3A Public Hearing 2011 0207 - Laserfiche WebLink

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;SAN 1r u L ; Rxs . % 'a San Leandro Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan " " ` Chapter 3: BICYCLE NETWORK 'fro wo Needs Analysis San Leandro has many qualities favorable to bicycle riding, including .a temperate climate, flat terrain, and scenic recreational resources along the Bay and in the hills. Based upon field review and input from City staff and the BPAC, several issues were identified that currently deter bicycling in San Leandro by residents and visitors. These include: Heavy Traffic: Major east -west connectors such as Davis Street, Marina Boulevard, Lewelling Boulevard, and Estudillo Avenue; and north -south connectors such as Doolittle Drive, San Leandro Boulevard, East 14th Street, Hesperian Boulevard, and Washington Avenue all contain many major intersections and carry high traffic volumes, including significant truck traffic, which are not conducive to a comfortable bicycling environment. Narrow Streets: While many of the major arterials are wide enough for multiple travel lanes, there is often not enough width to accommodate the heavy traffic and parking demands while providing separate lanes for bicycle travel. In addition, many of the collector streets, such as Bancroft Avenue and Williams Street which would be considered as good bicycling alternatives to the busy • arterials are very narrow for the high volumes of traffic that they already carry. Barriers: San Leandro has many barriers that disrupt the typical grid system. Because of these barriers (three railroad corridors, Interstates 237, 580 and 880), there are limited crossings east -west across the city. Bicyclists are forced to share these access routes with heavy volumes of automobile and truck traffic. While lower volume collectors or residential collectors would be more favorable for bicycle traffic, these streets often do not provide the needed connections across the rail and freeway barriers. Crossings over or under the highways and railroad corridors are generally narrow; many of the freeway interchanges pose additional hazards for bicyclists when navigating traffic at freeway on and off - ramps. Pavement Condition: Maintenance of streets designated for bicycle facilities is particularly important as bicyclists are especially susceptible to potholes and road debris. While most of the roadways in San Leandro are in good shape, poor pavement condition was noted on some streets, particularly Davis Street, Doolittle Drive, Merced Street, and Williams Street. • Right Turn Lanes: There are many free right and right turn only lanes at intersections in San Leandro. While these lanes may be needed to accommodate traffic volumes at the intersection, they pose a hazard to through cyclists on these roadways. The recommended treatment for a bike lane through an intersection with a right turn only lane would be to provide a through bike lane to the left of the right turn only lane. This configuration has Page 31