Bicycle Advisory Committee

CITY OF HENDERSON BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES November 20, 2014 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Richard Wimmer called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers Conference Room, 240 Water Street, Henderson, Nevada. II. CONFIRMATION OF POSTING AND ROLL CALL Mr. Scott Jarvis, Project Engineer III, confirmed the meeting had been posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law by posting the agenda three working days prior to the meeting at City Hall, Multigenerational Center, Whitney Ranch Recreational Center, and Fire Station No. 86. Present: Chairman Richard Wimmer Ron Floth Paul Schmitt Scott Seegmiller Absent: Dawn Nielsen (excused) Steve Raucher Staff: Brent Gunson, Assistant City Attorney II Scott Jarvis, Project Engineer III Tedie Jackson, Council and Commission Services Reporter III. PUBLIC COMMENT No comments were presented by the public. IV. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA (Motion) Mr. Seegmiller introduced a motion to accept the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Floth. The vote favoring approval was unanimous. Chairman Wimmer declared the motion carried. Bicycle Advisory Committee Page 2 of 5 November 20, 2014 – Minutes V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1 YIELD SIGNS AT TRAIL CROSSINGS WITH ROADWAYS PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS AND RECREATION Discussion on the use of Stop versus Yield Signs at Trail Crossings with Roadways. Scott Jarvis, Project Engineer III, reported that staff has received concerns from motorists that cyclists are not stopping at railroad crossings and trails crossings with roadways. He noted that John Penuelas, City Traffic Engineer, would like input from Committee members regarding whether stop or yield signs are more appropriate for cyclists. Chairman Wimmer commented that cyclists should stop and obey all traffic laws; however he believes a yield sign is more appropriate if the cyclist ensures that traffic is clear. Staff noted that pedestrians have the right-of-way in a crosswalk and a cyclist walking his bike also has the right-of-way in a crosswalk. A suggestion was made to research laws regarding cyclists. Mr. Seegmiller read the following language from a website: The WBE recommended method for handling crossings on a bike is to slow down, make eye contact with an approaching driver, then do whatever the driver expects you to do (either cross or stop). There was a consensus that some areas are appropriate for yield signs and other areas are appropriate for stop signs. It is important to balance safety with the ability to ride. A suggestion was made to install have extra signage with a yield sign that cross traffic does not stop. (Motion) Chairman Wimmer introduced a motion to install yield signs on trail crossings where it does not compromise the safety for cyclists or motorists, make the crossing more visible to the motorist where appropriate, and add possible warning signage or paint on the pavement that the yield is ahead. The vote favoring approval was unanimous. Chairman Wimmer declared the motion carried. Bicycle Advisory Committee Page 3 of 5 November 20, 2014 – Minutes VI. NEW BUSINESS 2 MINUTES PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS AND RECREATION Approve minutes from October 16, 2014. (Motion) Mr. Seegmiller introduced a motion to approve the minutes of October 16, 2014, as presented. The vote favoring approval was unanimous. Chairman Wimmer declared the motion carried. 3 COMMITTEE MEMBER AND PUBLIC DISCUSSION PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS AND RECREATION Committee member and public discussion of ideas or questions on items that might improve the City's bicycling culture. Scott Jarvis, Project Engineer III, provided an update that staff has met with the Southern Nevada Mountain Bike Association (SNMBA) and more conversations will take place to discuss mutual beneficial relationship with regard to trail maintenance. A suggestion was made that this issue be included in the monthly staff report. Mr. Schmitt suggested that the Whitney Mesa Park would be a prime area and unique feature for the SNMBA to be involved due to the terrain and mountain biking possibilities. Staff will pass this request on to the Parks staff and report back at the next meeting. Mr. Schmitt commented that he identified a few north/south and east/west routes on the bike map for discussion. Following a brief discussion, the following item will be placed on the next meeting agenda for discussion: Focus energy on the 2014 goal to establish routes with signage for recreation and transportation and provide connectivity links of north/south and east/west routes. A suggestion was made to have a volunteers set up bike stands at community and City biking events to help fix bikes, flat tires, chains, et cetera. Mr. Jarvis noted that Bob Miller Middle School is planning on doing several bike rodeos throughout the school year, and he suggested contacting the Dean to discuss this idea. Bicycle Advisory Committee Page 4 of 5 November 20, 2014 – Minutes Mr. Floth noted that Nate Mack Elementary School is having a bike rodeo on Friday, January 9, 2015. This would be a good opportunity to offer this service. A time schedule will be sent to all members. Committee members were assigned to reach out to the SNBA, bike shops, and cyclists to solicit volunteers who would be interested in volunteering to fix bikes at this event. 4 STAFF REPORT PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS AND RECREATION Staff update on City sponsored initiatives and requests from the Bicycle Advisory Committee along with reviewing the League of American Bicyclists recommendations and assigning tasks to members to perform. Scott Jarvis, Project Engineer III, reported on a bicyclist fatality in Henderson who was an active member of a cycling club. He showed a map where the hit and run incident occurred, and noted that police have located vehicle, but not the driver. He mentioned that there has been talk about a memorial ride. Mr. Jarvis noted that the City has plans to create more protected bike lanes on sections of Warm Springs Road, Pecos Road, Gibson Road, and Volunteer Boulevard. Indexing funds will be used for this construction. Mr. Jarvis will report on questions from Aspen Creek at the next meeting. Responding to a question regarding whether there are facilities for cyclists in the Inspirada development, Derek Allen, Planner II, said cycling facilities were included when the development was first approved several years ago. He said Inspirada amenities include newer parks that will have bike racks and the roads may have some form of a bike lane. 5 DISCUSSION ON COMMITTEE GOALS AND ASSIGNMENTS PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS AND RECREATION Discussion on Committee goals and assignments. This item was discussed under Item 3. 6 DISCUSSION REGARDING BICYCLE ADVOCACY GROUPS PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS AND RECREATION Discussion of existing advocacy groups and discussion on partnering with and/or stimulating the creation of a new one. Bicycle Advisory Committee Page 5 of 5 November 20, 2014 – Minutes Regarding how to get a bicycle advocacy group started, Mr. Floth encouraged members to attend the Las Vegas Bicycling Coalition meetings. He said this group is willing to stretch out to Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Boulder City, and they are changing the name to Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition. The next meeting on December 17, 2014, will be held in Henderson. It was suggested that Committee members put the word out to bike shops and get on their mailing list. VII. CHAIRMAN\MEMBER COMMENTS Regarding membership concerns, Mr. Jarvis reported that staff has been working on filling the vacancy. Chairman Wimmer commented on the importance of members who want to stay engaged in the Committee. VIII. SET NEXT MEETING The next meeting was set for December 18, 2014, at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers Conference room. IX. PUBLIC COMMENT No comments were presented by the public. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to be discussed, Chairman Wimmer adjourned the meeting at 5:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________ Tedie Jackson, Council and Commission Services Reporter