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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-21 Bicycle & Pedestrian_PACKETCITY OF ASHLAND BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION Agenda Thursday, September 21St, 2006 @ 5:15 P.M. Siskiyou Room @ 51 Winburn Way Community Development & Engineering Services Building CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 171h, 2006 III. PUBLIC FORUM - Business from the audience not included on the agenda. (Limited to 5 minutes per speaker and 15 minutes total.) IV. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Budget Update Subcommittee & Liaison Reports V. CAR FREE DAY IS TOMORROWM Car Free Day & Int'I Walk/Bike Scooter to School Day/Week Bear Creek Greenway Festival, September 23 (Harding) VI. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Introduction of New Member(s) Election of Officer(s) BTA Funding Request/Ideas for Use of Bike Swap Funds Prioritization & Timeline to Implement Bike Friendly Community Recommendations Safe Routes to School Plan Development New Business Agenda Items for Next Month V. ADJOURNMENT _Upcoming Meetings Next Regular Meeting - Thursday, October 19t", 2006 at 5:15 P.M.. pro caannia ancv a111111111 �Ilun° 1), unna Ill' klnouus aa)kaa I Ill iIINiiI,,a Avil, i°i�1�' 1: II've, cihd °asii SII('a too rf,icip'�Iim � v Ib [111 as II,Iv. a'amN please co the ", )'alma �uruui ntu nat.o 1"'S o ffi a al p5 & 1 p 4 ��plio2 �.II. p.����a�. Ila'livatiu�an n�inuaanpsea° I- � mm'�'t�a n � i�a a atl„ ,fl, p�- �;00� ,. ' JolVuIfla',Maloan. 7211 ponunars prior tc� flih , uwaeelilthup, kvi 111 cuu°ii.lMe dile UR11,(:a), m akc 111,41asonnalbly ruu'n.'naIll il1a IIII�,aIts to aauia wIniIIrA" aCac'IS>I Ili pin I IIla1in 7III IvunIuaaa��.�� f2,8 '11 S.1(112 5 104 AI),), TititllI) Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission August 17th, 2006 Regular Minutes Roll Call: Tracy Harding, Arnold Bleicher, David Young, Chair Dylan Robbins (absent), Selene Aitken (absent), Paul Rostykus (absent) Council Liaison: David Chapman Staff: Derek Severson, Associate Planner, Steve McLennan, Police Officer RVTD liaison: Paige West, RVTD/TDMPlanner High school liaison: Vacant SOU liaison: Nathan Meyerson Call to Order Severson called the meeting to order at 5:25 p.m. Approval of Minutes — July 20th, 2006 The minutes of July 20th, 2006 were approved as presented. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Public Forum Severson noted that Ross Finney wished to reserve time to speak at public forum, but he is a bicycle commuter coming from Medford and thought that he would be here between 6:00 and 6:30. Asked that we leave him time to speak later in the meeting. Don Willott, a visiting Non -Motorized Transportation Advisory Commissioner from Bainbridge Island, Washington introduced himself and discussed the guide his Commission had prepared to present the bicycle and pedestrian amenities of Bainbridge Island as a significant tourist amenity. He also discussed their share the road campaign, educational efforts, and their current work to develop context sensitive solutions. Ross Finney, a bicycle commuter, discussed his concern with the condition of the railroad crossing at Laurel and Hersey. Severson explained that efforts were underway to upgrade this crossing, but that the railroad was unwilling to issue the necessary permits as they hope to decommission the crossing entirely. Finney was advised to address his concerns to the Traffic Safety Commission as well, and members asked staff to request warning signs be posted warning cyclists of the condition of the crossing and urging caution. Subcommittee & Liaison Reports Severson presented an update on the budget and the installation status of the skateboard racks. He discussed upcoming events, urging members to attend the annual presentation before the City Council on September 191h. Harding and Young indicated that they would attend.. Meyerson discussed bicycle distribution programs through the Community Bike Program, noting that ten bikes had been given to UNITE and Migrant HeadStart. West noted that federal funds would soon be available to communities with Safe Routes to School plans in place, and suggested working with the Traffic Safety Commission and the Council to develop a plan and get buy- in/adoption in order to have access to those funds in the near future. Chapman exited the meeting. Without a quorum present to continue the meeting, members were forced to continue the remaining items until next month's meeting. Those present adjourned to a subcommittee meeting to discuss preparations for the upcoming Car Free Day event. Agenda Items for Next Month Carry-over items from the current agenda. 2006-0817Bike & Ped minutes Page 1 of2 A Aournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Irmomingg Meetings: 5:15 P.M. Thursday, September 21", 2006 — Regular Meeting in the Siskiyou Room Subcommittee 8/17 Discussion of Car Free Day West noted that the subcommittee had met earlier today, with West, Harding, Meyerson, and members of thV Community Bike Program in attendance. Task lists were developed. It was noted that the subcommittee had determined it would be better to limit the scope of the event to Oak Street as had been done last year. It was explained that there would be tours in the morning this year, to avoid conflicts with other events, and that their would be a group leaving from the Dog Park at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning to go to th'i Greenway event at Blue Heron Park in Phoenix. Dubois and Bleicher indicated willingness to help with this ride. 2006-0817 Bike & Ped minutes Page 2 of 2 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION 2006-2007 BUDGET UPDATE September 21 St, 2006 PROGRAM FUNDS 2006-2007 PROJECTS Bike Safety Education/Safe Routes Car Free Dad ....... Bike Swap .