HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-05-2008 RTBC
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MEETING NOTICE
JCCOG Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 - 4:00PM
Iowa City City Hall- Lobby Conference Room
AGENDA
1. Call to order; recognize alternates; consider approval of minutes
2. Public discussion
3. Discuss potential Regional Bicycle Plan components
4. Discuss on-street bike accommodations initially proposed for downtown Iowa City
5. Discuss proposed amendment to the JCCOG FY09-12 Transportation Improvement Program
6. Update on revisions to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
7. Update on bicycle and pedestrian related accidents in the Urbanized Area
8. Update on peak hour traffic counts to include bicycles
9. Update on bike-to-work week/month activities
10. Update on revised Iowa City Metropolitan Area Trail Maps
11. Other business
12. Adjournment
Attachments:
1. Draft minutes from the February, 5 2008 RTBC meeting
2. Memorandum on potential Regional Bike Plan components
3. Memorandum on on-street bike accommodations proposed for downtown Iowa City
4. Trail maps associated with the JCCOG FY09-12 TIP amendment
5. City of Iowa City media release "Police Ticketing Kids for Good Safety Habits"
Contact Kent Ralston, JCCOG Assistant Transportation Planner, at 356-5253 or kent-
ralston@iowa-citV.oro with questions.
MINUTES
JCCOG REGIONAL TRAILS AND BICYCLING COMMITTEE
TUESDA Y, FEBRUARY 26th 2008
IOWA CITY - CITY HALL LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Terry Dahms, Brian Loring, Royce Phillips, Sheri Proud,
Terry Trueblood, Sally Stutsman
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Shelly Simpson, Erling Anderson, Michelle Ribble
OTHERS PRESENT:
Doug Beardsley
STAFF PRESENT:
Kent Ralston, Kristopher Ackerson, Darian Nagle-Gamm
CALL TO ORDER
Ralston called the meeting to order at 4:04pm
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 20th, 2007 MEETING
Motion to approve minutes was made by Stutsman, seconded by Trueblood. Motion
passed unanimously.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Ralston announced that Royce Phillips, newly elected Mayor of Tiffin, will be sitting in on
his community's behalf. He also thanked Karen Dills, former member Tiffin
representative, for her time and effort with RTBC. Ralston announced that Brian Loring
will be the new representative from BIC and thanked Greg Kovaciny, former BIC
representative, for his contributions.
AGENDA ITEM # 3: DISCUSSION OF FUTURE RTBC AGENDA ITEMS
Loring recommended looking at setting goals for bicycle usage as transportation and
using it as a way to direct the efforts of the committee. Ralston stated that he would
bring ridership statistics to the next meeting from the Census Bureau, University of Iowa,
and trail user counts. Loring inquired if JCCOG was able to collect bike commuter
counts. Ralston replied that it is possible to do bike commuter counts using interns.
Trueblood asked if we would be able to differentiate between recreational cyclists or
commuters. Ralston replied that it would be difficult to differentiate from visual counts,
but the Census data provides details specifically on bike commuting.
Dahms asked if there are statistics regarding the number of bicycle-vehicle accidents on
the Coralville strip. Dahms mentioned that some attendees of the Iowa Bicycle Summit
argued that "side paths" like the trail along the Coralville strip result in an increase in
accidents due to the number of driveways. Loring mentioned that the RTBC should first
start by examining usage of the trail and collecting counts. Dahms stated that having
counts of wide sidewalks in the area would be useful. Loring stated that determining the
location of vehicle-bike accidents would be helpful.
Ralston mentioned that the RTBC can discuss items from individual communities and
encouraged the committee to bring ideas for possible future agenda items to subsequent
meetings.
AGENDA ITEM #4 USE OF RAILROAD ROW FOR TRAIL CONSTRUCTION
Ralston mentioned that the TT AC discussed passenger service from
Dubuque/Davenport to Chicago and that the group asked RTBC to address the potential
use of railroad ROW for trail construction. Ackerson said that the potential for a rail
connection from Iowa City to Davenport and then onto Chicago may be a long shot, but
he asked the committee to consider putting together a letter of support for the rails-with-
trails initia'tive and/or asking the that bicycles be allowed on the passenger trains.
