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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-10CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES April 10, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER Cycling Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:20 p.m. Present: Ms. M. Sehl (Chair), D. Class, M. Arges, B. Forwell (Vice- Chair), P. Dedes, S. Burek Staff: R. Schirm (Committee Administrator), J. Joseph (Minutes), W. Sleeth Regrets: Ms. J. Romero, B. Laube Guests: P. Walberg 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF February 14, 2012 That the minutes of the March 13, 2012 meeting be approved. Motion by: P. Dedes Seconded by: M. Arges 2. BLOOMIN' EARTH ECO -FAIR J. Joseph provided a brief overview of the Bloomin' Earth Eco -Fair hosted by the City of Kitchener which showcases environmental initiatives, resources, plans, and projects. J. Joseph will attend the Eco -Fair and provide information on sustainable transportation options (i.e. walking, cycling, carpooling, transit use), as well as information on cycling specifically (i.e. the Cycling Master Plan, CAC priority projects). B. Forwell suggested displaying the GRT Bus and Bike Rack to show the public how easy it is to use. J. Joseph proposed leading a group bicycle ride from City Hall to McLennan Park to Huron Natural Area at the event to showcase that cycling is a viable means of transportation. Various CAC members expressed an interest in participating in the Eco -Fair, pending their availability. 3. COUNCILOR'S RIDE R. Schirm confirmed that the date for the Councilor's ride would be May 24th from 10am — 12pm. J. Joseph stated he would email a formal invitation to Council on behalf of the CAC Chair Ms. M. Sehl. The route of the Councilor's ride was discussed. P. Dedes raised concerns about crossing Ottawa Street, and suggested that bikes be walked to the crosswalk if there is heavy traffic. The main stopping points and points of discussion include: Nyberg Contraflow bicycle lane, Queen Street pedestrian island, Victoria Park rail crossing, and along the trail between Ottawa Street and Shantz Lane around the Graber Transformer station for comments on trail to trail conditions. CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES April 10, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER B. Forwell indicated his preference for speaking about the Nyberg contraflow bicycle lane, and M. Arges indicated he would speak to the trail conditions. R. Schirm stated that Victoria Park would be completely accessible at the time of the ride, and suggested a portion of the route cross through the park. Other important issues to be discussed on the ride include the importance of Krug Street as an access point into Downtown Kitchener, how the trails provide connectivity, and the significant barrier that Ottawa Street creates for cyclists. J. Joseph suggested that a route map be included in the invitation to Councillors, and this will be provided in a follow -up reminder email closer to the ride date. 4. HURON ROAD BRIDGE REHABILITATION D. Class delivered a brief presentation on the Huron Road Bridge Rehabilitation project. A variety of pictures showed the bridge to be narrow with a low railing height with the trail being hidden from the view of motorists. D. Class stated that traffic speeds across the bridge were high and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the trail. A variety of potential changes were proposed, including adding reflective tape to the trail entrance post, increasing the railing height, creating a `mini -park' to create clearer sightlines into the trail entrance, and adding signage such as `Share the Road' and `Trail Entrance Ahead' along with sharrows painted on the road. After further discussions with committee members, D. Class put forward the following motion: MOTION: WHEREAS the Huron Road Bridge falls within the priorities outlined in the Cycling Master Plan and the Trails Master Plan, the CAC recommends tht the rehabilitation project needs to address the following concerns: 1) The visibility of the trail entrance and the safety of the crossing for pedestrians and cyclists 2) The lack of signage to alert motorists of a trail crossing ahead 3) The railing height, which could compromise the safety of cyclists who are crossing the bridge 4) The high traffic speeds along the Huron Road Bridge. Motioned by: D. Class Seconded by: P. Dedes 5. BECHTEL DRIVE TRAIL CROSSING EAST OF SABRINA CRESCENT D. Class provided a brief presentation on the trail crossing at Bechtel Park, stating that it is poorly designed from a safety perspective. R. Schirm stated that he believes a raised crosswalk will be included in the area to slow traffic, but needs to confirm this information. M. Arges stated that the original intent of the trail crossing was to go directly across the street instead of angling before crossing the street. R. Schirm said that this was designed to accommodate driveways and would result in lower speeds from trail users as they approach the CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES April 10, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER street. R. Schirm asked W. Sleeth if the trail could be realigned, and W. Sleeth stated the trail could be reexamined. After further discussion, the following motion was made: MOTION: That the alignment of the trail crossing on Bechtel Drive east of Sabrina Crescent be examined by staff, with an update being provided at the next committee meeting. Motioned by: B. Forwell Seconded by: P. Dedes 6. THE GREAT COMMUTER RACE The committee showed an interest in hosting another race this year on June 7, and discussed the potential route and participants. R. Schirm suggested the route should be the Fairway Road signed route, which is approximately 7 kilometers. M. Arges suggested that we invite the fire or police chiefs. S. Burek suggested that someone from the radio station participate, which would allow for even more media coverage. J. Joseph stated that Hans Moor from the Embassy of the Netherlands could also participate if he is still in the city during the event. Next steps identified included confirming the use of a hybrid vehicle and writing and distributing a formal invitation. Ideally, the ride will include 3 -4 participants (councilors, print media, radio media, and TV personality). 7. COMPASS KITCHENER ALL COMMITTEE MEETING Ms. M. Sehl and M. Arges updated the committee, stating that a brief updated was delivered from the CAC. Ms. M. Sehl stated that LEAF is completing a consultation to receive input on what to do with the remaining funds. It was suggested that an open house meeting should be hosted, allowing members of the public to comment on the CAC and discuss any priorities or suggestions. R. Schirm stated that he would follow -up with Shelley Adams regarding access to the City of Kitchener's Strategic Plan. Ms. M. Sehl suggested that this item be included on the next agenda. 8. OTHER BUSINESS With regret, R. Schirm informed CAC members that N. Mehes has resigned from the committee. It was discussed that new committee members should be recruited, and J. Joseph and R. Schirm stated they will look into this matter. There was a discussion on the mandate of the CAC, and the possibility of expanding the scope to include trails and active transportation in general. B. Forwell stated that he had experience transitioning from cycling only to active transportation in general, and found that each approach had pros and cons. It CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES April 10, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER was agreed that the mandate of the CAC should be explored, and potential pros and cons of expanding the scope should be considered and discussed at a future meeting. 9. ADJOURNMENT That the meeting be adjourned at 6:08 p.m. Motioned by: Mr. P. Dedes Seconded by: Mr. B. Forwell