CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM

Department:	Planning		Commission Meeting Date: November 1, 2016
Staff Contact:	Jessica Mortinger, Senior Transportation Planner
Recommendations/Options/Action Requested:
Approve bicycle signage policy as recommended by the Bicycle Advisory Committee for the future installation of “Bikes May Use Full Lane” and “3-Foot Passing” signs.
Executive Summary:		The Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) has proposed the following policy for bicycle signage: BIKES MAY USE FULL LANE and 3 FT PASSING signs should be installed, as part of a roadway maintenance or reconstruction budgets or as funding is available. BIKES MAY USE FULL LANE signs should be installed where there is traffic calming, no designated bikeway facility, and the travel lane is not wide enough for a motorist to pass a cyclist providing the minimum buffer of three feet. 3 FT PASSING signs should be installed on arterial and/or collector streets which serve as gateways into the community, as well as county roads where bicyclists must ride on the shoulder or in the roadway. The BAC is seeking City Commission approval of this policy because some motor vehicles and bicyclists are unsure of how to operate safely on shared roadways. Many people are not aware of how the rules of the road apply to bicyclists or that a 2011 Kansas law made it explicit that motorists must give three feet of space when passing a bicyclist. Uncertainty can lead to crashes, so in an effort to educate motorists and bicyclists, the BAC recommends adoption of this policy to create safer streets for all users.
Strategic Goal Area:
Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source):		There is no immediate impact to the budget or CIP. Signage will be installed as part of roadway maintenance or reconstruction projects as budget and funding is available. Each location where the recommended signage is installed will cost an estimated $600 each. The identified priority locations within the City have an estimated cost of $13,800.
Attachments:		Memo