Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Expressway Pedestrian Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Santa Clara council weighs repeal request for pedestrian prohibitions on county expressways
Summary
Residents and advocates urged repeal of Resolution 5603 that restricts pedestrians on segments of Lawrence and San Tomas expressways; staff and county representatives said restrictions apply only where signs are posted and where sidewalks are absent and recommended coordinating with the county and waiting for county ordinance changes.
Council and staff discussed requests from residents to repeal portions of Resolution 5603 that prohibit pedestrian access on segments of Lawrence and San Tomas Expressways. The item grew out of public comments and petitions asking the city to allow pedestrian and bicycle access where safe alternatives exist. Public commenters cited Vision 0 mapping that showed few sidewalk-area KSI (killed-or-severe-injury) incidents on expressways and argued that prohibitions force dangerous detours.
Transportation Manager Steve Chen described the legal framework under the California Vehicle Code and explained that county and city may restrict pedestrian use where signs are posted and where sidewalks are absent; staff's review found that where sidewalks exist there are typically no pedestrian-prohibition signs. Chen summarized a staff review of enforcement and collision history, noting about 800 collisions from 2022—2024 and 18 collisions involving pedestrians (17 at intersections) and that county is installing guidance signs directing walkers to alternative paths where sidewalks are missing.
Several residents and advocacy members — including Ken Kratz and Akash Soboslai — urged repeal of the city's resolution (Resolution 5603), calling the restriction inconsistent across expressways and citing San Jose data to argue expressways can be safer than alternative routes with many intersections. County Roads representatives said the county adopted an active transportation plan in June and is pursuing grant-funded studies and infrastructure; county staff said the county supports enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities and will continue coordination with the city.
Council debated legal authority, ADA accommodation concerns, enforcement and whether the city should unilaterally stop ticketing violators; the police chief said the council cannot simply direct officers to refuse to enforce state vehicle code without legal analysis. Council directed staff to return with a memo clarifying authority to lower fines or adopt non-enforcement policies and asked for additional clarification about the map, impact on bikeways and walkable connections; the council voted 4-2 to continue the item and return with staff analysis (continued to July 2026).
