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CC SR 20220201 04 - Caltrans Bike Lane CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 02/01/2022 AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business AGENDA TITLE: Consideration and possible action to receive a presentation from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on its proposed Western Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project. RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: (1) Receive and file the presentation from Caltrans on its proposed Western Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project to install bicycle lanes and pedestrian access improvements on Western Avenue; and, (2) If warranted, request that Caltrans work with City Staff to make any adjustments to the project based on City Council and public feedback. FISCAL IMPACT: None. Caltrans will fund the project. ORIGINATED BY: Sean Lopez, Assistant Engineer REVIEWED BY: Ramzi Awwad, Public Works Director APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager ATTACHMENTS: A. Caltrans RPV Western Ave Traffic Presentation (page A-1) BACKGROUND: On November 2, 2021, the City Council was scheduled to hear a presentation from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on the proposed Western Avenue Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement Project, which had been rescheduled from October 19, 2021, due to time constraints. The presentation was rescheduled again to tonight’s City Council meeting because Caltrans requested additional time to make adjustments to the plans. DISCUSSION: Caltrans proposes installing bicycle lanes and pedestrian improvements on Western Avenue between 25th Street in San Pedro to Carson Street in Torrance as part of the Western Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project. This portion of Western Avenue is owned, operated, and maintained by Caltrans as part of the state highway system. 1 Within the City limits, Phase One of the project (currently in construction) consists of the installation of seven curb ramps compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Phase Two, which is tentatively scheduled to begin construction in August 2022, will include nine more ADA-compliant curb ramps within the City and a northbound right-turn lane at Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive. Phase Two proposes to repurpose existing parking lanes in the City into a bikeway as shown in Figure 1, with some exceptions. Figure 1: Proposed Bicycle Lanes on Western Avenue Figure 2: Existing and Proposed Cross Sections of Western Avenue North of Palos Verdes Drive North (outside and north of the City border) 2 Figure 2 above shows Western Avenue north of Palos Verdes Drive North (north of the City border), where part of an existing vehicular lane is proposed to be used for a Class II bikeway. A Class II bikeway is defined as a bikeway with pavement markings and signage to delineate a portion of a roadway for bicycle travel. Figures 3-7 depict photos and cross-sections of the existing configuration of traffic and bike lanes on Western Avenue within the boundaries of RPV. Figure 3: Existing Class III Bikeway in the Northbound Direction on Western Avenue Between Palos Verdes Drive North and Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive Figure 3 above shows Western Avenue from Palos Verdes Drive North to Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive in the northbound direction, where Caltrans has already installed a Class III bikeway. A Class III bikeway, or bike route, designates a preferred route for 3 bicyclists on streets shared with motor traffic not served by dedicated bikeways to provide continuity to the bikeway network. Figure 4: Existing Class II Bikeway in the Southbound Direction on Western Avenue Between Palos Verdes Drive North and Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive Figure 4 above shows Western Avenue from Palos Verdes Drive North to Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive in the southbound direction, where Caltrans has already installed a Class II bikeway. 4 Figure 5: Typical Existing and Proposed Cross Sections of Western Avenue Between Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive and Crestwood Street Figure 5 above shows Western Avenue from Westmont Drive/Delason de Drive to Crestwood Street, where Caltrans proposes to repurpose existing parking lanes into Class II bikeways and reducing the width of the median. 