Dahms stated that the large amount of public investment required to upgrade to
passenger rail should be leveraged in promotion of a rails-with-trails program. Stutsman
said that she would not mind sending a letter of support but questioned the amount of
time and energy the committee should put into this project when it is not yet underway.
Proud asked if perhaps we should be focusing on the potential passenger line between
Iowa City and Cedar Rapids rather than the potential route t9 Chicago. Ralston asked to
table the discussion until the passenger rail projects get underway.
AGENDA ITEM #5 URBANIZED AREA TRAILS MAP
Ralston stated that JCCOG is converting the existing Urbanized Area Trails Map into a
GIS format which will allow for more detail and a larger size. Ralston asked the
committee for any suggestions or feedback about the current map. Trueblood asked if
there has been any discussion on the update of an old city roadmap that included
bicycle facilities. Ralston responded that these could be reflected on the new map.
Stutsman inquired if the map could be renamed the "Johnson County Trails Map".
Ralston stated that he believed in the past the county did not want to be involved with
the promotion of their wide shoulders as trails, but JCCOG would likely support a county
wide map in the future.
AGENDA ITEM #6 BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY STATUS
Ralston stated that Iowa City received an Honorable Mention for the BFC application
submitted in FY08 and that the City Council directed staff to work on a comprehensive
bike plan for Iowa City and to reapply in FY09. Ralston stated that the City Council is
interested in the production of a metropolitan level bike plan and asked the RTBC to
discuss such an option. Ralston noted that it would be placed on the JCCOG work
program for FY09 and that the committees' feedback would be requested throughout the
planning process. Ralston mentioned that the feedback from the League of American
Bicyclists' Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) will be posted on the JCCOG website.
Ralston stated that JCCOG will send a letter to the member communities to verify
interest in such a metropolitan bike plan.
AGENDA ITEM #7 UPDATE ON BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN COUNTS IN THE
REGIONAL TRAIL SYSTEM
Ralston asked the committee for their feedback on trail user count locations for the
spring and summer seasons. Trueblood asked for counts within the Waterworks Prairie
Park. Trueblood also asked for a count along Highway 6 near Kmart. Proud asked for
counts along the Highway 6 trail in Coralville. Ackerson mentioned that a count near
West Overlook would be appropriate as the county is looking at extending the trail along
Dubuque Street. Trueblood asked for counts on the wide sidewalks that are not part of
the separated trail system, specifically Scott Blvd. Ralston stated that additional
requests can be forwarded via email.
AGENDA ITEM #8 UPDATE ON FY09-10 TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT
FUNDING APPLICATIONS
Ralston stated that the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee and Urbanized
Area Policy Board made no changes to RTBC's recommendations for Transportation
Enhancement funding allocations. Ralston stated that the RTBC's recommendations to
fund Tiffin's Clear Creek Trail connection towards Coralville for $89,000, and to fund the
Coralville 1st Ave wide sidewalk from Country Club Drive to Oakdale Boulevard for
$101,000 were approved.
AGENDA ITEM #9 UPDATE ON THE JOHNSON COUNTY TRAILS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Ralston offered his congratulations to Janelle Rettig, who was elected committee chair,
and Terry Dahms who was elected vice-chair of the Johnson County Trails Advisory
Committee. Dahms reported that the $2,000,000 grant proposal that was submitted for
Dubuque Street through the State Rec Trails program was not successful. Greg Parker
stated that there was interest in expanding the trail system from North Liberty to
Mehaffey Bridge at an approximate cost of $700,000. Parker stated that the Board of
Supervisors has allocated $100,000 annually from the rural tax levy towards trails.
Dahms stated that he met last week with the Amana trails group to discuss a concept
plan to get from Tiffin to Kent Park and then to the Amana Colonies.
AGENDA ITEM #10: UPDATE FROM 2008 IOWA BICYCLE SUMMIT
Ralston stated that on January 18th and 19th the annual Iowa Bicycle Summit was held in
Des Moines. Ackerson reported that the Friday session of the summit included a very
informative talk from an engineer who was previously the bicycle coordinator for the
state of Florida about the design of bicycle facilities.
AGENDA ITEM #11: OTHER BUSINESS
Ralston stated that Iowa City settled with a cyclist who had an accident on a non-
AASHTO compliant curve on a separated trail. Ralston stated that in response, JCCOG
is going to examine the curves on all Iowa City trails to see if they are AASHTO
compliant, and if they are not, warning signs will be posted. Ralston stated that JCCOG
will extend this service to other member communities.
