The Napa County Bicycle Coalition strongly recommends that Planning Commission approve the staff recommendation of including a 2-foot shoulder on the NVRG property between the proposed fence and the Class I shared-use paths adjacent to the property. This shoulder is a critical safety element that provides the necessary buffer space between bicyclists and lateral obstructions that cause collisions, such as fences, which is why the two-foot shoulder is the standard design by organizations such as Caltrans and AASHTO. The proposed fence addition was not in the adopted Watson Ranch Specific Plan (WRSP) and therefore could not be planned for in the WRSP’s River to Ridge Trail cross-section. The proposed fence is a significant modification to the site and adds a new lateral obstruction immediately adjacent to bicyclists that warrants the two-foot shoulder. As a community asset in a potential new town center for American Canyon, this path should be safe for riders of all ages and abilities to use, including youth and beginner riders who depend on standard safety features such as the two-foot shoulder for safety and comfort. Given that the project is working with a "blank slate" rather than retrofitting an existing neighborhood, there is no reason to exclude the two-foot shoulder.

We urge Planning Commission to follow the recommendations of not only your city staff, but state- and national-level transportation planning guidance, and require the two-foot setback between the fence and the Class I shared-use paths.