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Committee flags gaps in Portola Valley safety and circulation plans; resident urges speed bumps on Shawnee Pass
Summary
Committee members noted that the town’s draft safety element is open for comment and that the circulation element and parking management plan remain incomplete; a resident urged speed bumps on Shawnee Pass after a student survey found about 70% of drivers exceed the 20 mph limit.
The Portola Valley Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee was told a draft town safety element is available for public comment and that a separate circulation element — covering long‑term traffic and parking strategy — has not yet been completed.
A staff member said the safety element draft is open for comment for about one to two weeks and that a special joint meeting of the planning commission and town council will review the document next Wednesday. She noted completing the safety element will enable the town to apply for grants.
Committee members said the circulation element, which guides parking and traffic strategy, remains undone and recommended the committee consider driving a strategic circulation and parking management plan to align with the safety element.
Public comment focused on Shawnee Pass, where resident Lauren Friends presented a student project: her son surveyed speeds and found “about 70% of cars were going above the speed limit,” she said, adding that several cars were observed near 39–40 mph in a 20 mph zone and that there have been recent near misses with children on bikes. Lauren asked the committee to explore speed bumps and interim signage and offered to help draft a letter of support.
Committee members recommended possible next steps including a letter of support to public works and the council, temporary use of the town speed‑trailer to collect data near the school, and coordinating enforcement with the sheriff’s office. Ed Holland said the committee can make recommendations or request a study but cannot unilaterally implement physical changes — public works and council action would be required.
Why it matters: the safety element and an effective circulation plan guide how the town prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle safety and where it invests limited public works resources. Residents expressed concern about school‑time speeds and near misses; the committee agreed to help draft supporting materials for the town manager and council and to scope possible temporary measures.
Next steps: committee members will consider drafting a letter of support, scope possible deployment locations for the speed trailer near school access points, and continue coordinating with public works and the sheriff’s office for enforcement and study options. The committee plans to revisit the item at a future meeting.
