SR-04-24-2012-3MCity Council Meeting: April 24, 2012
Agenda Item: 3-
To: Mayor and City Council
From: David Martin, Director of Planning and Community Development
Subject: Application for Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account 2012 -13 Call for
Projects funds
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the application for grant funds in an
amount not to exceed $1.2 million from the Caltrans Bicycle Transportation
Account 2012 -13 Call for Projects to plan, design and construct a first phase of
the 17th Street Station Bike Parking, Services and Bike Share Facility.
Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to apply for and,
if awarded, prepare to accept the grant.
Executive Summary
This report recommends submitting an application for funding under the Caltrans
Bicycle Transportation Account 2012 -13 Call for Projects to design and construct the
first phase of facilities that would support bicycle access to the Expo Light Rail Memorial
Park /17th Street station. When built out, the facility would incorporate elements such as
secure bike parking, lockers, showers and supporting services for commuters,
bikesharing, and information and services for visitors. The facility would be located
close to the station and at the end of the planned Expo Regional Bikeway, and support
access for the surges of Santa Monica College students anticipated to use this station.
The project is envisioned by the Bike Action Plan and Metro's Bicycle Strategic Plan.
This project advances Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) priorities for improving
mobility and access, active transportation, livability and economic utility. The project is
also supported by Santa Monica College. Timing of this project is critical; it should be
built in advance of the opening of Expo Light Rail and implementation of citywide
bikeshare, both expected by 2015. If awarded, the City would be required to contribute
a 10 percent match of the total project cost in the amount of up to $120,000. Funds are
available in the City's Bicycle Grant Match /Project Readiness account. It is anticipated
that Caltrans will notify applicants of their determination by September 2012.
Background
Each year, Caltrans issues a call for projects to submit applications for funding to the
Bicycle Transportation Account. The grant program provides funds for projects that
improve safety and convenience for bicycle commuters. Only cities and counties with
approved Bicycle Transportation Plans are eligible to apply. The adoption of the City's
Bicycle Action Plan in November 2011 makes the City of Santa Monica eligible for this
funding, and necessary confirmation of status has been obtained from Metro. Grant
applications require a 10 percent local match. Applications must include a resolution of
support from the governing body
Discussion
Staff is preparing an application requesting $1.08 million to plan, design and construct a
first phase of a Memorial Park /17th Street Station Bike Parking, Services and Bike Share
Facility. The Expo Light Rail tracks transition from the right -of -way to street - running at
this juncture, creating a sizeable area on the east side of 17th Street that could be a
facility to promote and support bicycle commuting, first- and last -mile connections to the
station, and support future citywide bike share operations. This location is also the
terminus of the regional Expo Bike Path which will run alongside the Expo Line from
Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica. The regional bike path will transition to the
City's on- street bike network at the site of the proposed 17th Street Station Bike Parking,
Services and Bike Share Facility. This station is anticipated to experience very high
bicycle activity, as the convergence of the end of the regional bike path that connects to
the City of Santa Monica grid, and as the station serving surges of students to and from
Santa Monica College.
The grant- funded planning effort would define the programming of the bike facility,
identify phasing options, and design and construct an initial phase. The exact location
would be identified in concert with the Expo Authority and Metro, and could potentially
include both sides of 17th Street. The planning and cost estimating would inform the
ultimate programming and phasing. The space would be designed to accommodate a
F:
large bike sharing component and is envisioned as a full - service mobility facility, similar
to the Bike Center that recently opened in the public parking structure at 2 "d Street and
Colorado Avenue. The facility could offer secure bicycle parking, showers and lockers
for commuters, incidental retail, and if space permits, bicycle repair to handle the
maintenance needs of future bike share bicycles, office space for the facility operator
and bike share program staff, and space for bike repair classes /community room. Space
permitting, a cafe also could be included in the design. The facility would be easily
accessed by the Expo bike and pedestrian path, light rail riders, employees of nearby
residents and businesses including the hospitals, and surges of Santa Monica College
students anticipated at this station.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
The total request for Caltrans grant funds for this project is $1.08 million. If awarded, the
requested grant requires a 10% local match in the amount of $120,000. The matching
funds are included in the FY 2011 -12 budget at account 0014073.590000, approved by
City Council when the Bike Action Plan was adopted on November 22, 2011. Staff will
return to Council for authority to accept any awarded grant funds.
Prepared by: Jason Kligier, Transportation Planning Associate
Approved:
David Martin, Director
Planning and Community Development
Attachment:
A. Resolution
Forwarded to Council:
3
Rod Gould
City Manager
Reference Resolution No.
10670 (CCS) and
Contract No. 9577 (CCS).