In a significant move at the February 5th council meeting, the Cupertino City Council unanimously approved the funding to conduct a feasibility study for the Junipero Serra Trail The proposed bike/ped trail will run inside the Highway 280 southern sound wall from the Don Burnett Bridge to Tantau Ave near the Apple Campus. One of the few opportunities in Cupertino to have a bike/ped trail that is not on a street, it will navigate three major intersections: Stelling Road, DeAnza Boulevard and Wolfe Road. This is a major win for the community – whether you’re a cycling commuter, student or a resident who enjoys biking or walking, it will benefit you and the broader community. If you’d like to send the council a note of support you can do so at citycouncil@cupertino.org.
More information to follow. For more project information, please select this link: Junipero Serra Trail.
On Tue, Feb 5, 2019 at 5:24 PM -0700, “Pete Heller” wrote:
Dear City Council Members,
Thanks to City Council’s support, Cupertino is doing a great job of expanding walking and cycling resources for residents and guests. As outcomes of the 2016 Bicycling Plan, protected bike lanes are coming on key corridors, and walking/biking trails are being studied.
Regnart Creek Trail was the first to be proposed. With great insight the prior council funded the feasibility study for that trail. Next up, on your agenda this evening, is the Junipero Serra Trail. I urge you to vote yes to fund this feasibility study. This trail has many advantages including connecting Apple campuses and enabling East-West traffic to flow without requiring auto transit. That would reduce congestion on our fully utilized streets. Enabling/encouraging more people to exercise and improve health are also a valuable side benefit.
But as is common with any change, there are forces afoot to block these community amenities. Nearby homeowners will be vocal about their fears. They boil down to (1) security and (2) privacy. But do these fears actually hold water?
Regarding security, let me share my experience. My house backs up onto the UPRR tracks, which are a de facto trail. The trail actually enhances security. That’s because every day at least 100X more eyeballs watch my house in contrast to standard isolated tract homes. Empirical evidence also supports this. Captain Urena of the Sheriff’s department has stated no crime issues have been seen in other trail sectors such as Blackberry Farms, Orogrande and Creekside Park.
Regarding privacy, that can certainly be mitigated with fencing as needed. The costs should be included in the feasibility study.
In conclusion, please vote to fund the feasibility study for the Junipero Serra Trail.
Pete Heller
30 year resident
Bicycle Pedestrian Commissioner