�._...... _............ . Lights, Helmets, etc. Maps Other --?? .._................ TOTAL BUDGETED FOR FY'05-06 AMOUNTS APPROVED TO DATE $3,300.00 COMMISSION FUNDS $750 in Commission Funds available in addition to the $3,300 in Program Funds. These are set aside for subscriptions, conference attendance, etc. REMINDER: The Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission does not have the budgetary authority to appropriate funds, and cannot enter into contracts for services. Requests to fund outside organizations should be directed to make application for funding to the City Council through the annual budget process. BIKE SWAP FUNDS Funds generated from the Bike Swap are under the control and management of the Ashland Parks Foundation, a private non-profit affiliated with the Parks Department. The Foundation has indicated a willingness to allow the Commission to make recommendations for the expenditure of these funds; staff would strongly recommend that any motions for the use of these funds be framed as recommendations to the Ashland Parks Foundation in order to avoid any confusion about the status of these funds or the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission's role in managing them under Oregon state budget law. Celebrate World Car Free Day r Fun and free activities Oak St. Main to Lithia Way will be closed to motor traffic 2-8 pm Biqlcle Rodeo for kids Free How --To Bike Maintenance BikerIt Frame Style Tricks A11A6esWd1kin8 Tours(in the morning Transportation Hero Award � EdUCdtiondnd Outredch booths Awk ASHLAND PARKS @ RECREATICM Standing Stone Outdoor eatery rpalAk-0 CITY OF ASHLAND For more information please visit www.rvtd.or$ or call 608-2429 CELEBRATION Saturday with s EVENTS September 23 MORNING RUN SIC 5:00-11:30am BLUE HERON PARK, PHOENIX • NEW! 1/2 MARATHON • All Levels Welcome! m 10K Run & Walk • All Races Start '``� • 5K Run & Walk Saturday Morning Fun Run for Kids • Prizes, Food & Music AFTERNOON Greenway FUN Adventure r ,� Ternoon low for the ;:� _ Family 11:30am-5:00pm BLUE HERON PARK, PHOENIX • Fun, Food & Music • Games • Wildlife Images • Award Honoring • Birding Tours by Klamath Otis Swisher Bird Observatory & • Greenway Photo Contest Rogue Valley Audubon Winner Announced • 30 Exhibits • And much, much more! EVENING Greenway 5:30-11:00pm PARTY Adventure BLUE HERON PARK, PHOENIX •Wine &Salmon Tasting �� Y N1-1 � FEStZvCZC .Arts, Crafts and Food ��.-•Live Bands Photography Contest Show %to For more information call 732-1604 or go to www.be,arc.reekgre6away.com BEAR CREEK GRE E NWAY ry•a 0 r LA � reenway Adventure Photok-.*UHLt:bL" WHERE? All photos must be taken on the Bear Creek Greenway WHEN? Now thru September. Photos must be mailed by midnight, Sept 5th. Email jpegs to bearcreekgreenway.com or mail 5 x 7 : PO Box 4561, Medford, 97501, with name, address & phone # on back of photo. WHAT? 3 Photos divisions: (1) Greenway Action shots; (2) Greenway Nature shots; (3) Greenway Creekside shots. Each photographer is eligible to win only one award WHO? 2 Age divisions: 5 thru 17 years and 18 years and up. WHY? Celebrate Greenway Adventure! Win the grand prize, $250. All photos become property of Bear Creek Greenway Foundation, will be placed on official web site and www. bearcreekgreenway.com or call 541-732-1604 CITY OF AS H LAN D Memo DATE: September 21s`, 2006 TO: Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission FROM: Derek Severson, Planning Department Staff Liaison RE: Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) Request for Funds In light of discussions of the BTA funding request when I was absent back in June, I wanted to provide a little additional information that may be of assistance in considering this request. As noted at the June meeting, the original intent of the Commission in partnering with the BTA was that the bike safety education program would become a self-sustaining one. But the anticipated mechanism for that to happen was that as the program was developed it would take on a life of its own and be carried on by each school with individual teachers to champion the program. Prior to our partnership with the BTA, commissioners worked for years to develop a program and build momentum with parents and teachers. These efforts never took hold, and without the partnership with BTA it's doubtful that bike safety training would have become a reality in the schools. In considering the desire to develop a self-sustaining program, it may be worthwhile to look to Bike Swap funds which have specifically been identified as a means to fund bike education since the Commission became involved with the Bike Swap — a self-sustaining funding source could go a long way toward finally developing a self-sustaining program. Because there appeared to be a number of concerns with the per class cost analysis provided by the BTA, staff would remind Commissioners that as noted by Egon Dubois at the last meeting, these costs are a statewide average based on program expenses and the number of classes taught. Since that June meeting, the BTA has revisited those figures and indicated that their actual costs are in fact not $800 per class but $1,124. They have requested $8,000 in funding from the Commission which represents a subsidy of the class cost, not full funding of the program. $8,000 for 21 classes works out to $380.95 per class. Given the discussion of separating from BTA and forming a local program, I spoke to representatives of the BTA. They indicated that they would be as supportive as possible of such an effort, and explained that in Bend, a private non-profit called Central Oregon Commute Options was recently formed to develop a similar program to replace an existing BTA program. In that case, BTA not only trained their instructors, but also gave them the fleet of BTA bikes and a portion of some grant money that BTA had received for programs in Bend. I've sent messages to the group in Bend trying to get an idea of their experiences with developing the program, but to date I've received no responses. Commissioners should keep in mind the fact that the Commission cannot enter into contracts on behalf of the City or appropriate funds, so to develop a local, self-sustaining bike safety education program the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission Tel: 541-552-2040 �. 