City of Sunnyvale  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory  
Commission  
Thursday, January 16, 2025  
6:30 PM  
Online and Redwood Conference Room,  
City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale,  
CA 94086  
Public Participation  
6:30 P.M. BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING  
CALL TO ORDER  
Chair Beagle called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.  
SALUTE TO THE FLAG  
Chair Beagle led the salute to the flag.  
ROLL CALL  
Present 6 -  
Chair Bryce Beagle  
Vice Chair Arwen Davé  
Commissioner Alex Bonne  
Commissioner Dan Hafeman  
Commissioner Leia Mehlman  
Commissioner Jonathan Wilson  
Absent 1 - Commissioner Geeta Gollakota  
Commissioner Gollakota's absence is excused.  
Council Liaison Chang (present)  
STUDY SESSION  
PRESENTATION  
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS  
Public Comment opened at 6:37 p.m.  
No speakers.  
Public Comment closed at 6:37 p.m.  
CONSENT CALENDAR  
Public Comment opened at 6:38 p.m.  
No speakers.  
Public Comment opened at 6:38 p.m.  
1.A  
25-0203  
Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting  
Minutes of November 21, 2024  
Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting Minutes of November 21,  
2024 as submitted.  
Commissioner Hafeman moved and Commissioner Mehlman seconded the motion  
to approve item 1.A. Commissioner Hafeman pointed out a spelling error on Page 8  
which will be addressed, changing Tamsan to Tasman.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes 6 -  
Chair Beagle  
Vice Chair Davé  
Commissioner Bonne  
Commissioner Hafeman  
Commissioner Mehlman  
Commissioner Wilson  
No 0  
Absent 1 - Commissioner Gollakota  
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS  
2
25-0204  
Ranking of 2025 Study Issues  
Angela Wong, Transportation Engineer, explained the Study Issue process to the  
BPAC. Ms. Wong discussed each Study Issue and provided Staff's  
recommendations. The Commissioners then discussed each Study Issue.  
1. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue  
• Staff recommendation: Drop  
2. DPW 24-01 - Fair Oaks Avenue Signalizations at Three Locations  
• Staff recommendation: Defer  
3. DPW 25-04 - Closing the Sunnyvale Avenue Caltrain Crossing to Vehicles  
• Staff recommendation: Defer  
4. DPW 25-05 - Sweeping Protected Bike Lanes  
• Staff recommendation: Drop  
5. DPW 25-08 - Evaluate Expanded Downtown Sunnyvale Pedestrian Mall  
• Staff recommendation: Drop  
Commissioner Hafeman asked about the following:  
- DPW 25-04 - Why can't that be treated like a quick build? Angela Obeso, Interim  
Transportation & Traffic Manager stated that the majority of the reason why the City  
needs to go to a study as opposed to a quick build is because we're dealing with rail  
and have other entities involved such as Caltrain, California Public Utilities  
Commission (CPUC) and Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) that have their own  
requirements and regulations.  
Commissioner Bonne asked about the following:  
- Could you give us insight of staff workload and how many projects can be handled  
at once? Ms. Obeso explained how there is no simple answer to this question. She  
outlined her current workload as well as staff's, the approval of two new staff  
members to assist with large CIPs, as well as the regular operations of the division.  
Commissioner Wilson asked about the following:  
- You mentioned the deferral process and how that’s a single usage. If something is  
deferred, it cannot come back. Could you reiterate that? Ms. Wong explained that if  
BPAC chooses to defer a study issue today, it will come back next year. At that time,  
it cannot be deferred again - it would either have to be ranked or dropped.  
Chair Beagle asked about the following:  
- BPAC can defer, and Council can defer, right? Ms. Wong confirmed that is correct.  
- BPAC can defer once, but Council can defer indefinitely, correct? Ms. Obeso  
responded that she believed so but cannot confirm.  
Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following:  
- Reminder to fellow commissioners that the study issue timeline is 2 years.  
