Thanks to the Pleasanton Weekly for covering the recent Bicycle Pedestrian committee meeting. As mentioned in the article, I am a high school student on the committee. I just wanted to clarify that the intersection I mentioned in the meeting is not the Mohr/Santa Rita intersection, which is striped, but rather the new Iron Horse Trail crossing at Mohr Avenue. Although there is a signal pedestrians can push that triggers flashing yellow lights, it is most of the time ineffective and drivers do not stop. The other reason I asked about a crosswalk is because in other communities, the Iron Horse Trail is marked by crosswalks on streets.

The committee is interested in hearing feedback so we can create a Bicycle Pedestrian plan that meets the needs of the community. If you have comments or questions, feel free to attend a meeting. Our next meeting is February 4th at 6:30 PM in the City Council chambers at 200 Old Bernal Avenue.

I think the committee folk should also talk about law enforcement for riders. I have experienced, way to many times, bike riders darting across the street just to beat the cars. It's unsafe and I have seen many riders do this. It's only a matter of time when someone gets hit by a car. The police need to hang out around Harvest Park and see the amount of kids that dart in the middle of the street, as well as the intersection. Last week I saw 4 kids run to the median while oncoming traffic had a green light. Scared the poo out of me! Isn't there a helmet law as well?

I read the story in the Pleasanton Weekly and am interested in how I can become involved in the Bicycled Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Last Feb, I presented an idea I conceived about improving the Arroyo Mocho to allow for better utilization by bicyclists and joggers. The idea is compelling but so far I have been unable to get our city to take notice and consider the plan.

If anyone knows how to reach Bill Rose, Melissa Ott, or Mike Tassano, please have them contact me at gregv@microsoft.com.

Thank you,
Greg Visscher
Pleasanton Resident
(and West Region Director for Microsoft)

Greg, you can contact City Traffic Engineer Mike Tassano at mtassano@ci.pleasanton.ca.us.