Appendix B Millbrae Station Key features The Millbrae Station is owned and operated by the Bay Area Rapid Transit District and is served by Caltrain and BART, which connects to San Francisco International Airport. The station has three tracks: two used by Caltrain, and one by BART. Most passengers traveling on both systems must go through the elevated concourse level to descend to their train platform. Table B-3: Bicycle profile Millbrae station Total rack spaces 28 Occupied rack spaces 17 Total locker spaces 53 Rented lockers 16 AM passenger boardings, northbound (NB) 308 AM passenger boardings, southbound (SB) 643 AM passenger boardings with bikes, NB 11 AM passenger boardings with bikes, SB 15 Observed bumps (number, time, direction) 3, AM, SB Coat hanger Bicycle rack Recent station history The Millbrae intermodal station opened in 2003 when BART to SFO service commenced. Station plans Neither BART nor Caltrain has plans to modify the Millbrae station. The City of Millbrae s 1998 Millbrae Station Area Specific Plan calls for redeveloping 116 acres around the BART/Caltrain Station over a 25 year horizon. The Plan envisions redeveloping the west side surface parking lots to mixed use, transit oriented development, including a civic plaza and open space, as well as upgrading El Camino Real to an urban boulevard. Millbrae station is one of the regional hub stations identified in MTC s Transit Connectivity Plan. Bicyclist data The Millbrae station has the smallest number and proportion of passengers boarding with a bicycle of the ten stations profiled in this chapter. Bicycle access to station Approaching the Millbrae station from the west/el Camino Real is very challenging. El Camino Real is intimidating for all but the most experienced cyclists. Serra Avenue, Linden Avenue, California Avenue and Murchison Drive have less traffic, but provide a more circuitous biking route to the station. These streets also lack bicycle oriented way finding signs. There are no vehicular left turns or crosswalks on southbound El Camino Real between Victoria and Millbrae avenues. The Millbrae Avenue overcrossing of the tracks has no bicycle lanes. Bicycle parking There are five distinct bicycle parking areas at the Millbrae Caltrain/BART station. There are eight coat hanger bicycle rack spaces under the Millbrae Avenue overcrossing, which are outdated and poorly lit. 54 Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan
Station Details There are four sets of modified inverted U racks (with a wider arch), whose design is unique to this station, which are located south of the escalators on the east side of the station and in three southbound Caltrain platform locations: two sets north of the lockers (one of which is hidden from view by the lockers) and one set near the main ticket vending/validators machines. When bicycle parking was surveyed, half of the rack spaces near the escalator and the more visible of the two near the lockers were occupied. The racks with the highest visibility across from the BART fare gates were fully occupied; and there were no bicycles parked at the racks hidden by the lockers. No bicycles were locked to other fixtures at this station. Caltrain and BART each administer bike lockers at the Millbrae station. Most are located on the west side of the tracks. Some blocks of lockers lack rental contact information. Bicycle access to platforms All Caltrain passengers, except those heading southbound from the west side of the station and those transferring from northbound Caltrain to BART, must go up to the station concourse before descending to the Caltrain platforms. There are elevators between each platform and the concourse, but elevator destinations are poorly marked. Stairways are not equipped with bike channels and bicycles may not be carried on escalators. Station signage is confusing to Caltrain and BART passengers with and without bicycles alike. Recommendations Near-term Caltrain responsibility Upgrade 46 keyed lockers to electronic lockers and relocate bicycle racks from the southbound platform closer to the existing racks that are located in the middle of the southbound platform near the base of the stairs Replace coat hanger bike racks under the Millbrae Avenue overcrossing with inverted U racks. Post rental information at all blocks of bicycle lockers. Multi-agency responsibility Work with Caltrans and the City of Millbrae to install bicycle way finding signage between El Camino Real and the station via Serra and Linden avenues and California and Murchison drives. (Short term) Work with Caltrans and the City of Millbrae to develop pedestrian crossings of El Camino at Victoria Avenue, Chadbourne Avenue and/or Isabel Alley to facilitate bicycle and pedestrian access from the west. (Long term) Work with the City of Millbrae and the San Mateo County chapter of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition when the Millbrae Station Area Specific Plan is implemented to ensure construction of bikeways from El Camino Real to the station. Define an alignment for a short path on the west side of the Caltrain tracks between Linden Avenue and Hillcrest Boulevard to eliminate the need to ride on El Camino Real north of Millbrae Avenue. Hidden bicycle racks Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan 55
Appendix B Work with BART to install stairway channels to provide an alternative to elevator access for passengers with bicycles. Work with BART to develop a clear, unified signage program throughout the Millbrae station based on MTC regional hub way finding signage guidelines, especially maps inside the station to bicycle parking and the bicycle train car. All passengers would benefit from better signage of both systems platforms, each platform s direction and destinations, ticket vending machines, and buses and shuttles that serve the station. Work with BART to post rental information at all blocks of bicycle lockers. 56 Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan
