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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKCTAC Minutes 2017-03-14 KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 14, 2017 - 1 - CITY OF KITCHENER Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:00 p.m. Present: Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. M. Oviedo, Ms. L. Paprocki, Ms. P. Rodriguez, K. Young, Messrs. E. Bliefert, D. Brotherston, M Drasdo, D. Hoshowsky, B. Jenner, and T. Mollison. Staff: Mr. B. Cronkite, Interim Manager of Transportation Services Mr. M. Parris, Landscape Architect Mr. J. Barton, Associate Landscape Architect Mr. I. Balaban, Traffic Student Delegates: None DISCUSSION The meeting began with a discussion pertaining to the use of the Google Drive set up following the prior meeting. It was reiterated that the main purpose of the Drive currently is for each member to create a profile, and fill out a survey, in order to familiarize all members with each other’s skills and interests. This will help in the formation of subcommittees in the future. The discussion of Google Drive that occurred at the prior meeting was omitted from the prior meeting’s minutes. At this meeting a motion was passed to accept the prior meeting’s minutes, with the addition of the Google Drive discussion. Mr. M. Drasdo then began the current meeting, acknowledging the absence of Mr. D. Pimentel, and handing the floor to Mr. B. Cronkite. 1. WILSON AVE/FRANKLIN ROAD CYCLING REVIEW (MR. CRONKITE) Mr. Cronkite began this item by inviting members to inspect drawings arranged on the table at the front of the room. The project’s scope is the creation of painted bike lanes on Wilson Avenue, from Kingsdale Community Centre to Traynor Avenue, and painted 1 meter edge-lines on Franklin Street S, from Kingsway Drive to Wilson Avenue. The Wilson Avenue portion was discussed first. Wilson Avenue was originally slated for traffic calming, but the project did not receive the adequate community support to proceed. Upon the arrival of Mr. Pimentel at the City, the project was re-started as a cycling facility. The current plan was created by Mr. Pimentel in mid-2016, and presented to the community later in the year. The plan centres on painting bike lanes down each side of the street. The project is divided into two phases, Phase One being the discussed section from Kingsdale Community Centre to Traynor Avenue, and Phase Two being the continuation of the facility past Traynor Avenue to Homer Watson Park. The project is separated as Phase One is a simple project consisting mainly of line-painting and KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 14, 2017 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER signage, and as such can be completed quickly, whereas Phase Two will entail a more complex facility, with higher costs and a longer timeline. Mr. Cronkite then spoke to the following questions and comments from committee members:  Can a parking lane be used to protect cyclists in this project? o The disadvantage of using a parking lane to protect cyclist is that such an arrangement constrains cyclist in the door zone with no means of escape.  Can a contra-flow bike lane be used to help insulate cyclists from road traffic? o That arrangement can be looked into, although contra-flow lanes are most successful in environments with few driveways, and this portion of Wilson Ave contains many driveways. Generally speaking, motorists exiting driveways are not expecting fast- moving traffic (cyclists) moving contrary to the traffic flow.  Is this project tied into a road rebuild? o No.  A concern was raised regarding creating infrastructure that feels safe for young and inexperienced cyclists. For this reason, a contra-flow bike lane, separated from traffic by a parking lane, would be preferred. o The current project’s scope is just a straightforward painting exercise. The road is slated for reconstruction in 2023. The plan can be revisited and revised at that time.  What are the speeds along this section of road? o It varies depending on section. Near Kingsdale Community th Centre, the 85 percentile speed is 50km/h, while near Traynor, it is 57km.  There is not a lot of parking occurring on Wilson Ave. o True. There is also not a lot of volume on this section. The planned bike lanes are not necessary for rider comfort, but this is a fairly simple project where the space exists, and it forms a crucial link in the system. The discussion then shifted to the Franklin Street South portion of the project. Mr. Cronkite noted that this street is not wide enough for bike lanes, even if the on-street parking was removed. For that reason, the current plan is to paint an edge-line 1.1 meters from the edge of pavement. This would result in vehicle travel lanes that are 3.0 meters wide. Mr. Cronkite then spoke to the following questions and comments from committee members:  While agreeing that this segment is a necessity, especially considering it accesses the only highway crossing in the area; concerns were raised