HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransportation Meeting Public Comment September 2023From:Hannah Archambault
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:support for improved bike infrastructure, N. Mountain
Date:Wednesday, September 20, 2023 9:09:45 AM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Scott Fleury,
I hope that this email finds you well.
I live on North Mountain Avenue, am a professor at SOU, and ride my bike to campus daily. I am writing to show
my support for the proposed protected bike lane on North Mountain Avenue. The current infrastructure on Mountain
Avenue is really inadequate. Where a lane exists, it is in many very narrow, squeezing cyclists between fast-moving
traffic and the danger of parked car doors opening. I am eager to learn of the proposed improvement of a protected
lane for cyclists.
I am a lifelong cyclist and a strong believer in how cycling infrastructure can improve towns and cities, making it
safer not just for cyclists but for pedestrians and drivers as well. I am grateful for everything that Ashland has
already done to support cyclists and hope that the city will continue to improve in this regard. I understand that this
sometimes includes hard/unpopular decisions, including the removal of existing vehicle parking and the expense of
new infrastructure, but I believe these hard decisions are worth it, and help to carve out a more sustainable and
healthy future for Ashland’s citizens.
Thanks for all your hard work-
Dr. Hannah Archambault
From:Harlan Bittner
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:info@ashlandclimate.org
Subject:Protected Bike Lanes - North Mountain Avenue
Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 12:09:22 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Transportation Advisory Committee members:
I support the addition of protected bike lanes on North Mountain Avenue from North Main to
the Bear Creek Bridge, and the construction of sidewalks, where missing, throughout the
project’s length.
Adding protected bike lanes on N. Mountain and on other major streets in Ashland will give
residents and visitors a safe alternative to the way they get around town. Without protected
bike lanes, bicycling will never be a practical way to make short in-town trips; the risk of
serious injury or death is too high for most people.
Bicycling is fun, healthy, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduces congestion,
boosts the local economy, and saves people money.
Thank you,
Harlan Bittner
3126 Alameda St #107
Medford OR 97504
From:Nancy Boyer
To:Scott Fleury; Joe Lessard; City Council; Paula Hyatt; Dylan Bloom; Gina DuQuenne; Tonya Graham; Jeff Dahle
Subject:Fwd: Mountain Ave Rehabilitation?
Date:Wednesday, September 20, 2023 1:10:43 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Nancy Boyer <boyerbeware@yahoo.com>Date: September 20, 2023 at 9:49:31 AM PDTTo: Nancy Boyer <boyerbeware@yahoo.com>Subject: Fwd: Mountain Ave Rehabilitation?
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Nancy Boyer <boyerbeware@yahoo.com>Date: September 20, 2023 at 9:46:56 AM PDTTo: Nancy Boyer <boyerbeware@yahoo.com>Subject: Mountain Ave Rehabilitation?
To Scott Fleury n the TAC. I am opposed to “rehabilitating” Mountain Ave., narrowing the
traffic lanes and removing parking for many people! Looking at the traffic studies, there most often 2-4 bikes to over
1000 cars, in the same time frame! What cost to the city will this involve for the few?
The problem has been identified as mostly speed! Let’s reduce the speed limit to 20mph. Ticket the speeders!
Paint the bike lanes green as some have suggested, and forgo theexpense of buffering the bike lanes. Put a reflective stripe delineating
the the bike lane, alongside the green paint. Put the money to better use finding another escape route to I-5 !
N Mt., is currently inadequate as an escape route , and to“rehabilitate” this with your proposals, only exacerbates the problem!
Let’s fix the many streets in Ashland that are in disrepair first andspend our money wisely!
Note:During the councils “Business Round Table”, (to encouragetourism), discussion,9-18-23, it was noted the south entrance to our
city needed some aesthetic improvements, ,for visitors entering ourcity!
The same application with green painting and reflective stripingalong side, for the bike lanes, could be applied on Ashland St.,
allowing for a cleaner and more inviting look, for those entering ourcity!
I am strongly opposed to this “Rehabilitation” project!
Thanks, Nancy K Boyer and 45 year resident.
Sent from my iPad
From:Lisa Brill
Cc:Scott Fleury; info@ashlandclimate.org; Siskiyou Velo BOD-GoogleGroup
Subject:Support for proposed protected bike lanes in Ashland
Date:Wednesday, September 20, 2023 9:39:51 AM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Scott,
The Siskiyou Velo cycling club supports the addition of protected bike lanes on North
Mountain Avenue from North Main to the Bear Creek Bridge, and the construction of
sidewalks, where missing, throughout the project’s length. Protected bike lanes are an
integral part of infrastructure improvements to make cycling and other non-motorized
transportation safer for everyone.