Station Details See following pages for illustrations of issues and recommendations Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan 57
Appendix B 58 Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan
Station Details Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan 59
Appendix B Way finding sign Existing inverted U bicycle racks San Mateo Station Key features San Mateo station is located in downtown San Mateo, an active and vibrant district. There is an underground parking garage beneath the station. The northbound platform is very narrow and access is constrained. Signage at the station is clear, plentiful and attractively designed. Recent station history No recent improvements have been made to the station since 2002, when it was renovated to include a pedestrian plaza and underground parking. Station plans In 2008, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) plans to conduct a study to identify alternative grade separation options for the existing at grade highway rail crossings near the station. Bicyclist data Passengers with bicycles boarding in the morning peak period are evenly split between the two directions. Bicycle access to station Primary access to the San Mateo station is from First Street, at the opposite end of the station as the bicycle car. There is a continuous fence along the outside edge of the northbound platform, which blocks direct access to the station by bicyclists and pedestrians traveling along Railroad Avenue from surrounding neighborhoods. Although there is a pathway on the other side of the fence leading to the nearby neighborhoods, there is no opening in the fence to connect the path to the platform. Table B-4: Bicycle profile San Mateo station Total rack spaces 6 Occupied rack spaces 3 Total locker spaces 24 Rented lockers 15 AM passenger boardings, northbound (NB) 327 AM passenger boardings, southbound (SB) 362 AM passenger boardings with bikes, NB 20 AM passenger boardings with bikes, SB 26 Observed bumps (number, time, direction) 3, AM, SB Bicycle parking The bicycle lockers at this station are administered by the City of San Mateo. The station s only bicycle racks inverted U racks constructed in the surface parking lot were installed too close to the wall to allow adequate access. Additionally, these racks were installed in the incorrect direction; in order for each rack to accommodate its full potential of two bicycles they must be installed parallel to one another, rather than in a line (see Appendix D). There are no racks for bumped bicycles on either platform. 60 Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan
Station Details Bicycle access to platforms Way finding and informational signage at the San Mateo Caltrain station is ample and attractive. There are elevators and stairways (with stair channels for bicycles) from each platform to the underground parking garage. The garage provides a grade separated platform crossing at this station; passengers may also cross the tracks along First Street. Bicyclists exiting the elevators on either platform are reported to have unintended conflicts with passing pedestrians. Passengers with bicycles headed for northbound trains have to walk a long way to the north end of the northbound platform, which is very narrow and constrained. Bicyclists can ride through the surface parking lot to get closer to the north end of the southbound platform before dismounting to walk on the platform. The northern end of the southbound platform where the bicycle car lands is the narrowest portion of the platform. Long-term Caltrain responsibility Provide a connection (ramp or stairs) through the fence leading from the north end of the northbound platform to Railroad Avenue, which would benefit all passengers, and discourage cyclists from riding on the platform. Multi-agency responsibility Work with the City of San Mateo to take over management of the bicycle lockers, as the City wishes to relinquish responsibility. See following pages for illustrations of issues and recommendations Stairway channel Recommendations Near-term Caltrain responsibility Convert 18 existing keyed lockers to electronic lockers, install 18 new electronic lockers, and move two bicycle rack spaces to be available for bumped bicycles. Pave part of the existing unpaved area adjacent to the north end of the southbound platform for two bike rack spaces for bumped bikes. Relocate existing bicycle racks to the station plaza area for better convenience and visibility. Fence at north end of northbound platform Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan 61
Appendix B 62 Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan
Station Details Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan 63
Appendix B Route through Bay Meadows when gate is closed Hillsdale Station Key features The Hillsdale station has especially long, narrow platforms that are elevated between 15 and 20 feet above street level, the result of a recent reconstruction project. Recent station history In 2005, the Hillsdale Station platforms were extended to the north to their current location. Station plans The San Mateo County Transportation Authority is performing a study to examine alternatives to grade separate the existing at grade highway rail crossings at 25th Avenue and either 28 th or 31st Avenue. Some of the alternatives being studied require the station to be relocated to the north. A grade separation project could begin construction as early as 2011 if it does not impact railroad operations or relocate the station. The City of San Mateo is reviewing the proposed Bay Meadows Phase II project, which could include multistory office buildings alongside the northbound tracks, as part of a larger mixed use transit oriented development. Under this plan, Delaware Street could be extended to Pacific Boulevard. Table B-5: Bicycle