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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-20 Bicycle & Pedestrian_PACKETCITY OF ASHLAND BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION Agenda Thursday, March 201h, 2008 @ 5:15 P.M. Siskiyou Room @ 51 Winburn Way Community Development & Engineering Services Building CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 21st, 2008 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 Subcommittee & Liaison Reports V. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Follow -Up Items Siskiyou Boulevard Safety Oak Street Bike Lane/Bike Path Maintenance Unfinished Business Top 10 List... On -Going Discussion of Commission Goals Car Free Day, Car Free First Fridays & Car Free Living New Business Agenda Items for Next Month VI. ADJOURNMENT Upcomina Meetinas Next Regular Meeting - Thursday, April I r, 2008 at 5:15 P.M. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1- 800-735-2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I). City of Ashland Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission Membership Roster (Updated March 13th, 2008) 1. 4.30.2008 Steve Ryan 657 C Street 951-1409 Apt. 1 resolutionvideo(ap-yahoo.com 2. 4.30.2008 David Young 747 Oak Street 488-4188 Chair dyoung @ ieffnet.org 3. 430.2009 Julia Sommer 1158 Village Sq. Dr. 552-1942 Vice Chair iuliasommer@vahoo.com 4. 4.30.2009 Vacant Secretary 5. 4.30.2010 Michael Church 2669 Takelma Way 488-2245 mickchurch@cimail.com 6. 4.30.2010 Matthew Seiler 264 Walker Avenue 973-8953 or 482-2111 x345 Mseiler74@hotmaii.com 7. 4.30.2010 Jim Olney 361 Wiley Street 482-1057 olneyit@mind.net 8. 4.30.2010 Tom Burnham 1344 Apple Way 482-4467 tb1937@char er.net 9. City Council David Chapman 390 Orchard St 488-0152 Liaison davidchapman@ashlandhome.net RVTD Liaison Paige Townsend 3200 Crater Lake Ave Senior Planner Medford, OR 97504 Planning Staff Liaison Derek Severson 51 Winburn Wy. 552.2040 Associate Planner seversod@ashland.or.us Police Dept. Liaison Steve MacLennan 1155 E. Main St. 552-2809 (voicemail) Police Officer maclenns@ashland.or.us Traffic Safety Liaison Colin Swales 461 Allison St 488-0939 colinswales@qmail.com Youth Liaison (SOU) Vacant Youth Liaison (AHS) Vacant (The nine voting members are shown in bold. Four constitutes a quorum per AMC 2.22.030) Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission February 218t, 2008 Regular Minutes Roll Call: Chair David Young, Vice Chair Julia Sommer, Jim Olney, Steve Ryan, Mick Church, Matthew Seiler (absent), Tom Burnham (absent) Council Liaison: David Chapman Staff: Derek Severson, Associate Planner Steve McLennan, Police Officer RVTD liaisons: Absent High school liaison: Vacant SOU liaison: Vacant Call to Order Chair Young called the meeting to order at 5:19 p.m. Approval of Minutes — January 215t, 2008 Church/Olney m/s to approve the minutes as presented. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Public Forum Bill Heimann, League of American Bicyclists -certified bicycle safety instructor, noted that he would be conducting the League's "Road 1" course on March 81h from 8:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Grove in cooperation with the Ashland Parks & Recreation Department. He encouraged all present to attend with a bike, helmet, lunch, and an open mind. Heimann noted that there are now three certified instructors in Ashland — himself, John Caldwell, and Kat Smith of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA). He noted that the class was open to adults 16 and over, but that children 14 and over could attend with an adult, and added that the Road 1 course is a pre -requisite for taking the Instructor class. Egon Dubois, bicycle safety instructor and cycling advocate with the BTA, discussed the inadequacy of the street crossings on Siskiyou Boulevard. He explained that the speeds are 30 m.p.h. or more, pedestrians dress in dark clothes, and both drivers and pedestrians are distracted. He stated that Siskiyou is unsafe and solutions are needed, and he recommended that the City reach out to other communities like Portland, Eugene, Boulder, and Santa Cruz to identify user- friendly, low-cost solutions. Young requested that Siskiyou Boulevard safety issues be added to this evening's agenda as a discussion item. Dubois noted that there seemed to be little momentum building for Car Free Day, and suggested that all Commissioners make a commitment to participate and divide up the work evenly to make 2008-0221 Bike & Ped minutes Page 1 of 5 it seem less daunting. Severson noted that Steve Maluk was resigning from RVTD which could have an effect on their ability to support the event at least in the short-term. Subcommittee & Liaison Reports Church briefly recapped the Croman Mill Site meeting. Ryan noted that he was trying to recruit an SOU liaison, and had approached the ECOS club looking for interested members. Young noted that he had sent the letter discussed last month to ODOT regarding the IAMP proposals, and had received a response that they would be forwarding the letters to the bridge design team. Severson briefly recapped recent meetings dealing with the Transportation System Plan and the Wheeldon Memorial. Chapman noted that the five privately donated benches he'd been working on placing with Parks would be installed along the Central Ashland Bikepath (CAB) at Garfield Park, near the ball fields and at Walker. Pedicab Proposal — "Ashland Eco-Cab" Marco Alvarez explained the request for a pedicab permit and noted that he would like to potentially add two more bikes in the next year. He added that he would like to have the permit be free of restrictions on the area of operations, and suggested that his clientele would be split 80/20 between tourists and locals and should result in a reduction in traffic. He indicated that the primary hours of operations would be between noon and 2 a.m., and he discussed the details and features of the pedicab. Ryan/Olney m/s to recommend that the Traffic Safety Commission approve the permit request. Discussion: Alvarez noted that he had prior experience operating a pedicab for two months in Santa Barbara, and he added that the insurance would cost $1500 per year for the required coverage. Matt Warshawsky, Traffic Safety Commission Chair, noted that he like to see restrictions placed on the permit to require that the driver and passengers wear helmets and that the pedicab have and use brake lights, turn signals, headlights, etc. Alvarez noted that the pedicab was equipped for this, and added that he would be attending safety training in the next month and would send all of his operators as well. He indicated that he was interested in becoming a League -certified safety instructor. He added that he has talked to the Shakespeare Festival, the Hospital, and local restaurants about promoting the pedicab service as an alternative to driving and parking downtown. Young suggested that he also contact the Chamber of Commerce. Alvarez explained that pedicab service would work for tips but that the base service cost would be $10 for 15 minutes as a minimum, and that the pedicab could accommodate three adults. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. 2008-0221 Bike & Ped minutes Page 2 of Siskiyou Boulevard Safety Young noted his experiences on the Siskiyou Boulevard redesign committee, and suggested that the project had not resulted in safety improvements. He also indicated that he felt the recent media coverage of the traffic fatality had been skewed to place blame on pedestrians. Warshawsky suggested that there was a need for information about exactly what had happened. Sommer suggested that lights were needed in the crosswalks; Warshawsky noted that these have some maintenance issues. Ryan suggested that the crossing at Bridge Street could be closed. Severson noted that he had distributed copies of a memo from Public Works Director Jim Olson detailing staff suggestions for safety improvements which were to be presented at the next Traffic Safety Commission meeting. Young emphasized that there was a need to act quickly, and to collaboratively involve SOU. He suggested that the Commission would work with Traffic Safety, the City, and the University to find money for long-term solutions and that in the meantime, there could be impermanent solutions, like repainting the crosswalks for improved visibility. Church noted that speeds are also a concern, and he emphasized that speeding is an issue that is tied to design. Warshawsky discussed the limits of engineering and the need to address education and enforcement as well. Dubois noted that student patterns also need to be taken into account, and suggested that crosswalk visibility is less important than pedestrian visibility. He emphasized the need for pedestrian controls at crossings. Members discussed lighting as a first step, and again emphasized the need for a quick, collaborative process. Olney/Ryan m/s to recommend that the Traffic Safety Commission and Engineering Division implement Olson's recommended increases in lighting wattages as a first step in improving pedestrian safety on Siskiyou. Discussion: Warshawsky noted that wattage is not as important as the heads and aiming of the lights. Members discussed where lights should be addressed; Chapman indicated that efforts needed to extend to Ashland Street as well and discussed the history of speed limit reduction requests. He explained that ODOT had previously indicated that a traffic study would be needed after completion of the redesign, which has yet to happen. He stated that he would prefer lighting upgrades on Siskiyou and out Ashland Street to the railroad crossing. Church emphasized that ODOT standards are geared toward moving traffic and result in an unfriendly environment toward pedestrians. There was discussion of mid -block crossings, median issues, and the road design in general. Members ultimately determined that it would be most effective to 2008-0221 Bike & Ped minutes Page 3 of attend the Traffic Safety Commission meeting happening on February 28th. Motion and second were withdrawn. Members discussed educational efforts for pedestrian safety, noting