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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-24 Bicycle & Pedestrian_MIN Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission th July 24, 2003 Regular Meeting Minutes Roll Call Baxter, Chapman, Nutter, and Knickerbocker were present. Hartzell arrived late. Matthew Barnes from the Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) and Officer Tom Cook of the Ashland Police Department (APD) were also present. Call to Order Chapman called the meeting to order at 5:20 p.m. Approval of Minutes th Baxter/Nutter m/s to approve the minutes of June 19, 2003 as presented. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Crosswalk Enforcement Citizen Paul Mensch introduced himself and stated that he had been referred to the commission by council liaison Hartzell to discuss his concerns over the recent Tidings article discussing the crosswalk enforcement actions. Mensch questioned the accuracy of the article and stated that he was concerned with what was said. Mensch questioned what was presented relative to ORS 811.010 relative to the requirements for a driver to stop and wait until a pedestrian is out of the street. Cook responded that a driver must stop if the pedestrian is close enough to be a hazard and the driver must wait until they are out of position to be a hazard. Mensch suggested that there was a need to present more accurate information. Mensch also suggested that it was questionable to have a sting operation going on amidst the distractions of a “media circus.” Chapman explained that this was the first media presence at one of the operations, and they were only on-site for 15-30 minutes. He added that all of the media arrived at once on this one occasion and proceeded to set up next to the officer carrying out the operation. Chapman agreed that it was a problem, but he added that he thought the obvious presence of media personnel would provide another attention getter for drivers to further limit the number of offenders. Nutter emphasized that these actions are getting people who are so inattentive that they are ignoring signs and cones, and who have ignored warnings in the papers and on the news. He emphasized that any sensible driver would slow for the warnings presented, and he suggested that those who are ticketed may not even be fit to drive. Mensch stated that he found these sorts of actions to be artificial and unnecessary, and he suggested that enforcement efforts could be better directed to problem areas without having to create artificial situations. Mensch added that on a previous action, he felt those used as decoys were rough at best, but he recognized that in that situation warnings were given in lieu of tickets. Mensch pointed out that he lives on North Main, and he stated that he does not want to cross it as a pedestrian because it is a highway. He noted that if he needed to cross, he would walk to a controlled intersection as this was how he learned to behave early in life. He expressed his concern with these actions creating a pedestrian mentality that could get someone killed in other cities. He added that he feels that these actions encourage pedestrian and driver stupidity. He cited examples where he has seen pedestrians crossing against a traffic control device and forcing drivers to stop for them. He recognized that the article in the Tidings may have been inaccurate, and he added that he has previous experience with Tidings articles. Chapman noted that Teri DeSilva had been the decoy at the recent action, and he indicated that she was one of the best and he felt she was accurate and well-signaled by Cook. Nutter questioned whether Mensch was aware of last year’s pedestrian fatality on Main Street. Mensch responded that while he did not mean to be harsh, he felt that no matter what was done some accidents simply cannot be prevented. He stated that regardless of who is at fault, bad things do happen sometimes. He added that while people can try to prevent them, they cannot stop every accident. He also suggested that there are places where common sense ought to override certain behaviors. Nutter responded that he wants to encourage enforcement of laws to prevent future accidents, even if this leaves many upset motorists. 2003-0724Bike & Ped Min.doc Page 1 of 4 Mensch suggested that there was also a need to look at the “stupid pedestrian” issue. Hartzell responded that there is a need for both pedestrians and drivers to be more aware, and she indicated that sting operations are effective in that they combine education and enforcement. Mensch urged the commission to approach this issue in a balanced manner and recognize the need to educate pedestrians equally, and he added that the slant of these stings seems to encourage pedestrian stupidity. Hartzell explained that this commission is the group charged with encouraging pedestrian and bicycle safety, and that these actions are scheduled to be conducted monthly for some time. Mensch reiterated that he would prefer not to create artificial situations and that he would instead prefer to address real life problems and ticket drivers and pedestrians. He recognized that drivers are sometimes inattentive, but he added that he would like to catch them without having to concoct a situation. Nutter explained the procedure involved in the actions, and he noted that they are designed to address the concerns of drivers while gathering adequate evidence. He agreed that the actions are an artificial situation, but he also emphasized that the actions give drivers far more leeway than they would normally have. Harris added that these actions have proven effective, and she noted that they are a tested method and that their visibility is intended to raise awareness. She also explained that the actions are set up in a way to keep the decoy as safe as possible, and that they are conducted one day per month to maximize the use of staff resources. Hartzell questioned how Mensch would like to see the commission work to address “stupid pedestrians.” She emphasized that the methods being used are tested and proven, and she asked for ideas from Mensch. She added that her son has been stopped for jaywalking, even when it was legal, and she again asked how Mensch felt that behaviors could be changed. Mensch noted that there was a need for pedestrian education, particularly in areas like First and East Main in the downtown where there are daily “dumb pedestrian tricks.” He also noted the difficulty in crossing Wimer at North Main, where he has frequent near misses despite making eye contact with turning drivers prior to crossing. Nutter emphasized that he wants to get the word out that people need to slow down. He added that the commission has tried to find ways to help the situation and has invited input. Hartzell asked Mensch for examples of pedestrian problems, and Mensch responded that pedestrians often step out into traffic when cares are too close. He suggested that this was the main issue he sees, and he emphasized that people need to be more courteous and take turns. He urged pedestrians to let traffic clear prior to crossing. Harris noted that in more dense, urban environments pedestrians don’t wait for traffic. Mensch responded that in core areas, every intersection is typically controlled and then as you get farther out from the core you have to plan your route based on