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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-09-28 Bicycle & Pedestrian_MIN BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION Thursday, September 28, 2000 Meeting Minutes MEMBERS PRESENT Joan Spear, Bruce Taylor, Carol Lee Rogers, Alexis Rewcastle, Keri Green, David Young, Beverly Morris, Council Liaison Carole Wheeldon, and APD Liaison Kip Thomas. STAFF PRESENT Maria Harris. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m.  Young introduced new member Keri Green. Green noted that she works as a mediator and facilitator statewide on transportation, land use, and community design issues. She explained that this role makes her aware of what a precious gem the community of Ashland is, and emphasized that this has made her want to play a role in improving bicycle and pedestrian access.  MINUTES Rogers noted that she had not received the packet this time, but noted that she has been out of town and it may have been held by the post office. Harris stated that she would verify that Rogers’ address was correctly listed on the mailing list. th Morris asked that Dave Nourie’s name be spelled correctly in the August 17 minutes, in the sixth paragraph of page 4. st Wheeldon indicated that the August 31 minutes should be corrected to reflect that the Ashland Community Food Store donated to support the Car Free Day event, but that the Ashland Outdoor Store did not contribute. thst The minutes of August 17 and August 31 were approved as amended. PUBLIC FORUM Mathew Barnes from RVTD asked: 1) that the Commission set a 2001 date; 2) that there be a naming convention set; and 3) that the Commission sponsor RVTD’s Bicycle/Transportation education program. Wheeldon noted that the people at the schools would like a little more lead-time, and she proposed holding the event a week later next year. She stated that the event had worked well without SOU students, as the Boulevard was not as crowded and the event remained on an appropriate scale, but she noticed the absence of the entire SOU student population. Rewcastle suggested that the event be held even later, and suggested that October would be a better time. Morris noted that “Walk Your Child to School Day” is on October 4. Discussed doing a weeklong event, possibly with “Walk Your Child to School Day” as a separate event during the week. Morris said one of the frequent comments at the coffee stop was to hold the event more often. Wheeldon suggested not picking a date today, but commit to choosing one by the next meeting. Green suggested that in the time before the next meeting, someone research when other national and international events were occurring so they could be coordinated. Suggested that there was not a need to be distinct from the date of valley-wide RVTD events, but that this would not be the sole factor in determining the date. Young noted that he didn’t like the idea of “Quality of Life Day” as it does not address the 2000-0928_Bike Min Page 1 of 4 transportation focus, and suggested that it is important to establish a tradition and continue with the same name. Group tended to agree. Young noted that the group was not opposed to Rogue Valley Car Free Day. Rewcastle noted that what Barnes had written up was excellent, and Young agreed that collaboration would be preferred. Rogers noted that she will be doing classes around the valley to present alternative means of transportation and bicycle safety to kids throughout the valley. Barnes stated that he was hoping that the Commission would allow its name to be used as a supporter of the program. The group unanimously agreed to endorse the classes. Wheeldon suggested that if grant money comes available for RVTD for programs where staffing is an issue, the commission would be interested in hearing about it. Rewcastle was officially welcomed to the Commission. She explained that she uses biking and walking to supplement the one car her family shares, and noted that she works with children. She emphasized that Ashland has changed noticeably in the short time she’s been here, and she is hoping to help work to preserve the qualities that brought her here. ASSESSMENT OF CAR FREE DAY Taylor noted that he did not have a sign-up sheet, but his impression was that it was much better attended than the event he participated in five years ago. He emphasized that there were pedestrians and cyclists going by who did not even stop for the free refreshments. Rogers explained that she was out of town on the day of the event. Rewcastle said she thought the event was great, and emphasized that she conversed with a lot of people who read about it and made the effort to be there. She stated that the typical feedback was positive, and the overwhelming sentiment was that this should be done more often. Spear said that thirty people signed up at Morning Glory, and noted that they ran out of food, and had to ask for more. She emphasized that the raffle went very well. Morris said that fifty people signed up at Rogue Valley Roasting Company, and they were mobbed by twenty to twenty five kids on the way to school. She stated that they had to ask for more foods as well. Morris noted that one participant was Jerry Greenlee, a city building inspector, did all of his inspections for the day on his bike. Green stated that she was not a participant, but was car free that day and emphasized that there are a lot of people in the community who live a car free lifestyle. She noted that despite the cold, drizzly night she and a friend rode bikes into town rather than driving on Car Free Day. Young commended Morris on her publicity work, and commented on the enthusiasm of the participants. He suggested shortening the fair portion of the event, but stated that the fair as it was, was fantastic and very well-received. Young noted that there were 36 trolley riders in the morning and 140 in the afternoon, which RVTD viewed as a success given that buses were free system wide that day. He emphasized that he would like to have a Car Free Day each month. Wheeldon stated that the event was great, and noted that she has been involved in these events for years. She stated that the fair was a great addition, but that she felt it could be an hour shorter. Wheeldon suggested that equipment is needed if this is to be a regular undertaking. She noted that a regular ad is needed, along with lawn signs, and signs for each school. She emphasized that the way to expand the event is not for the Commission to do more, but rather to give the tools to the community. She also noted that Brother’s and Evo’s were interested in an event each month. Wheeldon asked that the Commission put in a request for funding in the budget to properly fund a monthly event. 