51 Winburn Way Fax: 541-552-2050 Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900 ,A& www.ashland.or.us primary options would be to form a private non-profit as was recently done in Bend or to find an existing local organization such as the Parks Foundation or the School District that would be willing to take on administration of the program. OPTIONS Fund BTA request through a combination of Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission, Traffic Safety Commission, and Bike Swap funds. ($5000 in Bike Swap funds and $1500 each from the two Commissions would cover the $8000 request.) Create a private non-profit to administer a local bike safety education program as has been done recently in Bend. Find a pre-existing local entity (School District, Parks Foundation, etc.) willing to administer a local bike safety education program. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff believes that the commission should thoroughly explore the feasibility of the other options prior to making a decision to break with BTA, or risk an interruption in the program that has been one of the commission's biggest successes over the past decade. Given the membership turn -over and attendance difficulties experienced on the Commission of late, staff has serious doubts about the feasibility of forming a successful non-profit which would require forming a board that would operate separately from the Commission. It should also be noted that the Commission's $3,300 in program funds were specifically allotted to facilitate a partnership with BTA, which had an established and nationally recognized program they were willing to bring to Ashland. If the partnership with BTA were abandoned, these funds would likely be lost in the near future and a private local non-profit would be directed to seek funds through the annual city budget process. Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission Tel: 541-552.2040 �. 51 Winburn Way Fax: 541-552-2050 Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900 www.ashland.or.us City of Ashland Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission c/o Derek Severson Assistant Planner 20 E Main Street Ashland, OR 97520 Dear Ashland Bike and Pedestrian Commission; Anna Scalera recently shared with me some concerns and questions raised about our bike safety education program and our recent request for support from the Commission. I wanted to take a moment to respond, but first I would like to thank you for supporting our efforts to provide bike safety to every school in Oregon. Your support has helped us reach many kids in Ashland, and we hope to continue to expand the program to eventually reach every student in Ashland. Ultimately, we hope to build enough support for these programs to lead the Department of Education to require (and fund) this type of course for all schoolchildren in Oregon! Comprehensive reach of the program Our program relies on a variety of funding sources, and we scale the program based on the income we receive each school year. While we subsidize local programs with statewide funds, corporate support, support from individual donors and from the BTA's own membership, we cannot write a blank check. That said, we have received significant community support for our Ashland programs over the years, and believe that it is very likely that if we received $8,000 from the Commission, and past supporters renewed their support, we would be able to reach all Ashland students. We would love to see that happen! Self-sufficiency goal You have asked about the "self-sufficiency" of the program within communities such as Ashland. Having each community completely fund and operate their own bike safety program is an ODOT goal, and that we are happy to support when it is possible. However, we realize that local community resources can be limited, that it takes time to build local and statewide support, and that the expertise gained from working with other communities and statewide organizations can be very valuable to our overall goals. As of yet, no community has reached self-sufficiency, but the BTA is working hard to make it happen. We cannot guarantee to reach every kid at this point, though, since funding comes from so many sources that we do not have direct control over. Only the reputation and results of our program and the constant hard work of our staff can be relied on in the futlaeF.,But we did not create this program to fail — we intend to reach every studentin Oregoa;.. .wgtar-,actively working towards that goal! Interest in and support for our program and the overarching Safe Routes to School concept is growing dramatically, and has inspired support from Oregon elected officials and the federal government. -We think that this is only the beginning. We are involved in conversations with organizations, officials and businesses, from Ashland and elsewhere, and we are