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Residents sound off on Mary bike bridge
Consultants present plans-- locals defend, decry project
By KAREN KABILING
Concerned residents voiced their opinions on the proposed construction of a bicycle footbridge on Mary Avenue during the July 19 Cupertino Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting.
The meeting featured a presentation by Steven Grover and Associates, consultants for the footbridge project.
The complicated project, which would install a bicycle footbridge on Mary Avenue over Interstate Route 280 in Cupertino, will cost an estimated $3.7 million. It's been a flashpoint for controversy in the community since it was proposed.
Residents in attendance varied from avid bicycle riders to commuters to a local physician.
The project was first proposed by the advisory committee for the city's Bicycle Transportation Plan. The city council adopted the Cupertino Bicycle Transportation Plan in December 1998 and later approved the project as a candidate bicycle project for Valley Transportation Plan 2020 in January 2000. The Santa Clara VTA ranked the project as a number one countywide priority in the Bicycle Element of VTP 2020.
The proposed bicycle footbridge is located on a cross-county corridor and runs parallel to Highway 85.
The public presentation by Steven Grover and Associates gave a more detailed explanation of the project, which included comparisons and estimated future growth.
Providing a bicycle and pedestrian connection between the cities of Cupertino and Sunnyvale that will include gateway paths, bridge and landscaping wasn't the only idea stressed--many residents brought up their own personal opinions, which revealed possible pros and cons of the proposed project.
The Mary Avenue footbridge would affect the activity in surrounding areas, such as De Anza College, Oaks Shopping Center, Homestead High School, Cupertino Middle School and major employment centers in Sunnyvale.
A number of residents who spoke before city council emphasized the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. They complained about traffic congestion and narrow bike lanes, which have become hazardous to riders trying to compete with automobiles.
Others gave personal accounts of near tragic bicycle accidents, saying they justified the necessity of the footbridge on Mary Avenue.
One regular bike rider, Joe Tembroch, thanked the city of Cupertino for its excellent bike lanes--a reason he has biked to work for 30 years.
"It's an excellent mode of transportation," he said. "Bicycles are a great way of reducing traffic. Bikes are the best way of getting around, and they're healthy."
Tembroch added that the increase in ridership would benefit the environment, which was the reason he supports the project.
Len Doberne, a Sunnyvale resident, agreed.
"I tell people this [riding a bicycle] is very good for me--if I don't get killed," Doberne said. "The proposed structure would be good for pedestrians. I would never ride my bike on Stelling."
Doberne wasn't the only one who complained about the narrow bike lanes on Stelling. Others spoke of the lack of separation between the bike lane and automobile traffic.
A physician present said the population lacks exercise and that a large number suffer from cardiovascular disease, which is the reason he emphasizes bicycling as a form of exercise.
Resident Gary Tietz said when he originally found out about the footbridge, he didn't understand why it was being done. He said he understood the benefits of riding, but said the cost made no sense to him.
Tietz urged the city council to stop the project because no one would use the bridge; called it an "atrocious expense," noting the money could be spent elsewhere.
Others who opposed the footbridge said it decreased the value of homes and argued it would benefit only a handful of riders. Many simply disagreed with the other side's point of view.
The committee asked the consultants to answer the questions about redistricting, costs and other possible solutions. Grover said he couldn't answer most questions without further study but said redistricting wouldn't be affected. Moreover, the project would not affect the city's budget because the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority would provide the majority of funding, with additional funds to come from the state.
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Cupertino, California Since 1947
