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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-13CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 13, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER Cycling Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:08 p.m. Present: Ms. M. Sehl (Chair), D. Class, M. Arges, B. Forwell (Vice- Chair), P. Dedes, Y. Fernandes Staff: R. Schirm (Committee Administrator), J. Joseph (Minutes) Regrets: S. Burek, Ms. J. Romero, B. Laube Guests: P. Walberg 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF February 14, 2012 That the minutes of the February 14, 2012 meeting be approved. Motion by: M. Arges Seconded by: Y. Fernandes 2. CAC COUNCIL PRESENTATION Ms. M. Sehl discussed the CAC Council presentation that was delivered to the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee. R. Schirm stated that a media release was sent out that identified the 5 priorities. Councilors were very interested in the content presented and asked a variety of questions. M. Arges suggested a similar format to be used for future Council presentations, where the CAC would provide an update on priorities and recent accomplishments. Ms. M. Sehl suggested that the CAC report back to Council later in the year with an update on the 5 identified priorities. 3. COUNCILLOR'S RIDE M. Arges discussed the route for the Councilor's ride and solicited feedback from CAC members. P. Dedes asked if the route should include Mill Street. Ms. Y. Fernandes said there would be construction on Mill Street during that time. R. Schirm asked if it was possible to complete the route clockwise instead of counterclockwise in order to have more right turns. R. Schirm suggested that the route pass the rail crossing and go through Victoria Park. Ms. Y. Fernandes inquired about the date of the Councilor's ride, and it was suggested that it should be held on May 23 or 24th. R. Schirm stated that he would tentatively book May 23rd with the Mayor's office, with the rain date being on May 24th. It was discussed that the morning would be a better time for the approximately 2 hour ride as it would be cooler and more comfortable. CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 13, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER Ms. M. Sehl stated that Mr. T. Pender from The Record may be interested in covering the ride, and asked if CAC members thought it would be wise to include the media on the ride. P. Dedes and other CAC members agreed that it would be a great idea to have the media invited to attend through an official media release. Ms. M. Sehl asked how long of a stretch the ride would be on Weber Street. M. Arges confirmed that it would be a few hundred metres, and R. Schirm suggested that the pinch points the expressway creates should be highlighted. Ms. M. Sehl stated that CAC members should determine which area of the route they would like to highlight to Council. M. Arges suggested that a few places to stop should include the Victoria Park rail crossing, Queen Street Crossing, the proposed Nyberg Street contraflow bicycle lane as well as the trail entrance at Shantz Lane. 4. MANITOU DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION D. Class provided a variety of pictures of Manitou Drive that were reviewed by CAC members in order to seek comments, suggestions, and recommendations that would be delivered to the Region of Waterloo. D. Class stated his preference for a multi -use trail on the south side of Manitou Drive. R. Schirm expressed his concerns with a multi -use trail, specifically the high rate of speed that a cyclist would achieve while traveling downhill. R. Schirm stated that this could present a dangerous situation as the speed differentials between pedestrians and cyclists would be high. P. Dedes stated that motorists at driveways would not be looking for fast moving users on the trail, and with R. Schirm, stated a preference for on- road cycling facilities. After further discussion on the options of multi -use trails or on -road cycling facilities, the following motion was made to finalize the recommendations to the Region of Waterloo: MOTION: That the Manitou Drive reconstruction includes the installation of facilities for cyclists, including: 1) A fully paved 4 m multiuse path OR bike lanes on both sides with a minimum width of 1.5 metres. 2) Proper cycling signage and 3) Other cycling features as required. Motioned by: M. Arges Seconded by: Y. Fernandes Opposed: P. Dedes Motion carries. CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 13, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER There was also a discussion surrounding the Trans Canada Trail alignment. B. Forwell mentioned that the trail continue using the present trail corridor rather than an on -road connection. After further discussion among CAC members, the following motion was made: MOTION: That the Trans Canada Trail connection continues along the existing creek corridor to Balzer Avenue, with a grade separated crossing at Manitou Drive. Motioned by: B. Forwell Seconded by: M. Arges 5. ANIMATING THE TRAIL Mr. J. Joseph delivered a brief presentation introducing the Animating the Trail event to be held in May, which will host a variety of events and vendors along a portion of the Iron Horse Trail. Councillor Dan Glenn- Graham, who is spearheading the event, attended the meeting to answer any additional questions from committee members. B. Forwell asked about the logistics of offering food and drink, and Mr. D. Glenn- Graham replied that there could be vendors, food carts, and hand wash stations. A question was asked about police presence at the trail crossing at Victoria Street, and Mr. D. Glenn- Graham stated that this was being considered. B. Forwell suggested that the CAC purchase a tent and set up a display booth at the event. It was discussed that it would be beneficial to provide attendees with information on the Iron Horse trail crossing upgrade, and other CAC priorities for the year. 6. POTENTIAL GUEST SPEAKER FROM EMBASSY OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS Mr. J. Joseph presented a brief presentation on a potential guest speaker from The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Hans Moor. Hans has shown an interest in presenting to the public and politicians in Waterloo Region, and his presentation focuses on cycling safety, infrastructure, and promotion, drawing comparisons between the Netherlands and Canada. Mr. J. Joseph will connect with other municipalities in the Region to determine if there is an interest in splitting the costs of having Mr. Moor as a speaker. 7. COMPASS KITCHENER ALL COMMITTEE MEETING R. Schirm provided details on the Compass Kitchener All Committee Meeting, and asked for volunteers to attend and provide a brief 5 minute presentation on the CAC. Ms. M. Sehl and Mr. D. Class both volunteered to attend. CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 13, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER 8. ADJOURNMENT That the meeting be adjourned at 6:07 p.m. Motioned by: Mr. P. Dedes Seconded by: Mr. B. Forwell