Friendly Streets, Foster City

For Immediate Release: April 23, 2020
Contact: Jennifer Phan, Principal Management Analyst, (650) 286-3223, jphan@fostercity.org

Due to the significant increase in recreational activity along the Levee Pedway, the City will be dedicating approximately a 1.75 mile stretch of road on northbound Beach Park Boulevard for bicyclists and runners. One lane will be barricaded off from cars to allow bicyclists and runners to safely use the designated detour. In parallel with the detour, please reserve this stretch of Levee Pedway for walking only. With the shelter-in-place still in effect and more users outdoors along the pedway, the goal of this effort is to make Foster City streets friendlier and safer, as well as to sufficiently provide physical space for pedestrians, runners, and bicyclists.

Starting today, April 23, the Public Works Department will work to implement the modifications. The closure will be one lane northbound on Beach Park Boulevard from Foster City Boulevard to Teal Street. That area is currently a no parking zone. All parked vehicles should be moved immediately. No turn movements will be affected. With the designated bike lane in place, the City requests bicyclists and runners to courteously use the detour and reserve the pedway for walking. Pedway walkers should exercise social distancing of at least 6 feet and wear face coverings, particularly when passing others.

All pedway users should remember to follow the tips below so everyone may safely continue to enjoy the trail:

• Wear a cloth face covering to cover your nose and mouth for your safety and other’s. Face coverings do not have to be hospital grade but need to cover the nose and mouth.
• Social distancing (of at least 6 feet) is required at all times outdoors. We recommend practicing as much social distancing as possible.
• Avoid stopping or stalling on the pathway to keep ‘traffic’ moving.
• Give an audible warning before passing.
• Bicyclists and runners should use the designated section of Beach Park Boulevard and pass on the left when it is safe and clear to do so.
• To the extent possible, please use bike lanes when biking and reserve walking paths for pedestrians.
• Follow the biking speed limit of 15 miles per hour.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the number and variety of users.
• Don’t litter.
• Keep pets under control on a leash and clean up after them.
• Make sure you are visible if you are out when it is not fully light.

The City Council had voted Monday evening to implement these temporary configurations to better accommodate the need for safe, social distancing among trail users. “Although a significant amount of our community members are doing their part by staying at home, we understand there’s a need to provide outside, public space for recreational activity,” said Public Works Director Norm Dorais. “So, while this is not an invitation for more people to go outside; for those who do choose to get some fresh air, it will enable them to do so in the safest way possible.” The modified configurations will remain in place until further notice.

For the latest updates on the City’s response efforts to COVID-19, including any additional steps adopted by the City Council, please visit: https://www.fostercity.org/covid19.