City of Lawrence

Lawrence Bicycle Advisory Committee

February 20th, 2007 minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Eric Struckhoff

Stephanie Bishop

Trent McKinley

Steve Guinn 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Michael Hajdu

Mark Desetti

Becky McClure

 

STAFF PRESENT:

Sandra Day

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

None

 

 

February 20, 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 Eric Struckhoff.

 

2.      Assurance of quorum and introductions: Attendance at the meeting included committee members Eric Struckhoff, Stephanie Bishop, Trent McKinley, and Steve Guinn.   Sandra Day from the Planning Office also attended.

 

3.      Meeting minutes from January 16, 2007 were approved with no changes.

 

4.  Discussion Item:   New Commissioner Orientation

 

    1. Introduction of new members.

 

Members introduced themselves and interests and concerns the hoped to address as members of the board. Staff provided various reference documents including bylaws, previous agenda and minutes, website reference, and a contact list.

 

    1. Mission Statement: Every corridor be optimized for bicycle and pedestrian usage.

Chairperson Struckhoff introduced the philosophy of the committee stated that the purpose was to determine how to make every transportation corridor optimized for every form or type of transportation including bicycles, pedestrians and motorized vehicles. He outlined the use of lanes, side paths, or some kind of facility with development. 15th Street was noted as a main way into the City and limitations of existing right-of-way were noted as an example to avoid.

 

Steve Guinn inquired if tickets were used to address offences on sidewalks. Trent McKinley stated that they were not used with the exception of specific areas downtown and a portion of Jayhawk Blvd. He noted some state law requirements and noted that a cyclist cannot ride in streets when parallel pathways are provided such as Clinton Parkway.

 

Eric Struckhoff noted that in 2004 the City adopted a policy to construct bike lanes on all new collector streets.

 

The Committee next talked about the web site and on-line information. The Committee expressed interest in consolidation of information for the Bicycle Advisory Committee to make the web site friendlier and for public outreach activities.

 

Steve Guinn asked if the Committee addressed helmet safety. Eric Struckhoff and Trent McKinley described previous activities that have been brought to the committee in the past. This activity is primarily addressed through the Douglas County Safe Kids organization. The Committee had been asked for input before project implementation as a previous agenda item.

        

  1. Discussion Item:   Update of communication regarding Lawrence-Topeka Trail.

 

Eric Struckhoff informed the committee of recent updates and efforts for trail connections between Topeka and Richland along old railroad right-of-way and connection around Clinton Lake. Establishing a path round the lake includes addressing existing uses and trails around the lake. The south side of the lake includes long established equestrian trail. The north side of the lake includes hunting areas. The discussions with Sandy Gilliland, Volunteer Coordinator of Rock Haven Trails Club are concerned about long term historical use of the corps ground. It has been discussed the establishment of an interim path connection along the north side of the lake also along existing county roads.

 

The path would be constructed as a screened limestone base. A bicycle path and crossing of the area with the equestrian and other paths include an 8’ wide hard pack surface and would be open to pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians.

 

The Kansas Rail Trail has constructed a path out to Richland located one mile west of the current wildlife area of the lake. The addition of a new use will require a public review process.

 

The Committee inquired about the trail between Lawrence and Kansas City and what planning efforts have been made. Planning Staff noted that Johnson County has been very active about such activities and there are current plans that address the K10 Highway (E. 23rd Street). Staff noted that during development applications for specific properties or developments that encourage additional right-of-way, pathways, sidewalks, and similar features to provide connectivity.

 

The committee briefly discussed and noted the work regarding the Two Rivers connection north/south between Leavenworth, Lawrence and to Galveston along existing right-of-way a portion of which would be included in the Burroughs Creek Plan area. Eric Struckhoff stated that the long term view of the project included a bridge over the Kansas River. The Committee further discussed the area near 7th Street and towards downtown to provide improved connections. Mr. Struckhoff stated that he believed the number one priority is for others to understand every roadway or connection should expect to see bicyclists. He further stated that having KU and the County on board for trails/paths/routs is very important.

 

The Committee indicated that a key activity would be to educate the community of drivers and cyclists of the rules of the road.

  1. Discussion Item:     Signage Inventory of Routes for the City of Lawrence

·        New initiative on routes and bike lanes to show mileage and destination

·        Re-designation of routes and old signage in place no longer applicable

Item deferred to the March Meeting

  1. Other Business:  

There was no new business.

Eric Struckhoff closed the meeting at 6:45 P.M.