regarding the use of a painted edge-line. This would allow cars to pass too close to cyclists. While these edge-lines can be compared to edge- lines in rural areas, it should be noted that in rural areas there is usually a gravel shoulder or grass space to escape from cars, while in this situation KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 14, 2017 - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER cyclists are against a curb. Can contra-flow lanes be considered? Can the road centreline be omitted? o Contra-flow lanes would experience the same challenges as they would on Wilson Ave, specifically driver expectation when exiting driveways. While the map on the table shows centrelines, the actual plan would not include roadway centrelines (except near the intersection with Kingsway Drive) which would encourage drivers to cross into the opposing lanes when passing cyclists, giving them more space.  Can the centrelines also be removed from the section near Kingsway Drive? o No, citing safety concerns for drivers at the intersection.  Can the right-hand turn lane (Franklin Street Northbound to Kingsway Drive Easbound) be removed? o That can be investigated. It would depend on volume.  Would removal of the centreline cause higher speeds? Contra-flow lanes brought up again. o Contra-flow lane limitations reiterated.  Are there studies done on crash statistics and cycling rates, comparing edge-lines/bike lanes with contra-flow facilities? o Statistics do exist on this topic. Mr. Pimentel can follow up on providing those figures.  A comment expressing that the edge-line option is not acceptable, and the facilities on Franklin Street South must be segregated, and if that isn’t possible, sharrows should be used. o Contra-flow lane limitations reiterated, also adding that with only 2 meters available, a contra-flow facility would require the cyclist on the side nearer traffic to cross into the traffic lane whenever oncoming cyclist pass each other.  Can we still explore the contra-flow or sharrow option for these two projects? o Not recommended for Wilson Avenue, because there is space available for bike lanes, and this would be a simple and quick painting project. For Franklin Street South, a staff discussion between Mr. Pimentel and Mr. Cronkite already occurred regarding sharrows vs. edge-lines, and edge-lines were the preferred option, but they will revisit the topic. Mr. Cronkite expressed the opinion that sharrows and sharrow markings work better as a wayfinding tool than as a lane designation tool.  Are there examples in this city of bike lanes with no painted centreline? o None in Kitchener. Ottawa has installed advisory bike lanes. These consist of 1.5 meter bike lanes (dashed) on a narrow street with no painted centreline. Cars are expected to cross into the bike lane when passing other cars, but only when it is safe to do so. o This was followed by a comment from a committee member expressing that advisory lanes in this situation would not work, KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 14, 2017 - 4 - CITY OF KITCHENER since the roadway is too wide, and cars would attempt to squeeze past cyclists, rather than slow down and remain behind them. At this juncture Mr. Cronkite asked the committee if they would table a motion to support the planed bike lanes on Wilson Avenue, while requesting that staff continue looking into alternatives for the facilities on Franklin Street South. After confirming that the motion would be needed at this meeting in order to be th presented to City Council at the next Council meeting (April 4), Mr. T. Mollison began forming the motion while questions continued.  Is the city working towards making cycling facilities consistent in their design? o Ideally yes, but doing so requires waiting for road reconstructions. In the meantime, facilities will continue to be approved and installed in whichever fashion works best for the specific situation.  Who will be the primary users of these facilities? Neighbourhood residents? o While neighbourhood residents will definitely use these facilities, it should be noted that the Wilson Avenue route is parallel to a current signed route to the downtown core (Greenfield Ave). The Wilson route will be a much better facility. This will eventually be part of a connection to Cambridge, and can be looked at as a regional connection.  A comment that this route will also be used by neighbourhood residents, citing that it connects a shopping mall, community centre, and a school. o Mr. Cronkite also points out that the Franklin project would eventually connect to Ottawa Street.  Are there provisions in this plan for wayfinding? o Wayfinding has not been considered yet, but it will be part of the final plan.  Will there be trail connections, and curb cuts? o Yes.  If the 1 meter edge-line project gets approved, will money be set aside for driver education? o Yes.  Why does the Wilson Avenue project stop at Traynor Avenue? o The portion east of Traynor Avenue is much more complicated, and congested. It will be looked at as a separate project, and the city will likely hire consultants to design or help design that portion.  