Walnut Creek Transportation Commission Meeting – July 21, 2025

The Walnut Creek Transportation Commission held a regular meeting on July 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chamber. The commission considered two major agenda items: the Treat Boulevard Bicycle Project (a county-led corridor improvement project) and the Downtown Curbside Management Plan draft recommendations. Commissioners also reappointed Commissioner Ash to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizen Advisory Committee. No public comments were made on items not on the agenda.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from May 15, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously (5-0, Commissioner Reese absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Lee Martinez (Cherry Lane resident) opposed the Treat Boulevard project, stating the existing Canal Trail is a safer alternative, that costs rose from $4 million (2014) to $6.2 million, and that the project would cause dangerous backups on I-680. She urged the commission to not consider the project.
• Larry McEwen (Walden District Improvement Association) voiced strong opposition, calling the project a “$6 million bike lane for a three-block stretch” on a road handling 40,000 vehicles daily. He noted no connection to north/south routes, questioned who requested the project, and stated that bike groups had told him the plan is “terrible.”
• Kathy McKeone McEwen (resident near the corridor) echoed opposition, stating neighborhood bicyclists do not support the project and prefer the existing Canal Trail.

Discussion Items

• Treat Boulevard Bicycle Project – The county project engineer (Mo Nasser) and traffic consultant (David Mahama) from Contra Costa County presented the 65% design for a $6.22 million corridor improvement from North Main Street to Jones Road. The project includes Class IV separated bike lanes (vertical delineators and low-profile curbing), signalization of free right-turn lanes, elimination of slip lanes, narrowing travel lanes (from 12 ft to 11–12 ft), new crosswalks and bike boxes, and signal timing changes. The project addresses three Vision Zero collision profiles (5, 7, and 10) and intersections ranking #2, #4, and #7 in county collision rates. Traffic analysis (2040 volumes) showed some queue and level of service changes, including elimination of an east crosswalk at Treat/I-680 to mitigate northbound queueing. Construction is expected in fall 2026. Commissioners asked about bike lane classes, emergency vehicle impacts (no CHP or fire district objections received), the existing Iron Horse Trail parallel to the corridor, coordination with the Innovate 680 braided ramp project (confirmed by City Engineer Jared Hartman), lane reductions (no eastbound lane loss, westbound lane drops earlier), and pedestrian signal priority. Commissioner Patch expressed strong support based on personal safety concerns as a scooter user; other commissioners noted mixed feelings but emphasized safety benefits. Commissioner Brightman urged staff to “double” traffic study projections based on local experience.
• Downtown Curbside Management Plan Draft Recommendations – Associate Traffic Engineer Brianna Byrne presented the third update (Part 1 and Part 2) on the MTC‑grant‑funded plan. Data from October 2024 showed 88% on‑street parking utilization (above the 85% target) with garages at 57% occupancy. Stakeholder outreach identified friction points: street parking preference, loading zone misuse, employee parking difficulties, wayfinding gaps, and desire for more pedestrian/bicycle space. Draft recommendations for Part 1 include: new meter zones with higher rates in high‑demand areas (Locust and Main), extended meter hours, improved wayfinding to perimeter garages, improved garage ambiance, re‑evaluating monthly permits, shifting loading zones away from busy spots, metering 15‑minute curbside pickup spaces (to aid enforcement), flex commercial loading zones (open for food delivery after 5 pm), staging zones for delivery drivers, and studying a digital platform for curb reservations. Part 2 recommendations address pedestrian/transit safety (discount/voucher rideshare programs, improved bus stops/signage, leading pedestrian intervals), bicycle facilities (low‑stress Class IV bike routes on California Blvd, N. Broadway, Civic Drive, Newell Ave; secure bike parking; e‑bike chargers; micromobility delivery options), and placemaking (shared parking coordination with private garages, expanded street closures, study of autonomous vehicle policies). Implementation timeline: near‑term items (bolded) in five years; other items longer term. Commissioners asked about measuring non‑data goals, revenue impact, holiday data use, loading zone timing, staging area locations, and metering of loading zones. Commissioner Brightman cautioned against raising rates or extending hours, citing risk of driving customers to Danville (free parking). Chair Dresser supported secure bike parking and monthly permits. Commissioner Ash commended future‑proofing for autonomous vehicles and air mobility. A public survey remains open through August 24, 2025.
• Appointment to Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizen Advisory Committee – The commission discussed reappointing Commissioner Ash, who has served since 2020 (four years). Commissioners agreed to rotate, but no other members expressed capacity to serve. A motion to appoint Commissioner Ash for one year (until March 2026) passed unanimously (5‑0).

Key Outcomes

• Treat Boulevard Bicycle Project: Commission gave advisory input (no vote), with comments directed to staff and the county. Key requests: consider sidewalk‑bike lane‑parking configuration (like Wiget Lane), provide early signage for lane changes, and integrate with Innovate 680 ramp improvements.
• Downtown Curbside Management Plan: Commission provided feedback; staff will incorporate into final draft for presentation to City Council on September 2, 2025. No vote taken.
• CCTA Citizen Advisory Committee: Commissioner Ash reappointed for one year (until March 2026) by unanimous vote.
• Staff Updates: New Assistant Traffic Engineer Edward Martinez introduced. Bike rodeo held July 12 at Civic Park (low turnout due to concurrent swim meets). Woodlands neighborhood study submitted for STIP funding; Larkey neighborhood meeting held in June. New bicycle facilities installed on Trinity and Oakland Avenues.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:30 pm.