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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-14 CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 CITY OF KITCHENER The Cycling Advisory Committee met on his date commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Messrs. T. Kenyon (Chair), B. Forwell (Vice-Chair), Councillor J. Gazzola and, S. Burek, D. Class, , B. Laube, N. Mehés, M. Arges, Staff: Messrs. R. Schirm (Committee Administrator & recorder), P. Wetherup Regrets: Messrs. D. Hilker, T. Müller and Ms. P. Ji-Taylor APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. That the minutes of the June 8, 2010 meeting be approved. Motioned by: Mr. S. Burek Seconded by: Mr. D. Hilker Discussion as a result of the minutes. Media Treatment of Cycling Issues Mr. R. Schirm reported back to the Committee that although individual members are able to identify themselves as members when contacting the media, they are discouraged from doing so unilaterally. They should also not be using their membership to lobby as a part of a personal opinion or view. The Regional Cycling Advisory Committee follows the guideline that when that committee is in direct contact with the media, it is the Chair that does so and the Chair expresses the views of the Committee. Members agreed that this is the best course of action in this regard. Use of Waste Sign Material for Bicycle Reflective Tape Mr. D. Class reported that he has been leaving a blue box at the sign shop for pick up and has been developing a 1”X3” highly reflective strip in either white or amber to affix to the frame of bicycles. The strip needs to be heated into place for about one minute in order to follow the contour of the bike frame. Discussion ensued as to next steps. Possible distribution could include schools and Can Bike courses. Two questions arose as to the requirements for reflective material on bikes as set out in the Highway Traffic Act and the impact of bicycle helmet warranties when affixing this type of material to them. ACTION:Mr. D. Classto investigate HTA legislation with regards to reflectors on bicycles. He is also to investigate bicycle helmet manufacturers’ warranties with regards to affixing reflectors to the helmets and report back his findings to the committee. CYCLING MASTER PLAN 2. Mr. R. Schirm reported that the Cycling Master Plan and accompanying report was approved at Development and Technical Services Committee Meeting on August 23rd. The recommendations that were approved were: st “That the 2010 Cycling Master Plan entitled ‘Cycling Master Plan for the 21 Century’ as attached to Development and Technical Services Report 10-144 be approved in principle; and, That annual funding of $200,000 to implement the Cycling Master Plan be referred to the 2011 Capital Budget review; and, CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 - - CITY OF KITCHENER 2 CYCLING MASTER PLAN – cont’d 2. That annual funding be increased to $300,000 in 2015 and be referred to the 2011 Capital Budget review; and further, That a Transportation Demand Management Coordinator position be referred to the 2011 Operating Budget review to implement and manage the Cycling Master Plan along with other Transportation Demand Management initiatives.” Mr. Schirm clarified the recommendations stating that the Transportation Demand Management Coordinator position would be dedicating 50% of their time to the implementation of the CMP and the administration of the Cycling Advisory Committee. Mr. T. Kenyon discussed the core policies that are featured in the CMP, including: “Recognize and include preferred cycling infrastructure (based on road classification) in every new road and road reconstruction/resurfacing project, with exceptions justified transparently and approved by the General Manager. Routinely consider the needs of cyclists in transportation projects and services, including planning, design, traffic data collection, traffic calming programs, safety audits and construction/traffic management.” Mr. Schirm further stated that the type of facility is linked directly to road classification, which is the road hierarchy based on volume of traffic and functionality. The final version of the report will be available soon in hard copy to members of the Committee. In the meantime, members who wish electronic copies should contact Mr. Schirm as the file is too large to email. CYCLING MASTER PLAN AND THE CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE 3. Mr. T. Kenyon reported that an integral part of the CMP includes the development of an annual report card by the committee to report to Council on the level of success with regards to implementation of the Plan. As part of the informal CAC meeting in August, the idea of creating a bi-annual report to Council was thought to be the most effective. Mr. M. Arges distributed a draft report card that he developed based on assessing various pieces of infrastructure. Mr. N. Mehés raised the issue on whether existing infrastructure should be rated or whether identifying priorities within the Budget process would be more expedient. Further discussion ensued and Mr. R. Schirm stated that this would potentially involve staff from Engineering presenting planned road reconstruction/resurfacing projects for the coming year in a timely fashion so as to be able to respond to requests from the Committee and be accommodated within the upcoming budget process. The process would include Parks Planning staff making a similar presentation. The Committee would then report back to Council on the success of the planned installations. Mr. B. Forwell stated that the Regional Cycling Advisory Committee uses a similar process at this time, identifying the University Avenue bike lane