Bike superhighway between Santa Clara and East San Jose gets 14M boost from the state

The California Department of Transportation awarded a $14 million grant to the VTA for the Central Bikeway project, aimed at enhancing bicycle commuting between Santa Clara and East San Jose. This 10-mile stretch of protected bike lanes will connect the Sunnyvale/Santa Clara border with the Berryessa BART station. Environmental studies, essential before construction, are expected to last around two years. VTA board member Suds Jain raised concerns about the project's total estimated cost of over $200 million, especially given projected budget deficits. Local business leaders, while supportive of the bikeway, voiced worries about the loss of street parking on El Camino Real.

The project is designed to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians by physically separating them from vehicle traffic. The bikeway aligns with a broader need for east-west bike connections in Santa Clara County. Officials aim to ensure the bikeway complements development plans and encourages increased cycling once operational.