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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-14CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 14, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER Cycling Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:06 p.m. Present: D. Class, Ms. M. Sehl (Chair), M. Arges, B. Forwell (Vice- Chair), B. Laube, D. Class, P. Dedes, N. Mehes Staff: Messrs., R. Schirm (Committee Administrator), W. Sleeth (left at 5:00 p.m.), and J. Joseph (Minutes) Regrets: Y. Fernandes, S. Burek, Ms. J. Romero 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF January 10, 2012 That the minutes of the January 10, 2012 meeting be approved. Motion by: Mr. B. Forwell Seconded by: Mr. M. Arges 2. INTRODUCTION OF THE TDM COORDINATOR Ms. M. Sehl welcomed Mr. J. Joseph, the City of Kitchener's new Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Coordinator. Mr. J. Joseph introduced himself as a recent graduate from the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo, and an individual who is very interested in cycling, with both local and international experience in the field of sustainable transportation. It was noted that Mr. R. Schirm would continue to act as the committee administrator for some time before passing this role onto Mr. J. Joseph. 3. CAC COUNCIL PRESENTATION AND PRIORITIES FOR 2012 Ms. M. Sehl reviewed the presentation and solicited feedback from committee members on what has been accomplished by the CAC to date. Mr. B. Forwell suggested including the Great Commuter Race. Mr. B. Forwell also suggested including the pedestrian refuge island on Queen Street as an accomplishment, as it was built only through lobbying efforts by the CAC. Mr. R. Schirm suggested including the hiring of the TDM Coordinator as a significant accomplishment by the Committee. Mr. R. Schirm also referenced the cyclist survey completed by approximately 130 individuals in 2009 to be listed as an accomplishment, and agreed to send this information to Mr. D. Class to include in the presentation. On a subsequent slide, Ms. M. Sehl questioned the wording of `reinstatement of funding for the CMP,' Mr. R. Schirm clarified that the full funding ($200,000) for has been approved for the CMP in 2012. CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 14, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CAC COUNCIL PRESENTATION AND PRIORITIES FOR 2012 (con't) Mr. M. Arges suggested adding a statement to the presentation on how the trails master plan also identifies way finding as a top priority. Mr. R. Schirm stated that the presentation slide listing the top five cycling projects for 2012 was revised to include Margaret Avenue bicycle lanes. Mr. R. Schirm confirmed that bicycle lanes on Margaret Avenue are appropriate as it is a major collector road. Mr. B. Forwell asked Mr. R. Schirm if a double white line could be included in the bicycle lanes on the driver's side. Mr. R. Schirm replied saying that a 1.5m bicycle lane is all the road width would permit. Mr. B. Forwell stated he understands the limitations on width, but suggested adding the double white line addition on the wider portion of Margaret Avenue. 4. COUNCILORS RIDE Mr. D. Class included a slide on the presentation reminding Councilors of their commitment to riding with the CAC. Mr. R. Schirm noted that most councilors expressed their willingness and desire to participate in the ride, and suggested the wording of the slide should better reflect this reality. Committee members agreed that the purpose of the councilors ride is to show the facilities available through the eyes of a cyclist. It was noted that the tone of the ride should be positive overall, and dangerous situations should be avoided. Mr. R. Schirm suggested avoiding regional roads if possible and use primarily City roads and facilities. It was determined that the most appropriate time for the councilors ride would be in May. Mr. M. Agres suggested picking two dates in case of inclement weather. Mr. R. Schirm suggested choosing the 23rd and 24th of May as the ideal dates for the councilors ride. Mr. B. Forwell asked about the route for the councilors ride, and Mr. M. Arges stated he had been working on a route but was open to feedback and suggestions. Mr. R. Schirm noted that the route should be no longer than 10km. Ms. M. Sehl suggested that each committee member lead a portion of the tour as a way to introduce themselves to the councilors. It was discussed that the route could be modified and would be finalized in a future committee meeting. 5. CAC REPORT CARD Mr. M. Arges suggested that the CAC Report Card be voted upon during the meeting. Ms. M. Sehl noted that there should be some discussion before voting. Mr. D. Class expressed his concerns that constant changes were preventing the report card from being approved. After some discussion, the following motion was made: CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 14, 2012 5. CAC REPORT CARD (con't) CITY OF KITCHENER MOTION: That the Cycling Advisory Committee approves the framework for the report card, while allowing flexibility for changes to be made in the future. Motioned by: Mr. M. Arges Seconded by: Mr. B. Forwell Carried. 6. MANITOU DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION Mr. D. Class provided maps and cross sections from the Public Consultation Centre for Manitou Drive. Mr. D. Class stated that if kept at 3 lanes, there would be much less land to expropriate. Mr. D. Class wanted to share this information because after completion, a significant portion of Manitou Drive would have bicycle lanes. Mr. M. Arges inquired about the possibility of a multi -use path physically separated from the road, and suggested it may be worthwhile to advocate for this type of infrastructure. The Committee was informed that this trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail network. Mr. R. Schirm asked the Committee if they wished to form an official response for the Manitou Drive reconstruction project. Mr. R. Schirm further encouraged the committee to advocate for a grade separated trail crossing if that is what was desired among committee members. Mr. B. Forwell suggested that the Committee provide comments in reference to the trail crossing at the bridge and continues under Manitou Drive. Mr. R. Schirm stated that he would add this to next month's agenda so the committee can identify what comments should be made. 7. ADJOURNMENT That the meeting be adjourned at 6:04 p.m. Motioned by: Ms. M. Sehl Seconded by: Mr. M. Arges