Dahms stated that University Heights had received funding to upgrade to a wide
sidewalk along Melrose. Dahms stated that this project is important to watch because it
is an example of public support for converting to a wide sidewalk on an already
established arterial. Dahms stated that this is an exciting project because it has not
been done in the area before.
Proud asked if any of the Safe Routes to Schools applications were funded. Ralston
responded that Solon received funding. Proud asked how the future Clear Creek trail
will travel through Tiffin. Phillips responded that the City Engineer was working on
developing the trail route and will be contacting Dan Holderness to develop the
connection with Coralville.
Trueblood stated that the City Council moved the pedestrian bridge connection for the
Iowa River Corridor Trail from the FY11 work plan to the FY10. Trueblood stated that
the Parks and Recreation department is developing a comprehensive plan using a seven
page community wide survey as a component. Trueblood stated that of the seven
hundred responses that were received, the number one requested recreational facility
was trails.
Proud mentioned that Coralville will be applying to the DNR for a variance to place
restroom facilities in the floodway at Camp Cardinal Boulevard, allowing for the
development of a trail head.
Trueblood stated that the bids for the Court Hill trail project came in $100,000 under the
engineering estimates. Trueblood said that work on the project would begin this spring.
AGENDA ITEM #12: ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 5:25
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Date: July 29, 2008
To: JCCOG Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee
From: Kent Ralston, Kris Ackerson; Assistant Transportation Planners
Re: August 5, 2008 Agenda Items
Agenda Item #3: Discuss potential Metropolitan Area Comprehensive Bike Plan
components
At the February 26,2008 Regional Trails and Bicycling Meeting we briefly discussed Iowa City's
intentions to reapply for a Bicycle Friendly Community status in FY09, and the City Council's
desire to complete a Metropolitan Area Comprehensive Bicycle Plan, in lieu of a municipal plan,
to bolster the application. During the February meeting the committee agreed that the Regional
Trails and Bicycle Committee should be used as a sounding board / steering committee for the
creation of the stand-alone comprehensive bicycle plan.
Since that time, we have received notification from all JCCOG member communities indicating
their wish to be involved in the planning process. The next step is for the RTBC to discuss what
information should be included in the Metropolitan Area Comprehensive Bicycle Plan so staff
can begin gathering data and preparing the necessary documents. Please be prepared to
discuss the information you feel should be included in the document.
To help foster discussion we have attached a memo outlining information/sections typically
included in comprehensive bicycle plans.
Agenda Item #4: Discuss on-street bike accommodations initially proposed for
downtown Iowa City
The FY08 JCCOG Transportation Planning Work Program included an item requesting an
evaluation of east/west bicycle access in downtown Iowa City. The recommendations outlined in
the study include various on-street enhancements based on existing conditions of each street
segment. If the enhancements are successful after a one-year trial period, they could be
expanded in the future.
A copy of the proposed on-street bicycle enhancements is attached for review. Please be
prepared to provide feedback on the recommendations.
Agenda Item #5: Discuss proposed amendment to the JCCOG FY2009-2012
Transportation Improvement Program
In accordance with the JCCOG transportation planning public input process, we are informing
you of a proposed amendment to the JCCOG FY2009-12 Transportation Improvement Program
(TIP).
August 5, 2008 Agenda Items
Page 2
In 2006, the City of Coralville was awarded Congressionally Designated Funds totaling
$198,000 for trail development associated with the American Discovery Trail (see attached
maps). The first step in programming this project is adding it to the TIP. The proposed trail
project will be programmed for federal FY2009, pending environmental review, and will connect
Iowa Highway 6 and First Avenue in Coralville (see attached map).
The amendment will be discussed at three public meetings. The JCCOG Regional Trails and
Bicycling Committee will make a recommendation at its August 5th meeting. The JCCOG
Transportation Technical Advisory Committee will make a recommendation at its August 1 th,
2008 meeting at 10:30 a.m. and the JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board will make a decision
on August 27th, 2008, 5 p.m. Both latter meetings will be held in Emma J. Harvat Hall, Iowa City
City Hall, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City.