where you can cross. He cited Eighth Avenue in Denver as an example, and he noted that they have opted to put in mid-block lights there to break up traffic. Harris emphasized that there are daily near misses and she indicated that the city could not focus only on pedestrian and bicycle behavior because it is more noticeable. She explained that driver behavior is often shielded because they are in a car, but she suggested that behavior needs to be viewed while keeping this in mind. Cook discussed APD efforts to address pedestrian and bicycle violations as well. Hartzell asked for ideas on ways to educate pedestrians. She emphasized that the city tries to use education, engineering and enforcement. Mensch noted that he is also opposed to further signage. Knickerbocker noted that parking is also an issue here, and he added that there simply should not be any parking in some areas. He added that he would like to see more speed enforcement. He emphasized that speeding is really an ineffective way of getting anywhere quicker. Chapman suggested that parking suggestions and concerns be forwarded to the Traffic Safety Commission. 2003-0724Bike & Ped Min.doc Page 2 of 4 Chapman pointed out that there has been a good deal of support for the enforcement actions within the community and very little negative comment. Cook noted that there have been a number of negative comments generated by the recent Tidings article. Cook suggested that a letter from the commission to clarify things and correct the facts would go a long way. Cook also noted that a press release had been prepared but the information presented was not used in the article. He added that a pre- event press release was also prepared and was never printed. Nutter stated that the two previous articles in the Tidings were much better. Hartzell asked if the department was doing anything to respond to recent complaints. Cook stated that he had not heard of any changes yet, but he noted that there would most likely only be two more enforcement actions. He stated that the APD is considering a spotter/chaser operation near the downtown to catch drivers in “real offenses.” Cook emphasized that the recent enforcement actions are carried off in a way that greatly favors drivers. Elections Harris stated that this item has been delayed since April. She explained that the commission needed to appoint a chair, vice chair and secretary from the membership. Chapman stated that he would like to have full attendance before holding elections. Chapman added that Reynolds is leaning toward departure. Baxter added that someone from Second Gear Cyclery has expressed an interest in being appointed. Hartzell suggested making a push for attendance to conduct elections at the September meeting. She added that a new member could be appointed and the commission could be full by August. Bike Safety Education/Safe Routes to School Harris noted her letter to the BTA in the packets, and stated that the BTA may be back in the fall to teach classes. She noted that the commission had discussed a curriculum at the Middle School without the BTA, and she suggested that the BTA may be in place conducting programs separately in the elementary schools. Chapman stated that he did not see this as a conflict as the commission was aiming for the Middle School. Chapman noted that Reynolds had been the primary point person at the Middle School. Baxter questioned whether any of the potential new members might have connections at the Middle School. Hartzell noted that she has recent connections. Chapman added that he feels that Vice Principal John O’Malley and one other teacher are supportive and one other teacher is coming around. Hartzell and Chapman noted that they both have a lot going on. Baxter asked whether a meeting could be put together to discuss possibilities with teachers this summer. Hartzell indicated that she thought a meeting should be put together this summer, and Baxter stated that he would try to make initial contact to set something up with O’Malley or one of the teachers. He stated that he would report back in August. Chapman pointed out that O’Malley was interested in the BTA Safe Routes Program at the Middle School, but he clarified that the school wanted the BTA to help develop a curriculum rather than simply taking over and presenting their own program. He indicated that he thought the Middle School would still work with the BTA. Harris questioned how they would work with the BTA and this commission at the Middle School. Harris stated that she would see if the BTA could have their contract person (Doug Staples) in the meeting on Safe Routes with John O’Malley at the Middle School. Harris added that while the BTA didn’t like the loss of funds from this commission, she felt they understood the decision. She discussed the fact that the commission was looking at having BTA Bike Safety programs in the elementary schools, and commission Bike Safety program at the Middle School and the BTA Safe Routes program at the Middle School. She also noted that she believed that Scott Bricker from BTA would be in Ashland in August, and stated that she would make contact to see if he had any times where he would be available for a meeting. New Business th Barnes stated that RVTD would be conducting a Car Free Day event on September 26. He added that they may also support the BTA Bike Commute event in September. Barnes added that these events could involve local politicians or an employee competition between local government offices. Chapman stated that he wanted to see a Tour D’Ashland pedestrian event on a Saturday. Barnes also suggested doing a roadway capacity photo showing how much space is taken up on the road by fifty pedestrians, fifty cyclists and fifty single-occupant vehicles. 2003-0724Bike & Ped Min.doc Page 3 of 4 Chapman stated that the commission could conduct a small event. Hartzell stated that she would like to have the city videos shown on RVTV. Chapman stated that he would like to find a way to close down the city to cars, and Hartzell suggested that a 5:00-6:00 parade closure would be appropriate. Hartzell also suggested reactivating the Crosswalk Chicken, and she asked that this be made an item for the August agenda. Hartzell noted that the new bus stops would be in by the September event, and she urged RVTD to put schedules up on the stops. Barnes stated that RVTD has met with the City Administrator, and the city may contribute funds for this. Barnes added that RVTD has not dedicated enough resources to amenities to make this possible at this point. He noted that they have looked for more vandal- resistant signs. Hartzell stated that she would support these being city signage. Chapman asked about adding or extending routes, and Barnes responded that RVTD has not discussed weekend routes or extending hours further into the evenings. Chapman suggested that there is a need to target FedEx and UPS drivers as a traffic hazard. Harris responded that tickets are a built-in part of their operating budgets and are considered a cost of doing business. Hartzell questioned whether members wanted to change the August meeting date. No one could suggest an alternative date. Agenda Items for Next Meeting Bike Safety/Safe Routes, Car Free Event, Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:48 P.M. Next Meeting st 5:15 p.m. on August 21, 2003 2003-0724Bike & Ped Min.doc Page 4 of 4