Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Citizens Bicycle Advisory Committee - Meeting Date: 5/1/2017MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE CITIZEN BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017 — 6:30 P.M. BASEMENT MEETING ROOM B3 — CITY HALL 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE, GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85301 L CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Larry Flatau with the following Committee - members present: Michael Scanlon, Chris Fundis, and Kolby Waters. Also, present from City Staff: Purab Adabala, Transportation Analyst; Stephanie Stearns, Transportation Planner; Trevor Ebersole, Deputy Public Works Director — Transportation; Dory Ludwig, Traffic Education Program Manager Committee -members Absent: Vice Chair Pratcher (excused), Michael Osborn (excused), and Marie Nesfield (excused) IL APPROVAL OF MINUTES Committee -member Scanlon inquired if the Committee meeting minutes were required to be submitted to the Citizens Transportation Oversight Committee (CTOC) as this could possibly be inferred from the CTOC mission statement. Mr. Adabala replied in the negative. Chair Flatau explained that a representative from CTOC, Committee -member Nesfield, sits on both Committees and provides a report on the highlights from both meetings. Committee -member Fundis motioned, seconded by Committee -member Scanlon, to approve the April 3, 2017 meeting minutes as written. The motion carried 4 — 0. III. CALL TO THE PUBLIC The floor was opened to comments from the public. No comments were made. The floor was closed. IV. CONTINUANCE OR WITHDRAWAL OF ITEMS. None. V. INTRODUCTION Committee -members and staff introduced themselves. VI. REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES AND ORGANIZATIONS. Committee -members and staff were provided with the opportunity to report on activities from organizations of interest or importance to the Committee. No reports were made. VII. 2017 GLENDALE FAMILY BIKE RIDE DEBRIEF Ms. Ludwig presented information related to the Glendale Family Bike Ride Event held on April 2, 2017; which included the following: • Promotion o The event was promoted through all available City platforms local news publications social media, street banners, direct mail, community partners, poster and flyer distribution. o Chair Flatau commented that the presentation and promotion is most likely the best he has seen regarding the event. Chair Flatau noted that a similar ride in the City of Mesa requires a $120.00 fee and the City should continue to promote that the Glendale Family Bike Ride is free to participants. • Registration o Riders were given the opportunity to register online prior to the ride or on the day of the event. 0 794 riders in total register for the event. o Committee -member Waters inquired as to how the number of attendees compared to last year. Ms. Ludwig estimated that the average participation is 500-600 attendees; however, it did reach approximately 800 in a previous year. • Helmets o All riders were required to wear a helmet on the ride. o Free helmets were given to those who participated in the event survey. Approximately 400 helmets were given away. o Committee -member Kolby mentioned that members of the public who did not have helmets expressed this concern to him prior to the event and he replied they could most likely obtain or buy a helmet at the event. • Shirts o Free event t -shirts were given away to the first 500 riders. o During the upcoming year, t -shirts will be distributed at other events prior to the 2018 Ride as a promotional tool. • Rides and Exhibitions o Bounce houses, food trucks, and several exhibitors were at the park to provide information and services for riders. • Food Trucks o Waffle Crush and Java Stop food trucks offered tasty treats for riders before and after the ride. • Water o Free water and water bottles were provided by Glendale Water Services at the park and at all three rest stops. • Routes o Riders could choose between three routes: ■ Short — 6 miles (actual was close to 7 miles so this will be adjusted in 2018) ■ Long — 15 miles ■ Extended — 23 miles o Route maps were displayed. • Fun at the Park/The Ride/Family Fun o Pictures were displayed. • Rest Stops o There were three rest stops along the route that provided snacks, water, and restrooms for the riders. o All rest stops were staffed by volunteers. • Those Who Made it Happen o The Mayor of Glendale was at the event to kick off the ride. • Thank You to Volunteers and Event Partners o AFC Physical Medicine and Chiropractic Services o Citizen Bicycle Committee — Past and Present o City of Glendale ■ Fire Department ■ Police Department 2 ■ Parks and Recreation ■ Recycling ■ Public Works — Transportation ■ Sanitation ■ Public Library o Glendale High School Interact Students and Supervisor o Glendale Police Explorers Post #2469 o Glendale Citizen Police Academy Alumni o Glendale Farmers Market o Java Stop o Southwest Bicycles o SunWise — AZ Department of Health Services o Waffle Crush o Valley Metro Mark Your Calendar o The next Glendale Family