Please be prepared to discuss this proposed amendment and make a recommendation to the
JCCOG Board. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at Kristopher-
Ackerson@iowa-city.org, or by phone at 356-5247.
Agenda Item #6: Update on revisions to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is recognized as the national standard
for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to the public.
Traffic control devices include all signs, signals, markings, and other devices used to regulate,
warn, or guide traffic. The Federal Highway Administration is currently revising the existing
version (2003) of the MUTCD for 2009, and published a Notice of Proposed Amendments to the
MUTCD on January 2, 2008 for public comment.
While much of the MUTCD guidance will remain unchanged, many of the revIsions deal
specifically with traffic control devices for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Items of particular
interest to our community are as follows:
. New requirements and restrictions for regulating 'pedestrian crossing' signs
. Requires the use of fluorescent-yellow-green for school-related warning signs
. Revisions to school zone signing, including advance-crossing assemblies and bus stop signs
. New requirements for school crossing guard operations and apparel
. Numerous changes related to traffic signal features, including number of signal faces, visibility,
positioning, and clearance intervals
. Revisions related to pedestrian-control features, including countdown signals and detectors
. New guide, warning, and regulatory signs for bicycle facilities
. New pavement markings and guidelines for on-street bicycle facilities; including 'sharrows'
We will keep you apprised of future changes in the MUTCD related to bicycling facilities. Please
bring any questions you have to the August 5, 2008 meeting.
Agenda Item #7: Update on bicycle and pedestrian related accidents in the Urbanized
Area
At the February 26, 2008 Regional Trails and Bicycling Meeting the committee requested data
pertaining to bicycle/vehicle related accidents in our area. Our intention is to have this
information prepared for our next meeting. Because raw data can be difficult to interpret, we
would like to discuss the questions that should be answered by the data so it can be formatted
correctly.
August 5, 2008 Agenda Items
Page 3
Agenda Item #8: Update on peak hour traffic counts to include bicycles
Due to a number of recent requests, it has become apparent that we need more information on
bicycle ridership in our community. In effort to meet those requests, JCCOG peak hour traffic
counts will now tally both those bicycling on-street, and bicyclists utilizing sidewalks. Until
recently, peak hour traffic counts only included bicyclist riding on-street and classified them as
vehicles. We hope you find the additional information useful for future street design, grant
applications, or other needs you may have.
Agenda Item #9: Update on bike-to-work week/month activities
Good weather and several new events were likely causes of increased participation during Bike
to Work Week this year. The Mayors' Ride and Bike/Bus/Car Race are typically popular, but two
new events - the bike breakfast located at Kinnick Stadium and the Bike Rodeo in North Liberty
- together attracted over 225 adults and children. Overall, participation topped 2000 at
organized events this year.
Agenda Item #10: Update on revised Iowa City Metropolitan Area Trail Maps
JCCOG has recently published a revised version of the Iowa City Metropolitan Area Trails Map
for spring 2008. The new version of the map is in a larger format, and was produced using GIS
mapping software which allowed staff to generate a more detailed map than previously possible.
Several additional features were also added to the new map including: park amenities, points of
interest, and inset maps showing greater detail of trail segments.
The revised trail maps are available at area libraries, City Halls, bike shops, recreation centers,
and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The map is also available on the JCCOG website at
http://www.iccoq.or(j/documents/trailsmapltr.pdf
Agenda Item #11: Other business
Agenda Item #12: Adjournment
5 :Ipcdlage nd as~ccoglrtbcl2008lrtbc 8.5.08. doc
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Date: July 28, 2008
To: JCCOG Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee
From: Kristopher Ackerson, Assistant Transportation Planner
Re: JCCOG Regional Bicycle Plan
In January, 2008, the City of Iowa City requested that Johnson County Council of Governments
(JCCOG) staff develop a bicycle master plan for the city as part of the JCCOG FY2009
Transportation Planning Work Program. At the February meeting of the JCCOG Regional Trails
and Bicycling Committee, staff proposed that other communities in the urbanized area
participate in the planning process and expand the scope to create one JCCOG Regional
Bicycle Plan. Since then, all JCCOG member communities, excluding University Heights,
requested inclusion in the plan.