construction as a success for that committee as it lobbied RMOW engineering staff (using the identified process) to include this in their reconstruction of that roadway. CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 - - CITY OF KITCHENER 3 CYCLING MASTER PLAN AND THE CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE 3. - cont’d Mr. Mehés further commented on his concerns on addressing connectivity of the Network, a concern that was identified numerous times throughout the CMP process by various sources. The Committee agreed that by being able to identify priorities and reporting back to Council on the implementation would assist in dealing with this issue. Mr. D. Class raised the issue of using future budget dollars if a project that was identified as critical by the Committee needed additional funds. Councillor Gazzola stated that this is possible. The Committee asked that Mr. Schirm work with Engineering and Parks Planning in developing a timetable to report to the Committee with regards to upcoming projects. RECOMMENDATIONMr. R. Schirm develop appropriate reporting timetable with Engineering : and Parks Planning staff, resulting in annual presentations at the most expedient time. Motioned by: Mr. M. Arges Seconded by: Mr. D. Class RECOMMENDATION: Engineering and Parks Planning staff to advise the CAC when issues arise making the installation of preferred and recommended cycling facilities within their projects difficult. Motioned by: Mr. D. Class Seconded by: Mr. M. Arges ACTION: Mr. M. Arges and Messers. B. Laube and N.Mehes to begin developing report card. ROUNDABOUTS ON THE OTTAWA STREET AND HURON ROAD CORRIDORS 4. Mr. B. Forwell questioned at what point in the design are the redevelopment of the Ottawa Street and Huron Road corridors. Mr. R. Schirm reported that Ottawa Street is a regional road and he is not aware of what stage the project is at. Huron Road is a City roadway and, at this time, is in the design stage. Preliminary work is including cycle tracks and cycle track treatment at roundabouts. Mr. Schirm has yet to see the preliminary design but that is imminent. Committee members agreed that they would like to see a presentation on what is planned for this corridor, including the roundabout at Strasburg Road. ACTION: Mr. R. Schirm to request Region Engineering staff to present Ottawa Street corridor designs, including proposed roundabouts at Homer Watson Boulevard and Alpine Road at October meeting. ACTION: Mr. R. Schirm to request Engineering to present Huron Road design at October meeting. PRESENTATIONS TO COUNCIL 5. Discussion regarding the timing and regularity Committee should be reporting to Council took place. It was felt that achievements and goals should be presented before the end of the calendar year. Councillor Gazzola advised that the Committee needs to consider that with the election and the new ward alignment along with retirements of existing Councillors, there will be several new members of Council starting in December. CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 - - CITY OF KITCHENER 4 PRESENTATIONS TO COUNCIL 5. – cont’d Mr. R Schirm added that the Committee should have its plans on monitoring the implementation ready prior to going to Council so that its strategic direction as well as reporting on its achievements over the first two years of existence can be outlined. After much discussion, the Committee felt that it could be ready for the December 20th Council meeting. Councillor Gazzola and Mr. Schirm commented that they were unsure that the Committee would be active at that time as the new term begins in January 2011. Action: Mr. R. Schirm to investigate status of the Committee with regards to when the term of the present Committee concludes. Action: Mr. R. Schirm to investigate feasibility of making a presentation at the December 20th Council meeting. CYCLIST FATALITY ON UNIVERSITY AVENUE 6. Mr. T. Kenyon indicated that he was in contact with Waterloo Regional Police about the collision. No charges have been laid as of yet and the investigation is ongoing, with the police requesting witnesses to come forward. Mr. B. Forwell asked Committee members if they had issues with the facility on University Avenue. Mr. Kenyon advised that access to the University is awkward when travelling eastbound towards Westmount Road in that to get to the University expeditiously, one needs to ride several metres on the sidewalk on the north side of University Avenue. The left turn is difficult from Westmount Road and the trail that has been installed on University property features a very soft surface. Other Committee members commented on the volume of pedestrians in the area as well. ACTION: Mr. B. Forwell to raise access issues on University Avenue at Westmount Road with the Regional Cycling Advisory Committee 2011 APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES AND BOARDS 7. Mr. R. Schirm explained that all Committee members are welcome to apply for membership on the Committee for the 2011-2012 term. He distributed applications and indicated that applications are due October 1, 2010. on Mr. Schirm reminded everyone that there are two vacant positions at this time. He further indicated that the Clerks department has asked to monitor attendance for 2010. Mr. Schirm stated that he felt that attendance has been excellent by all members throughout the two year term. OTHER BUSINESS 8. Mr. D. Class and Mr. M. Arges have been compiling trail reports, commenting on conditions and issues on trails. Mr. T. Kenyon asked that they distribute their reports via email to Committee members for review, once they are complete. ADJOURMENT 9. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Ronald Schirm Committee Administrator