HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.04.2025 RTBC Agenda Packet
MPOJC Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – 1:00 PM
MPO Conference Room
Lower Level, Iowa City City Hall
410 East Washington Street
1. Call to order; recognize alternates
2. Public discussion of items not on the agenda*
3. Discuss applications for MPOJC Transportation Alternative Program, Carbon
Reduction Program, and Surface Transportation Block Grant funding
4. Review Metro Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Collision Data
5. Review 2024 Trail Counts and 2025 Count Locations
6. Update on Metro Area Trail Maps and Bike to Work Week/Month
8. Other Business
9. Adjournment
*Public input is permitted on any agenda item during discussion of the item. Please indicate to
Sarah Walz if you wish to comment. To request any disability-related accommodations, please
contact MPOJC staff at least 48 hours in advance at 319.356.5239 or email Sarah-Walz@iowa-
city.org.
Date: February 25, 2025
To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee
From: Emily Bothell, Senior Associate Transportation Planner
Re: Agenda Item #3: Discuss Applications for MPOJC Transportation Alternatives
Program, Carbon Reduction Program, and Surface Transportation Block Grant
funding
MPOJC manages a biennial grant process to distribute funding from the Transportation
Alternatives Program (TAP), Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), and Surface
Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG). The Iowa Department of Transportation
(Iowa DOT) has provided MPOJC with funding targets for the upcoming years:
approximately $10 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding available
for programming in FY2029-2030, approximately $2 million in Transportation Alternatives
Program (TAP) funding available for programming in FY2027-2030, and approximately
$3 million in Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funding available for programming in
FY2026-2030.
This year, grant applications were open from February 3rd to February 24th. Entities
submitted applications requesting a total of $12,264,000 in STBG funding, $1,683,330 in
TAP funding, $8,285,200 in CRP funding. Attached is a summary of each project submitted
for each funding program. Due to the size of the applications, they are not included in the
packet but are available for review using the following link: https://www.icgov.org/
government/departments-and-divisions/metropolitan-planning-organization-of-johnson-county/
what-we-do/state-and-federal-funds
MPOJC uses a set of criteria adopted by the Urbanized Area Policy Board in order to score the
projects (attached for your information). The criteria reward projects that offer accessible multi-
modal transportation options, enhance safety of all users, and extend the regional trail network
to name a few. Furthermore, according to the MPOJC Complete Streets Policy, all funded
projects must have sidewalks. The scores offer a tool for evaluating the benefits of each project
but do not determine which projects will be funded or the level of funding to be allocated. The
Policy Board ultimately makes the decision on how to allocate funds.
While the Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee does not make formal recommendations on
the applications, the Committee should provide input on whether and how the projects benefit
the bicycle and pedestrian network.
I will be available at your March 4th meeting to describe the projects and answer any questions
you may have.
2
1.Iowa City and the Iowa Department of Transportation
North Dodge Street Improvements Project (Pedestrian Facilities)
Description: This project will include sidewalk, curb ramp, and crosswalk improvements within
the Dodge Street corridor from Burlington Street to Governor Street.
Total Project Cost: $707,600
Requesting: $566,080 in TAP funding
2.North Liberty
West Forevergreen Road Trail (Covered Bridge Road to South Jasper Avenue)
Description: The project proposes constructing 4,680 linear feet of 8-foot-wide, multi-use trail
along the south side of West Forevergreen Road, which is classified as a major arterial
roadway. The trail would be constructed out of portland cement concrete (PCC) and would
extend from the western edge of the Fox Valley Subdivision to the east terminus of the west
Forevergreen Road/South Jasper Avenue roundabout.
Total Project Cost: $832,000
Requesting: $465,500 in TAP funding
3.Coralville
North Ridge Trail Reconstruction
Description: This project will replace a 0.24 mile long section of the existing deteriorated
asphalt trail with a 10 foot wide concrete trail. It will also include the addition of a 105’ long
section of new 8’ wide sidewalk crossing CRANDIC railroad along the south side of
Forevergreen Road.
