BPAC urges using bond funds for concrete pedestrian and bicyclist safety projects; staff outlines proposed engineering and implementation budgets

Dorothy Hill, chair of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), asked the council to prioritize using a $350,000 bond for pedestrian- and bicyclist-safety improvements such as rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, crossings, striping and signage rather than repeated studies.

Hill said the committee supports engineering studies but wants implementation funds reserved for tangible safety upgrades once engineering identifies solutions. Rich (public works) told the council that the capital proposal includes $112,000 for engineering and $200,000 set aside for implementing low-cost safety improvements; he said staff will solicit an engineer in the spring and that some measures may be phased in as grants become available.

Council asked staff to clarify timing and funding in the CIP and to coordinate implementation with pavement-management schedules to maximize efficiency when roads are resurfaced.

Next steps: Staff plans to solicit an engineer to vet candidate projects in spring 2026 and to return with a timeline for implementation tied to pavement-management scheduling and grant opportunities.