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Home My WebLink About2008-09-18 Bicycle & Pedestrian_PACKETCITY OF ASHLAND BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION Agenda Thursday, September 18tnt, 2008 @ 5:15 P.M. Siskiyou Room @ 51 Winburn Way Community Development & Engineering Services Building I. CALL TO ORDER ll. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 219, 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 Car Free Day Update/Commute Challenge/Try Transit Week V. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Request for Yield Sign on CAB (at 8th and A Streets) Call for Tablers — Car Free Day & SOU Orientation Budget Request — Share in Cost of Siskiyou Safety Promotional Materials League of American Bicyclists/Bicycle Friendly Community Recommendations Request from Staff to Join APBP (Per League of American Bicyclists suggestion) Issues with the Increase in Bicycle Commuting On -Going Discussion of Commission Goals New Business Agenda Items for Next Month VI. ADJOURNMENT Upcominq Meetings Car Free Day is September 22"d Street Fair on Oak Street from 4:00p.m. to T 00 p.m. Next Regular Meeting - Thursday, October 16th, 2008 at 5:15 P.M. fit compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special l ssi to nc .to participate in this mmmaetimm , please contact ct the CityAdministrator's office at (41) 488.6 02 (FT(FTY phone number I- llllli,,,,7352900). 0). otificamtion 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reamsonambl arrangements to ensureccessibilily to time mmmeetin (28 CFR 35.102 .104 ADA. Title 1). City of Ashland Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission Membership Roster (Updated August 14t", 2008) 1. 4.30.2011 Steve Ryan 801 Siskiyou Bv. 951-1409 resolutionvideoa-vahoo.com 2. 4.30.2011 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@yahoo.com 4. 4.30.2009 VACANT (formerly Selene Aitken's position) 5. 4.30.2010 VACANT (formerly Michael Church's position) 6. 4.30.2010 VACANT (formerly Matthew Seilet's position) 7. 4.30.2010 Jim Olney 361 Wiley Street 482-1057 Secretary olneyit@mind.net 8. 4.30.2010 Tom Burnham 1344 Apple Way 482-4467 ntburnham@gmail.com 9. City Council Kate Jackson 359 Kearney St. 482-2612 Liaison kate@council.ashland.or.us RVTD Liaison Nathan Broom 3200 Crater Lake Ave 608-2411 TDM Planner Medford, OR 97504 n.broom@rvtd.org 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@gmail.com Youth Liaison (SOU) Eve C. Woods 920 W. 11th St., Unit #3 773-8515 Medford, OR 97501 eve woods@hotmail.com Youth Liaison (AHS) Vacant (The nine voting members are shown in bold. Four constitutes a quorum per AMC 2,22.030) Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission August 21st, 2008 Regular Minutes Commissioners: Chair David Young, Vice Chair Julia Sommer, Secretary Jim Olney, Steve Ryan, Tom Burnham Council Liaison: Kate Jackson Staff: Steve McLennan, Police Officer (absent) Derek Severson, Associate Planner RVTD liaisons: Nathan Broom, RVTD TDM Planner High school liaison: Vacant SOU liaison: Eve Woods Call to Order Chair Young called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Approval of Minutes — June 19th, 2008 Ryan noted that the Commuter Challenge was a two week event, not one week. The minutes were approved by unanimous consent as amended. Introductions Donn Willott, chair of the Non -Motorized Transportation Advisory Commission in Bainbridge Island, Washington, introduced himself. Noted that he had stopped in two years ago when visiting Ashland, and was again in town. Briefly explained the current activities and interests in Bainbridge Island. Art Bullock noted that he had ridden bikes on North Main Street for years, and wanted to express his thanks for the recent striping. He also expressed concern that the striping created a shoulder of varying widths and stopped entirely in some places, and he indicated that it may be safer to ride in the street. Burnham noted that he had similar observations; it was explained that the striping was a fog line not a bike lane, and was installed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) as a result of requests by SOU Professor Eric Dittmer. Severson added that the lanes were striped where there was sufficient right of way available, but where the resultant shoulder would have been 12-inches or less no stripes were painted. It was noted that motorists may view this as a de facto bike lane, and that it could create resentment for cyclists riding in the vehicle travel lane. Members agreed by unanimous consent to recommend that the Traffic Safety Commission and Oregon Department of Transportation look at the possibility of installing signage indicating that "Bicycles Have Full Use of Lane." Subcommittee & Liaison Reports Woods noted that she would be tabling rather than participating in new student orientation. She explained that she has been looking at materials created by www.bikeportland.org . She 2008-0821 Bike & Ped minutes Page I of 5 explained for Young that her efforts on campus are aimed at promoting an increased awareness of personal safety for students. Severson noted that the Ad Hoc Siskiyou Safety Committee, which includes representatives of the University administration, was looking at ways to provide training as part of orientation because students would be returning to campus with new flashing pedestrian activated beacons at the crosswalks. Severson indicated that additional Ad Hoc Committee meetings were to follow, but that Woods might still be able to find a way to participate in orientation in this capacity. Ryan discussed the two week long Commuter Challenge, and the September 22r'd Car Free Day event. He also noted that RVTD would be presenting a week-long Try Transit Week event. He added that there would be some sort of closing ceremony for the Commuter Challenge on October 3rd or 61h at a location to be announced. Olney/Jackson m/s to expend up to $100 in commission program funds to support Car Free Day promotional printing costs. Discussion: It was noted that Ryan would need to provide receipts to Severson for reimbursement. Ryan also encouraged members to each recruit at least one person or team to participate in the Commuter Challenge. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Olney exited the meeting at 5:47 p.m. Sommer questioned the status of the Oak Street fog lines and inquired as to whether there needed to be some sort of follow-up from the Commission to John Fisher -Smith. Young indicated that he was Fisher -Smith's neighbor and didn't believe follow-up was necessary. Severson added that Fisher -Smith had taken the request to the Traffic Safety Commission after speaking before the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission, and after discussion the Traffic Safety Commission had left the matter to Public Works/Engineering staff to further explore options. Nathan Broom, TDM Planner for RVTD and the new RVTD liaison to the Commission, introduced himself and distributed informational materials regarding "Try Transit Week" and "Walk & Bike to School Day." He questioned whether there was any information he could be providing for the Commission; it was requested that he provide data on cyclist counts on RVTD buses and the number of cyclists who were being turned -down now that cyclist ridership was increasing. Broom indicated that he would look into this information, and noted that if anyone new of options to accommodate additional bikes on buses to please let him know. It was noted that RVTD had tested one rack that would accommodate three bikes per bus, but that it blocked the headlights. Jenna Stanke, Jackson County's Special Projects Coordinator and staff liaison to the County's Bicycle Advisory Committee, reintroduced herself. She briefly discussed today's sweep of the Greenway by the Jackson County Sheriffs office, and noted concern with the amount of trash present that could become a much larger issue in the event of flooding. She noted that while viewing the Greenway from a helicopter, the breaking up of the path by tree roots and the large amount of invasive blackberries present became even more apparent. She also noted that as a result of Dr. Gary MacGraw's concerns, the issue of bollards on the Greenway was being looked at more closely. 2008-0821 Bike & Ped minutes Page 2 of 5 Severson briefly discussed the status of the Carole Wheeldon memorial, noting that the bench placement was underway and that the friends and family of Carole Wheeldon were hoping for a dedication ceremony on the second anniversary of her death on September 15t". He also recounted the recent meetings of the Ad Hoc Siskiyou Safety Committee, and discussed the election information which had been included in the packets. He emphasized that these materials were provided for informational purposes at the request of the City Attorney because of the approaching elections, and added that all Commissioners should be aware that under Oregon State Law they were considered "public employees" and subject to the restriction thereon when on the job during working hours, i.e. in their roles as Commissioners, during meetings and in the building at 51 Winbum Way. Bike Path Bollards Severson briefly recounted the background on this item, noting that Dr. Gary MacGraw had hit a bollard on the Greenway and spoken about the incident at the June meeting of the Commission. He had since been in contact with Young, Severson and Stanke, and provided a PowerPoint presentation to address what he perceives as a safety issue around the use of bollards to restrict motor vehicle access to bikepaths. Severson quickly went through MacGraw's presentation. It was noted that near the Railroad Park at Sixth and A Streets there is an existing bollard base with no extension that has no lighting and no reflector, resulting in a particular safety concern after hours, in low light or in bad weather. Bullock noted that the plastic portion of this bollard was frequently replaced and someone repeatedly removed it. Severson noted that the City had formerly used solid bollards, and that this new design with a solid base and reflectorized plastic extension on top had been chosen by the Traffic Safety Commission as a safer option. Burnham indicated that his preference would be to remove bollards and rely on signage to serve the same purpose. Woods stated that in her view, juveniles would joy ride on the bikepaths in motor vehicles if there were not barriers preventing access. Young indicated that the dangers of bollards may well outweigh their benefits, particularly given that frequent motor vehicle access to bikepaths was unlikely. He indicated that he would prefer to remove all bollards as unsafe, and indicated that he would like to know procedurally how to go about this. Ryan noted that if someone were to joyride they would be liable rather than having the city liable as they are now. Sommer/Ryan m/s to request that the City Engineering Division, Traffic Safety Commission and the Joint Powers Committee for the Greenway remove bollards on the Central Ashland Bikepath and Bear Creek Greenway except those shown to be necessary for safety reasons (as in the case of limiting vehicular access to bridges with limited capacity) and replace them with appropriate signage. Discussion: Stanke noted that the Joint Powers Committee was moving in this direction. Steve Woods discussed the use of bollard on Whidbey Island. Stanke noted that where bollards were necessary, diversion 2008-082 C Bike & Ped ,ninutes Page 3 of 5 lines should be used and bollards should be kept to below handlebar height. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Greenway Maintenance and Safety Severson noted that this item was really included along with the previous item, as part of MacGraw's request from June. Stanke noted that she was looking for funds to conduct some root grinding on the Greenway from Ashland to Talent, and indicated that she also hoped to test some root barriers to alleviate the recurrence of the problem in the future. Top Ten & Near Miss Lists Sommer expressed concern with the lack of annual maintenance activity, particularly with regard to bike lane striping. It was noted that there had also been some heavy overgrowth of vegetation onto the Central Ashland Bikepath near A Street, but that this had since been corrected. Burnham noted that the signal at Sherman Street is not triggered by cyclists when the cyclist is headed uphill and turning left onto Siskiyou. Severson noted the ODOT advice to lay one's bike down over the sensor, and Burnham indicated that this won't work for a carbon fiber bike. Several commissioners noted that there was a problem with cars coming downhill into the intersection of Wightman and Siskiyou and failing to yield to pedestrians, causing many near misses. It was noted that this item could be passed along to the Ad Hoc Siskiyou Safety Committee. Members asked that illegal parking in the vicinity of SOU also be addressed for its impact to Siskiyou Boulevard. It was noted that the crosswalk at Mountain Avenue and Henry was in need of re -striping. Members called attention to a bollard without a collar on the bicycle and pedestrian easement connecting Hersey Street to the alley at Clear Creek Drive. Sommer indicated that she thought the Top 10 list had been passed on to Traffic Safety; Severson indicated that he did not believe it had but that he would add those items discussed tonight and forward them. Bicycle Friendly Community Status, Sianage and Council Presentation Severson noted that comments from the League of American Bicyclists had been received and were included in the packets for Commissioner consideration; he added that a number of the items such as requiring bicycle parking for new developments and requiring bicycle facilities for new streets were already in place. He suggested that these requirements needed to be better conveyed to the League in the 2012 renewal. Transportation Commission Severson noted that this item had been discussed once already, but that the new materials were a draft of the Council Communication and provided significantly more detail if the Commissioners 2008-0821 Bike & Ped minutes Page 4 of 5 were interested in commenting further. It was noted that this item had been rescheduled to be heard by the City Council on October 20tn Ryan noted his concern with cars being given "equity" in the mission statement for the Commission, noting that they already receive far more equity than other modes. Burnham noted the need to promote skateboard, skating, and segways, and suggesting adding "promote all modes of transportation." Members noted that the Traffic Safety Commission minutes included mention of their general opposition to a two -term term limit for Commissioners. There was general consensus that institutional memory was important and that if a member was willing to serve more than two terms they should have the option to apply. Bullock questioned whether Commissioners shared his concern that this restructuring of the Commissions could result in a loss of emphasis on bicycle and pedestrian issues. Young suggested that care was being taken to prevent this in drafting the ordinance. Gas Prices and the Rise of Cycling Severson explained that this item was included at Matt Warshawsky's request, based on his observations that the recent rise in gas prices had greatly increased the number of cyclists on the road and that these new riders might well lack the knowledge, equipment and skills to commute safely. He wanted the Commissioners to consider this issue and what they might do to address it. Maps and Signs Burnham presented the draft map he had been working on, which was modeled largely on one prepared by the City of Corvallis. He indicated that he hoped this information and format could be incorporated into a larger map encompassing the entire county. Stanke noted that she was looking at updating the county's map, and that it might be a primarily web -based product with only a limited number of printed copies to be produced. She suggested that the web maps might be printable for each community in the valley, and that the printed copies could then be placed side by side for a view of the county as a whole. New Business Sommer noted that she would be absent in September. Agenda Items for Next Month None mentioned. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. 2008-0821 Bike & Ped minutes Page 5 of'5 Page 1 of 1 Derek Severson - Traffic Safety support on bollard removal WIIIOIIOIV�%OION 4N0i��1�Y01Y UNgiVNNW!VVIVOIOIOIIIIIIIIIIMVfIu�V�6ti'�'IWI:�1 I�jMi�NI�Vi�OVV'�tl6'V J�V�,d'�IJ I ONNOl010UN010WNW�VNUUVNONWM�NW�GIPNW�O'MV N'tltlVoVMl1gNfitlU ��V'N�b'V MIJNVitl'Nyi1Ml�& From: steve ryan <resolutionvideo@yahoo.com> To: <dereks@ashland.or.us>, <davidchapman@ashlandhome.net>, <ashland@azeotech.com>, <kate@council.ashland.or.us>, Tom and Nancy Burnham <ntburnham@gmail.com>, <dyoung@jeffnet.org>, <colin@mind.net>, <olneyjt@mind.net>, <juliasommer@yahoo. com> Date: 8/29/2008 12:07 PM Subject: Traffic Safety support on bollard removal Commissioners, good news: the Traffic Safety Commission took decisive action last night supporting our resolution to remove the bollards from the Ashland bike path --instead of waiting for Public Works to bring them the item for approval, TSC voted unanimously to direct PW to remove the bollards without delay. Thanks to the TSC for fast action reducing hazards and acting on an initiative that came from the general public. TSC also asked me to notify you that they will be looking at Ashland skateboarding ordinances at their next meeting, and to ask for your recommendations and any concerns you may have on that issue. Mr. Severson, please reserve an agenda item at the next Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission regarding the TSC's potential revision of Ashland skateboarding ordinances. Thank you for your attention to this matter and thanks also to the TSC, it's very encouraging to see our commissions working together for the safer Ashland we all want to live in. Mr. Swayles, please forward my appreciation to your Commission -- Have a great weekend, Steve Ryan file://C:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW}000O1.HTM 9/2/2008 Page 1 of 2 Derek Severson - CFD's two -week Commuter Challenge u�roix�r��wuui�u�wMiumo�rmv�i�a�mi�li�nmu�!��usi�rs�wwtinaquu¢�rua�u�r;�qw�✓ru,�si�ou�rs�x�rn�rta�r�u��mu+U�+miwt�uu°�m�rra�u�u�!wry,��m�rervmna�mau�i�m�imc�msou�r�r�iwru�m�romr��ammm�n�mmrmrurrwroaiimrmrm�aim�iaar�m�!��i�auma��oimmmwm�mmfiu�m�mwrumi�r�uN rvw��uww�w�rr�u�a��maa�w�wwu✓�ue From: Tracy Harding <reclamation@riseup.net> To: Tracy Harding <reclamation@riseup.net> Date: 9/10/2008 5:56 AM Subject: CFD's two -week Commuter Challenge CC: Kat Smith <katsmith78@hotmail.com>, Steve Ryan <resolutionvideo@yahoo.com> Hello Friends, Below you will find a pitch for your participation in a 2 week conversion of single occupancy vehicle miles to other modes. Most of you are already doing this, so I would understand your passing on the CFD Commuter Challenge. But I am hoping you'll read on and consider committing as an inspiration to others. My Car Free Day co -organizers and I are hoping to reach beyond our annual celebration for those of us already driving as little as possible to folks who need more nudging and understanding. We feel there are many incentives these days for folks to consider ditching their car, we are hoping a long list of Commuter Challenge participants will help inspire greater impacts. We would like to continue promoting this with the addition of a list of participants already signed on. The record keeping can be loose and very minimal hassle. I'd love to see a list with y'all on itl! Please take this to your people and sign up! Promote your business/organization. Signing up as individuals/families is equally acceptable! DRAFT 2008 Car Free Day commuter Challenge Participants: Klamath Siskiyou Wildiands Center John Muir School staff & families Ashland Community Bike Program Ashland School Board Ashland Sanitary & Recycling office staff Ashland City Council City of Ashland Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission City of Ashland Conservation Commission City of Ashland Conservation Division North Mountain Park Nature Center staff Promote Conservation With Sustainable Transportation This September The City of Ashland and the Rogue Valley Transportation District are sponsoring several events promoting sustainable transportation this September. This is a great chance for local