Total Project Cost: $385,000
Requesting: $304,000 in TAP funding
4.Coralville
Iowa River Trail Connection
Description: This project will construct a 0.45 mile long section of 12 foot wide concrete trail
from the 1st Avenue trail, stretching along the north side of the Iowa River Landing, and
connecting to the Iowa River Trail by the Iowa River.
Total Project Cost: $575,000
Requesting: $347,750 in TAP funding
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Applications
3
1.Iowa City
Iowa River Trail – West Bank
Description: Construction of a 10-foot-wide trail/wide sidewalk along the west bank of the Iowa
River and Riverside Drive/Old Highway 218.
Total Project Cost: $4,250,000
Requesting: $2,880,000 in CRP funding
2.University Heights
Melrose Avenue Complete Streets Project
Description: Modify the existing Melrose Avenue corridor from Sunset Street to the east city
limit to create a complete street facility that extends on-street bike lanes from Iowa City, re-
aligns the north and south legs of the intersection with Koser/Golfview Avenue to improve
safety in the area, improves crosswalks, adds additional roadway/pedestrian lighting, and
install new traffic signals and pedestrian buttons to current design standards.
Total Project Cost: $3,345,000
Requesting: $1,175,000 CRP funding
3.North Liberty
Ranshaw Way Phase 6 Pedestrian Tunnel Improvements
Description: The project would fund the construction of the proposed pedestrian tunnel in
conjunction with the Ranshaw Way (Hwy 965) Phase 6 project, which is planned for City
Fiscal Year 2027. The City was awarded Surface Transportation Block Grant Program
(STBG) funding in 2021 in the amount of 3.9 million dollars of the estimated 11.3 million
dollar cost for the project, which will reconstruct Ranshaw Way from Hawkeye Drive south to
Forevergreen Road, a section of roadway approximately 4,000 feet (.76 mile) in length.
Existing conditions include a mostly two vehicle lane roadway in varying condition, with
gravel shoulders and open ditches. Notably, there are no pedestrian or bicycle
accommodations along this roadway section.
Total Project Cost: $2,470,000
Requesting: $877,000 in CRP funding
4.North Liberty
Dubuque Street Improvements – Phase 3
Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) Applications
Description: The project would reconstruct Dubuque Street within the City of North Liberty
from just south of the East Cherry Street intersection (Dubuque Street Phase 1 limits) to just
south of the East Zeller Street intersection (future Dubuque Street Phase 2 limits). Existing
conditions include a two-lane asphalt roadway in varying condition, with minimal gravel
shoulders and open ditches. The reconstructed urban section would include two vehicle
travel lanes, a new roundabout at a busy intersection, a storm sewer system, and
relocating overhead utilities underground. The project will also reconstruct the existing
4-foot-widesidewalks to 5-feet-wide within the project area, which will include ADA compliant
curb ramps. The existing 10-foot wide multi-use trail on the east side would remain.
4
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Dubuque Street NE & Forevergreen Road Roundabout
Description: Construct a four-legged, single-lane roundabout to create a new intersection of
Dubuque Street NE, Rustic Ridge NE, and Forevergreen Road. Includes a 10’ shared use
path along the north side of Forevergreen Road that will connect to the Dubuque Street Trail.
Total Project Cost: $2,829,000
Requesting: $1,588,200 in CRP funding
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Burlington Street Bridge – Building Better Connections Project
Description: Replacement of two Burlington Street/Highway 1 bridges over the Iowa River,
reconstruction of portions of Grand Avenue, Byington Road, and Melrose Avenue to allow for
two-way traffic, bicycle facilities and pedestrian accommodations, and rehabilitation/
replacement of the pedestrian overpasses that cross Riverside Drive and Grand Avenue.