steadily building support for youth bike safety. We are involved in shaping funding sources that may apply to bike safety, such as the new Safe Routes to School funding from the federal government; we created a state law to help guide that money. We are also actively influencing the shape of the new Oregon Safe Routes program, which is administered by ODOT, and we will help Ashland and other communities to get access to that money; some of those funds will be made available to bike safety programs like ours. Cost of the program Our recent request for $8,000 was made in response to your desire to know what it would take to reach every student in Ashland each year. The request was based on estimates about the actual cost per class, applied to the current Ashland student population, minus expected funds from other sources. I understand that you have seen a budget document we used to estimate the costs of the program in 2005/06. That document was based on back -of -the -envelope calculations, and failed to include the significant costs of purchasing and maintaining bicycle fleets and helmets. A more current, more accurate calculation of the true program costs is attached. While some folks may have balked at these costs due to the sharp increase from previous estimates the BTA gave years ago, we believe the cost breakdown reflects the true costs of running the program today. Years ago, the cost estimates given also did not include the total match from volunteers and other funding sources. The BTA has subsidized our bike safety efforts in Ashland over the years with other government contract funds, local support from bike clubs and businesses, and individual supporters, including BTA members. We strongly believe in this flagship program and think it provides value to kids and communities across the state. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have, or feel free to contact Anna or Egon, or Robert Ping, our Safe Routes to School Program Director, who are more in touch with the day -today management of the program. Thanks again for your consideration. Warm regards, Evan Manvel Executive Director Bicycle Safety Education Program 2006-07 Program Cost Figures for Ashland, presuming 630 kids taught Estimated average cost per class taught = $1,124 Staff Time Instructor: teaching and coordinating classes, maintaining bike fleet, moving bikes between schools, coordinating volunteers, community outreach and education, curriculum development, being trained $20/hr includes payroll tames, etc. x 16 hours/class x 21 classes $6,720 Program Manager: training instructors, fundraising, travel, grant reporting $25/hr includes payroll taxes x 40 hours $1,000 Total employees $7,720 Equipment Bicycles ($40/bike per year's use) $2400 for fleet of 60 Helmets ($10/helmet) $1200 for set of 120 (protecting against lice) Jerseys ($5/jersey) $600 for set of 120 Supplies, materials, and handouts ($5/student) $3150 for 630 kids sub -total equipment Program -specific costs Storage of bicycles ($200/month) Liability costs ($50/month) Maintenance of bicycles (per year for 60 bikes) Movement of bicycles between schools ($100/move x 8 moves) Sub -total program specific costs Total direct costs $7,350 $2400 $600 $800 $800 $4,600 $19,670 General costs of running an organization (phones, offices, computers, audit, personnel, oversight, database, website, etc.) 20% of cost $3,934 Total costs $23,604 W Q a IT � M I T v R '" w RI O 7 1�11 n r 01 m""' 3 m a 2 Q 0 O A O m C_ Or ip In r+ CV A ir r -A10 OA C Co.c U)� N " or a3 aM tn o U) c�Oc (n -W (no �> SN Narm�a m p "w 0 M o"� 7-1 n 2 a fir* @ �m Sac c @ m 0 S�'SOr O m 3 l�D n O rt 7 rt O fmAx f�D 3' N rt' mumiiocrtcnsc 7 p to 7 o'^ moS� x� 3v'r"Sm °rt'rmN�-� n� a2acoa 0 ��' co mommm oro�y c CA 0 c 3c or-*'�mor v(A(ni� w a nmo 01 < 2 < m �^ o~''SN x S3 c n a D m m'� S n~io c +�*m c 3$ S � S m c�nvjO�aaa°rt' O r* a'* m O = a,m o� M13 o p to \ X X M 7 X M rtO ,= a fX 01 0 M m (A N to 0 °1 N rt O 7 C m N X 7 X < v Q 0 ,m., S u„, m o ,tmn y U' N o Qv o@ S`. 7 n (A 7 o f<�D C Cr M 0) mo i-. o ry C' m @ c 0 N R 'O all Q U) � S Fr 7 @ n Or rt n 7 7 m � c`" v@ (3to rty x m 3 c n o M aor S o a m N o m 'o a �� 0 mr tmir w N n rCA IT o n 3 0 3 c n < S c rt m U3 :3 10 M a c K S H h -IIII f+ c%c W r r 1 r o � A N O 0c O O w C 0 0oo o o '* iR ilk VFjA 40 40ID FI 7 ON N 0 0 C O o O ee 00 a o 01 N V W N A A N V r N F+ W CAA F+ O V r 1+ oOOO 01F-L OD 00 O O O OOO + N O w o%O o% U7 N (OAO A A O 0 0 0 O O O O O o 0 0 0 0 0 N W O Q O O O � V � a� m d m 3 a O A rt 01 � O c 7 FA 0 1C a d 3 S 01 7 a N c 7 in 0 W O 7C' a in C to rt Bicycle Safety Education Program: School programs taught in Ashland, Oregon Dates of Program School Grade Level # classes # kids # volunteer taught taught hours served 1999-2000 Sering 2000 Ashland M.S. 6th 4 120 41 Subtotals 1 school 4 120 41 2000-2001 Fall 2000 Ashland M.S. 6th 2 50 Spring 2001 Ashland M.S 6th 6 165 46 Subtotal: 1 school 8 215 46 2001-2002 Spring 2002 Lincoln E.S. 4th/5th 4 99 67 Spring 2002 Heiman E.S. 4th/5th 2 42 14 S ring 2002 Walker E.S. 4th/5th 3 76 7 Spring 2002 Bellview E,S, 4th/5th 2 54 7 Subtotal: 4 schools 11 271 81 2002-2003 Fall 2002 Lincoln E.S. 4th/51h 3 80 41 Spring 2003 Walker E.S. 4th/5th 2 49 7 Subtotal: 2 schools 6 129 41 2003-2004 Spring 2004 Lincoln E.S. 5 and 4/5 mixed 3 81 13 aring 2004 Walker E.S. 5 and 415 mixed' 4 1108 16 Subtotal: 2 schools 7 189 29 2004-2005 April 25-May 6 2005 Walker E.S. mixed 4 125 58 May 9-May 20 2005 Lincoln E.S. mixed 3 94 42 Subtotal: 2 schools 7 219 100 2006-2006 Se 't. 19-Se t 30 2005 Heiman E.S. 5th 3 79 58 Oct. 3-Nov.4 2005 Ashland M.S. 6th 8 260 224. May 2-Mlay 12, 2006 Walker E.S. 1rd 4th 5th mixer 4 115 60 Subtotal: 3 schools 1'S 464 342 TOTAL: 57 1597 680 Classrooms I kids [olunteer Hours U O ul 0 0 OE,N NN co co01ON O'mca C Z t �, m .cuj ¢ I In ,. W, U N N N G7 01 O O O O N L LO E TO 12 "Cl L 0 0 0 O O u V LOL ODUUUU O O O O O A 7 A 7'' O lL V) N .a O c N (n N _ •v Im am Q �O �• (A tDLn� coo"yoomal N.4rno i�NNNONN.