the possibility of creating a diversion program, a pedestrian safety brochure, or looking at crossing guards. It was noted that there might be a possibility of using federal work study monies to pay crossing guards. Ryan indicated he would follow-up with the University. Severson noted the use of the Safety Chicken, the previous mascot for crosswalk safety. There was discussion of using the City Source as a means to distribute educational materials, and it was noted that there have been traffic volume increases. Members discussed focused enforcement efforts (aka stings) and it was noted by Warshawsky that these efforts need to be two-sided and recognize the pedestrians' responsibility as well by directing focused enforcement efforts to pedestrians and bicyclists too. Bike Swap Tabling Olney indicated that he would be willing to table at this event. Severson noted that he would also be present and could provide some coverage assistance. Sommer left the meeting. Bic cle Friendly Community Status This item was tabled until next month. Top 10 List Severson noted that this item had been intended to be a priority list of items to be addressed and that the Commission would monitor them to completion. He noted that Sommer had originally been the one to request it be placed on the agenda. In her absence, members suggested that it be tabled until next month. Bus/Trolley Service for First Fridays This item was tabled until next month. Bike Lane Maintenance and Bike Path Maintenance It was explained that this item was raised in to emphasize the need for removal of debris left in bike lanes after sanding and plowing during winter storms. Both Young and Warshawsky noted that family members had bicycle accidents due to debris in the bike lanes, and it was emphasized that sweeping of bike lanes should be given equal priority. It was noted that the bike lane striping on North Main and on Tolman Creek Road at East Main are gone, and Commissioners emphasized that these need to be reviewed and reinstalled more regularly. Members also emphasized that stop signs were in need of replacement along the Central Ashland Bike Path and that debris removal on the bike path also needed to be addressed. 2008-0221 Bike & Ped minutes Page 4 of 5 On -Going Goal Discussion: Car Free Day & Car Free Living Severson noted that with Steve Maluk's resignation from RVTD and Seiler's planned move out of town, the Car Free Day event was in need of champions to take the lead in planning and carrying out the event. Dubois noted that he was working to recruit businesses to be involved in the event, and would speak to the YMCA, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, etc. Follow Up Items: Oak Street at February 28th Traffic Safety Severson noted that this item was on the agenda for Traffic Safety; he suggested that given the Siskiyou safety discussion and the Oak Street item, it would be a good meeting for members to consider attending. Ryan noted that he would be there and could give the Traffic Safety Commissioners background on this item. New Business There was discussion of reviewing bike route maps and informational signage locations to determine what revisions are necessary. Dubois noted that there would be a short, easy coffee ride beginning at the Plaza at 9:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month. Huelz Gutcheon noted that Dan Dorrell from ODOT in White City would be willing to come to a meeting to discuss signage along Main Street. Church noted that in his experience, signage tends to lose effectiveness as it becomes familiar and blends into the background. He noted that he'd seen communities rotate signage and use comedic messages to catch people's attention. Agenda Items for Next Month Siskiyou Boulevard Safety and Oak Street follow-up, Car Free Day/Car Free First Fridays/Car Free Living, Bicycle Friendly Community Status, Top 10 List. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m. Upcoming Meetinas: TSC Meeting — February 28t , 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Regular Meeting — March 20th, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. in the Siskiyou Room 2008-0221 Bike & Ped minutes Page 5 of Ashland Daily Tidings:: Online Edition:: Print Article Page 1 of 2 PRINT I CLOSE WINDOW February 22, 2008 City commission reacts to pedestrian death By Michele Mihalovich Ashland Daily Tidings The safety of Siskiyou Boulevard crosswalks was the main topic of discussion at the Ashland's Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission's meeting Thursday night. The death of Southern Oregon University student Gladys Jimenez Wednesday, who was struck last week by a vehicle while crossing Siskiyou Boulevard at the Garfield Street intersection, put the city in "crisis mode" to find solutions to the number of pedestrian, skateboarder and bicyclists accidents on Siskiyou and other main streets in Ashland. James Olson, interim director for the city's Public Works Department, sent a memo to Ashland's Traffic Safety Commission, which was presented to commissioners at Thursday's meeting. The intersection on Siskiyou Boulevard where Gladys Jimenez was struck is particularly dangerous at night. Olson presented ideas from the pedestrian safety sub -committee that lists educational, engineering and enforcement recommendations for the Traffic Safety Commission, which meets next Thursday. Olson points out in the memo that Ashland does not have a "Dark Sky Ordinance," but is part of the "Dark Sky Organization," and that current street light bulbs are certified "night sky compatible." The sub -committee recommended increasing the wattage of the existing street lights nearest to the crosswalks from 70 watts to 150 watts, and that the city's electric department would support the measure to increase pedestrian safety. On Siskiyou Boulevard, from in front of the fire station to Wightman Avenue, the city has two types of lighting. Tall street lights line the meridians, while shorter, more historical -looking lights, are placed at each crosswalk. Bike Commissioner Jim Olney said he'd very much support increasing the wattage for the lights at crosswalks. "I think that's something that could be done immediately and then we could see if better lighting has improved the situation," he said. Commission Chair Dave Young said he drove his vehicle down Siskiyou Boulevard the other night and was amazed at how dark the crosswalks were. The Public Works Department put together a map of pedestrian, bike and skateboard accidents that have occurred on Siskiyou from Mountain Avenue to Wightman Avenue from 1998 to 2008. The map indicated the severity of the accident and the year the accident happened. Matt Warshawsky, a commissioner with the Traffic Safety Commission who attended Thursday's bike http: //www. dailytidings. comlprint_article.php?pagename=1200810222/stories/0222_pedco... 3 / 12/2008 Ashland Daily Tidings:: Online Edition:: Print Article Page 2 of 2 commission, said it would be interesting if the map also indicated the time of day the accidents occurred. Ashland City Councilor David Chapman, liaison for the bike commission, said he'd like to see improved lighting at crosswalks throughout the community, not just on Siskiyou. Bike Commissioners Mick Church and Julia Sommer supported the sub -committee's recommendation to petition the state traffic engineer to reduce the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph. Church said he didn't think either Ashland Street or Siskiyou Boulevard were designed in a very bike- or pedestrian -friendly manner. "Both of the streets are designed like highways and people drive like they are on highways," he said. The sub -committee also recommends installing flashing amber lights at one or two of the busiest intersections and that it would be more effective if the flashing lights were activated by pedestrians. The sub -committee also suggested closing the crosswalk at Garfield Street, where Jimenez was struck. The angled crosswalk crosses five lanes of traffic, does not intersect with the raised meridian and is the longest and least safe crosswalk on Siskiyou, the memo noted. Few of the bike commissioners supported the idea of closing any of the crosswalks because regardless of whether a crosswalk is there or not, people will continue to cross at intersections they are used to crossing. Olson's memo also said City Administrator Martha Bennett has authorized overtime hours for crosswalk "sting" operations by the Ashland Police Department and that Chief Terry Holderness offered to organize a series of stings in the near future. Warshawsky said safety at the crosswalks was a "two-way responsibility" for both the people using the crosswalks and the vehicles that cross them. Chapman agreed and said he hoped pedestrians and bikers, as well as vehicle drivers, were going to be cited for safety violations. "It has to go both ways," he said. The bike and pedestrian commissioners will attended the traffic safety commission meeting which will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28 at the City Council Chambers. Reach reporter Michele Mihalovich at 482-3456 x226 or mmihalovich@dailytidings.com. © 2008 DailyTidings.com Page: http://www.dailytidings.com/2008/0222/stories/0222_pedcomish.php http://www.dailytidings.com/print article.php?pagename=/2008/0222/stories/0222_pedco... 