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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-12CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 12, 2013 The Cycling Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:07 p.m. CITY OF KITCHENER Present: Ms. M. Sehl (Chair), Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. M. Generoux, Ms. T. Niesen, T. Boutilier, P. Dedes, T. Reiser, M. Boos, M. Arges and L. Oakey Staff: Messrs. J. Joseph, D. Pimentel (minutes), M. Parris, J. Readman, J. LaPointe Regrets: Messrs. S. Gibson, P. Walberg (Vice- Chair) 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2013 MEETING That the minutes of the September 17, 2013 meeting be approved as amended: Motioned by: Mr. T. Boutilier (carried) 2. 5 YEAR PRIORITY NETWORK COORDINATION STRATEGY & BUDGET OVERVIEW • Mr. Joseph indicated that work is ongoing for next year's priority locations; staff are working with each other in an attempt to find collaboration between road works and cycling priorities • In the past priorities were set on a year to year basis, the intent is to now look further ahead and attempt to tie the implementation of cycling infrastructure with road works (i.e. construction projects, traffic calming reviews) • Mr. Readman indicated that the delay in setting up the 5 year priority is partially due to the traffic calming policy being updated • Locations that have already been identified in the KCMP Mr. Joseph will provide an estimate of costs and rough timelines for each; the CAC will be able to discuss locations each year with the intent to alter the process rather than alter specific locations • Mr. Joseph indicated that the budget/cost noted in the December report will be estimates based upon figures outlined in the KCMP • Ms. Sehl informed the CAC that the 3 priorities the CAC outlined for 2014 will not change but the strategy will affect future priority selections (i.e. 2015, 2016 etc), with the hope of potential cost savings and more timely coordination of works • Staff are seeking support from the CAC in implementing the 5 year strategy going forward • What is the lead time from the CAC for input on projects; the earlier the better but at the beginning of each year would be ideal • The CAC is unclear as to the allocation of funds for each project, can an estimate be associated with each; Mr. Readman indicated that can be provided but the intent of the strategy is to piggy -back on road works in an effort to save on costs • Is there currently a process in place now to allow CAC members to comment on cycling projects; the associated sub - committee can provide comments currently. Staff plans to consult KCAC for all future projects in 2014 and beyond. • Will Regional roads be considered in the strategy; they will but the ATMP will be referenced for Regional road projects; Mr. LaPointe indicated that the ATMP has been taken to Council and is waiting for approval, there may need to be an implementation aspect included which would also incorporate costs • If work has been completed, how can the CAC be included into providing comment (i.e. any urgent issues); with the flexibility in the strategy, depending on road classification, these types of locations can be worked into strategy CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 12, 2013 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER Once the plan is in place, will there be no opportunity to move away from the plan; the plan is a living document which allows for flexibility year to year. It should be noted that the resurfacing schedule may affect some locations as the schedule is not none early enough; CAC members asked if the schedule for resurfacing can be shared with the CAC in future; while it can be shared to the CAC, the schedule is not completed early enough to assist with coordination With LRT coming in the future, is there an opportunity to tie into those works; Mr. Joseph indicated that there is opportunity and he will be more involved with LRT in the future On a motion by Mr. M. Boos - it was resolved and carried: "That the process of the proposed 5 year priority cycling network coordination strategy be approved in principal by the CAC." 4. FINALIZING PRIORITIES FOR 2014 Each subcommittee selected one priority for 2014 • Signage strategy - way finding for on /off road cycling facilities • Development of a cycling report card • Education campaign - educate both motorists and cyclists on the rules of the road On a motion by Mr. P. Dedes - it was resolved and carried: "That the CAC endorse the 3 priorities set out by each subcommittee." 