Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board Monday, January 11, 2016 5:30 – 7:30 P.M. 777 E. Waterman, Building 200 Wichita Transit Van Maintenance Facility Conference Room Wichita, Kansas 67202 Agenda Item Time Description 1. 5:30 pm Call to Order Jack Brown, Chairperson 2. 5:31 pm Approve Previous Meeting Notes Jack Brown, Chairperson 3. 5:35 pm Public Comments 4. 5:45 pm Discuss – 127th Street Designs Paul Gunzelman, Assistant City Engineer, will review the design plans for 127th Street from 21st Street to 13th Street. 5. 6:00 pm Discuss – WAMPO Transportation Improvement Program Applications Paul Gunzelman, Assistant City Engineer, will present information on the proposed City of Wichita’s WAMPO TIP application process. 6. 6:10 pm Discuss – Downtown Bicycling Ordinance Jennifer Magana, will be present information about the City of Wichita ordinance restricting bicycling on sidewalks in downtown. 7. 6:30 pm Approve – Letter to City Council Report Wichita Jack brown, Chairperson, will present a draft letter recommending City Council action to add features for bicycle and pedestrian related reports through the Wichita Reports application. 7. 6:35 pm Discuss – 2015 Wichita Bicycle Master Plan Implementation Report Scott Wadle, Senior Planner, will be present information from the draft report, including the 2015 Work Plan actions. . 8. 6:45 pm Discuss – 2015 Wichita Pedestrian Master Plan Implementation Report Scott Wadle, Senior Planner, will be present information from the draft report, including the 2015 Work Plan actions. 9. 7:00 pm Discuss – Project Tracking and Tools Jack Brown, Chairperson, will provide an overview of the proposed project tracking list and useful tools. 10. 7:05 pm Board Member Project Reports Jack Brown, Chairperson 11. 7:15 pm Announcements Jack Brown, Chairperson 12 7:20 pm Closing Thoughts Jack Brown, Chairperson Notice – City Council Members may attend this meeting.  Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board Thursday, December 10, 2015 5:30 – 7:30 P.M. Hyde Park Community Shelter 201 S. Greenwood Wichita, KS 67203 Meeting Notes Members Present: Jack Brown, Barry Carroll, Russell Fox, Jerry Jones, Tom Lasater, Tyler Stutzman, George Theoharis Members Absent: Maxine Bostic, James Crowder, Amy Delamaide, Melany Barnes City Staff: Scott Wadle Other: James Clendenin 1. Welcome Jack Brown welcomed everyone to the Wichita Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board (Board) retreat. 2. Board Authority and Purpose Scott Wadle provided a brief review of the City ordinance that created the Board, including the responsibilities and authority of the Board. The Board discussion focused on balancing focus on bicycling and walking; and the broad scope of the Board to make recommendations on anything that affects bicycling and/or walking in Wichita. 3. Board Bylaws Review Scott Wadle highlighted elements of the Board’s by-laws. During the review and discussion, individual Board members indicated their satisfaction with the by-laws, including how concise they are. 4. Board Accomplishments The Board received a quick presentation on the Board accomplishments for 2015. Scott Wadle distributed the handout Wichita Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board – Board Accomplishments for 2015 document. 5. Performance Measures 2015 The Board members reviewed a brief PowerPoint that showed the progress to date accomplishing the goals of the Wichita Bicycle Master Plan (WBMP) and the goals of the Wichita Pedestrian Master Plan (WPMP). 6. Priorities for 2015 The Board members participated in a voting exercise to identify the top priority strategies from the WBMP and WPMP for implementation in 2016. A listing of the results from the exercise, organized by the number of votes, is available in Appendix A. In addition to the voting exercise, Board members also indicated a desire to receive presentations/discuss the following topics in 2016. 1   Regulations restricting people bicycling in downtown Wichita  Aviation Path from Wichita to Derby  Use of the Big Ditch for bicycling and walking/running  On-street bikeways on the West Kellogg frontage roads  Bikeway definitions, construction, and cost estimates  One bicycling tour and one walking tour per year  Business recognitions – the Board members deferred to Amy on ideas for 2016  Bikeways scheduled for design and/or construction in 2016 7. Board Assessment Scott Wadle facilitated the meeting and inadvertently did not introduce this agenda item. During general discussion during other agenda items, Board members indicated their overall satisfaction with the functioning of the Board. 