3/12/2008 Page 1 of 1 Derek Severson - Siskiyou Boulevard Safety In From: Anne <bellegia@mac.com> To: <seversod@ashland.or.us> Date: 2/24/2008 11:39 AM Subject: Siskiyou Boulevard Safety Dear Mr. Seversod, The death of a student on Siskiyou Boulevard is certainly a regrettable tragedy. It is reasonable for the City and Southern Oregon University to take steps to prevent future accidents involving automobiles and pedestrians. In considering what steps to take, the City should recognize that this particular accident occurred despite the fact that the driver was someone aware of the traffic hazard on Siskiyou Boulevard, was presumably competent and with adequate vision, and that the pedestrian was utilizing the crosswalk. There are other drivers who frequently utilize this street that may lack the characteristics of the driver in this particular accident, and there are pedestrians who jaywalk. The population of Ashland is increasingly skewing towards the elderly, and these drivers may have compromised vision, particularly at dawn and dusk, and may have slower reaction times. We are also a town with many out-of-town visitors that may not be aware that the SOU campus spans this major thoroughfare and thus may not be alert to the pedestrian hazard. Measures that are under consideration to avoid future accidents should recognize these issues. They should also be realistic about human nature. It is not realistic to expect students to carry safety flags, just as it is not realistic to think that students will not jaywalk and that drivers will not exceed speed limits if they are lowered. I believe the best safety measures would be for the City to make crosswalks more visible, especially at dawn, dusk and dark through reflective paint, lighting, and flashing lights, but also to have SOU educate its students about the need for caution. Pedestrians may have the right of way, but they need to be sure cars have stopped before proceeding across each lane. Sincerely, Anne Bellegia 472 Thimbleberry Lane Ashland, OR 97520 541-488-5611 file://C:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW10000I.HTM 2/25/2008 CITY OF -ASHLAND Council Communication Review of Proposed Pedestrian Safety Measures for Siskiyou Boulevard as Recommended by the Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Date: March 18, 2008 Primary Staff Contact: James Olson, 552-2412 Department: Public Works E-Mail: Olsonj@ashland.or.us Secondary Dept.: Community Development Secondary Contact: Dick Wandershied, 552-2061 Approval: Martha Bennett Estimated Time: 30 Minutes Question: Will Council review the Traffic Safety Commission's recommendations to improve pedestrian safety on Siskiyou Boulevard and provide input for additional measures? Staff Recommendation: Staff is seeking additional guidance and direction regarding the implementation of pedestrian safety improvements on Siskiyou Boulevard adjacent to the Southern Oregon University campus. Background: The Ashland Traffic Safety Commission addressed the issue of pedestrian safety on Siskiyou Boulevard at its regular meeting on February 28, 2008. This meeting, which followed the unfortunate and tragic death of Gladys Jimenez differed from previous meetings in its sense of urgency to do something positive before yet another student was injured. The February 28th meeting had the added benefit of advance publicity and a large and vocal audience. A total of seventeen people shared their concerns and observations with the Traffic Safety Commission and many offered possible solutions for improved pedestrian safety. A copy of the October 25, 2007 and February 28, 2008 commission communications and resulting minutes are enclosed as they are the December 6, 2007 recommendations from the Siskiyou Safety Sub -committee. The Commission did an admirable job of listening to the many citizen comments and suggestions and in considering these along with staff s recommendations. Ultimately the commission recommended that the following recommendations be considered: 1. Petition the state traffic engineer to lower the speed limit on Siskiyou Boulevard from East Main Street to Walker Avenue to 25 MPH. 2. Install thermoplastic rumble strips with thermo plastic pavement markings depicting the symbol for a pedestrian and the word "CROSSINGS". The rumble strips to be placed in both lanes in each direction before the Bridge Street crosswalk and before the University Way crosswalk. The rumble strips would be placed both before and after the pavement markings. 3. Pedestrian activated amber flashing beacons to be installed at the Bridge and Garfield crosswalks. 4. The existing 70 watt lamps in the "cobra head" luminaries to be replaced with 150 watt lamps. This treatment to extend from the Morse/Beach Street intersection to Frances Lane. Page 1 of 5 C:\DOCUME-1\seversod\LOCALS-1\Temp\Draft 3 18 08 Siskiyou Boulevard Pedestiran Improve.doc opr4mliall CITY OF AS H LAN D 5. The Garfield crosswalk shall remain open and that pedestrian activated amber flashing beacons be installed that are compatible with and would support the possible future installation of in - pavement flashing LEDs. The Garfield/Siskiyou intersection to be studied in further detail at the March Traffic Safety Commission meeting where long range and a more extensive reconfiguration of the intersection would be studied. All of the recommendations set forth by the commission were aimed at meeting a goal to provide improvements that could be put in place rapidly and with a relatively low cost. The Commission understood that long term and whole scale renovations to the Boulevard would require that the project be incorporated into the Capital Improvement Plan and with viable funding sources identified. The commission did not include large budget fixes such as completely revamping the street lighting system, constructing pedestrian overpasses, installing additional traffic signals and reconstructing the center medians. Although many of the more long term and expensive fixes were discussed at the meeting, the commission felt it best to leave those matters to the Council to consider further. Following the February 281h Traffic Safety Commission meeting a number of emails were received questioning a few of the commission's recommendations and requesting that a more in depth review of these elements be provided. Several members of the council and the TSC have questioned the appropriateness of increasing the wattage of the "cobra head" luminaries within the Siskiyou Boulevard medians. Commissioner Swales and Counselors Chapman and Jackson have stated that the luminaries are not placed in the most effective locations to illuminate the crosswalks and may in fact backlight or top light the pedestrian. It was further expressed that the increased wattage might create a glare in the driver's eye making the pedestrian even more difficult to see. Light color and direction of focus are also areas where additional study may be needed. A second area of concern is with the configuration of the Garfield/ Siskiyou intersection. The appropriateness of one or both of the left turn lanes was questioned as these add extra turn movements within the intersections and eliminate any possible opportunity to create a mid -crosswalk pedestrian refuge. It was suggested that professional assistance be sought to review this intersection if not the entire Siskiyou corridor. Following is additional data regarding both of these areas of concern: Roadway/Crosswalk Li tin The lighting of highways and streets is an accepted and well documented method to improve safety. Statistics indicate that nighttime crash rates are higher than daytime crash rates, although, this may not be the case on Siskiyou Boulevard, where the daytime vehicle and pedestrian traffic is much greater than at night. The most common method of roadway lighting in the United States is the use of high mast lighting or lights that are mounted on 30 to 50 foot tall poles. The tall poles minimize the effect of glare and tend Page 2 of 5 C:\DOCUME—I\seversod\LOCALS—I\Temp\Draft 3 18 08 Siskiyou Boulevard Pedestiran Im rove.doc CITY OF -AS H LAN D to provide a more uniform lighting pattern of illumination. Luminaries on 100 foot poles are often used to light very large areas such as freeway interchanges and rest areas, however the height of the light sources scatter more light into the surrounding community, a situation considered unacceptable in Ashland, and many other communities. The luminaire supports on Siskiyou Boulevard are 30 feet high and were originally installed over 50 years ago. The 2004 Siskiyou Boulevard reconstruction eliminated a few of the median placed lights and reduced the lamp wattage to 70 watts. Prior to that time the lamps were 150 watts. Following are a few suggested courses of action to be considered in determining the best solution for the lighting on Siskiyou Boulevard: Options for Improved Lighting: 1. Rather than make a large scale increase in lamp wattage it may be more prudent to change just a few of the lamps on a trial basis to judge the impact of the increased wattage. 2. The science of designing efficient roadway lighting is difficult at best and requires a high degree of understanding of the elements of reflectance, refraction, transmittance, absorption, diffusion and even how the human eye processes color, and brightness. The complexity of this subject is clearly obvious in attached Appendix A, which is an excerpt from the 2005 AASHTO Publication on Roadway Lighting. City staff does not possess the intricate knowledge or experience to make informed recommendations regarding the more intricate issues of roadway lighting. Council may wish to contract with a professional consultant to analyze the existing lighting and make recommendations for improvements. Options for the Improvement of the Garfield/Siskiyou Intersection: The current geometric configuration of Siskiyou Boulevard is the result of six months of intensive effort by the City, SOU, ODOT and Engineering consultants and Planners, Siskiyou residents and businesses and the ad hoc Siskiyou Boulevard Design Committee. A common goal of the process was to control access to provide additional safety for all road users. This was also the most hotly contested issue of the process as traffic engineers and other professionals were aligned against businesses with a need to close some of the left turn options through out the length of the Boulevard. As an indicator of the complexity of the design considerations resulting from the Siskiyou Study, the following communications are included as Appendix B and C. Appendix B — Council Communication from February 6, 2001 Appendix C — Memo to Paula Brown from Russ Gomke and Hicam Chatila dated December 4, 2001. Options to Consider Regarding the Garfield/Siskiyou Intersection: 1. Enter into a discussion with SOU regarding the necessity of maintaining the left turn lane into the SOU parking lot opposite Garfield Street. 