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HomeMy WebLinkAboutATTAC Minutes 2022-06-14 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER June 14, 2022 The Active Transportation and Trails Advisory Committee met electronically on Tuesday June 14, 2022, at 4 pm. Present: B. Forwell, L. Dramnitzki, G. Kirk, B. Tracey, T. Slomke, J. Broschek, V. Jenkins, J. Orita, M. Jackson-Brown, Councillor S. Marsh, R. Hunsberger, E. Bennett Staff: D. Kropf, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager L. Christensen, Multi-Use Pathways & Trails Project Manager I. Balaban, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager 1. Bike Month D. Kropf thanked the volunteers who helped with Bike Month events last weekend. The events have been very successful with strong turnout at the events. A review of all events will be deferred to July’s meeting. The next event is the Together in Pride Ride on Friday June 17, 7pm. 2. Slow Streets I. Balaban provided an overview of the Slow Streets program that ran in 2020 and 2021. The program was a response to COVID-19, to provide additional space for active transportation modes and physical distancing. In 2020, thirteen streets were selected to target certain areas, with a lack of available park space and as planned, future neighbourhood bikeways. Challenges with signs stolen, moved or damaged and confusion with home-based business access and staffing challenges did not allow for data collection or public consultation. In 2021, the program relaunched with a greater focus on data collection and resident surveys. Typical traffic counting programs were used, as well as a partnership with Numina, which used visual sensors to analyze roadway usage patterns. Challenges with changing weather and levels of lockdown made traffic comparison data difficult and there was no conclusive evidence that Slow Streets caused a measurable reduction in traffic speeds or volumes. Resident consultations showed a mostly even split between those who did and did not support the program. J Broscheck requested the presentation to review the data with the Vision Zero subcommittee. These types of initiatives should be pursued more. The speeds are really concerning on small, narrow streets where kids play. The in-road flex stakes do slow down drivers but just to get around and then they speed up again. We need to be conscious of equity differences in public surveys. M Rodrigues commented that there appears to be support for slower speeds. How are Complete Streets reflecting this desire? D. Kropf responded that the design speeds are lower through narrower widths and intersection narrowing. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER June 14, 2022 3. Bike parking D. Kropf recommended that the committee, with assistance by city staff, prepare a memo or report that advises Council on the need for a bike parking program/funding mechanism. J. Orita shared a strong interest in supporting business parking. Can the city help facilitate even if they can’t fund it? What happened to the bike parking resourcing page? S. Marsh suggested the memo can form the basis for a budget issue paper that she could request at the August City Council meeting. The Bike Parking subcommittee agreed to put something together on paper and bring it to the July meeting. 4. Delta Street & Shoemaker Creek construction update L. Christensen met last week with the construction and consultant team to confirm details for Delta Street. Completion date is thought to be end of July. The committee was supportive of hosting a ribbon cutting for Delta Street in September. The Events Subcommittee will take the lead. L. Christensen shared that Shoemaker Creek trail is scheduled to be done in July. It was delayed by a union strike for several weeks but work is continuing again. 5. Summer Meetings The committee agreed to meet outside in July on Gaukel Street and to not meet in August. 6. Subcommittee check-ins J. Brosheck shared that the Vision Zero subcommittee had their first meeting with staff and will meet again soon. 7. Staff updates D.Kropf shared that new bike parking was installed at Centreville Chicopee Community Centre. I. Balaban shared that the city’s micromobility report went to Committee yesterday and was approved. The Region is expected to release an RFP to retain a provider in the coming weeks. Meeting adjourned at 5:25 pm.