South Palo Alto Bikeways Demonstration Project

• Project typeTraffic and Transportation
• Project value$888,000 (Federal) and $222,000 (Palo Alto) = $1,110,000
• Project scheduleLate Fall 2025

Project Description

The South Palo Alto Bikeways Demonstration Project will pilot upgraded bike lanes on E. Meadow Drive and Fabian Way using temporary quick-build treatments such as striping, flex poles, pavement markings, and high visibility enhancements to existing crosswalks. The demonstration project aims to reduce conflicts between road users by separating them and enhancing visibility. Information learned throughout the demonstration project will be incorporated into an update of the Palo Alto Safety Action Plan and will inform permanent design changes to the corridor.

To encourage safe bicycling behaviors, the City will host a bike ride as part of the demonstration project. Residents and school communities will learn about the new bike infrastructure and how to ride on it.

The City was awarded a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Planning and Demonstration Grant from the US Department of Transportation for this project. Funding for the first phase of this project is secure. However, the City is waiting for information from the federal government to understand if the remainder of the grant funds will be paid out. The City is moving forward with the tasks that are funded, including environmental review and concept planning. City staff are investigating other funding opportunities to accomplish this work.

The South Palo Alto Bikeways Demonstration Project will install a temporary striping plan similar to that developed during the South Palo Alto Bikeways Project. The SS4A grant is different from the previous project in that we cannot use funds to change or remove asphalt or concrete, meaning the changes to the Waverly Bike Multi-Use Path and the installation of crosswalks with accessible ramps will not be part of this project.

Scope of Work 

• Temporary protected and/or buffered bike lanes along East Meadow Drive to separate road users, accommodate peak school commute traffic, and improve bicyclists’ visibility and safety.
• Lane conversion to install temporary protected and/or buffered bike lanes along Fabian Way to separate road users, provide an improved school commute route, and to improve bicyclists’ visibility and safety. 

Project Timeline

• Winter 2025: Finalize grant contract with federal government
• Spring 2025: Procure planning firm for design work
• Summer 2025: Evaluate environmental impact and develop required National Environmental Policy Act documentation; Develop concept plan; Present to PTC

Activities pending funding:

• Procure firm for construction work, finalize construction plans, and begin construction
• Host bike rides; gain community feedback and input through a survey, focus groups, and meetings
• Evaluate pilot
• Update and approve Safety Action Plan