South Palo Alto Bikeways Demonstration Project
- Project typeTraffic and Transportation
- Project value$888,000 (Federal) and $222,000 (Palo Alto) = $1,110,000
- Project scheduleLate Fall 2025
Project Description
The South Palo Alto Bikeways Demonstration Project will pilot upgraded bike lanes on E. Meadow Drive and Fabian Way using temporary quick-build treatments such as striping, flex poles, pavement markings, and high visibility enhancements to existing crosswalks. The demonstration project aims to reduce conflicts between road users by separating them and enhancing visibility.
To encourage safe bicycling behaviors, the City will host two bike riding sessions as part of the demonstration project. Residents and school communities will learn about the new bike infrastructure and how to ride on it.
The City was awarded a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Planning and Demonstration Grant from the US Department of Transportation for this project. Information learned throughout the demonstration project will be incorporated into an update of the Palo Alto Safety Action Plan and will inform permanent design changes to the corridor.
The South Palo Alto Bikeways Demonstration Project will install a temporary striping plan similar to that developed during the South Palo Alto Bikeways Project. The SS4A grant is different from the previous project in that we cannot use funds to change or remove asphalt or concrete, meaning the changes to the Waverly Bike Multi-Use Path and the installation of crosswalks with accessible ramps will not be part of this project.
Scope of Work
- Temporary protected and/or buffered bike lanes along East Meadow Drive to separate road users, accommodate peak school commute traffic, and improve bicyclists’ visibility and safety.
- Lane conversion to install temporary protected and/or buffered bike lanes along Fabian Way to separate road users, provide an improved school commute route, and to improve bicyclists’ visibility and safety.
Project Timeline
- Fall 2024: Procure design contract
- Winter 2025: Begin community notifications; Notify standing committees and Council
- Spring 2025: Procure construction contract
- Summer 2025: Collect pre-project data
- Fall 2025: Begin construction
- Spring and Summer 2026: Host bike riding sessions; Collect data; Survey users
- Winter 2027: Evaluate pilot
- Spring and Summer 2027: Update and approve Safety Action Plan