Is the trail along the LRT line (former hydro corridor – Wilson Avenue to Courtland Avenue East) reopened? o If not yet, it will be soon.  Will there be signage to help road users in the 1 meter edge-line zone? o Yes, signage would be indicated in the final design.  What are the costs for these projects? o Mr. Pimentel has estimated the cost of the Wilson Avenue project to be $20,000  Will parking be prohibited in the 1 meter edge-line zone? KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 14, 2017 - 5 - CITY OF KITCHENER o Undecided. Parking currently exists in areas. On a motion by Mr. Mollison – It was resolved and seconded by Mr. D. Brotherston: “Be it resolved that the Committee endorse cycling facilities on Wilson Ave, and encourage staff to report back on alternatives for Franklin Street South, including sharrows, contra-flow lanes, and the removal of right turn storage from Franklin Street South onto Kingsway Road southbound.” A final question raised was if the education component needs to be included in the motion. No - that can be addressed by working with city staff during the install. 2. BIKEKITCHENER & CMP UPDATE REPORT – (MR. CRONKITE) Mr. Cronkite began item 2 confirming that all assembled committee members had received, via email, a copy of the BikeKitchener Report prepared by Mr. Pimentel. An important part of that report is the “Cycling in Kitchener, The 2016 Experience” document. The document speaks to the responses from the BikeKitchener Survey and the programming from 2015/2016. Mr. Pimentel is recommending in the Cycling Master Plan Report Update that council endorses this document and going forward that it would be produced every two years and tied in with the BikeKitchener survey. This document would be prepared in a magazine format, and be used to increase public and council awareness of the work being done by BikeKitchener. Copies of the document would be available at community centres, and the document would be presented to council. Mr. Cronkite then opened the floor to questions.  Are the timelines cited in the report realistic? o Yes. Staffing has been an issue for the past three years, limiting what could be accomplished. The staffing situation within the transportation department has since improved, and the timelines in the report are realistic.  How is this report different than the prior report, which was annual? o Moving to a bi-annual format allows a longer-term view, and lines up better with the amount of time required to complete projects.  A comment that this report can also be used as a selling point to the usefulness of the committee, followed by a question asking what is the committee’s role in preparing the report? o The committee is expected to help highlight the work that has been done, as well as highlight the plans for the future. It should be noted that the committee can get more involved in the report, and the role of the committee with regards to the report has been left vague to allow this. The main purpose of the report is to provide a holistic view of BikeKitchener.  Is it possible to also include a “fail report” within this report, i.e. a section describing projects that did not succeed or were not implemented? o That can definitely be added to the report. Its current form does not include such a section, but comparing the reports year-over- year would show which projects were not completed. The current KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 14, 2017 - 6 - CITY OF KITCHENER form does show challenges faced, but does not frame them as failures.  Can this report help to allocate more funding to cycling? o Yes, if needed. It currently is not used in that fashion.  Councillor Y. Fernandes comments that at council meetings, there are sometimes situations where councillors were not aware of current or future cycling projects. Could this document help raise awareness? Would it be worthwhile to have media coverage of the document, or encourage council to tweet about it? o The document will raise awareness within council, but there are no plans surrounding a communications plan or media blitz for it. There is a complete streets policy coming out soon, as well as a revised Cycling Master Plan coming in 2018. There will be a rigorous communication plan for those items at that time.  Meeting chair Mr. Drasdo asks if there are any more items on that topic. o No. A motion is not necessary, but can be passed if desired. 3. TRAIL PROJECTS 2017 – DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT (MR. BARTON) Due to time constraints, Mr. Barton agrees to postpone his presentation until the next meeting. 