San Leandro Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Meeting – April 22, 2026

The San Leandro Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) met on April 22, 2026, at 6:04 PM to discuss two major bike lane projects: the Welling Boulevard Class 4 Bike Lanes and the Hesperian Boulevard Bike Lane Gap Closure. Commission members heard presentations from city staff and consultants, received public testimony, and asked questions. No formal votes were taken; both items were informational.

Announcements

• A community open house for the Bay Fair area will be held Thursday, April 23, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Reach Ashland Youth Center (1633 514th Street). This is part of the community-based transportation plan for the Bay Fair BART station area.
• Bike to Wherever Day is Thursday, May 14. Cyclists are encouraged to ride and stop at energizer stations (locations on Bike East Bay website).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eric S. expressed support for the Welling Boulevard project, noting he bikes between Great Barry and Washington a lot. He asked about adding walk buttons on both sides of the street to avoid crossing the bike lane to reach the button. He commented that 40 mph is too fast.
• Crystal Raphael spoke on behalf of her neighborhood and stated neighbors are “pretty much against all that.” She acknowledged dangerous left turns at Heron Bay, but said she hasn’t heard anything positive about the changes. She noted increased traffic, fast cars, and many trucks.
• Kathy Rodriguez, a homeowner on Welling Boulevard, complained that Public Works took five feet of her property without proper notice, using a “right to enter and construct” form she did not fully understand. She alleged a hidden agenda and urged the commission to ask questions.
• No public comments were received on the Hesperian Boulevard project.

Discussion Item: Welling Boulevard Class 4 Bike Lanes

• Presentation by Staff: Assistant Engineer Eman Fawzi, with Thomas (NCE) and Rob (Farrell Pierce), presented the project along Welling Boulevard from Wicks Avenue to Washington Avenue. The project is driven by Vision Zero and the Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP), which identified Welling as a priority corridor. Over five years there were 66 collisions, including three KSI (killed or seriously injured: two pedestrians, one bicyclist). Proposed design includes converting from two travel lanes plus a center turn lane to one travel lane, a buffered and separated bike lane (vertical separators), and on-street parking (where present). Intersection improvements include protected left-turn phases, no-right-turn-on-red restrictions, tighter corner radii, high-visibility crosswalks, and directional curb ramps. A traffic study showed level of service (LOS) would decrease slightly but remain within city policy (LOS D). The project cost is $6.5 million, funded by ACTC ($2.2M), HIP grant ($1.8M), local funds ($1.2M), and capital reserves ($1.2M). Construction is planned for spring 2027 with completion by end of 2027.
• Commission Questions:
  • Commissioner Cable expressed strong support and asked about the bike lane separators (concrete curb vs. flexible posts). Staff confirmed the design uses a concrete curb with flexible posts, and funding is secured.
  • Commissioner Jeff Wong asked about speed limits. Staff explained a speed study will be conducted after project implementation to set new limits. They expect the current 40 mph segment to drop to 35 mph, and average speeds may decrease 5–10 mph due to the single lane.
  • Commissioner Jason Yaman shared he rides on Welling and finds it scary, especially near Wicks.
  • Commissioner Cable asked about parking loss; staff stated the goal is to minimize loss, with only a few spots removed near driveways for safety.
  • Chair Sarah Bailey asked about pedestrian improvements at Washington Avenue, particularly the existing pork chop island. Staff explained that the right turn from southbound Washington onto westbound Welling will be protected (arrow), eliminating conflicts with pedestrians/bikes. The island remains due to budget constraints; no funds for a full rebuild. Chair Bailey requested adding fluorescent paint and bollards to the island.
• Key Outcomes: The commission received the presentation and offered feedback. No action was taken.

Discussion Item: Hesperian Boulevard Bike Lane Gap Closure

• Presentation by Staff: Eman Fawzi, with Maryland (DKS) and Kate (W Trans), presented the 8.4-mile project from 150th Avenue to Fair Drive. The project would add Class IV bike lanes, accessible curb ramps, a pedestrian hybrid beacon at Grace Street, and signal/traffic improvements. Traffic study indicated LOS would remain acceptable, with only minor delay increases at one intersection (150th/Louise from B to C in the AM peak). The design cost is $850,000 (funded by city funds, ACTC, and FTC grants). Construction is estimated at $5.2 million, with funding not yet secured. The project ties into the larger bike network (East Bay Greenway, Bancroft Crosstown Corridor).
• Commission Questions:
  • Chair Sarah Bailey asked about the “terrible triangle” intersection at 150th, Hesperian, and East 14th. Staff noted that the project does not redesign that intersection but will add a crosswalk across 150th and tighten the right-turn radius from northbound Hesperian to 150th to slow vehicles. Commissioner Bailey pointed out the intersection is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, citing a serious accident involving a 15-year-old cyclist.
  • Commissioner Jason Yaman said he has not ridden on Hesperian because it is dangerous.
  • Commissioner Cable supported the project, noting it will connect to other planned bike lanes.
• Key Outcomes: The commission expressed support for the project’s connectivity goals. No formal action was taken. Staff will continue design through 2026, pending construction funding.

Key Outcomes

• The commission heard and discussed both informational presentations.
• No votes were taken; no formal recommendations were made.
• The Welling Boulevard project is proceeding toward final design (end of 2026), with construction expected in 2027.
• The Hesperian Boulevard project is in design; construction depends on securing $5.2 million in additional grant funding.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:05 PM.