Roadways and Sidewalks Subcommittee Meeting
February 1, 2007
Members present: Rob Christensen, Trevor Harris, Jack Jenson, Robert Johnson, Frederick Schmidt.
Members absent: Christi Hopper, Kristina Kaylen, Amanda Perry, John Riddick, Mark Stone, Mark Virkler.
Staff Attendance: Ted Curtis, Corri Flaker, Mitch Skov, Richard Stone
Others Attending: None.
Introductory comments
A quorum being present and Mr. Riddick being absent, Mr. Harris took the chair and called the meeting to order at 4:37pm.
Before moving to the agenda, Robert Johnson introduced a discussion of media coverage of bicycle accidents. He said that the articles should mention whether the cyclist was riding on the wrong side of the road or did not have lights at night. Mr. Jenson said that the papers DO mention when motorists are not wearing their seat belts – perhaps reporters just need to be educated. Mr. Schmidt suggested that if the media is contacted gently, they may be glad to adopt such a policy. Mr. Curtis asked does it need to be in police reports? Mr. Christensen said there may be some police bias. He said he was at the Rotary Club that day and was accosted by many people asking why do cyclists run stop signs and flip people off?
Mr. Curtis suggested a program he’d heard about that police have bicycle helmets in their trunks and when they see a cyclist without one, they give them one.
Adjustments to agenda
Hearing none, Mr. Harris began the meeting.
Approval of Oct 11 and Nov 2 meeting minutes.
It was noted that in the January meeting minutes, Mr. Thomas and Ms. Kauffman were listed as present, when they are not on the committee. With those corrections, the minutes of the January meeting were approved.
Project Managers Report: Mr. Curtis’ report began as usual with the unfurling of the map. Attendees gathered around to look.
He started with downtown and much of the discussion focused on that. Downtown, he pointed out, is all sidewalks and streets, not trails. He said he will make a presentation to the SBD soon. He noted in particular a Providence pedway on the east side to Broadway. He said Carrie Gardner and John Ott suggested it continue further, say down to the Convention and Visitors Bureau. There was general agreement on this. Mr. Curtis also noted sidewalks on 4th St east side, Locust to Cherry, Cherry St South side 4th to 5th. Mr. Skov said those are not on the sidewalk master plan, but that it’s a draft and they could be added. Mr. Curtis said he’d like to fix Broadway, S side from Providence to 4th. The small space and parking issues were discussed.
A long discussion then ensued of the proposed improvements to the bridge at Douglass. Mr. Skov asked what does it connect to? Mr. Christensen wondered whether cyclists and walkers will go there. He said historically, it’s been a hot button politically. Mr. Johnson said the DNT that PedNet put up is frequently vandalized (the posts, brochures, and markings). Mr. Jenson and Mr. Schmidt discussed the history of why is there a fence along Providence? Mr. Stone noted the angles and approach, that to make the bridge high enough with ramps, the ramps would have to be very long – perhaps even connecting to the Douglass building. It was brought up by several that Ms. Crayton does not think it’s a good idea. Mr. Stone said if it’s done full bore it could possibly work, but done halfway it would not, and more than halfway would be hard to achieve. Mr. Harris said Mr. Curtis should consult with Ms. Crayton and Phil Steinhaus. Mr. Harris said that Mr. Steinhaus liked the idea. Mr. Schmidt said, Really! Mr. Jenson suggested talking to the Minority Mens Network and the Intersection people, to ask what they think. Ms. Flaker said it is a high risk project. She wondered that it’s too bad there isn’t a way to move it somewhere else. Mr. Stone explained that that is not cheaper than building a new bridge, and there are a number of problems with the existing structure.
Moving on, the plan suggests one way bike lanes on Ash and Park, with back in diagonal parking. The Colt trail will be extended to downtown 9th and 10th would also be one way bike lanes. The morning delivery truck parking was discussed, to no particular resolution.
Mr. Curtis discussed the so-called “Stephens to Stephens” link. This would use the ped bridges at Stamper, go through campus, down Walnut, to Stephens Park. The idea would be to put a sidewalk on Walnut. Long term there could even be a roundabout at Old 63 and Walnut. In response to Mr. Christensen’s question, Mr. Stone said it is far enough away from Broadway that a traffic circle is feasible.
Mr. Christensen wondered about a way from the bridge over Providence at Stadium over to Carrie Francke Drive. Mr. Johnson said he goes down the hill on the Providence shoulder. Mr. Schmidt said that’s great, but then you have to climb back up the hill. Mr. Curtis proposed closing the tunnel under Stadium to cars. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Schmidt said there is so little car traffic in the tunnel, it seemed like a lot of trouble to bother. Someone worried about bicyclists running into bollards or other devices to keep cars out. Mr. Stone noted that Residential Life used to be south of Stadium, and is no longer.
Mr. Skov asked if Mr. Curtis was looking for any specific recommendations at this time. He said no, that will go to Council, perhaps in February.
Regarding MU, Mr. Curtis said some campuses stripe bike routes through campus. Someone said that MU doesn’t like parking on Maryland, but the city generates $40,000 annual parking revenue just from this street.
Mr. Christensen inquired about an MU vehicle and pedestrian study. Mr. Stone said there was an old long-range plan that Stewart was the main entrance to campus, and described how different street connections were to be built (which don’t to this day). He said that they are really a developer, but they often don’t act that way; in some ways it would be helpful if they did.
Mr. Curtis said that concludes his report. So noted on Providence bridge.
Old Business
Sidewalk Plan: Mr. Skov said that the draft sidewalk master plan will be reviewed by P&Z on Thursday Feb 8. Mr. Johnson said he fundamentally dislikes seeing existing sidewalks, however inadequate, upgraded when there are huge areas with no sidewalks at all. Mr. Curtis asked the committee to keep an eye out as to whether we are talking about the right sidewalks. Mr. Harris suggested it would be helpful if the PedNet plan and the sidewalk plan had all the same items.
Committee Membership: Mr. Harris said Mr. Riddick is drafting a letter to non-active members, to ask if they wish to continue. It was reported that it was decided not to merge the two committees (existing and new facilities).
New Business
Status of Street Marking: Mr. Stone explained that the temporary help is assessing the streets slated for potential bike lanes. There were no questions.
Other Business: None.
Agenda Planning: The next meeting was set at March 1, using the first Thursday rule.
Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 5:51 pm
Minutes prepared by: Frederick Schmidt
Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2007
