Tonight is the next step in helping make streets safer in San Mateo. At 530p, via Zoom, the City Council will consider staff's recommendation on how to lower speed limits around San Mateo Schools. It is important for you to voice support for the effort and provide feedback on the proposal.
When: Tonight/Monday at 530p - this is first on the agenda and will move quickly
Where: Via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84942589458?pwd=a2hZdGtjTFkvaXAyMzdYQlBIbkJhQT09; or via phone - (408) 638-0968, Conference ID: 849 4258 9458, Passcode: 872588
How to issue a public comment: Zoom - Raise Hand during public comment section; Phone - follow directions dictated by operator
How can I learn more?: Here are the materials for the meeting, including staff summary, a list of schools and streets impacted, and maps of schools impacted
In general, staff has done a very thorough analysis of the issue. With your input, we can ensure that the proposal is effective as possible:
Don't exclude private schools or smaller schools - Staff has asked whether Council would like to reduce the cost of the program by excluding these schools. All kids deserve safer streets, however.
Don't limit program to K-12 schools - The proposal only protects K-12 schools and does not lower speeds around daycare facilities, preschools, Sunday schools, and after-school athletic and activity programs. Kids (and parents) walk and bike to all of these programs and they deserve protection, too.
Determine how to protect 100% of San Mateo schools - The current proposal does not lower speed limits around 11 San Mateo schools, including Aragon, Bowditch, Baywood, Meadow Heights, and Nueva based on staff analysis of the law. The Council should work with staff to identify ways to ensure that these schools are also made safer.
Identify next steps - Recent changes to California law will make it easier for cities to lower speed limits. The sooner we make these changes the more lives we can save.
We hope that you will be able to make it tonight and make a quick public comment to encourage the Council to do what it can to make our streets safer. Thanks for your assistance!
Mike Swire & the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition San Mateo Team