2. Request proposals from professional traffic engineering consultants to analyze the intersection and make recommendations for changes. Page 3 of 5 C:\DOCUME—I\seversod\LOCALS—I\Temp\Draft 3 18 08 Siskiyou Boulevard Pedestiran Im rove.doc OF Irwall CITY OF AS H LA N D 3. Contract with a consultant who can analyze the intersection from a less traditional viewpoint. It was suggested that Michael Ronkin, former ODOT employee and head of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Section, who now offers limited consultation services might be a good choice for this option. 4. Negotiate with HDR Engineering, who is currently developing the City's Transportation System Plan to increase the Scope of their work to include a study of the section of Siskiyou Boulevard from Mountain Avenue to Wightman Street. We have also recently received four proposals from qualified traffic engineering consultants to perform the council mandated traffic impact analysis regarding the Glenn Street and Laurel Street rail crossings. This contract could also be expanded to include the Siskiyou Boulevard study. Related City Policies: In 2002 the City completed a jurisdictional transfer with ODOT where the City assumed all maintenance and improvement responsibilities for Siskiyou Boulevard from East Main Street to Walker Avenue. Any proposed changes must necessarily be funded by the City. Council Options: 1. Council may approve for implementation certain remedies as recommended by the Traffic Safety Commission. 2. Council may direct staff to provide further research and information relating to the Boulevard lighting. 3. Council may direct staff to request proposals from a qualified lighting engineering consultant to study and bring back recommendations for improved Boulevard lighting. 4. Council may direct staff to request proposals for a combined study, by professional consultants, to review both the Boulevard lighting and the geometrics and safety of the Boulevard. 5. Council may direct staff to negotiate with currently contracted traffic engineering consultants to increase their existing scope of services to include a study of Siskiyou Boulevard. 6. Council may wish to seek a non -engineering, non-traditional study of the Boulevard to help identify other potential safety improvements. 7. Council may consider any combination of the above options or may specify other options as appropriate. 8. Council may delay actions on this item pending completion of the Traffic Safety Commission's review of the Garfield/Siskiyou intersection which is scheduled for March 27, 2008. 9. Council may refer additional concerns to the Traffic Safety Commission for further review. Page 4 of 5 C:\DOCUME—I\seversod\LOCALS—I\Temp\Draft 3 18 08 Siskiyou Boulevard Pedestiran Im rove.doc opyr4malwa-11 CITY OF AS H LAN D Potential Motions: Council may move to approve any of the listed options or any option that best fits the desires of the council. Attachments: Copy of memo of October 11, 2007 to Traffic Safety Commission Copy of memo of November 21, 2007 to Traffic Safety Commission Copy of memo of February 21, 2008 to Traffic Safety Commission Minutes of February 28, 2008 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Exhibit A — Excerpts from AASHTO Publication Exhibit B — Council Communication of February 6, 2001 Exhibit C — Memo of December 4, 2001 Page 5 of 5 C:\DOCUME—I\seversod\LOCALS—I\Temp\Draft 3 18 08 Siski ou Boulevard Pedestiran Im rove.doc Ashland Traffic Safety Commission Minutes February 28, 2008 Members Present: Alan Bender, Patti Busse, Matt Warshawsky (Chair), Greg Lemhouse, Doris Mannion, Colin Swales, Eric Heesacker, Kate Jackson Members Absent: Terry Doyle Staff Present: Karl Johnson, Jim Olson, Nancy Slocum, Officer St MacClennan 1. CALL TO ORDER — Chair Matt Warshawsky called t eting rder at 7:02 PM in the Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street. 'I"! etl ened with a moment of silence for Southern Oregon University IOU) Stu nt Glac imenez and all those affected by her tragic death. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1be fat 7 �r U e, ere ap raved as submitted. II. ITEMS FOR IS Sl A. PUBLIC UM`' Theodore Hal concerned ab t he requested 20 se is Warshawsky I 1 11 t rl tl at�treets csident of Alida Street he was XS r y Morse Street. He ig" surrounding the high school. placed on the agenda for the March meeting. B. REVIEW ` RAFFIC REQUESTS/PROJECTS PENDING/ACTION REQUIRED 1. Request for Special Vehicle Permit Staff Liaison and Interim Public Works Director James Olson noted that the Commission had reviewed several pedicab permits in the past. There was an existing ordinance and Special Vehicle Permit form. A representative of the applicant, Marco Alvarez, was at the meeting to answer questions. He stated that the "ecocab" would serve two to three passengers. Busse was concerned about passenger loading and unloading adjacent to parked cars. The representative said there would be dedicated bike stations around town. He would also have warning signs in front of and behind the cab during loading and unloading. Warshawsky said that drivers of the pedicap serve as an example to others and should be required to wear a helmet. There should also be three helmets available for passengers that request them. In addition, the law requires children under the age of 16 must wear helmets. Lemhouse moved to issue the special vehicle permit with the condition that the driver wear a bicycle helmet at all times and that three helmets be available for passengers. Swales seconded the motion and it passed 7 to 0 with one abstention. C:\DOCUME-1\seversod\LOCALS-1\Temp\February 28 08 TSC.doc Page 1 of 9 2. Siskiyou Boulevard Pedestrian Safety Jim Olson, Interim Public Works Director and staff liaison to the Commission, provided the staff report. The recent pedestrian death on Siskiyou Boulevard at the Garfield Street crosswalk has mobilized the community as witnessed by the number of people in the audience. The previous two Commission meetings have included a study of the type, location and number of pedestrian related crashes on Siskiyou Boulevard and other main streets. At the December meeting the Commission reviewed a report by the pedestrian safety sub -committee listing a number of opportunities for improvement, especially in the field of driver and pedestrian education. There current crosswalks in front of SOU are well done ai 1r cult o � the Siskiyou Boulevard redesign, but the improvements did not 1 at no gh o reduce the number of pedestrian related crashes. Olson not the in z`ease the attention of both drivers and pedestrians to the cros s. e r commen a number of improvement options including educat" n, ifor t nd Bering efforts which should be weighed, consid ° ; opt d ut "tto on. e goal of this meeting was to develop a recom enr li ol`e its to 3 iut into mot i s quickly as possible. Olson listed o o t ins �v A 1 � term improvements. Short term g p improerearre s " cl de 1. Educatio os rs i e ' etc , gland produced a video in 2002 entitled "Watch ut f E cl i ier t was available for borrowing. 2. Enforces ena ice ief Terry Holderness committed to conducting a set of stings. T e P 'cc Department will issue citations to both drivers and pedestrians. 3. Engineer' 1g: a. Petition ODOT engineer to lower speed limit from 30 to 25 mph. Even a 5 mph difference would make a marked reduction in the number and severity of accidents. b. Increase luminaries from 70 to 150 watts. Begin with 30' mast light (cobra heads) then, if needed, change out the pedestrian scale lights between North Mountain and Wightman. (Estimated cost $5,000) c. Install rumble strips in north bound lanes between Wightman and Bridge Streets and in southbound lanes between Mountain Avenue and University Way. (Estimated cost $1340) d. Install pavement markings following the rumble strips. (Estimated cost $1,200) Longer term improvements are recommended to the four crosswalks adjacent to SOU. The Bridge Street crosswalk was the busiest, but Garfield Street was the most problematic as it was an 80' angled crosswalk that crossed five lanes of traffic (including a turn lane) and did not intersect the raised median. Staff listed several options for this intersection including closing it to limit its use. Although it would still be used, pedestrians would tend to be more cautious. If it was to remain open, then staff recommended installing a pedestrian activated flashing amber beacon on both sides. Staff also recommended installing a pedestrian activated flashing amber beacons at Bridge Street including a midblock beacon. In -pavements lights could be effective, but they were relatively expensive. Staff would negotiate with Southern C:\DOCUME-1\seversod\LOCALS-1\Temp\February 28 08 TSC.doc Page 2 of 9 Oregon University to assist the City with the $10,000 to $15,000 cost. Other options included European "Zebra" markings as brought forward by Commissioner Swale and special lighting as done in Germany. Questions for Staff: Warshawsky asked if Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) needed to approve pavement markings. Olson said no. Warshawsky referred to the December 6, 2007 minutes and the decision to put pedestrian activated beacons on Bridge Street. Busse was in favor of increasing the wattage of the cobra heads, but suggested expanding the zone to include Frances Lane. She wondered how quickly the change could take place. Olson noted that it could be done immediately ing upon the stock at hand. Swales asked staff to expand on the jurisdictional i sue. i eC ended a "special transportation area" similar to Jacksonvill son of d t at sp limits throughout the state are controlled by ODOT. Hew ld l ok nt e idea f special transportation area which w r ire °el t tra hrou e area with their headlights on. � n Bender asked f r clad t n R1i t a ex *deOng o Viat ns and asked about closing Garfield Street at is iy, a o 1 t IS 11 sa' 1 ODOT would be available as a resource for ftag ne 'rih Y m, r is He noted that Garfield was used for on - street parking r i ni a ity s d is son believed that citizens would oppose closing the int et' n 1 an turns. Bender asked about the potential for a signaled light rf 'd S eet. Olson