4. OMCIP COURTLAND AVE – TRANS CANADA TRAIL (MR. PARRIS) Mr. M. Parris began his presentation by acknowledging that the prior meeting item regarding Balzer Road was passed, and thanking Councillor Y. Fernandes for council’s support. Mr. Parris then invited committee members to inspect plans laid out at the front of the room for a trail link on Courtland Avenue between Hayward Avenue and Carwood Avenue. This link was noted to be legally very complex, involving the MTO (being built under the Conestoga Parkway), the GRCA (being next to Schneider Creek), and the Region (being along Regional Road 53 – Courtland Avenue). The plan is for a multi-use trail to be built on the south side of Courtland Avenue. The plan necessitates building a 3 meter retaining wall. A pair of bike-actuated signals would be installed. The west side crossing at Carwood Avenue would be shared with golf carts, while the east side crossing would be strictly pedestrian. This arrangement would allow the green phase for bikes crossing Courtland Avenue to be shorter than if the crossing were shared with pedestrians, which would in turn allow for shorter stack time (time between detection of a bike and the signal changing). Mr. Parris and Mr. Cronkite then addressed the following questions.  Would there be signals specifically for cyclists? o Yes, and the detection on the cycling portion will be by radar, eliminating the need for cyclist to push a button. Detection on the pedestrian crossing will continue to be pushbutton.  Will there be traffic signal heads with bikes on them? KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 14, 2017 - 7 - CITY OF KITCHENER o Not contemplated as part of the design at this point.  What are cyclists expected to do east of Hayward Avenue? o That hasn’t been explored yet.  A comment by a committee member that said member currently cuts through the neighbourhood to reach Vanier in this area, and a request if this connection can be formalized? o Unknown at this point.  A comment acknowledging the multi-use trail along Lennox Lewis Way, past Peter Hallman Ball Yard, noting the trail exists, but ends soon thereafter. o The route is acknowledged as existing, as is the challenge of its current abrupt ending. A connection to this trail is not formally part of this project.  Will wayfinding be included in this project? o Yes, including signage specific to the Trans Canada Trail (TCT).  Will the wayfinding be different than that which is currently used throughout Kitchener? o The wayfinding will be a version of the signage used on the Iron Horse Trail, modified to include TCT icons  Is Hayward Ave the current or proposed route of the TCT? o Yes.  Will the west end of this trail be connected to the Iron Horse Trail? o Yes. Initially the route will exist along neighbourhood streets, with the potential to be improved in the future.  Can lane markings and wayfinding be included in this project to ensure the trail doesn’t end abruptly at the western limits of the project? o The west end of the project connects directly to an existing multi- use path on the north side of Courtland Avenue.  Concerns raised regarding connecting at Bedford Road. o A viable solution is being looked into, in order to connect the infrastructure on Nyberg Street to the Multi-use trail on Courtland Avenue, via Sydney Street South and Bedford Road  Frustration is expressed regarding gaps in the trail system, signage issues, and poor wayfinding. o These are acknowledged to have been deficiencies in past plans, and will be better addressed in future plans.  Can the radar detection of cyclists be changed from a system where cyclist have to stop at the intersection and wait, to a system where cyclist are detected as they approach the intersection, changing the signal phase soon enough to prevent the cyclist from having to stop? o This can be investigated. This technology exists, but has not been considered for this location. The current system in the plan requires the cyclist to stop in the detection zone.  What is the expected completion date of this project? o End of 2017.  When is it expected to break ground? o The target date is September. KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 14, 2017 - 8 - CITY OF KITCHENER  Will the currently existing unofficial gravel path be closed during construction? o Not considered yet, but will likely have to be closed.  A request is expressed to attempt to keep the existing unofficial path open during construction, or alternately providing detour signage directing cyclists to the pedestrian highway crossing connecting Dixon Street and Boniface Avenue. o Acknowledged  Will the multi-use path have a centreline to separate cyclists from pedestrians? o Unlikely. In practice, when a multi-use path is located only on one side of a street, a centreline is used to separate directions of traffic (i.e. Iron Horse Trail). When a multi-use path has a counterpart on the opposite side of the street, the centreline is used to separate modes of traffic (pedestrians from cyclists, i.e. Huron Road, Block Line Road). This path will not have a counterpart on the opposite side of Courtland Ave, and therefore if a centreline is painted, it will function to separate directions of traffic flow, not modes of traffic.  