bicycle dover city de august 2, 2016 *** draft *** members ... · jonathan hermes kate layton gerry...
TRANSCRIPT
Bicycle Pedestrian Sub‐Committee Dover City Hall Large Conference Room
Dover, DE August 2, 2016
*** DRAFT ***
Members Present:
Jim Hutchison, Chair
Chris Asay
Kathy Doyle
Jayce Lesniewski
Dave Moses
Andy Siegel
Others Present:
Anthony Aglio
Meghan Bartlett
Sarah Coakley
Mary Cook
Emma Cote
Carolyn Courtney
Eddie Diaz
John Fiori
Jonathan Hermes
Kate Layton
Gerry Pennington
Fran Riddle
Ann Marie Townshend
CALLED TO ORDER: Meeting opened at 5:02 P.M.
The Chair called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance.
AGENDA
The chair opened the floor for agenda review, Mr. Asay added updated on the Regional Bike Plan (item to be
added to announcements), Mr. Aglio noted he could provide an update on the signage. The agenda was then
accepted for approval without objection.
APPROVAL MEETING MINUTES
The chair opened the floor for review of the previous two (May & June) meeting minutes. Without objection
both sets of minutes were accepted without objection.
DISCUSSION OF BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN RELATED SAFETY CONCERNS
The chair opened the floor noting we have to be considerate as to what our subcommittee can and can’t
address. With that, we have 2 fatalities in close proximity in the last 2 months. We are trying to decide what
our action could be during these times. We did discuss the first incident with Dover Police and they shared
their actions in investigating. He then turned the floor over Mr. Asay noted the Bike Council is having a
meeting tomorrow at 5 pm at DelDOT, this is o their agenda. Turned the floor to Mr. Aglio. We have a
highway safety improvement program that looks at this throughout the state. They basically lay accident on
accident, with 2 at this site, it may weigh more. They stack them up, look at the cause and work for resolution.
Many of the pedestrian involved accidents are spread out so it’s harder to fix just one area. Pedestrians are
now tipping a scale to obtain federal money for safety improvements. Bikes however aren’t there, yet.
Discussion took place on which intersection. If something bikes/pedestrian to one intersection we need to
figure out what that is. Mr. Moses noted we are very high in pedestrian fatalities. It was mentioned possibly
the Bikable/Walkable Delaware Summit. Mrs. Layton noted the drivers don’t always know the rules of the
road, and pedestrians don’t always either. So, tomorrow I am hosting a planning meeting for the Restoring
Central Dover subcommittee to get people together to discuss bike/pedestrian safety. Giving the rules of the
road and safety tips and that’s what I hoping to talk about tomorrow.
The chair then welcomed Mr. Aglio’s offer to have a DelDOT representative come talk with our group and
share on their efforts. We’ll expect a 15 minute presentation.
Mr. Lesniewski inquired if any plans for Kings Highway had been set, noting the painted crosswalk? Mrs.
Townshend noted the city did this as a request and we were able to find money in the budget and did the
paintings, curb ramps may be coming later.
DELAWARE BIKE COUNCIL GRANT
The chair noted the Delaware Bike Council Grant and the Bike Rack Contest agenda item could be joined for
the purposes of our discussions today. Ms. Courtney shared the Cycling Infrastructure Grant application
contained in the application. Noting the tie between the Bike Rack contest winners from Dover High School
would be a nice tie for Dover students to have their project come to life right strategically in Dover for cyclists.
In brief discussion, only one bike rack was requested, let’s be sure the design works well before moving to fast.
Funding will also come from the Dover Duathlon for additional bike racks and installation within cycling places.
Mr. Moses noted the story behind it makes it a great thing for Dover. Mr. Asay would like us to keep in mind
of the timeframe of the application and due dates. He wants us to have an idea in mind and ready to go for
next year when this happens. Mr. Asay wants the invitation letter sent to all members of this board so they
can see how it looks. Brief discussion on the grant and previous applications took place.