5. BY -LAW REVIEW STRATEGY UPDATE - see attached report • Mr. Dedes sent out an email to all CAC members for their viewing and did not receive any comment or suggestions from the CAC; informed the CAC that legislation is just one part of the by -law review • The intent of the by -law review is to protect cyclists which will include updating definitions (i.e contra flow) • Four by -laws considered for review are: • safe passing by -law (1 m rule) - 39 states currently have by -law in place • riding abreast - benefit of allowing more cyclists on the roadways while being less discriminatory • dooring - attach fines to motorists (Boston currently has this in place) • safe turning at intersections • There is also some clarification on existing by -laws (i.e. e- scooters and cycling behaviour on trails) • Mr. Dedes would like to incorporate the by -law review into the CAC December report in order to provide guidance to staff on next steps. Mr. Dedes also indicated that the scope should be broadened to involve the entire province and possible inclusion into the Highway Traffic Act CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 12, 2013 - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER Ms. Sehl indicated that as a result of the Coroner's report it was suggested that Municipalities review existing by -laws; staff were unable to complete the by -law review with the subcommittee taking over Ms. Sehl asked how the by -law report can be sent to Council; can be sent as a separate package to Council Some CAC members had some concerns over the review, including: • Should the riding abreast proposal only be allocated to certain road classifications? Some member suggested it should include all types of roadways • Can bi- directional be added to the definitions section? If there is a definition available it can be incorporated • Why the difference between power assisted bicycles and e- scooters? It is to assist with seniors and the disabled • Is the 1 m rule able to be included into the by -law? Specific language of each by -law will be decided upon by staff not the CAC • Can anything be incorporated to include speed (i.e. 20 km /h) limits? It can be, but unclear of process and currently trails are designed to encourage speeds of under 20 km /h • Are the by -laws suggested only on a City level, or are they different from other surrounding Municipalities? Engagement between Cities, Region and Province are key aspects to have consistency and provide clear rules in order for enforcement to take place On a motion by Mr. L Oakley - it was resolved and carried: "That the CAC endorse the report by the Technical Infrastructure Subcommittee for by -law review." 3. DECEMBER COMMITTEE REPORT UPDATE • Ms. Sehl shared the presentation that will be included with the December report to the CAC asking for any comments or suggestions; slides will be revised based on comments the CAC have made prior to presenting to Council • It was identified that no curb cuts were completed this year and that with the opening of the trail gates there have been no reported accidents between cyclists and motorists 6. DISCUSSION ON TERMS OF REFERENCE Mr. Joseph indicated that he has received an update from Mr. Sleeth regarding multi -use pathways and he will forward the update to the Planning, Evaluation, and Goveranvice (PEG) subcommittee It was suggested that late Spring be the target to update the terms of reference in order to assist with the selection of new members On a motion by Mr. P. Dedes - it was resolved and carried: "That the terms of reference be referred to the PEG subcommittee." CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 12, 2013 - 4 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. CROWD SOURCING IDEAS FOR BIKE RACK LOCATIONS • TRITAG has information available that can be adopted by the CAC • Mr. Joseph indicated that the CMP does not say that this type of program is developed (interaction between the CAC and the public) but will use the data /information for review purposes • A disclaimer nay also be required; Mr. Joseph will look into further 8. FEEDBACK FOR A REVISED MEETING STRUCTURE • Mr. Joseph is looking for potential improvements to the structure of each meeting. Mr. Joseph will develop a forum to seek suggestions from CAC members • Mr. Joseph indicated that August could work as an additional meeting but July /December may not be available as Clerks identified that it was not advertised with the additional meetings • CAC members indicated that a special meeting can be requested though the Clerks department • The potential for a December meeting is still open and Ms. Sehl will seek interest from the CAC 9. OTHER BUSINESS • Mr. Boutilier informed the CAC members of the recent passing of "Trails Guy" Robert "Bob" McMullen. Mr. McMullen was a pioneer for trail development and cycling in the City of Cambridge, which began as a series of fragmented trail sections and has evolved into a 53 kilometre trail network that stretches across Cambridge. • Mr. Boutilier would like to attend the visitation and sign the guest book on behalf of the CAC. Visitation is scheduled for November 18, 2013 • Mr. Reiser expressed concern over the detour for cyclists as a result of the Margaret Ave bridge closure; indicated that the crossing at St. Leger is unsafe as well as the signage and infrastructure is poor for the detour • Mr. Reiser would like some guidance on where complaints can be sent regarding these issues 10. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Mr. P. Dedes - it was resolved and carried: "The meeting adjourned at 6:01 pm"