This plan is intended to guide future on-street bicycle facilities in the JCCOG Urbanized Area so
that a diverse and interconnected bicycle system is identified. The purpose of a regional
approach to bike planning is establishing common goals among communities in the metropolitan
area, as well as identifying unique needs and priorities of each community.
The plan is anticipated to contain the following elements to build on the existing trails plan that
has been so successful:
1. Introduction 4. Recommendations
2. Existing Conditions 5. Appendix A - Types of Bicycle
3. Goals and Objectives Facilities
Education 6. Appendix B - Funding options
.
. Enforcement 7. Appendix C - Types of Riders
. Engineering 8. Appendix D - Summary of
. Encouragement Workshops
The following project timeline is proposed to allow time for Iowa City to apply for the Bike
Friendly Communities program in August, 2009:
· August 5th - Kick-off meeting with RTBC
· August/September - Meet with city staff
· Late September - Iowa City, Univ. Heights Workshop
· Early October - Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin Workshop
· Early November - Summary of Workshops for RTBC
· Early February - Draft Plan Submitted for RTBC Review
· May - Public Open House during Bike to Work Week
Please be prepared to discuss the proposed outline and timeline at your August 5th meeting.
S:\PCD\JCCOG\TRANS\Bike and Ped Planning\Bike Master Plan\Correspondence\Kick-off Meeting Memo.doc
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Date: July 29, 2008
To: John Yapp, JCCOG Director
From: Kris Ackerson, Kent Ralston; Assistant Transportation Planners
Re: Bike accommodations proposed for downtown Iowa City
The JCCOG FY200B Transportation Planning Work Program directs staff to analyze
opportunities to improve east/west bicycle access through downtown Iowa City and make
recommendations for appropriate design changes. After investigation, staff documented
existing conditions and developed a set of recommendations to better facilitate east/west bicycle
access through the downtown area.
The recommendations in this report are designed to be fully compatible with recommendations
included in the City of Iowa City Central District Plan to be released in 2008. Compatibility with
the plan is essential as much of the study area in this report overlaps district boundaries.
STUDY AREA
The study area for this report is bounded by:
. Market Street to the north,
· Governor Street to the east,
. Prentiss Street to the south,
. Madison Street to the west.
The study area is located in the heart of Iowa City and consists largely of high density
commercial, residential, and institutional uses, including the University of Iowa and Mercy
Hospital. The area has a traditional grid street network comprised of several arterial streets,
collector streets, and local streets with considerable on-street parking. The study area generally
has moderate daily traffic volumes with peak congestion during mornings and evenings.
Speeds in the study area are posted at 25mph. As in any downtown area, a mixture of
transportation modes (e.g., automobiles, delivery vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit,
etc.) compete for limited space.
After investigation, staff observed that many cyclists in the downtown core appear to ride
comfortably in the street or walk to the edge of the district before riding. Therefore, staff
researched opportunities to facilitate cycling around the perimeter of downtown, which would
allow cyclists to access their destination in the downtown core or easily bypass the district to
destinations beyond.
Page 1
BARRIERS TO EAST I WEST ACCESS
Several barriers hinder east/west bicycle travel through the study area (see page 6), including
the following real and/or perceived barriers:
. Old Capitol Town Center and the pedestrian mall cut-off east/west connections through
the study area.
. Washington Street is one-way eastbound downtown.
. Although bicycling is permitted on the Pentacrest, the topography and high volume of
pedestrians make it difficult for bicyclists traveling through the area.
. City code prohibits riding on sidewalks within the area bordered by: Jefferson Street,
Gilbert Street, Burlington Street, and Capitol Street. (This policy is effective and
necessary to maintain the pedestrian oriented design and walkability of the downtown
core.)
. High traffic volumes (approximately 21,000 vehicles per day) make riding on Burlington
Street uncomfortable for some bike commuters and city code prevents riding on the
already crowded sidewalks. The Burlington Street corridor right-of-way is insufficient for
wide curb lanes or bike lanes.
. The Iowa River forces bicycle traffic onto just three river crossings at Burlington Street,
Iowa Avenue, and the Iowa Memorial Union Bridge.
. Harrison Street and Court Street stop at Gilbert and Madison Streets, forcing bicyclists to
wind around downtown.