8. Project Tracking Sheets Scott Wadle provided a brief presentation on the benefits of a project tracking list. 9. The retreat adjourned around 7:45 pm. 2  Appendix A: Board 2016 WBMP and WPMP Priority Strategies Board Priority Wichita Bicycle Master Plan Strategies for 2015 Board WBMP Strategy Member Votes 8 Prioritize funding to complete gaps (missing links) in the bikeway network 4 Provide bicycle facilities on designated streets and off-street bicycle facilities 4 Determine if a bike share program would be good for Wichita 3 Prioritize and fund bicycle facility maintenance 3 Adopt policies to ensure that the City’s project planning and review processes account for bicycle facilities 2 Install a signed bicycle route Wayfinding system 1 Promote bicycle education and encouragement in Wichita through partnership with community organizations and businesses 1 Increase enforcement of bicyclists and motorist behavior to reduce bicycle and motor vehicle crashes 1 Support efforts to obtain funding for bicycle education and enforcement programs 1 Update the Bicycle Master Plan on a regular basis 0 Coordinate increased participation in bicycling events 0 Update the Unified Zoning Code to provide incentives for both office and retail developments/redevelopments to provide secure and conveniently located bicycle parking 0 Increase the availability of bicycle parking throughout Wichita 0 Engage area businesses in using bicycles in their advertising and other promotions 0 Enlist opinion leaders in promoting bicycling (e.g. speakers bureau) 0 Publish an annual implementation work plan 0 Establish performance measures to monitor progress 0 Create a bicycle advisory board 0 Allocate staffing to implement this plan 0 Provide printed, online, and mobile device bicycling guides 0 Work with area businesses and colleges to engage them in the League of American Bicyclists recognition program 0 Create a policy for installing facilities that are isolated segments 0 Create a policy for reserving space for future facilities (e.g. space for bike lane that is added later) 0 Fund through the CIP, annual programs, and grants 0 First achieve League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community bronze and then silver designation 0 Improve bicycle safety and access at arterial roadway crossings 0 Incorporate the facility recommendations from this plan into the WAMO Metropolitan Transportation Plan and related plans 0 Educate Wichita transportation system professionals and users about new bicycle facility types planning, design, and bicycle related issues that may arise 0 Work with school districts to develop collaborative partnerships to encourage children to bike to school 0 Improve bicycle access to transit 3  Board Priority Wichita Pedestrian Master Plan Strategies for 2015 Board Wichita Pedestrian Master Plan Strategies Members Votes 5 Make maintenance of pedestrian infrastructure a priority 5 Improve safety by improving pedestrian infrastructure near schools 5 Plant and maintain street trees 4 Support efforts to encourage walking to school and safety education 3 Implement the design guidance included in Chapter 7 of this plan 3 Provide sidewalks along arterial streets 2 Create a marked crosswalk policy 1 Improve pedestrian infrastructure near senior centers, housing, and destinations 0 Monitor and update the implementation of this plan 0 Focus pedestrian improvement resources on improving safety at intersections 4  Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board Monday, November 9, 2015 5:30 – 7 p.m. 777 E. Waterman, Building 200 Wichita Transit Van Maintenance Facility Conference Room Meeting Notes Members Present: Melany Barnes, Maxine Bostic, Jack Brown, Barry Carroll, James Crowder , Russell Fox, Jerry Jones, George Theoharis, Tyler Stutzman Members Absent: Amy Delamaide , Tom Lasater City Staff: Scott Wadle, MAPD, Kelly Keele, KDOT Guests: See below Item Description 1. Call to Order: Jack Brown, Chairperson, welcomed City staff and guests. 2. Approve Previous Meeting Notes: Maxine Bostic moved [Russell Fox] to approve the October 12, 2015 meeting notes. Motion carried 9-0. 3. Public Comments: There were no public comments. 4. Discussion of the Proposed I-235 & Kellogg Interchange: At the request of the board, Kelly Keele, KDOT Road Design Leader, was present to provide an overview of the I-235 and Kellogg Interchange project. According to Ms. Keele, this project has been in the planning process since the 1990s and actual construction will commence in a few weeks. Ms. Keele showed a PowerPoint presentation that provided visual images of the proposed project. The project will be constructed in four phases; the first phase is slated for completion by 2019. There were approximately 30 area residents who expressed concern about the proposed removal of a bridge on an adjacent abandoned railroad corridor. The majority of the public wanted the bridge to remain in place. The bridge in question could be linked to the Prairie Sunset rail trail, according to the public comments. After considerable discussion, Jerry Jones moved [Melany Barnes] to authorize the Board Chairperson to forward a letter to the Secretary of KDOT requesting that the bridge not be removed in the initial construction phase and to preserve it for possible use on the rail-trail. Motion carried 9-0. The board and members of the public thanked Ms. Keele for her informative presentation. 