Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/16/2025 - TRANSPORTATION BOARD - AGENDA - Regular Meeting4/16/2025 Agenda Page 1 TRANSPORTATION BOARD SUMMARY AGENDA April 16, 2025, 6:00PM – 8:00PM In person at 281 N. College, Conference Room A or online via Zoom This hybrid TRANSPORTATION BOARD meeting will be conducted in person at 281 N College Ave, Conference Room A or you may join online via Zoom. Participants should join at least 5 minutes prior to the 6:00 p.m. start time. ONLINE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: You will need an internet connection on a laptop, computer, or smartphone, and may join the meeting through Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/join Webinar ID:992 3667 9837, Passcode 735155. (Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio). Keep yourself on muted status. For public comments, the Chairperson will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to indicate you would like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to comment. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BY PHONE: Please dial +1-719-359-4580 and enter Meeting ID 99236679837; Passcode 73515. Keep yourself on muted status. For public comments, when the Chair asks participants to click the “Raise Hand” button if they wish to speak, phone participants will need to press *9 to do this. Staff will be moderating the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Transportation Board. When you are called, press *6 to unmute yourself. Documents to Share: Any document or presentation a member of the public wishes to provide to the Transportation Board for its consideration must be emailed to mdempsey@fcgov.com at least 24 hours before the meeting. Provide Comments via Email: Individuals who are uncomfortable or unable to access the Zoom platform or participate by phone are encouraged to participate by emailing comments to mdempsey@fcgov.com at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. If your comments are specific to any of the discussion items on the agenda, please indicate that in the subject line of your email. Staff will ensure your comments are provided to the Transportation Board. (Continued on next page) TRANSPORTATION BOARD SUMMARY AGENDA April 16, 2025 6:00PM – 8:00PM 1.CALL TO ORDER [10 minutes for items 1-6] 2.ROLL CALL 3.AGENDA REVIEW 4.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION [3 minutes per participant] 5.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6.UNFINISHED BUSINESS 7.NEW BUSINESS [110 minutes] a.New Board Member Introductions (25 minutes) b. Transportation Capital Improvement Program – Brad Buckman and Dana Hornkohl, Engineering (60 minutes) c. Future of Board Reports (10 minutes) d.Chair and Vice Chair elections (15 minutes) 8.OTHER BUSINESS a.Staff Liaison Report b.City Council 6 Month Calendar Review c.Transfort Q1 Report 9.ADJOURNMENT TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR March 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Online Via Zoom or In-Person at 281 North College 3 /1 9 /202 5 – MINUTES Page 1 FOR REFERENCE: Chair: Ed Peyronnin Vice Chair: Council Liaison: Alexa Nickoloff Susan Gutowsky Staff Liaison: Melina Dempsey 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Peyronnin called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. ROLL CALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Ed Peyronnin, Chair James Burtis Lourdes Alvarez Emily Felton Amanda Finch Indy Hart David Baker BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Alexa Nickoloff, Vice Chair CITY STAFF PRESENT: Rachel Ruhlen PUBLIC PRESENT: Miguel Elizabeth Mehome 3. AGENDA REVIEW Chair Peyronnin stated there are no changes to the published agenda. 4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Miguel (no last name provided) introduced himself as a CSU student doing research on public meetings. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 3/19/202 5 – MINUTES Page 2 Elizabeth Mehome expressed concern about some of the proposed changes in the ‘Which Wheels Go Where’ initiative, particularly as related to treating low-powered scooters in the same manner as cars. She stated bike lanes should be able to be used for scooters on larger arterials such as Harmony Road. Additionally, she stated there needs to be more thought put into what types of vehicles are allowed on Transfort buses. Burtis asked if there is any rule related to E-bikes or scooters being on buses. Hart replied he has been told the bike cannot cause a risk to other riders if it is taken on the bus. He stated he is of the opinion behaviors should change. ???? [public participation – works for Transfort] stated there is no weight limit for bikes on buses, though the regulation states the rider needs to be able to lift and secure their own bike and there are no restrictions on E- bikes. 5. APPROVAL OF MINTUES – FEBRUARY 2025 Hart made a motion, seconded by Alvarez to approve the February 2025 minutes as written. The motion was adopted unanimously with Baker abstaining. