Coleman and Ringwood Avenues Transportation Study
Why is the study needed?
Over the last two decades, the City of Menlo Park and County of San Mateo have conducted a series of studies that described walking, biking, and safety needs on Coleman Avenue and Ringwood Avenue. These included the 2021 Unincorporated San Mateo Active Transportation Plan, the Menlo Park Transportation Master Plan, and the Menlo Atherton High School Expansion Study.
The 2021 Unincorporated San Mateo Active Transportation Plan designated bicycle facilities on both streets and both were listed as priority pedestrian destination areas. Similarly, the Menlo Park Transportation Plan recommended bicycle lanes on Coleman Avenue.
This earlier work demonstrated that people often choose to walk, bicycle, and drive along both streets, and that both serve as important connections to community destinations. This study will build on previous efforts and conduct a detailed review how both streets can meet and balance the transportation needs of all corridor users, with a focus on the safety and comfort of all community members, no matter which mode they choose. Both streets present a variety of travel challenges and opportunities, and this study will address them in detail.
There are several schools located within the study area that will benefit directly from improvements to Coleman and Ringwood Avenues. Both streets are key connections for students traveling to and from school. For students, walking and bicycling to school can:
- Help improve health and fitness, which can be a factor in boosting academic performance
- Create opportunities to mitigate the impacts of climate change
- Help address historical inequities in transportation infrastructure and policy.
How is the study funded?
This study is jointly funded by the County of San Mateo and the City of Menlo Park.
Study Timeline
This study will take about 20 months, kicking off in Winter 2021/2022 and concluding in Winter 2023. Community engagement will inform the technical analysis and recommendations in each stage of the study.
| Project Phase | Key questions for community input |
|---|---|
| Phase 1: Project initiation and existing conditions (Winter 2021/2022 and Spring 2022) | How can we make it better for everyone traveling along Coleman and Ringwood Avenues? How do you currently travel along the corridors? What is your vision for the future of these streets? |
| Phase 2: Development of draft street design alternatives (Fall 2022 and Winter 2023) | Which draft street design alternatives should be studied? What are your priorities for improvements? |
| Phase 3: Selection and refinement of preferred alternative and development of Draft Study (Winter 2022/2023 and Spring 2023) | Which street design alternatives should be refined into preferred alternatives? Does our Draft Study reflect your vision and priorities? |
| Phase 4: Final Study (Fall 2023) | Does the Final Study meet your needs? |
Get Involved
We are planning community engagement events and we need your input – use the feedback tool below or stop by our pop-up events below to chat with project staff and share your thoughts, values and ideas around how to make Coleman and Ringwood Avenues safer for all.
