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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKCTAC Minutes- 2018-11-13 CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES November 13, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER Cycling Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:15 p.m. Present: Ms. Y. Fernandes, Messrs. D. Brotherston, E. Bliefert M. Drasdo, D. Hoshowsky, R. Mazumder. Staff: Mr. D. Pimentel, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager Mr. D. Kropf, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager Ms. L. Christensen, Multi-use Pathways & Trails Project Manager Mr. B. Cronkite, Director Transportation Services Mr. J. Readman, General Manager DSD Ms. M. Love, Manager Service Coordination & Improvement 1. Development Services Review - Project Update Ms. M. Love made a presentation to the committee on the ongoing review of the Development Services Department. Ms. M. Love provided some background regarding how the review began, where it is going, and what the intent of it is along with leaving some postcards behind for interested members. The intent is to identify areas for improvement, what the needs and expectations are of stakeholders as well as what are some pain points in the process. Once all the data has been collected, additional information will be available as the review progresses. Ms. Y. Fernandes asked if this review will look at development from a cycling and trails perspective or if cycling improvements can be included during the development process. Ms. M. Love indicated that is too early to indicate at this time but are anticipating seeing some common themes emerge through the early engagement as well as any identification of processes that intersect or overlap eachother and if those could include cycling/trails. Mr. J. Readman added the intent is to try and gather some feedback and comments so that it could help guide the review and identify specific processes currently in place. Mr. E. Bliefert commented that implementation of signs and wayfinding is a very slow process that can be improved upon. Often times it is not considered until a project is complete and if done early not implemented in a complete package but rather in a piece meal approach. Communication and identification of signage should happen before the shovel hits the ground. Mr. M. Drasdo noted that there have been many reviews similar to this and it is a rather large and complex review and often times not informing the public. Mr. M. Drasdo noted that often times when staff are contacted and made aware of concerns, it often time stops there. There needs to be some type of resolution factor so residents can be informed about where there inquiry is in the process. A communication process needs to be put in place so that residents feel like they CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES November 13, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER are being heard. Mr. J. Readman indicated that currently residents are encouraged to make inquiries to the Corporate Contact Center as all calls are logged. Additionally residents can contact their local ward councilor if they feel staff have not addressed their concerns. Following up and following through are tools that staff should be using to ensure residents are informed along the way. Mr. R. Mazumder asked if staff can be transparent and held accountable to follow through? Are residents able to know if any other residents have raised their concern or if residents will be contacted once their concern has been resolved. It would give confidence to other residents that their concerns where not lost in the system. Mr. D. Brotherston agreed with those comments and advised that the call center cannot tell residents the status of a specific request and does not send a follow up to the resident that originally made the inquiry. Ms. M. Love indicted that big role of the review will be to identify ways to enhance communication as well as identify roles and responsibilities of staff. 2. Wayfinding Signage Discussion Mr. D. Pimentel indicated that staff will be looking to implement signage related to wayfinding as a result of the motion passed by the committee in September. Staff presented a map to the group asking for committee members to identify locations where they felt signage could be improved. Prior to marking up the map a discussion occurred around wayfinding including:  with the limited amount of money available, focus should be given to locations without signage versus upgrading existing wayfinding signage  utilize the existing community trail sign post for signage that can convey connections to users of the trails  this topic has been brought forward every year for many years; can we just put some signs in now and update the other ones later. With the small amount of money dedicated to the project, it should be done quickly and not require the committee to identify locations  rather than place signs where committee members feel they should go, perhaps staff can use data (such as population density) as a decision making tool so that the signs are benefiting the largest amount of people  Waterloo Park is a good example of signs but that is only one area - is focus paid to one area or spread out over a number of smaller areas  ideally signage should be provided where gaps exist, could include paint at the end of trails or street name signs on top of the existing stop signs  London England has quiet ways that use wayfinding to direct users to quieter more comfortable streets in order to encourage people to bike CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES November 13, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER even though the infrastructure was not there; consider directing and guiding users through more local streets  consideration needs to be given to the type of user, commuter v new user and the type of information each would require  committee members indicated that an inventory of potential sign locations has been taken and would be available for staff to consider  there is greater value in the sign if we tell users where it goes and how it connects to other routes; focus on orientation and how to make connections  make the signs more general and stay away from more unique elements  during rides with CycleWR increased signage was seen as a major improvement area; consider connections to Conestoga Colleger along Wilson Rd Ms. L. Christensen also indicated that Park and Cemeteries will be retaining a consultant to come up with a branding strategy for all City parks that can clearly identify City facilities. At the end of the discussion, it was determined that staff will identify appropriate locations for wayfinding signage and report back to the new committee in early 2019. 