profile Hillsdale station Total rack spaces 12 Occupied rack spaces 3 Total locker spaces 22 Rented lockers 11 AM passenger boardings, northbound (NB) 745 AM passenger boardings, southbound (SB) 300 AM passenger boardings with bikes, NB 36 AM passenger boardings with bikes, SB 14 Observed bumps (number, time, direction) 3, PM, NB Bicycle access to station From the east: The City of San Mateo has recently constructed a multi use trail, known as the Franklin Path, from the Bay Meadows Phase I development that ends at Pacific Avenue at the southern edge of the east parking lot of the Hillsdale Station. There are no bicycle lanes on Pacific Avenue, but the City of San Mateo is awaiting the completion of the nearby Bay Meadows Phase II project before making roadway configuration changes in the area. Passengers who access the station by bike from the north can travel through the east Bay Meadows/Caltrain parking lot. However, when the gate is closed, cyclists are forced to weave between parked cars and onto a walkway. There are no bicycle lanes on Hillsdale Boulevard, the primary east/west roadway near the station, where it goes under the tracks. The Hillsdale Boulevard overcrossing/intersection of El Camino Real, and El 64 Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan
Station Details Camino Real itself, are intimidating for all but the most experienced bicyclists. Bicycle parking There is no bicycle parking on the east side of the station. Two ribbon racks and twenty two lockers are installed near the station building in the west side parking lot on asphalt, which has settled and is no longer level. As a result, four of the lockers are inoperable. Cyclists report that calls to the posted locker rental number at the City of San Mateo, which manages the lockers, are not returned. Bicycle access to platforms Access from the street and station parking lots to either platform at the Hillsdale station is via stairs (none of which have stairway channels) and ADA ramps (on which bicyclists can walk their bikes). Since stairs and ramps land at the center and south end of the platform, the location of these facilities adds a slight detour for passengers with bicycles destined for the north bicycle cars. There are at grade crossings between platforms at the north and south ends of the platforms; however the relative distance of these crossings from the stairs and ADA ramps tempts some cyclists to ride on the platform between the stairs/ramps and the at grade crossings. Some cyclists report also using the at grade crossings to avoid riding on Hillsdale Avenue to cross the tracks on through trips (i.e. from west San Mateo to Bay Meadows.) This is an especially important situation to address at this station because both platforms are relatively narrow. Mini highs (to facilitate boarding Bombardier trains) are located on both platforms at this station. The stairway to the southbound platform from the south parking lot on the west side of the tracks (at the south west corner of El Camino Real and Hillsdale Avenue) does not have a stairway channel. Neither is there an ADA accessible ramp. Using this stairway allows cyclists to avoid crossing busy East Hillsdale Boulevard. Passengers report that the at grade crossing arm gates at this station malfunction more frequently than at other stations (usually coming down in the absence of trains). Some cyclists suggest widening the at grade crossings; however FRA, PUC and Caltrain safety regulations and standards that govern the design and operation of these crossings prevent widening. Recommendations Near-term Caltrain responsibility Convert eight existing keyed lockers to electronic lockers, and retain two keyed lockers by the station building in the west parking lot. Install two to six bicycle rack spaces in the east and west parking lots for bumped bicycles, as close to the stairways as possible. Install 20 electronic and two keyed bicycle lockers in the east parking, some of which can be relocated and upgraded from existing lockers in the west parking lot. Reinstall west parking lot bicycle lockers on a level concrete pad. Long-term Caltrain responsibility Install stairway channels on the stairway from the south west parking lot to the southbound platform. Track crossing gate arm Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan 65
Appendix B Multi-agency responsibility Work with the City of San Mateo to take over management of the bicycle lockers, as the City wishes to relinquish responsibility. Work with Bay Meadows to provide an opening in the fence (separate from the walkway opening) along the Bay Meadows/east parking lot to allow cyclists to conveniently travel north south. (Shortterm.) Work with the City of San Mateo, Caltrans, and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority to install bicycle lanes on Hillsdale Boulevard and El Camino Real. (Long term.) Work with the City of San Mateo to ensure installation of bicycle lanes on Pacific Avenue as part of the Bay Meadows Phase II project. Work with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority to ensure that all grade separation projects include bicycle lanes. 66 Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan
Station Details See following pages for illustrations of issues and recommendations Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan 67
Appendix B 68 Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan
Station Details Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan 69