-I'� �000000rna' (, fdnOnN'�nO� N ON 41 �OOOOO,G010'O COOOOOMOO 0 0 0 0 0 �# ONLnXOb ROV ■N �" N -4 '4 N c O c O to 0 0 2006 t From the Desk of the Executive Director 2 005 was an exciting year for Commute Options. We made great progress in our quest to promote choices that reduce the impacts of driving alone. In just one year, we saw a 6076 increase commute Options Executive Director, Jeff Monson in the number of business partners promoting transportation options for their employees. Hundreds of local workers chose to bike walk, carpool, vanpool, telework or take a shuttle rather than driving alone to the office. Through these efforts, we saved almost 150.000 roundtrips last year, keeping hundreds of cars off Central Oregon's roads every day. 2006 promises to be even better. We recently launched the TravelSmart program, which uses an innovative, customized approach to educate and motivate individuals to use alternative modes of transportation. A new partnership with the Bicycle Transportation Alliance is bringing bicycle safety education into local elementary and middle -schools. The 16th Annual Commute Options Week is slated for June 4 10, with the biggest, most competitive Corporate Challenge yet. The Commute Options Fair will be Sunday June 4th. And the City of Bend is working with consultants on a proposal for a fixed -route bus system. Inside this Commuter Reporter you'll find a report on last year's progress and an update on a few upcoming projects. After learning more abut the transportation choices your neighbors are making, I think you'll agree that what's good for Commute Options is good for Central Oregon. PAI� Jeff Monson, Executive Director Commute Options for Central Oregon Commute Options for Central Oregon vv% w.Commuteoptiono.org Jeff Monson, Executive Director Kim Curley, Community Outreach Coordinator 155 NW Irving Street, Bend, Oregon 97701 541/330-2647 commute Options' ongoing mission is to create a livable community by promoting transportation choices that encourage healthy Individuals, a clean environment, and a strong economy„ We pursue our mission by educating citizens, businesses, and government about the value of carpooling, vanpooling, walking, bicycling, teleworking, and riding the bus. Project TlravelSMART Underway you one of the lucky ones? 1200 Bend residents have been Ap`-,r-o domlyselected to participate in TravelSmart®, an innovative gram that encourages environmentally -friendly ways to travel. The concept originated in Australia, where one TravelSmart project targeting 35,000 people in Perth resulted in a 14% reduction in car trips and increases in walking (35%), cycling (61%) and public transit use (17%). Here in Oregon, the Department of Transportation is funding TravelSmart pilot projects in Bend, Eugene, Portland and Salem/Keizer. In partnership with the City of Bend and Commute Options, the project will use a survey to identify individuals who want to change the way they travel. Using personal, individualized contact, TravelSmart aims to motivate them to choose green travel 40 options by providing customized information and training to help them bike, walk or carpool for some of their trips. TravelSmart gives participants just the information they ask for to help them get started, or to keep on walking, biking or carpooling, Those who don't want information receive no further contact. And best of all, materials are delivered to participants' doors in the most efficient and cost effective way — by bicycle. Commute Options Week 1;4 Commute Options Week is entering its 16th year in Central Oregon, June 4-10, emphasizing the importance of transportation choices in creating a more livable community. Mark your calendars for: • The Commute Options Fair, Sunday, June 4th, at the Les Schwab Amphitheater— presented in partnership with the Summer Sunday Concert Series. • The 16th Annual Corporate Challenge, starting June 5th — regional businesses, from extra -small to super -large, compete to reduce their motor vehicle trips. I THE COMMUTER REPORTER PAGE 1 Bicycle Safety Education ixth-graders at Obsidian Middle School in Redmond and fifth -graders at Juniper and other elementary schools in Bend are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Kent Howes, a Bicycle Safety Education instructor trained by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Howes will arrive with a fleet of 30 bikes, helmets, brochures, safety vests, videos, and other equipment. Students will receive ten hours of in -class and on -the -bike instruction in bike safety, rules of the road, helmet fitting, equipment repair and bike handling skills. They will even get a chance to take a community bike tour. What he enjoys most, Howes says, is sharing the freedom of biking with students. He also wants them to stay safe on two wheels. He says one of the most important lessons he teaches is consistency. "Sometimes kids don't understand how important it is to ride in a straight line on the road, so I explain to them that drivers need to know they're predictable, that they're not going to swerve out in front of them." Commute Options is sponsoring the Bicycle Safety Education project along with the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. To learn more about the program, visit http://www.bta4bikes.org, Newport Bridge Closed April To November n case you haven't yet heard, Newport Bridge will