Over and Under Tour - the Results

The May 17th celebration of new and recently completed bicycle and pedestrian over and undercrossings was hot and not just because of the temperature! The event is detailed at http://bikesiliconvalley.org/content/723.

Many people turned out to visit and enjoy this self-guided tour sponsored by the VTA Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and SVBC.

In Santa Clara County, we are benefiting from several pedestrian and bicycle under and over crossings (also known as Across Barrier Connections or ABC's) which are now open in Sunnyvale, Cupertino, San Jose, and Mountain View. And we have more that will open in the very near future in Santa Clara (along the San Tomas Aquino Trail) and Mountain View (overcrossing of the Stevens Creek Trail at Moffett).

This is an exciting time in Santa Clara County as the hard work and money spent over many years is yielding results that will be enjoyed for decades. Freeways, highways, and creeks are major barriers for pedestrians and bicyclists, often forcing long detours to cross. The benefits these over and under crossings provide are enormous.

We had at least one person, Keith Hearn a resident of San Carlos, who came through the Guadalupe River undercrossing of 101 on his way to visiting all the over and unders. He was expecting his travails would amount to 100km by the end of the day.

One visitor to the Borregas bridges was thrilled about the addition of these bridges along the Borregas alignment because his two boys, ages 5 & 7, can now have easy access to public facilities and stores.

The staffing location along the Stevens Creek Trail included a couch (transported there by bike), tunes, a canopy, ice water, snacks, bike maps, water bottles, and safety information oriented towards kids. People enjoyed the shade and refreshments! Check out the pictures attached to this article.

Adults and kids are absolutely thrilled with the El Camino undercrossing of the Stevens Creek Trail and its new connection to Sleeper Avenue (and that neighborhood area). The Stevens Creek Trail now provides access from Shoreline Park to Cuesta Park with under and over crossings of 101, 85, Central Expressway, and El Camino.

Everyone raved about the architectural uniqueness and beauty of the Mary Avenue's cable-stayed suspension bridge over 280. Cupertino wanted a design that would be unique and attractive and make a statement about the city's commitment to alternative transportation, and the result is spectacular.

There's still plenty of opportunity to get out and visit these over and unders. A map of their locations can be found in the attachment to http://bikesiliconvalley.org/content/723. Enjoy them!