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Which Wheels Go Where: Discuss options and seek input on proposed Code changes – Rachel Ruhlen Rachel Ruhlen, FC Moves, noted this project is happening concurrently with the Strategic Trails Plan update. She defined micro-mobility as various human- and electric-powered vehicles and outlined the current Code requirements for where various vehicles can operate. She stated the proposal is to recategorize micro-mobility vehicles into two categories: human-powered and light-weight electric vehicles, and to simplify the regulations around where the vehicles can operate to allow both types of vehicles on streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and paved trails. Low-powered scooters would not be allowed on bike lanes, sidewalks, or paved trails. Ruhlen outlined the community engagement questionnaire results. In terms of open- ended comments, Ruhlen stated highlights were around accommodating more types of micro-mobility while also protecting pedestrians, people with disabilities, seniors, and children, and a focus more on behaviors than regulations. She noted Fort Collins Police are very concerned that allowing skateboards on streets will lead to severe crashes; however, CSU Police do not allow skateboarding on sidewalks. She noted Boulder has allowed skateboarding on streets since 2021 and Boulder Police were also initially concerned about severe crashes; however, there have been no increase in crashes at all involving skateboards. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 3 /1 9 /202 5 – MINUTES Page 3 Ruhlen stated incorporating an official speed limit on paved trails would lead to expectations of patrols and enforcement, and the City does not have the resources to do that. She noted Fort Collins Police and Park Rangers have recommended a safety education approach and commented on the ‘Authority of the Resource’ tactic taken by Park Rangers. Ruhlen further detailed the regulation changes being explored by staff in terms of which types of devices can be ridden where. She requested feedback from the Board Members regarding the proposed changes. Chair Peyronnin stated education and communication are key and concurred enforcement is difficult. He commented on a situation in which an E-bike rider on a paved trail was told by a Park Ranger that class 3 E-bikes were allowed as long as they did not go above a certain speed, which does not seem to be the regulation. Hart asked which one thing every trail user should be educated upon: audible signals or speed. Members concurred audible signals would be the most important. Hart stated speed becomes a factor when people are startled, and audible signals assist with that. He commented on areas that have pedestrian trails forming next to paved trails that indicate misuse of the paved trails. Ruhlen noted some of the pedestrian trails are intentionally put in by Parks. Chair Peyronnin commented on the fact that bike lanes would need to be more efficiently swept if skateboards are going to be allowed, and that will impact street maintenance requirements. Baker stated the desired behavior changes need to be clear in order to accurately provide education. Ruhlen noted staff would like to expand the bike friendly driver education to E-scooters, skateboards, and other devices; however, there are challenges with that. Hart suggested there are opportunities with the Safe Routes to School program to build desired behaviors. Burtis commended the efforts to simplify the regulations. He stated he is torn on the sidewalk regulations, particularly given the different types of sidewalks in the city. Finch commented on how lucky riders are in Fort Collins to be able to get off roadways in most instances. Alvarez asked if there have been any serious accidents related to a high-speed device rider injuring a pedestrian. Ruhlen replied there have been two serious crashes, one involving speed. Alvarez suggested posting signs related to giving pedestrians the right-of-way and potentially posting courtesy speed limit signs. Hart suggested posting signs related to rules of the trail or rules of the road. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 3 /1 9 /202 5 – MINUTES Page 4 Chair Peyronnin stated he would like to see an enforceable speed limit on the trails. In terms of roadways, he noted the education efforts should really be more about cars and asked how staff is educating drivers about which wheels go where. Ruhlen replied staff would like to grow the bicycle friendly driver program and suggested companies could train new drivers with the program, though that is not likely to reach a large part of the population. She stated rider education on paved trails will be around keeping pedestrians safe, the rider education on streets will be around how to keep yourself safe, and driver education will be around keeping vulnerable riders safe. Hart commented on the importance of having the infrastructure in place to keep riders off roadways. Burtis commented on ‘community policing’ and noted educated riders are safer. Hart commented on placing painted speed indicators, directions to slow down, or other directions on paved trails. Alvarez asked if there are nighttime light requirements for skateboarders riding in bike lanes. Ruhlen replied there is language about lights in the Code for bikes, and that would be included with the human-powered and lightweight electric vehicle definitions. Felton asked about sidewalk crashes. Ruhlen replied it is difficult to get that data, though she is aware of one as it was reported to her. She noted there is no data to support that adding some of these devices to sidewalks is dangerous. Felton expressed support for the proposed changes and stated they place responsibility on the users to ride where they feel safe, which will ultimately increase ridership. She commented on the community taking on educational efforts. Ruhlen replied there are bicycle and trail ambassadors. Chair Peyronnin commented on how different and difficult it is to ride in the south part of town. Baker stated the Board is generally in support of simplifying the regulations and allowing most devices to be ridden everywhere. 