be closed for widening from April to November, reducing the number of downtown river crossings from three to two. Commute Options is working with the City of Bend to cut down on construction chaos by encouraging alternative methods of travel rather than just alternate routes. "That is such a heavily -used corridor, and we'd like to keep those cars off the alternate routes," says Kim Curley, community outreach coordinator for Commute Options. "Commuters can help by carpooling, biking, walking, setting alternate work schedules, or teleworking." Downtown workers in particular can avoid traffic snarls and parking hassles by not bringing their cars to work. "There is free parking at Mt. Bachelor Park and Ride, and it's an 11-minute walk along the river to downtown. That's much more convenient than moving your car every two hours," points out Curley. your tact Co" employer to con learn how easy it is to 0 Contact Kim ons. Tltey'll be surprised to fit to employee ,;N_cost benes. Thank You! Commute Options for Central Oregon couldn't do the work we do without our Board of Directors, volunteer Working Group and the community at large. We appreciate all your support. Board of Directors: Chairman: MARK RUST, Planner, City Of Bend Treasurer: GREGG HOSHOV.SKY, Bend Memorial Clinic Secretary: SUSAN CHRISTENSEN, Department Of Environmental Quality GARY BELL, Property Manager, Sunriver Resort MARK BRUSKIEWICZ, Washington Department of Transportation JOE HOWARD, Pepsi Bottling Company BETH ANN WESLEY, Activities Director, Touchmark A special thanks to Gene Carsey and the Funny Farm for outfitting executive director Jeff Monson in vintage clothing and sharing an authentic bus schedule from Bend's past. And thanks to grassrootsPR for coordinating this newsletter. ..... - -------- PAGE 4 THE COMMUTER REPORTER G 7, ° irk Ho0� aAa P2. c 0 Y u q �O r v� S.o�i�pd�b 35�8b��aa� fim� ,< 0d�g885� . �3dmC qa�o pow w w v C Y1 0 aN ON E //`M� E `v 0L V 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14, Derek Severson City of Ashland 51 Winburn Way Ashland, OR 97520 Dear Derek, 61 July 17, 2006 The Bicycle Transportation Alliance is very grateful to the City of Ashland for its $4,200 contribution in support of Bicycle Safety Education efforts in Ashland. Ashland's support of our nationally recognized Bicycle Safety Education program helps students to lead healthier, more active lives. In addition, the program's classroom and on -the -bike instruction help reduce a child's risk of being involved in a traffic accident, which is the leading cause of death in American children. Contributions like yours are critical to the success of this program, which has reached more than 20,000 children in 19 communities throughout Oregon and southwest - Washington. In 2006 and beyond, we will be expanding our youth programming to include more "Safe Routes to School" efforts. Safe Routes to School is a growing international movement that involves working with teachers, parents, and community members to create environments that are safer and more supportive of children walking and bicycling to school. Please save this letter as a record of the city's contribution. The Bicycle Transportation Alliance is non-profit, 5016 organization. Our Tax ID# is 93-1057956. Again, thank you for supporting the BTA's Bicycle Safety Education work. If you would like more information about our programs, please call me at 503.226.0676 x15. Warm regards, Wo 4 � P_ a, Krist e Perry Development Director OPENING MINDS AND ROADS TO BICYCLING BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE P.O. BOX 9072 PORTLAND OR 97207-9072 503/226-0676 FAX 503/226-0498 W W W.BTA4BIKES.ORG July 14, 2006 City of Ashland Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission C/o Derek Severson, Assistant Planner 20 E. Main Street Ashland, OR 97520 Dear Ashland Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission, Thank you for the Commission's past support of our programs. In planning for the coming school year, I'm excited to take on the challenge of offering the Bicycle Safety Education program to every school in Ashland where 10-13 year olds are enrolled. In order to meet that challenge, we will need to prepare for a 30% increase in the numbers of classes we provide. To take a step back for those of you unfamiliar with our work, the Bicycle Safety Education program is a unique 10-hour course that teaches ten to thirteen year -olds how to safely ride a bike on the street. Pre- adolescents experience the highest rates of injury and fatality from bicycling of any age group. Kids also need encouragement to be physically active; bicycling provides this in a fun way that allows for exploration of newly gained independence. Our program is different from commonly run `bike rodeos' in that we believe a comprehensive, hands-on approach is necessary for kids to truly learn the concepts of safe on -street riding. BTA provides a fleet of up to 40 mountain bicycles with gears and handbrakes, hundreds of helmets, teaching equipment, curriculum and video, volunteers and most importantly, a trained instructor for every participating school. BTA has taught over 25,000 Oregon children since 1999. We hope that someday, our program will be institutionalized in all school districts. The following table shows an estimation of the grades, numbers of classes and seasons in which we will work with each Ashland school in the coming year: 2006-2007 School Year: Ashland Bicycle Safety Education Classes School Ashland M.S. Helman E.S. BSE Grade Level 6` 57` Estimated # Classes 8 3 Teaching Season Fall Fall John Muir E.S. Walker E.S. 3` /4` /5` mixed 3 /4 `15mixed 3 4 Fall Spring Bellview E.S. 4111 and/or 5` 