3. Multi-use Trail Markings and Signage Mr. D Kropf made a presentation on some of the different pavement markings and signage on different trails within Kitchener. It was noted that the Region of Waterloo recently hosted a meeting with adjacent cities to determine if there was a desire to develop some consistent standards across the Region. The committee was presented two exercises where staff asked a series of questions related to best practices (examples of good clear signage and marking, how did it feel, what was or was not included) as well as what functions signage and markings should convey.  Mount Tremblant trails in Quebec provide distant markers, marked warnings for trail users, centerline is marked for the entire trail; making it easier to stay on your side of the trail and provides some guidance as to where the trail in going as it approached curves  Nashville, Music City Bikeway; totally separated from road with paint, bollards, also has signs telling you how far something was along the river  Ottawa has great examples along most of their trails including all the required features such as centerlines and signs - signs are also bilingual CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES November 13, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER  There needs to be consistent standard within the Region s people know what to expect and consideration given to how long the paint will last so we don’t have to constantly re-paint; signage should be kept to a minimum as all roads are signed to death and it is difficult to take everything in quickly  London quietways - separates all pedestrians and cyclists and trails are wide enough to accommodate both modes of travel; can you consider a multi-use trail cycling infrastructure if it is sharing space with pedestrians. London also uses consistent traffic calming measures as trail crossings  Consider using different surface treatments for each user (concrete for pedestrians, asphalt for cyclists) eliminates the need for paint  Strasburg Rd multi-use trail is lacking signage and guidance on how to properly cross at intersections; should have a stop sign at intersections so users know where stop; would reduce the potential of right hook collision  Trail crossing are the most important part of the trail and should be given priority over the vehicle; currently drivers do not when and if they should stop at trail crossings and creates confusion amongst drivers (Spur Line trail is an example)  Pedestrian island on River Rd - surprised at how many drivers will stop for users even though there is no signage telling drivers to stop  stop signs and information on how to cross (if not typical) where trail meets roadways The committee broke off into pairs and ranked their top three choices on what are the most important pieces of information to include on trails. Committee members submitted their suggestions to staff for their consideration. 4. Cycling and Trails Master Plan Update Mr. D. Pimentel indicated that the call for proposals has closed and five submissions were received. Staff have reviewed, ranked and conducted interviews and are awaiting for the consultant to be notified and project awarded. Mr. R. Mazumder indicated that within the request is to have a pilot minimum grid identified; what is the timeline for that to be implemented? Mr. B. Cronkite indicated the master plan will be presented to Council in 2019 which will more than likely include a budget request for 2020/2021. CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES November 13, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. D. Brotherston asked if the new master plan will include detailed design. Mr. B. Cronkite suggested that it should as we engage with stakeholders, that piece will be identified. 5. New Committee Transition Committee members were asked to consider what items they would like the new committee to focus on.  pilot minimum grid  get in early for capital projects, so things can be added or changed before the shovel hits the ground  encourage members to go out to sites and visit them prior to talking about them at meetings  start small and go from there; get it right the first time so you don’t have to go back and fix mistakes - don’t try and tackle 100 different things  brainstorming with the new committee right away is a great way to get some ideas on the table - suggest to attach timelines to the specific items identified  continue to work on Bikefest and not something the committee should give up on  make discussion items more specific and bring less open ended discussions to the table  show committee members how their feedback was part of the decision making process or incorporated into the final decision  show what the committee has accomplished during their term, so people know what they contributed too; how many bike lanes were installed, how was bikefest, new trails and signs etc.  encourage committee members to speak at Regional Council to help influence decisions that affect local roadways  go in the direction of the skill set each member possesses and try to tailor the meetings to what people are good at what interests them The committee members for thanked for their time on the committee and providing some valuable pieces during their two years. Meeting Adjourned at 6:05 pm.