said that it would not meet state required warrants. At a s $300,000, he thought other engineering improvements would work as well. Lemhouse asked if staff had spoken to SOU regarding a pedestrian bridge. Olson had looked at that option, but bridges must be ADA accessible meaning that a large area would be needed for ramps. With students typically taking the shortest route, he doubted the bridge would be used much. Mannion asked about the increased cost of changing beacons from pedestrian - activated to sensor -activated. Olson said that studies show that only 75% of pedestrians would push a button, but sensor -activated beacons have double the hardware meaning increased maintenance and cost. Mannion said the lack of street/pedestrian lighting on the university side of Siskiyou should also be addressed. Heesacker asked if the Garfield crosswalk could be relocated. Olson said that the sidewalk was positioned to anticipate the greatest usage. Heesacker wondered if hanging lights were less expensive. Olson said yes, but that embedded lights were shown to be more effective. Public Comment: Michael Dawkins, 646 East Main Street, said he was annoyed with the Ashland Daily Tidings coverage of the accident. He said that this section of Siskiyou needed better C:\DOCUME-1\seversod\LOCALS-1\Temp\February 28 08 TSC.doc Page 3 of 9 enforcement to have it become known as a speed trap. He suggested the use of a reader board and cameras to record violators. Eric Rodriquez, Co -director of SOU Public Safety, agreed with most of staff's recommendations, however, he did not agree with closing the Garfield Street crosswalk. He suggested adopting the increased lighting proposal up to and including Frances Lane. He said ideally all crosswalks in town would have better lighting. Rodriquez said that SOU was anxious to partner with the City especially in education and as grant partners. He said enforcement was critical and asked the Police Department for a larger presence on Siskiyou. He said grant money should be available for police overtime. Bender asked Rodriquez if SOU had an opinion on a traffic signal at Garfield. Rodriquez said he did not objeIto'al. Lemhouse asked if SOU was willing to assist the City financially.noted that only Vice President Greg Morse could commit funds,mmended beginning discussions immediately. Preston Moser, 1501 Siskiyou Boul asked the Commissiordill Fitt n C agreed that flashing bsly uh Ronald C rllo. 80 1 ee . Mayor M that there through tl and that to Warshaw edestrian accident and it to 20 mph. He t I 1 I resident. He previously asked " xng wattage on Siskiyou. He noted ndi, Street and that students regularly walk He said six or seven street lights were burnt out Vep,rtj&'Iht should check lights more than once per month. otli citizens and police officers to call the Electric burnt out street lights. William Heimann, 647 Siskiyou Boulevard, wanted to emphasize education to improve pedestrian safety. He favored classroom education for incoming students and crosswalk violators. He also suggested marking the poles that hold the orange flags with an orange strip. He thought it would help bring attention to the crosswalks. Dr. Deltra Ferguson, 345 Maple Street, worked at SOU's Woman's Resource Center located underground in Stevenson Union. She had experience both as a driver and as a pedestrian as she crosses at the Garfield Street crosswalk twice daily. She calls the crosswalk the "Garfield Gauntlet" and supported Rodriquez's idea of improving all crosswalks in Ashland. She was in favor of the rumble strips especially to warn drivers at sunrise. She also favored embedded lights and keeping the Garfield crosswalk open. She asked to be kept informed of the Commission's/City's progress on improving pedestrian safety. Marshall Umpleby, 1012 Hillview Drive, complimented staff on their significant progress thus far. He favored increasing the street light wattage, decreasing speed limits, use of rumble bumps, continued use of flags (he saw usage increasing), installing motion -activated flashing beacons and continuing education that included bicyclists. He was pleased that SOU representatives were present. He suggested crossing guards, making cell phones illegal for drivers, then pedestrians. He thought the most expensive improvement would be embedded crosswalk lights. C:\DOCUME-1\seversod\LOCALS-1\Temp\February 28 08 TSC.doc Page 4 of 9 Egon DuBois, 381 W Nevada Street, was a bicycle educator for 12 years and thought education was not the best option. He thought Ashland had a unique problem with a busy collector street dividing a college campus. He favored making crosswalks controlled using a signal. He noted that the median had heavy vegetation that blocked the view of drivers. He said the lack of money was not acceptable and that grant money was available. Tom Reid, 918 Walker Avenue, owned the building at the corner of Siskiyou and Garfield. He saw the aftermath of the accident. He favored a traffic signal at Garfield and LED lights for most crosswalks in town. Monique Teal, 40 Wightman Street #1, was the SOU en IB President. She thought that pedestrian safety was a community of l lieved that closing the Garfield Street crosswalk would be d gero s. sugg st " that flashing beacons be installed at all four crossw, ks dja t t, e ut ity. Teal offered her help as well as other student r"s 1 el em cause r rmui he audience that there was an opening oa e Conn nis io fo a tta nt Liais ri Pam Marsh . 6 Sis `y( u fpe ar 4 , as 1 b e member of the Planning Commissioa ar Be o the C nm s ion' ,as �i p ice for future collaboration. She lived at the •tat ier f ort an S' '' eau noted that this area was also dangerous a d ere w ° r sw ehicles sped at 50 to 60 mph and the intersection lace A u Is op e urged making the full span of Siskiyou safer for pedestrians I I speed limits, flashing beacons at all crosswalks and a traffic light t G old Street. Cate Hartzell, 881 E Main Street, was a City Councilor and thanked the Commission and staff. She cautioned against a "stop gap" solution. She supported bringing in more expertise to study the problem. She believed the City should not rely on education and enforcement to reach everyone. Increased lighting wattage may not be the solution. She favored investing money for a study to get the best solution(s). Art Bullock, 791 Glendower, also thanked the Commission. He said that pedestrians had the right of way at intersections whether or not there is a marked crosswalk. He urged enforcement of the right of way laws, not just a sting. North Mountain, Oak Street, North Main were also dangerous for pedestrians. Bullock recommended adopting a legal hand signal for pedestrians to use when crossing the street. Tracy Harding, 334 Bridge Street, favored education and asked people not to overuse cars and to slow down. She noted that next year the high school would be using Lincoln School so the focus of improvements should be extended. Olson noted that high schools were not subject to the 20 mph school zone laws. Heidi Parker, 344 Bridge Street, was a member of the school board. She reported that Bellview School would be closed next year for remodeling causing an increase in children using lower Iowa. She noted there were no crosswalks and that the sidewalk ended at Bridge Street. She favored student education and noted that crossing guards C:\DOCUME-1\seversod\LOCALS-1\Temp\February 28 08 TSC.doc Page 5 of 9 would be utilized. She thought increased street lighting should be extended to Morse Street. She offered her assistance to improved pedestrian safety. Eve Woods, 1103 Withington Street, Medford, was a student at SOU and a volunteer at the Woman's Resource Center. Her mother attended SOU and said that pedestrian safety was a problem 25 years ago. Woods called for immediate action to his city, state and national problem. Woods personally spoke to approximately 300 students. A majority of students did not want Garfield crosswalk closed and were willing to push a button to activate flashing beacons. She thought the police were understaffed. She offered her assistance to help education students. The Commission thanked Woods for her time to talk to students and report to the Commission. Larry Blake, 411 Briscoe Place, was the FacilitiFnoti r t S He noted the unique situation of Siskiyou dividing the camp a ored education and noted that the high school had similar iss s. Hsea gar activated beacons would be a waste of money. He thougl t t nold ii t p ovide the solution. He said that embedded LED ing o Id not abl td the daytime. He also thought that technology ve pad stri a' issec 'I rol Heesacker o er e n ed r le streets would be affected by the snow plows O so s d h Imips e plastic and would be raised '/Z inch above the asphalt; thew -re ea it nsively replaced. Warshawsky asked about noise levels for a "ac id Olson noted that Pine Street in Central Point had rumble strips and t are apt overly loud. They were designed to he heard by drivers. Bender asked if funds were available to install a signal at Garfield. He thought it would increase safety and wondered if the change in traffic flow would be the only disadvantage. Olson said that installing traffic signals was often seen as a "cure all." He explained that ODOT had eight warrants and one of them must be met to get a traffic signal approved. He said the Garfield Street intersection would not meet any of the warrants. He noted that the installation of a signal affects a large number of variables. Swales noted studies that stated that marked crosswalks actually increased pedestrian/vehicle crashes and gave pedestrians a false sense of security. He suggested reducing Siskiyou from four lanes to two lanes. He favored increased street lighting. Lemhouse, a Medford Police Officer, noted that there would still be accidents even with all the improvements. He favored increased lighting and rumble strips. His initial reaction was to close the Garfield crosswalk. His main concern was vehicles turning right from Garfield Street onto Siskiyou thus crossing through the crosswalk. Swales asked staff if they could contact SOU about closing the northbound left hand turn into the