BPAC recommends mixed‑use paths for Tasman Drive west of Vienna, phases east segment for later review

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission on May 15 recommended that the City Council pursue a phased redesign of Tasman Drive that installs two‑way, separated multiuse paths on the western segment (Fair Oaks Avenue to Vienna Drive) and defer full design decisions for the eastern segment (Vienna Drive to Lawrence Expressway) until after the first phase is evaluated.

Commissioners said the move prioritizes pedestrian and bicyclist safety while allowing time to monitor traffic and emergency response impacts before extending changes east of Vienna. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote, 6‑0 with one commissioner recused.

The commission’s recommendation follows a staff and consultant presentation on a study that assessed existing conditions, collision history and two main build alternatives. Adam Denkberg, project manager for consultant Kimley‑Horn, told commissioners the study examined traffic volumes and collision records and concluded that converting Tasman to one general‑purpose travel lane per direction was possible without “significant travel time or delay impacts” at study intersections, though it would increase queuing in some peak periods. He described the two build options under consideration: (1) 12‑foot two‑way multiuse paths on both sides of Tasman separated from the road by curb; and (2) curbside Class 2B buffered bike lanes with sidewalks on each side.

Why it matters: the corridor currently lacks continuous sidewalks or bike lanes across long stretches. The consultants estimated costs for full corridor buildout at roughly $18–$23 million for the multiuse path approach and $14–$19 million for the buffered bike lanes (estimates presented in 2025 dollars). The study summarized outreach from more than 400 community engagements, including an online survey of 371 respondents; 88% favored at least one build alternative over leaving conditions unchanged.

Public testimony revealed a sharp divide. Victor Garza, a Casa De Amigos resident, urged rejection of lane reductions and said the mobile home parks rely on Tasman as their primary access: “The proposed plan to reduce Tasman from 4 lanes to just 1 lane in each direction will create severe congestion, delays, and dangerous traffic conditions,” he said. Sunnyvale Safe Streets and other residents pushed the commission to adopt Alternative 1 for the west segment immediately, arguing that separated paths are safer for children, seniors and people carrying groceries. Elana Feynsmith (Sunnyvale Safe Streets) asked commissioners to “do alt 1 from Fair Oaks to Vienna and hopefully replant some of the trees.”

Staff and the Department of Public Safety flagged operational concerns. Staff reported that DPS expressed the most concern about emergency response for any plan that narrows the roadway from two lanes per direction to one; DPS officials said they were less concerned with the buffered bike lane option because drivers can pull to the right into the buffer to allow emergency vehicles to pass on the left. Mobile‑home delivery access was also raised as a constraint: large deliveries require additional turning room and routing study for some carrier configurations.

Trees and right‑of‑way impacts: the consultant said the multiuse path option could require removal of some mature street trees (the study flagged a subset as likely or potentially affected), while the buffered bike lane option showed fewer likely removals but less separation between people walking and motor vehicles. The Sunnyvale Urban Forest Advocates urged preserving as many trees as possible or replacing removed specimens on‑site.

Commission action and wording: Commissioner Haffman moved that BPAC recommend the multiuse (two‑way) paths for phase 1 (Fair Oaks–Vienna), with phase 2 (Vienna–Lawrence) to be reconsidered after monitoring phase 1 outcomes; the motion added direction to: keep the existing temporary south‑side lane closure in place and implement a complementary temporary north‑side closure to create an interim north‑side bike/ped facility until permanent construction, and to prioritize replanting trees where feasible. The motion was seconded and carried 6‑0 with Commissioner Melman recused. (See “Votes at a glance” below for roll‑call names.)

Commissioners and public commenters emphasized that phase 1 addresses the corridor’s most urgent safety gaps and that a phased approach gives staff time to collect data on queuing, emergency response and mobile home delivery routing before committing to permanent changes east of Vienna. Staff said cost estimates are preliminary and that the City Council will consider adding the concept plan as an unfunded project in the FY2025–26 budget pending identification of construction funding.

What’s next: The BPAC recommendation goes to Sunnyvale City Council for consideration. If Council supports the concept, staff said they would pursue funding and return with design and implementation details; commissioners asked that the Council’s action include milestones or timeframes to ensure phase 2 is re‑evaluated rather than forgotten.

Votes at a glance: The commission adopted the motion recommending phase 1 multiuse paths and phased implementation, roll call 6‑0‑1 (yes: Chair Beagle; Commissioner Haffman; Vice Chair Dave; Commissioner Wilson; Commissioner Golakota; Commissioner Boney; abstain/recused: Commissioner Melman).

Speakers (selected): Adam Denkberg, Kimley‑Horn (project manager); Tim Lee, City staff (project presentation); Commissioner Leah Melman (sponsor of earlier study); Commissioner Haffman (mover); Victor Garza (Casa De Amigos resident); Elana Feynsmith (Sunnyvale Safe Streets); Hans Bernhardt (resident); Ari Finesmith (resident); Judy Pavlik (SMHPA Alliance/mobile‑home industry); Kathy Meager (Sunnyvale Urban Forest Advocates).

Clarifying details: estimated construction ranges presented in 2025 dollars (multiuse path $18–$23 million; buffered lanes $14–$19 million); consultant advised lane reductions would increase queuing though not cause “significant travel time or delay” at study intersections; consultant flagged a limited number of trees as likely to be removed under multiuse path alternative; outreach included 371 online survey respondents and 400+ engagements; DPS recommended buffered‑lane option as posing fewer emergency‑response constraints.

Context: The item drew heavy public comment because the corridor borders several mobile‑home parks (Casa De Amigos, Plaza Del Rey) and connects to grocery and transit destinations. The commission’s recommendation emphasizes near‑term safety improvements while preserving a path to revisit the more constrained eastern segment following observation and additional design work.

Provenance: topic introduced in staff report and item title (transcript excerpt: "Recommend to city council to approve the concept plan..."), and topic closed with the roll‑call vote statement (transcript excerpt: "The motion carries 6 0 1 with commissioner Melman abstaining.").