Chair Beagle asked about the following:  
- There are three other study issues that I believe fall under BPAC's purview. Why  
aren't they included for ranking? Ms. Obeso stated that adding these issues to  
tonight’s ranking would not affect staff time. However, the decision is based on  
policy, as these items are operational or maintenance-related, which typically fall  
outside BPAC’s advisory capacity. Study issues brought to BPAC are typically those  
that will return for input and recommendations. Operational issues, like red curbs  
and sidewalk maintenance, are handled internally without alternatives requiring  
commission feedback.  
- Council will make decisions on study issues, including ranking, deferral, or  
dropping. Could future policy changes allow relevant operational issues to be  
ranked by BPAC? Ms. Obeso stated that this feedback can be brought to Council  
through the City Manager’s Office. However, it would require broader citywide  
discussions and policy adjustments.  
- Why was a fifth study issue, DPW 25-01 - Fair Oaks Avenue Signalizations, added  
last minute? What changed? Ms. Obeso stated that initially, this study issue was  
excluded because it’s an engineering study based on standards, with no  
alternatives to present to BPAC. After internal discussions and your inquiry, the City  
Manager decided to include it, as it connects to the Complete Streets study issue  
already on the agenda. If both issues are ranked above the line, they may be  
combined for analysis.  
- Has the City already started communication with VTA regarding potential changes  
to routes due to the Sunnyvale Avenue Grade Separation project? How far do those  
conversations go before a study issue funds further discussions? What does the  
study issue accomplish that we cannot do without it? Ms. Obeso stated that the City  
has had detailed conversations with VTA during the feasibility study phase,  
involving the project team and consultants. While VTA is aware of the project and  
potential impacts, their current focus is on present ridership and travel patterns.  
Further planning and coordination would occur during the design phase once  
project funding is secured.  
- Would it be feasible to make the crossing bicycle/pedestrian and bus only while  
restricting private vehicle access? Could this approach make the study issue  
cheaper? Ms. Obeso stated that she believes that the proposed idea is feasible but  
acknowledges the challenge of restricting access exclusively to VTA buses. She  
highlights the need to address how to prevent vehicles other than school buses  
from using the route. While she does not dismiss the possibility, she emphasizes  
that it would require further study and planning to develop an effective solution.  
- What is the anticipated timeline for the Sunnyvale Avenue Grade Separation  
project? If the study issue is approved, how far in advance of construction would it  
be completed? Ms. Obeso estimates that construction on the Sunnyvale Avenue  
Grade Separation is estimated to begin in 8–10 years, depending on funding and  
prioritization.  
Public Comment opened at 7:16 p.m.  
Sharlene Liu, Chair of Sunnyvale Safe Streets, gave a presentation highlighting the  
following:  
- Top Priorities: DPW 25-05 - Sweeping Protected Bike Lanes, DPW 24-02 -  
Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue, DPW 25-01 - Fair Oaks Avenue  
Signalizations at Three Locations  
Kevin Jackson Board Member of Sunnyvale Safe Streets, continued the  
presentation, highlighting the following:  
- Top Priorities: DPW 25-05 - Sweeping Protected Bike Lanes, DPW 24-02 -  
Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue, DPW 25-01 - Fair Oaks Avenue  
Signalizations at Three Locations  
Public Comment closed at 7:25 p.m.  
Commissioner Mehlman asked about the following:  
- DPW 25-01 - Why were these 3 locations chosen? Ms. Obeso explained that  
study issues are presented to staff by Commissioners or Council members, and at  
the time, Councilmember Mehlinger proposed the study issue. He may have a better  
understanding of why locations were chosen or omitted.  
Commissioner Hafeman moved to drop DPW 25-08, Evaluate Expanded Downtown  
Sunnyvale Pedestrian Mall citing concerns about its timing. He noted that recent  
downtown development is still in its early stages, with residential facilities just being  
populated and many commercial spaces remaining empty. He argued that pursuing  
the study without data on future resident and retail patterns would be premature.  
