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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKCTAC Minutes 2021-09-14 CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER September 14, 2021 The Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee met electronically on Tuesday September 14, 2021, at 4 pm. Present: M. Rodrigues, A. Simidzija, D. Brotherston, E. Bennet, B. Tracey, T. Slomke, G. Kirk, B. Forwell, J. Orita, L. Dramnitzki, V. Hand, J. Broscheck, Councillor S. Marsh, G. Piccini, R. Hunsberger Staff: D. Kropf, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager L. Christensen, Multi-Use Pathways & Trails Project Manager B. Cronkite, Director of Transportation Services A. McCrimmon-Jones, Manager, Transportation Services F. Hosseini, Transportation Planning Project Manager C. Dale, Manager, Kitchener Market R. Kelly-Ruetz, Project Manager, Planning 1. Bike parking in new development R. Kelly-Ruetz explained that the city has zoning by-law bike parking regulations for multiple dwellings (i.e. apartments or condos). The current process follows 1985 zoning bylaw, which does not require bike parking and the 2019 design manual, which suggests 10% bike spaces (indoor or outdoor). However, a new zoning bylaw is under development (2019) and being phased in over time, including:  Requires bike parking for most uses  More prescriptive than current zoning rules  Class A (indoor secured) bike parking required at a rate of 0.5 per unit and in downtown it’s 1 per unit  Class B (outdoor) bike parking requires 2-6 total spaces, intended for visitors  Showers are also required for commercial space D. Brotherston noted that the amount of spaces seems low now so updating it in the future will be important, and asked if there are changes to car parking requirements. R. Kelly-Ruetz explained the new zoning bylaw has about 30% less for minimums plus some maximums, and in downtown there will be 0 spaces. G. Piccini asked if there is a requirement on which level the bike parking is on, suggesting it should be on the most accessible floor. R. Kelly-Ruetz noted that isn’t included in new zoning but can be flagged during staff comment. T. Slomke asked if the new zoning bylaw takes into consideration cargo bikes and longer bikes. R. Kelly-Ruetz noted staff will need to see how those work in the future. The space dimensions currently don’t fit most cargo bikes. CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER September 14, 2021 D. Brotherston noted that vertical racks are not accessible for everyone and asked if double stacked racks are allowed. B. Cronkite noted they can be considered by staff, especially if it helps a development go beyond minimums. S. Marsh asked staff to consider how placement of bike parking can be better prescribed in future zoning updates. 2. A pedestrian-first street: Market District D. Kropf and C. Dale introduced plans to create a pedestrian-first street between the Kitchener Market ION Station and the Kitchener Market. A pedestrian-first space makes it easier to walk to the Market and host events and activities out on the street. J. Brosheck shared that in his European experience, markets are often a pedestrian- oriented experience. Cars are still present but pedestrians would feel safe all the time. He loves the experience on Eby Street right now on Market days and wants to see more of that, plus disincentives for car use in the area. D. Brotherston shared that Eby Street is functioning really well on market days and wants to keep that experience. Before, there was no parking technically but it was always full with illegal parking, drop-offs, etc. G. Piccini asked if the street will be closed permanently. C. Dale noted that staff will close the street when there’s enough animation to justify that closure, but need to demonstrate to businesses it’s a benefit to them and build a positive association between road closed = lots of people = economic development. M. Rodrigues noted that the Cedar bike lanes will help to calm traffic on that side so would like to see something for Eby too. Improving the King/Eby crossing would be helpful. A raised crossing would be ideal. E. Bennett shared appreciation for this idea and agreed that intersections can be a bit problematic. Important to also think about winter programming so there isn’t an open space that is dead. G. Kirk asked if staff have considered closing King Street on market day. B. Cronkite noted there is visioning for downtown and King Street coming in the future. The committee shared their most likely pedestrian desire path from the LRT station:  Along Cedar to King, entering off Cedar – 2 votes  Along Cedar to King, entering off King - 4 votes  Along Cedar to King to Eby, entering off Eby - 6 votes  Along Charles to Eby, entering off Eby - 2 votes CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER September 14, 2021 3. Downtown cycling grid bike ride with mayor E. Bennet noted the committee is planning a small event for the committee, council and staff. The mayor will attend and say a few words and then everyone can bike the route. 