Bike lanes, warning signs sought for San Carlos interchange 

“Creating a safe infrastructure is great for our city,” Commissioner Twisha Anand said. “I’m pleased we’ve chosen progress over perfection and there is a midterm solution we can bring to the table quickly for the community.”

The recommended midterm solution is to implement a mix of separated bikeways and bike lanes on Holly Street, which maintains the existing driving lane configuration. Flashing beacons will also be added at highway on- and off-ramps. This proposal is estimated to take one to two years to complete, and cost $3 million to $4 million. 

This proposal also avoids length permitting processes through Caltrans because it does not include changing bike or traffic signals, and the bike lanes north of Shoreway Road will not have protection, according to a staff report. 

Consultants estimate that with the San Carlos City Council approval at its meeting Aug. 25, the proposal could be approved in one to three months. Moving forward with this proposal was recommended because the benefits of such improvements will be realized sooner. 

The alternative proposals were estimated to take closer to five years to complete, cost between $6 million and $8 million and require more studies and permitting. 

A pedestrian and bicyclist overcrossing over Highway 101 is the ultimate goal, and previous plans for one were once close to breaking ground, but were ultimately halted because funds were allocated elsewhere. 

The city has sought to make changes to the overpass for more than a decade, but after bicyclist Andrea Vallebueno was struck by a car and died in November, improvements have remained front of mind for city staff, electeds and residents alike. 

“It is a tangible, immediate step that can actually save a life,” Anand said. “One life lost is too many already.” 

Major proponents for such improvements include bike safety advocates from San Carlos and surrounding communities. 

Commissioners lauded consultants and staff efforts to include the community in gathering feedback on the respective proposals, which largely included strong support for a fast, interim solution to address urgent safety needs.

As a bicyclist in the area, Commissioner Jorge Tapias — who recently was sworn in to the role — said the safety improvements will be received well. 

“I appreciate the thought you’ve put into this, making us, we cyclists, feel safer here,” Tapias said.