Adding protected bike lanes on N. Mountain and on other major streets in Ashland will give
residents and visitors a safe alternative to the way they get around town. Without protected
bike lanes, bicycling will never be a practical way to make short in-town trips; the risk of
serious injury or death is too high for most people.
Bicycling is fun, healthy, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduces congestion,
boosts the local economy, and saves people money.
All Ashland residents deserve streets that motorists can drive to and through with ease,
which people can access safely and conveniently on their bikes or by foot, and where
businesses can thrive. We encourage the City of Ashland to install dedicated bike lanes on
North Mountain Ave. during the upcoming re-paving projects.
Sincerely,
Lisa Brill, President, Siskiyou Velo
Harlan Bittner, Ann Smith, Advocacy Co-Chairs, Siskiyou Velo
From:jack cannon
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:info@ashlandclimate.org
Subject:Protected bike lanes
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 12:07:32 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello,
I would like to add my name to those in favor including protected bike lanes on North
Mountain Avenue when it is repaved. We have a limited number of ways of getting
over the tracks safely when we're on our bikes and this would be a great way to
support that. Please help make biking in town as safe as we can.
Thanks you.
Sincerely,
Jack Cannon
453 Williamson Way
Ashland, OR 97520
To: Transportation Advisory Committee, TAC
CC: Ashland City Council
From: Climate Environment Policy Advisory Committee, CEPAC
Date: September 13, 2023
RE: Addition of Protected Bike Lanes on North Mountain Avenue
The CEPAC recommends:
• The TAC endorses the addition of protected bike lanes on North Mountain Avenue from
North Main to the Bear Creek Bridge.
Members of the CEPAC appreciate the opportunity to offer testimony as a part of the TAC’s
September 21st public hearing on the North Mountain repaving project. We understand the
challenges associated with change especially when it happens on a street in front of someone’s
home or business.
Removing parking is controversial and we know that it may create a hardship on some property
owners. But ultimately CEPAC members concluded that the city must modify its transportation
system to be more efficient, safe, and convenient for all road users. We’re pleased to say that is
exactly what the TAC and Council did on Ashland Street by adding protected bike lanes. We
hope that you will recommend to the Council do the same on North Mountain.
There are specific goals/policies in the Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP), and the
Transportation System Plan (TSP) that support this recommendation. They are listed below
along with brief statements describing why the addition of protected bike lanes on North
Mountain is required, pursuant to the city’s adopted goals.
CEAP Goal - Reduce community and City employee vehicle miles of traveled and greenhouse
gas emissions.
The CEAP goal can only be achieved by fostering more walking, rolling, bicycling or
transit use. The city, as a principal provider and owner of the transportation system, is
uniquely responsible for transforming the existing auto-centric transportation system in
ways that will make it safe, practical and efficient for people to accomplish in-town
travel by any means that they might find convenient. To foster choice, the pedestrian
and bicycle networks must support travel, from anywhere to everywhere, for people of
all ages and abilities—and be equal or more convenient and safer than travel by auto.
Adding protected bike lanes on major roads, such as North Mountain, is crucial to
achieve the goal.
TSP - Goal # 1: Create a “green” template for other communities in the state and nation to
follow.
The addition of a protected bike lane on Ashland Street is the first of many that will be
needed on major streets within town in order to constitute a “green template.” Since at
least 2013, the year the city’s TSP was adopted, cities in Oregon and throughout the
nation have been adding protected bike lanes, building off-street multi-use paths, and
modifying residential streets through traffic calming. Together, these efforts help reduce
congestion, improve human health, lower transportation costs, and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. The city has made and needs to continue to make progress on this goal.
TSP - Goal # 2: Make safety a priority for all modes of travel.
The addition of protected bike lanes on major streets alters the street environment and
makes them safer. Protected bike lanes have the obvious benefit of making bicycling
safer by placing a physical barrier between people riding bicycles and people driving
cars/trucks. But, as importantly, they serve to make it safer for all road users. [see: Why
Cities with High Bicycling Rates are Safer for All Road Users]
According to Wesley Marshall, PhD, PE, assistant professor in the College of Engineering,
Design and Computing at CU Denver and the author of the above cited study,
“…bicycling seems inherently dangerous on its own. So, it would seem that a city with a
lot of bicycling is more dangerous, but the opposite is true. Building safe facilities for
cyclists turned out to be one of the biggest factors in road safety for everyone."