5 Figure 6: Typical Existing and Proposed Cross Sections of Western Avenue from Crestwood Street to Summerland Street/Summerland Avenue Figure 6 above shows Western Avenue from Crestwood Street to Summerland Street/Summerland Avenue, where Caltrans proposes to add a Class II bikeway in the southbound direction and repurpose the existing parking lane in the northbound direction into a Class II bikeway and reducing the width of the median. 6 Figure 7: Typical Existing and Proposed Cross Sections of Western Avenue South of Summerland Street/Summerland Avenue Figure 7 above shows Western Avenue south of Summerland Street/Summerland Avenue where Caltrans proposes to repurpose existing parking lanes into Class II bikeways and reducing the width of the median. Staff Coordination with Caltrans Staff has expressed concern to Caltrans about the loss of street parking at certain locations on Western Avenue and requested presentations to the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC), the general public, and the City Council. Caltrans presented to TSC on March 8, 2021, with Committee members asking questions and expressing concern over the loss of street parking that serves businesses. TSC also asked if traffic signals would be modified to prioritize bicycles over vehicles and expressed concern that doing so could increase congestion. In response to Staff and TSC concerns, Caltrans modified the bike lane component of the project between Summerland Street/Summerland Avenue and Crestwood Street (where 7 there is a restaurant that relies on street parking because of a relatively small parking lot). Caltrans will preserve on-street parking in this area by widening the southbound roadway lanes into the median to make space for the bike lane without the removal of parking. Caltrans indicated to Staff that it is still evaluating options for signal timing with respect to bicycle prioritization and has not yet reached a conclusion. Caltrans presented its plan for the proposed project to the public in a virtual format on September 30, 2021. Attendees generally supported the project. Caltrans met with City Staff to review the updated plan and cross-sections that will be presented at tonight’s City Council meeting. It should be noted that the City has no jurisdiction over Western Avenue. The City can share feedback and public concerns at forums such as tonight’s City Council meeting for Caltrans to consider. Additionally, the attached Caltrans’ presentation (Attachment A) notes that Western Avenue was chosen in part for this bikeway project because of the Western Avenue Vision Plan. The Vision Plan, which was prepared by the Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes and Los Angeles in 2013, was eventually shelved and did not come to fruition. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This project will incorporate a right-turn lane at Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive. The City Council approved a cooperative agreement with Caltrans for this right-turn lane on September 21, 2021 (link to Staff Report). ALTERNATIVE: In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following alternative action is available for the City Council’s consideration: 1. Take other action, as deemed appropriate by the City Council. 8 A-1 INTRODUCTION AND THOUGHT PROCESS BEHIND THE PROJECT CONSTITUENT FEEDBACK VIDEO PROJECT LAYOUT AND SPECIFICS COMPATIBILITY WITH CITY PLANS AND SUMMARY A-2 ▪Western Ave north of 25th St to the 405 is California State Highway 213 ▪Operations, maintenance, and construction of new projects fall under the purview of Caltrans. ▪Included in our operational authority is the ability to add bicycle lanes to our State Highways. A-3 ▪Caltrans has a proposed project that begins at 25th St and ends at Carson St. ▪Within those limits, we are proposing: ▪To upgrade curb ramps to American with Disabilities Act or ADA standards ▪Add flashing beacons ▪Construct new sidewalks ▪Add bicycle lanes. ▪Those scope items will be explained in greater detail later in the presentation. ▪The focus of this presentation will be on the bicycle lanes. A-4 Palos Verdes Dr N PM 4.31 Carson St PM 8.0 Class III limits: Palos Verdes Dr N to Carson St A-5 25th St Palos Verdes Dr N Class II limits: 25th St Palos Verdes Dr N* (*except where Class III currently exist) A-6 Palos Verdes Dr N Summerland Ave Mileage within Rancho Palos Verdes Southbound Lanes (SB)2.2 mi Northbound Lanes (NB)0.5 mi Total Project (NB+SB)16.0 mi A-7 ▪Existing ADA Project ▪The Western Avenue Corridor Study which was prepared