Honorable City Council:

I'm going to start the new year off by belatedly thanking you for your
vote last December on the Bike Plan. The commission and volunteers who
worked with city staff and our consultants on the plan were very glad to
see the presentation and were very pleased by your thoughtful comments and,
of course, your vote of support.

To expand on some of the ideas which were suggested in your discussion - it
certainly might be possible to teach an effective cycling class through
the parks and recreation classes ( Palo Alto does this) - and it may be a
good way to encourage cycling in Menlo Park.

The Almanac had a series of articles by Rebecca Wallace on the plan and on
her "test rides" of some of the possible routes marked. I enjoyed her work
- it will be interesting to see if we get additional comments from the
extra publicity.

I also think the issue of a Caltrain crossing at Middle is an excellent
option to consider during redevelopment of the existing car dealership
land and buildings. I hope the city can work to get an easement for a
future under or overcrossing which would bring pedestrian and bike traffic
from Burgess park to Middle Ave. I think it could be a favorable aspect of
the re-development - it would bring the many Burgess park facilities (
pool, tennis, gyms, city hall, etc.) just a few minutes walk or bike to
the occupants of the building, in addition to serving the larger purpose
of the cross-town connection away from the density and difficulties of
crossings at Ravenswood/Menlo or Oak Grove. This option would serve a
retail or mixed retail/office redevelopment plan.

Thanks again for your thoughtful suggestions and comments.

                                                 John Fox
Received on Mon Jan 3 20:24:09 2005