Additionally, he expressed concern that publicizing potential street closures could  
discourage retail tenants from establishing businesses downtown, further delaying  
economic growth. While Olson Way could be closed with minimal impact, he stated  
that closing other streets could have significant consequences.  
He moved to drop DPW 25-08, recommending revisiting it in a few years when  
downtown trends are clearer.  
Commissioner Mehlman seconded the motion to drop DPW 25-08, Evaluate  
Expanded Downtown Sunnyvale Pedestrian Mall, emphasizing support for  
expanding pedestrian spaces but agreeing that the timing is not ideal. She  
highlighted that the downtown area's development, including Murphy Avenue's  
closure and new residential facilities, is still stabilizing. She suggested deferring the  
study for two years to better understand pedestrian patterns and risks, and to  
engage merchants in discussions when appropriate.  
Commissioner Bonne opposed the motion, arguing that proactive planning is  
essential to avoid creating a car-centric downtown that cannot easily be adapted for  
pedestrians in the future. He asserted that early intervention would provide clarity to  
developers, enabling them to incorporate pedestrian-friendly elements into their  
plans. He emphasized that expanding pedestrian zones would attract businesses  
aligned with the vision of a walkable downtown.  
Chair Beagle strongly opposed dropping the study issue, arguing that now is the  
ideal time to plan or announce pedestrianization changes while downtown  
development is still in progress. He emphasized that delaying changes until  
residents and developers are fully settled would feel disruptive and poorly received  
later. He also highlighted that pedestrianization could make retail spaces more  
appealing to tenants rather than deterring them. While open to deferring the issue  
due to prioritization concerns, he stressed the importance of keeping it active for  
future consideration.  
Commissioner Hafeman clarified that his concerns were focused on the potential  
impact of filling existing downtown buildings rather than future developments. He  
noted that the streets included in the study serve as key access routes to large  
parking garages, which could create congestion issues if closed. While  
acknowledging the need to address pedestrianization, he suggested deferring the  
issue, citing limited staff capacity and the low likelihood of Council prioritizing it this  
year. Commissioner Hafeman emphasized that deferral, rather than outright  
dropping, could provide flexibility for future consideration.  
Commissioner Wilson highlighted that the success of existing pedestrian zones in  
downtown is partly due to zoning and the nature of establishments that benefit from  
pedestrian access. He contrasted this with the area under consideration, which  
includes a large retail location, like Target, that relies on significant vehicular  
access. Commissioner Wilson agreed with Commissioner Hafeman's perspective to  
wait and observe leasing patterns before implementing a pedestrian zone. They  
expressed support for deferring the issue.  
MOTION: Commissioner Hafeman moved and Commissioner Mehlman seconded  
the motion to drop DPW 25-08, Evaluate Expanded Downtown Sunnyvale  
Pedestrian Mall. The motion failed with the following vote:  
Yes 1 - Commissioner Hafeman  
No 4 -  
Chair Beagle  
Vice Chair Davé  
Commissioner Bonne  
Commissioner Wilson  
Absent 1 - Commissioner Gollakota  
Abstain 1 - Commissioner Mehlman  
Commissioner Mehlman moved and Commissioner Davé seconded to defer DPW  
25-04, Closing the Sunnyvale Avenue Caltrain Crossing to Vehicles  
Commissioner Mehlman cited several reasons for deferring DPW 25-04 including:  
even with Council approval, the issue would involve a two-year study requiring input  
from Caltrain and VTA, whose service routes would be affected. Additionally, the  
potential grade undercrossing project at the same location could render the issue  
moot. She expressed hope that Caltrain's electrification and push for faster trains  
might accelerate related projects.  
Chair Beagle expressed support for deferring DPW 25-04, noting that the project is  
far from shovel-ready and any immediate benefits from closing the crossing would  
not be realized by residents or Caltrain due to broader corridor issues. They also  
doubted the Council’s willingness to prioritize the project, as it currently lacks  
tangible benefits for the average resident. While supportive of closing streets to cars  
in principle, they acknowledged that this proposal might not gain traction or public  
support at this time.  
