Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: President Don Horsley, District 3
Subject: Reappointments to the San Mateo County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for reappointments to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, each for a term ending June 30, 2026:
A) Frederick Dennis Zyda, representing At-Large commissioner, for a first full term; and
B) Susan Doherty, representing Safe Routes to School commissioner, for a second term; and
C) Cristina Aquino, representing First Alternate, for a first full term.
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BACKGROUND:
The responsibility of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is to advise and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, to develop and implement an annual work plan, and to provide a public forum for input from the members of the public including identifying unmet needs. The Committee acts as an advocate for people walking and bicycling, and fulfills other duties and engages in other activities as directed by the Board of Supervisors.
Committee membership consists of five voting members who shall be residents of the County of San Mateo and who regularly walk and/or ride a bicycle for transportation purposes. One member shall represent the interests of the Safe Routes to School Community; one member shall represent the interests of Older Adults; one shall represent the interests of Bicycling Transportation; and the two remaining seats shall be At-Large.
DISCUSSION:
Frederick (Fred) Dennis Zyda is the 2022 Chair of the BPAC and has served on the committee since a partial term beginning November 2019. Upon approval of this reappointment, it will reflect as a first full term. Fred is a resident of Redwood City in District 4 and formerly lived in the unincorporated community of North Fair Oaks. Fred is a software engineer and avid bicyclist. He enjoys bicycling with his daughter and is focused on safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. In addition to serving as the BPAC Chair, he is the BPAC representative on the Community Advisory Committee for the North Fair Oaks Bicycle and Pedestrian Railroad Crossing and Community Connections Study. Fred has never missed a BPAC meeting and looks forward to guiding the BPAC, working to keep bicyclists and pedestrians safe.
Susan Doherty has served on BPAC since May 2016 during an initial two-year term, and is being recommended to serve for a second four-year term. Susan is a resident of Woodside in District 3. She has served as the BPAC Chair for two consecutive terms during calendar year 2020 and 2021 and is eager to continue her work for the BPAC to continue the progress made while she was chair. Susan demonstrates strong leadership skills. During her service as the BPAC Chair, she proactively provided input and support for many County infrastructure projects. She is a strong advocate, promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety as the BPAC Safe Routes to School Liaison. In addition to her work on the BPAC, Susan is Board Treasurer of Jacaranda Health, a global digital health company providing world class health advice and programs to underserved patients in Kenya, with expansion planned for other African nations this year. Susan also serves as a financial coach to Stanford University undergraduate and graduate students. She is also a member of the Woodside Trail Club. Susan holds a BA from Harvard University and a Masters in Science and an MBA from Stanford University.
Cristina Aquino has served on BPAC as a First Alternate since a partial term beginning in December 2020 and is being recommended for a first full term. Cristina is a resident of Daly City in District 5. Cristina started bicycling more during the pandemic, which has increased her awareness of the need for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. She approaches decision making in a strategic manner and considers many factors on an issue before reaching a conclusion. Cristina is very active in civic activities and is the President of the South San Francisco Rotary Club, serves as its Youth Chair, and District Community Service Committee as well. She is also the Membership Chair for the South San Francisco Sister City Association
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.