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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransportation Board - Minutes - 09/20/2023 TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR September 20, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting Via Zoom 9 /20/202 3 – MINUTES Page 1 FOR REFERENCE: Chair: Cari Brown Vice Chair: Council Liaison: Ed Peyronnin Emily Francis Staff Liaison: Aaron Iverson 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Brown called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. ROLL CALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Cari Brown, Chair Jerry Gavaldon Nathalie Rachline James Burtis Indy Hart Jess Dyrdahl BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Ed Peyronnin, Vice Chair Stephanie Blochowiak CITY STAFF PRESENT: Tyler Stamey PUBLIC PRESENT: None 3. AGENDA REVIEW Iverson stated there were no changes to the published agenda. 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – AUGUST 2023 Gavaldon made a motion, seconded by Burtis, to approve the August 2023 minutes as amended to clarify a comment made by Rachline under Board Member Reports. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 9 /20/2023 – MINUTES Page 2 Yeas: Brown, Hart, Gavaldon, Burtis, and Rachline. Nays: none. Abstain: Dyrdahl. THE MOTION CARRIED. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Fort Collins Annual Safety Report – Tyler Stamey Tyler Stamey, City Traffic Engineer, stated the Annual Safety Report is designed to examine trends and patterns in crashes throughout the city. He stated the Report uses the Vision Zero Action Plan and its goal to eliminate fatal and major injury crashes as a guide, though he noted the Plan did not go to the level of detail of identifying specific projects. Stamey noted this Report only includes data up until the end of 2022 and the 2020 numbers were artificially low due to crashes being reported to the state rather than locally. He stated severe crashes, which include minor and serious injuries and fatalities, have trended upward over the last five years with 2022 being the highest in the five-year period; however, he noted more than 90% of crashes do not have injuries or fatalities. Additionally, he noted the 2022 crash number has already been exceeded in 2023. Stamey showed a map of the locations of fatal crashes over the past three years noting they are concentrated primarily on arterials, which is consistent with what was identified as the high-injury network within the Vision Zero Action Plan. He stated about 50% of fatal crashes include motor vehicles and vulnerable users, such as pedestrians and motorcyclists, account for a smaller number of crashes but are overrepresented in the fatality number. In terms of comparison to other cities in Colorado, Stamey noted it is difficult to get the same type of crash data detail, however, the fatal crash rate per 100,000 residents shows Fort Collins to be below average in terms of fatalities. Stamey stated bicycle crashes have trended downward over the past five years and motorcycle crashes had been trending down, though that may not be the case in 2023. He stated pedestrian crashes have increased in the past two years. Stamey noted young drivers are involved in about 15% of all crashes despite only representing about 5% of licensed drivers. Stamey discussed the six crash types make up the bulk of severe crashes: approach turn, right-angle, rear-end, bicycle, fixed object, and pedestrian. He noted the individual turning left in approach turn crashes are most often at fault. In terms of bicycle crashes, Stamey noted there has been a dramatic decrease in the total number over the past ten years, including a decrease in severe crashes. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 9 /20/2023 – MINUTES Page 3 Gavaldon expressed concern about 25% of bicycle crashes involving cyclists going against traffic. He also questioned why gender is being used as a data point. Stamey replied the statistic came up as a somewhat surprising bit of information and is also reflected in insurance rates. Gavaldon stated he would like the gender data point to be pulled unless there is a compelling reason to include it and it has been approved to be included by the City Attorney’s Office. He requested an update be provided in a memorandum. Chair Brown stated she is uncomfortable with asking Stamey to take that as an action item given this presentation is informational only. Gavaldon concurred but reiterated his concern. Rachline commented on the importance of including relevant data that can be used to result in action. Burtis suggested the gender and other demographic data could be used to target educational outreach efforts. Stamey replied that is part of what can be done with the information. Hart stated the 73% of bicycle crashes involve male cyclists statistic on its own does not reveal much information given the overall percentage of male cyclists is unknown. Gavaldon commented on the importance of being able to understand where statistics come from and their intent. He expressed concern about the relevancy of the gender statistic. Chair Brown asked if the bicyclists travelling against traffic number includes cyclists travelling against traffic on sidewalks. Stamey replied in the affirmative. Stamey outlined the data related to injury bike crashes over the past five years noting five intersections were specifically identified as being problematic: Overland and Drak e, Shields and Lake, College and Mulberry, Shields and Prospect, and Timberline and Drake. Regarding pedestrian crashes, he noted