SOU parking lot near Garfield Street. Removing this turn would allow the Garfield crosswalk to be relocated and a median refuge installed. Olson said the left hand turn pocket was installed in approximately 1985 due to pressure from SOU. C:\DOCUME-1\seversod\LOCALS-1\Temp\February 28 08 TSC.doc Page 6 of 9 Studies of the boulevard by Kettleson recommended the current location of the medians and turn lanes. Officer MacClennan reported that the first police "sting" would be March 12, 2008. He reminded participants that both the pedestrian and the drive must legally exercise "due care." Decision: Busse moved to recommend that the City of Ashland increase the tage in the existing cobra head lights to 150 watts from Morse Street to ces ane. Jackson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Lemhouse made a motion to recommennsin lin, o-pla tic rumble strips and pavement markings with the words "Cr in th w h bond lanes ahead of the crosswalk at University Way a theou d Ianaliez c f the crosswalk at Bridge Street. Busse Bender ino� met at Garfr not meet sta years) and tl'i therefore the / Lemhouse , ly. il- ' ec s ffWs k i D 11' to leter�nine if signal warrants are t o hcc degAe 4 Olson said the signal would �t , e edXtoauretwflic signals must be identified in the l `ity's transportation projects for the next 20 tl l i ro at (budget). A signal at Garfield is not listed r ' d faw to absorb the entire $300,000 cost of the signal. Bender their motion. Warshawsky moved to direct staff to request ODOT lower the speed limit from Gresham Street to Walker Avenue from 30 mph to 25 mph. Busse seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Busse made a motion to recommend that the Garfield crosswalk temporarily remain open, but that all engineering improvements are studied for effectiveness. Lemhouse seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Lemhouse asked that the issue of long term improvements to the Siskiyou / Garfield intersection be placed on the March agenda. Lemhouse / Bender moved / seconded to recommend installing flashing amber beacons at the crosswalks at Garfield Street and Bridge Street as quickly as possible. The beacons are to be compatible with imbedded LEDs to keep future options open. Swales said there was no statistical data that flashing beacons improve safety and that they may provide pedestrians with a false sense of security. Motion passed 7 to 1. 3. Request for One -Way Designation on the Alley Between Morton and Harrison A majority of adjacent property owners petitioned the City to pave the last section of this four block alley. The City is generally in favor of paving alleys due to the difficulty in managing storm water drainage and dust. A neighborhood meeting was held on January 17, 2008 to discuss any concerns and requests for the proposed improvement. All opposition to the paving was based upon the belief that the paving would increase alley traffic and vehicle speeds. Neighbors contended that, following the reconfiguration of the median islands on Siskiyou Boulevard and closure of C:\DOCUME-1\seversod\LOCALS-1\Temp\February 28 08 TSC.doc Page 7 of 9 several intersections, traffic had greatly increased on the alley. A one-way designation was unanimously recommended to reduce the "cut through" traffic. The engineering department does not keep continuous traffic counts on alleys, but thought that traffic has increased since the Siskiyou improvements. Staff recommended that the alley be designated as a one-way alley. To help mitigate the anticipated higher speeds the following conditions were also recommended: 1. That at least two five foot modified speed humps be constructed on the alley. 2. That the alley be paved to allow the construction of the asphalt speed humps and to provide a surface for pavement arrows and other one-way traffic indicators. Heesacker asked about the effect of the speed humps to ?e� cy vehicles. He also noted that the road grade was elevated due to yea a Delilson said alleys are not access routes for emergency vehicles an at'th ront plans would include removing six to eight inches help wi ie drai aue. Swaleslives on another s xi of h"s a ley betwe Gr h nand Sherman. He wondered why the axed a ey a rot le e not t at 60% of the improv®reo ad e t ai t + cat would l re by the taxpayers. He stated l ict nt re wo l n t vote on the issue. Jackson asked if there w way ys, Glssai including Will Dodge Way. Diarmu increased traffic began with the redesigy of 'sk' o ulevard which channeled traffic to the alley. He explained that traf lc' Na'c.,d up on Morton because it is not a controlled intersection. There are nine fan " " adjacent to the alley and five want it paved. McGuire was opposed to paving because it would divert more traffic to the alley causing a safety concern. During the neighborhood meeting it was unanimously decided that if the alley were paved, it should be made one way. Abdol Hamid, 195 Morton, lived at this address 33 years. He agreed that the improvement of Siskiyou increased traffic on the alley. He was in favor of the proposed one-way designation. Discussion: Warshawsky wondered about the effect of the designation on bicyclists as they were required to follow the same laws as motorists. Swales thought that staff was using the request to please local residents and such a request violates the Comprehensive Plan. Decision: Lemhouse / Bender m/s to follow staff s recommendation designating the alley between Harrison and Morton as a one-way alley with the direction of travel being in the southeasterly direction (toward Morton Street), that at least two five foot modified speed humps be constructed on the alley and that the alley be paved to allow the construction of the asphalt speed humps and to provide a surface for pavement arrows and other one-way traffic indicators. The motion would be contingent upon the alley being paved. The motion passed 5 to 1 with two abstentions. Warshawsky asked that CADOCUME-1 \seversod\LOCALS-1 \Temp\February 28 08 TSC.doc Page 8 of 9 the'Commission emails regarding this issue be attached to the minutes as part of the record. 4. Bike Safetv on Oak Street Tabled until the next meeting. 5. ACTS Oreizon Grant Allocation Tabled until the next meeting. 6. Bicycle & Pedestrian Issues None. 7. Aizenda Items for Next Month C. OTHER — None. NEXT MEETING DATE: March 27, 2 08 III. Adjourned 10:16 P C:\DOCUME-1\seversod\LOCALS-1\Temp\February 28 08 TWA= Page 9 of 9 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION PRIMARY GOALS 2007-2008 �ontin�e �� E�paridj�E��cafii� E�Falrts Commissioners Description Young, Aitken, Olney, Burnham, Chapman Continue to offer bicycle safety education classes in Ashland schools through on -going partnerships with the icycle Transportation Alliance, Parks Foundation, and raffic Safety Commission. ike Swap. Seiler, Sommer ontinue to promote Car Free Da & car free living Young Expand community outreach efforts (recruit youth liaisons and develop partnerships with the schools Sommer, Seiler, Young 3efter utilize the media — Daily Tidings, Tribune, City ource, radio, TV Olney, Burnham ontinue and Expand Safe Routes to School efforts for all shland schools. In%astructure Links!%&;,onnlction Commissioners Description Church, Ryan 2artner in the upcoming Transportation System Plan (TSP) pdate to identify current facilities in place and needs for ew facilities to address needed connections. Burnham Nork to enhance existing maps of bicycle facilities and trail stems. Olney ontinue to identify and develop connectivity needs adjacent to all Ashland Schools as part of Safe Routes to chool efforts. Sommer, Chapman, Olney 3onsider ways to provide improved bicycle and pedestrian acilities from the downtown north to the city limits along orth Main Street. To°Explore the `Blefi#s of a "Tr�tnsportaon,Commission Commissioners Description Ryan, Seiler, Young, Burnham, Olney This could entail combining the Traffic Safety and Bicycle (Ryan to act as liaison to Traffic Safety) & Pedestrian Commissions to gain staff efficiencies, and broaden the focus of each Commission to better address transit while still retaining the current areas of interest of each Commission. Subcommittees: Adult Bicycle Safety Education: Aitken, Chapman, Church (Maluk, MacLennan (+/-), Bill Heimann) North Main Street Walkability/Bikeability: Sommer, Chapman & Olney (Severson & Swales) Ordinance Review: Burnham & Young Wheeldon Memorial: Young, Olney & Chapman (Severson, Paula Brown, Midge Thierolf, David Beaudoin) Page 1 of 1 Derek Severson - Three Lanes One Day From: Nicolas <nicotoll@opendoor.com> To: <tb1937@charter.net>, <david@council.ashland.or.us>, <mickchurch@gmail.com>, <olneyjt@mind.net>, <resolutionvideo@yahoo.com>, <mseiler74@hotmail.com>, <seversod@ashland.or.us>, <juliasommer@yahoo.com>, <dyoung@jeffnet.org>, <alan.bender@erau.edu>, <pattib@jobcouncil.org>, <terrydarc@yahoo.com>, <eric.heesacker@gmail.com>, <kate@council.ashland.or.us>, <lambd@ashland.or.us>, <glemhouse@yahoo.com>, <demannion@aol.com>, <olsonj@ashland.or.us>, <colin@mind.net>, <ashland@azeotech.com> Date: 3/10/2008 6:14 PM Subject: Three Lanes One Day Dear City of Ashland Representatives, I'm a student at Ashland High School in the Wilderness Charter School and through my recent education I've come to realize an opportunity for our community and the downtown businesses. I'm proposing that one Sunday a month the entire downtown street be closed off to all motor vehicle traffic. This would allow people to be downtown without having the risk and distraction of motor vehicles. It would also encourage people to walk, run, bike, and skateboard in the core area. This means fewer cars on the street, and less green house gasses would be emitted during the time of closure. This event would bring many people downtown, increasing spending at local businesses. It would also bring a new and friendly vibe to the city center similar to what we've all experienced during the Halloween Parade, or at First Friday. My proposal is not to eliminate motor vehicle traffic from downtown at all times. Instead my proposal is to remove it for a single day each month. These Sundays would be a fun time to