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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPAC-2008-05-14Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Council - minutes from 5/15/08 meeting In attendance: David Kay, Dave Nutter, Matt Freedman, Trevor French, Jennifer Dotson, Kent Johnson, Nicole Tedesco Visitors: Josh Carlton, Fernando de Aragon, Jeff Bateman Absent: David McElrath, David Geraghty, Tim Logue Meeting summary: The meeting was very well attended and we were fortunate to have a few visitors who certainly enhanced the conversation. The meeting focused mostly on bicycling issues, which seem to be receiving more attention lately. Note: The June BPAC meeting will be a week earlier than normal — it will be on June 12 (same time and place) Agenda: The agenda included the following items: - Update on the Bike Plan funding - Data collection on actual & potential bike use - Bike Plan implementation - Bike to Work Day - Valet Bike Parking for the Ithaca Festival - Site Plan Review materials Fernando started the conversation and shared some materials. The first item was a draft update to Chapter 17 of the New York state Highway Design Manual — Bicycle Facilities. Comments may be submitted on this draft until May 30`h — send comments to Fernando. (Note: Since the meeting occurred, Kent has reviewed the draft chapter and has compared it to the previous (2006) edition. Here are his general comments and observations: (1) The draft document is about twice the length of the previous edition. (2) Though the accompanying photos and illustrations are improvements, they could still be much better ... some of the photos reproduce poorly in black & white; there could be more photos and illustrations; and the images are a hodgepodge of old & new and good & bad — ideally, they would have a more professional, uniform appearance. (3) The introduction is improved and expanded. (4) At least three new topic areas were added: Bike pockets, Roundabouts, and Sharrows. (5) The cited references have been updated. (6) The draft, similar to previous editions, does little to link bicycle use to other travel modes, such as transit. (7) Overall, the draft is very good in its focus, length, and balance of specifics and generalized principles. Copies of the draft are available for those interested. Fernando then brought up the idea of "no passing bikes" signs to be used where the travel lanes are narrow. He provided some handouts and a discussion ensured. A recurring theme of the discussion related to the likelihood of motorists behaving differently in these zones and whether or not the Ithaca Police Department would actively enforce this rule. Opinions varied regarding the likely utility of this sign. Other variations were mentioned such as the "bikes may use full lane" sign that is proposed for the next edition of the MUTCD (National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices). BPAC members were urged to try to figure out if there is an appropriate pilot location within the City to try a small test using this concept. Fernando then mentioned that he is beginning the process of developing the ITCTC's next 20 -yr plan. In this plan, SOV alternatives will be a major component, and bicycles are a very under - utilized mode that should receive improved support. Now is the time to provide input on this plan. Following Fernando's items, Kent gave a very brief update on the Bike Plan funding: A number of bicycle advocates spoke in favor of this issue at the 5/7/08 Common Council meeting. CC voted (9 -1) to approve $50,000 in City funds to be spent on implementing bike - related projects. This is a great success, and shows a real commitment from CC for support of implementing measures to improve cycling conditions. Two projects (the E. State St. bike lane and the Cayuga St. Sharrows) will likely be installed this summer. There may be enough remaining funding for a third project. In regard to data collection, David Kay expressed his frustration that the available Census data poorly represents bicycling activity and greatly under - counts bicycle use. He would like to see a generalized local survey conducted to gather data regarding the travel behaviors, and potential behaviors, locally. Kent mentioned that this type of information (especially the number of bicyclists) would help facilitate funding. Dave Nutter discussed the topic of bike registration and its many benefits, including data collection and as an opportunity to disseminate educational materials. A discussion of bike registration followed and all in attendance agreed to try to register at least one of their bikes prior to the next BPAC meeting to see first -hand how the process works. The next topic was Bike Plan Implementation ... since it was already 8:30 pm, we decide to postpone the discussion until the next BPAC meeting since it will likely be a lengthy conversation. There was a short discussion. Bike to Work Day (5/16/08) — there was a short discussion. Ithaca Festival — note: Valet Bike Parking may be provided, but likely not ... depends on volunteer levels. Bicycles will lead the festival parade; apparently it will be open to any bicyclists who show up at the right time. Site Plan Review materials — not much of interest. Dave N. did pick up on the fact that the proposed Ithaca College shared -use pedestrian/bike trail is only 8 ft wide. Based on design guidance in ASSHTO's "Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities," an 8 ft wide path can be appropriate in "rare instances" where use is expected to be low and/or occasional. In general, such a trail should be at least 10 ft wide for safety. An additional concern is the very twisty portion of the trail — there are certain guidelines regarding design speed, sight distances, grades, etc. that should be met. It is unclear from the plans if these guidelines have been met. Note: this trail is partially in the City /Town. These comments have been forwarded to Lisa Nicholas in the Planning Department. Trails Master Plan — materials will be brought to the next BPAC meeting for comment. Due to conflicts with the Ithaca Festival, the June BPAC meeting will be a week earlier than normal — it will be on June 12 (same time and place) Meeting adjourned at about 9 pm. Minutes submitted by Kent Johnson.