San Mateo is excited to introduce its first Bike Boulevard on 28th Avenue, stretching from Mason Lane to El Camino Real. Launched in late October 2020 and expected to be completed by Spring 2021, this project aims to create a safer, more comfortable route for cyclists and improve traffic flow for everyone. An extension of the bikeway markings and signage was added in early 2021, further expanding the Bike Boulevard on E. 28th Avenue between E. Kyne Street and Saratoga Drive, going beyond El Camino Real.
What is a Bike Boulevard?
A Bike Boulevard is different from a dedicated bike lane. It’s a shared street designed to prioritize all road users by encouraging slower vehicle speeds and reducing car traffic volume. The goal of the Bike Boulevard program is to enhance traffic flow for various modes of transportation, including pedestrians, cyclists, and cars, making it a truly inclusive initiative. Bike Boulevards are recognized globally as effective ways to create safer and more accessible routes on designated streets. This project in San Mateo is made possible through funding from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority’s Measure A, supplemented by local funds.
Why 28th Avenue Was Selected
28th Avenue was strategically chosen to offer a direct and convenient route to several key community destinations. These include the Beresford Recreation Center, San Mateo Community Garden, Beresford Elementary, and St. Gregory’s Catholic School. Moreover, it establishes a vital east-west connection to the city’s broader network of bike lanes and paths. It also intersects with important north-south routes like Alameda de las Pulgas. This Bike Boulevard serves as an attractive alternative to the busier Hillsdale Avenue, while still providing access to all the mentioned destinations. Recognizing that improved cycling infrastructure encourages more people to commute by bike, the 28th Avenue Bike Boulevard is designed to connect seamlessly with the new Caltrain station and local parks, creating a valuable through-route for both residents and visitors.
Project Implementation and Features
In September 2020, the San Mateo City Council awarded the contract for the 28th Avenue Bike Boulevard to Golden Bay Construction, Inc., marking a significant step in realizing the city’s first project of this kind. Bike Boulevards are engineered to reduce vehicle speeds using traffic calming measures like speed cushions and curb extensions. These features create a more relaxed and safer environment for cyclists using the roadway. Ultimately, the 28th Avenue Bike Boulevard aims to connect cyclists and users of micro-mobility devices to important hubs such as transit stations, downtown areas, employment centers, and recreational spaces. Construction was projected to be completed by May 2021, enhancing the city’s infrastructure for non-motorized transportation.
Presentations/Meeting Materials
Sept. 21, 2020 – San Mateo City Council Agenda item
March 9, 2019 – Neighborhood Meeting Posters
Notifications:
Oct. 5, 2020 Notice of Construction / Distribution MAP
