Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Committee

Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Committee — March 6, 2024

This was a regular meeting of the Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Committee, chaired by Nicole Camarda and held at Petaluma City Hall. Seven of nine members were present; Stacey Earl and Marja Tarr were absent. The meeting ran from 6:30 p.m. to 9:24 p.m.

General Public Comment

Public comment was received from Eris Weaver. Written comments were also submitted by Hartzell-Seidler and McGavin (including a photo, posted March 4, 2024). The specific content of these comments is not detailed in the minutes.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the February 7, 2024 meeting were approved as presented without discussion.

Caulfield Bridge and Extension Crosstown Connector Project — Active Transportation Feedback

City staff member Bjorn Griepenburg introduced Jason Hickey, Structures Division Manager for Mark Thomas, the firm designing the bridge. Hickey gave a presentation on the project and fielded questions from committee members.

The committee's feedback covered a wide range of pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns. Members emphasized the need for traffic calming measures throughout the corridor and expressed particular worry about the safety of cyclists and pedestrians navigating the roundabout at either end of the bridge. Other key recommendations included: encouraging sharrows (shared-lane road markings), improving lighting, adding "slow down" signage, exploring a multi-use path beneath the bridge, rerouting traffic around the oval, and considering a bulb-out or seating area on the bridge itself. The committee also raised the possibility of a demonstration project involving floating docks and ramps, incorporating public art, and adding a bus route to the corridor. Concerns about Environmental Impact Report (EIR) implications were also noted.

Public comment was received from Eris Weaver and two others (one unnamed, one identified only as "Kelly"). Residents interested in following the project were directed to sign up for updates at cityofpetaluma.org/caulfieldbridge.

*No binding vote was taken; this was a feedback session for staff and designers.*

Howard Street Improvements Project — Feedback

Bjorn Griepenburg presented this item and led a discussion with committee members on proposed improvements to Howard Street. The committee provided a range of recommendations focused on safety, traffic calming, and livability.

Notable feedback included strong support for parking-protected bike lanes, overall traffic calming efforts, and limiting cut-through traffic on Stanley Street. Members raised concerns about speeding near a church on Bassett Street and called for safer pedestrian crossings throughout the corridor. The committee expressed clear support for Option 2 for the reconfiguration of Liberty and A Streets, though members also suggested that neighbors be consulted on this option before finalizing it.

Additional suggestions included: adding landscaping, art, and benches; considering a roundabout at Western and Bodega avenues and a mini-roundabout at 6th and A Streets; adding a median refuge island; raising sidewalks where needed; prohibiting left turns onto Howard; reducing car parking where feasible; and bringing back the slow streets program.

Public comment was received from Eris Weaver. Residents can follow the project at cityofpetaluma.org/howardstreet.

*No binding vote was taken; this was a feedback session for staff.*

Blue Zones Project — Upper Napa Valley Demonstration Projects

Committee member Kelly Bond gave a presentation on the Blue Zones Project's demonstration projects in Upper Napa Valley, sharing findings or models potentially relevant to Petaluma's active transportation planning. The minutes do not detail the specific content of the presentation, but it prompted discussion among committee members.

Committee and Staff Comments

Councilmember Brian Barnacle, Chair Camarda, and committee members Garcia and Racusen offered comments during the committee comment period. Staff member Bjorn Griepenburg provided March 2024 updates; the full details are posted as a presentation on the City's website.

Key Takeaways