We recognize that the Transportation Advisory Committee is keenly focused on safety.
Adding protected bike lanes on N. Mountain will help improve safety and will also have
the potential to boost the number of people bicycling for some of their short in-town
trips.
Thank you again for giving CEPAC an opportunity to provide its recommendation on this vital
project.
From:Sean Chon
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:info@ashlandclimate.org
Subject:Protected Bike Lanes - North Mountain Avenue
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 3:56:23 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Transportation Advisory Committee members:
I support the addition of protected bike lanes on North Mountain Avenue from North Main to
the Bear Creek Bridge, and the construction of sidewalks, where missing, throughout the
project’s length.
Adding protected bike lanes on N. Mountain and on other major streets in Ashland will give
residents and visitors a safe alternative to the way they get around town. Without protected
bike lanes, bicycling will never be a practical way to make short in-town trips; the risk of
serious injury or death is too high for most people.
Bicycling is fun, healthy, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduces congestion,
boosts the local economy, and saves people money.
Thank you,
Sean Chon
100 Schofield St.
From:Sonya Daw
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:info@ashlandclimate.org
Subject:Protected Bike Lanes - North Mountain Avenue
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 8:20:04 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Transportation Advisory Committee members:
I am a life-long bicycle commuter, and I support the addition of protected bike lanes on
North Mountain Avenue from North Main to the Bear Creek Bridge, and the construction ofsidewalks, where missing, throughout the project’s length.
Adding protected bike lanes on N. Mountain and on other major streets in Ashland will give
residents and visitors a safe alternative to the way they get around town. Without protected
bike lanes, bicycling will never be a practical way to make short in-town trips; the risk of
serious injury or death is too high for most people.
Bicycling is fun, healthy, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduces congestion,
boosts the local economy, and saves people money.
Thank you,Sonya Daw
Ashland, Oregon
--
Sonya Daw
(she/her)
From:Manuel De Aquino
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:bike lane and street side parking elimination
Date:Thursday, September 14, 2023 11:48:50 AM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Mr. Fleury,
I'm writing about the proposal to install protected bike lanes on N. MountainAve. I support adding these bike lanes. Even though some on-street carparking will be eliminated, it is worth it.
I regularly bicycle around Ashland for shopping, errands, recreation, etc. Even though I'm an experienced cyclist and don't mind "taking the lane", thesection on N. Mountain between Village Green and E. Main is not bikefriendly. And, it is along a route used to access schools.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment and I hope the project to installthese bike lanes goes through.
Sincerely,Manuel De Aquino481 N. Mountain Ave.Ashland, Oregon541-625-0391
From:Gabriela Fernandez-Coffey
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Protected bike lanes on N Mtn
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 7:58:52 AM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hey Mr. Fleury,
Just a quick note to communicate our support for protected bike lines on N mountain avenue! We are a family of
four who own our home in Ashland and want to see Ashland continue to grow in safe, healthy and green ways.
Let’s leave our cars in the driveway unless we head out of town! Let’s make our beautiful community as bikeable
and walkable as possible!
Thanks for your support!
Gabriela Fernandez
Tim Getman
Clara (8) and Rosie (4)
From:Jim Hartman
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:Info
Subject:Protected Bike Lanes on Mountain Avenue
Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 1:15:05 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Scott and the Transportation Advisory Committee
I wanted to encourage the City of Ashland to create protected bike lanes on North Mountain
between E. Main and Bear Creek during the upcoming repaving project. We need to makebiking a more attractive option in this town. I realize some parking spaces will be lost but
citizen's do not have a right to free on-street parking by their house. Streets are for public use,not for private parking. Overall these protected bike lanes will improve the livability of our
city and help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. More and more people are open to gettingaround on electric bikes. Protected bike lanes make this option more attractive.
Sincerely,
Jim Hartman
From:Kathleen Hering
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Protected bike lane on Mt. Ave
Date:Wednesday, September 20, 2023 12:12:53 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello, I am an avid bicyclist that lives on Mountain
Ave. I have long been an advocate of protected bike lanes and think this would be win win formotorist and riders. I have ridden in San Francisco and Portland. I always feel safer if there is
a barrier between me and the traffic. I am glad that Ashland is making moves to make ourstreets safer for all.
Kathleen Hering
236 N. Mountain AveAshland OR 97520
541-778-5206
From:FRANK HUBBARD
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Protected Bike Lanes
Date:Wednesday, September 20, 2023 6:35:32 AM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Scott,
I am an avid cyclist and have been a rider for forty years. I have ridden in rural and urban locals. Even though I am
comfortable throughout the Rogue Valley, I am aware that many are not.