go downtown with family or friends, where you could happily skip, run, walk, or ride. You could enjoy street music or artistic performances. It would be a time for our community to come together, and not have the mental and physical obstacle of motor vehicles. I hope this letter inspires people to make a change, and start a fun event. Nico Toll 288 Harrison Ashland, OR 97520 Daytime phone: (541)-482-7934 file:HC:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW}0000l.HTM 3/12/2008 March 10, 2008 Marco Alvarez Ashland Eco Cabs 690 Normal Avenue Ashland OR 9720 RE: SPECIAL VEHICLE PERMIT Dear Marco: CITY OF -ASHLAND Thank you for your application to operate a pedicab in the City of Ashland. As you know, the matter was heard and approved at the Traffic Safety Commission on February 28, 2008. The Commission added the condition that the driver and children under 16 must wear a helmet at all times and that helmets be available to all other passengers. Also enclosed is Chapter 6.28 of the Ashland Municipal Code (Taxicab Certification). It includes all the rules and regulations associated with operation of your pedicab. We are going to need some additional information as outlined in the code before we can issue the permit including your proposed route(s), hours of operation, pick-up and delivery points and signage. (See highlighted areas.) Please provide the required information along with the required insurance certificate, safety inspection report from the Ashland Police Department and the $56.00 permit fee. We will then process the permit and ask you to come in and sign it. Once complete you are able to pick up your business license at the 20 East Main Street Utility Billing office. Your special vehicle permit will expire on February 28, 2009 and can be renewed annually through the Traffic Safety Commission. Please let Jim Olson or myself know if you have any questions. You can reach us at 488-5347. Sincerely, — &5­6�',C�t�� N ncy Slo um Permit Coordinator cc: Jim Olson Karl Johnson Derek Severson Dean Walker Engineering 20 E. Main Street Ashland, Oregon 97520 www.ashland.or.us Tel: 541/488-5347 Fax: 5414488-6006 TTY: 800/735-2900 G:\pub-wrks\eng\dept-admin\TRAF\Special Vehicle Permits\Alvarez Eco Cab SVP 2008 NOT to Alvarez 2 08.doc OFMALkall :t A Mean Mom? Jane Hambleton of Fort Dodge, Iowa, age 48, found alcohol in her 19-year-old son's car. To teach the kid a lesson, she decided to sell the car. Here's the ad she placed in the Des Moines Register: "Olds 1999Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet." She quickly sold the car and at the same time became a local celebrity. 2006 Oregon Crash Statistics • 45,017 total motor vehicle crashes in Oregon • 417 resulted in fatalities • 158 of the fatal crashes sited drinking as a contributing factor • 477 people died • 115 of those people were between the ages of 15 to 24 Data from the 2006 Oregon Traffic Crash Summary, June 2007. Connecting Oregon's Community Traffic Safety Advocates Harriet Tubman Young Women's Academy This year ACTS Oregon received many innovative project applications for the Building Safer Communities Mini -Grant program. One of the successful applicants included Harriet Tubman Leadership Academy for Young Women. The application was catalyzed by a teacher at the school who is a bicycle safety advocate. Kathy Smith is the Health/PE Teacher at the academy and the project director for the application. Kathy is looking to launch a bike safety program at the school. Over time she has been able to acquire a bike fleet and storage space at the school. Part of Kathy's plan is to partner with the local elementary school, Boise - Elliot. The hope is that the older girls from the academy will acquire the skills and education necessary to become mentors to the younger children at Boise -Elliot. Kathy plans to start working with the kids in the Spring. In the meantime she is collecting data on the number of children that currently walk and bike to school. In addition she is performing walk and bike ability audits. Kathy hopes to not only encourage the girls to bike to school by way of safe cycling education but teach them the skills required to maintain their bicycles. It is wonderful to have children safely riding to school but it is important to ensure that the equipment Grants The Building Safer Communities grants are becoming more and more active as we get closer to dry weather. Along with Harriet Tubman and their work with youth, Sheba Wooddell, Hubbard Police Department, has begun her grant work involving youth as well. Sheba has been implementing her traffic safety education in the GOO Volume 6, Number 4 they rely on to get them there is mechanically sound. The launch of a bicycle safety program could not come at a more valuable time. Today, fewer children are walking and biking and more parents are driving. In 1969, 42% of children 5 to18 years of age walked or bicycled to school —in 2001, the rate fell to16%. This trend of children replacing a routine of physical activity with motor - powered transportation has led to lifestyle changes that impact children, families, schools, neighborhoods and the broader community. Less foot -powered transportation means more motor vehicle traffic around schools, leading to increased traffic congestion which negatively impacts the walking and bicycling environment. Harriet Tubman Academy alongside the determination of Kathy are moving to preserve and enhance their cycling and motor powered community. Through education and encouragement the program looks to develop not only safe cyclists but safe drivers as well. Many of the students participating in the program are on the brink of receiving their permits. A cyclist that is constantly aware of their surroundings, signals turns and lane changes, doesn't follow too close, and ensures that they are visible to other commuters, hopefully will promote courteous driving when in a motor vehicle. ACTS Oregon looks forward to promoting the successes of this program in the future. driver's education classes at schools within Marion County. Sheba is also in the planning stages for the second annual Hubbard Safety Village. Bicycle Safety Mini -Grants are in the process of final approval and contract formation. ACTS Oregon is excited at the opportunity to support the cycling community. Traffic Safety Connection • March ................................................For information call 503-643-5620 or 1-800-772-1315.......................................................... 1 ACTS Oregon STAFF Ruth Harshfield Executive Director ruthh@actsoregon.org Gayle Watts Child Passenger Safety Program Coordinator gaylew@actsoregon.org Sandy Holt Child Passenger Safety Technician Coordinator sandyh@actsoregon.org Kate Murphy Community Traffic Safety Coordinator katem@actsoregon.org Tory Brixey Administrative Assistant safety@actsoregon.org BOARD MEMBERS Tammy Franks, President Hillsboro TFranks@LHS.ORC Stephen J. Manning Vice President Keizer stephen687@earthlink.net Lucie Drum, Secretary Portland lucie-drum@amr-ems.com Daniel Marcisz, Treasurer Medford MarcisDE@jacksoncounty.org Larry Christianson McMinnville dejaceo@msn.com John Naccarato Oregon City johnnac@co. cl ackamas. or. us Ed Simon Newport simonsez@actionnet.net Mike Stupfel Salem Michael.Stupfel@state. or. us Beth Wemple Portland BWEMPLE@kittelson.com Graphic Design by Melissa Gannon Traffic Safety Connection *March Traumatic Brain Injury —Kids and Wheels In a major study on traumatic brain injury and wheel -related sports, the National SAFE KIDS Campaign found that nearly 51 percent of children ages 10 to 14 who suffered a serious bike injury were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury, compared to 44 percent of children ages 5 to 9 and 38 percent of children ages 4 and under. "Brain injuries are more common among older children because these kids are less likely to wear their helmets and take more chances." adds Dr. Koop. "SAFE KIDS urges parents and kids to wear a helmet on any wheel -related activity. It can reduce the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent." Nearly 28 million children ride bicycles and the popularity of scooters, skateboards and inline skates has been skyrocketing. SAFE KIDS examined data from the National Pediatric Trauma Registry (from 1994 to 2001) to look closely at the number of children who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. In addition, SAFE KIDS commissioned a national survey with tweens to look at their attitudes and behaviors toward helmet use during all wheel -related activity. The findings are documented in a report titled: A National Study of Traumatic Brain Injury and Wheel -Related Sports. Why Don't Tweens Wear Helmets? Nearly half of kids (47 percent) reported that they "only ride near home" as a reason for not always wearing a helmet. Law Enforcement Technician Class February 19th to 21st Beaverton This entertaining and fast paced class was comprised entirely of law enforcement officers representing different police agencies from around the state. In order to appropriately cater the curriculum to this audience, in-depth information was discussed regarding Oregon Law vs. Best Practice, Crash Dynamics, and Crash Reconstruction. Reasons children cited for not wearing a helmet included: "Helmets are uncomfortable" (43 percent); "I don't think I need to wear a helmet for all of these activities" (32 percent); "I am older now and in more control when I ride" (29 percent); "I don't feel cool wearing a helmet" (28 percent); and "My parents don't make me" (27 percent). What Would it Take to Get Kids to Wear Helmets? The majority of tweens (54 percent) said that knowing someone who was badly hurt while not wearing a helmet would convince them to wear one on every ride. Many tweens admitted they would wear a helmet if it were a parental rule (53 percent) or if it were a law in their state (49 percent). "I'm faced with the awful task of telling parents that their child suffered brain damage that could have been so easily prevented with a helmet," says Dr. Martin Eichelberger, director of trauma and burn services, Children's National Medical Center. "Most parents