OLD BUSINESS ITEMS
Senator Bike Way:
Mr. Asay asked how many of us knew about the Senator Bikeway, West Street Improvements and the
Brecknock Park connector? Anyway, I am alarmed because I want the committee to know these things are
happening. Mr. Aglio noted they are on the website postings and local print media. Many of the members
had heard about the meetings, Mr. Asay seemed to be the only one who did not as he did not get the email
that other members did get. Parks & Recreation did several emails blasts to advertise. He then shared
handouts from the workshops asked Mr. Hermes give a brief update.
Mr. Hermes, then shared welll one workshop is happening right now across the hall for North Street. Please
check in for that, too. He then reported on the three workshops, for the Brecknock Park was mainly about
trails and we had low turnout. The best response was at the Farmers Market. The Senators workshop was the
most critical, and we had no residents that came out against. He did clarify what the Delaware State News
reported was incorrect that we are not taking out their parking we are taking some parking along RT8 not the
parking lot as reported. We are now going to do field survey.
A brief update was presented to the Committee as a Whole of Dover City Council, and there was no objection
or concerns raised on the information presented.
We are still working on the concept connections and on the high priority areas. Senator Phase 1 was really
important and we were able to have in the cafeteria at Booker T which is right along the route. We are still
taking comments and we can send the handouts as PDF’s to anyone who would like them.
The West Street proposal is a connection to the North Street bike trail to the transit center. It only goes to the
transit center to Queen Street but the new path getting us there with a 10’ wide multiuse path.
Signage
Mr. Aglio took this time to share the signage plans and ADA issues along North Street to the pathway. Funding
wise we are doing well. We believe we are going to get a lot of repaving of this area completed. In addition,
we are going to try and add signage for these trail areas. Ms. Cote shared the newly created designs. They
were pleasing to the committee. The question of maintenance was briefly discussed. Mrs. Townshend noted
anything in the city, we would probably maintain with trail maintenance. Mr. Aglio asked about the trail
names along this area. Do we call the whole thing the Capital City Trail or are there other names we should be
calling it. Do we want to call the North Street trail something different? Discussion on the various trail section
names and how they tie took place. Mrs. Townshend noted in looking at the maps, we had discussed looking
at doing a low stress bike route on Bank Lane that would then connect back to the Capital City Trail. Then
show the connection between the North/Capital City trail and then it’s an identifier and this does help to see
the connections. All agreed it sounds like calling it Capital City works. Discussion then took place on the
shape. All came to an agreement on that as well.
Bike Friendly Community:
Mr. Asay shared a handout on the 10 key measures the bike league gave us and then what we have done. He
reviewed the list (attached). For additional scheduling of classes with Mr. Moses, we would need a location
with space for the bikes and attendees. It would need a consistent place to host these classes. Timeframe is
flexible, like spring or fall if we could find a place to host them. There was some discussion on the Capital
School District educational piece. At this time, it has not quite made it to the classroom. We should probably
be careful on how this is worded. Only one bike rodeo was completed by the Dover Elks and DelDOT but we
need to possibly relook at this item. A second bike rodeo is planned for Super Summer Playground camp with
the Parks & Recreation. However, this group has really not done one. And Fun Rides have been rained out, so
again saying “we did” this may need clarification. Bike friendly university is not something we have done
beyond discussion with Wesley and they were not ready to take that on. Counters are available from DelDOT
that could help the group on getting counts on a particular trail such as Silver Lake park trail area.
Mr. Moses asked to have efforts with DSU, Del Tech and Wilmington College added to our next agenda. Mr.
Aglio noted we have worked with DSU and they have come back asking again for an overpass. The previous
study led to what is there now. They are siting increased business traffic. Mr. Vetter may also have some of
this data. How to approach them should be the topic.
This is how far we’ve come and just to remind everyone there are two opportunities each year to apply.
