Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Meeting

Meeting Minutes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: City Council Chambers, City of Urbana, 400 S. Vine Street, Urbana, IL Members Present: Brandon Bowersox-Johnson, Susan Jones, Amelia Neptune, Nadine Schmitz Staff Present: Brad Bennett Members Absent: Gary Cziko, Michelle Guerra, Cynthia Hoyle, Audrey Ishii 1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM Bowersox-Johnson called the meeting to order and roll called was taken by a verbal record. There was a quorum present. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Bennett moved to approve the agenda; Schmitz seconded. Motion carried. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING Bennett moved to approve the minutes; Schmitz seconded. Motion carried. 4. PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input. 5. OLD BUSINESS a) Bike Master Plan Update – Brad Bennett Bennett reported that the ideas received from BPAC members had been incorporated into the Plan, and that Rebecca Bird would be taking the lead on this project. The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) has been hired to perform the work. Bennett said the work is anticipated to begin in May or June and would take approximately twelve months to complete. A survey will be mailed out to community members in order to gather information regarding bicycle/pedestrian participation in Urbana. In response to an inquiry by Bowersox-Johnson, Bennett reported that two public open houses are also planned in order to gather public input. b) Boneyard Creek Improvements Project Update – Brad Bennett Bennett reported that Race Street is now closed for construction between Main Street and University Avenue. It will remain closed through mid-June for reconstruction of the Race Street bridge. Bennett reported that work is also currently being done on the west side of Broadway Avenue for sidewalk expansion and curb improvements. Resurfacing on Broadway Avenue will occur once Race Street has reopened, and landscape work is expected to take place in the fall. c) Washington Street Resurfacing Project Update – Brad Bennett Bennett reported that sidewalk and curb improvements are currently being done on Washington Street; resurfacing will take place after the Illinois Marathon. This project is anticipated to be complete by this summer. d) Lanore/Adams/Fairlawn Multi-Use Path Update – Brad Bennett Bennett reported that there have been some delays on this project due to weather, but that the pathway has been installed. Lighting installation will occur once the ground is dry enough, and landscape work should begin by June. Bowersox-Johnson verified that once this project is complete, a grand-opening event will take place with neighborhood residents. 6. NEW BUSINESS a) SRTS Grant Bike Facilities Project: Bike Lanes, Shared Bike/Parking Lanes, Bike Routes, and Bike Racks – Brad Bennett Bennett reviewed engineering plans for this project with the Committee. The project includes bike lanes, bike routes, and bike rack installation around Urbana schools. Bowersox-Johnson inquired about community awareness and education regarding this project. The committee discussed planning a community outreach event such as a bike ride or media event to help create awareness for motorists and bicyclists. Bennett said he would discuss these ideas with staff. Plans for this project are available for review at http://urbanaillinois.us/projects/2012-safe-routes-school- bike-facilities-project. 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS • Bennett pointed out that May is Bike Month. He said that Bike to Work Day is May 1, 2013. Participants are asked to register at http://www.cubiketowork.com. The event is also seeking volunteers. • Neptune announced Bike to School Day on May 8, 2013, and Bike to Market Saturdays in May. Bennett said the Bike to School Day event is seeking volunteers. • Bennett said that a Traffic Skills 101 class is scheduled for May 4, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the C- U Mass Transit District. The cost is $65 per person. Contact Cynthia Hoyle for more information. • Bennett announced a Bike Rodeo at Market at the Square on May 18, 2013. Contact Cynthia Hoyle or Jane Sullivan for more information. • Bowersox-Johnson said the Bicycle Diversion Program has been implemented, in which bicyclists who receive a ticket for a violation can pay a reduced fine if they take a bicycle safety course. The first class is scheduled for May 2, 2013. • Neptune announced a Champaign County Greenways and Trails Public Meeting, which will be a joint Open House for review of the Illinois State Bike Transportation Plan. This meeting will be held April 25, 2013. More information can be found at http://www.ccrpc.org/greenways/news.php. • Bowersox-Johnson announced the Orchard Downs Bike Rodeo on April 20, 2013. He said event is also seeking volunteers. Contact Cynthia Hoyle for more information. 8. FUTURE TOPICS Bowersox-Johnson said the Broadway Avenue bike lanes will be discussed at a future meeting. He said the next meeting would be held on June 18, 2013. 9. ADJOURNMENT Bowersox-Johnson adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m. *** Femi Fletcher-Washington, Recording Secretary