COMPLAINT
Background:
When the Alpine intersection was widened to make way for a right hand turn onto Junipero Serra Boulevard, it took away the pedestrian path that had been there for many years. Stanford weekend Acres residents relied on this trail to walk to Safeway. Larry Horton of Stanford agreed to pay for an alternative trail below road level that connected Alpine to Stanford, specifically for the benefit of Stanford Weekend Acres residents This trail starts at Rural Lane and ducks under the cantilevered section of Santa Cruz Ave to connect with Sand Hill Road. It was not well designed in that it does not comply with ADA requirements, and it is rarely maintained and is constantly eroding.
The Present Problem:
Because the space between the Alpine and Sand Hill intersections was so poorly designed it is very dangerous for cyclists and a good part of the bike lane is often totally blocked by cars trying to turn right to the Med Center. The result is that a large number of high speed cyclists use the trail to avoid the intersection. Since there are steep slopes, cyclists can easily attain speeds of 30+ mph and because there are blind corners that speed causes cyclists to cut. across both sides of the trail.
It is now too dangerous for most people to walk along the trail, especially if they have a dog or a stroller.
We have complained for several years to generations of Public Works personnel, Traffic people, and various city councils, but nothing has been done to address the problem. The trail as it exists is an ultrahazardous situation.
