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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Citizens Bicycle Advisory Committee - Meeting Date: 1/7/2019- -J^- MINUTES CITIZENS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE GLENDALE TRANSPORTATION OFFICE 6210 W. MYRTLE AVE., BUILDING A - SUITE GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85301 JANUARY 7, 2019 6:00 P.M. 1 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Larry Flatau. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Larry Flatau, Chair Chris Fundis, Vice Chair Janet Fisher, Committee Member Paul Marsh, Committee Member Absent: Marie Nestfield, Committee Member Michael Osborn, Committee Member Kolby Waters, Committee Member Also Present: Patrick Sage, Transportation Planner Marilu Garcia Ramirez, Transportation Project Manager Chris Kurtzhals, Park Ranger Supervisor 3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - WITHDRAWALS AND CONTINUANCES The agenda was approved by consensus without withdrawals or continuances. 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS No citizens were present. No comments were made. 5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Approval of the minutes from the November 5, 2018 Citizens Active Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting minutes with the change to note Chris Fundis as Vice Chair and Paul Marsh as Committee Member. Motioned by Committee Member Paul Marsh, seconded by Vice Chair Chris Fundis AYE: Chair Larry Flatau Vice Chair Chris Fundis Committee Member Janet Fisher Committee Member Paul Marsh Passed 6. PARKS AND RECREATION PRESENTATION Mr Kurtzhals was in attendance with Ranger, a chocolate Labrador Retriever, who is the City's K-9 Community Outreach dog. Mr. Kurtzhals provided a brief background of his experience and gave a presentation on the City's rules and guidelines for bicyclists, pedestrians, equestrians, and other users. Mr, Kurtzhals stated that the Park Rangers can write a ticket for any violation of City Code and the violations are classified as misdemeanor. Mr. Kurtzhals reported'that the Park Rangers mostly write parking tickets. Mr. Kurtzhals commented that an update to Glendale's City Code, Section 27 is in the process of being updated because it has not been changed in many years. The presentation included the following information: . Glendale City Code - Section 27-45: Vehicles, bicycles, skateboards, etc. . (a) No person shall operate or use any vehicle, bicycle, unicycle, motorized skateboard, skateboard, roller-skates or in-line skates in a city park except on public roadways or at such other locations as are specifically designated for such use. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to the proper use of motorized wheelchairs. . (b) No person operating or using a vehicle, bicycle, unicycle, motorized skateboard, skateboard, roller-skates or in-line skates in a city park shall operate or use such vehicle or equipment in any unsafe manner. All persons operating or using such vehicle or equipment in a park shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians. . (c) No person shall operate or use a vehicle, bicycle, unicycle, motorized skateboard, skateboard, roller-skates or in-line skates in a city park at a speed greater than fifteen (15) miles per hour or any other posted speed limit. . (d) No person shall perform any maintenance of or repairs to any vehicle in a city park, except for emergency repairs required to remove such vehicle from the park. . The Trails . Hiking off the trails and short cutting the trails is not permitted . Do not bring motor vehicles onto the trails. . Do not construct short cuts or additional trails. . Trails are multi-use unless otherwise signed. . Observe accepted trail etiquette. . Avoid soft and muddy trails. Deep tracks make it difficult for others. . Allow faster traffic to pass. . When in a group, do not block the trail. Allow room for other users. . Bicycles . Ride only on roadways and designated trails. . Ride safely and yield the right of way to other trail users. . Ride at a reasonable speed - no greater than 15 mph. . Announce your presence when approaching other trail users. . Approach each bend as if someone were around the comer. . Bike and Safety Laws .According to Arizona State law, cyclists have the very same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Respect for the rights of all road users will help you feel good about yourself and avoid accidents too. . Most crashes between motorists and cyclists happen at intersections. Most often, when the motorist is at fault, it is because they failed to yield