HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-20 Bicycle & Pedestrian_MIN
Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission
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January 20, 2005
Regular Minutes
Roll Call
Members present: Chair Lexi Delgado (absent) Julia Sommer Tom Marvin
Vice Chair Brad Knickerbocker Dylan Robbins John Hinke
David Chapman Tracy Bungay (absent)
Council Liaison: Russ Silbiger
Staff: Derek Severson, Assistant Planner Tom Cook, APD Officer
RVTD liaison: Paige West, RVTD/TDM Planner (absent)
High school liaison: Cory Lescher (absent) SOU liaison: Phil Clarke (absent)
Call to Order
Knickerbocker called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.
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Approval of Minutes December 16, 2004
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Chapman/Knickerbocker m/s to approve the minutes of December 16 as presented. Voice vote: All AYES.
Motion passed.
Public Forum
Art Bullock/ Discussed his concerns with the safety of the proposed crosswalk design at the intersection of Helman
and Nevada Streets. He explained the concept of a “safety box” and noted that the box is not addressed properly in
the proposed crosswalk design, which has a bump-out moved into the intersection. He added that ODOT opposes
the use of concrete crosswalks for safety, visibility and cost. He noted that he was in the process of pursuing legal
action to stop the project.
Severson advised commissioners that because the matter was the subject of pending litigation it should be handled
through the Legal Department and not discussed with litigants. Bullock stated that he was not requesting any action,
and merely wanted commissioners to be aware of the situation, and to be mindful of these concerns when looking at
future designs. He stated that he would like to see the commission take a more proactive role in addressing
pedestrian safety issues. He discussed his concerns with the Dog Park being accessed by a single lane two-way
road.
Car Free Day 2005
West explained that the subcommittee discussions to date had focused on whether a parade was necessary, and
whether buy-in by the council/business community was needed before fleshing out the plan. Marvin expressed
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concern with making this just another downtown, July 4-like event and emphasized that he would like to see
something to bring about real and lasting changes in Ashland’s transportation options. Knickerbocker questioned
whether it might be appropriate to start at a smaller scale at first, and approach the matter conceptually at this level.
West noted that discussions had included the possibility of a closure outside of the downtown, such as along A
Street.
Sommer noted that the next meeting was the first Thursday in February from 4-5 p.m. at the library. She stated that
she would approach the Chamber to gauge their interest.
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West emphasized the need to promote the event in such a way that changes will continue past September 22.
Marvin urged more creative input to take planning to the next level.
Bike Shop Outreach/Community Relations
Robbins noted that things had been slow with the shops. He pointed out that Siskiyou Cyclery had sold, and added
that the Dirt Jump Park near the Dog Park was underway.
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Creating a Calendar
Severson reminded members to send him dates for inclusion in the calendar.
Who Rides/Who Strides
West noted that signs were in place on buses. Sommer added that her article was with the Tidings, but that it
seemed to be on hold. She stated that she would move ahead with interviewing the interested staff at J.P.R. for the
next article. West noted that Transportation Hero nominations for RVTD’s award needed to be to her by August.
Subcommittee Reports
Robbins stated that Delgado was reviewing the SprocKids materials and the subcommittee had not met.
Chapman noted that he was dealing with Rachel in Parks to bring her up to speed about the Bike Swap, and he
added that she would like to meet with members to discuss the upcoming event. Knickerbocker noted that he would
be willing to assist.
New Business
Chapman and West discussed the “Bike First” program, which would provide commuter bikes and accessories to a
number of people who qualify within the Valley. West noted that the Rogue Valley was the first use of the program
in Oregon but that it was catching on in other states. West added that winners would be announced in mid-April,
and that bikes would be presented at the Greenway Gala. West explained that there had been an article in the Mail
Tribune. Robbins suggested looking at the Bike Town promotion in Bicycle magazine and the Siskiyou Velo
commuter program in a recent newsletter. Chapman suggested that West consider including a year-long RVTD
pass in the package.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Next Meeting:
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Thursday, February 17, 2005
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