Councilmember proposes prioritizing shovel‑ready pedestrian and bike safety projects; staff to return in March

Councilmember O’Connor proposed a targeted approach to address pedestrian, bicycle and intersection safety across Novato by prioritizing previously studied "shovel‑ready" projects for the coming budget cycle.

O’Connor said the goal is to quickly advance projects that staff have already evaluated, working with the Complete Streets and Pathways Oversight Committee, and to bring a concise, stakeholder‑reviewed list back to council early in the budget process. She described the advantage of focusing on ready projects to improve safety and quality of life using Measure M or other capital funds.

Councilmember Eklund supported coordinating with the Safe Routes to Schools Committee and asked that staff return in March or April with a list of candidate projects and a clear estimate of how much Measure M funding would be devoted to the effort. Staff indicated they can return in March if council supports the item.

During public comment, Alejandra Reyes of Safe Streets Novato urged prioritizing school‑area improvements and bikeways, citing more than 1,000 pedestrian accidents in Novato over the past 10 years and stressing access for children, elderly residents and people who use mobility devices.

No formal funding decision or motion on specific projects occurred; council directed staff to prepare the agenda item for upcoming budget discussions and to engage relevant committees and stakeholders.