the right-of-way to the cyclist. This usually happens when you turn left in front of a cyclist or pull out from a stop sign or a driveway into a cyclist's path. .Arizona Bicycle Laws A.R.S. 28-644: Stop for traffic lights and stop signs. . A.R.S. 28-817: Always use a white headlight and a red rear reflector when you cycle after sunset or before sunrise. . A.R.S. 28-792 and A.R.S. 28-904: Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and on sidewalks. . A.R.S. 28-756: Before you turn or change lanes, look behind you, signal to show your plan to turn or change lanes, and yield to any traffic there. Cyclists may signal their turns by extending either their left arm for a left turn or their right arm for a right turn. .A.R.S. 28-721: Any vehicle moving slower than the normal traffic speed shall drive in the right-hand lane, or "a close as practicable" to the right edge of the road, except when preparing to turn left or when passing. . A.R.S. 28-704: Any vehicle on a two-lane road that has five or more vehicles behind it must pull off at the first safe pullout to allow the vehicles behind to process. . A.R.S. 28-815: Special conditions that affect cyclists more than motorists are recognized by law. Riding two abreast is permitted by law. . You may ride far enough from the road edge to stay clear of surface debris, potholes, rough pavement, drain gates, and pavement joints, as well as to avoid pedestrians, dogs, parked vehicles, and other objects. . You may occupy any part of a lane when your safety warrants it. Never compromise your safety for the convenience of a motorist behind you. . Laws for Bicycle Riders Only . A.R.S. 28-813: Every person riding a bicycle must have a regular seat to sit on. . A.R.S. 28-817: Every bicycle must have at least one brake that will make the wheel skid when applied. . A.R.S. 28-815: You may ride no more than two side-by-side, except on exclusive paths. .A.R.S. 28-816: You must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. . A.R.S. 28-815: You may not attach your bicycle to, or hold onto, another vehicle on the roadway. Mr. Kurtzhals noted that his staff does have a drone which is used to look at the trails. Staff must follow all regulations for drone use. Chair Flatau wondered how the public would know about the 15 miles per hour (mph) speed limit for bicycles. Mr. Kurtzhals replied that most people probably do not know about the speed limit. Mr. Kurtzhals explained that Park Rangers are looking for blatant disregard for safety, disorderly riders, and the like and if noticed, the Rangers will educate the rider. Mr. Kurtzhals added that if necessary, the police will be called. Mr. Kurtzhals also noted that bicyclists may not perform bike maintenance in the parks but may perform such tasks as fixing a flat tire or bike chain. Chair Flatau asked if Mr. Kurtzhals has seen an increase in the homeless population. Mr. Kurizhals replied in the positive and added that he is seeing many new homeless people. Mr Kurtzhals noted that there are also people who bully or target the homeless people. Committee Member Marsh inquired if there was signage along the trails in Glendale and Mr. Kurtzhals replied in the positive. Chair Flatau noted that at Thunderbird Paseo Park, at 59th Avenue, bicyclists come down the path fast due to the steepness and this is a dangerous situation because of the children's park near the path. Chair Flatau wondered if staff should consider closing that path because people can use the next closest pathway. Mr. Kurtzhals noted the suggestion and recommended sending the suggestion to the Parks and Recreation Commission and additional Park staff. Chair Flatau commented on bicycle riders who have a dog on a leash while riding who sometimes create dangerous situations when the dog is on one side of the path and the bike is on the other side. Chair Flatau wondered if the Rangers could enforce any rule in this type of 8. situation. Mr. Kurtzhals replied that as long as the dog is on a leash, there is no other current rule to enforce. Mr. Kurtzhals added that if the dog is in danger, too hot, or not on a leash, the Rangers can enforce rules regarding those infractions. Mr. Kurtzhals also noted that bicyclists must follow traffic laws and a bicyclist can even get a DUI on a bike. Mr. Kurtzhals stated that the Parks and Recreation Department conducts bike rodeos, which help teach young riders the bicycle rules of the road. Chair Flatau asked if Mr. Kurtzhals was involved in the skate and bike parks. Mr. Kurtzhals replied in the positive. Mr. Kurtzhals explained that the Foothills skate park was designed for skateboards