In a small step toward restricted parking on Woodside Road near Woodside Elementary School, the Town Council approved a request to the state to create a small “no parking” zone on the north side of the road opposite the school’s tennis courts.
More parking restrictions may be ahead for the half-mile stretch of Woodside Road, a state highway regulated by the California Department of Transportation. The town is doing an analysis of parking between Canada and Miramontes roads, with recommendations expected before the end of the year.
The study will likely recommend “much more” than this initial step, Town Engineer Paul Nagengast said.
Twice every school day, parents dropping off and picking up their children transform this east-west arterial into a crowded promenade in which vehicles jockey for position with cyclists and pedestrians of all ages, including school children.
Woodside Road, is popular with cyclists, but the overflow school parking often blocks bike lanes and can force bikes and pedestrians into the street. The closest thing to a sidewalk is a horse trail on the south side of the road.
The proximity of restaurants and the commercial district can extend the problem into the weekend. Councilman Dave Tanner said he had to walk his dog in the street on a recent Sunday. “It’s literally seven days a week,” he said.
The council, on a 6-0 vote with Councilwoman Deborah Gordon absent, approved a request to Caltrans to install the no-parking signs 12 feet on either side of the driveway at 3210 Woodside Road.
Michael Sieber, the homeowner and resident, wrote to the council in November 2007 complaining of the danger in leaving his driveway because parked cars can block his view of traffic in both directions.
His family sometimes goes without mail because postal workers won’t deliver if they can’t reach the mailbox, he said.
“I’ll give (the new no-parking zone) a try and see how it works, and I want to thank the town for working on it,” Mr. Sieber said.
Councilman Peter Mason wondered whether there are residents who have similar complaints but have not been heard from.
The town received just the one letter, Mr. Nagengast said.