MOTION: Commissioner Mehlman moved and Commissioner Davé seconded to  
defer DPW 25-04, Closing the Sunnyvale Avenue Caltrain Crossing to Vehicles.  
The motion carried with the following vote:  
Yes 6 -  
Chair Beagle  
Vice Chair Davé  
Commissioner Bonne  
Commissioner Hafeman  
Commissioner Mehlman  
Commissioner Wilson  
No 0  
Absent 1 - Commissioner Gollakota  
Commissioner Mehlman questioned city staff about progress on DPW 25-05. She  
noted that coordination with other cities on equipment and practices has been  
ongoing but criticized delays in decision making. She argued that acquiring  
specialized equipment, while a capital expenditure, is a necessary investment to  
maintain the City’s limited Class IV bikeways and to expand bike lanes. Ms. Obeso  
responded, noting internal discussions on operational costs, such as labor and  
equipment logistics, are still in progress. She emphasized challenges like equipment  
capacity and labor requirements but confirmed a report will eventually be produced,  
though no timeline is set. Commissioner Mehlman dismissed concerns about  
operational costs as minimal given the current limited mileage of bikeways requiring  
such maintenance. She advocated ranking the study issue to signal its importance  
to the council, especially as a related budget proposal is forthcoming.  
Commissioner Hafeman emphasized the importance of prioritizing DPW 25-05,  
citing public input from Sharlene Liu of Sunnyvale Safe Streets. Ms. Liu strongly  
recommended ranking the issue high, despite the existence of a budget proposal,  
as resolving it would enable the city to proceed with Class IV bikeway projects.  
Commissioner Hafeman recalled past instances where potential Class IV bikeway  
projects, including one involving Google, were halted due to the City’s lack of  
maintenance capabilities. He stressed that without a solution for cleaning these  
lanes, the City is limited to implementing lower-tier bike lane options. He advocated  
ranking the issue first, acknowledging it would naturally be superseded by a budget  
allocation if approved.  
MOTION: Commissioner Wilson moved to defer DPW 25-08 but failed due to lack of  
a second.  
Chair Beagle called for a recess at 8:29 p.m. Chair Beagle reconvened the meeting  
at 8:40 p.m.  
Commissioner Mehlman ranked the Study Issues as follows:  
1. DPW 25-05 - Sweeping Protected Bike Lanes  
2. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue  
3. DPW 25-08 - Evaluate Expanded Downtown Sunnyvale Pedestrian Mall  
4. DPW 25-01 - Fair Oaks Avenue Signalizations at Three Locations  
Commissioner Wilson ranked the Study Issues as follows:  
1. DPW 25-01 - Fair Oaks Avenue Signalizations at Three Locations  
2. DPW 25-05 - Sweeping Protected Bike Lanes  
3. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue  
4. DPW 25-08 - Evaluate Expanded Downtown Sunnyvale Pedestrian Mall  
Commissioner Bonne ranked the Study Issues as follows:  
1. DPW 25-01 - Fair Oaks Avenue Signalizations at Three Locations  
2. DPW 25-08 - Evaluate Expanded Downtown Sunnyvale Pedestrian Mall  
3. DPW 25-05 - Sweeping Protected Bike Lanes  
4. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue  
Chair Beagle ranked the Study Issues as follows:  
1. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue  
2. DPW 25-08 - Evaluate Expanded Downtown Sunnyvale Pedestrian Mall  
3. DPW 25-05 - Sweeping Protected Bike Lanes  
4. DPW 25-01 - Fair Oaks Avenue Signalizations at Three Locations  
Commissioner Hafeman ranked the Study Issues as follows:  
1. DPW 25-05 - Sweeping Protected Bike Lanes  
2. DPW 25-01 - Fair Oaks Avenue Signalizations at Three Locations  
3. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue  
4. DPW 25-08 - Evaluate Expanded Downtown Sunnyvale Pedestrian Mall  
Vice Chair Davé ranked the Study Issues as follows:  
1. DPW 25-05 - Sweeping Protected Bike Lanes  
2. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue  
3. DPW 25-01 - Fair Oaks Avenue Signalizations at Three Locations  
4. DPW 25-08 - Evaluate Expanded Downtown Sunnyvale Pedestrian Mall  
Due to a tie between DPW 25-01 and DPW 24-02, a hand vote was conducted to  
decide the final ranking for #2 and #3. Simple majority hand vote resulted in DPW  
25-01 to be ranked as #2 and DPW 24-02 to be ranked as #3.  
