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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-11-10 KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th November 10, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:10 p.m. Present: Ms. G. Mitchell, Ms. M. Generoux, Councillor Y. Fernandes, Messrs. M. Boos (Vice-Chair), L. Chandler, P. Dedes (Chair), M. Drasdo, D. Hoshowsky, D. Kropf, and T. Boutilier. Staff: Messrs. M. Parris, J. Readman, D. Pimentel, J. Watkins, and Ms. M. Lanoue. Regrets: Ms. S. Taka 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF JUNE 9, 2015 On a motion by Mr. M. Boos: th “That the minutes of the October 13, 2015 meeting be approved.” It was resolved and carried 2. COMMUNITY DIGITAL STRATEGY  Mr. Watkins presented the committee with information on the City of Kitchener’s Community Digital Strategy. He provided examples of existing digital strategies in other cities and pointed out how each of them differed according to the needs of those it was serving.  The committee was broken into groups of two to brainstorm, provide ideas, and ask questions. 3. PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE DISPLAY BOARD FEEDBACK  Mr. Readman described the public engagement process for cycling infrastructure. He went over the changes that were being proposed and received feedback from the committee.  Councillor Fernandes suggested that there be a question sheet at the front and a group questions and answer period with a letter containing the answers to the most frequently asked questions mailed to all of the residents.  Mr. Readman went over a draft of the Public Information Centre display boards. Mr. Kropf noted that it may be beneficial to have pop up bike lanes to give residents an idea of what their street would look like. Mr. Dedes mentioned that the pop ups might be better served in areas that haven’t been listed in the Cycling Master Plan. Mr. Boos said that they would be best used to show cycle tracks. Mr. Pimentel agreed that this might be a good idea as perception is what is holding people back and it would help if they could see what was being proposed and try a new road layout.  Mr. Readman went over the Frequently Asked Questions Panels. Mr. Dedes said that the answers could be tweeted out to help raise awareness and educate the public.  Mr. Readman asked if there were any concerns with the process. Mr. Dedes indicated that the heads up time was too short. Residents already know what is coming in the next 5 years as dictated by the Cycling Master plan, but they should somehow be given more notice so they do not feel blindsided. Ms. KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th November 10, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER Generoux suggested that a letter be sent to residents a year before the implementation. Mr. Readman reminded the committee that two weeks is ideal because people will forget if it is any further in advance.  The committee was in support of an annual heads up to residents of roadways to receive cycling infrastructure in that year. 4. MULTI-USE PATHWAY SIGNAGE  Mr. Pimentel provided photos of a multi-se pathway on Block Line, Huron Road, and Courtland Avenue. He gave a detailed description of the type of infrastructure that is currently at each location as well as the standards that are recommended by OTM Book 18.  Mr. Readman was concerned about promoting two way traffic on multi-use trails because when the facilities merge with on road infrastructure, only one way is allowed.  Mr. Dedes suggested that the cycling traffic be directional while pedestrians would be allowed to go either way. He also suggested that pavement markings be used instead of signs. Mr. Hoshowsky pointed out that signs should still be used at roundabouts because they can be confusing. Mr. Drasdo warned that too much signage doesn’t work because then all of the signs get ignored.  Mr. Pimentel said that the City would look into which options were more cost effective. Mr. Readman noted that having signs only at entrance points to the pathway might work. 5. IRON HORSE TRAIL UPDATE  Mr. Parris thanked Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Dedes for staying on point when appearing as a delegation. He then provided an update on funding for the project. 6. BY-LAW REVIEW  Mr. Boos mentioned that changing the riding two abreast by-law has been deferred. He noted that he will be taking input on the proposed changes and that committee members can email him with any comments. 7. POLICE PRESENTATION DISCUSSION  Mr. Pimentel told the committee that the police have agrred to give a short presentation on cycling in the downtown. He asked committee members to come up with questions and comments which would be used as presentation points for the police. Mr. Pimentel said that the meeting would likely take place sometime in March with the regional cycling committees. 8. SUBCOMMITEE UPDATES Infrastructure and Technical Sub-Committee  The Sub-committee looked at Parkvale, Rittenhouse, and Zeller: - Parkvale: connection point to future trail. Should have bike lanes. - Rittenhouse: Not major on the Cycling Master Plan KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th November 10, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER - Zeller: not a huge priority according to the Cycling Master Plan and therefore not necessary for bike lanes to be implemented.  The Sub-committee also looked into the major routes in the Cycling Master Plan and found that an important point Courtland Avenue between Manitou Drive and Block Line. The Education, Safety and Promotion Sub-Committee  The Sub-committee spoke of the education videos they were creating and said they hoped to have them completed by the end of April.  Rough drafts are being completed and other details are to follow as a clearer timeline unfolds.  The videos will show different locking your bike scenarios and might include a helmet and safety video. 9. CHAIR ADMINISTRATION DISCUSSION  Mr. Dedes informed the committee that he would be stepping down as chair in the coming year. As Vice-Chair, Mr. Boos would take his place as Chair of the committee in 2016 and a new Vice-Chair would need to be elected.  Mr. Dedes explained the responsibilities of the position.  Mr. Boutilier nominated Mr. Drasdo as the new Vice-Chair and Mr. Drasdo accepted the nomination. On a motion by Mr. Boutilier: “That Mr. Drasdo be the new Vice-Chair of the Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee commencing January 2016” It was resolved and carried 10. QUESTIONS AND OTHER ITEMS  11. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Councillor Fernandes: “That the meeting be adjourned at 6:00 p.m.” It was resolved and carried