3 Spring Total Classes 21 The two schools that will be new additions for us are John Muir E.S. and Bellview E.S. John Muir is a new K-8 school where we have already identified a teacher -champion interested in bicycle safety. Additionally, John Muir's principal formerly worked at Walker E.S. where BTA has been teaching for years. Bellview E.S. has refused to offer our program in the past four years, however, with anew principal, we're hopeful that Bellview will want to take advantage of the opportunity to provide bike safety education for the 4`h and/or 5`h grade. Scheduling all schools during fair weather months will be challenging, but there are just enough weeks to fit everyone it. Additionally, our Eugene Bicycle Safety Education instructor is moving to Ashland this summer, so we will likely have a back-up instructor. In 2005-2006, we worked with a per class cost of $800. We think the actual cost may be higher than this, but we haven't completed our internal audit work to determine the updated cost; we will use the $800/class figure for another year. With 21 classes, the total program cost is $16,800. We are asking the Commission to support BTA in funding half of these classes (10 classes), for a total of $8000. If we reach all 21 classes, we will teach approximately 630 kids. Other partners who have supported us in the past that we will request support from again include: • Asante Health Systems: $2000 (request to be made) • Ashland Food Cooperative: Community Grant, $1000 (secured) • Ashland Community Hospital: $400 (request to be made) • Ashland Parks and Recreation: $1600 (request to be made) • Ashland Traffic Safety Commission: $1600 (request to be made) • Oregon Department of Transportation matching grant: unknown amount, based on the percentage of kids taught in Ashland compared to the rest of the state. • Siskiyou Velo: $2000 (request to be made) With your support, we hope to reach our goal of offering Bicycle Safety Education in all Ashland schools. Please see the attached documents that provide more background on our $800/class cost, the history of BSE classes taught in Ashland, and a look at spring 2006 programs run statewide. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at 503.226.0676 x19, anna@bta4bikes.org, or our local Ashland Bicycle Safety instructor, Egon Dubois, at 541.482.2347, egon@mind.net. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Anna Scalera Youth Programs Coordinator m 14 ........... 04 (D C14 Qo 0 CO C) U,) C> OD C14 04 -a 00 0 00 GI M I- U) (D CV) 04 m m 0 m 00 0 O m LO m cn I- 0 io Cl 4* o co 0 m CO co m 0 co N 0 (A 4) to FA 40) E 0 FA 0 0 Bicycle Safety Education Program: School programs taught in Ashland, Oregon Dates of Program School Grade Level # classes # kids # volunteer taught taught hours served 1999-2000 Sedng 2000 Ashland M.S. 6th 4 120 41 Subtotal: 1 school 4 120 41 2000-2001 Fall 2000 Ashland M.S. 6th 2 50 ? Sprin2 2001 Ashland M.S 6th 6 165 46 Subtotal: 1 school 8 215 46 2001-2002 .Sprinq 2002 Lincoln E.S. 4th/5th 4 99 67 .Sprin.q 2002 Helman E.S. 4th/5th 2 42 14 .Spring 2002 Walker E.S. 4th/5th 3 76 ? arin2, 2002 Bellview E.S. 4th/5th 2 54 ? Subtotal: 4 schools 11 271 81 2002-2003 Fall 2002 Lincoln E.S. 4th/5th 3 80 41 ,Spring 2003 Walker E.S. 4th/5th 2 49 ? Subtotal: 2 schools 5 129 41 2003-2004 Spring 2004 Lincoln E.S. 5 and 4/5 mixed 3 81 13 " rinU 2004 Walker E.S. 5 and 4/5 mixed 4 108 16 Subtotal: 2 schools 7 189 29 2004-200 April 25-May 6 2005 Walker E.S. mixed 4 125 58 May 9-May 20, 2005 Lincoln E.S. mixed 3 94 42 Subtotal: 2 schools 7 219 100 2005-2006 Sept. 19-Se t 30 2005 Helman E.S. 5th 3 79 58 Oct. 3-Nov.4 2005 Ashland M.S. 6th 8 260 224 May 2-May 12, 2006 Walker E.S. 3rd, 4th, 5th mixe( 4 115 60 Subtotal: 3 schools 15 44 342 �r57 Class+. gav v co urn C "Ol 0 M > <o ce co v v N' C L 7 m L w C C,...... C....., C _ O O O C L O N O N N N _O L L C L N '.. U :........ 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C`•) M M M M M M H CC C cc U) co O N w N Y_ m a) a La CT L 00 N m vi N a N 0) L T 0 0 3 LU co m a a� U �• � O aa) ccc .50 d N a � m � rn� a) O a Co U O) CO N Q1 a c wa Q Y CLn a� C o .00 o o +� a� C D 2 w F v V m Ln to N V V m c O co U W ''cu^ VJ Y ref c N co c (o t Q 7 E O U O O N O c .c N co } 06 c O N co > C a E 9 Z T T T T 7 7-7 C LA 7 � (D L O it) y L U N L......... t L.... L... L'. (n 4_T E V y O O O 000 O O ^� w W W wl. W. 11 W N co T O T o _O a ab 4 6 A a) 0 CV O .N- O .N- d CO 4�? e� !D A C co co CO N M.,. C-4 M ��} M m co N to m N m 0 0 E �a E v E ° U U E a� Y d CO 0 07 o N c co = f6 m h U` 0 C cc C cc E y co L C cc O Z w Cri L � _ E O) a3 as L O U L U 175 U L c0 "0 cc fn L fn L C7 W to W �n U) cm L y cv E cLi O ) O mCD C4) N N J a) 16 LO N O H O o � tl co v v V) 45 ro c 0 m u w v f6 Ln v V V m Bicycle Safety Education Program 2005-2006 Program Cost Figures Estimated average cost per class taught = $800 #1: Local Instructor Direct Expenses: $250 • instructor wages & payroll taxes for scheduling & teaching classes #2: Additional Direct Program Costs: $300 includes: • instructor training • community outreach & fundraising • volunteer coordination for community rides • transportation and storage of equipment • bike fleet maintenance (assumes volunteer support) • curriculum development, revision • supplies and materials • travel (BTA central staff to meetings; instructors to trainings, etc.) • central program administration, including hiring of instructors, instructor support, compiling timecards, managing instructors, meetings with community leaders & volunteers, reporting on ODOT grant, etc. #3: Organizational Supporting Costs: $250 includes: • office rent, phones, computers, etc. • newsletter, website, etc. • financial