Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Advisory Group

MAYOR TRUSTEES Andrew Przybylo George D. Alpogianis John C. Jekot VILLAGE MANAGER Danette O’Donovan Matyas Steven C. Vinezeano Denise M. McCreery Craig Niedermaier VILLAGE CLERK Dean Strzelecki Marlene J. Victorine MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN ADVISORY GROUP Remote Participation Nov. 13, 2020 – 10:30 a.m. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Advisory Group meeting was held remotely on Friday, November 13, 2020. The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by Chairman Niedermaier. Members Present: Staff Present: Chairman Craig Niedermaier Kathy Thake, Staff Liaison Peggy Reins Katie Schneider, Community Engagement Coordinator Ticia Doughty-Ashcroft Tom Powers, Village Engineer Stephen Sanders Nick Zakula, Police Bureau Chief Matthew Abtahi Nathan Bruemmer, Community Development Also Present John Mick, Engineer for Baxter Woodman Call to Order The meeting was called to order via remote participation using Zoom video conferencing in accordance with Governor Pritzker's most recent disaster declaration related to public health concerns due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. Introduction of Members Each member of the Advisory Group provided an overview of their background. New Business Goal Overview Staff provided a general overview of the Advisory Groups goals was reviewed as outlined below: a. Establish current existing conditions of Plan implementation. b. Evaluate Plan recommendations and priorities. c. Provide guidance for the development of regional bicycle and pedestrian connections. d. Review and advise regarding bicycle and pedestrian projects within the Village’s Capital Improvement Plan. e. Develop education and public outreach programs to promote the plan and safety. 1000 Civic Center Drive Niles, IL 60714 Phone (847) 588-8000 Fax (847) 588-8051 WWW.VNILES.COM Staff indicated that the first step to achieving our goals, is to update the 2014 Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan and bring it in line with current projects and law changes. Engineering staff will budget for this update in upcoming budget FY22. A firm would be enlisted to conduct this update through the RFP process. Engineering Update Village Engineer Powers presented a brief overview of on-going Village projects related to bicycle and pedestrian safety. Trustee Niedermaier stated that much of the safety conversation needs to start by educating kids, engaging the community through a join collaboration effort. Further discussion centered on how certain laws mandate bike and pedestrian education from kindergarten to 8th grade. Group Member Reins stated a need to collaborate with schools districts such as Maine Township on gaps in that safety conversation. Staff concurred, however noted that this will take effort and cooperation on the schools part. Trustee Niedermaier questioned how the bike and pedestrian signage plays a role in the overall plan. He noted that the comprehensive sign plan should play a large part in the pedestrian and bicycle projects. Discussion continued on how narrowing of streets creates a safer environment verse congestion. Trustee Niedermaier indicated that while driving if the surrounding area is improved with items such as a tree canopy this causes drivers to slow down creating again a safer environment. Village Engineer Powers provided an update on Milwaukee-Monroe and Milwaukee-Jonquil intersection, as IDOT guidance has new guidance in place. Uncontrolled crossings for pedestrian is not favored by IDOT as they once had. Therefore the first step would be to interview Engineers firms and obtain proposals in order to move ahead. Group Member Reins stated that more evaluation is need on these 2 intersections. Once the RFQ has been conducted, the finalist will be presented to this Group the conceptual plans. Police Department Update Efforts of Education Campaign for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Police Bureau Chief Zakula provided information to the group on the School Resource Officer Regal’s involvement with schools and a program that has been developed. However, noted that this would not take the place of the school mandate or parent involvement. In addition, several bike officers have been recertified this past year, to have an increased presence in the community. Police Bureau Chief Zakula provided information on enforcement that has been on-going in response to the data collected. Police Officers receive daily missions as it relates to bicycle safety. Trustee Niedermaier requested Police Department provided an analysis of the data collected over period of a few years and present to the Group with an objective criteria connected to the Plan. Niles Police Department will partner with Bell Helmets to encourage children to wear helmets and hand them out to the public. Group Member Reins would like to see a comprehensive education campaign to all motorist, pedestrian, and bicyclists. Ride Illinois is geared to motorists which could be a good campaign as it is a free resource. Group Member Doughty-Ashcroft stated that Lutheran General has a helmet fitting program and would obtain more information to share with the Police Department. Community Engagement Coordinator Schneider stated she has applied for America Walks Grant small grant that would better identify crosswalks and the route to the Forest Preserve trail access on Caldwell. The grant funds would also cover a bicycle themed art piece in that area. The art would be used as an indirect way of slowing traffic. Other Business Group Member Abtahi suggested a campaign on educating motorist by reaching them when they purchase vehicle stickers, maybe a small discount if they completed a safety course. Comments from the Public None Next Meeting To be scheduled in January 2021. Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made by Chairman Niedermaier, seconded by Group Member Abtahi; all concurred and the meeting adjourned at 12:08 p.m. Kathy M. Thake Staff Liaison