Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Ray Mueller, District 3
Subject: Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail Safety Concerns with Letter of Support
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing and directing the President of the Board of Supervisors to sign a letter congratulating the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on the opening of the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail and requesting immediate action to address traffic, pedestrian, parking, and visitor management safety matters; and
B) Requesting the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and other responsible parties to report back to the Board of Supervisors through written correspondence that includes recommendations for the Board of Supervisor’s consideration in response to the health and safety concerns surrounding the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail raised by the Board of Supervisors in its letter.
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BACKGROUND:
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) recently opened the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail, a 6-mile segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail located in San Mateo County that provides sweeping views of the Peninsula Watershed’s reservoirs, shrublands, and forests. The new Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail represents a valuable addition to the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail network, offering San Mateo County residents and visitors with an opportunity to experience and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Due to the popularity of the new Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail, trail use in the area has increased, which, in turn, has led to reports of public safety concerns along nearby State Routes 92 and 35. Residents have reported hazardous conditions while parking, pedestrians walking along roadways without sidewalks, individuals crossing high-speed traffic lanes, and litter left along highway shoulders.
DISCUSSION:
The Board intends to send a letter both congratulating the SFPUC on the opening of the Skyline Ridge Trail and raising concerns that the current trail permitting system may allow more visitors to access the site than the available parking facilities can safely accommodate.
The reported concerns raised in the Board’s letter requests a review of trail access, permitting, parking, enforcement, and visitor education. Potential actions include the following:
1. Review the permitting system by evaluating the number of permits issues, verified controlled parking permits that correspond with only available space, the allowance for each permit holder to bring up to six additional guests, and whether current permit limits adequately reflect available parking and safe city capacity.
2. Visitor access and capacity management to assess whether staff can effectively regulate visitor entry, monitor site capacity, and prevent unauthorized access
3. Review permit verification procedures.
4. Traffic and parking enforcement that coordinates with the California Highway Patrol or relevant agencies to address concerns or pedestrian activity.
5. Public safety warnings that are updated on the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail website and other visitor communications with appropriate access points.
6. Ongoing monitoring and coordination that establishes a process for documenting safety complaints, visitor activity, assessing parking conditions, and coordinating with local residents and relevant agencies to determine whether additional measures are necessary.
The Board’s letter requests immediate attention to these concerns and an assessment of measures to prevent unforeseeable issues, and the accompanying resolution also directs the SFPUC and other responsible parties to report back to the Board through written correspondence that includes recommendations for the Board’s consideration in response to the health and safety concerns raised by the Board in its letter.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the letter and resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Addressing the health and safety concerns surrounding the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail raised in the Board’s letter will help to allow that all trail visitors receive an equitable opportunity to visit and enjoy the new trial and reduce the likelihood of traffic collisions, pedestrian injuries, community concerns, and litter accumulation
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.