February and early July, it takes about 6 months to prepare the application. Given that, do you feel like we are
ready to apply, we need to get started in September to make the February deadline? Discussion took place.
we should probably hold off until July as we will have more under our belts in July, was stated by Mr. Moses.
The chair concurred as we have a lot on our plates and our application could be much stronger with a July
application. Mr. Aglio added to be we apply in 2017, not to push off any longer. All agreed on a July
application.
Quarterly Report to Safety Advisory & Transportation Committee:
Mrs. Townshend noted the report presented for our first quarterly report is attached. We will report again in
September. Mr. Asay noted this quarterly report was a one page handout that went in the city council packet
and at the actual meeting there was not discussion or review. It was like approved without any comment. He
wanted to know if that’s how we typically will do this? Mrs. Townshend noted yes, and this is a good thing.
Member Replacements:
The chair introduced the two prospective new members. He welcomed them to give a brief introduction. Mr.
Pennington noted he from Wilmington but in Dover from more than 20 years now, most of them jogging or
cycling. I get out a couple times a week, a lot of times with the Bagel group. I am excited to be a part of the
group I am interested in bike safety, making trails and the roads safe. He is retired Army. Mr. Moses added
that he felt Mr. Pennington was always doing good things around the community.
Mrs. Riddle added she is a recent Wesley retiree and had attended a few meetings in the past. She has an
interest in keeping Wesley College involved with this group, and she is also a walker. She wants to continue to
keep walking and following the rules of the road. She is very passionate about Restoring Central Dover and
keeping it safe.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dover Duathlon 2017: The chair mentioned that Ms. Courtney and he had met just prior to this meeting and
confirmed the date of April 15, 2017 (257 days from this today). Carolyn’s been in contact with vendors who
could provide us with timing and registration as a package deal. We are looking sure to get more than one
quote this year. Give thoughts on what’s important and we’ll have ongoing updates throughout the year.
With 71 participants this year, Carolyn’s goal of participants 140. Mrs. Townshend noted she heard how great
the event was while at a local restaurant and agreed the numbers should be up.
Regional Bike Committee: Mr. Asay noted this has been formed and they are meeting next month to make a
new plan bike plan for Kent County. He requested that Mr. Aglio give the same presentation to this group. It
dealt with mapping low stress routes. If there is still a hazard in Dover, we need to include in this plan, too.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business the meeting adjourned at 6:16 PM without objection.
3-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT, 2016 Bike Friendly Community Application
TEN KEY MEASURES: (From Bike League Feedback 2013) 1. Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator for City DONE! (Ann Marie) 2. Bike (/Ped) Plan Update DONE! (2015 Bike Plan) (MPO Regional Bike Plan in-production) 3. Increase Network Connectivity A. Fill In Key Gaps In On-street Network
1. Route 8, Weston Dr to Sa11ulsbury Rd In Design Phase (Senator Bikeway) (Phase 1 constr 2017)
2. South West St In Design Phase (Constr in 2017) 3. North State St, Walker Road to US 13. (#2 rec in new Bike Plan)
4. Saulsbury Rd, Gateway Blvd to North St (#6 rec in new Bike Plan)
5. College Road, McKee Rd to Kenton Rd (#3 rec in new Bike Plan)
B. Expand Off-Street System & Transitions DONE! (Capitol City Trail) 4. Increase Bike Parking at Popular Destinations. (Bike Rack Contest Done!) 5. Maintenance: Sweep & Repair Paths (no progress yet) 6. Host an Instructor Seminar (101 course Done! Twice) (Dave’s classes in 2015) 7. Bike-safety Education in Schools (Partnership with CSD) (Bike Rodeos Done) 8. Bike Month / Bike to Work Day DONE! (past 3 yrs BTWD) DONE! (past 2 yrs ROS) DONE! (Fun Rides x2) 9. Bike Friendly Universities
--Wesley, Del Tech, Del State, Wmtn Univ. (Partnership with Wesley) 10. Monitor Bike Usage -- Do Counts. DONE!
(Anthony, John, Rich?)