management (payroll, budgeting, audit, etc.) • organizational management • liability insurance • workers compensation insurance Expenses not included: • Bike purchases • Helmet purchases LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS 00 � *�' 1612 K St., NW, Suite 8001 Washington, DC 20006-2850 wEBSiTE www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org I EMAIL bikeleague@bikeleague.org Bfcycle r endlyr Commmity PHONE 202.822,1333 1 FAx 202.822.1334 Feedback on Ashland's application to be designated a Bicycle Friendly Community Ashland is well on its way to becoming a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community. Reviewers noted that with continued improvement in some key areas, the city will quickly move up the ranks of Bicycle Friendly Communities. Highlights of the city's application included the fact that 79% of the community's arterial streets provided wide shoulders or bike lanes for cyclists, the Car Free day, improved connectivity through the city and SOU campus, and the expansion of the Safe Routes to School program. Ashland should continue expand its education programs including Safe Routes to School and motorist education efforts. Therefore, reviewers provided the following suggestions to further promote cycling: Increasing bicycle use. The City should continue to develop its commuter encouragement and trial commute program; continue to increase encouragement of bike commuting through Bike Month or Bike to Work Day programs; and encourage local employers to offer guaranteed ride home programs, secure bike parking and showers at workplaces. Olympia, Washington holds a Bike Commuter Contest during Bike Month and encourages people to participate in the month -long Contest to see who can ride the most number of days or miles in the month of May. The growth in participation has been stunning. Olympia also offers city employees a $2 per day incentive for commuting by bike (as well as for walking, riding the bus or carpooling). Each year, approximately 50 to 60 of the City's 600 employees participate in the Bicycle Commuter Contest. Visit www.climatesolutions.or,? for more info. Expand motorist education and Share the Road encouragement programs by creating informational hand-outs for drivers and cyclists. Use valuable information from the League's Ride Better Tips in your outreach education and encouragement efforts. See the Ride Better Tips pages at http://www.bikeleague.org/resourcesibetter/index.php • Work on motorist education and encourage bike commuting with a Bike Month or Bike to Work Day celebration and use of Share the Road psa's -- http://www.bikelea ug e org/pro ,rgramsibikemonth/ Expand the Safe Routes to School Program in every school. In Arlington, Virginia a team visited every school in the County with representatives from Department of Public Works, the Police and Schools to assess conditions for walking and biking to each school. A list of problems and solutions was developed measures were identified to address problems. Short-tenn projects such as painting crosswalks were done right away while larger construction projects are on -going LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS on 1612 K St., NW, Suite 8001 Washington, DC 20006-2850 WEBSITE www.bicyclefl endlycommunity.org I EMAIL bikeleague@bikeleague.org B(y l ' ln,_Ttniy PHONE 202.822.1333 I FAx 202.822.1334 !) htip://www,saferoutestoschools.orW More funding -than ever before is available for both infrastructure and non -infrastructure projects in the federal transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU, among several other sources at both the federal and state levels. • Continue to expand the bicycle network and fill gaps and to connectivity. Derek Severson Re Routes to School-- .._., g _. D everso FW Safe Ashland Pa e 1 From: "Paige West" <transportationoptions@gmail.com> To: reclamation <reclamation@riseup.net> Date: 8/7/06 11:01:39 AM Subject: Re: FW: Safe Routes to School- Ashland Hola, I just spoke to Lynn Mutrie from ACTS Oregon, you may remember the SR2S training we did at the Fire House a little over a year ago with Robert Ping and ... Lynn! I have invited her to attend the meeting with Helman and Walker on the 15th and to speak a little about the Community Safe Routes Plan that each Rogue Valley city will need to complete in order to be eligible for future SR2S state funding. The plan addresses Safe Routes needs from crosswalks, to completing sidewalks to adding benches for senior citizens. She advises having Engineering and Public Works involvement in the community plans; she has already spoke to Jim Olsen about this I believe. This could be a great project for both the Traffic Safety and Bike Ped Commissions to work on together. Luckily their will be a Community Safe Routes Plan template distributed as the funding and ORS becomes more solid but Lynn says we should have a general mission statement and parternship building occurring right now. Derek ... when are the Commissions doing their goal setting for the next year? I think its important that drafting a Community Safe Routes Plan be a priority for the Commissions to work on next year. She said we are well ahead of other Oregon communites by having active Safe Routes programs, she was especially excited to hear about Walker's Walking Wednesdays! Paige West RVTD TDM Planner 541-608-2429 CC: Conners <conner5@mind.net>, "Derek Severson" <seversod@ashland.or.us> v6pumv.vaf � as CREATING A SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Il f'�iP`PIY a scafo� izmiw, Ii, sira,,k hw(IF lllAt in elves a. F'alwnts I). S(hool aldminIsIvalon, and le•a d r•1s c. 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