employers, merchants, civic groups, and individuals to show off the commitment you make to a cleaner, healthier community every day. Ashland has celebrated International Car Free Day for several years now, and this year's kickoff event will take place Monday, September 22 with a block party on Oak Street from 4-7 file://C:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW100001.HTM 9/10/2008 Page 2 of 2 p.m. The Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) will continue a week of commuter appreciation events centered around public transportation, Try Transit Week. New this year is a two -week Commuter Challenge, where Ashland residents, workers, and individuals can join together to reduce emissions, congestion, and resource depletion. The Commuter Challenge encourages commuters to rideshare, bike, walk or take public transportation. Participants log miles commuted by any mode other than the single -driver car. At the end of the two weeks, the City will recognize participants with a ceremony announcing total miles reduced, with awards in a number of categories. This is a great way to showcase the commitment your workforce, sports team or family makes to a cleaner, safer Ashland every day. All you have to do is write down the miles you walked, biked, kayaked, or roller skated instead of driving alone (a sample tally sheet is available at irvid .sing. under "What's Happening At RVTD"). Then email us the total or bring your tally sheet to the closing First Friday Art Walk event on A St. in the Nuwandart / Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library parking lot Oct. 6, 5:30-7 p.m. Please consider pledging a Commuter Challenge team. The time investment is minimal for a great return promoting your green contribution. Merchants can donate prizes and refreshments for commuters, and everyone is invited to join us for these participatory events. Please contact Kat Smith, TDM Coordinator, RVTD at 608-2423, I ,. si uth( rytd„oirg for Try Transit Week information, or Steve Ryan, Car Free Day Committee, 951-1409, ash Ilain airfr ed y _ gma I _ co inn to sign on to the Commuter Challenge by September 18! Thank you, Steve Ryan Kat Smith Tracy Harding City of Ashland's Car Free Day Committee file://C:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW}00001.HTM 9/10/2008 Ashland Car Free Day Committee Ashland, Oregon July 17, 2008 Dear Ashland Businesses, Employers and Associations: We are writing to encourage your participation for a series of events starting with the Ashland International Car Free Day on September 22. Two new programs this year are the City of Ashland's Commuter Challenge and Rogue Valley Transportation District's Try Transit Week. This is a great opportunity to showcase the effort your workforce, civic group or family makes to a healthier community every day. Organizers are coordinating the various activities of this two -week event, and there are five ways you can help: 1) Participate in the Commuter Challenge 2) Donate services or merchandise as prizes for commuter recognition 3) Donate marketing services or merchandise for outreach and promotion 4) Participate in the Merchant Commuter Refreshment Challenge 5) And of course we always need volunteers O Please see over for more details for both the Commuter Challenge and Rogue Valley Transportation District's Try Transit Week. Contact one of the committee members listed below by August 30 and let us know how you can help. Thank you in advance for your response and assistance as we work towards building momentum of this important community event. Sincerely, Car Free Day Committee Kat Smith, TDM Coordinator, RVTD Steve Ryan, Car Free Day Committee CITY OF -ASHLAND 608-2423 k.smith@rvtd.org 951-1409 resolutionvideo@yahoo.com International Car Free Day and Try Transit Week September 22 — 26 Participation Opportunities Commuter Challenge Commuter Challenges are held throughout the world to encourage commuting by bicycle, walking, public transportation, or the mode of your choice other than the single -driver auto. We will set up a database where employers and workers can log miles commuted for two weeks. This will require minimal time commitment on or off the clock. Paper forms will also be available. We will then collect the data and recognize teams and individuals for different categories after the Commuter Challenge is complete. This is a great way to promote the green contribution your company, sports team, civic group, or family makes to our community every day. Please consider participating in the Ashland Commuter Challenge: the competition is not really between teams, but with pollution, sprawl, and resource depletion that affects us all. Contact your organizer to pledge your team today. Donations for Prizes and Promotion We will gratefully accept any donations as prizes for our commuters, from gift certificates to merchandise, even if your business doesn't normally target sustainable commuters (although it is a significant and growing market). Prizes will go to commuters who logged the most miles, individually and in groups; to the workforce with the highest participation rate, highest miles per capita, and/or other categories. There are also a number of services and supplies that will increase our ability to outreach and promote the event, as we are doing this on a minimal budget. Marketing Needs The organizing group needs supplies for the event: • Printing services for posters and outreach • Advertising spots in local media and publications • Informational tabling from groups and organizations • Grassroots promotion and outreach to your organization or neighborhood Merchant Commuter Refreshment Challenge We are interested in building a "commuter trail" where Commuter Challenge participants can stop and redeem a coupon for a small refreshment of your invigorating product. This will be a great way to build customer loyalty and target new market share for a very low investment. We will publish the list of refreshment stops to employers and individuals who participate in the Challenge, and you will receive exposure to new consumers who will bring their friends and family back because they know you share their community values. Please consider donating refreshments for commuters during this two -week event. Promote Conservation With Sustainable Transportation This September The City of Ashland and the Rogue Valley Transportation District are sponsoring several events promoting sustainable transportation this September. This is a great chance for local employers, merchants, civic groups, and individuals to show off the commitment you make to a cleaner, healthier community every day. Ashland has celebrated International Car Free Day for several years now, and this year's event will take place Monday, September 22 with a block party on Oak Street from 4-7 p.m. The Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) will continue a week of commuter appreciation events centered around public transportation, Try Transit Week. New this year is a two -week Commuter Challenge, where Ashland residents, workers, and individuals can join together to reduce emissions, congestion, and resource depletion. The Commuter Challenge encourages commuters to rideshare, bike, walk or take public transportation to work. Participants log miles commuted by any mode other than the single -driver car, on a Web page or paper tally. At the end of the two weeks, the City will recognize participants with a ceremony announcing total miles reduced, with awards in a number of categories. This is a great way to showcase the commitment your workforce, sports team or family makes to a cleaner, safer Ashland every day. Please consider pledging a Commuter Challenge team. The time investment is minimal for a great return promoting your green contribution. Merchants can donate prizes and refreshments for commuters, and everyone is invited to join us for these participatory events. Please contact Kat Smith, TDM Coordinator, RVTD at 608-2423, k.smith0)rvtd.org for Try Transit Week information, or Steve Ryan, Car Free Day Committee, 951-1409, resolutionvideo(cyahoo.com to sign on to the Commuter Challenge by September 10. By Steve Ryan July 18, 2008 951 1409 Try Transit Week Sat. Sept. 19 Interactive Bus Tour FREE 25 minute bus ride in 7 Cities; learn how to ride with style and get ready for the Commuter Challenge Ashland Grower's Market 9:30am? Mon. Sept. 22 Customer Appreciation Day: Ride the bus for FREE Ashland's Car Free Day Commuter Challenge Kick-off Tues. Sept. 23 Driver and Bicycle/Sk8board Appreciation Day Event @ Front St. Station Wed. Sept. 24 Park & Ride/Rideshare Appreciation Day People Powered Stations at all P & R locations and @ the temporary one at Safeway on Siskiyou Blvd Thurs. Sept. 25 Seniors and Students ages (10-17) ride for FREE Fri. Sept. 26 Pedestrian Appreciation Day Event @ Front St. Station s o� a�oo n CL 3 n n a)N n C n (CD O O 3 cD v cD 3 c N c =r O. - o _�' (a CD O cn CD n X 'p c _ =r C `.