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Chair Peyronnin thanked Dempsey for her work supporting the Board. a. Reflections from outgoing Board members Chair Peyronnin commended Hart on his service on the Board and to the community. Hart commented on starting his volunteer work as a ranger assistant for the City and County and as a trail condition monitor for State parks. He encouraged members to think of people in the community who may not think or move the way they do. TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 3 /1 9 /202 5 – MINUTES Page 5 Additionally, he encouraged members to keep in mind how big the city is and to make scalable recommendations. He stated Fort Collins is fantastic with its connectedness and transportation; however, it is important to make sure improvements continue to be made. Hart also told members to remember they can miss a meeting if needed to take care of themselves. He commended the members on being the most immediately engaged group he has seen in years. Chair Peyronnin thanked Hart for his service. Hart noted the Board is advisory in nature and reminded members to be kind to City staff. b. Other Board members Finch reported on attending the Transportation Fair. She noted there is a new code of conduct displayed on Transfort buses and stated there is a new Transfort travel training program to assist people with planning Transfort routes. She also discussed an experience at the Shields and Prospect intersection wherein she could not see the crosswalk sign due to the sun hitting it. Finch stated, anecdotally, speeds in the southeast part of town have been better since the speed enforcement started. She stated it would be helpful for the Board to understand how enforcement is changing behavior. Dempsey replied staff could be invited back later in the year to provide statistics. Baker suggested those statistics could be shared semi-regularly. Felton commented on Harmony Road serving to get as many vehicles as possible through the area and suggested the Board may want to discuss the area more holistically. Hart suggested Harmony Road would be an ideal corridor for bus rapid transit. Burtis reported on attending the Transportation Fair and stated he and some friends are considering organizing a bus pub crawl. Chair Peyronnin reported on attending the Transportation Fair and suggested having Transfort security come visit the Board. Baker reported on attending the Transportation Fair and stated he has seen many speeding drivers get photographed at the Harmony and Shields intersection. He suggested the Board may want to again discuss the stopped traffic issue in front of Raising Cane’s on College. Hart noted the Board has written letters of concern to Council regarding that topic and stated Council directed staff to have conversations with the business and to address the issue within their bounds, which is why the congested traffic signage was installed. Additionally, the restaurant did make TRANSPORTATION BOARD TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 3 /1 9 /202 5 – MINUTES Page 6 parking lot modifications; however, there are still issues. Burtis suggested it may be worth bringing up the issue with Council after the election. Hart reported on watching the Transfort 50th anniversary video and noted Transfort is making its best efforts to catch up, but stated it needs to plan ahead moving forward. He noted he can ride his bike from the southeast part of town to CSU quicker than he can walk to the nearest bus stop. He stated he is excited about the Harmony underpass project moving forward. 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Staff Liaison Report Dempsey noted the Transportation Fair occurs annually. She stated the City will be moving from Zoom to Teams, likely beginning with next month’s meeting. She also outlined topics for upcoming meetings, including the Transportation Capital Improvement Program, the Transfort Optimization Plan, and the Downtown Parking Study. She noted the new Board Members will be joining starting next month. Dempsey noted Gavaldon is not present, but thanked him for his service, and thanked Hart for his service as well. b. City Council 6-Month Calendar Review – refer to packet Dempsey noted the April 22nd work session includes an update on school transportation safety, the future of commercial corridors, and the future of sounds in Fort Collins. Additionally, Transfort will be going to Council on May 13th to provide an update on the Optimization Plan. c. Transfort Report – refer to packet 10. ADJOURNMENT Hart made a motion, seconded by Baker, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM by unanimous consent. Headline Copy Goes Here Brad Buckman, City Engineer Dana Hornkohl, Capital Projects Manager TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT Headline Copy Goes Here 2 Transportation Capital Improvement (TCI) It is a tool that prioritizes the City’s various transportation infrastructure investments using criteria aligning with the City’s strategic goals and objectives. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/c3651542bd3d40bdb02afde2ea9ea4e0 What is the TCI? Headline Copy Goes Here 3 Project Goals and Deliverables Increased Safety alignment with Vision Zero – zero deaths or serious injuries while traveling on Fort Collins streets by 2032. Supports mode shift goals to further the Active Modes Plan and Strategic Trails Plan – 50% active modes share of all trips by 2032. Better environmental outcomes with decreased congestion, mode shift to active modes, and sustainable design – supports Our Climate Future. Headline Copy Goes Here 4 Project Goals and Deliverables Transportation infrastructure needs incorporated into community, equity and environment – alignment with City Plan and Strategic Plan Supports future BRT planning and aligns with Transit Master Plan Headline Copy Goes Here 5 Project Timeline & Development Council/Board Discussion and Feedback •Transportation Capital Projects Prioritization Study, August 22, 2023 •15-Minute City Context and Work Plan Progress, August 13, 2024 •Local Legislative Affairs Committee, November 22, 2024 •Draft Final Report and Tool Release, January 14, 2025 •Transportation Board, April 16, 2025 •Seek City Council Approval, May 20, 2025 Project Development •Olsson Associates •April 2024 Kickoff •Bi-Weekly Meetings Headline Copy Goes Here Reduce climate pollution and air pollution through best practices, emphasizing electrification Advance a 15-minute City by accelerating our shift to Active Modes Advance a 15-minute City by igniting neighborhood centers Improve human and social health for vulnerable populations Transportation & Mobility Overlapping Council Priorities 6 Neighborhood & Community Vitality Economic Health Environmental Health Headline Copy Goes HereOverlapping Strategic Objectives 7 NCV 4 Remove obstacles to build interconnected Neighborhood Centers to accelerate progress towards our goal for everyone to have the daily goods and services available within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. Neighborhood & Community Vitality T&M 1 Make significant progress toward the City’s Vision Zero goal to have no serious injury or fatal crashes for people walking, biking, rolling or driving in Fort Collins. Transportation & Mobility ENV 1 Implement the Our Climate Future Plan to advance the City’s greenhouse gas, energy and waste goals; reduce air pollution; and improve community resilience. Environmental Health HPG 4 Incorporate a management strategy for all new and existing City assets that address deferred maintenance and accessibility. High Performing Government Culture & Recreation C&R 2 Implement criteria and prioritization to manage assets and replace equipment that will revitalize parks and recreational facilities, as the planned buildout of the parks and trails system continues. Headline Copy Goes HereCriteria Alignment With Community Goals 8 •Eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes by 2032 •Encourage shift to active modes Transportation & Mobility •Strengthen underserved communities •Support community centers Neighborhood & Community Vitality •Improve resiliency Economic Health •Enhance sustainability Environmental Health Headline Copy Goes Here Headline Copy Goes Here PROJECT INTEGRATION – Transportation Capital Improvement Project Prioritization: Transportation Capital Improvement ST E P Project Need & Identification •Active Mode Plan •Strategic Trails Plan •Transportation Capital Projects Prioritization Study PRIORITIES, OBJECTIVES, PLANS, STUDIES AND PROGRAMS ST E P Evaluation Criteria (varies by plan/program) Regional Significance & Alignment Safety Community Benefit (2)Synergy (4) Health Equity Index = Includes Impacts to Safe Routes to School ST E P Project Lists Active modes system improvements Laporte Bike Lanes, City Park & Mulberry Road and intersection improvements College & Trilby, South Timberline Bicycle/pedestrian grade separated crossings Siphon, Power Trail at Harmony PROJECT TYPES EXAMPLES GHG Reduction Headline Copy Goes Here 11 Evaluation Criteria Headline Copy Goes Here Headline Copy Goes Here 13 Web Based Tool Headline Copy Goes Here 14 Example Project Headline Copy Goes Here Headline Copy Goes Here 16 How the TCI helps the City advance a 15-Minute City Council Priorities Themes for 15-Minute City Strategy Operationalize city resources to build and preserve affordable housing •Increase housing capacity in areas with strong connectivity •Support mixed-use neighborhoods Advance a 15-Minute City by igniting neighborhood centers •Expand access to nature and parks •Increase awareness through education and outreach Advance a 15-Minute City by accelerating our shift to active modes •Expand the active transportation network •Expand transit services •Increase safety conditions for vulnerable road users Headline Copy Goes Here 17 Next Steps Date Meeting January 14, 2025 City Council Work Session April 16, 2025 Transportation Board May 20, 2025 Seek City Council Approval Headline Copy Goes Here Headline Copy Goes Here 19 Strategic Alignment With Our Plans Headline Copy Goes Here 20 High-Injury Network The HIN is 91% arterials 6% collectors 3% local Safety 70% of severe crashes occurred at an intersection 8% of the roads