It is a shame to have many avoid the bicycle because of fear of being struck. And that fear is justified! I was a
trauma surgeon in NC, and I saw the effects of motor vehicles on pedestrians and bicyclists.
Protected bike lanes and adequate sidewalks will help separate cars from non motorized traffic. Just the other day I
saw a motorist talking on their cell phone pinned against their shoulder making a turn with a baby on board!
What?!?!
Thank you for considering increasing protected bike lanes!
As always,
F. Alan Hubbard, MD
434 Courtney Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Sent from Hubs’ iPad
From:Marcia Hunter
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:Lorrie, Rick and Candace
Subject:Protected Bike Lanes - North Mountain Avenue
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 1:20:07 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Transportation Advisory Committee members:
I support the addition of protected bike lanes on North Mountain Avenue from North Main to
the Bear Creek Bridge, and the construction of sidewalks, where missing, throughout the
project’s length.
Adding protected bike lanes on N. Mountain and on other major streets in Ashland will give
residents and visitors a safe alternative to the way they get around town. Without protected
bike lanes, bicycling will never be a practical way to make short in-town trips; the risk of
serious injury or death is too high for most people.
Bicycling is fun, healthy, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduces congestion,
boosts the local economy, and saves people money.
Thank you,
Marcia Hunter
2105 E. Main St.
Ashland, OR 97520
From:Frances Iba
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Protected bike lanes in Ashland
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 1:23:22 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello Scott,
I understand a protected bike lane on North Mountain Ave. from N. Main to the Bear CreekBridge is being considered.
This is an excellent idea as it will give an additional opportunity to travel safely around town.
As a 66 year old occasional cyclist, this would increase my likelihood to travel by bicycle andnot just my car.
Thank you,
Frances Iba
From:Katherine Jimison
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:bike lanes on North Mountain Avenue
Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 8:29:59 AM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Transportation Advisory Committee members:
I support the addition of protected bike lanes on North Mountain Avenue from North Main tothe Bear Creek Bridge, and the construction of sidewalks, where missing, throughout theproject’s length.
Adding protected bike lanes on N. Mountain and on other major streets in Ashland will giveresidents and visitors a safe alternative to the way they get around town. Without protectedbike lanes, bicycling will never be a practical way to make short in-town trips; the risk of
serious injury or death is too high for most people.
Bicycling is fun, healthy, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduces congestion,
boosts the local economy, and saves people money.
Thank you,
Katherine Jimison 4023 Crystal Springs Dr.
Medford OR
From:Tim Learmont
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:info@ashlandclimate.org
Subject:Protected Bike Lanes on North Mountain Ave.
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 1:24:48 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
I strongly encourage all of the Ashland Transportation AdvisoryCommittee to help provide for protected bike lanes and necessarysidewalks along North Moutain Ave. from North Main St to Bear Creek. Wemust continue to make it safer an easier for people to use non-cartransportation. This is becoming even more important with the increaseof electric assist bikes which allow many people who wouldn't haveridden a bike in hilly Ashland to now actually use a bicycle astransportation. North Mountain is a perfect example of a road that mighthave been daunting before eBikes, but now is do-able. BUT, withoutprotected bike lanes, many people will be hesitant to ride along NorthMountain, and will continue to use cars, adding to our climate changeproblem.
Can we really complain about smoke/fire/drought problems if we aren'tworking to reduce the underlying causes?
Tim Learmont
502 Allison St., Ashland
From:Steve Levesque
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Bicycle Safety
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 7:02:19 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
TO: Scott.fleury@ashland.or.us
Cc: info@ashlandclimate.org
Subject: Protected Bike Lanes - North Mountain Avenue
Transportation Advisory Committee members:
I support the addition of protected bike lanes on North Mountain Avenue from North Main to
the Bear Creek Bridge, and the construction of sidewalks, where missing, throughout the
project’s length.
Adding protected bike lanes on N. Mountain and on other major streets in Ashland will give
residents and visitors a safe alternative to the way they get around town. Without protected
bike lanes, bicycling will never be a practical way to make short in-town trips; the risk of
serious injury or death is too high for most people.
Bicycling is fun, healthy, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduces congestion,
boosts the local economy, and saves people money.