� O `� (n co' (D N O ncnz? �' � O CD cn N O C (ND O CD (n F. N Z L O CD CD CD � 0 rD C rD Mi a r) =r rD rD It 01 N O Gkw O � CD CD o e CD O A+ A 0 8 ��m A O rt SL fin`-hr � C O �Vb a R Clb 11 co M C% cb C N o �_ ct S O r ml 5' 6" O S (lb S) SL a �' 0 (D A coo ca ct SZ nP —. SJ 00 C% j cfi 6' A S' C% r 91" CyD go C 'O O a G_ O C G p CD CCD On O CCD < '. CD Cc) - rA CD P O CD �-t Uq � CD CD 0 � S OS cue Cb S Cb � f/1 c OS S ? S fi � I Cb ce ct s R ;S, a a i ob Ct ct 0 � Cqb CS CS a O a S? a SZ a O V C cr "S O c- ce ce C% Qqo o• c-• Ste" c(e C9 Vie F c- Ce a A a z v,' s C c9 < ceCt a rn 0 R Ccz> Cb OOCD � a CK /�:$ R i"r C a ~� r- CO CS:Cb �+ CD fi 6" Derek Severson - Re�FW: Cycle Session Thursday Oct. 2, 2008 6:30pm Page 1 From: Derek Severson To: Derek Severson Subject: Re: FW: Cycle Session Thursday Oct. 2, 2008 6:30pm Re: Cycle Session Thursday Oct. 2, 2008 6:30pm Hello to all you bike educators, instructors, coordinators, enthusiasts, advocates, etc :) You're invited to an informational and introduction gathering at Bill Heimann's house at 647 Siskiyou Blvd. in Ashland (482-1497) on Thursday Oct. 2, 2008 at 6:30pm!! Please bring an appetizer to share. We'd like to hear more about the bike -friendly projects you're working on and how we can collaborate to spread the bike love:) If you have any questions please feel freet contact me. And if I've missed someone please pass this on!! Thanks much, Kat Smith Transportation Options Coordinator, RVTD 541.608.2423 or 541.326.7517 "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride." I:')e ok 13"eveirson News IR6= -.,ase re: New Scho6 Zone From: Ann Seltzer To: All Users Date: 9/2/08 2:54:18 PM Subject: News Release re: New School Zone FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE DATE: September 2, 2008 CONTACT: Karl Johnson, Engineer City of Ashland 488-5587 New School Zone Due to construction at Belleview Elementary School, some classes will occur at the Rivergate Church at 188 Garfield Street during the upcoming school year. City crews have taken steps to designate the area as a school zone. The School Zone is in effect between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. On Iowa Street, between Lincoln Street and California Street and on Garfield between Siskiyou Boulevard and East Main the speed limit is now 20 mph. In addition, crosswalk markings have been painted on Garfield Street at Iowa Street and School Zone signs have been installed in the area. State law requires that school zones are designated and clearly visible to the public. The current School Zone signage and crosswalks on Tolman Creek Road and Siskiyou boulevard will be removed. For more information about the school zone call City of Ashland Public Works at 488-5347. For information about Bellview School call Ashland School District at 482-2811. (end) City Hall 20 East Main Street Ashland, OR 541-552-2106 Page 1 of 1 Derek Severson - Yield sign on bikepath From: Julia Sommer <juliasommer@yahoo.com> To: Derek Severson <dereks@ashland.or.us>, David Young <dyoung@jeffnet.org>, Steve Ryan <resolutionvideo@yahoo.com>, Kate Jackson <katejackson@opendoor.com>, Jim Olney <olneyjt@mind.net>, Tom Burnham <ntburnham@gmail.com> Date: 8/27/2008 1:57 PM Subject: Yield sign on bikepath CC: Sarah Breckenridge <sarahbbreckenridge@yahoo.com> Dear Derek & Commissioners: At the last Bike & Ped Commission meeting, I mentioned my friend who was in a head-on collision on the central bikepath where it intersects with the bike path entering from A and 8th St. Her wrist was very badly broken and she's had surgery. The other biker is OK. Since then, I almost had the identical accident for the same reason: bikers enter the bikepath from A & 8th WAY too fast, without being able to see who's coming from the right. My friend has since heard of several bike -on -bike accidents happening at this intersection. What we need, I think, is a big YIELD sign for bikers entering the bikepath from A & 8th. I won't be at the next meeting, and wonder if there's anything I can do, before leaving town Sept. 14, to get such a sign put up? Even something temporary? Julia file://C:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW}0000l.HTM 9/5/2008 Derek Severson - RE: Siskiyou Safety Items Page 1 From: Derek Severson To: Eve Woods Date: 9/8/08 9:01:45 AM Subject: RE: Siskiyou Safety Items Eve, In terms of the title, I think it would be fair to say that you are representing the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission and/or the Ad Hoc Siskiyou Safety Committee. You've discussed tabling at the meetings and both groups have encouraged these efforts. I also think the Siskiyou Safety Program or just Siskiyou Safety would be fine - I don't think an official name is necessary. Both Bike & Ped and the Siskiyou Safety Ad Hoc Committee would like to see details of what you are doing - the brochures and etc. that are being distributed. For Car Free Day, you may want to say you represent Bike & Ped - the table coverage there is sometimes spread pretty thin, and if you say you are representing the Bike & Ped Commission it would probably help ensure coverage by combining more than one item at the table. As the SOU Student Liaison, I think its appropriate to discuss things you do besides Bike & Ped in the same area of focus - that's exactly the intent of the liaison relationship. I'd just be clear about distinctions, i.e. not representing something as a Bike & Ped program if it's not, which I don't think you'd do. (For instance "The Bike & Ped Commission doesn't have a program that addresses that/hasn't discussed that yet, but as the SOU Liaison to the Commission, I also work with a group on campus that has....") I can email the Bike & Ped group and ask Nancy to do the same for Traffic Safety and the Ad Hoc Committee to try to recruit people to help you with tabling. Besides Car Free Day, what are the dates and times that you need help? Nancy was looking into whether SOU would help with the cost of some promotional items. We could also make requests to Bike & Ped and Traffic Safety, but we'd need to know details (what's being purchased, at what cost) and they couldn't make a decision or commit funds until their regularly scheduled meetings. I believe Jim Olson was looking into the possibity of getting a sample of the new light for your table, and I'll be working on some safety brochure language. As far as what to accomplish, I think what you said at the last Bike & Ped meeting was right on - that you are promoting personal safety and trying to make students aware of their responsibility to that end. They need to know that something as simple as stopping, checking traffic before crossing, and maintaining eye contact with approaching drivers as they cross could save their lives... And from the Ad Hoc Committee perspective, pedestrians need to know that the lights to be installed aren't a crosswalk, they are a beacon to make drivers aware of the pedestrian's intent to cross - pedestrians will still have a responsibility to cross safely. I'll include a request for tabling assistance and a request for funds to pay for promotional materials on the agenda for next week's meeting. Derek Severson, Associate Planner City of Ashland Planning Division 51 Winburn Way Ashland, OR 97520 e-mail: SeversoD@ashland.or.us Phone: (541) 552-2040 Fax: (541) 552-2050 TTY: 1-800-735-2900 Derek Severson - RE: Siskiyou Safety Items Page 2 This email is official business of the City of Ashland, and it is subject to Oregon public records law for disclosure and retention. If you have received this message in error, please let me know at (541) 552-2040. Thank you. >>> Eve Woods <eve_woods@hotmail.com> 09/05/08 7:37 PM >>> Hi Derek, wanted to know what I should officially title the group that I represent while tabling over the next few months. I call the education program I started "The Siskiyou Safety Program". Can I just say that or should I have an official name? Perhaps I should say the Bike and Pedestrian Commission? However, at tabling I don't just talk about the stuff we do as Bike and Ped. I talk about all safety programs that I am a member of. I need to tell Tracy H. who my table represents at the Car Free Day. Then I will also have to talk with Ryan Green to verify my reservations at SOU. Will I have anyone helping me table from the Bike and Ped Commission, Traffic Safety, and/or the Adhoc Committee? I am currently recruiting some new students to help out. Plus I just sent a mass e-mail to students that have helped in the past. I hope to get some positive results. I am fearful that no one is back from summer break yet. So right now I am just preparing. I will need to know what the Adhoc Committee as well as Bike and Ped want me to have at my table. I already have lots of brochures. I can never have enough of those. I would love a sample of the new cross walk lights on my table. Of course promotional items are great, but cost $$. Can I request some of our funds to buy promotional items; bottles of water, pens, buttons, stickers, etc.? Please feel free to share your thoughts on what you would like me to accomplish while tabling. Have a wonderful weekend! Eve Woods (541) 773-8515 eve woods(a)hotmail.com CC: Nancy Slocum Page 1 of 1 Derek Severson - BFC Feedback N�VGY6i8�YbflC�OY�R"a",JY.�W'OX�7IIgNI AXIVV�V'CVViRWl4N�ullYfl9l�il�q'�UbG�I'�MUIW��IIfifi�VVMMM'�MIQ�UVW�N�b'N,M�'m1N�YVPl1�6tlN4IFi�o'ft��VIWe4�'Ji11P?VW4'fI�WIV�iVNI!VPIu1VV�"JbP�A�"dfV�fl�10flVPoNPoV�A',�"�&'NNS��'"AWE'£1VUIfiI�ii6S�1�1�1�Ifl�f1�Wei�Y�I�NM�'P'��l�A�V�l�llfltl9lNI��P�W�@ i ';i�pGfl#Yd'�i�I��IP� �, WMf�M%�!MP�I'�iV�"bG r�'�kr From: 'Bill Nesper" <BillNesper@bikeleague.org> To: <seversod@ashland.or.us> Date: 8/4/2008 1:03 PM Subject: BFC Feedback Mr. Severson, Good afternoon. It just became apparent that you may not have received the feedback from the last BFC review. I apologize for the delay. I made a PDF of the feedback and attached it to this email. Please do keep up all of the great work and let us know if we can assist in any way! Thanks again for all of your efforts. Also, please look at your community page and let us know if you have any comments. We want to make sure we are getting it right and showing off the stuff you are most proud of. h.tti.;JJ w...... Ibik-eeagu,u. vQrgffirpgra rp J� i� i aii�NtQ sjQ f shQaiP ��.y. We are working on improved web tools now that will make your renewal process easier and your community page more interactive. More new to come soon. Best regards, III Bill Nesper Director, Bicycle Friendly Community Program League of American Bicyclists 1612 K St. N.W., Suite #800 Washington, DC 20006 D: 202-621-5444 F: 202-822-1334 I��Q.d..�.��.G.pc....I.I. ag�u ,or w.w.w. Miele uu . rg file://CADocuments and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW}000O1.HTM 8/4/2008 too=�of .' ejio mkwasft .riendly Cornrrmnity Derek. Severson Associate Planner 51 Winburn Way Ashland, OR. 97520 Dear Derek. LEAGUE OF A,Mll:.RIICAN MCYCLIISTS 1612 K St, MAI, SuRe 800 WasHnqton, DC 20006 2850 MBSM.. www.)icycefrGeiiiiclBycDnnryoq.urroii y,og II::n AH.. lt)ikeagLje@li:)ikeeaguie,og PHONE 20M22.1333 R:Px 202,822,1334 (.'onj.'