City of Lawrence
Lawrence – Douglas County Bicycle Advisory Committee
July 20, 2015 Minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT:
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Lisa Hallberg, Bill Anderson, Jim MacMurray, Justin Eddings, Jacki Becker, David Hamby, Rod Hernandez |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Dan Ashley, Erin Paden |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
Stephen Mason, Jessica Mortinger, Carol Fittell, David Cronin |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
Carlos Patino, Michael Almon, John Thornberg |
2. Action Item: Approval of the May 18th Minutes
3. Discussion/Action Item: Kasold Drive Improvement Project
David Cronin presented a conceptual design of the Kasold Drive Improvement Project which included traffic counts and an assessment of the potential for Complete Streets for the corridor and asked for feedback/comments from the BAC. David noted a decision on the project design would be made at the August 4th City Commission meeting. Bill Anderson noted there was a history of crashes at 9th Street and Kasold Drive. David Cronin indicated stop signs were installed as a result of the crashes. Bill Anderson asked why a median was part of the design and if a cycle track was considered. David Cronin noted the median was in the design for aesthetics, drainage or utilities, and because there was no left turn. David also added that bikes could travel through the roundabout or on the pedestrian path. Justin Eddings and Rod Hernandez agreed that they preferred the roundabout option. Rod Hernandez asked if a curb could be added to protect the bike lane. David Cronin noted a curb would need 20 feet. Bill Anderson asked if the speed limit could be changed. David Cronin noted the speed limit is determined by the 85th percentile of motorists’ speed and that limit was 30 to 35 miles per hour for now; a 5 land road would increase traffic speeds. David Hamby noted the example of the road diet used in Ottawa, KS where a 4 lane road was reduced to 3 lanes for motorists with a bike lane. Lisa Hallberg added that a road diet option would save on costs and be more viable for all users. BAC members discussed the design options and their impacts on bicyclists. A motion to support option 1 with bike lanes and a roundabout at Kasold and Harvard was moved by Lisa Hallberg, seconded by David Hamby and passed unanimously.
4. Discussion/Action Item: Downtown Bike Corral
Jessica Mortinger presented a request from the owner of Burger Stand for bike corral parking at 8th Street and Massachusetts Street. David Cronin noted bike corral parking would require support from Downtown Lawrence Inc., nearby business owners and approval of the City Commission. David added the northeast or northwest corner of 7th Street and Massachusetts St. was also a possible location but he was not sure if it would legally take up space allocated for another purpose. Justin Eddings noted bike corral parking could prevent clutter issues with trees and light posts. BAC members indicated they would send comments and location preferences to Jessica Mortinger. BAC members agreed that Jacki Becker would work with staff for a plan to address bicycle parking downtown and keep the BAC updated.
5. Discussion/Action Item: Perceptions of Bicycle Safety Report
Carlos Patino presented the findings of his perception survey and recommendations. Lisa Hallberg thanked Carlos on behalf of the BAC. A motion to accept the study was moved by David Hamby, seconded by Rod Hernandez, and passed unanimously. The report is available online at:
www.lawrenceks.org/assets/mpo/bac/2015/PerceptionsofBicycleSafety.pdf
6. Discussion/Action Item: 19th Street Practical Road Safety Assessment
David Cronin presented the findings of the completed report from the March 26, 2015 Road Safety Assessment on the 19th Street Corridor from Barker Avenue to Iowa Street. The report included the reconstruction of 19th Street from Naismith Drive to Iowa Street as part of the CIP and short term recommendations of pavement markings and signal timing for the corridor. David Cronin indicated that Public Works staff was reviewing the recommendations to investigate implementation strategies and see if there were short term improvements that could be made. BAC members discussed the recommendations and asked David Cronin to specifically investigate the lane configurations between Vermont and Louisiana. A motion to accept the study was moved by David Hamby, seconded by Lisa Hallberg, and passed unanimously. The report is available online at:
www.lawrenceks.org/assets/mpo/corridor/19thStRSA.pdf
7. Other Business/Updates
Jim MacMurray asked Parks and Recreation what could be done about the algae growth on the recreational path below Clinton Dam. BAC Members discussed solutions such as texturing the concrete and sweeping it when mowing was performed. Stephen Mason indicated he would follow up with Parks and Rec and see if there was a cleaning solution.
Chuck Wehner shared train track conditions on Lakeview road between Timberedge Rd and E 1300. He indicated he had notified the rail line without a response. BAC members voted unanimously to approve sending a letter to BNSF and David Hamby indicated he would provide a contact to address the crossing conditions.
8. Public Comments
John Thornberg asked staff about Lawrence Arts Center Bicycle Parking- when it was installed and why the comb style rack by the rear door was the only rack installed when the building was constructed. Jessica Mortinger indicated that the development code and requirements for bicycle parking have changed over time and while she wasn’t present for the discussion of bicycle parking at the Lawrence Arts Center, there have been efforts made in the last decade to improve bicycle parking requirements and ongoing efforts to improve bicycle parking standards in the current Article 9 revisions being discussed at the Planning Commission.
9. Adjournment of Meeting and Announcement of Next Meeting
The meeting ended at 6:45 PM. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for August 17th, 2015 at 5PM.