Thank you,
Steve Levesque
3986 Jonathan Way
Central Point, OR 97502
From:Alcyon Lord
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Bike lanes on Mountain
Date:Wednesday, September 20, 2023 4:32:04 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hi,
I am a former resident of Ashland and I still visit Ashland numerous times throughout the year. When I am here, I
like to use my bicycle for many errands as well as recreative purposes. I would love to see protected bike lanes on
all major north-south and east-west routes, as well as traffic quieting on major neighborhood streets.
I use North and South Mountain to navigate on a daily basis.
Please improve safety and access for all alternative transportation in town!
Alcyon Lord
From:Ray Mallette
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:info@ashlandclimate.org
Subject:Building Protected Bike Lanes in Ashland
Date:Wednesday, September 20, 2023 9:23:12 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Transportation Advisory Committee :
I would like to see the addition of protected bike lanes on N. Mountain Avenue as part of therepaving project. I think adding protected bike lanes for this project would be a good start to
see how they work to increase bike ridership and decrease car use (and emissions) for amajor commuting street in Ashland, especially with a connection to the Central Bike Path. As
an avid biker I have observed the need for the increased safety that comes by separatingbicyclists from cars and trucks, especially for younger and older riders. Putting in protected
bike lanes on N. Mountain Avenue will give us data on how to increase bicycle ridership andsafety while managing traffic flow, parking and lane cleaning that we can use for
future decisions.
Ray Mallette
Ashland
From:David Minter
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Protected bike lines.
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 1:04:16 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hi Scott. I support protected bike lanes on North Mountain Ave. from East Main to the Bear
Creek Bridge. I am an avid cyclist and I am aware that protected bike lanes raised above
the road are highly effective at protecting cyclists. Both of my children were born deaf and
this extra support raised bike lanes provides them with a added safety measure when
biking around town. The present painted lines for bike lanes have little provided safety
benefits from motorists swerving into them.
Thanks for the consideration.
David Minter, LCSW, QMHP
Behavioral Health Clinical Lead/ Mental Health Therapist at
La Clinica School-Based Health Centers, Central Point and
Mae Richardson Elementary
dminter@laclinicahealth.org
541-494-6749
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From:Katherine Nabielski
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Protected bike lanes
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 3:07:17 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
We need protected bike lanes on N Mountain Avenue. Protected bike lanes provide saferstreets for riders and motorists. They also provide equity among street users and make a
healthy choice for people to travel and fight climate change. A designated crosswalk with lights is need at the top of the hill connecting the park to the
neighborhood walkway. This crossing is a blind spot to traffic making it hazardous forpedestrians.
An addition of sidewalks on both sides of the street are needed as well. Adding these requests will improve riders and pedestrians safety.
Katherine Nabielski
From:Barret O"Brien
To:Scott Fleury
Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 12:50:44 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Mr. Fleury.
Thanks for your time and for all you do for the city of Ashland. It is recognized and
appreciated.
I am writing to express my deep support for protected bike lanes on Mountain Avenue. As adaily bike commuter and a father of two children who are attempting (though it often feels
very dangerous) to ride with me, protected bike lanes would a a strong symbol to the town ofthe equality of roads for all citizens (not just those who choose to/are able to drive
automobiles).
Thanks for anything you can do to make this vision a reality. My and my children's safetyapplaud you.
sincerely,
Barret O'Brien.
-- Barret O'BrienAdjunct Professor of Acting
Oregon Center for the Arts @ Southern Oregon Universityhe/him/his
From:jeanodonnell
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:N Mountain Protected Bike Lane
Date:Wednesday, September 20, 2023 9:55:02 AM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
I live on Starflower Lane two blocks over from N Mountain Ave. I ride a road bike andsometimes my route takes me onto N Mountain either heading out toward Emigrant Lake or
the other direction past Mountain Meadows toward Pilot View. I am very uncomfortable on NMountain in tight quarters with so many cars. I would love a protected bike Lane.
Also, I see three little kids ride their bicycles in front of my house and heading out to N
Mountain to go to and from school. Being little kids I think they are squirrely, unpredictableriders and am surprised they are allowed to ride on N Mountain at all. I think the little kids
would be much safer in a protected bike lane. Jean O'Donnell
364 Starflower LaneAshland
Sent from my Galaxy
From:Vicki Orendurff
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Support for Protected Bike Lanes on N. Mountain Ave
Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 4:03:20 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Scott & all of the Ashland Transportation Advisory Committee,
Thank you for your service to our community.
I strongly support the installation of protected bike lanes on N. Mountain Ave from E. Main to the
Bear Creek Bridge. The loss of parking is a small price to pay for the benefit that will be gained. So
many more people would ride bikes to do their in-town trips if they felt safe. Protected bike lanes on
main arterials in Ashland would help get more people using alternative, climate friendly forms of
transportation and out of their cars, helping to reduce CO2 emissions and help Ashland get on track
to meet its stated climate goals.
