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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-07 - BPAC Minutes Meeting Minutes DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, December 7, 2017 - Noon to 1:30pm ODOT, 63055 N Hwy 97, Building M, Diamond and Crater Lake Conference Rooms, Bend Audio recording of this meeting is archived for review and/or transcription. The purpose of this document is to outline topics of discussion and actions by the Committee. Members Present: Cheryl Howard, Mark Smith, Wendy Holzman, Dave Thomson, Greg Svelund, Ann Marland, Katie Hammer, Michelle DeSilva, Scott Ferguson, Katrina Lagenderfer. Agency/Organization: Zechariah Heck, Deschutes County; David Amiton, ODOT; Robin Lewis & Janet Hruby, City of Bend, Transportation and Engineering; Laura Underhill, Bend Parks and Recreation District; Derek Hofbauer, COIC/Cascade East Transit; Tom Headley, Century West Engineering. Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 12:03 p.m. Introductions Attendees of the meeting introduced themselves and, if applicable, identified the organization they represent. Approval of Prior Minutes The minutes from the November 2, 2017, were approved unanimously as drafted. Committee Updates  Bend MPO Technical Committee (David) – Federal safety performance measures have been adopted. The biggest mandate is to reduce fatalities. MPOs need to adopt their own, which can be identical to ODOT’s or different. If BPAC is interested, Tyler Deeky could attend a meeting to provide more information. (Cheryl recognized the suggestion and stated she will work to bring Tyler in for an upcoming meeting.)  COIC/CET (Derek) – Low-floor bus launch was a success. The new buses will aid riders with disabilities. E-fare system roll out is upcoming. A new hub is proposed in Redmond. City of Bend Updates, Robin Lewis – Growth Management Bicycling Network Development Project: the goal is for standards to connect to policies. New route maps will become available, as well as guidelines. An important concept is that the project 2 is for everyone in the community. Bend has a 3% mode to work for biking; public transportation is 0.6%; walking is 3.2%; single-occupant drive is 75%. However, work trips only account for 15% of all trips taken. In order to increase bicycle use, the City of Bend is developing a methodology of “Level of Traffic Stress” (LTS), which has measureable criteria. An analysis was done that showed Bend’s network overall is shown has Level 4 – High Stress. Another map analysis showed Level 1 routes, color coded to identify connectivity. The map depicts a story that most Level 1 areas are not well connected. The new Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion has high potential for raising amount of alternative trips through use of zone implementation, e.g., mixed use. Trend potential can highlight importance of land use in promoting non-auto trips. Program updates will happen in three to six months and will occur with updates to the Transportation System Plan. Bicycle Fatality Update – Scott Ferguson Scott brought up the bicyclist fatality on Olney and Wall Street that occurred last month (in November). A discussion followed about how the BPAC can advocate for policies that would reduce future fatalities. A statement was made that Deschutes County and the City of Bend do not have Vision Zero policies in their Transportation System Plans; ODOT apparently does. A Vision Zero policy is a traffic safety effort to achieve a transportation system with no fatalities or serious injuries. Scott asked what the BPAC can do to encourage a Vision Zero policy for the local jurisdictions. A statement was made that timing is unique because both the City of Bend and Deschutes County are gearing up to review their Transportation System Plans. The City of Bend will conduct community outreach in a couple of months and the group recognized the important of conveying a Vision Zero policy during outreach events. A suggestion was made that the Bend MPO should also adopt a Vision Zero policy. Robin Lewis mentioned the community needs to let the city and the MPO know they want to see such a policy adopted. A Vision Zero policy will lead to actions that reduce fatalities and serious injuries. The analysis that comes with such a policy can identify trends, which can create an action plan. Clackamas County has a Vision Zero policy that can act as a good example. A question was asked: If not Vision Zero, can there be a process to research where problems are and determine approaches to solve issues? Cheryl discussed the importance of connecting with all organizations that BPAC works with, i.e., Deschutes County, Crook County, Jefferson County, Madras, etc. There are many TSPs being updated right now and the time is ripe for the community to encourage Vision Zero policies. A subcommittee will be created to address options to move forward. Ideally, the subcommittee can propose a strategy for BPAC to engage organizations regarding Vision Zero. Goals and Annual Inputs No additional input was provided. The goals were unanimously adopted. The annual report will be sent out with goals and the 2018 calendar soon. 3 BPAC Business General Updates:  Cheryl mentioned that she will not be the Chair of BPAC when her term is over in June.  Sisters update – transportation planning held open house recently. New roundabouts are proposed on Locust and Highway 20. Barclay will be used by lots of various transportation and there needs to be bike lanes. There is concern about travel width and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. The Trails Alliance asks for BPAC to provide input on bike lanes. For more information, contact the City of Sisters for maps covering the proposal. Multi-use paths are also being created on highway.  Mark (Sunriver) COAT – STIFF program?  Redmond – Lots of planning has been done that will lead to various projects, e.g., bike lanes, on Obsidian to SW Canal. This improvement will be important for providing access to Ridgeview High school.  County CDD - November Messaging: Sidewalk snow removal media release will occur when there is a snow event for timing of messages.  ODOT – Cascade Lakes Highway ped/bike counter is up and running. Open Floor No items were brought up from the general public. Adjournment at 1:05 pm Next Meeting: Thursday, January 4, 2017 12:00 to 1:30 pm ODOT, 63055 N Hwy 97, Building M, Diamond and Crater Lake Conference Rooms, Bend