. Alleys are not effective bicycle routes for several reasons: 1) delivery vehicles and
parked cars often block alleys; 2) the central two east/west alleys are only 2 and 3
blocks long; and, 3) daily maintenance needed to clear broken glass and garbage may
be prohibitively expensive.
Page 2
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Iowa City Complete Streets Policy requires that street construction or reconstruction
projects include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. This study focuses on methods to
enhance on-street bicycling without requiring major infrastructure changes.
The following recommendations could be effective methods to direct bicycles onto streets with
slow speeds, wider lanes, and lower traffic volumes.
1. Bikeway signs help bicyclists and pedestrians find convenient
routes to and from destinations throughout Iowa City (Le., schools,
hospitals, parks, downtown, etc.) and will improve cyclists' ability to
navigate our community (Figure 1).
Where Bikeway is used, they should be placed after major signalized
intersections, before every turn, and where bikeways intersect (Map
2).
2. Roadways are often too narrow to be safely shared side-by-side by
cyclists and passing motorists. A shared lane marking, also known
as a "sharrow" (Figure 2), does not demarcate a separated bicycle
lane, but instead directs the bicyclist to travel in the proper lane t
position.
Sharrows have been found to improve riding conditions for cyclists
on downtown streets. A recent study in San Francisco found that
when passing vehicles are present, sharrows cause an increase of
over 2 feet in the distance between cyclists and passing vehicles. In
addition, the markings increase the distance between cyclists and
parked cars by 3-4 inches.
Figure 1: Iowa City
bikeway signs
Figure 2: Example of
shared lane marking, or
"Sharrow" (City of San
Francisco, 2004)
Based on limited roadway width, it would be appropriate to erect
bikeway signs and sharrows along the following routes (Map 2).
Sharrows would be painted in the curb-lane at the beginning of each block:
. Bowery Street . Burlington Street - upon approval by
. Iowa DOT
. Prentiss Street
. Jefferson Street
. Market Street
. College Street
. Court Street
. Linn Street
Total estimated cost, including time, materials, and 20% contingency (Appendix A):
$ 3, 120
3. Staff recommends using bikeway signage and either
bike lanes or sharrows on Market and Jefferson Streets
from Governor Street to Gilbert Street given their ample
width, one-way status, and connectivity to downtown and
the University of Iowa campus. If implemented, staff
recommends the bike lane be dashed or discontinued
near intersections to allow bikes and vehicles to merge
before turning (Figure 3).
. Market Street (30 feet wide) - Stripe one 5-foot
wide bike lane or place sharrows on the south side
Figure 3: Typical bike lane design
Page 3
of the street from Governor Street to Gilbert Street. Re-stripe two travel lanes at
12~ feet. Install bikeway signage.
. Jefferson Street (40 feet wide) - From Gilbert Street to Governor Street, stripe
one 5-foot bike lane or sharrows on the north side of the street. Re-stripe two
travel lanes at 12 feet with 11 feet for parking and bus stops. Install bikeway
signage.
Total estimated cost, including time, materials, and 20% contingency (Appendix A):
$8,004
4. Attendees of Central District Plan public workshops asked about creating a downtown
trail network along Ralston Creek. As redevelopment and opportunities for easement
acquisition occur, staff recommends that the City consider acquiring easements that
could one day be developed into a "Ralston Creek Trait'. The current development of the
Court Hill Trail, for example, was set into motion by a similar method.
Although downtown commercial alleys typically have low traffic volumes and are functional for
cyclists willing to navigate them, staff does not recommend labeling alleys as bikeways, given
their primary functions (Le., delivery and waste removal). If waste removal is relocated and
centralized in the future, alleys might be utilized more formally as bike routes.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER EVALUATION
As time and resources become available, staff recommends the following be evaluated:
. Assess the possible application of 'sharrows' and bikeway signs on Iowa Avenue from
Madison Street to Newton Road to enhance bike access to the west side of Iowa City
and the Iowa River Corridor Trail.
. Analyze the possibility of removing parking from one or both sides of Court Street
between Linn Street to Madison Street to provide space for the potential use of bike
lanes. This study should note impacts that the removal of on-street parking may
generate. In the meantime, the use of "Sharrows" is recommended.
. Evaluate the possibility of converting the existing four lanes to three lanes - two through
lanes and one center turn lane - along Madison Street from Market Street to Court
Street. The assessment should focus on with the dual purpose of freeing space for bike
lanes and preserving vehicle capacity.