5. Discussion of CDBG Funded Bikeway Projects: Scott Wadle reported that the following projects will be funded, in part, from CDBG funds: 1) Market & Topeka bike lanes south to Mt. Vernon; 2) signal crossing at 9th & McLean; and 3) a connection from the 1st & 2nd bike lanes to Wichita State University. Currently the projects are being designed, reviewed and will be constructed in the spring of 2016. The board was very supportive of this new funding initiative! 6. Discussion of ‘Open Streets’ Wichita: Troy Houtman, Park and Recreation Director, was invited to discuss possible ‘Open Streets’ events in Wichita. According to Mr. Houtman, he and the Board Chairperson recently attended an ‘Open Streets/conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Houtman reported that there is an 1  ‘Open Streets’ movement sweeping the country! An ‘Open Street,’ according to Mr. Houtman is a designated street, that is blocked off and only used by pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, musicians, businesses, yoga classes, and other area residents. The length of the street could be anywhere from one to six miles! This ‘Open Streets’ movement is extremely popular and good for business vendors as well. In closing, Mr. Houtman stated that the City Council appears to be supportive of this concept. Planning for such an event may take up to a year and include many community partners, Mr. Houtman stated. The board was supportive if this initiative and thanked Mr. Houtman for his informative presentation. 7. Proposed WBPAB 2015 Retreat: As in past years, the board expressed a need for a retreat. During the retreat, members will review projects in 2015 and plan ahead for 2016. Scott Wadle will send an email to the board that will indicate the date, time and location of the retreat. It will likely occur on the regularly scheduled meeting date in December. The board is supportive and looks forward to the retreat. 8. Discussion of Fall 2015 WBPAB Bikeway Tour: The board will host a bicycle ride to view all the latest bicycle and pedestrian projects. The board agreed to meet on Saturday, November 14th. Specific details will be forthcoming. The board members look forward the event! 9. Board Members Project Reports:  Redbud Trail (Bostic): Artwork and landscaping still need to be completed.  Delano/River Vista Apartments (Barnes): There will now be a 10-foot multiuse path located adjacent to the apartments! Utility work of the project has begun  Douglas Design District (Amy): The City has received HSIP funds for the improvement of the Douglas and Hydraulic intersection!  1st & 2nd Bikeways: (Carroll): Completed!  Market & Topeka Bikeways (Carroll): Construction has commenced!  Armour Bikeway [Crowder]: The work has been completed!  Woodchuck: Open bids in October 2015  Chisholm Creek Park Multi-use Path: Path is now open!  East Kellogg Expansion Project [Lasater]: Utility re-location work has started.  Prairie Sunset Trail (Stutzman): The trail is being extended eastward.  WAMPO/TAC Meeting: Jack Brown routinely attends this meeting. 10. Announcements:  WAMPO Bike/Ped Count: Jane Byrnes reported that there was an 11% increase in biking and walking in the past year and a 45% in the past two years! Jane suggested that the media should be made aware of this latest count and trend.  Flood Control Levees: Jerry Jones asked that the board invite a representative from the City to explain why bicycles are not permitted to ride on the levees? Jerry noted that several communities in the state permit bicycling on levees and would like to explore this matter at a future board meeting. 11. Closing Thoughts:  Project Tracking Form: An updated project tracking form will be developed.  Thank You Note: Board members asked the Chairperson to forward a ‘thank you’ note to Troy Houtman in appreciation of his presentation. 2 The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Monday, January 11, 2016. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm. Respectfully submitted,  Barry Carroll, WBPAB Secretary _____________________________________________________________________________________ Members of the Public 1. Jim House 2. Geoffrey Kisch 3. Bob Lavelle 4. Braden Shelman 5. Diane McLuen 6. Wayne Ingham 7. Ruth Holliday 8. Dick Nott 9. Alan Kailer 10. Walter Wattman 11. Andy Cramb 12. Brenda Mueller 13. Evelyn Hefley 14. Jeff Mehany 15. Matt Freund 16. Dave Hewitt 17. Sharon Hewitt 18. Daniel Greger 19. John Moore 20. Wayne Latshaw 21. Larry Hatfield 22. Lonny Wright 23. Susan Howe 24. John Habeger 25. Kathryn Buck 26. Jane Byrnes 3