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BPAC members call for better outreach, clearer Measure V accounting and data on collisions
Summary
BPAC commissioners asked staff for stronger public outreach, a Measure V project list that shows bicycle/ped allocations, collision/fatality data for pedestrians and bicyclists (including UC Merced incidents), and new standing agenda items; several commissioners also proposed moving meetings to evenings to boost public participation.
BPAC commissioners used the April 28 meeting to press the city for clearer outreach and stronger institutional coordination around bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Commissioner Lisa Kaiser Grant asked staff to bring a Measure V presentation and a compiled list of bicycle and pedestrian projects for which Measure V funds were earmarked, specifically asking for evidence that Measure V monies are being saved for active‑transport projects or used as match funds. "I'd like to know if there are any Measure V funds that are set aside and available for matching funds," a commissioner said during public comment and discussion.
Commissioners also requested routine data briefings: collision and fatality numbers for pedestrians and bicyclists within Merced, and separate incident data maintained by UC Merced’s police for campus incidents. Commissioner Chambers requested a dataset on pedestrian and cyclist casualties; Commissioner Harmon asked for data on bike/scooter‑to‑pedestrian collisions specifically. Several commissioners urged inviting partners — Merced City School District, MCOE, CHP, Merced Police Department, UC Merced and neighborhood groups — as recurring guests so BPAC can track projects and outreach in a timely manner.
Outreach shortcomings were a recurring theme. Some commissioners said outreach for earlier engagement meetings relied on social posts and ParentSquare but had limited reach to households without internet access; staff said the compressed ATP timeline limited broader outreach but noted flyers, social media posts, radio promotion and ParentSquare blasts had been used for recent meetings. BPAC members proposed a citywide campaign and urged staff to promote BPAC meeting times and engagement opportunities more visibly.
Other procedural proposals included adding standing follow‑up items to agendas (so requests do not go into a 'black hole'), offering Brown Act training or instructional materials to commissioners, and considering a permanent shift of BPAC meeting times to 6:00 p.m. so more residents — especially parents with daytime obligations — can attend. Commissioners also asked staff to forward planning commission and council agendas to BPAC members so they can provide input early in project review.
Next steps: staff agreed to add multiple requests to future agendas, circulate selected planning and council notices to commissioners, and explore ways to broaden outreach beyond digital channels.