�raftflations to Ashlan(l on receng the [3icycle Friendly Community designation at the Bronze level, Asa renewing BFC you know, the award is presented only to comM.Unifies with remarkable commitments to bicycling. I have enclosed your award certificate. You will be receiving the feedback compiled from the review of the al3l.flication as well as a new BFC si-n slmdlV.TIIc zwc'anual uvill Vw currCT'It I'or R)ur years so your designation will be up for renc\�qnj M�iy oQ'M 12, At diat ))(IiM community will be reevaluated so we urge you W'11'1'alw �'Isrnany �111q)I-ovcnli (nit S as possit"fle, in the meantime! We will be sending a request to you nexl Veal. liar' an updR :oc on pro,�"N]-Css in flic, commun.ity a,,., well, if you would like to order additional Bicycle Friendly ornmunity road signs, please corn.plete the enclosed order form and return it to the I.xague. Once again, congratulations on your efforts to create a community that is truly bicycle ftiendly. Sincerely, Bill. Nesper 13irector, Bicycle Friendly Comi-yrunity Program League oft mi,erlc;ann Bicyclists 11w 202-621-544-4. j?HI M. .i.....k.e........lc.'m'.ue0-.11. Enclosures: Sign order ffirrn BFC Award Certificate s N O � N (u Q � N � N 00 C: O O N m � m O w40 Bicycle'Friendly� Community Feedback on Ashland's application to be designated a Bicycle Friendly Community The League of American Bicyclists has designated Ashland once again as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the bronze level. Reviewers were again impressed with the continuing potential and commitment to make Ashland a great place, for bicyclists. This is especially demonstrated in the community's education efforts. Some of the highlights of the application included the new liaison to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission, increased number of League Cycling Instructors, the good percentage of bicycle commuters, and the expansion of educational efforts and Ashland's Car Free Day celebration. The BFC review team expects great things in the future given the good local support from advocates and government as well as the coming improvements to the network and programs. The most significant measures the city should take to improve cycling in the community are: Adopt a Complete Streets policy. Every street should accommodate bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists and transit users of all abilities and ages. httg://www.comlr➢etestreets.or/ Create and fully implement a comprehensive bike plan with attention to creating connections to current facilities and/or to corridors in most need for facilities (N. Main St. for example). +� Create encouragement efforts and events during National Bike Month and National Bike to Work Week. Have the Mayor and/or the City Council proclaim May as Bike Month. Reviewers provided the following suggestions to further promote bicycling: Engineering • Promote the bicycle and pedestrian coordinator to a fulltime position would greatly increase the amount of work that can get done in the community. Increase the number of arterial streets that have wide shoulder or bike lanes. Continue to expand the bicycle network and increase network connectivity through the use of bike lanes, shared lane arrows and signed routes. On -street improvements coupled with the expansion of the off-street system will continue to increase use and improve safety. These improvements will also increase the effectiveness of encouragement efforts by providing a broader range of facility choices for users of various abilities and comfort levels. Ensure that new and improved facilities to accommodate bicyclists conform to current best practices and guidelines — such as the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. Provide opportunities for ongoing training on accommodating bicyclists for engineering, planning staff, and law enforcement. Consider hosting a BikeEd course for city staff to better understand cyclists' needs, behavior, and their right to use city streets as well as multi -use paths for transportation. Also consider a membership to the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals www.apbp.org for city Bicycle and Pedestrian Staff. Training opportunities and the listsery provided by this organization are excellent resources. Continue to increase the amount of secure bicycle parking throughout the community — in addition implement a regulation that requires bike parking. See Madison, Wisconsin's Bicycle Parking Ordinance and guidelines for choosing racks at www.cityofmadison.com/trafficEngineering/bicyclingParkin2.cfm Funding is available -- The Chicago DOT used a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to provide indoor bike parking in Loop offices and parking garages. For more information on this project see http://www,chicagoareap)I]Aanniin2.or2/cmaci/default.asp * Continue to improve the access to public lands for mountain bicyclists as well as the connectivity of the bicycle network to these open spaces. Work with local mountain bike advocates to promote a `ride to the ride' campaign. Education Improve the reach of the community's bicycle safety campaigns. Use valuable information from the League's Ride Better Tips in your outreach education and encouragement efforts. See the Ride Better Tips pages at tt ://www.bi eleag e.org/resources/better/i e: . , PSA's http://www.bikeleague.org/programs[bikemonth/psias. and the downloadable Bicycle Safety Tips for Adults video at httl2://www.bikeleague.or2/t)ro2rams/education/shortversion.wmv 0 Continue to expand public education campaigns to promote the share the road message and the rights and responsibilities of all users. There are some new tools for you to use. See a new motorist education video at http://bieli.org/video/index.htm It is vital to make motorists and cyclists aware of their rights and responsibilities on the road. Also, use the valuable information from the League's Ride Better Tips in your outreach education and encouragement efforts. See the Ride Better Tips pages at httpe//www,bikelea sue,orglresources/f�etter/index.php. Work to get bicycling and motorist education messages added to routine local activities such as tax renewal, drivers licensing and testing, or inserts with utility bills. Implement a Safe Routes to School program that includes bicycling and encourage all schools to get involved. In Arlington, Virginia every school in the County was visited by a team with representatives from Department of Public Works, the Police and Schools to access conditions for walking and biking to each school. A list of problems and solutions was developed measures were identified to address problems. Short-term projects such as painting crosswalks were done right away while larger construction projects are on -going. Funding is available in the federal transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU, among several other sources at both the federal and state levels. See www.saferoutesinfo.orc for more information. Encouragement Encourage local businesses to promote cycling to the workplace. During Bike to Work Week set up a commuter challenge or bike to work pit stop. For more information on encouragement ideas please visit htip.L//www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/tech.htm 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. • Consider passing an ordinance or local code that would require larger employers to provide bicycle parking, shower facilities, and other encouragement tools to expand on the residential bike parking ordinance. The city could be the model employer for the rest of the community. • Develop a series of short (2-5 mi.) loops rides around the community and provide appropriate way -finding signage. Integrate these rides into local bike map. • Increase the amount of way -finding signage around the community. • Set up community celebrations and/or rides each time the community completes a new bicycling related project. This is a great way to show off the city's good efforts and introduces new users to the improvement. Enforcement Ensure that police officers are aware of the Share the Road message and have general knowledge regarding traffic law as it applies to bicyclists. Host Enforcement for Bicycle Safety seminar htt�e/lwww,bicyclefriendl community,or /tiot�up/enforcement.htm. This is a great continuing education opportunity for law enforcement. Encourage police officers to use targeted enforcement to encourage motorists and cyclists to share the road. This could be in the form of a brochure or tip card explaining each user's rights and responsibilities. See the video put out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)hgpa//www.n tsa.dot. ov/ Qrtal/site/n tsa/ enuitem.810acaee5Oc65m1m 1. 89ca8e410dba046,a,0/ Here are some Law Enforcement Products Law Enforcement's Roll Call Video. "Enforcing -Law for Bicyclists" Enhancin Bicycle Safet a Law Enforcement's Role (�I)-R®1�I Training? Evaluation/Planning Work to improve data collection methods on bicycle usage and crash statistics and evaluation of this data to produce a specific plan to reduce the number of crashes in the community. • Work with mountain biking community to develop a comprehensive plan for off - road access and increase opportunities for single-track riding within the city. • Work to integrate the development of the cycling network into larger land use planning and development projects and plans. About APBP Founded in 1995, the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals promotes excellence in the emerging professional discipline of pedestrian and bicycle transportation. Our members include leaders in the engineering, planning, landscape architecture, safety and promotion fields who specialize in improving conditions for bicycling and walking. They work for federal, state, regional and local government; consulting firms; non-profit organizations and the media. The association also welcomes academics, students and professional advocates who are committed to making bicycling and walking viable transportation options in the United States. An Emerging Profession Fifteen years ago there simply weren't enough people working in this field to make such an association possible. During the 1990s, however, thousands of transportation and recreation professionals, safety experts, police departments, academics, and students have worked on projects to improve conditions for bicycling and walking in communities throughout the United States. Thanks to TEA-21, the National Bicycling and Walking Study, booming bicycle sales and a resurgence in the popularity and acceptability of walking, there are hundreds of bicycle and pedestrian coordinators, planners, and engineers, bicycle