overall crashes are trending downward; however, severe crashes are trending upward. The main causes of pedestrian crashes involve motorists failing to yield at intersections and problematic intersections include College and Mulberry, College and Stuart, and College and Laurel. Stamey commented on crash cost data noting the College and Drake intersection has more crashes that cost more when compared to other similar facilities throughout the state; therefore, there is a high potential for crash reduction by doing something and a capital project is currently in the design phase for the intersection. Chair Brown asked if the crash cost data is utilized to help justify capital project expenditures. Stamey replied in the affirmative. Dyrdahl noted the College and Drake and Prospect and Shields intersections have red light cameras and asked if crashes have decreased since their installation. Stamey TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 9 /20/2023 – MINUTES Page 4 replied he could get that information. Hart stated parameters for potential causes and factors would be helpful to add some depth to the statistical picture. He suggested the inclusion of speed, weather, and other factors to help better inform readers of the larger story. Stamey noted the forthcoming Vision Zero interactive dashboard will include those types of factors. Gavaldon asked if signal length has been considered as a factor in some of the pedestrian related crashes. Stamey replied the crux of the next step after identifying locations is looking at causes and signal timing could be considered. Gavaldon asked if changes have been made to the Shields and Plum intersection. Stamey replied no major recent changes to geometry, striping, or timing have occurred there. Stamey commented on the safety of roundabouts noting the Remington and Laurel roundabout has the most excess crash cost of any in the city. He noted all roundabouts performed statistically better than stop-controlled intersections would have. Stamey stated the main takeaway from the report was safety audits at ten intersections. Chair Brown asked if there is a specific driver’s education curriculum in Colorado. Stamey replied there are no longer free driver’s education classes at schools. Chair Brown asked if driver’s education is required for all new drivers. Stamey replied driver’s education classes are required to get a license prior to age 18. Chair Brown commented on the increase in accidents among young drivers during and just after the pandemic noting there may have been a difference in how the driver’s education curriculum was presented. She suggested the possibility of joining with other municipalities to take that information to the state. Hart commented on the fact that driver’s education is not ongoing and once a driver passes the test, there is no requirement to retain that knowledge. He suggested it would be beneficial if schools were to do more with motor vehicle safety. He commended the approach to look at the entire system while also examining safety at specific locations. Chair Brown noted the City offers driver’s education courses through the bicycle friendly driver program. Gavaldon noted Poudre School District used to teach driver’s education classes and taking one resulted in insurance discounts; however, the program was discontinued in the 1990’s due to cost. He stated a comparison of accident rates between drivers who took those courses and current new drivers who have taken the private driver’s education courses would be interesting. Stamey noted there has been somewhat of a change in young drivers waiting to get their license. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 9 /20/2023 – MINUTES Page 5 Hart stated private driver’s education courses did shift to online course content during the pandemic; however, that change cannot directly account for increased accidents. Rachline concurred ongoing education should occur and suggested it could be interesting to look into the habits of people who have taken the bicycle friendly driver course, for example. She stated it is important to ensure young people can get where they need to go via public transit. Burtis commented on Transfort’s weekend late night gold line which helps to take drunk drivers off the road and stated drunk driving will continue to be an issue as long as the community focuses on drinking beer and being car dependent. He suggested looking at adding more focused transportation systems such as the gold line. Stamey discussed recent successful projects which have reduced crash numbers, including changing left turns at College and Trilby to be protected only and the capital improvements at College and Horsetooth. He outlined the forthcoming dashboard that will be used to examine crash data in real time. He noted fatality data is difficult to keep updated due to delays related to investigations. Chair Brown asked if the dashboard includes definitions of things like ‘severe.’ Stamey replied in the affirmative. He suggested graphics related to crash types may be included as well. Hart asked about the time between the crash data being logged and placed on the dashboard. Stamey replied there is about a three week delay currently and staff is working to include some type of cutoff date on the dashboard. Chair Brown commended the work on the report. Dyrdahl asked if the data comes from all law enforcement sources. Stamey replied crash reports come from only the City, not the state. Rachline questioned why Boulder’s crash rate per 100,000 people is so much lower than other cities. Stamey replied Fort Collins has wider, faster and higher-volume roadways which may be a factor. Additionally, Boulder has done an impressive job with grade- separated infrastructure. 