The Town Council of Atherton held a regular meeting on April 16, 2025, where key discussions centered on transportation safety and infrastructure improvements, particularly concerning El Camino Real.

The meeting began with a focus on the safety of pedestrians and cyclists along El Camino Real, where council members acknowledged recent accidents involving buses and pedestrians. A proposal was presented to reduce lane widths to 11 feet and implement measures to slow down traffic. The council discussed various concepts for improving safety, with a preference emerging for Concept 2, which includes protected bike lanes.

Council members expressed strong concerns about the Selby Lane intersection, highlighting its dangers for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. There was unanimous support for pursuing funding to enhance safety at this intersection, with suggestions for community engagement before deciding on specific safety measures, such as the installation of a traffic signal or a HAWK beacon.

Further discussions revealed a divide in community preferences regarding the proposed concepts for El Camino Real. Survey results indicated that Atherton residents favored Concept 1 over Concept 2, while non-residents showed a preference for Concept 2. This discrepancy prompted council members to consider the need for further community input to ensure that the chosen plan meets the needs of all stakeholders.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to improving transportation safety in Atherton, with plans to engage the community further and explore funding opportunities for critical infrastructure enhancements. The council aims to address the pressing safety concerns along El Camino Real while balancing the preferences of residents and non-residents alike.