I just read the following from CNN “The world has just experienced the hottest summer on record,
according to a new report from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service. Data
shows the planet experienced its hottest June followed by the hottest July, as triple-digit heat seared
parts of the US and popular global travel destinations. July and August were also estimated to have
been 1.5 degrees warmer than pre-industrial levels — a key threshold scientists have long warned
the world must stay under to prevent the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.”
We just had another smoky day yesterday. I’m wondering how many more we have to have before
some people stop supporting more car infrastructure and get on board with building bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure. Without aggressive measures to stop our greenhouse gas emissions, we
will not reach our goals as a City and we will continue to breath unhealthy air year after year. Let us
follow the lead of other cities in Oregon like Portland, Eugene, and Medford in making our streets
safe for bike commuting and healthier for everyone. Rarely do I see a cyclist in Ashland who doesn’t
have a smile on their face. Cycling compared to driving is cheaper, healthier, often quicker, better
for the environment and more fun!
Vicki Orendurff
432 Parkside Dr
Ashland
From:Carl Prufer
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:protected bike lanes
Date:Sunday, September 17, 2023 4:18:12 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Transportation Advisory Committee members:
I support the addition of protected bike lanes on North Mountain Avenue from North Main to
the Bear Creek Bridge, and the construction of sidewalks, where missing, throughout the
project’s length.
Thank youCarl Prufer
502 Herbert st.Ashland, OR 97520
From:Paul Rowland
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:info@ashlandclimate.org
Subject:Protected Bike Lanes - North Mountain Ave
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 10:28:45 AM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Transportation Advisory Committee members:
I support the addition of protected bike lanes on North Mountain Avenue from East Main St.
to the Bear Creek Bridge, and the construction of sidewalks, where missing, throughout the
project’s length.
Adding protected bike lanes on N. Mountain and on other major streets in Ashland will give
residents and visitors a safe alternative to the way they get around town. Without protected
bike lanes, bicycling will not be a practical way to make short in-town trips; the risk of
serious injury or death is too high for most people.
Bicycling is fun, healthy, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduces congestion,
boosts the local economy, and saves people money.
Thank you,
Paul Rowland
1030 Clay St., Ashland
Ashland Municipal Code 2.13.010
From:gshaff@gmail.com
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:info@ashlandclimate.org
Subject:I Support Adding Protected Bike Lanes on North Mountain
Date:Wednesday, September 20, 2023 2:24:15 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Madam Chair and members of the Transportation Advisory Committee,
I support the addition of protected bike lanes on North Mountain Avenue. North Mountain,like other major streets in Ashland, is unsafe for people riding bicycling. I bicycle and I can
attest to that fact.
Because the city’s transportation network is unsafe for people bicycling serves to explain whyso few people bicycle for short in-town trips. Most residents are afraid to share the road with
motor vehicles and are unwilling to risk serious life-altering injury or death to do everydaytrips; get to school or work, shop, go to the library, get to soccer or baseball practice, visit a
friend or family, or countless other errands.
The Transportation Advisory Committee’s mission is to ensure(s) that we (members of thecommunity) “will have the opportunity to conveniently and safely use the transportation mode
of our choice.” Adding protected bike lanes to North Mountain by converting existing on-street parking (between E. Main and the top of the hill on North Mountain - near the electric
substation) is the only option to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can safely andconveniently bicycle on North Mountain.
I’ve included the entirety of Committee’s mission statement, below, for your convenience.
Thank you,
Gary Shaff516 Herbert St.
Purpose and Mission
Mission. The need for a TransportationCommission is emphasized in the
Transportation Element:
“Ashland has a vision - to retain our small-town character even while we grow. To
achieve this vision, we must proactively plan for a transportation system that is
integrated into the community and enhances Ashland’s livability, character andnatural environment. …The focus must be on people being able to move easily
through the City in all modes of travel. Modal equity then is more than just a
phase. It is a planning concept that does not necessarily imply equal financial
commitment or equal percentage use of each mode, but rather ensures that wewill have the opportunity to conveniently and safely use the transportation mode
of our choice, and allow us to move toward a less auto-dependent community.”
From:Linda Serbu
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Bike lanes
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 4:14:58 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
i want bike lanes in Ashland! I am a lifelong bike rider. My daughter got hit near the Coop
on a street with no bike lane. C’mon! It’s so obvious! This will make Ashland better justlike all the other place that promote biking! We should have a shuttle downtown also while
I’m at it!
