Loading...
TC - Item 4B - Proposed Bicycle Improvement PlanROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION STAFF REPORT TO: TRAFFIC COMMISSION FROM: CHRIS MARCARELLO, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR v" DATE: FEBRUARY 2, 2012 SUBJECT: PROPOSED BICYCLE IMPROVEMENT PLAN SUMMARY Recently, the Traffic Commission completed a process to develop its workplan over the next 2 years. This effort was coordinated with the Citywide effort to develop a Strategic Plan. Goals and objectives identified include advising the City Council on matters relating to traffic flow, traffic safety, traffic management, and transportation policy within the City. As part of these plans, the Traffic Commission outlined six main goals and objectives to provide guidance and advice to the City Council. Goal Number 1 aims to provide "safe and friendly pedestrian and bicycle transportation networks" throughout the City of Rosemead, including the development of plans and policies to improve bicycle safety and improve bicycle awareness within the City. Staff Recommendation It is recommended that the Traffic Commission approve March 1, 2012 as an appropriate date to hold a public meeting to discuss the bicycle improvement needs of the City particularly as it relates to identifying the need for bicycle lanes and routes, bicycle facilities, bicycle safety and information materials, and public outreach efforts. ANALYSIS During its November 3, 2011 meeting, the Traffic Commission asked staff to move forward in meeting the goals set forth to "provide safe and friendly pedestrian and bicycle transportation networks ". The Traffic Commission's objectives for this Goal are to: • Improve pedestrian and bicycle connections between regional centers and local communities. • Improve and promote pedestrian and bicycle safety through public media and school information. • Improve communications and enforcement for pedestrians and bicyclists. • Initiate and develop bicycle safety and safe walks programs. • Improve pedestrian lighting on streets. Traffic Commission Meeting February 2, 2012 Pape 2 of 2 In December 2011, the City Council convened a join meeting with City's Planning and Traffic Commissions to obtain input on the goals /objectives for the City's 2 -year Strategic Plan. As part of the Traffic Commission's established Goals and Objectives, the Commission recognized the importance of developing a bicycle plan to improve bicycle safety and awareness as well as to promote bicycling as a viable form of transportation throughout the City. In January 2012, City staff initiated the development of a Bicycle Improvement Plan relevant to the development of plans and policies to achieve the above - mentioned goals. As part of a statewide requirement for creating and approving bicycle Improvement plans, a public meeting is required to solicit input from the general public and to incorporate comments and suggestions into the draft Improvement Plan. To satisfy the State requirements, staff recommends that the Traffic Commission agendize a public meeting for the Bicycle Improvement Plan at its regularly scheduled meeting in March, 2012. At the public meeting, the Commissioners and the public will discuss the proposed routes, improvements and programs offered in the draft Bicycle Improvement Plan. Based on the analyses and comments received, a final draft Bicycle Improvement Plan will be prepared. The Commission may recommend the final draft Bicycle Improvement Plan to the City Council for its adoption. The more detailed analyses including preliminary engineering and roadway plans for implementation and outreach programs will follow after the Bicycle Improvement Plan has been adopted. This two -step effort will produce a more comprehensive master plan. Submitted by: Chris Marcarello Public Works Director