Regnart Creek Trail Project Cupertino High School

REGNART CREEK TRAIL PROJECT

Exploring the planning of the path along with student opinions

KEVIN JIA

podcast editor

For students that bike or walk to school, finding an efficient path can be a challenge. The Regnart Creek Trail Project may soon fix that.

The project would create a bicycle and pedestrian path stretching nearly a mile from the Cupertino Library. According to non-profit organization Walk Bike Cupertino, over 250 Cupertino High students will benefit as the trail is on their direct commute path. With more students walking to commute, there would be fewer cars at the beginning and end of school hours, causing less traffic accidents. Additionally, the decrease in cars on the road would promote a greener Cupertino, reducing pollution and demand for parking in public areas, allowing for less idling of vehicles that wait for students at dropoff stations.

The so-called “Loop” began in September 2017 with a study to measure the feasibility of the project and was approved in August 2018. The city council delayed the project for about a year due to resident concerns of disturbance and safety, suggesting that the trail would increase crime rates in the neighborhoods. Ultimately, the project was approved. Trail construction began in February 2021.

Construction is expected to be completed by August 2022 at a cost of $2.65 million. However, progress on the trail has slowed in recent months due to temporary rising in lumber costs, forcing the City Council to approve an additional $1.2 million towards the total fencing funding. Through a series of in-person and online interviews, Cupertino High School seniors Anthony Tse, Paul Siripintu and Rumi Baig shared their opinions on the new route.

When asked about the Regnart Creek Trail, all interviewees responded with being only somewhat knowledgeable about the project. Said Siripintu, “I

“[...] OVER 250 CUPERTINO HIGH STUDENTS WILL BENEFIT AS THE TRAIL IS ON THEIR DIRECT COMMUTE PATH. ”

PHOTO BY WALK BIKE CUPERTINO

heard about some sort of trail being added by the city a little while ago, but I never knew how close it was to us.”

Regarding the trail’s impact on student safety, Tse sees some potential risks.

Said Tse, “One negative aspect I see is the safety aspect when the trail crosses South Blaney, where it could potentially be dangerous when a cyclist pedals quickly across the road and a car happens to be there too.”

Baig, on the other hand, believes it will be helpful for cyclists. Said Baig, “I see it beneficial to many bikers because it provides a more efficient and safer route, in comparison to just biking or walking on the street or sidewalks, so you do not get in the way of other people.”

With the primary goals of accessibility, connectivity and safety, with potential risks, the Regnart Creek Trail is expected to have scored a majority of the points for

certain daily commut“ers. Despite creating minor controversies in the neighborhood, many believe that the minor drawbacks are worth the risk for a more beneficial future I HEARD ABOUT SOME SORT OF TRAIL BEING ADDED BY THE CITY A LITTLE WHILE AGO, BUT I NEVER KNEW HOW CLOSE IT WAS TO US. PAUL SIRIPINTU ”