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REDWOOD CITY EL CAMINO REAL CORRIDOR PLAN 18 SectION 1 .2 BI c Yc L ING CONTEXT While people can bicycle on El Camino Real, it feels danger- ous. The only bike facility within the approximately two mile El Camino Real Corridor is a one-block Class III bike route, designated with sharrows, between Broadway and Brewster Avenue; there are no physically protected areas for bicyclists or even striped bike lanes. Even confident cyclists may hesi- tate to ride on such a busy road with fast-moving vehicles and no dedicated bike facility. Accommodating bicycles on El Camino Real would not be so important if there were sufficient parallel roadways that were both close by (one to two blocks off) and continuous. While there are a few stretches of road that fulfil this need (such as Stafford and Arguello streets on the east side and Adams Street on the west side), they do not create a con- tinuous, efficient bicycle alternative to El Camino Real. Other major parallel routes, such as Hudson Street and Middlefield Road, are a quarter to a half mile away. In addition, there are few amenities for cyclists along El Camino Real, such as secure bike racks or signage to other bike routes or destinations. WHY IMPROVE CONDITIONS FOR PEOPLE RIDING BICYCLES? Bicycles are great for trips that are just a little bit too long for walking but not long enough to merit getting in the car. They are an efficient and inexpensive mode of trans- portation—both for people riding them and for the City to support through infrastructure. While not appropriate for every person and every trip, they enable many people to make short, convenient trips; reduce their dependence on cars; and get exercise, contributing to public health. Red- wood City benefits from relatively flat terrain (particularly along El Camino Real) and good weather for much of the year. Businesses on corridors that are accessible to bicycles also see benefits from the increased activity and improved street front visibility, particularly when secure bicycle parking is available nearby. If bicycling is to be successful on El Camino Real, ensuring safety is of paramount importance. Public input to date has provided strong support for separated bikeways with a physi- cal barrier (known as Class IV). Physical barriers improve safety for people riding bicycles as well as for people driving cars next to them. Pedestrians are also safer when bicyclists have a safe place to ride on the roadway and stay off the sidewalks. Currently, the only bike facility on El Camino Real is a one-block Class III bike route be- tween Broadway and Brewster Avenue. Class III routes are not separated from vehicle traffic. Source: Google Street View