable to three with a vote); May Bike Month events and a bike parking pilot were announced.
• Commissioner comments:
  • Commissioner Gibson reported two pedestrian fatalities (Fruit Ridge Road on April 5, Airport Road two months prior) and asked about cycling infrastructure gaps. Staff noted that the Airport Road project is unfunded and low priority, but development projects may bring improvements.
  • Commissioner Banks promoted May Bike Month events, including a screening of "Biking While Black" on May 2 at the Guild Theater.
  • Commissioner Doerr Westbrook raised concerns about trail closures (especially near Sutter's Landing Park), unclear bike access around DOCO, and the need for education on new bike signals. Staff will follow up on the DOCO traffic management plan and bike signal education.
• Public comments on non-agenda items: The commission heard proposals for mini roundabouts and requests for earlier posting of presentations. No formal action was taken.