for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes ▪Complete Street Reservation created by Caltrans ▪Compatibility with existing and planned community bicycle facilities. A-8 Build curb Ramps to meet American’s with Disabilities Act specification. Phase 1 currently being constructed, Phase 2 is being discussed in this presentation.A-9 ▪Existing ADA Project ▪The Western Avenue Corridor Study which was prepared for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes ▪Complete Street Reservation created by Caltrans ▪Compatibility with existing and planned community bicycle facilities. A-10 This is a project for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the City of Los Angeles, with funding provided by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Study initiated in 2012 to improve Western Avenue for residents, businesses, and visitors alike A-11 A-12 Bike Lanes In 2015, the findings were released, and included bike lanes throughout the length of Western from 25th to Palos Verdes Dr N. A-13 ▪Existing ADA Project ▪The Western Avenue Corridor Study which was prepared for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes ▪Complete Street Reservation created by Caltrans ▪Compatibility with existing and planned community bicycle facilities. A-14 A-15 ▪Existing ADA Project ▪The Western Avenue Corridor Study which was prepared for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes ▪Complete Street Reservation created by Caltrans ▪Compatibility with existing and planned community bicycle facilities. A-16 Western Ave Bike Lanes are preferred by the City and County of Los Angeles. Without the Rancho Palos Verdes section, there is a gap in their plans. One of the purposes of this project is to create a continuous Bicycle facility from the surrounding residential areas, along the existing east-west routes, and into the commercial centers along Western, and recreational centers along the coast. A-17 Photo credit: City of Beverly Hills Caltrans management chose the ADA project and added $1.5 MM to the budget to include some of the complete street elements that were listed in the study. These elements are being added at no cost to the City. A-18 A-19 ▪Caltrans Operations and Planning staff received correspondence ▪Area resident who rides a bicycle on Western through Rancho Palos Verdes to commute to work ▪Constituent inquired as to whether Western Avenue would receive a bicycle lane along entire corridor ▪Felt unsafe due to fast-moving vehicles tailing or driving closely to bicyclists, due to lack of a bicycle lane ▪Noted that drivers attempt to overtake slower-moving vehicles in other travel lanes by passing on the right ▪Mentioned that without adequate facilities, bicyclists would ride on the sidewalk ▪Gaps in sidewalk exist, therefore sidewalk riding is not possible in all locations ▪Safety concerns as drivers do not always notice approaching sidewalk bicyclists A-20 25th St Carson St Palos Verdes Drive N Existing Class III Lane (NB) Constituent feedback led Caltrans to stripe a Class III bike facility between Avenida Aprenda, and the entrance to the Green Hills Cemetery. A-21 25th St Carson St Palos Verdes Drive N Existing Class II Lane (SB) As part of that project Caltrans also installed a bicycle lane on the opposite side, south of the Cemetery. A-22 Med came across a resident waiting on his driveway for his buddy to come along and join him along Western. Casually dressed, they appeared to be meeting up for an errand at a local destination. He mentioned that most riders can be found along Palos Verdes Drive. Next Med rode up to 4 riders on a group ride. They chose to ride Western because it is a less hilly route and was better suited for the riders’ based on experience and fitness level. In our experience, most casual riders would prefer to do the same. They were from a bicycle group call Major Motion from SW Los Angeles. Lastly, Med remained socially distant and spoke with a resident who was having a garage sale. She said that she would welcome having a bike lane along Western because she likes to bike to Cabrillo Beach on her E-bike. A-23 ▪Western Avenue is the only continuous N/S street in the South Bay between the cities of Torrance, Lomita, Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles and the ocean ▪Less elevation/ grade changes and terrain challenges ▪Less port-related truck traffic than streets to the east ▪Improve safety, access and circulation for bicyclists and pedestrians ▪Continuous bicycle facility allows those to ride