safety instructors, cops on bikes, trail managers and others who work every day to make bicycling and walking safer and more convenient for us all. New techniques, such as traffic calming, and the growing interest in livable communities will keep that number rising. And while there are user groups, advocacy organizations and numerous professional organizations for planners or engineers, no independent professional group existed for professionals interested in sharing best practices, exchange ideas and techniques, and promoting excellence in the emerging field of bicycle and pedestrian transportation. Until APBP. APBP In Action APBP has already had a positive impact on the pedestrian and bicycle transportation field. We have: • Published "Improving Conditions for Bicycling and Walking: A Best Practices Report" with Rails -to -Trails Conservancy and Federal Highway Administration. • Given members a powerful networking tool: The APBP Membership Directory. • Worked to include bicycle and pedestrian provisions in the TEA-21 safety program. • Created a one -day training course to bring bicycle and pedestrian professionals up-to-date with the very latest technical information: the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, the MUTCD, TEA-21, and the UVC. • Organized a Professional Development Seminar series to bring together members and colleagues to learn about and discuss critical technical issues. • More information about these and other activities are available in the APBP newsletter, available to members. APBP TRAINING COURSES To share our expertise in sustainable transportation, APBP offers many training and professional development opportunities taught by our members. These opportunities include Professional Development Seminars before, during and after the Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference in Seattle, Wash., September 2 - 6, 2008. • Real Intersection Design: Get RID of Rhetoric, September 2, 2008: The Real Intersection Design workshop trains professionals to focus more pragmatically on the complex issues in redesigning an existing problematic intersection from the perspective of six street user groups: walkers, wheelchair users, transit riders, bicyclists, drivers, and walkers with limited vision. Conference registration is not required to attend this one -day pre -conference workshop. Planners and engineers can earn seven continuing education credits. Click here for more information or to register for this workshop by August 15. After August 15, contact us for availability. • During the 2008 Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference: APBP has identified special Professional Development Seminar Series workshops that are part of the regular conference program. We selected these particular sessions for the complexity of their topics (requiring advanced knowledge/experience to understand) and to identify emerging trends. All of the conference workshops will present very important information. Let your own interest and training needs be your guide. • Designing Pedestrian Facilities for Accessibility, September 6, 2008: The newly updated course includes both classroom and field work designed to increase your understanding of Public Right -of -Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and FHWA ADA policies. Topics include legal policies, sidewalk design, crossings, intersections, curb ramps, construction, maintenance, pedestrian signals, and temporary traffic control. The DPFA course was developed collaboratively with the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Access Board. Conference registration is not required to attend this full -day, post -conference workshop. Eight APA CM law credits are available; planners and engineers can earn seven continuing education credits. Click here to register for this workshop by August 15. After August 15, contact us for availability. APBP offers continuing professional development through webinars, courses and workshops. • Professional Development Webinar Series: APBP and the National Center for Bicycling & Walking (NCBW) sponsor a monthly one -hour webinar series on cutting edge issues and topics. These webinars bring nationally -recognized experts to your desktop or your meeting room for group attendance. Click here to register for the next webinar. All webinars take place at 3:00 p.m. Eastern time. Topics and dates for the rest of 2008: September 17: Ask an Engineer (One APA Certification Maintenance credit) October 15: What's in the new AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities? November 19: APBP Idol: The Best from Pro Walk/Pro Bike 2008 December 17: APBP Idol: More of the Best from Pro Walk/Pro Bike 2008 • Designing Pedestrian Facilities for Accessibility: The newly updated course includes both classroom and field work designed to increase your understanding of Public Right -of -Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and FHWA ADA policies. Topics include legal policies, sidewalk design, crossings, intersections, curb ramps, construction, maintenance, pedestrian signals, and temporary traffic control. The DPFA course was developed collaboratively with the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Access Board. • National Complete Streets Policy Development Workshop: This one -day interactive workshop helps state and local agencies develop effective policies to routinely create "complete" streets. In a collaborative process, participants review existing policies and internal procedures and work together to start to create a complete streets policy customized to the community, region or state. This workshop was developed by the National Complete Streets Coalition and APBP. • National Complete Streets Policy Implementation Workshop: Participants in this one -day interactive workshop use a hands-on exercise based on a local street to learn a new six -step decision -making process for routinely including and balancing the needs of all users. Workshop participants also learn about the four steps to complete streets implementation and assess how well existing policy and implementation compare to an ideal complete streets policy. This workshop was developed by the National Complete Streets Coalition and APBP. Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) Paymentor et - New Member Application APBP, P.O. Box 93, Cedarbur, W13012 el,r join@apbp.org • P: 262-228-7025 • F: 866-720-3611 MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR INDIVIDUALS MEMBER NAME $ Professional Member ($95) - Government employees, private and/or independent consultants and vendors. $ Advocate Member ( $75) - Staff and volunteers of bicycle and pedestrian -oriented advocacy groups. Student Member (30) -Students in engineering, planning, landscape architecture, urban design, safety and promotion, health, law enforcement and other related curricula. $ Retired Member ( 30) - Retired professionals interested in mentoring the next generation. PAYMENT IN NON-U.S. CURRENCY $ Add $25 processing fee for checks issued in other than U.S. currency. $ TOTAL DUE METHOD OF PAYMENT ❑ Check or money order payable to APBP is enclosed. ❑ Government PO # (include a copy of the PO) ❑ Credit Card* We recommend that you do not e-mail credit card information, as this method of transmission is not secure. Please fax us at (866) 720-3611 or call Deb Goeks, APBP Member Services, at (262) 228-7025 to pay by phone. (circle one) Visa MasterCard Card # American Express Expiration Date V Code** **(Visa, MC users: 3 digit # on back of card, Am. Ex. Users: 4 digit # on front of card) Cardholder name (as it appears on card) Card billing address, zip (if different than member mailing address) ❑ Please e-mail the receipt to an e-mail address other than the one listed in the member profile: PRIVACY STATEMENT understand that by providing the fax number and e-mail address above, I hereby consent to receive faxes, e-mail messages and mail sent by or on behalf of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP). SIGNATURE: DATE: Thank you for your membership! Upon completion, return this worksheet and application form with payment by mail, fax or e-mail. www.apbp.org Revised 08111108 Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) V. NEW MEMBER APPLICATION APBP, P.O. Box 93, Cedarburg, WI 53012 join@apbp.org - P: 262-228-7025 - F: 866-720-3611 Don't miss this opportunity to join the only professional association dedicated to designing, building and advocating bicycle and pedestrian transportation. We welcome everyone who works toward a better world for bicyclists and pedestrians. Please help us begin to serve you by completing this new member profile and payment worksheet, NEW MEMBER PROFILE Membership Year 12-month period Member Response (Circle, highlight and/or type) Have you ever been a member of APBP? yes no Title Mr. Ms Dr. Mrs. Miss Prof First name ------- Middle initial (optional) Last name Certification/Degree (optional) Use onl if ou wish to list this information afterour name (it ................ .. ------- Job title/Position Name of Agency/Business/University/ Organization/Retired Mailing address 1-1 work_ personal City State Zip Code Country (if not USA) Phone F- work E personal Phone extension Fax '_1 work -i personal E-mail Would you like to participate in the ListServe? . . ....... . . . ...... yes no If yes, choose a format, There will be more information on this choice in your welcome letter. The Digest (one daily e-mail) As Posted (multiple e-mails) default choice is As Posted".. List ListServe e-mail addresses You may have more than one e-mail address subscribed to the ListServe. Web site Member type Professional Advocate Student Retired Workplace description Public Private University/ RetiredT__ Public Pri ate Non -Profit :A �qe C n:c y Co an Student Referred by (optional) www.apbp.org Revised 08111108 New bike commuters hit the classroom, then the road I csmonitor.com Pagel of 3 New bike commuters hit the classroom, then the road The rush of new cyclists, created by high gas prices, is driving up demand for bike safety classes. By Ben Arnoldy I Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor from the August 25, 2008 edition San Francisco - Like many Americans, Tara Collins hadn't bicycled much since middle school. That changed this year when she started paying $50 to fill up her gas tank. Since early July Ms. Collins has been biking to her job in San Francisco. Now she's sitting in Bert Hill's bicycle safety course — along with 31 others — after a close shave with a van. "When that happened I thought, 'Wow, there probably are things I could learn about safety,' " says Ms. Collins. "I haven't been on a bike in years, and even when I did, it wasn't in traffic." The high price of gas is creating a surge in bicycle commuting across the country, not just in West Coast cities but in places like Louisville, Ky., and Charlotte, N.C. The rush of newbies has triggered tensions with drivers unaccustomed to sharing the road, and driven cyclists to seek out traffic training. "I'm getting hammered by mayors asking, 'What are you doing about all these new bikers on the street and nobody knows the rules of the roadT " says Robert Raburn, executive director of the East Bay Bicycle Coalition in Oakland. When the organization started classes in 2003, it offered maybe two a year slated for September with two more to be announced. Gaia PRINT THIS Now, it has six In the Bay State, MassBike reports offering two dozen classes this year, compared with three the year before. The trend slips under the radar of national data, but phone calls to various city governments reveals a http://www.printthis. clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=New+bike+commuters+hit+... 8/26/2008 New bike commuters hit the classroom, then the road I csmonitor.com Page 2 of 3 strong uptick in bike commuting this year: • Bike count tallies showed an increase of 30 percent over last year on San Francisco's Market Street, 44 percent over 2006 levels at the intersection of Broad and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia, and 378 percent from five years ago on Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago. • New bikers are maxing out the capacity of transit systems across the country. Bikers boarding buses in Houston rose from 1,510 in April to 3,624 in June, according to the League of American Bicyclists, which also reports that Charlotte's bike -on -bus boardings have reached an all-time record, surging 30 percent this June from a year ago. On San Francisco's regional CalTrain, a quarter of rush hour trains surveyed in September "bumped" bikers because onboard racks had reached capacity. • In Denver, this year's 'Bike to Work Day' drew 35,000 bikers, up 43 percent over last year. High gas prices are changing transportation habits. For eight straight months, Americans have driven fewer miles than they did over the same period a year earlier, according to the US Department of Transportation. "Biking kind of gives me a sense of independence. I'm not dependent on fossil fuels," says Margaret Chuang, another student in Mr. Hill's class. To be sure, $4 gas isn't going to turn America into Amsterdam. The latest US census figures from 2006 offer perspective: Only one half of one percent of Americans commuted by bike. But the rise, even if it's a small number, is affecting cities in everything from transportation funding to traffic safety. Some cities are making substantial investments in bike infrastructure. The Bay Area's Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) last month approved $1 billion in long-range funding for a regional bike network. Louisville is building a 100-mile hiking and biking trail called the Louisville Loop. Congress, meanwhile, is considering a bike commuter act that would permit tax deductions like those for public transit riders. Cities are also exploring ways to accommodate cyclist needs beyond pricey infrastructure upgrades. Some are painting "sharrows," a symbol on road surfaces, to remind drivers that cyclists are allowed on the road. "What we are really pushing for is more education both for cyclers and cars ...We have cyclists riding down wrong ways in bike lanes. And drivers not looking when they are turning or opening doors," says Kern Richardson, spokeswoman for the Louisville mayor. The MTC is also studying whether to adopt the so-called "Idaho stop" rule. This would allow cyclists to treat red lights like stop signs, and stop signs like yield signs. Idaho adopted these changes years ago, apparently with no incident. However, MTC'S proposal became an instant lightning rod, even in the bike -friendly Bay Area, tapping into driver frustration with cyclists who don't stop when expected. Some cyclists avoid stopping fully because doing so means a loss of momentum that takes significant energy to regain, says Joel Fajans, a physics professor at the University of California Berkeley who has published research on bike propulsion. "I'm in favor of this Idaho rolling stop rule because you don't have to come to a complete stop to be http://www.printthis. clickability. com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=New+bike+commuters+hit+... 8/26/2008 New bike commuters hit the classroom, then the road I csmonitor.com Page 3 of 3 completely safe," he says. "On a bicycle ... you are only really endangering yourself when you speed through an intersection, while that's certainly not true when you are in a car." Others in the bike community suggest the underlying problem is the proliferation of stop signs as a traffic calming measure. A key precept in bike safety courses is the phrase: "Same roads, same rights, same rules." Hill's four- hour presentation highlighted common causes for collisions with cars and how to avoid them. It's partly a matter of proper bike positioning in a traffic lane to minimize driver error and partly cyclists following road rules and acting predictably. Hill disagreed with one instructional video that seemed to sanction a cyclist turning left on a red light. "If we look at car -bike crashes and who's at fault, in a sense it doesn't matter," Hill said. The cyclist suffers either way. Find this article at: http://www.Gsmonitor.com/2008/0825/p01 s01-usec.html F Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. vuw.r wire rreit��r„ ra I C u pyz i But 2008 The C hrisikin Scicncc Monitor. All rights rewcmd. http://www.printthis. clickability. com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=New+bike+commuters+hit+... 8/26/2008 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION PRIMARY GOALS 2007-2008 I. Continue (& Expand) Education Efforts a. Continue to offer bicycle safety education classes in Ashland schools through on -going partnerships with the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Parks Foundation, and Traffic Safety Commission b. Continue to promote Car Free Day (& car free living) C. Expand community outreach efforts (recruit youth liaisons and develop partnerships with the schools) d. Better utilize the media — Daily Tidings, Tribune, City Source, radio, TV e. Continue and Expand Safe Routes to School efforts for all Ashland schools. II. Infrastructure Linkages & Connections a. Partner in the upcoming Transportation System Plan (TSP) update to identify current facilities in place and needs for new facilities to address needed connections. b. Work to enhance existing maps of bicycle facilities and trail systems. C. Continue to identify and develop connectivity needs adjacent to all Ashland Schools as part of Safe Routes to School efforts. d. Consider ways to provide improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities from the downtown north to the city limits along North Main Street. III. To Explore the Benefits of a "Transportation Commission" This would entail combining the Traffic Safety and Bicycle & Pedestrian Commissions, gaining staff efficiencies, and broadening the focus of each Commission to better address transit while still retaining the current areas of interest of each Commission. Biking needs a boost in American cities The US, where cycling is risky and rare, can learn from a Rutgers study of the top cycling countries in Europe. PHILIP LANGDON Among new urbanists, bicycling rarely gets the attention that walking and pedestrian -oriented development do. But if many more people could be enticed to use bicycles rather than cars, the effect on communities could be very beneficial. It's no coincidence that Portland, Oregon, the US city with the highest proportion of people bicycling to work — 4 percent, or four times the national average — is also a city that treats pedestrians well. Cyclists and pedestrians desire many of the same things: calm traffic conditions, appealing streetscapes, and a convenient mix of uses. The more biking, the less auto- mobile parking a locality needs. Yet even Portland, after more than ten years of implement- ing the municipality's Bicycle Master Plan, has had trouble making the streets consistently safe for cyclists. Last October, "ghost bikes" — white -painted bikes with signs saying "A cyclist was killed here" — were placed at two intersections where bike riders had been killed that month by trucks. Alarmed by the deaths, Portland is planning this spring to install "bicycle boxes" at 14 intersections. The bicycle boxes are meant to make bikes more visible to motorists and reduce the likelihood that a vehicle turning right will inadvertently hit a cyclist. A bicycle box is a section of pavement marked with wide stripes, where cyclists can wait at stop lights, in front of the queue of waiting motor vehicles. The striping of the bike box will flow into the striping of the street's bike lane, thus making the bike waiting area more no- ticeable to motorists. The premise is that where bike boxes are installed, cyclists will be more visible and drivers will be less likely to make a right turn that knocks down an unnoticed cy- clist. Motorists will be prohibited from turning "right on red." Detailed drawing of a bicycle box Figure 1: bicycling share of trips by nation 0 b New Urban News; Source: Pucher and Buehler "Making Cycling Irresistible,"Transport Reviews. Vol. 28, 2008 20 27 c�. 