only, however, kids on bikes and scooters use it too and the Park Rangers must keep an eye on this situation. Mr. Sage stated that the proposed pump track at Foothills was designed as a scaled-back, bicycle skills-development course. Mr. Kurtzhals commented that there are some safety issues and criminal issues at the skate parks. The Park Rangers must shut down the parks at night and ask people to leave. Mr. Kurta reported the top five Park Ranger activities as follows: administration, outreach, dealing with the homeless, criminal damage, and park closures. Mr. Marsh shared that there are people who enjoy the parks and appreciate the work of staff and the rangers. Mr. Kurtzhals commented that staff must respond to park calls or concerns within seventy-hwo hours and shared some examples of his interactions with the public. Chair Flatau suggested having flyers made for the public with the bicycle rules, since there are some that they may not be aware of. Mr. Kurtzhals commented that this would be a project that would be in Ms. Kim Larson's purview. Chair Flatau also suggested including the information in the City's water bill, on the bicycle section of the City website, or in the district newsletters. Staff will follow up on these suggestions. TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Ms. Garcia Ramirez provided Transportation Updates, which included the following: . Committee Name Change: The Committee name change was approved by CTOC on December 6, 2018. The City Clerk has approved use of the new name starting on the February 2019 meeting. The new name is: Citizens Active Transportation Advisory Committee (CATAC) . Upcoming Agenda Items: . February: Family Bike Ride . March: ATP Consultant Update - Mr. Sage appreciated the comments from the Committee Members. Paper #2 will be circulated within the next 10 days and the consultant will most likely update Paper #2 before it is presented to the CBAC. . New Appointments: Committee Recommendations that Council approved at Council Executive Session on January 8, 2019: New Chair: Chris Fundis; New Vice Chair: Paul Marsh. Welcome New Member: Janet Fisher, appointed on November 27, 2018 . Thank you Chair Flatau! Joined the CBAC in July 2014 Served as Chair for the past two years . Next Meeting: February 4, 2019 Mr. Sage thanked Chair Flatau for his service on the CBAC and complimented his exuberance, attendance, and knowledge. Mr. Sage noted that Chair Flatau has been volunteering on City commissions since 1991 and expressed great appreciation. REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES AND ORGANIZATIONS None 9. OTHER BUSINESS Committee Member Fisher inquired if the CBAC had a website. Mr. Sage explained that the Transportation Department has a website on which there is a bicycle page. Mr. Sage added that the City is during a large project to completely re-do the City's website. Chair Flatau suggested that possibly Committee Member Fisher, with her background, could look at the bicycle webpage on the City website and make suggestions for improvement or additions. Committee Member Fisher suggested reaching out to the younger generation via Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Mr. Sage noted that the City is improving its use of social media outreach and the Transportation Department does have a Facebook and Instagram account. Committee Member Fisher stated that it is important to get the youth to "like" the accounts, maybe with an incentive. Chair Flatau noted that there was an offer from the City to have a blog on the bicycle page. Mr Sage commented that there was no volunteer at the time who offered to write the blog, but it is still an opportunity. Vice Chair Fundis agreed with the idea of giving a child a free scoop of ice cream if they "liked" the Facebook or Instagram page. Mr. Sage will provide the social media links to the Committee Members for review. 10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS . Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Update . Glendale Family Bike Ride Update 1 NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Citizens Active Transportation Advisory Committee will be held on Monday Feburary 4, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., in the Glendale Transportation Office at 621 OW. Myrtle Ave., Building A - Suite 111, Glendale, Arizona, 85301 12. ADJOURNMENT Chair Flatau adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m. The Citizens Active Transportation Advisory Committee meeting minutes of January 7, 2019 were submitted and approved this 1st day of April, 2019. ^-t^^u&LP4 <^a-^< Marilu Garcia Ramirez Recording Secretary