City of Lawrence

Lawrence Bicycle Advisory Committee

January 16th, 2007 minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Eric Strockhoff

Matt Dunbar

Mark Desetti

Becky McClure

Trent McKinley

Rich Barr. 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Thomas Waechter

 

STAFF PRESENT:

Sandra Day

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

None

 

 

January 16th, 2007 at 5:15 PM

Fire Station Number 5

1911 Stewart Ave., Lawrence, KS

 

1.      The meeting was called to order at 5:25 pm and chaired by Erick Struckhoff.

 

2.      Assurance of quorum and introductions: Attendance at the meeting included committee members Matt Dunbar, Mark Desetti Becky McClure, Trent McKinley, and Rich Barr.  Sandra Day from the Planning Office also attended.

 

3.      Meeting minutes from October 17, 2006 were approved with a correction to the spelling of Mr. Desetti’s name.  Rich Barr left the meeting at 5:30.

 

4.    Discussion item:   Bob Billings Parkway and the rec path around Corpus Christi.

 

The committee discussed the location of a path along the south side of Bob Billings Parkway (15th Street) between Iowa and Kasold and further west to the SLT. It was noted that the street improvements for the Corpus Christ site would result in the loss of the bike lane in providing for the space to establish turn lanes. The Committee then discussed various options for retention of a pathway that crossed the Corpus Christi site and intersected George Williams Way on the west side of the property near what would be N1500 road.

 

The committee discussed the idea that there is a move away from bike lanes on Bob Billings Parkway (15th Street). It was agreed that some kind of corridor should be maintained and should be a minimum of 10’ through the entire corridor. The committee was not sure how this would change the plan or connect to the system to the east.  It was noted that there is a gap in the lane/path system between Kasold and Wakarusa Drive. There is a need for sidewalk segments along the corridor and there are some topographic challenges along the corridor as well.

 

It was discussed if the provision of an alternative path should be delayed until there was a full reconstruction of the street facility. There was no conclusion to this part of the discussion.  The west end of Bob Billings Parkway (15th Street) seems to be in flux. The committee expressed a preference for a side path.

 

The Committee urged developers to keep a long range view as areas are developing to require planned improvements. The eastern end of the corridor is dependant on decision made on 15th Street. 

 

The Committee concluded that if a bike facility is removed as part of a development project then it must be provided with a replacement facility of some sort.  Long term connectivity east to west is an ongoing concern.

 

 

 

5.  Discussion Item:   Establishment of administrative body to oversee Lawrence-Topeka Trail.

 

Chair Erick Struckhoff introduced this topic and provided a summary of his meeting with the Corps of Engineers. The proposed project would start at the west end of Clinton Lake in a wildlife area. The plan proposes the extension of land trails through Shawnee County near the Douglas County Line. The hope is to extend the trail to Clinton Dam.

 

The following questions were identified: Who will be responsible for establishment of maintenance and administration of the trail facility? What body or agency would need to be established?  Is there a similar agency in Shawnee County to the Kansas rail trail conservancy?

 

Mr. Struckhoff stated that he would contact the RTC for suggestions and establishment of an appropriate agency. Any members interested should coordinate with Mr. Struckhoff for an upcoming meeting.

 

  1. Other Business:   General committee business.

      Meeting adjourned at 6:15 pm.

 

Next meeting: February 20th, 2007 at 5:15 PM, Fire Station #5