10 g 4 1 1 3 ' Roger Geller, bicycle coordinator for the Portland Office of Transportation, says the city is also considering spending about $25 million over 10 years to designate 110 additional miles of "bike boulevards." These are local streets — generally traveled by fewer than 3,000 vehicles a day — that have been made safer for cyclists through a combination of traffic -calming, intersec- tion treatments, and signs. They may use pinch points, choker entrances, and other devices to discourage non -local motor vehicle traffic. So far, 30 miles of bike boulevards have been established in Portland. They have also been installed in cities such as Berkeley, Palo Alto, and San Luis Obispo, California; Eugene, Oregon; and Vancouver, British Columbia. LESSONS FROM EUROPE John Pucher and Ralph Buehler of the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University recently examined how three of the northern European countries with the highest rates of bicycling managed to get so many of their residents onto bikes. Pucher and Buehler contend that what's worked in Europe would produce significant results in North America — if governments take the necessary actions. In the US, bikes are "rarely used for practical, everyday travel needs," Pucher and Buehler say; the principal reason is that cycling conditions here "are anything but safe, convenient, and attractive." Pucher and Buehler's observations appear in "Making Cycling Irresistible: Lessons from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany," an article that has been circulating on the In- ternet and will be published in the July 2008 issue of Transport Reviews. The authors disabuse American readers of the notion JUNE 2008 11 that the US is so inherently different from Europe that biking will never catch on here in a big way. They point out that biking wasn't always pervasive in the three European countries they studied. Quite the contrary, from 1950 to 1975 the rate of biking in Europe plummeted, and in many European nations, such as Britain, it hasn't shot back up. But the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany introduced policies, programs, and designs that ended up making cycling both safer and more common. In the Netherlands, 27 percent of all trips (and 37 percent of trips shorter than 1.5 miles) are made by bike. Bicycling accounts for 18 percent of all trips in Denmark and 10 percent in Germany. By contrast only 2 percent of Canadians' trips are by bike, and the figure for the US is a pathetic 1 percent (see Figure 1 on page 11). As measured by fatalities, biking is about one-third to one-fourth as dan- gerous in Germany or Denmark as in the US (See Figure 2 on next page). The Netherlands is less than one fifth as dangerous as the US. As a result, women ride bikes as often as men — something that's not true in the US, where biking is predominantly a young male (risk- taker's) activity. Pucher and Buehler attribute the growth of bicycling in northern Europe to these factors: • Establishment of separate cycling facilities along heavily traveled roads and at intersections. By 2004, Berlin of- fered 534 miles of completely separate bike paths, 37 miles of bike lanes on streets, 31 miles of bike lanes on side- walks, and 62 miles of mixed -use pedes- trian -bike paths. Berlin streets also offered 434 miles of combined bus -bike lanes. "The bicycling networks in [Eu- ropean] cities include numerous off- street short cut connections for cyclists between streets and traversing city blocks to enable them to take the most direct possible route from origin to destination," Pucher and Buehler say. The result "is a complete, integrated system of bicycling routes that permit cyclists to cover almost any trip either on completely separate paths and lanes or on lightly traveled, traffic -calmed residential streets." • Traffic -calming in most residen- tial neighborhoods. Many cities have introduced alterations such as "road narrowing, raised intersections and A Portland street with one-way auto traffic but two-way bike travel crosswalks, traffic circles, extra curves and zigzag routes, speed humps, and artificial deadends created by mid - block street closures," the authors say. "Cycling is almost always allowed in both directions on all such traffic -calmed streets, even when they are restricted to one-way travel for cars." "Traffic calming is usually area -wide and not for isolated streets. That ensures that thru-traffic gets displaced to arterial roads designed to handle it and not sim- ply shifted from one residential street to another." The beneficiaries include pedestrians as well as cyclists. Cities such as Munster, Germany, have established "bicycle streets" — narrow streets where cyclists are given absolute priority. On these streets, "cyclists can ride anywhere they want, even if that means obstructing cars," the authors say. Cars are usually permitted, but they are limited to 30 kilometers [19 mph] or less and must yield to cyclists. Munster had 12 bicycling streets in 2007, and they have been so successful that the city intends to add 10 more." • Ample bike parking. Local gov- ernments and public transit systems provide many bike parking facilities. Private developers and building own- ers are required by local ordinances to provide specified minimum levels of bike parking both within and adjacent to their buildings. Convenient, secure, sheltered bike parking reduces the "clut- ter" of randomly parked bikes, which can obstruct pedestrians. • Full integration of cycling with public transportation. Abundant bike parking is provided at train stations in some city centers and outlying a reas. "In cities such as Munster, many s _iburban residents use a bike to reach th - nearest suburban rail station, park it t Zere, and then take the train to the 6.y center, where they continue their trip with an- other bike they have parked a t the main train station," Pucher and Bu ehler say. German Railways has a "Call a Bike" program that permi is anyone with a mobile phone and _redit card to rent one of more than 3,000 German Rail bikes placed all over Berlin. A per- son phones the "Call a Bile" number, provides credit card infor nation, and is given the access code to unlock the bike. The bike can later be turned in at locations throughout the city. • Comprehensive traffic education and training of cyclists and motorists. • Events that promote cycling. • Better signs and maps. "Many cities in the Netherlands, Den. -nark, and Ger- many have established a fully integrated system of directional signs for cyclists, color -coded to corresp )nd to different types of bike routes," th 2 authors report. "All large cities and me A medium-sized cities in the Netherlanc s, Denmark, and Germany provide deta led maps of their cycling facilities. Some , .ities have recently introduced Internet bik e route planning to assist cyclists in choo,;ing the route that best serves their need;." JUNE 2008 12 Figure 2: Bicycling fatalities and injuries 60 55 E 50 Cyclists injured 45 Cyclists killed E 40 New Urban News; Source: 'Making 0 Cycling Irresistible,' Transport Reviews, Vol. 28, 2008 35 a d 30 25 20 y 15 �a " 10 5 1.411.7 , 0 Netherlands Cern ny Denmark UK U IMPROVED INTERSECTIONS Intersections have been modified in many ways, including the following: • Special bike lanes leading up to the intersection, with ad- vance stop lines for cyclists, far ahead of waiting cars (similar to the bike boxes planned in Portland). • Advance green traffic signals for cyclists, and extra green signal phases for cyclists at intersections with heavy cycling volumes. • Turn restrictions for cars, while all turns are allowed for cyclists. • Highly visible, distinctively colored bike lane crossings at intersections. • Special cyclist -activated traffic lights. • Timing of traffic lights to provide a "green wave" for cyclists instead of for cars. • Insertion of traffic islands and bollards in the roadway to sharpen the turning radius of cars. AMERICAN ADVANCES The US is ahead of Europe in at least one respect: 50,000 buses here have been equipped with racks to carry bicycles. Pucher and Buehler say that of the largest 50 cities in the US, Portland is a model, having more than tripled the annual number of bike trips since 1991. Portland has done this chiefly by expanding the bikeway network, increasing bike parking, and integrating cycling with bus and rail systems. Other cities are starting to show interest. In the past ten years, Chicago has reportedly added more than 100 miles of bike lanes and paths, established a city-wide cycling network, and installed 7,000 racks for bike parking. Chicago has also equipped more than 2,000 buses with bike racks. Though US governments are increasingly willing to use "carrots" to encourage cycling, they have been reluctant to use "sticks" that would make automobile use expensive and inconvenient, Pucher and Buehler observe. The two strategies together are capable of impressive results. "It is precisely that double-barreled combination of'carrot' and'stick' policies that make cycling so irresistible," they conclude. Guide to narrow -lot development Many lots in old neighborhoods in Kansas City, Kansas, are just 25 feet wide, which is generally too narrow to satisfy current minimum standards for the construction of new houses. Con- sequently, 180 Degree Urban Design + Architecture has produced a "Narrow Lot Design Guidelines" booklet to en- able people to build on the lots in ways that will fit the surroundings. The booklet, commissioned by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, shows how to site a building on a narrow lot, and includes key architectural features that should be part of the design. The guidelines won adoption and have been posted on the Unified Govern- ment website, www.vrycokck.org / Dept. aspx?id=14316. The government also had 180 Degree lead a charrette and produce a plan for the historically African -American Douglass -Sumner neighborhood, which has deteriorated in recent decades. The concept calls for the redevelopment of the neighborhood to take place in 10a�1d 6.0ftg a ruuw ry o.", Sketch and plan in "Narrow Lot Design Guidelines" Edamw wort" cowg O." xa village -like blocks — small, complete increments — rather than more piece- meal construction. It's hoped that with funds from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, a design and development center will be opened in the neighbor- hood, to foster progress. Alley umiues Iputftvat spat* 72� P491 1d i pw":d . and, Lawns —a Soabm*a and page 9 m as gar+eadwvnn w ....i�, ��, CDmea Lamm JU E 0008 1