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Hart stated he was struck by a motor vehicle while cycling last week. He commented on recent experiences with Transfort stating the service lacks the timeliness, reliability, and frequency a public transit system should have. He stated it is faster to walk than to take the bus in certain parts of town. He also commented on the need to improve keeping cyclists and motor vehicles from sharing the same space in certain parts of town. He stated there is a difference between riding on trails and riding on roads and some people choose not to cycle because they do not want to take the risk of riding with vehicles. He suggested areas of the city that are disconnected from the trail system should be examined to ensure trails TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 9 /20/2023 – MINUTES Page 6 can be reached without having to travel on an arterial. He commented on the need for the Power Trail underpass at Harmony. Gavaldon commented on utilizing the Power Trail but not going past Harmony. He also stated he does not bicycle on main arterials. He commended the protected bike lane on Vine Drive near Lincoln Middle School and suggested more of that type should be installed. He concurred with Hart’s comments regarding Transfort. Burtis reported on a trip to Minneapolis and commented on the city’s aggressive attempts to build out bike lanes. Additionally, he noted the city also has a light rail system which is not extensive, but has frequent service. He expressed frustration with people parking in the new bike lanes on City Park Avenue and suggested additional signage and perhaps towing could be beneficial. He also echoed frustrations with Transfort and stated something needs to be done to improve the system. Rachline requested the Board receive a presentation regarding the City’s efforts related to transit as well as have a discussion regarding the Netherlands consultants’ suggestions. She also suggested the Board invite its Council liaison, Emily Francis, to attend a meeting and have a discussion. She commented on the state’s push for electric vehicles and asked what the City is doing to follow suit and help provide infrastructure. Chair Brown commented on her employer highlighting employees who are getting to work not in a single-occupancy vehicle. Dyrdahl reported on getting a new position at CSU and offered to host a Board meeting on campus. She reported on ASCSU partnering with Campus Activities to sponsor Bike to School Day today. She commented on upcoming City goals conversations to be held at the Senior Center, one of which will focus on transportation. Additionally, she reported on a trip to North Carolina and resulting appreciation for Fort Collins’ bike network. She commented on the Chamber of Commerce hosting a group from Frisco, Texas and a conversation she had regarding the city’s micromobility efforts. Dyrdahl reported on the recent Planning and Zoning Commission work session during which the Commission discussed some development proposals and the Land Use Code, which will go before Council on October 3rd. Gavaldon commented on the lack of MAX service for CSU football games noting the last bus leaves well before the games end. He announced the bike-in movie night on October 28th at the Museo de las Tres Colonias. Iverson stated he will follow up on the football game Transfort service. 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Bicycle Advisory Committee Report Gavaldon reported on the last BAC meeting during which the Committee discussed the shift to being an Active Modes Board. He stated the Board will consist of voting TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 9 /20/2023 – MINUTES Page 7 members appointed by Council and non-voting members who are liaisons. He noted there are some situations that still need to be fleshed out. Additionally, the Committee received a presentation on the Transportation Capital Improvement Program. b. City Council 6-Month Calendar Review Iverson reported Council will be considering the Land Use Code, East Mulberry Plan, downtown parking, the Master Street Plan update, and transit initiatives at upcoming meetings and work sessions. c. Staff Liaison Report Iverson noted the Board sent a letter to Council requesting a possible reinstitution of snow routes and the City Manager’s Office has asked the Streets Department to look into the issue and discuss the history of the program. He also stated Council has approved changes to Boards and Commissions, including the retirement of the Bicycle Advisory Committee and replacement with the Active Modes Advisory Board. He stated the BAC will continue meeting until the end of the year and recruitment for the Active Modes Advisory Board, and all other Boards and Commissions, will start in December and continue through February or March; therefore, the new Board will likely begin meeting in April. He noted the ordinance specifies that the Transportation Board should have a permanent liaison on the new Board. He stated the BAC will be asked to weigh in on a potential work plan for the new Board . Gavaldon asked if the liaison position would be voting or non-voting. Iverson replied it would be non-voting. Iverson noted Boards and Commissions members whose terms were set to expire at the end of the year have been extended to March due to the new recruitment timeline. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m. by unanimous consent.