Dear Members of The Streets Commission,
Thank you for the opportunity to voice our comments at the meeting last night. I apologize for the additional comment, but I
thought it was important to clarify some information. I know that Kevin and your committee is working diligently to address the
overall master plan for bike safety and that will take some time. However, in the meantime, I would like to clarify and reiterate
a “temporary solution"for the hazard that has been created by the ballards on the east side of Olive St as the bikes approach
Santa Cruz.
1. Kevin mentioned a suggested solution that would reduce the number of ballards, i.e. place them at greater intervals. This does
not solve the problem that the bikes need to either choose to ride to the right side of the ballard, on the black top with the
pedestrians, or to the left side, riding alongside the cars and without adequate clearance (because the cars double up to turn
right and left.) Again, as a result of ANY number of ballards or other obstacles in that area, the bikes cross in the middle
of the street and then proceed to ride on the wrong side of the street. (Two hazardous situations!)
2. Kevin stated that you could not just add a green pathway without a more elaborate plan that would extend the bike lane to Oak
St. I understand that this will take more study and thus time. However, in the meantime, we are suggesting that you paint a
much wider red line on or near the valley gutter with additional “No Parking” stenciled in white paint on the pavement,
approximately every 15’ section of the new red line. Kevin stated that the previous red line and “No Parking” signs did not
deter the cars from parking, however, the former red line was very thin and the No Parking signs were obstructed by the
foliage.
3. The existing No Parking signs, hidden by vegetation, could be moved a bit and possibly enlarged to be more visible.
4. Finally, an occasional check by the police during “Morning” drop off would be an additional deterrent, some warning tickets
for violators and notices sent to the parents.
I’d like to reiterate that the crossing guard and the cross-walk lights have been a really good solution!However, it’s the
“approach” to this intersection that is the problem.
Thank you for your consideration of these suggestions.
Sincerely,Mary Jo and Brian McCarthy650-400-6364 (MJ), 650-400-6387 (B)