2000-0928_Bike Min Page 2 of 4 Wheeldon pointed out that the Conservation Commission wants to take a more radical approach, and to look at blocking off streets as part of the event or asking drivers stopping at the Middle School to donate $1 each to support monthly car free days. Morris noted that there were inquiries about the raffle, with the suggestion that there be bigger items and that there be a $1 charge for tickets. This was discussed, and it was noted that larger items might create some difficulty for those who donated to the raffle. Morris suggested that a factor in thinking about the fall event versus a spring event is whether there will be people available to help with planning a fall event. Young suggested that now that one event has been carried to completion, there are no longer as many unknowns. Wheeldon asked everyone to document what they did for the event in order to have written job descriptions on hand for use in preparing future events. Everyone agreed to do prepare this for the next meeting. Rogers noted that she would ask Ben Sawyer to document what he had done. BUDGET UPDATE Harris stated that after costs of Car Free Day are paid, the Commission will have between $70 and $100 left. MONTHLY MEDIA PIECE th Wheeldon suggested that someone write a retort about the Daily Tidings’ September 15 editorial titled “It's car-free, not carefree.” Young stated that his belief that this was patronizing and counter to the purpose of the event. Wheeldon emphasized that the editorial missed the event’s point in suggesting that people think about transportation issues – she stated that the event was about taking positive action by participating, not just thinking about it. The group expressed their general disapproval for this editorial. Young offered to write a thank you letter to those who helped with the event, and there was general agreement that the letter should not respond directly to the editorial. th Rewcastle stated that she wants to make Walk-to-School Day happen on October 4, but recognized that there was not a lot that can be done in less than a week. She proposed that the group set up a meeting with Julie DeChiro to make the schools aware of this event, and agreed to contact DeChiro to set this up. Morris noted that she spoke with the elementary and middle schools, and stated that it was on the school calendars. She also noted that the two principals that she spoke to felt the event was a great idea that they supported. Young confirmed that he will write a letter thanking people for participating in Car Free Day. He asked if anyone wanted to read it before he sent it in. Taylor noted that the Tidings had agreed to publish monthly commentary pieces, but explained that the two commissioners who were working on this were no longer on the commission. Morris agreed to do a piece on health and walking. DISCUSSION OF SISKIYOU BOULEVARD DESIGN HISTORY & PROCESS Young stated that the design group met Monday, September 28, and explained that his role became reminding people that modal equity is the driving factor in the redesign. He emphasized that the focus cannot be about just aesthetics, and that the design must strive to make the route more accessible to cyclists and pedestrians. He suggested that the Commission look at creating approved bicycle and pedestrian design recommendations, and stated that he believes that this could be a very difficult process. Young also noted that there will be a walking tour of the Boulevard on October 11 at 4p.m., meeting at Safeway. He explained that the group will try to look at the Boulevard first from a van for the motorist’s perspective and then from the pedestrian’s perspective. He noted that there is a strong attachment to the median strip, but suggested that there needs to be consideration given 2000-0928_Bike Min Page 3 of 4 to enhancements for cyclists. He also noted that there is not strong cyclist representation on the design committee, and suggested that a letter from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission might be in order. Rogers discussed how things are done in Europe, with split sidewalks, and noted that the parking bays could be removed to create more space for cyclists. She emphasized the need to change peoples thinking now, even if it means removing some trees and the parking bays. Harris stated that she had not attended the last meeting of the design committee, but stated that at the first meeting the group had seemed open and willing to accommodate all modes of transport. She also noted that the council directive has been to make it a multi-modal facility while preserving the aesthetic, historic character of the street. Rogers suggested that it be made clear up front that the commitment to walking and cycling accessibility is a driving force in the design process. Also questioned whether the lanes could be narrowed to better accommodate varied modes of transportation. Harris agreed to e-mail the Commission the dates of the next meeting when it was scheduled. ELECT OFFICERS-VICE CHAIR AND SECRETARY Morris agreed to serve as vice-chair. Rogers stated that she would consider serving as secretary and let the group know next month. TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SIGN-UP Green said she would tentatively plan on going to the October meeting. Taylor, Morris and Young noted having attended the Transportation Activist meeting in Medford. Taylor noted attending the first half of the meeting. Morris noted that she found the binder materials presented to be the most valuable materials. Morris and Young clarified that an ODOT staff member had stated that funds were available but that there was not sufficient advocacy for cycling and pedestrians to make adequate use of the pooled funds. Taylor noted that it was mentioned that there is a state mandate that any street project must accommodate cyclist and pedestrian access. Rogers noted that she will be teaching bicycle safety classes to sixth graders beginning October 3, and would welcome volunteer help from any of the commissioners. Morris stated her interest but could not commit to time, and Green asked that Rogers let her know when help was needed. Rogers referred members to the http://www.todayinashland.com web page for a list of class times. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING Set a date for Car Free Day 2001 and refine vision of the next event. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. th NEXT MEETING: Thursday, October 19, 2000 2000-0928_Bike Min Page 4 of 4