Palo Alto bikeway project delayed after 30 injuries over 11 years

Palo Alto has yet to complete the East Meadow bikeway project despite more than a decade of planning and over 30 bicycle injuries along the route, Palo Alto Online reported. The city council initially directed staff to develop a separated bikeway on East Meadow Drive in 2015.

Since then, the project has faced significant delays, even after receiving two federal grants, including one for $919,000 awarded in 2017. The bikeway, intended to improve safety for cyclists, remains years away from completion.

The delay means that an entire generation of children has grown up using this school route without the added safety of the bikeway. Tragically, one child has lost his life on this route during this time period, underscoring concerns about safety.

City documents have cited various challenges contributing to the project's slow progress. Despite the long timeline, the community continues to await the bikeway's construction to enhance safety for cyclists in the area.