Meeting Minutes, 17 May 2007

BPAC
Draft Minutes, May 17, 2007

Present: Carla Schafer, Jan Zeserson, Tim Logue, David McElrath, David Nutter, Nicole
Tedesco

East State Street Bicycle Lane: BPAC discussed the East State Street Bicycle Lane and had
the following comments:
The striping at the “tuning fork” island downhill going straight shouldn’t extend into the bicycle path.
When going uphill and turning onto Schuyler or Eddy, is there enough space for a car to pass?
What is the width of Eddy St?
The centerlines of E. State Street on either side of Eddy St. don’t line up—could dashed lines be used through the intersection?
Are there any drainage grates in the way (specifically at the curve near the Gateway Building)?
The next step for the bicycle lane project is to get a cost estimate and then to put the project out
to bid for a private contract for construction. It likely will be maintained by the City after installation. BPAC came up with a general statement in support of the bicycle lane (there was not a quorum at the meeting).

Bicycle Parking Ordinance: BPAC has already endorsed the draft Bicycle Parking Ordinance. The next step is to go for a broader review by the City.

Black Diamond Trail: There is an exhibit about the BDT at Eastern Mountain Sports until some time in June. Jan Zeserson inquired whether the exhibit could also be displayed in City Hall. The BDTEN is gearing up for SEQR (environmental review) and a Public Hearing on the Trail Master Plan. BDTEN has a new listserve and website.

Sharrows: The City is waiting to hear back from Federal Highway Administration.

Buffalo St. Repaving: No updates.

100 Block of North Aurora: Currently, the Aurora Street bridge is closed for construction, and sewer and water work is scheduled to happen on the 100 block of North Aurora. A petition was
circulated by the restaurants in the area requesting a sidewalk expansion, so the restaurants can have more space for outdoor seating. There might also be space for street furniture, such as benches, and bicycle racks. The next step for this project is for City engineers to do some research and present to the June 2 Board of Public Works meeting. BPAC generally supported the idea of expanding the sidewalk space on this block.

Changing Meeting Date: BPAC decided to seek a broader consensus on this issue using the listserve.

Strategic Planning: The next step in the strategic planning exercise is to start putting names on projects. FOR THE NEXT MEETING, please use the Wiki to sign up for projects that you
commit to following. Be realistic about the time and energy you have to devote to projects—
don’t sign up to follow two dozen.

Resolution on E. State St. Bicycle Lane

East State Street Bicycle Lane

BPAC

Whereas:

East State Street connects downtown Ithaca with Collegetown and is an important link in street network for multiple modes, including private motor vehicles, public transit, bicycling, and walking; and

The City of Ithaca is considering installation of an uphill bicycle lane on East State Street beginning at East Green Street and ending at Mitchell Street; and

One of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council’s duties is “to advocate for implementation of city plans for bicycle travel”;

Now Therefore Be It Resolved:

That the City of Ithaca Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council hereby strongly endorses the City’s plans to install an uphill bicycle lane on East State Street.

May 17, 2007

BPAC Charter

Duties:
§ 12-3. Appointment and membership.
The Mayor, with the approval of the Common Council, shall appoint a Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council to be composed of 11 voting members who are interested in finding cooperative solutions for the problems facing cyclists, pedestrians and people with disabilities. At least five members shall be active bicyclists, and at least four members shall be active pedestrians. One member shall be a member of the Disability Advisory Council. The eleventh member shall be a member of the Board of Public Works. There shall be four nonvoting members, consisting of the Traffic Engineer and one representative of each of the following: Common Council, the Parks Commission and the Planning and Development Board.

§ 12-5. Duties.
The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council shall be charged with the following:

A. To regularly review ongoing and upcoming city projects and advise the Board of Public Works, Common Council, the Planning and Development Board, the Parks Commission, and other appropriate city bodies on bicycle and pedestrian issues, including issues faced by people with disabilities, to ensure that all city projects accommodate and encourage safe and legal travel by bicycles, pedestrians and people with disabilities.

B. To advocate for implementation of city plans for bicycle travel, pedestrian travel, travel by people with disabilities, and traffic calming.

C. To make and advocate for other recommendations regarding cyclists, pedestrians and people with disabilities.

D. To make quarterly reports to Common Council about how recent transportation projects affect cyclists, pedestrians and people with disabilities.

§ 12-4. Terms of office.
Terms of office for the Bicycle Advisory Council shall be three years, except that of the initial appointments, three shall expire on December 31, 1998, four on December 31, 1999, and four on December 31, 2000.