and kids don't understand just how fragile the brain is, and that a fall from as little as 2 feet and at surprisingly low speeds can be so serious. No parent or child should have to learn such a painful lesson." This article can be viewed in its' entirety at http://www.usa.safekids.org/tier3_cd.cfm?folder id =300&content item id=6050. It is a good reminder as to why so many groups throughout the state of Oregon work so hard to educate on helmet use and provide helmets to famlies in need. With ACTS Oregon managing the Bicycle Safety Mini - Grants we hope to be able to support community programs that work to make wheeled sports safer. Tigard Police Department, Nick Troxe—Tillamook City Police Department, Scott Haley —Washington County Sheriff. Thank you to the excellent instructor team. These instructors are always a pleasure to work with: Bill Balzer —Portland Police Bureau, Jeff Oliver —Lake Oswego Police Department and Brandon Meyer —SAFE KIDS Rogue Valley, and Sandy Holt —ACTS Oregon. Congratulations to Oregon's newest Law Congratulations to Grant Johnstone —Tualatin Enforcement Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Police Department who completed his instructor Technicians: Ryan Garbutt, Justin Haugen, Gregg candidacy during this class. We are pleased to Magnus, Brian McNeel and Chris Warren— have him as the newest addition to Oregon's Beaverton Police Department, Shawn Morgan— growing Instructor Team. Florence Police Department, Gordon Gill and Tim Ware —Lane County Sheriffs Office, Nathan A special thanks to Carla Levinski—ODOT— Scott—Portland Police Bureau, Aaron Clark— Transportation Safety Division for all her Rockaway Beach Police, Doug Carpenter— support and encouragement in certifying Scappoose Police Department, Nick Nunn— Oregon's law enforcement. .....................................Click on www.actsoregon.org for Traffic Safety Information in Oregon..........................................2 Govemment Announces New Child Seat Ratings System NHTSA, NV.ttats o The Associated Press, Washington January 30, Ken Thomas Parents who struggle to install their child safety seats or fasten their toddlers in the back-seat chairs are receiving some new guidance from the government. The Transportation Department said Wednesday it was revamping a consumer ratings system for child safety seats to help parents and caregivers make the best choice for their kids. _ The new Ease.w ry IS approach will use a five-star rating system, based on the seats' ability to secure a child and the ease with which the seats are installed. It will also consider the seats' labeling and instruction manuals. "We believe that the new star system will help simplify one of parents' most important decisions: choosing the best safety seat that will protect their children," Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said during a news conference at an Arlington, Va., fire station. Medical Professional Technician Class January 16th to 19th Milwaulde The RN certification course was held at American Medical Response. This class was unique in that it was intended for Medical Professionals with an emphasis on special needs. Thank you American Medical Response for hosting this class and providing a wonderful area to work in. Congratulations to all the new Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians: Michel Bryant —Albany General Hospital, Daniel Carlton, Mandy Gold and Heather Teyema—American Medical Response, Nancy Durben—Child Development and Rehabilitation Center, Jennifer Flores— Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Katie Brown, Tina Dunn, Katie Godt, Sue May and Janie Vizon—Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital, Betty Larson —Mid Valley Children's Clinic, Maria Sanchez —Multnomah County Health Department, Lara Levine and Margaret Wolf — Many parents can attest to the frequent frustration found in securing a car seat or making sure their child is strapped in. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said seven in ten child safety seats are either the wrong size or misused, reducing their ability to protect kids in a crash. "If one of these things is difficult to use, even if someone buys one, they may not be willing to switch them among cars ... because they remember what a pain they were to install," said Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "If we get seats that are easier to install, then it's more likely that people will use them." When used properly, the seats are very effective. NHTSA estimates that child restraint systems reduce fatal injuries by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers in passenger cars and by nearly 60 percent for infants and toddlers in sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and vans. Transportation officials stressed that the new ratings system does not assess how effective a seat is in protecting a child in a crash. All child seats must comply with federal safety standards to protect children in a car crash. The government recommends car seats for children up to 40 pounds and booster seats for children over 40 pounds until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. All children should ride in the back seat until age 13. The new system, which assigns an overall rating of up to five stars, replaces an older ratings program which used letter grades. The five- star rating system is also used in NHTSA's consumer crash test program for new cars and trucks. "This system is also a great resource for CPS Technicians," according to Ruth Harshfield, executive director of ACTS Oregon. "When a child under 5 pounds needs an infant seat, a 3 year old child is too tall for their convertible seats or a family wants a safety seat with a harness for their child over 40 pounds, the child seat rating lists harness type, weight and height limit for each seat." Child seat ratings can be found on NHTSA's Web site: http.//www.nhtsa. dot.gov" V '_blank" http.-Ilwww.nhtsa.dot.gov 11129108. Oregon Health Science University, Leticia Navarro —Prosser Memorial Hospital, and Nanette Wilson —Sandy Fire. Thank you, to the instructor team who did a wonderful job: Lucie Drum—Amerlcan Medical Response, Tammy Franks — Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital, Cindy Storlie and Jeff Oliver —Lake Oswego Police Department, and Sandy Holt —ACTS Oregon. Congratulations to Mary Kay Johnson — Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital who completed her Instructor Candidacy at this class. Welcome aboard to Oregon's Instructor Team! In addition a special thanks to: CPS Technician Dea Boldt at American Medical Response for all her behind the scenes help, the class wouldn't have gone as smooth without her! CPS Technicians Andrea Soltman and Gary Demoss—Lake Oswego Police Department for your help with hands on activities as technician assistants. Lieutenant Doug Treat —Lake Oswego Police Department Thanks in part to his efforts the department has four child passenger safety certified technicians and 2 instructors. Members of this staff are always eager and available to help. ACTS Oregon thanks him for his continuing support of this partnership. Traffic Safety Connection *March ..........................................Click on wwwchildsafetyseat.org for clinics scheduled in Oregon..............................................3 Check Up Clinics and Fitting Stations 2008 Oregon Please check www.childsafetyseatorg under Child Passenger Safety/Calendar Transportation for current list, specific dates, locations and times. Safety Conference Date City Location Address 03/13/2008 La Grande Fire Department 1806 Cove Avenue 03/13/2008 Beaverton Kuni Cadillac 3725 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard 03/15/2008 Dallas Fire Department 915 Shelton 03/15/2008 Beaverton Police Department 755 SW Griffith Drive 03/15/2008 Milwaukie Fire Department 2930 SE Oak Grove Boulevard 03/19/2008 McMinnville Fire Department 175 E 1st Street 03/19/2008 Corvallis Fire Department 400 NW Harrison Street 03/20/2008 La Grande Fire Department 1806 Cove Avenue 03/20/2008 Bend Fire Department 1212 SW Simpson Avenue 03/22/2008 Salem Burlington Coat Factory 833 Lancaster Drive NE Lancaster Mall 03/22/2008 Portland Legacy Emanuel Hospital 2801 N Gantenbein Avenue Parking Structure #3 03/27/2008 La Grande Fire Department 1806 Cove Avenue 04/02/2008 McMinnville Fire Department 175 E 1st Street Training Opportunity Time 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. 8:45 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. 12:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. 8:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. 10:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. 12:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. Uniform Traffic Control Devices Workshop March 25-27 The workshop is located at the LaSells Stewart Center on the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis. The schedule includes registration, with continental breakfast, from 8:00 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. The class adjourns by 5:00 P.M. An agenda listing subsequent start and end times will be distributed the first day. Register online: http.Ilkiewitoregonstate.edu. SAVE THESE DATES! Enriching Communities thru Tradition and Technology Join ODOT—Transportation Safety Division and ACTS Oregon, October 20 to 22 at Seven Feathers Conference Center in Canyonville, OR. In recognition of the location our theme is `Enriching Communities thru Tradition and Technology. " As planning begins, we will be requesting proposals for workshops, designing tours, identifying keynote presenters, contacting vendors, and planning the evening receptions. Registration: 3 days $115.00. Lodging at the conference center is $74.00 plus 8% tax for single and double occupancy until 10/5/2008. Call 800-548-8461 and use the guestroom block code "Oregon Transportation." October 20 to 22 at Seven Feathers Conference Center in Canyonville, OR. Traffic Safety Connection • March ...............„...........................Click on www.childsafetyseat.org for clinics scheduled in Oregon..............................................4