Appendix B Ribbon racks along platform Redwood City Station Key features The Redwood City Caltrain station serves as the timedtransfer station for passengers changing to/from limited stop trains. The station is in revitalized downtown Redwood City, which is becoming a vibrant and active district, and is immediately adjacent to and accessible from Sequoia Station shopping center. Recent station history The ADA ramp from Sequoia Station to the southbound platform was rebuilt in 2007. Station plans The San Mateo County Transportation Authority will be conducting a footprint study for potential grade separations of the railroad tracks near the station. As a result, the station could be shifted north or south in the long term. The City of Redwood City s Downtown Precise Plan was adopted in 2007 as a blueprint for redevelopment of the area. Bicycle access to station Redwood City ordinance No. 320, 2 makes it unlawful to ride or propel any bicycle upon any sidewalk of any street within the City. Broadway and Marshall Street provide access to the north end of the Redwood City station, including the crossing between platforms. There are also two pedestrian entrances directly from Winslow Street and Middlefield Road to the northbound platform. Sequoia Station shopping center and its expansive parking lot extend from El Camino Real and Jefferson Street to the Caltrain station, with direct pedestrian access to the southbound platform. Access to the southbound platform from the SamTrans parking lot by the bus bays is very visible. From the southbound platform looking north, the Broadway station exit through the City plaza is difficult to see. Hardscape and landscape design also narrows access through the City plaza. Table B-6: Bicycle profile Redwood City station Total rack spaces 20 Occupied rack spaces 20 Total locker spaces 52 Rented lockers 52 AM passenger boardings, northbound (NB) 545 AM passenger boardings, southbound (SB) 235 AM passenger boardings with bikes, NB 45 AM passenger boardings with bikes, SB 23 Observed bumps (number, time, direction) 5, PM, NB Bicycle parking There are ribbon racks adjacent to the southbound platform, which are full much of the time, in part due to their convenient and secure location within sight of 70 Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan
Station Details many passers by. There is no bicycle parking on the northbound side of the station. There are coat hanger and inverted U racks located in the City plaza adjacent to the southbound platform. These racks were improperly installed too close to the platform fence to be usable. Bicycle lockers on elevated concrete pads are located in the parking lot across Broadway from the station. To reach the lockers from the station requires a circuitous walk up Perry Street in order to cross Broadway legally. This area is dimly lit at night. There are no bicycle lockers on the east (northbound) side of the station. Bicycle access to platforms The northbound platform is very narrow and constrained. The fence that runs along the northbound platform limits access to the station to three narrow pedestrian access points: ADA ramps at the north and south ends, and a small set of stairs at the center of the platform. The grade differential between the platform and the street level is less than three feet. There is no at grade crossing within the station at the north end; passengers must exit the station and cross the tracks along Broadway. The central stairs leading from the northbound platform to the east are somewhat obscured by shelters and newspaper racks. The south entrance is a dog leg ADA ramp with handrails; able bodied passengers have been observed hopping over the fence at the at grade crossing to get directly to the Middlefield Road sidewalk to avoid the longer ADA route. There is an at grade crossing between the platforms near this south ramp entrance within the station. The southbound platform is much wider than the northbound platform. The southern stretch of the platform near Sequoia Station shopping center is bordered by a sloped, paved median. Cyclists have been observed riding along the west side of median, which is the delivery access path to some Sequoia Station businesses. There is a set of stairs and an ADA ramp from the Sequoia Station courtyard leading to the southbound platform near the at grade platform crossing. Recommendations Near-term Caltrain responsibility Relocate the 52 lockers from the north Broadway parking lot and install 26 lockers to the Caltrain surface parking lot adjacent to the southbound platform (parking spaces # 311 316). Upgrade 22 of the 26 lockers to electronic day use lockers Create another opening in the southern end of the fence at Winslow/Middlefield Road for stair access to the southbound platform, near the existing ramp. Provide way finding signage to bicycle parking. Long-term Caltrain responsibility Consider installing two bicycle rack spaces on the sloped strip between the southbound platform and the shopping center. This would require building up strip to allow level parking. Inverted U bicycle racks in plaza Fence along northbound platform Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan 71
Appendix B Choke point in plaza access Multi-agency responsibility Work with the City of Redwood City to install bicycle racks at street level near the Winslow Street entrance to the northbound platform. Work with the City of Redwood City to install eight keyed and 53 electronic bicycle lockers east of the station, possibly in the northern tip of the southeastern parking lot, between the white storage shed and the tracks, and a rack at the base of the stairs at the end of Winslow Street. Some of these lockers may be relocated and upgraded from the existing lockers in the north Broadway parking lot. Work with the City of Redwood City to widen the landscaped choke point at the northern end of the southbound platform to facilitate access to plaza. Fence that separates northbound platform from Winslow Street/ Middlefield Road 72 Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan
Station Details See following pages for illustrations of issues and recommendations Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan 73
Appendix B 74 Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan
Station Details Caltrain Bicycle Parking and Access Plan 75