City of Lawrence

Lawrence – Douglas County Bicycle Advisory Committee

September 15, 2009 minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Eric Struckhoff-Chair, Michael Hajdu, Becky McClure, Mark Desetti

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Neil Taylor, Gary Calton, Jay Bialek

STAFF PRESENT:

Bart Rudolph, Todd Girdler, Shoeb Uddin

PUBLIC PRESENT:

None

 

 

1.    Call Meeting to Order and Assurance of Quorum

The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 6:00pm and a quorum was assured.

 

2.    Approval of the August 18, 2009 Meeting Minutes

A motion to approve the meeting minutes from August 18, 2009 was moved by Mr. Desetti and seconded by Ms. McClure. The motion passed unanimously.

 

3.    Discussion Item: Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project:

Mr. Rudolph distributed preliminary results from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project conducted during the week of September 8 - 12, 2009. He reported that 47 volunteers counted at 11 locations in Lawrence at three different times. Counts were scheduled on Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 10am – 12pm and 5pm - 7pm and Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 12pm – 2pm. Because this was the first time collecting this data, peak bicycle and pedestrian times were unknown, so one location was also counted from 7am – 9am on Thursday September 10, 2009, but was not included with the preliminary data. During the count times, a total of 737 bicyclists, 34% of which were wearing helmets, and 1,112 pedestrians were counted. Mr. Rudolph explained that he would begin working with the data and formula developed by Alta Planning and ITE to extrapolate daily, monthly and yearly estimates of bicycle and pedestrians facility users. A more detailed report will be available for the next BAC meeting.

 

Mr. Hadju and Mr. Struckhoff expressed how pleased they were with the successful capture of this data. Mr. Struckhoff restated the significance of this data and how it will help validate bicycling as an established form of transportation in Lawrence. Ms. McClure mentioned that she received positive responses from bicyclists and pedestrians as she counted at her location when they asked what she was doing. Many expressed their gratitude for collecting this data, she explained. All of the Committee members expressed their interest and eagerness to see the final report.

 

4.    Discussion Item: Bicycle Map:

The Committee participated in an exercise to identify the most preferred bicycle routes to traverse the city. The activity, led by Mr. Rudolph, allowed the Committee members to draw on a map the easiest and most difficult routes cyclists use to get around the city. Green lines were drawn on roads that have low traffic volumes, slower vehicle speeds, wide pavement widths, established bicycle traffic and considered suitable for riders of average skill level. Yellow lines were drawn on streets for more experienced riders that have medium traffic volumes and traffic conditions that make them more suitable for riders with above-average skill. Red lines indicated high traffic volumes, narrow street widths, and areas that can be safely ridden but should be avoided if an alternate route is available. After the exercise, Mr. Rudolph indicated that he would apply some data to the identified routes and establish a Bicycle Level of Service to accompany the BAC’s recommendation. He noted that the timeline to produce this map has been accelerated due to the federal funding tied to the project. The map has to be printed and invoiced to the MPO before the end of the calendar year. In order to meet this deadline, the routes have to be finalized by next month. Mr. Rudolph stated that the BAC would look at it one last time before the map is finalized.

 

Ms. McClure asked if topography should be incorporated into the criteria of identifying the routes. Mr. Rudolph stated that some maps mark the direction and steepness of hills with arrows on the route line. He suggested doing something similar for this map.

 

Mr. Hadju suggested that each Committee member ride a section of the proposed routes that they don’t typically ride to verify it’s ridability before the map is finalized. Mr. Rudolph stated the he would send out a draft version of the map prior to next month’s meeting, so that Committee members would have the opportunity to do so.

 

5.    Other Business

Mr. Rudolph mentioned that the Kansas Department of Transportation is soliciting applications for Transportation Enhancement funding for FFY 2011 and 2012, pending Congressional authorization of a new highway program. Mr. Rudolph asked the Committee if there is any bicycle or pedestrian projects they would like the City to apply for under this program. Mr. Struckhoff suggested applying for funding to build a bicycle/pedestrian bridge over Iowa Street that connects 7th Street with Centennial Park. He mentioned that Iowa Street continues to be a barrier and unsafe crossing for bicyclists and a bridge would improve east-west bicycle travel in Lawrence. Mr. Hajdu mentioned that he has talked with several cyclists and all have supported the 7th street bridge idea. Mr. Struckhoff also mentioned that a bicycle/pedestrian bridge over Iowa Street that connects 21st Street with the KU campus or a bridge over the Kansas River connecting North Lawrence to the Burroughs Creek Rail Trail would be great applications as well. The Committee agreed and Mr. Rudolph asked that if anyone thinks of other ideas to e-mail him so that he can present them to the City.

 

6.    Adjournment of Meeting

The meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.