Thank you,Linda Serbu
Sent from my iPhone
From:Shereen Vesalpour
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Bike Lanes on N. Mountain Ave
Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 8:28:03 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hi Scott,
We need protected bike lanes on N. Mountain Ave.
Thank you, Shereen Vesalpour
From:inwardwego@gmail.com
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:N. Mountain bike lane
Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 2:42:27 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Greetings Scott,
Please consider including protected bike lanes for N. Mountain Avenue. It is a well used bike path and would
provide a saver environment for bikes and cars. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Philippe Sprague
Long time Ashland resident and bike rider.
Sent from my iPad
From:Steve Thomas
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:Ashland Climate Collaborative
Subject:In Support of Protected Bike Lanes on North Mountain Street
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 12:43:00 AM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Scott and Transportation Advisory Committee Members,
I am writing you to express my support for including protected bike lanes along the
upcoming road improvement project route along North Mountain Avenue. Being an
experienced bicycle rider on all kinds of city streets as well as long distance country
highway roads, I can personally attest to the need for continuing improvements for
bicycle and pedestrian user safe routes along the City of Ashland’s roads as well as
many more of our Rogue Valley roads.
I work with Mike Veerger as a volunteer fixing bikes to give to people in need almost every Thursday at the Grove bike workshop in Ashland. I see his commitment to
advocating bicycle riding safety education for everyone, especially our elementary
school children. I’ve attended some of his bicycle safety education classes/lectures
and they are excellent. However, along with education, I feel as many other bicyclist do that better bike and pedestrian safe road improvements are needed. The project
scheduled for North Mountain street in the near future is a prime opportunity to make
that happen for another majorly traveled road in Ashland. Many autos, bikes and
pedestrians do so every day but so many more would if it were truly made safer by adding protected bicycle lanes.
Just one month ago, on August 16th, I rode my bike to North Mountain Park to attend
an ice cream social in honor of the many Ashland Parks and Recreation volunteers of which I am one because of the wonderful collaboration of the parks department with
RVTD (whom Mike Veerger is an employee of and his job includes the above
mentioned bicycle safety education classes provided to many of our Ashland
elementary school children). I’ve ridden that route hundreds of times for over 40 years of living in Ashland and can tell you that the auto traffic on North Mountain Street has
increased enormously since all the housing and business development that has taken
place!
Unfortunately, I had a harrowing experience that day on the way to the volunteer ice
cream social. As I’m sure you are all aware, there is yet another huge development
project happening just beyond the railroad crossing while heading to North Mountain Park. As I was about to enter that area, riding in the bike lane, an ambulance and
three fire trucks came speeding past me with lights flashing and sirens blaring. As I
was trying to come safely to a stop while the last fire truck was about to pass me, I
was distracted from watching the bike lane and all of a sudden started to slip and slide because the bike lane was covered in sand from all the construction! There was
no signage warning of this hazardous condition of the bike lane nor had any attempt
been made by the construction crews to block off the bike lane because of it!
Fortunately, I am an experienced bicycle rider and was able to finally come to a safe
stop just as the fire truck was next to me but all I could envision at the time was
sliding in front of or underneath the fire truck and likely seriously injured or killed.
Soon after, I called the Ashland Street Division to register my concern of not having
any attempt made to warn bicyclists of the potential danger or just closing the bike lane all together. My call was not answered because a message said there was no
one available in the office at the time (just after 2 PM?). So I proceeded to call the
Ashland Police Department to report the situation and was told that an officer would
be sent to drive by the area and assess it. I had occasion to drive past that same section of North Mountain Street just last week, approximately one month later and
the only change made was a large orange “BUMP” sign just before the construction
area where there is still sand in the bike lane…great.
I believe a protected bike lane there would have gotten much more attention paid to it
for making it safe to detour bicycle riders around the hazardous section.
Please seriously consider adding protected bike lanes to North Mountain Street and any other Ashland City streets when road improvement projects are being planned.
Just one more bicycle user of our community streets is one less auto potentially
adversely impacting bicycle and pedestrian traveler’s safety…as well as helping
reduce our carbon footprint and ultimately global warming.
Thank You In Advance.
Sincerely,
Steven C. Thomas
From:Daniel Thorndike
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:Bike Lanes on North Mountain
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 1:56:33 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Scott and Transportation Advisory Committee members,
As a longtime cyclist and Ashland resident, I am writing to support the installation ofprotected bile lanes wherever and whenever possible. This would include in conjunction with
the upcoming improvements on North Mountain Avenue.
