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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-17 CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Cycling Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:03 p.m. Present: Ms. M. Sehl (Chair), Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. M. Generoux, Ms. T. Niesen, T. Boutilier, P. Dedes, S. Gibson, T. Reiser, M. Boos, M. Arges, L. Oakey and P. Walberg (Vice-Chair). Staff: Messrs. J. Joseph, D. Pimentel (minutes) and J. Readman Regrets: Messrs. W. Sleeth, M. Parris APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 12, 2013 MEETING 1. That the minutes of the June 11, 2013 meeting be approved as amended: (carried) Motioned by: Mr. S. Gibson DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES INTRODUCTION - Mr. Justin Readman 2.  Mr. Readman provided the CAC a brief background of his education and work experience  Mr. Readman was with the City of Hamilton for over 10 years, 3 of which were spent working with Rapid Transit as the Manager  Mr. Readman has recently moved into the Downtown core and anticipates cycling within the City in the future; recently went for a bike ride with Councillor Y. Fernandes  The CAC took the opportunity to ask Mr. Readman some questions which included; can anything be done to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians at the Margaret Ave bridge, while the bridge remains closed? Mr. Readman suggested that it may be difficult to implement due to costs and approvals but he will look into the matter  Mr. Readman indicated that Mr. Joseph and himself are working on prioritizing streets indicated in the Cycling Master Plan and creating short term (i.e. 5 years) goals for each. It was suggested by Mr. Walberg that Mr. Readman attend a later meeting to assist the CAC with identifying cycling priorities OVERVIEW OF SUMMER CYCLING SEASON & PRIORITY UPDATES 3.  Mr. Joseph reminded the CAC that normal meeting location, date and time will occur for all future meetings  Mr. Joseph noted the excellent attendance at this summer’s events; Canada Day, Bluesfest, Kids Park, Bikefest as well as various bike rides throughout the community  Currently have ran out of bike maps as they were all handed out at Blues Fest; additional maps will be printed, which will total approximately 4000 total maps. It should be noted that a pdf version of the bike map is currently available on-line  Mr. Joseph received some questions relating to the bike maps; Bike maps have been distributed to various bike companies and shops, including conversations with the Tour de Hans and including the maps in their packages; while this year the maps were free for anybody, there may be costs associated with the next version to offset the cost of production  Mr. Joseph indicated that responses received from the public indicated that the next version of the bike map should include the entire Region CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 - - CITY OF KITCHENER 2 Trail Road Crossings  Mr. Joseph is anticipating to work with other municipalities in the Region (i.e. Cambridge and Waterloo) in order to provide uniformity throughout the Region  Meetings are currently being setup to review and discuss Book 18  Mr. Joseph alluded to a Dutch group showing interest in assisting the CAC with providing solutions and guidance Sign Project  Some minor changes are still being done. It was asked if deficiencies can be addressed this year; a list of deficiencies should be created  The potential for a re-design of the street blades is being discussed and the CAC will be presented with any changes for their comment  It is anticipated that additional routes will be explored by summer 2014 Contra-Flow Bike Lanes  With the completion of the BikeMap and sharrows, Nyberg will be looked at in the immediate future  It is currently being discussed among staff; Mr. Readman will look into the concern and provide an update when appropriate Victoria/West & Courtland/Stirling  Mr. Joseph will speak with Mr. LaPointe, to see if he is able to attend next meeting to provide an update on the status of each location Iron Horse Trail & Rail Crossing  It was indicated that the works for the Wilson - Wabanaki trail are still not complete. It was understood that this work would be complete by September.  It is noted that an agreement was signed on September 4; CAC should draft a letter to send to CN outlining their concerns Margaret Ave  Pavement markings are nearly complete, however bridge is currently closed and will remain closed until reconstruction of the bridge occurs. It has been suggested that the bridge will not be replaced until 2015 KCAC SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES 4. Promotions – M. Arges This sub-committee discussed the following items at the most recent meeting:  Documents are being placed inside utility bills as well as distributed to schools  Discussions were had regarding the possible partnering with various bike clubs in order to provide education and information to the public. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should be the focus for educating; CAC members mentioned both the Optimist Club and Waterloo Children’s Village  CANBIKE - noted that this program is expensive; any possible rebate program that may assist with cost or the possibility of seeking any other program that provides the same training at a reduced cost  Mr. Joseph indicated that much of the sub-committee work overlaps with his day to day work, including potential sponsorship strategies. Mr. Joseph advised that he will begin to seek input from the various sub-committees, where his work overlaps the agenda items of each sub-committee CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 - - CITY OF KITCHENER 3 Technical Infrastructure – P. Dedes This sub-committee meets the third Wednesday following the KCAC meeting. This sub-committee discussed the following items at the most recent meeting:  Mr. Dedes advised that staff consult Book 18 prior to any infrastructure changes on a roadway (ex. Lorraine Ave)  While there is a standard for marking trail crossings, each location should be looked at differently as each location differs from one another  Discussions occurred around by-law review, which will be incorporated into the by-law review section Planning, Evaluation, and Governance – P. Walberg This sub-committee discussed the following items at the most recent meeting:  At the last CAC meeting in July, the CAC endorsed the report card framework  The sub-committee brainstormed various ideas in how to evaluate specific measures under each of the 5 E’s  A large range of ideas were brought forward, some general and others more specific. It was decided upon that 5 general metrics would be used under each of the 5 E’s in order to provide some guidance to providing a grading system to the report card. It is important to provide a grading system to each item in order to ensure each vested party (i.e. City of Kitchener, CAC) is held accountable for their role  It is anticipated that a working draft will be complete for year’s end. It should be noted that a report card will not be presented this year but rather an update. The report card will be presented every 2 years, limited only to even numbered years BY-LAW REVIEW 5.  Some definitions need to be changed, updated or added (i.e. contra-flow, e-bikes/e- scooters)  Mr. Dedes provided the CAC with information from other municipalities that relate to issues facing the cycling community in Kitchener. Recently the City of Toronto restricted the use of any e-bike on trails; they must be pedalled and motor use is not allowed  It was identified by Mr. Boos that formal rules are lacking regarding which side of the trail to be on, the usage of bells. Ms. Sehl suggested that rules of the trails should be provided to trail users; possibly at trail heads/crossings with the use of some signage  Mr. Dedes proposed 2 separate motions to the CAC for endorsement regarding the amendment of 2 by-laws; riding a breast and the 1 meter passing rule. Mr Dedes indicated that the City of Toronto recently presented Council with the same proposal. The CAC was not prepared to vote on the by-law changes at this time  Mr. Boutilier asked if the Toronto report can be obtained in order to review and assist with the proposed by-law changes  The CAC would like guidance from City staff in how to proceed with recommending any by-law changes. Mr. Joseph stated that he would speak with staff and the relating sub- committee to better understand the suitable approach.  It was suggested that the CAC committee should be 100% confident in any proposal made to Council CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 - - CITY OF KITCHENER 4 GENERAL COMMENTS 6.  Mr. Boutilier inquired about the status of the 2013 projects; Mr. Joseph mentioned that he will speak with Parks staff about attending the next meeting in order to provide an update to these projects  Items 7 & 8 on this month’s agenda were deferred to next month’s meeting as a result of insufficient time  A report to Council on behalf of the CAC should be prepared by staff that will outline progress on budget and priorities. This report should be kept separate from the CAC November report  Next month’s meeting will include discussions on 2014 priorities as well the concerns the CAC has with City vehicles using the VPP trail ADJOURNMENT 7. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m.