Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update

  • Project typeTransportation Planning
  • Project value$334,000
  • Completion DateDecember 31, 2025

Project Description

Palo Alto has been at the forefront of bicycle and pedestrian transportation planning since the early 1980’s, when the City developed the nation’s first bicycle boulevard on Bryant Street. The 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update continues this legacy by building upon the extensive work of the previous 2012 BPTP and will guide the next decade of bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the city. The 2026 BPTP Update is grant funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's (MTC) Transportation Development Act 3 program.

Vision Statement

We envision a city where sustainable, safe, efficient, equitable, and enjoyable transportation thrives. Together, we will create a comfortable and connected street and trail network that supports walking, biking, and rolling for people of all ages and abilities. We continue to be a leader in Safe Routes to School and invest more in active transportation infrastructure, education, and encouragement programs.

Objectives & Goals

Objectives:

  • Safe & Inclusive
  • Connected & Accessible
  • Community-Led & Cooperative
  • Comfortable & Enjoyable
  • Integrated & Collaborative

Goals: 

  • Robust community outreach
  • Evaluate progress since the 2012 BPTP
  • Adjust recommendations for new policies, facilities, and programs
  • Determine appropriate criteria and metrics that prioritize recommendations and network routes

Scope of Work

  • Review Existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy and Program Documents 
  • Inventory Existing Facility Conditions 
  • Community Outreach (throughout) 
  • Determine Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Enhancements 
  • Identify Implementation and Funding Strategies 
  • Develop Plan Update Document (Final Document)


Project Status: Draft Plan Available for Public Review!

The Draft Plan for the 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update is the culmination of three rounds of community engagement combining online tools, in-person events, and meetings with Committees, Commissions, and the City Council. The public comment period on the Draft Plan is open from October 3 to November 14, 2025. Please use the comment box below to provide comments on the Draft Plan and join us for an upcoming meeting.

View the Draft 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update(PDF, 82MB)

2026 Bicycle Network Maps & Near-term Projects

Complete Bicycle Network Map(PDF, 2MB)
The Complete Vision Network represents the long-term vision for a fully connected, all-ages-and-abilities bikeway system. This map also includes existing bicycle facilities that are not being upgraded to illustrate the full network once fully implemented. The Complete Vision Network includes some lower-priority projects that may be reevaluated as the City grows.

Low-Stress Bicycle Network Map(PDF, 3MB)
The Low-Stress Bicycle Network is the foundation for citywide bicycle connectivity, focused on delivering safe, comfortable, and familiar routes in the near term. It builds upon the City’s existing network of low-stress streets, primarily composed of shared-use paths and neighborhood-based Bicycle Boulevards, to rapidly expand access with minimal disruption and promote broad community supportIn the near term, the focus will be on developing the low-stress bicycle network.

This approach prioritizes calm, residential routes that are already preferred by many community members, rather than rely on separated bikeway on busy arterial streets. Through public engagement, Bicycle Boulevards were identified as the most comfortable and familiar type of bikeway, offering a practical path forward with fewer trade-offs in terms of cost, complexity, and impacts to vehicle traffic or parking.

The Low-Stress Network emphasizes continuity and citywide coverage. While most of the network is routed along local streets, Class IV protected bike lanes are included in strategic locations—specifically on high-traffic gateway corridors where no safe, parallel alternative exists and where regional connectivity demands it. Additionally, short segments of separated bikeways may be used to close key gaps between Bicycle Boulevards, enhancing network cohesion.

The goal is to create a citywide bikeway system that is connected, calmed, and protected, delivering meaningful benefits to people biking now while laying the groundwork for a more complete network in the future. By focusing on what works well today, the Low-Stress Network allows the City to move quickly and cost-effectively toward a safer, more accessible future for active transportation.

Near-term Improvement Projects
The 2026 BPTP focuses staff resources to make incremental progress on the highest priority locations shown on the Near-term Improvement Projects map and tables (not a ranked list), representing a total of 12 miles of enhancements on the network. The estimated cost of implementing all 16 projects is $12.8 million. Initially, projects scoring above 70 under the evaluation criteria were considered for near-term implementation; however, based on guidance from City staff, City Council, and community feedback, the list was refined. The remaining bicycle projects would be considered for long-term implementation. In addition to the recommended bicycle network projects, 23 intersection and crossing projects are considered for near-term enhancements.

Near-term Improvements Projects Map(PDF, 1MB)

Near-term Improvements Projects Tables(PDF, 1MB)

Upcoming Meetings & Pop-ups

The Draft Plan is tentatively scheduled to be presented at the following public meetings:

The project team will also host pop-up events this fall to present, answer questions, and hear feedback on the Draft Plan. 

Existing Conditions Analysis of Biking and Walking in Palo Alto

Back in early 2024, the project team released the existing conditions technical analysis. This report dives into the details of biking and walking in Palo Alto, covering everything from how much people are biking and walking to where collisions happen and what challenges people face on the road.

Review the Analysis and Maps