Will there be a ramp connecting this trail to the road (west limit)? o Yes. 5. ONTARIO BIKE SUMMIT – COMMITTEE MEMBER SELECTION Earlier in the meeting, Mr. Cronkite explain in brief the purpose of the Ontario Bike th Summit, confirming the date as April 12, and confirming which committee members desire to be withdrawn from the random selection. Councillor Y. Fernandes and Ms. K. Young withdrew from the selection process. At this point in the meeting, the random draw is held, with committee member Mr. E. Bliefert winning the draw. 6. WORK PLAN WORKSHOP The committee had discussions surrounding the creation of a work plan. It was confirmed that the committee agreed at the prior meeting that ad-hoc subcommittees were preferred over a more formalized arrangement. The discussion turned to the files currently on the Google Drive, with an emphasis to encouraging all members to take a look at said files, and sign on to certain topics. The survey on the Drive divided the roles of the committee into 5 sub-groups. It was noted that the purpose of the topical subgroups was to help in creating subcommittees. The committee expressed the desire to keep subcommittees ad-hoc. Mr. Cronkite provided an example of a subcommittee, using the Wilson Avenue project. A subcommittee could be created to address the educational concern of that project. That subcommittee could then work with staff to create a plan, and a representative from the subcommittee can update the committee on progress during KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 14, 2017 - 9 - CITY OF KITCHENER the monthly committee meetings. The subcommittee would also take on some of the communication responsibilities for that aspect of the project. The discussion turned to Mr. B. Jenner starting a subcommittee for Bike Parking, which it was agreed would fit into the Engineering subcommittee. Mr. Jenner expressed that using ad-hoc committees would remove the 5 subgroups, allowing more freedom, and the pursuit of specific, personal projects. This sentiment was echoed by other members. Mr. Cronkite cautioned that removing the formal structure could lead to getting involved in too many projects at once, and expressed the importance of setting goals, defining priorities, setting milestones, and working towards them. Mr. Brotherston expressed an interest in assembling an ad-hoc committee for wayfinding and signage gaps. Mr. Mollison suggested developing a list of the committee’s hierarchy of preferred infrastructure types, and developing a policy to help streamline decision-making when new projects arise. Mr. Cronkite noted staff use a nomograph found in OTM Book 18, and a copy of said graph could be provided to the committee. Mr. Mollison also suggested the committee have a priority listing of projects, specifically if higher- level (i.e. provincial) infrastructure funding becomes available for shovel-ready projects. It is also acknowledged that the Book 18 nomograph contains minimum standards, and that staff would agree to consider higher standards if suggested by the committee. Mr. Bliefert suggests smaller sub-meetings for in-depth review of specific projects. Mr. Cronkite notes that staff has a list of projects, and committee members are encouraged to examine the list, and suggest changes and improvements. Discussion continues on subcommittees, agreeing to include three total, each with individual focuses within that: the Engineering subcommittee (with focuses such as Bike Parking and Closing Trail Gaps); the Advocacy subcommittee (with focuses such as Education/Outreach); the Bikefest subcommittee (with its own focus). A suggestion is made to end committee meetings at 5:30 to allow members to break into subgroups for discussions. Mr. Cronkite advises subgroups to meet outside of the scheduled 2 hour committee meeting time, and provide short, 10 minute updates on their progress at the main meetings. It is agreed that the Google Drive will help the committee to organize. Light targets are set that encourage all members take a look at the Google Drive within a week, and complete their surveys within 2 weeks. Mr. Bliefert notes a desire to connect Phil Martin (a delegate at the prior meeting, representing “Bike into the Future” with the CEO of Chicopee, and a suggestion that committee members participate in “Learn to Ride”, the Grade 5 training course, to gain a better understanding of what is being taught. Councillor Y. Fernandes notes that Phil Martin will go through the course with her at a future date, and invites committee members to join her. Ms. L. Paprocki notes a conversation with Phil KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 14, 2017 - 10 - CITY OF KITCHENER Martin, explaining that he hosts a night with parents to explain the program, and suggests that some committee members be present. Mr. Bliefert suggests a simple email after each meeting, outlining the tasks expected for each member to complete prior to the next meeting. 7. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Mr. Jenner – It was resolved: “The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m”