have 63% of all fatal and serious injury crashes Headline Copy Goes HereCommunity Benefit Pedestrian Connectivity 21 Score Range Description of Access and Connectivity 0-20 Very Poor 20-40 Poor 40-60 Fair 60-80 Good 80- 100 Very Good Most or all daily destinations accessible Little to no daily destinations accessible Community Benefit Headline Copy Goes HereCommunity Benefit Bike Connectivity 22 Score Range Description of Access and Connectivity 0-20 Very Poor 20-40 Poor 40-60 Fair 60-80 Good 80- 100 Very Good Most or all daily destinations accessible Little to no daily destinations accessible Community Benefit Headline Copy Goes Here 23 Laporte Ave •Putnam Elementary, Poudre HS Power Trail under Harmony •Kruse Elementary, Colorado Early Colleges, Harmony School, preschool Kechter Road Crossing •Zach Elementary Timberline Road Improvements •Bacon Elementary, Kinard Middle Example capital projects and relation to nearby schools Mail Creek Trail •Bacon Elementary, Kinard Middle City Park Ave and Mulberry Intersection •CSU, Dunn Elementary Headline Copy Goes Here Prioritization Criteria – TCPPS and Active Modes Plan 24 TCPPS Active Modes Plan Quantitative - Identify Top Tier Projects Crash Reduction Reduction in annual crashes (crashes/year) Safety & Comfort Citywide High-Injury Network; Bicycle or Pedestrian Level of Traffic Stress; Pedestrian distance to low-stress crossing opportunities Peak Hour Delay Reduction Amount of delay reduction (seconds) Access Number of nearby Transfort stations or stops Equity Fort Collins Health Equity Index (unitless) Health & Equity Fort Collins Health Equity Index Growth Expected traffic growth from NFRMPO (%) Network Connectivity Number of connections to existing or proposed bicycle/trail network Headline Copy Goes Here Prioritization Criteria – TCPPS and Active Modes Plan 25 TCPPS Active Modes Plan Qualitative - Final Ranking Cost Estimated project cost Cost Estimated project cost Readiness Additional study, analysis, or permitting? Other exceptional complexities? Funding source available? Readiness Is additional study or analysis needed? Multimodal Benefit Supports proposed bike/ped/frequent transit projects? Multimodal Benefit Supports proposed bike/ped/frequent transit projects? Synergy Supports other currently funded or programmed public or private projects? Synergy Supports other currently funded or programmed public or private projects? Community Addresses community needs & interests based on public input and identified community activity centers, open spaces, etc. No comparable metric Headline Copy Goes Here 26TCIP Dashboard Staff Liaison Report – April 2025 TRANSPORTATION BOARD • Upcoming agenda topics include: o North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) 2025 Coordinated Public Human Services Transportation Plan, continue discussion about the future of board reports, and revisit work plan priorities. (May) o Transfort Optimization Plan (June) o Downtown Parking Study (July) • Bike to Work Day: June 25th Council 6 -month calendar • Tuesday, April 22nd : Work Session to include Update on School Transportation Safety Assessments, Sounds in Fort Collins and The Future Commercial Corridors: Land Use Code Updates • Tuesday, May 13th: Work session to include Reduce Climate Pollution and Air Pollution Through Best Practices Emphasizing Electrification, and the Transfort Optimization Study • Tuesday, May 20th: Adoption of the Strategic Trails Plan • Tuesday, June 17th: Bike Month Proclamation • Tuesday, July 8th: Which Wheels Go Where: Micromobility • Tuesday, September 23rd: Work Session on the Future of Parking Systems. Transfort Data Update 2Ridership- System Wide System wide recovery to 2019 levels continues to improve, particularly along the West Elizabeth corridor and HORN. As of Q1, there are an average of 11K daily boardings. Q1 2025 marks 48 continuous months of year over year improvement, with Feb 2025 (our peak Spring month) the highest total ridership since March 2020. 3Ridership- MAX MAX returned to 10 minute service 7AM- 7PM in the Spring signup. Ridership is increasing gradually, though not as rapidly as seen on the HORN upon full frequency return. Campaigns have not yet kicked off to inform the public of this change. 4On Time Performance 87% •Buses are considered on-time if they depart from a timepoint no earlier than one minute before or no later than five minutes after schedule •Transfort Service Standards set the target of 90% on time for any given route Weekday performance March last year was at 85%, and is now 88.5% in March 2025. 5On Time Performance Targeted and Enacted Changes •Continued improvement in OTP for 8/81 from changes made in Fall •Difficulties on the 16 noted by service development team •Buses are considered on-time if they depart from a timepoint no earlier than one minute before or no later than five minutes after schedule •Transfort Service Standards set the target of 90% on time for any given route 6Paratransit – Dial A Ride •The paratransit service continues to increase, so far at 21% increase in ridership and 15% in revenue miles from Q1 in 2024. •On Time Performance seems to be impacted. We are in conversations with vendor to address. •In 2025, Transfort is rolling out improvements to the program through automated reminders, trip arrival notifications and a portal (and later, app) by which passengers can request rides.