. Assess how way-finding signs can be utilized for purposes other than providing efficient
routes to bicyclists and pedestrians (e.g., direction to historic or cultural sites, schools,
parks, or emergency services).
. Investigate the pros I cons of presenting way-finding information on a series of kiosks
located at heavily trafficked areas of town.
Page 4
SUMMARY
While the existing roadway system accommodates bicyclists, there is a perception among some
current and would-be riders that it is difficult to plan safe routes traveling east/west across the
downtown area. Streetscapes in downtown Iowa City were designed primarily to accommodate
pedestrian travel. Bicycling can be made more intuitive with more visual cues - using signs and
pavement markings.
By implementing a select system of bikeways and bike lanes, in concert with way-finding signs,
residents and visitors will find it easier to identify routes conducive to cycling.
Page 5
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Prepared: July 15, 2008
Page 7
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Page 8
APPENDIX A: Proposed Bicycle Access Enhancements
Table 1: Estimated costs
Street Signs Paint 20% Conting. Total
Proposed
Jefferson Street - Bike Lane $ 300 $ 2,985 $ 657 $ 3,942
Jefferson Street - Sharrows $ 100 $ 100 $ 40 $ 240
Market Street - Bike Lanes $ 300 $ 3,085 $ 677 $ 4,062
Market Street - Sharrows $ 100 $ 100 $ 40 $ 240
Court Street - no change to parking $ 200 $ 160 $ 72 $ 432
Linn Street $ 300 $ 80 $ 76 $ 456
College Street $ 100 $ 240 $ 68 $ 408
Bowery Street $ 200 $ 200 $ 80 $ 480
Prentiss Street $ 100 $ 40 $ 28 $ 168
Burlington Street $ 300 280 $ 116 $ 696
Total $ 2,000 $ 7,270 $ 1,854 $ 11,124
Accomodation Unit Cost
4" Paint Striping $1.50 per ft. Includes all labor and materials
On-Street Stenciling $20 each Includes all labor and materials
Street Signs $100 each Includes all labor and materials
Street Sweeping $13 per mile Includes all labor and materials
Source: JCCOG, 2008
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From: City of Iowa City [web@iowa-city.org]
Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 20082:24 PM
To: Kristopher Ackerson
Subject: ICgov.org Media Release: Police & Fire
,. ---- -...-
Police Ticketing Kids for Good Safety Habits Contact: .sgt._noY-l<:~lsay
Posted by: Police Contact Phone: (319) 356-5293
Originally Posted 7/16/2008 2:24:08 PM
Iowa City Police Officers are stepping up
efforts to "ticket" children for demonstrating
safe behaviors. Officers are out to "catch"
children, ages 2 t013, who are doing one of
the following:
. Wearing a safety helmet while on a
bicycle, skateboard, rollerblades, or
scooter;
. Looking both ways before crossing a
street;
. Using hand signals while bicycling;
. Being awesome (because safety is
awesome!).
The "directed enforcement" is part of an
effort to educate young Iowans. Iowa
Health System, MA Minnesota/Iowa,
Wendy's Restaurants, and local law
enforcement are partnering to encourage
helmet usage through the I Got Caught program. The mission of the program is to reward
children, ages 2 to 13, for wearing helmets in an effort to prevent traumatic brain injuries on
bicycles, skateboards, roller blades and scooters,
On any given day, different ICPO officers will be designated to patrol different areas of the city in
an effort to find children acting safely. Children "caught" in the act will receive an "I Got Caught
Ticket", The ticket includes a sticker, a coupon for a free small Wendy's Frosty, and a chance to
win one of several bike giveaways.
Each year more than 800 bicyclists are killed and another 500,000 are injured in the United
States. However, statistics have shown that, when used properly, helmets reduce the risk of a
traumatic brain injury by as much as 88 percent (source: IHS).
For more information on the I Got Caught program, visit:
. b.llR: / /www . i h _~.:..QI9Ligm~~JJ9 h t
The ICPO is glad to partner with the above organizations to promote and encourage good safety
habits by children (and adults) in our community.
. Vif?w and edit your subscriRtion details.
. Visit our iobs page for employment oPRortunities.
7/21/2008