Total Project Cost: $70,000,000
Requesting: $10,000,000 in STBG funding
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Forevergreen Road Extension – Phase 2
Description: The joint project between the Cities of North Liberty and Coralville would
construct Forevergreen Road Extension – Phase 2 from the western limits of the eastern
section of future Forevergreen Road extension – Phase 1 to Naples Avenue. The intersection
of Forevergreen Road/Naples Avenue is planned as a roundabout. The newly constructed
urban section would include two vehicle travels lanes, a 10-foot-wide off-street multi-use trail
on the north side, and a storm system.
Total Project Cost: $6,795,000
Requesting: $2,264,000 in STBG funding
Requesting: $1,765,000 in CRP funding
Total Project Cost: $4,495,000
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Page 18
A.Project improves/provides direct access to planned growth area, existing jobs, or retail +5
B.Project involves more than one MPO jurisdiction +1 each (Points Possible: 7)
Total Points Possible: 12 (13%)
Score:
2: Environment1 – Preserves and protects our natural resources, including land, water and air quality
A.Project promotes air quality improvements via congestion reduction through one or more of the
following: Geometric improvements (physical improvements that improve motorist operations),
ITS/signalization improvements, Reduction of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), Improvement to
turning movements +1 each (Points Possible: 4)
B.Project preserves the natural environment through Stormwater Management practices such as:
Incorporating permeable pavements, bioretention, soil restoration, etc. +1 each (Points
Possible: 3)
Total Points Possible: 7 (8%)
Score:
3: Quality of Life – Enhances livability and creates vibrant and appealing places that serve residents
throughout their lives
A.Project directly enhances safe route(s) to school, or improves transportation choices for locations
specifically serving multi-family developments or elderly populations +5
Total Points Possible: 5 (5%)
Score:
4: System Preservation – Maintained in good and reliable condition
A.Maintenance or improvement to existing facility/infrastructure +5
Total Points Possible: 5 (5%)
Score:
5: Efficiency – Builds a well-connected transportation network and coordinating land use patterns to
reduce travel demand, miles travelled, and fossil fuel consumption
A.Project in a corridor with existing congestion (defined as having LOS E or F during peak hours
according to the adopted MPO Travel Demand Model) +7
B.Project in a corridor with forecasted future congestion (defined as having LOS E or F during peak
hours according to adopted MPO Travel Demand Model, LOS map is attached) +7
Total Points Possible: 14 (15%)
Score:
MPOJC Policy Board Approved November 20, 2024
1: Economic Opportunity – Supports metro area growth, innovation, job creation, and productivity
Program, and Carbon Reduction Program Scoring Criteria
Page 19
Total Points Possible: 9 (10%)
Score:
7: Safety – Designed and maintained to enhance the safety and security of all users
A.History involving two or more documented bicycle or pedestrian collisions in the last five years
(collision maps are attached) +7
B.Top 25 highest MPO accident locations or top 10 highest accident mid-blocks in last three years
(accident tables are attached) +7
OR
C.Sight distance or related safety issue documented by an expert (planner/engineer) +7
Total Points Possible for A&B: 14 (15%)
OR
Total Points Possible for C: 7
Score:
8: Health – Invites and enhances healthy and active lifestyles
A.Project extends regional trail network (map is attached) +3
B.Project addresses critical gap in the regional trail network +5
Total Points Possible: 8 (9%)
Score:
9: Equity2 – Provides access and opportunity for all people and neighborhoods
A.Project improves transportation network in lower-income neighborhoods +5
B.Focus of the project is to correct ADA non-compliance +3
Total Points Possible: 8 (9%)
Score:
10: Local Commitment – Gauges local commitment to the project including local and/or state funds
pledged
A.Local match 20.1% - 30% +1
B.Local match 30.1% - 40% +3
C.Local match 40.1% - 50% +5
D.Local match 50.1% - 60% +7
E.Local match 60.1% - or more +9
Total Points Possible: 9 (10%)
Score:
1Not used to score Transportation Alternatives Program and Carbon Reduction Program projects.
2Lower-income neighborhoods are defined as being at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) by block group.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020).