4. Neighbourhood speed limit project A. McCrimmon-Jones and F. Hosseini introduced a pilot project, as part of the city’s Vision Zero strategy and allowed by the Province, where the city could sign entire neighbourhoods at a reduced speed limit. It was done in three areas in Kitchener. School zones were reduced to 30 km/h. The project was delayed due to COVID-19 changes in transportation but in 2021 traffic patterns were very close to pre-pandemic levels. Staff also led a variety of communications with people who lived in those neighbourhoods. Staff are pulling together final recommendations for an October staff report. J. Brosheck noted that we know this is the right way to do it and yet still staff are conducting a pilot project, plus 30 km/h should be the real target according to studies. Why can’t we just do this without further delay? A. McCrimmon-Jones explained this can be a divisive topic in the community and staff try to make data-based decisions. By spending the time to gather data and determine the impact of this approach, when coupled with education, staff can stand behind the recommendation. D. Brotherston asked what the end goal of this will be. B. Cronkite responded that the province has now allowed the city to identify neighbourhood zones, with arterials remaining at 50 km/h and most other zones being 40 km/h, plus school zones and neighbourhood bikeways would be 30 km/h. M. Rodrigues noted that Complete Streets designs need to match the posted signs. J. Broscheck asked if the data is public opinion, noting equity of that data is not always represented and shared that many cities are going with 30 km/h speed limits. A. McCrimmon-Jones noted there is a lot of support for lower speed limits, but staff are also collecting speed data. In terms of 30 km/h, staff want to be able to distinguish between a local road and a vulnerable user road. If everything is 30 km/h, then drivers entering school zones may not have the visual reminder to reduce speed. The 30 km/h vulnerable area could be more than just school zones, like parks or long-term care homes. D. Brotherston asked if signing the speed limit lower allows engineers to design the road for lower speed limits.B. Cronkite responded that generally engineers design a street to be 10 km/h higher than the posted speed, so this change does support having a future design at a reduced speed. Complete Streets and Development Manual will CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER September 14, 2021 have a lower design speed too. Reduced radii at entrance points is a big indicator of that reduced speed limit. 5. New terms of reference M. Rodrigues shared that the new terms of reference for the committee was approved at Committee and still needs to be ratified by City Council. 6. Subcommittee updates E. Bennett thanked those who could attend the restaurant gathering and noted a personal highlight was being able to see J. Orita’s cargo bike in person. M. Rodrigues asked if staff investigated posting bike parking resources on the website. D. Kropf responded that staff have not been able to do this yet. T. Slomke shared that he has been collecting information on curb cuts where trails cross streets and welcomes more suggestions form the committee for the October meeting. D. Brotherston asked about the city’s standards for curb cuts and if they can be built completely flush. A. McCrimmon-Jones said staff can look into that and bring it back to committee. 7. New active transportation resources D. Kropf provided information on the federal government’s active transportation strategy and fund, as well as the new Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18 for cycling facilities. B. Forwell asked where the new Book 18 is found and how city staff are using it. D. Kropf responded that the Downtown Cycling Grid includes many of its suggestions and it can be found at https://www.library.mto.gov.on.ca/SydneyPLUS/Sydney/Portal/default.aspx?component =AAAAIY&record=9c49ce44-e3b2-4389-91cd-5e9b67aad03d D. Brotherston noted there is a lot to like in the new Book 18 but finds a weakness when it comes guidance for roundabouts. He asked if Book 18 can help to put pressure on municipalities for better active transportation standards. B. Cronkite noted that the guidance will help but can be in conflict with other industry guides and all municipalities will make their best engineering judgement. 8. Staff updates D. Kropf and L. Christensen shared several updates:  A new PXO and raised crossing has been installed on Walter Street, leading to King Edward Public School. CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER September 14, 2021  Some underground work has started on the Iron Horse Trail crossings and are aiming to be completed in late October.  Stirling Avenue reconstruction has been delayed to conduct further design work on the culvert.  The Region of Waterloo has put out a tender for its remaining portion of the Transit Hub Trail.  City Council approved an update to the Development Manual, which applies to new development. Complete Streets has been integrated into the manual, including new cross-sections, wider sidewalks, updated bike infrastructure standards, reduced lane widths, integration with enhanced green infrastructure (Low Impact Development) and “Walkways” upgraded to “Trail Connections” with 3.0 m asphalt.  The new pedestrian bridge has been placed in Victoria Park. Still requires new asphalt before opening.  The new pedestrian bridges at Rothsay Avenue and Vanier Park are completed  New trail projects under consideration for 2022 include upgrading stonedust trails through Rolling Meadows Park to 3 m wide asphalt trail and determining if a trail can be built through Kaufman Park between Madison Avenue and Stirling Avenue.  City staff are hiring a consultant to complete a trail feasibility study to connect Country Clair subdivision to Chicopee Hills Public School. It would look at establishing formal trail connections through Lackner Woods. Meeting adjourned at 6:05 pm.