MOTION: Chair Beagle moved and Commissioner Mehlman seconded the motion to  
accept the overall Study Issue Rankings with DPW 25-05 as #1, DPW 25-01 as #2,  
DPW 24-02 as #3 and DPW 25-08 as #4. To defer DPW 25-04. The motion carried  
with the following vote:  
Yes 6 -  
Chair Beagle  
Vice Chair Davé  
Commissioner Bonne  
Commissioner Hafeman  
Commissioner Mehlman  
Commissioner Wilson  
No 0  
Absent 1 - Commissioner Gollakota  
3
25-0205  
Report and Discussion of Recent Santa Clara Valley  
Transportation Authority (VTA) Bicycle and Pedestrian  
Advisory Committee (BPAC) Meeting  
Commissioner Mehlman, VTA BPAC Sunnyvale Representative, gave the meetings  
summary reports regarding the following topics:  
January 15, 2025 meeting:  
- The same chairperson and vice chairperson were reelected and commended for  
their excellent work.  
- There is a need to review the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)  
draft plan report to verify if bicycle and pedestrian improvements are underfunded,  
delisted, or grouped under one heading, unlike highway improvements, which are  
listed individually. No URL was provided for reference.  
- Vice Mayor Linda Sell is now the VTA Board representative for the Northeast  
District (Group 5). VTA adopted an equity and infrastructure project pledge to  
ensure opportunities for historically underutilized business entities in future projects,  
requiring careful monitoring of its implementation.  
- A press conference will be held on January 30 for the Branham Housing Project,  
which offers affordable homeownership on VTA ground lease land.  
- Comments on the Active Transportation Plan draft will be presented as an  
informational item at a VTA meeting.  
- The Bicycle Superhighway Implementation Plan, originally adopted in 2018, is  
being updated for 2025.  
- A consultant team has been hired to develop a cohesive strategic plan and vision  
for the VTA as a workplace and employer.  
- The Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study explores concepts like  
elevated busways, tram lines, and enhanced bus routes, along with preserving  
mid-century modern signage. Challenges along the corridor include variable lane  
widths, freeway crossings, high vehicular speeds, and the need to improve  
pedestrian and cyclist access to the significant retail and dining areas. The vision  
study focuses on concepts rather than specific improvement plans, and advocacy  
will be required to align cities for a project plan similar to the El Camino Real project,  
which benefits from Caltrans support.  
Public Comment opened at 9:20 p.m.  
No speakers.  
Public Comment closed at 9:20 p.m.  
STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES  
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS  
-Commissioner Comments  
-Staff Comments  
Ms. Wong commented on the following:  
- Volunteer opportunity for 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count  
- Board and Commission Recruitment for Board of Library Trustees  
- A new traffic signal has been turned on and is operating at Kifer Road and  
Commercial Street.  
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS  
25-0206  
BPAC 2025 Draft Annual Work Plan  
Active Items List January 2025  
25-0207  
ADJOURNMENT  
Chair Beagle adjourned the meeting at 9:23 p.m.  
Public Participation Options  
In person public comment:  
Online participation:  
Online public comment:  
Written public comment:  
Public review of items:  
Planning a presentation for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission meeting?  
Planning to provide materials to the Commission?  
Language Access and Translation  
Translation Link: https://bit.ly/HCQX-0562  
Accessibility/Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice  
LEGAL NOTICES