Sunnyvale's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) is gearing up for a critical discussion on the Hollenbeck Bike Lane study, set to take place in September. The meeting, held on July 17, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding one of the proposed designs, known as Alternative 2, which has been deemed unsafe by local advocates.

During the meeting, representatives from Sunnyvale Safe Streets presented findings indicating that Alternative 2, which features unbuffered narrow bike lanes alongside a parking lane, fails to meet national and state safety guidelines. The analysis revealed that this design could lead to dangerous situations for cyclists, particularly due to the risk of "dooring" incidents, where a cyclist is struck by a car door opening into their path. This type of accident accounts for a substantial percentage of bike-car collisions in urban areas.

The commission was informed that the bike lane width in Alternative 2 is insufficient, lacking necessary buffers to protect cyclists from both parked cars and fast-moving traffic. The current speed limit on Hollenbeck is 30 miles per hour, exceeding the recommended maximum of 25 miles per hour for safe cycling environments. In contrast, Alternative 1 was identified as the most compliant with safety guidelines and is recommended for further consideration.

Additionally, the meeting addressed parking concerns along Hollenbeck. Data collected by Sunnyvale Safe Streets showed that available parking on nearby side streets far exceeds the number of parked cars on Hollenbeck, suggesting that the community could forgo some on-street parking in exchange for enhanced safety measures.

The discussions at the BPAC meeting underscore the importance of prioritizing cyclist safety in urban planning. As the commission prepares for the upcoming presentation in September, the implications of these findings could lead to significant changes in how bike lanes are designed in Sunnyvale, ultimately aiming to create a safer environment for all road users.