REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Steps to Achieving a Silver Level Designation in the League of American Bicyclists - Bicycle Friendly Communities (Study Issue)
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2015 the Council ranked Study Issue DPW 15-03 (Attachment 1), sponsored by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) to determine the steps to move forward to recognize Sunnyvale as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). The LAB was established in the year 1880 with the goal of creating safer roadways and stronger bicycle friendly communities. A BFC is defined as a community which welcomes bicyclists of all ages and abilities by providing safe bicycling facilities and thus encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation. There are five designations which range from lowest to highest:
* Bronze
* Silver
* Gold
* Platinum
* Diamond
In 2006, the LAB recognized the City of Sunnyvale as a Bronze Level BFC. The Bronze designation reflects the investments the City of Sunnyvale and its partners made towards making the City more bicycle friendly. Communities are required to reapply for BFC status every four years to retain or improve their ranking. Sunnyvale last applied for a BFC status in 2012, therefore the City would need to reapply in fall 2016 in order to retain its Bronze status or move up one or more levels.
The BPAC considered this item at a noticed public hearing on March 17, 2016 and voted unanimously to recommend the City Council approve Alternative 1: Apply to be considered as a Silver Level BFC (Attachment 4: Excerpt from Draft Meeting Minutes). A summary of the BPAC's discussion and action is included in the Public Contact section below.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Chapter 3, Land Use and Transportation Element Policies:
* LT-5.5: Support a variety of transportation modes.
* LT-5.5d: Maximize the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
* LT-5.8: Provide a saf...
Click here for full text