A.Project is on existing bus route (bus route map is attached) +3
B.Separated trail or wide sidewalk (8’ or wider) +3
C.Project reduces modal conflict (pedestrian hybrid beacons, grade separation, dedicated bicycle
lanes or sharrows, bus pull-off, etc.) +3
6 : Choice – Offers multi-modal transportation options that are affordable and
accessible
Page 19
Total Score:
Date: February 28, 2025
To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee
From: Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner
RE: Agenda Item #4: Review Metro Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Collision Data
Ensuring the safety and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians is a key priority for the MPO and its
member communities. Collision data is instrumental in identifying high-risk intersections and
corridors, developing safety strategies, and prioritizing improvements. This data also plays a
role in evaluating grant applications (e.g., TAP and STBG), helping to determine which
infrastructure projects should be prioritized. Additionally, the MPO’s Long Range Transportation
Plan uses bicycle and pedestrian collision data as a performance measure to track our progress
in improving safety.
The charts below show trends in reported bicycle and pedestrian collisions within the Urbanized
Area over time, including the severity of injuries. These data are sourced from the Iowa
Department of Transportation’s Crash Analysis Tool and represent incidents that occurred
within public street rights-of-way, including sidewalks. Collisions on I-80/380 or U.S. Highway
218.
Bicycle Collisions
Figure 1 displays the number of bicycle crashes annually since 2012. From 2015-2023, the
number of bicycle collisions in the metro area generally decreased, dropping more than 60%
between 2016 and 2020. The significant reduction in crashes during 2020 is likely due to
COVID-19 restrictions.
While 2023 saw a notable decline in both total collisions and those resulting in serious injuries
or fatalities, the number of bicycle collisions surged by more than 60% in 2024. The number of
collisions resulting in injuries (Figure 2) reached the highest level since 2016, along with an
increase in the percentage of collisions causing serious injury or death. Whether this rise is due
to a combination of factors, an anomaly, or the beginning of a longer-term trend is uncertain.
Figure 3 compares bicycle collision data and the resulting severe injuries and fatalities from the
past five years (2020-2024) with the preceding five years (2015-2019).
While 74% of reported bicycle collisions occur within Iowa City’s municipal limits, collisions have
also been reported across the urbanized area, including 4 in North Liberty, 2 in Tiffin, and 5 in
Coralville.
2
23
30 30 27 26
16 20 21
12 11
17
12
24
3
1 1 3 6
2
2 2
2 1
1
4
1
1
1
1
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Metro Area Bicycle Injuries
Minor Serious Fatal
Figure 1: Total annual bicycle collisions and percentage of incidents that result in
serious injury or fatality, 2012-2024.
Figure 2: The total annual number of injuries resulting from bicycle collisions, 2012-2024.
3
2015-2019 2020-2024 Trend
Bicycle Collisions 195 126 $
Serious Injury 15 8 $
Fatality 2 2 =
Figure 3: Comparisons of 5-year bicycle collision totals and resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.
Pedestrian Collisions
Figure 4 illustrates the number of pedestrian collisions annually since 2012. Similar to bicycle
collisions, pedestrian collisions in the metro area began to decrease around 2016, showing a
more than 60% reduction from 2016 to 2020. Although 2023 saw a significant drop in pedestrian
collisions, the number of pedestrian collisions surged by over 95% in 2024. The number of
collisions resulting in injury (Figure 5) reached its highest point, coinciding with an increase in
the percentage of collisions leading to serious injury or fatalities (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Total annual pedestrian collisions and percentage of collisions resulting in serious injury or
fatality, 2012-2024.
4
12
23
7
14
19
11
16 12
5
17 17
9
18
3
3
2
3
6
3
4
3
4
2 5
3
14
1
1
2
1
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Metro Area Pedestrian Injuries
Minor Serious Fatal
Figure 5: The total annual number of injuries resulting from pedestrian collisions, 2012-2024.
