We are pleased to announce that the Cupertino City Council has voted to approve and move forward three important projects in Cupertino that are beneficial for cyclists in our city. All votes on these projects were unanimous, and thanks go to every Councilmember for their approvals of these projects to make our city more liveable and enjoyable.

More and more people in Cupertino are biking, especially as gyms remain closed and any work that can be moved remotely has been (so any car trips are short, encouraging bicycle use). Surveys and bike shop interviews confirm that more people of all ages are riding. The number one concern for parents is always safety when they are polled about whether they will let their children bike. Increasing our safe biking infrastructure, which the Cupertino Council moved forward with these votes, will help these current riders plus encourage more people to use a bike as alternative transportation and for enjoyable exercise.

Read on below for more on these projects and the latest votes!

McClellan Bike Lanes

Project Summary: These bike lanes are Class IV, separated bike lanes. The bike lanes are separated from the vehicle lane by a concrete divider at approximately curb height, with bollards (poles) and reflective strips on them for visibility. Phase 2 lanes will extend from Byrne Avenue to Torre Avenue by the library, and connect with the Regnart Trail (if the trail project goes to construction in Oct/Nov 2020). (Phase 1 lanes were from Imperial to Stelling; Phase 3 will extend from Imperial to Byrne). More details, maps and cost can be found here.

Latest Vote: The City Council in August voted to approve removal of the parking in Phase 2 along McClellan/Pacifica from Stelling to Torre to allow for the bike lanes. This was the final step before the construction of Phase 2, as construction contracts were approved by the City Council unanimously in mid-July for total Phase 2 construction budget of $1,526,021.

Stevens Creek Bike Lanes

Project Summary: These bike lanes are Class IV, separated bike lanes. The bike lanes are separated from the vehicle lane by a concrete divider at approximately curb height, with bollards (poles) and reflective strips on them for visibility. Phase 1 lanes will go from Tantau Ave. to Wolfe Rd., with further phases adding lanes to extend to Foothill Boulevard. More details, maps and cost can be found here.

Latest Vote: The City Council in August voted to approve awarding  a construction contract for Phase 1 project for a total of $893,156. Construction can now move forward and is expected to start this month.

Current Class II bike lanes on Stevens Creek Boulevard.

Westport (Oaks) Project

Project Summary: Development proposal is to demolish a 71,250 square foot retail center (The Oaks), remove and replace 74 protected trees, and construct a mixed-used development consisting of 267 housing units (88 Rowhouse/Townhomes, 179 senior apartments, which include 48 senior affordable apartments), 27 memory care licensed assisted living residences, and 20,000 square feet of commercial space. Project includes ‘cut through’ bike route for bikes from the Mary Ave. bike lanes to Stevens Creek on the west side of the property to allow easier access for riders heading west on Stevens Creek Boulevard. More information can be found here.

Latest Vote: The City Council in August voted to approve the project proposal from KT Urban. See more information on the meeting details, including all the approvals of the environmental review, development permit, and more here.

The City Council also unanimously approved in July to move forward with design of the eastern and central sections of the Junipero Serra (I-280) Trail project by approving the design contracts. The design of this project was funded by an Apple grant and construction funding for the eastern and central portions has been awarded from VTA earlier this year. More information on this project can be found here.

It is great news that projects are now going forward to construction that have been long-awaited enhancements for Cupertino’s residents. We are pleased that the City Council is working toward a safer, healthier future for everyone who lives, works and spends time in Cupertino!

The information in this article is solely the opinion of the author and Walk-Bike Cupertino and does not reflect the opinions of any other organization or entity. For more information, contact WBC at info@walkbikecupertino.org.