HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPAC-2009-09-17Minutes from 9/17/2009 BPAC Meeting
In attendance: David Nutter, Andy Goodall, Josh Carlson, Jennifer Dotson, Matt Freedman (plus
one visitor, Faye Lougakis)
Topics of Discussion:
1. Traffic and bicycle safety concerns on Green Street as it loops around the East side of the
Commons.
Faye L. voiced concern that as a result of the new bicycle lane, which runs along the right
side of Green Street and proceeds up East State Street, shifts traffic along Green Street to
the left, making it dangerous for bicyclists who ride on the left side of the road to take a
left around the Commons. She would like the bicycle lane removed.
BPAC members, including Matt F. and Andy G., acknowledged the challenges of taking a
left off of Green Street, but felt that the improved safety for riders in the bicycle lane who
were proceeding up East State Street offset any costs for the relatively few riders who are
taking a left. Dave N. also pointed out that it is technically illegal to ride for many blocks
on the left side of the street.
It was decided that we need a formal communication to BPW and the Common Council
about BPAC's opinion on the Green St. bicycle lane. Josh will attempt to have some
language drafted for our next meeting, which will emphasize ongoing evaluation. BPAC
should also take this opportunity to highlight best practices for riders.
2. Membership
A survey was sent out, the results of which will be used to restructure boards and
committees within the Ithaca local government. There is no new information on bringing
in extra liaisons (just on an as- needed basis).
3. Prioritization of Pedestrian Signal Improvements
Brief discussion about a potential resolution from BPAC (and perhaps also Tim Logue)
on the Fulton and State Street intersection in the West End. The resolution could request a
3- second leading pedestrian light. Further discussion postponed until next meeting
(where Kent Johnson can provide input).
4. Loop Detector Sensitivity
Discussion about the efficacy of loops that detect bicycles at stoplights and prompt
signals to change. It is believed that the only bicycle- detecting loops exist on Day and 3rd
Street. Tim L. will look into confirming that.
5. Bicycle Parking and Registration
Nothing new to report. A general consensus has formed opposing mandatory registration
within the City of Ithaca. There remain some outstanding concerns about how visitors to
Ithaca would be handled (i.e., registering bicycles might be too onerous for short-term
tourists to Ithaca). Issues about bicycle parking were on the zoning agenda, but there is
no new information to report.
6. Development of Apartments on Maple Avenue
No one is aware of any further progress.
7. Draft Scope for Collegetown Terrace
Tim L. encourages everyone to look at the draft scope of the project, which will involve
demolishing a number of homes running along the south side of East State Street. The
current plan is for 600 beds, though there is a proposal that would double that number. All
parking will be underground. The city will be asking for a comprehensive analysis for
pedestrian safety and capacity; there were some questions about the sufficiency of the
software planned to be used by the consultants to the project in their analysis, as most
software is not designed to deal with bicycle and pedestrian flow analysis as much as
vehicular traffic.
8. Maintenance of Bicycle Lanes
Andy G. pointed out that the bicycle lanes, and in particular the lane running up East
State Street, need sweeping. In a previous meeting, Kent Johnson said that the city can do
sweeps of every street once per year, but certain streets can be swept more often by
request. There is a request to have East State Street swept. There was also some
discussion of recommending curb -to -curb plowing of East State Street during the winter
to prevent the piling up of snow in the bike lane.
9. Railroad Crossing in West End
No word yet from the State DOT on fixing the troublesome RR crossing near Greenstar.
No one was sure who is responsible — the DOT or the RR company — for fixing the gaps
that have formed between the rails and the road,
10. Route 96 Corridor Study
There was a discussion of the proposed nodal development along Route 96, particularly
near the hospital. While many communities in that area seem to favor such development
on the surface, many have resisted actually implementing it.
11. Accident Reports
Josh C. managed to obtain seven bicycle accident reports dating back to July of 2009
from IPD. Several were for non - vehicular issues. The incident involving a bicyclist on
East State Street who was injured by a large truck around some road construction may
warrant a resolution from BPAC regarding towing and road crew protocol.
Adjourned 9:15pm