Frankly, I am either brave or stupid enough to ride with motor vehicle traffic in most settings.In many places, of course, there is no choice if one needs to get from point A to point B.
However, I can assure you that many riders do not share this attitude and many simply won'tride (or let their children ride) on the hope that motor vehicles will, indeed, share the road.
Also, the recent explosion in e-bike usage has significantly changed the demographics of the
bicycle riding public. Our road infrastructure needs to change and accommodate this shift, forthe safety of all concerned. Protected bike lanes are one answer.
Thank you very much,
Dan Thorndike
From:Mike Vergeer
To:Scott Fleury
Cc:info@ashlandclimate.org
Subject:installation of protected bike lanes on N. Mountain Ave.
Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 1:47:24 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello Mr. Fleury and members of the TAC and city council:
I write today in favor of installing protected bike lanes (PBLs) on N. Mountain Ave.
One could weigh the pros and cons to arrive at a prudent decision.
Cons:
Removing parking spaces will require drivers of cars to walk further when they
park.
People fear that, because of reduced travel lane width, emergency evacuation
would be slowed. While this may not be true, Nextdoor.com suggests that the
fear is real.
Pros:
Greater safety is conferred to ALL road users (not just those on bikes).
Residents (including young and old) could choose from among transportation
options. Only the very bold and assertive among us are currently choosing to
ride bikes.
Boost public health.
Meet our climate goals.
Attract visitors, new residents, and investment, because people see safe
bikeability goes hand in hand with a high quality of life.
PBLs help make Ashland more affordable for folx with low incomes. With safe
streets, households could choose to get around without using a personally-
owned car. Essential workers could live in town rather than commute from
nearby communities. (https://247wallst.com/city/cost-of-living-in-ashland-
oregon).
New state planning law will require protected bike lanes be planned for major
roads. We can start now
(https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?
ruleVrsnRsn=293043).
Neither pro nor con:
The city’s own Evacuation Time Estimate Study (among other studies
elsewhere) suggests travel times would not change substantively
(https://www.ashland.or.us/Files/KLD_Ashland_Final_ETE_4-13-2021_red.pdf).
Note: I work for RVTD promoting transportation options. My email today does not
purport to convey any RVTD endorsement. I will say, however, that in my line of
work, people tell me all the time that if we build a connected network of safe streets,
they will come and ride them on bicycles. And that would be great for everybody.
--Mike Vergeer
300 Creekside Rd
Ashland OR 97520
From:Sarah Wardwell
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:I support protected bike lanes!
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 3:28:02 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Transportation Advisory Committee members:
I support the addition of protected bike lanes on North Mountain Avenue from North Main to
the Bear Creek Bridge, and the construction of sidewalks, where missing, throughout the
project’s length.
Adding protected bike lanes on N. Mountain and on other major streets in Ashland will give
residents and visitors a safe alternative to the way they get around town. Without protected
bike lanes, bicycling will never be a practical way to make short in-town trips; the risk of
serious injury or death is too high for most people. I lived and biked in Washington DC and
these protected bike lanes were a game changer!
Bicycling is fun, healthy, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduces congestion,
boosts the local economy, and saves people money. Please make it easier for everyone to
bike in Ashland!
Thank you,
Sarah Wardwell
650 Liberty St.
From:Lori Wolfe
To:Scott Fleury
Subject:North Mountain
Date:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 1:58:37 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello Scott,I spoke with Chuck today and he said you would be the best person to contact with my
questions and comments. Here goes .
We live on North Mountain - nearest side street is Village Green. How long the
construction is expected to last and what they will be doing next? We are happy to seethe infrastructure upgrade, just wondering on the timeline.
Will you be adding speed bumps? Traffic always speeds down North Mountain andmany of the residents hope - like on Hersey - speed bumps will be put in. If speed
bumps are not planned already can the residents put in a request or signatures on apetition or something like that to get them added?
Regarding taking away parking and adding a protected bike line. We are very againstthis. As you know, there is already only parking allowed on one side of the street.
Most of the houses need that parking when having friends visit. Most houses have very short driveways that don’t offer parking other than for
residents. Havurah Synagogue needs extra parking for special events.
Parked cars on North Mountain actually help keep the speeding down.There is already parking only on one side of North Mountain.
With the new development the need for additional parking only increases.
Thank you for thinking considerately about not taking away parking and adding speed bumps
to North Mountain.
Lori Wolfe
Fun To Teach