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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBicycle Advisory Committee - Minutes - 11/28/2022 BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING –REGULAR November 28, 2022, 6:00 p.m. Hybrid Meeting – Zoom and 281 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 1 1 /2 8 /2022 – MINUTES Page 1 FOR REFERENCE: Chair: Jordan Williams Vice-Chair: Dave Dixon Staff Liaison: Cortney Geary 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Williams called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. ROLL CALL (INTRODUCTIONS) BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: CITY STAFF PRESENT: Rachel Ruhlen Jordan Williams, Chair, At Large Member Dave Dixon, Vice Chair, Bike Fort Collins Katherine Chu, At Large Member Marcia Richards, Parks and Recreation Board David Hansen, Colorado State University Greg Boiarsky, Air Quality Advisory Board Mike Weber, Land Conservation and Stewardship Board Todd Dangerfield, Downtown Development Authority Ed Peyronnin, Colorado State University Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee Whitney Allison, At Large Member Kevin Krause, Natural Resources Advisory Board Tim Anderson, Fort Collins Bike Co-op (arrived late) ABSENT: David Kovach, Senior Advisory Board Rob Owens, Transportation Board Jonathan Crozier, Poudre School District PUBLIC PRESENT: None BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 1 1 /2 8 /2022 – MINUTES Page 2 3. AGENDA REVIEW Chair Williams stated there were no changes to the published agenda. 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – OCTOBER 2022 Dangerfield requested additional detail be placed in the October 2022 minutes to better reflect the conversation. Chair Williams recommended tabling consideration of the minutes to next month. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Vision Zero Action Plan – Rachel Ruhlen Rachel Ruhlen, FC Moves, provided a summary of Vision Zero which aims for no traffic deaths or serious injuries via a safe systems approach that places responsibility on individual road users as well as on planners and policy makers to prioritize safety in designs and policies. She noted speeding is at the heart of Vision Zero. She also commented on the Safety in the City report which summarized crash and injury data in the city. Ruhlen discussed the strategies utilized in the Vision Zero plan noting they are primarily focused on vulnerable road users. She noted redundancies are built into the strategies as the only layer of traffic safety currently is enforcement. She outlined the strategies prioritized by the technical advisory committee. Dangerfield asked what entities were represented in the technical advisory committee. Geary replied Bike Fort Collins, Police Services, Safe Kids of Larimer County, Larimer County, CDOT, UC Health, Traffic Operations, and CSU were represented. Ruhlen noted the prioritized strategies could still shift depending on input received from Boards and Commissions. She shared a Miro board with the members and outlined the strategies currently identified as being transformative, including review and revise standards and policies that are roadblocks to Vision Zero and include Vision Zero analysis as part of the planning process for all infrastructure projects. Allison asked for an example of such a policy. Ruhlen replied there is a document called the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) that comes out at the federal level which is full of standards such as the number of BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 1 1 /2 8 /2022 – MINUTES Page 3 people that must use an intersection before a crosswalk or pedestrian signal is installed, which is somewhat of a backward way of thinking. She noted that document is just guidance; however, it tends to be used as if it was the law. Chair Williams asked about the current status of the input process. Ruhlen replied the Transportation Board has already weighed in and stated staff is fairly confident in the list of strategies and which ones are transformative; however, staff is still seeking feedback and there is room for additional strategies. She requested input prior to December 3rd and noted the hope is for plan adoption in the spring. Krause suggested it may be worth calling out the MUTCD specifically given it is heavily relied upon. Dixon stated the MUTCD recently went through a revision and updating process and noted the NoCo Bike and Ped Collaborative submitted feedback. He asked how often the document is revised and whether signage could be placed in the Colorado state supplement. Ruhlen replied there was more input received on the MUTCD revision than ever before and most pointed to its negative impact on safety. She stated it seems the update is going forward; however, there is recognition the manual needs to be fully revised. She stated it has been updated every ten years in the past. Dixon commented on the MUTCD Colorado supplement which includes things like motorists must give cyclists three feet of clearance. He noted that item is not included in the federal document. Ruhlen discussed the support mode shift goal and associated strategies, including increased transit frequency. Chair Williams commented on prioritizing trail investments to promote trails for transportation as a complement to recreation-focused trails. Boiarsky commented on prioritizing separation between motorized and non- motorized vehicles either with physical barriers or much more space. Ruhlen replied that is somewhat included in the design for safer speeds in multi-modal places category. She also noted the Active Modes Plan is part of that category. Krause advocated for the Active Modes Plan to be included in both categories. Allison asked if advocating for lower speeds is included. Ruhlen noted there is a category related to designing streets to target speeds. Geary noted the MUTCD sets out speed limit guidelines; however, many cities have adopted their own guidelines. Ruhlen commented on the category related to testing solutions that do not have large cost or time commitments by using temporary and quick-build treatments BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 1 1 /2 8 /2022 – MINUTES Page 4 such as paint and flexible bollards that can easily be changed. Peyronnin cited the example of using a quick solution at Remington and Stuart. Hansen commented on the use of quicker solutions for projects on campus. Boiarsky asked if the emphasis is on non-infrastructure changes for this strategy. Ruhlen replied in the affirmative. Boiarsky suggested changing the language to read ‘test temporary, inexpensive, non-infrastructure based changes.’ Geary noted the item does reference infrastructure; however, it is temporary. Chair Williams suggested showing images of examples and noted having policies around quicker implementation could be important. Ruhlen commented on the category related to increased data transparency and partnerships and associated transformative strategies including creating a Vision Zero program with designated staff to apply a safety lens to all planning, design, and resource allocation and developing an annual report analyzing fatal and serious injury crash data and provide dashboard data on the City’s website, which is underway. Boiarsky commented on the need for an associated push strategy that will help with attitude leaders and social change. He noted the publishing of the data is more of a pull strategy. Chair Williams stated there have been struggles in the past with reporting near misses and near crashes versus the police report data. He commented on the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization tool and Access Fort Collins that can be used to report those and stated the data needs to be compiled in a proactive rather than reactive manner. Krause commented on the possibility of a City staff realignment to create a long- term culture of embracing and supporting Vision Zero rather than having dedicated Vision Zero staff. Ruhlen commented on the assignment of key stakeholders, primarily City departments, to each strategy. She noted Traffic is the lead for most items and commented on the importance of interdepartmental collaboration. Ruhlen discussed the last category related to centering on equity and its associated transformative strategies including prioritizing projects and routine maintenance in historically underserved communities and engaging historically underserved communities in participatory budgeting to determine infrastructure priorities. She discussed the strategy related to automated traffic enforcement noting Police Services expressed concern due to the limiting constraints of automated speed enforcement. Chair Williams suggested pivoting that strategy more toward education. He cited the signs that indicate a driver’s speed which seem to help lower speeds. He concurred with the strategies related to underserved communities but noted there BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 1 1 /2 8 /2022 – MINUTES Page 5 are challenges in actually achieving those goals. Chair Williams announced an upcoming Vision Zero webinar and recommended a book called There Are No Accidents. b. BAC At-Large Recruitment and Proposed Changes to Committee – Cortney Geary Chair Williams noted the Committee’s at-large members serve two-year terms and would need to reapply. He stated he will likely seek reappointment but will not seek the Chair position again. He noted there will be Chair and Vice Chair elections next month. Geary noted Lauren Nagle will be leading the process to recruit new at-large members; however the current at-large members can reapply. She stated one of the recommendations in the Active Modes Plan was to transition the Bicycle Advisory Committee into an Active Modes Advisory Committee and Lauren Nagle will also be leading the process to propose those changes to the structure. Chair Williams noted the make-up of represented organizations on the Committee will also be part of that process. Krause suggested Overland Mountain Bike Association could be a good organization to include for representation. He stated it makes sense to include the active modes alignment; however, it may be sad to lose some of the diversity of the bike-related organizations. Geary commented on the BAC ordinance that calls out membership noting the two bicycle specific related organizations are Bike Fort Collins and the Bicycle Co-op. Hansen suggested there is somewhat of a disconnect related to trails being part of Parks Planning and there is no staff member represented on the BAC. He suggested the issue may be related to the City organizational structure. Geary replied the Senior Trails Planner position is currently vacant; however, when filled, it could be helpful for that person to participate more in meetings. Dixon and Chair Williams concurred it is confusing to have trails fall under Parks Planning when it is more of a transportation issue. Hansen suggested examining the list of member organizations to ensure it is still relevant. Geary noted the Transportation Board will be providing feedback on the changes. Chair Williams noted the way the Committee filters through the Transportation Board will not change. Hansen stated there should be an opportunity to elevate the Committee so it BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 1 1 /2 8 /2022 – MINUTES Page 6 does not have to go through the Transportation Board if the City wants to support Active Modes. c. 2023 BAC Work Plan Chair Williams commented on the Work Plan using more inclusive language surrounding active modes. He noted the Transportation Board Work Plan did not change much from last year and stated