within and between communities ▪Supported by the South Bay Bicycle Coalition ▪Continuous pedestrian facility allows for safe travel without being forced to walk on the street A-24 https://youtu.be/rfVcMRmVAtY A-25 A-26 9 CURB RAMP LOCATIONS IN RANCHO PALOS VERDES 53 CURB RAMP LOCATIONS –PHASE 2 1200’ NEW PAVED SIDEWALK 3 PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS W/ HIGH INTENSITY CROSSWALK BEACON PROJECT CURRENTLY IN CONSTRUCTION: 106 CURB RAMPS –PHASE 1 7 CURB RAMP LOCATIONS IN RANCHO PALOS VERDES A-27 The class II bike lane will connect 6 intersecting east- west bike lanes from 25th street to Palos Verdes Drive North. Bikers can use Western to reach destinations along the coast from Vicente, White Point Park, Point Fermin Park, Cabrillo Beach, and the San Pedro Marina and markets. A-28 This proposed cross section is similar to what is shown in the RPV study. The number of lanes and the width of the lanes remain unchanged. The Bike lanes and the buffer are added within the width of the reclaimed parking spaces. A-29 A-30 UTILIZE RECLAIMED CURBSIDE PARKING ADEQUATE ON-SITE PARKING EXISTING LANE WIDTH AND CONFIGURATION IS MAINTAINED. TERRACES SHOPPING CENTER A-31 ADDED RIGHT-TURN ONLY LANE AT CAPITOL RECLAIMED PARKING APPROACHING CAPITOL. DELINEATED 4’ BIKE LANE BETWEEN THE TRAVELED LANE REDUCED MEDIAN TO ACCOMMODATE LANE SHIFT ENHANCED CAPACITY AND SAFETY This is the existing street view just south of Capitol. In order to place a Right-turn-only lane and a 4’ bike lane. Parking was Reclaimed and the median was reduced. A-32 no retail destinations, already has a Class II bike lane and Class III bike lane. A-33 SOUTHERN SEGMENT SUMERLANDPARK PLAZA TERRACES Notice the large parking lots available at Park Plaza and the Terraces shopping center. There are 60 SB street parking spaces and 80 NB street parking spaces available but generally underutilized by the adjacent business customers. A-34 This is a closer view of the PARK PLAZA shopping center. A-35 There are a only a few cars parked on the Street side even though there are plenty of parking spaces available inside the parking lot. Because of the high profile, high visibility of the street location, the majority cars parked in this area are to advertise a business or are for sale. This is an example within the red circle. The City of LA asked us to reclaim parking in their portions to eliminate these blights. A-36 Street view on a Saturday Morning. These spaces are not preferred by customers. Convenient parking is located in large parking lots, near the businesses. A bike lane could be instrumental in removing unwanted advertisement parking, and would enhance the street side aesthetics. A-37 MIDDLE SEGMENT ALBERTSON’S SMART & FINAL This is the Middle Segment with businesses on one side and residential back yards on the other side. A-38 The southbound Curbside parking is virtually unused. There are existing no stopping hours in effect. The Rancho Palos Verdes Corridor Study recommends reclaiming parking spaces for a class II bike lane in this segment. A-39 Similar to the South Segment, northbound parking is being used by advertisements and cars for sale. The worst is right in front of Albertson’s A-40 The North Segment is already using most of the unused parking spaces as a Class II and Class III bike lane. However, there are still portions of the North Segment which can be converted to a Class II Bike lane. A-41 ▪Western is a community artery ▪Community Goals from RPV study ▪Improvement of storefronts ▪Enhancing the quality of the public realm ▪Expanding mobility options ▪Developing a well-functioning and harmonious perception of the corridor. ▪No funding by the City for Bike Lanes (there may be funding for a right turn lane). A-42 ▪Rancho Palos Verdes commissioned a study on how to improve the Western Avenue corridor. ▪Caltrans, as part of our complete street initiative, took that study and is proposing to implement a piece of it, bike lanes. ▪Caltrans has shown that new bike lanes will not reduce the car and truck capacity of the street. ▪When cyclists use the bike lanes instead of their cars to commute or shop, there could even be reduction in car and truck demand. ▪Caltrans has explored the consequences of adding bicycle lanes, primarily that some parking spaces will be reclaimed. ▪Caltrans has shared some of the other beneficial features for pedestrians and vehicles that we are adding on the project A-43 Tentative Construction Schedule Start Construction August 2022 End Construction April 2023 A-44