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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKCTAC Minutes 2021-03-09 CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER March 9, 2021 The Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee met electronically on Tuesday March 9, 2021, at 4 pm. Present: R. Hunsberger, B. Tracey, E. Bennett, L. Dramnitzki, G. Kirk, M. Rodrigues, T. Slomke, J. Broschek, J. Orita, A. Simidzija, M. Jackson-Brown, B. Forwell, Councillor S. Marsh, G. Piccini, V. Hand Staff: D. Kropf, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager L. Christensen, Multi-Use Pathways & Trails Project Manager A. McCrimmon-Jones, Transportation Planning Manager B. Cronkite, Director of Transportation Services 1. Workplan development M. Rodrigues provided a recap of brainstorming from the previous meeting. Major themes suggested could be formed on the following themes:  Events & promotions  Education and safety  Complete Streets implementation  Bike parking  Trail standards  Vision zero (possibly combined with education and safety) Subcommittees are intended to foster further conversation on selected topics, but all items are to be brought to the full committee for further discussion and final decision- making. Subcommittees cannot reach quorum, so are limited to four members. S. Marsh noted that quorum in the terms of reference could increase so more people can be on a subcommittee. Members volunteered for the following subcommittees: Events & Education Complete Bike Trail Vision promotions & safety Streets parking standards Zero implementation E. Bennet G. Kirk J. Orita B. Tracey J. Broschek V. Hand G. Piccini M. T. Slomke L. Rodrigues Dramnitzki B. Forwell A. Simidzija R. Hunsberger M. Jackson- E. Bennet Brown CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER March 9, 2021 Each subcommittee chatted in breakout rooms to get to know each other and make plans to meet further. 2. New terms of reference D. Kropf recapped discussion on an expanded terms of reference for the committee. The feedback with the most support was to expand to “active transportation” to include more pedestrian focus and general street safety. However, some members did not provide feedback so another opportunity was given. Comments in support of the expanded mandate included:  There’s an equity problem in our infrastructure, and this committee should advocate for more vulnerable populations like children and seniors.  A narrative has happened where there is a “cycling lobby” and broadening our mandate might help to demonstrate residents are passionate about all forms of active transportation.  I use trails in a variety of way so it’s important to understand all the different points of views  Will need to look more at the interplay of pedestrians, cyclists and other modes of transportation. For example, e-scooters will impact all users of trails, sidewalks, etc. Broadening mandate helps to deal with potential conflicts between different uses.  Provides a more holistic approach that makes for better decisions. Can see how decisions can impact one area or another.  Gives staff and council better understanding of different modes of transportation. Concerns about the expanded mandate related to the definition of “active transportation” and that it may be confused with increasing transit, carpooling or trying to get people out of cars in general. Defining active transportation in the terms of reference would be critical. G. Piccini moved, “That city staff be directed to draft a new Terms of Reference that broadens the scope of the committee to Active Transportation and Trails.” Seconded by V. Hand. Approved unanimously. S. Marsh requested that staff provide a track changes version and a clean version with the agenda in advance of next discussion. 3. Complete Streets 2022-2023 D. Kropf explained that the city reconstructs several roads each year to repair and replace aging infrastructure, providing opportunities to upgrade the street function for all CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER March 9, 2021 users. Committee members identified the following streets as particular interest given proximity to bike routes or trails: Sydney, Joseph, Stewart, Kent, Patricia, Highland, King, St. George. The committee agreed to have the Complete Streets subcommittee review street designs first and report back to the committee. Committee members emphasized the importance of providing comments early in the design process so they can have the greatest influence, and requested rationale when their comments aren’t accepted. B. Cronkite noted that in staff reports to City Council, staff would often identify if the committee is in support of a plan, and could also note when the committee is not in support of particular features. S. Marsh noted that Council has embraced people-friendly transportation and committee is here to keep us on target. We are all working towards implementing Complete Streets so this shouldn’t be an uphill battle. 4. Volunteer trivia night D. Kropf encouraged committee members to join a volunteer trivia night on March 16, 7pm. Register in advance through the link provided via email. 5. Region of Waterloo The Region of Waterloo produced a new bike map that can be found online or hard copies at local bike shops and bike-friendly businesses. Committee members are encouraged to pick up a copy. Feedback can be provided at https://surveys.regionofwaterloo.ca/?e=209111&h=816C8E2596D8EA2&l=en G. Piccini noted the graphic design is a bit challenging and asked when the city bike map will be updated and if the committee will be able to review it. D. Kropf responded that an update is due this year. 6. City of Kitchener orientation City staff provided further orientation on the departments and responsibilities at the City of Kitchener, and jurisdictional responsibilities between the city, Region of Waterloo and Province of Ontario. Meeting adjourned at 6:10 pm.