they did not mention Vision Zero or 15- Minute Communities, though they did add Our Climate Future specific next moves. He noted last year’s BAC Work Plan included a graphic outlining the eight E’s of transportation and suggested placing more emphasis on a safe systems and Vision Zero approach moving forward; however, he noted the Vision Zero Plan will not be approved prior to the Work Plan needing to be adopted. Peyronnin noted the Transportation Board changed its five E’s to six. Chair Williams noted the BAC added economic development and environment to the standard six E’s. Krause asked if there have been any thoughts on emphasizing the BAC’s role in creating and supporting a cycling culture. Chair Williams noted the word ‘culture’ is only used once toward the bottom of the economic development section and concurred that verbiage could be elevated. Dangerfield commented on the difference between the Committee being advisory in nature rather than providing advocacy. Chair Williams noted there is a note in the objective section related to supporting local bicycle advocacy when appropriate. Chu commented on the importance of cycling to the culture of the community and stated it would be unfortunate if that got lost by grouping it in with other active modes. Geary commented on the increase in likelihood of creating a more well-balanced, multi-modal, connected and integrated system the more you can have everyone thinking of all modes of transportation. Members commented on the possibility of making the Committee the Bicycle and Active Modes Advisory Committee. Chair Williams outlined the next steps for the Work Plan and stated a draft will be sent out prior to the next meeting. 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS (**Secretary’s Note: Chair Williams noted Tim Anderson arrived at this point in the meeting.) Dixon reported on the walk and bike to school challenge results and noted nine schools BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 1 1 /2 8 /2022 – MINUTES Page 7 participated which was a 300% increase over last year. Anderson reported the Bike Co-op is working to get Bikes for Tykes bicycles built and is seeking volunteers. Hansen reported CSU is wrapping up its annual study looking at intersections on campus and the on-campus police department has been working on a data accident and bike theft dashboard. Krause reported the Natural Resources Advisory Board recently discussed an effort to reimagine the Community Advisory Committee that will inform the Climate Equity Advisory Committee work and worked on its work plan. He discussed his experience leading a kids mountain biking group. Boiarsky reported the Air Quality Advisory Board examined the proposed oil and gas regulation Code changes. Chu reported she recently started a women’s mountain biking club called Dirt Darlings. Allison reported the Mulberry bike lane did not get plowed for a week after the last snow. Dangerfield reported on the Downtown holiday lighting ceremony and on Santa arriving at the square. Weber reported the Land Conservation and Stewardship Board discussed its work plan and ways to accelerate financing for land conservation, the funding of improvements, and ongoing infrastructure funding. Additionally, the Board discussed 1041 regulations. He announced the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Natural Areas program and stated two of the Board’s members will term limit out at the end of the year. Peyronnin reported the Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee has been working on messaging of the new safety stop law. He also stated the Committee discussed the program regarding providing E-bikes for front line workers, the restriping of Centre Avenue next summer, the Pitkin advisory bike lane, and messaging on bike racks. Richards reported the Parks and Recreation Board has been discussing the new southwest community center and possible locations. 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Transportation Board Report Peyronnin reported the Transportation Board discussed the Vision Zero Plan and Transfort at its last meeting. b. Staff Liaison Report • Active Modes Plan Geary reported the Active Modes Plan went to a Council work session on October 25th and that resulted in some additions to the policy and program BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 1 1 /2 8 /2022 – MINUTES Page 8 recommendations. She stated the first reading of the ordinance adopting the Plan will be December 6th. • 2023-2024 Budget Update Geary reported the 2023-2024 budget was approved by Council on November 15th. • Council Futures Committee Geary reported she invited Committee members to the recent Council Futures Committee meeting during which Councilmember Canonico reported on a trip to the Netherlands and tour with the Dutch Cycling Embassy. She noted one of the key takeaways was the need to make active modes of transportation the easy and logical choice for community members. Chair Williams thanked Geary for the invitation to the meeting and stated he appreciated the opportunity to have an open dialogue with Council. Dixon commented on the decades of planning related to the active modes culture in the Netherlands. Geary announced winter Bike to Work Day will be February 10th. Anna Kelso discussed call for station host email issues and noted this will be the second time Fort Collins has aligned with the international Bike to Work Day. Additionally, she stated there will be a closing ceremony for the day in Old Town. c. Future Agenda Items • People for Bikes City Ratings • Enforcement and Micromobility Q&A • Pitkin Advisory Bike Lane Evaluation • Chair and Vice Chair Elections Chair Williams noted the next meeting will be on the third Monday of December and he outlined the upcoming agenda topics. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM by unanimous consent.