2015-2019 2020-2024 Trend
Pedestrian Collisions 131 123 $
Serious Injury 17 28 #
Fatality 1 3 #
Figure 6: Comparisons of 5-year pedestrian collision totals and resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.
Figure 6 compares the most recent five years (2020-2024) of pedestrian collision numbers and
resulting severe injuries and fatalities with the previous 5-year data (2015-2019).
While 76% of reported pedestrian collisions occurred within Iowa City, incidents were also
recorded in surrounding areas: 4 in North Liberty, 4 in Coralville, and 1 in Johnson County.
Date: February 27, 2025
To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee
From: Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner
Re: Agenda Item #5: Review 2024 Trail Counts and 2025 Count Locations
Each year, the MPO conducts bicycle and pedestrian counts along the regional trail network.
These counts are collected using an infrared device that cannot differentiate between bicycles
and pedestrians. Currently, we have five counters, with plans to acquire a sixth in July.
Starting in 2022, we shifted from conducting weekly and biweekly counts to season-long (3- to
4-month) counts on our major trails. Last year, counters were installed at three locations along
the Iowa River Corridor Trail and two locations along the North Liberty Trail, with data collected
from late April to mid-August. During the fall and winter, we install counters at other locations
(e.g. local trails, paths, and parks) based on requests from MPO communities.
In 2025 we plan to collect season-long counts at the following locations:
1. Clear Creek Trail at Roberts Ferry Rd.
2. Clear Creek Trail near Deer Creek Rd.
3. Clear Creek Trail near Camp Cardinal Blvd.
4. Iowa River Corridor Trail at Crandic Park
5. Highway 1 near Sunset St.
6. Highway 6 Trail west of Lakeside Dr.
2
The following charts show the weekly counts and averages for the 2024 season-long trail counts
(late April through mid-August). Aerial views show the locations of where counters are placed.
Counters are installed on telespar posts where there is little potential interference from roadway
or driveway traffic (i.e. where the counter can be pointed away from the roadway).
Counter
location
3
340
550
759
991
764
1,185
1,021
1,246
814
889
1,060
963 930
704
795
WK
4
WK
1
WK
2
WK
3
WK
4
WK
1
WK
2
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3
WK
4
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1
WK
2
WK
3
WK
4
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1
WK
2
APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST
IRC Trail near Mehaffey Bridge Rd
Weekly counts April 22 through Aug 12, 2024
905 weekly average
Counter
location
4
Counter
location
5
Counter
location
6
Counter
location
Date: February 27, 2025
To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee
From: Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner
RE: Agenda Item #6 Update on Metro Area Trail Maps and Bike to Work Week/Month
The MPO printed 10,000 copies of the Metro Area Trail Maps in 2024. This stock has been
depleted, and we plan to print the same amount this year to be available by May. In early
March, I will contact each community for updates on new trails, bicycle facilities, and repair
stations.
Please take a moment to review the 2024 map, which includes the locations of all single-track
trails, trail underpasses, and bicycle repair stations. You can view an electronic copy of the map
here. It also provides instructions on how to operate bike racks on buses, how to use bicycle
turn boxes, safe passing tips for drivers, guidance on trail etiquette, and encouragement for
using lights for nighttime riding. Additionally, a QR code on the back of the map links to the Bike
Iowa City website where users can access more maps and an event calendar.
As always, we welcome any suggestions for additional safety or bicycle-related information to
add to the map. If you have photos of special bicycle facilities or trail features that you'd like us
to consider, please feel free to share them as well.
Bike to Work Week 2025 takes place May 12-18 this year. Our meeting will provide an
opportunity to discuss any plans your community/organization may have for bike events you
may be considering in May.
MPO staff can assist with community declarations of Bike Month. We also provide Bicycling
Rules of the Road brochures, which are available in 6 languages: English, Arabic, Chinese,
French, Spanish, and Swahili. We encourage communities and organizations to share these in
printed form (as flyers or posters) or as links from your web pages and social media posts.