Bike Ride is Sunday, April 22, 2018. o This is also Earth Day, so a combined event will be planned. Chair Flatau suggested recognizing specific event participants or volunteers by City Council. Ms. Ludwig will follow up. Committee -member Scanlon commented that since the ride is held on a Sunday, this could be a conflict with people who would like to participate, but have church services to attend. Mr. Adabala agreed, but explained that one year, the event was held on a Saturday and participation was low. Mr. Adabala stated that the weather that year was cooler than average at that time. Ms. Ludwig stated that increased outreach to churches along the route could be pursued. Ms. Stearns suggested the possibility of adding a kiddie route, as there were many children on tricycles or using training wheels. Ms. Ludwig noted other potential event additions, such as a mini bike rodeo, the "Map My Ride" app, and more interactive stations prior to the ride. Chair Flatau complimented Ms. Ludwig on an excellent job done. Committee -member Fundis commented that they ran out of cups at the rest stop where he volunteered, however, re -stocking was done within approximately twenty minutes. Chair Flatau inquired if staff coordinates with other agencies, such as SRP, who he noted was performing service along the route. Mr. Adabala stated that while most of the ride is on City right-of-way, a rest stop was on SRP property this year. Mr. Adabala noted that if this happens again, staff will make sure to coordinate with SRP. Chair Flatau thanked. staff for the hard work on the event and the presentation. VIII. TRANSPORTATION EDUCATION Ms. Ludwig distributed educational materials disseminated by the City to the public and shared information on the Transportation Education Program, which included the following: • Primary Objective o The City of Glendale Traffic Education Program primary objective is to create, plan, organize, implement, and manage traffic education programs, curriculums, and special events to increase traffic safety awareness and preparedness for Glendale residents. 3 • Glendale Family Bike Ride o The annual Glendale Family Bike Ride is one of Glendale's favorite family traditions that showcase an affordable and environmentally friendly transportation option. o Many City departments and event partners are on site to provide free information and series for the riders including bicycle safety, bicycle tune-ups and transportation/transit programs. o Volunteers are key to the success of the event. Several groups and organizations volunteer that have helped make the event possible include CBAC, Glendale High School, Glendale Police Explorers, and the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council. o Some new elements next year will include "Map My Ride" cell phone app, or interactive exhibitors, a bike rodeo for younger participants, and commemorative medals for all riders. • Valley Bike Month/Bike to Work Day o April is Valley Bike month and the City of Glendale partners with Valley Metro to promote bicycling as an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative mode of transportation. o A promotion is run on the City's Facebook page the week of Bike to Work Day. Those that ride their bike to work and post it on Facebook are entered to win a gift card. o Will be working to increase awareness next year. • Regional School Crossing Guard Training Workshops o Regional workshops are held in July/August and provide basic safety education and hands- on training to school crossing guards. o Participants are taught by experts from different cities including Glendale, Phoenix, Mesa, and Peoria. o Information includes essential crossing guard procedures and resources available from police and fire departments to help the guards ensure safety for children. o Approximately 30% of the guards trained are from Glendale. • Walk & Bike Your Child to School Day o The annual Walk & Bike Your Child to School Day in Glendale is aligned with the International Walk to School Day and is held in October each year. o The City of Glendale works with K-8 schools to participate in walking/biking activities to promote a healthy life style choice to help reduce pollution and traffic congestion around schools. o Each year, one school is picked as the highlight school. The Councilmember representing the district in which the school is located is invited to be an honorary crossing guard that morning. Police and Transportation staff assist, and media is invited to attend. Bike Rodeos o Bike Rodeos teach children the skills and precautions to ride a bicycle safely in lifelike scenarios through a mock "on the road" course. o Transportation staff work in partnership with community partners, Police, and Fire Departments ■ G.A.I.N. Night at Murphy Park — October 4, 2017 ■ Glendale Family Bike Ride — April 22, 2018 ■ Airport Open House — November 3, 2018 o Additional Bike Rodeo events to be added. • Be Safe, Be Seen o Transportation staff partner with the Policy and Fire Departments to provide resources and tips to parents and children for a safe Halloween night. o `Be Safe, Be Seen" reflective Halloween bags, stickers, and glow -in -the -dark bracelets are made available free to all children in the month of October at City public facilities. o The program is promoted through City press releases to local media outlets, flyers, City webpage, and social media. 