Palo Alto plans upgrades for famed Bryant Street ‘bike boulevard’

The gentle whir of bicycle tires on pavement is a defining sound of Bryant Street in Palo Alto, a legacy stemming from its pioneering status as the nation’s first “bike boulevard” in 1982. Now, nearly four decades later, this iconic corridor is poised for a significant upgrade, with city officials recently approving a suite of improvements designed to further enhance its appeal to cyclists and address growing concerns about traffic safety. The Palo Alto City Council’s decision, reached on Monday, November 9th, marks the culmination of two years of design work, analysis, and community engagement, promising a renewed focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety within the Professorville neighborhood. City of Palo Alto

A Legacy of Cycling

Bryant Street’s designation as the nation’s first “bike boulevard” in 1982, spearheaded by former Vice Mayor Ellen Fletcher, established a precedent for prioritizing cycling infrastructure in Palo Alto. The upcoming upgrades aim to build upon this legacy, enhancing the boulevard’s allure for local cyclists while tackling concerns about traffic safety. Following nearly two years of design work, analysis and neighborhood outreach, the City Council approved a suite of traffic circles, curb extensions and other improvements on Bryant Street. The projects target a specific area between Homer Avenue and Embarcadero Road, and include improvements for Lincoln Avenue, which is one of the busier Bryant Street crossings.

The Approved Plan

The approved plan includes the installation of traffic circles at the intersections of Bryant Street with Lincoln and Kingsley avenues, as well as an upgrade to the existing traffic circle at Bryant and Addison avenues. High-visibility crosswalks will also be added between Homer Avenue and Embarcadero Road. According to Senior Transportation Planner Ozzy Arce, “The key goal is to enhance the boulevard as it approaches downtown and discourage cut-through traffic.” California Highway Patrol data showed there were four collisions on Bryant and Lincoln between 2016 and 2024. The city intends to complete the design phase and solicit bids for construction next year. The total cost of the project has not been publicly released, but will be funded through a combination of local transportation funds and potentially state grants. Fehr & Peers, the consulting firm involved in the project’s design, has emphasized the importance of creating traffic circles that effectively slow down vehicles while maintaining a pleasant experience for cyclists and pedestrians.

The Diverter Debate and Community Concerns

Early considerations included the possibility of installing a traffic “diverter” at Bryant and Lincoln to actively redirect cars away from Bryant Street. However, this idea was ultimately rejected due to concerns that it would simply shift traffic onto other residential streets. Councilmember Pat Burt argued that rejecting the diverter because it would divert traffic was “a little nonsensical,” noting that its purpose is to redirect traffic. Barbara Hazlett, a resident of Emerson Street for four decades, expressed cautious support for the plan while simultaneously voicing concerns about potential disruptions to traffic patterns. She emphasized the importance of reducing speed limits on Embarcadero Road, which she believes would be more effective than closing certain streets to cars. Hazlett recounted personal experiences of witnessing accidents involving cyclists and pets, underscoring the urgency of addressing safety concerns.

Concerns about Traffic Circles

During the discussion, council members debated the effectiveness of traffic circles versus other measures like speed tables or elevated crosswalks. Councilmember Keith Reckdahl questioned the need for new traffic circles, suggesting that speed tables or elevated crosswalks might be more effective in reducing speeds. He noted that he frequently observes cars “coasting through” the stop sign at Bryant and Lincoln, indicating a lack of compliance with traffic regulations. Councilmember Pat Burt echoed these concerns, expressing nervousness about the city’s commitment to traffic circles and the potential for drivers to treat stop signs as yield signs or incorrectly assume that other cars similarly have stop signs. Hugh Louch, a consultant with Fehr & Peers, assured the council that the new traffic circles would be designed to higher standards and would be more effective in slowing down cars, including upgrading the existing circle at Bryant and Addison.

Looking Ahead

The next steps involve completing the engineering design phase and soliciting bids for construction, with a timeline of next year anticipated. City staff will also explore the feasibility of implementing speed tables and reducing the speed limit on Bryant Street, addressing concerns raised by councilmembers. City Manager Ed Shikada cautioned that traffic calming methods can be “subject to debate forever,” and emphasized the need to proceed expeditiously while engaging with the community. The council unanimously approved the package of improvements and directed staff to proceed with the engineering design and phasing plan.

Katherine's Perspective

The Bryant Street upgrades represent more than just a road improvement project; they are a reflection of our community’s values – a commitment to safety, sustainability, and the well-being of families. As a neighborhood built on strong foundations, we understand the importance of creating environments where children can play safely and neighbors can connect without fear. The debate surrounding traffic calming measures highlights a fundamental tension: how do we balance the convenience of vehicular traffic with the need to protect vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists? While I appreciate the council’s willingness to explore alternatives like speed tables, it's clear that a holistic approach is needed – one that combines infrastructure improvements with consistent speed enforcement and a renewed emphasis on responsible driving habits. The decision to reject the traffic diverter, while understandable from a logistical standpoint, underscores a deeper question: Are we truly prioritizing the safety of our residents, or are we simply shifting the problem to another street? Ultimately, the success of this project will depend not only on the quality of the engineering but also on our collective commitment to creating a community where every resident feels safe and valued.

Resources and Further Reading

For more information about the Bryant Street improvements and other transportation projects in Palo Alto, residents can visit the City of Palo Alto’s website. Information about cycling safety and resources for cyclists can be found on the Bike East Bay website. Parents concerned about child safety can access resources and support through the Safe Kids Worldwide organization. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides valuable information on traffic safety and accident prevention. This story originally appeared in Palo Alto Online and Palo Alto Weekly.

The upgrades to Bryant Street serve as a reminder of the ongoing effort to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Palo Alto and the surrounding communities. By prioritizing safety, promoting sustainable transportation options, and fostering a sense of community, we can create a place where families thrive and the American dream remains within reach.