DRAFT

Briefing to NASA Concerning Bicycle and Pedestrian Access to and Around the Proposed Research Park 

Prepared by Denis Newman and Klay Lund, July 30, 2000.  

Newman has done extensive mapping of bayland bicycle trails.  Lund is an avid bicycle commuter and formerly with the 129 CANG/CES based at Moffett.  Please address comments or questions to denis@newmannet.com

Goals:

• Bicycle and pedestrian access to and among the public areas to be developed
• A bicycle commuting route between Mountainview and Sunnyvale north of 101
• Completion of the Bay Trail north of Moffett Field and access to the Bay Trail and to the baylands from the public areas
• A recreational path all the way around the perimeter of the facility

Map of proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Routes 

For full size map (2.3 MB) Click Here.  

For a pdf suitable for printing  (2.5 MB) Click Here

The proposals are represented on a map of the area.  This briefing and the map can be found on the web at http://www.newmannet.com/biketrails/moffett_plans.htm.  

Features of the Plan:

• Completion of the Bay Trail is possible even without moving the munitions stored in the golf course.  The map shows the approximate radius of the blast safety zone.  While it blocks the direct northern route (show as a dashed line) it allows a path south and west of the bunker skirting the airfield.  This will require a separate security fence around the golf course (shown as a dashed line).  If the munitions are moved, the golf course security fence can be removed and the northern route opened.  
• Access from the west: The addition of a footbridge across Stevens Creek will open access to the proposed Air and Space Museum from the west.  We propose locating this as shown where the existing concrete structures allow a relatively short span. This will provide access from the Stevens Creek Bike Path. The route into the facility that is shown assumes making a new pedestrian gate in the fence between the old and the new residential buildings. A 2-way multiuse path will continue from that gate across the playground and connect with R.T. Jones Rd. This route will provide good access both from the Stevens Creek Path and from the developed areas to the west via L'Avenida and Crittenden
• Access from the south: The Moffett interchange will provide bike and pedestrian access most directly to the museum area.  Ellis St. entrance and the light rail station provide access to Macon St.  Ellis interchange must be upgraded for bike and pedestrian access.
• Access from the east: On the east side, Third Ave. which is also Java Drive becomes the main route through the unsecured part of the Lockheed area and to the path around the area. The Lockheed light rail station connects via Mathilda. 
• Access from the north.  The Bay Trail will have access to the Bay View area. Continuing the R.T.Jones Rd. through a public corridor approximately at Gate 17 will allow a connection between the Research Park and the proposed Bay View area.  The electrical station would have a separate security perimeter.
• We assume that the security perimeter will encompass the areas that the research park plan designates as either "ARC Facilities" or "East Side Airfield".  There is no reason for the research park, the proposed Bay View development, the Wetlands, or any of the residential areas to be behind security. Even if the Bay View option is not adopted, that area can be opened to the public.  In addition, we propose that the perimeter be inside Bascom Rd. making that route available to the public.  Given the height of the light rail overhead wires, it is possible that moving the fence to the north toward the landing strip will require only minor, or no, adjustment of flight paths.