4 o A resource video on this important safety information is on the City of Glendale YouTube channel B.A.G.I.T. - Bus & GUS Individual Training o Monthly classed are offered at the Glendale Adult Center. o The free trainings are tailored to those wanting to learn more about how to use the transit system and GUS (Glendale Urban Shuttle) o Participants learn about transit fares, trip planning, accessibility, carpool/vanpool services and shared ride transportation for those who cannot access light, rail or fixed routes. Safe Routes to Schools o The City is working on two current projects with ADOt and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG): ■ Funding to update all K-8 schools walking and biking boundary maps — crosswalks (yellow and white) and ADA compliance. ■ Funding to purchase updated K-8 crossing guard equipment including ranger hats, type 2 safety vests, stop paddles, as well as updated bike rodeo signage and bike helmets. • Driver Safety Campaign — New o Developing a driver safety campaign to provide road safety messages to help change unsafe driving behaviors. a Will follow National Highway Safety Institute safety campaign calendar. o Collaborating with the Police Department for consistent messaging. o Campaign will be promoted through the Dynamic Messaging Signs, local media, print materials, and social media. • Re -Cycle Bike Program — New o Refurbish bicycles available though Police Department surplus and the Glendale landfill to safe, rideable condition. o Bicycles will be available at community events and programs. • Outreach o Participate in community and school events to educate residents and students on bicycle and traffic safety. o Some recent and upcoming community events include: ■ Glendale Day at Camelback Ranch ■ Glendale Family Bike Ride ■ Employee Events ■ Surviving he Summer Safety Fair — June 2017 at Westgate ■ Councilmember Meetings ■ G.A.I.N. at Murphy Park o Mr. Adabala stated that these events are opportunities for the Committee to volunteer/attend to see Traffic Education in action. o Committee -member Waters inquired if the general public could volunteer to refurbish bicycles in the Re -Cycle Bike Program. Ms. Ludwig will follow-up. Chair Flatau thanked Ms. Ludwig for the presentation. IX. CANCELLATION OF JULY 2017 MEETING Ms. Stearns requested that the July Committee meeting be vacated due to its proximity to the July 4th holiday. Mr. Adabala mentioned that the Committee has historically vacated a summer meeting, typically the one in the month of July. Chair Flatau asked if there was any opposition to vacating the July 5 Committee meeting. No opposition was voiced. It was agreed by consensus that the July 2017 Committee meeting would be vacated. X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff and Committee -members suggested items for placement on future meeting agendas, which included the following: • CBAC Mission Statement XI. OTHER BUSINESS Chair Flatau commented on the wonderful Police Department presence at the Glendale Family Bike Ride. Chair Flatau suggested re-establishing the Police Department Bicycle Patrol. Chair Flatau stated that police are more accessible for conversation when they are on a bike versus inside a patrol car. Chair Flatau commented that the recent re -slurry of the bike trail through Thunderbird Paseo Park from 59th Avenue to 75th Avenue was wavy and not done in a good manner. Mr. Adabala stated that this is an SRP flood control facility and so it is maintained by SRP and the City only has user access. Committee - member Waters commented that he recently rode the trail and thought it was very nice. Chair Flatau commented that in Thunderbird Paseo Park, at 591 Avenue at the bottom of the hill, there is water puddling and so riders drive through the grass to avoid the water. Chair Flatau stated that this area becomes slick and riders drive around it. Committee -member Waters agreed and suggested the issue could be caused by a sprinkler. Mr. Adabala will follow up. Chair Flatau inquired if the City was responsible for maintaining the river bed area in the New River. Mr. Adabala stated that Flood Control was responsible for the area. Chair Flatau noted that there are mesquite trees growing in the river bed and if a flood were to occur, this could cause a safety issue. Chair Flatau suggested that the trees be cleared from the river bed. Committee -member Scanlon praised City staff, stating that the City works very hard for its citizens. XI. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Glendale Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee will be on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 6:30 p.m., Basement Meeting Room B3, City Hall, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, 85301. XII. ADJOURNMENT Chair Flatau adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.