HomeMy WebLinkAboutRTBC 03.09.21 Agenda PacketMPOJC Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee
Tuesday March 9, 2021 – 1:00 PM.
Electronic Meeting Notice
Zoom Meeting Platform
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is
impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of
Commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda
item by going to:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElduGorzojGtQqOhcgEpcmvdtz8MT9Z
Ufn
via the internet to visit the Zoom meeting’s registration page and
submit the required information.
Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join
the meeting. If you are asked for a meeting or webinar ID, enter the
ID number found in the email. A meeting password may also be
included in the email. Enter the password when prompted.
If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a
microphone, you may call in by telephone by dialing (312) 626-6799.
When prompted, enter the meeting or webinar ID. The ID number for
this meeting is: 958 1801 1900.
Once connected, you may dial *9 to “raise your hand,” letting the
meeting host know you would like to speak. Providing comments in
person is not an option.
MEETING AGENDA
MPO Regional Trails & Bicycling Committee
Tuesday, March 9, 1:00PM
---
1.Call to order; recognize alternates; consider approval of minutes
2.Public discussion*
3.Discuss applications for MPOJC Transportation Alternative Program and
Surface Transportation Block Grant funding
4.Update on the Long Range Transportation Plan revision process
5.Discuss 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.
To request any disability-related accommodations or language interpretation, please contact MPOJC staff at 356-
5230 or kent-ralston@iowa-city.org 48 hours prior to the meeting.
DRAFT MINUTES
MPOJC REGIONAL TRAILS AND BICYCLING COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 17, 2020 – 1:00 P.M.
ZOOM MEETING PLATFORM
MEMBERS PRESENT: University Heights: Louise From
Iowa City: Juli Seydell Johnson
Coralville: Sherri Proud
North Liberty: Shelly Simpson, Ryan Rusnak
Johnson County: Becky Soglin
University of Iowa: Jay Geisen
Bicyclists of Iowa City: Bob Oppliger
STAFF PRESENT: Kent Ralston, Emily Bothell, Sarah Walz, Frank Waisath, Greta Larget, Alex
Koberoski
OTHERS PRESENT: Grant Finch
Iowa City Bike Library: Audrey Wiedemeier
1.CALL TO ORDER
Walz called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM. The meeting was held online through the Zoom meeting
platform in accordance with Iowa Code Section 21.8 due to complications preventing in-person
meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
a.Recognize alternates
None
b.Consider approval of meeting minutes
Walz explained that due to a lack of quorum at the March meeting, no minutes were taken and
therefore there is nothing to approve.
2.PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Wiedemeier mentioned that the Bike Library was running a program to keep individuals biking
during the winter and asked for winter cycling gear donations to be dropped off at the Iowa City
Bike Library.
3.ADMINISTRATION
a.Report on Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funding availability and scoring criteria
Bothell explained that TAP funding would be available early next year (2021). The Technical
Transportation Advisory Committee (TTAC) and the Urbanized Area Policy Board (UAPB) recently
discussed the TAP scoring criteria and recommended adding points under the Environment
criteria for Stormwater Management practices. These scoring criteria are only one tool used in
evaluating projects for TAP funding. Next year, the MPOJC would continue to solicit for TAP
projects for FY2025 and FY2026 with about $500,000 available.
Proud asked if the environmental change was associated with roads or just trails. Bothell
explained that the environmental criterion is only used for Surface Transportation Block Grant
(STBG) projects, not TAP projects. Walz clarified that TAP is the funding used for off-street trail
projects; STBG funding is typically used for road and bridge projects but that those projects nearly
always include side paths due to the Complete Streets Policy.
Proud responded that when considering off-street trails, environmental issues are already
addressed as much as possible and wondered how the criteria related. Bothell explained that the
environmental criteria are not used to score trail projects and so it did not apply to those
situations. Soglin clarified that off-street trails cannot earn points for environmental mitigation and
MPOJC Regional Trails and Bicycle Committee Minutes
_________________
Page 2
Bothell confirmed.
b. Update on 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan
Bothell explained that MPO staff was working on their update to the Long Range Transportation
Plan, which is updated every five years and involves a two-year process. The plan is a document
intended to guide improvements and funding for all modes of transportation in the Iowa City
urbanized area. Projects must be included in the plan to be eligible for federally funding. She said
if the committee had any questions they would be welcome to ask staff for more details. Currently,
the MPOJC is working on project solicitations that they would share for public comment in the
coming months. Walz asked if there were any questions, as the Long Range Plan can be difficult
to understand since it builds off local community plans. Oppliger asked if the Long Range Plan
was available online and Walz said it was posted on the MPOJC website.
c. Review Trail Count Program
Walz explained that infrared counters were set out to count pedestrians and bikes along several
trails in the urbanized area over the preceding 6 months. Staff had observed a marked increase in
trail use noted this year, which is reflected in most of the counts. Staff is attributing the increase to
COVID-19 as many gyms, recreation centers, schools, and indoor activities were restricted. The
increase in usage speaks to the value of the trail system in place, and MPO heard much positive
feedback from the community about having the trails available. Though there may be a decline in
numbers in the future, 2020 has done much for trail awareness; hopefully people remember the
trails in the future. A schedule of locations for trail 2021 counts for was provided; Walz asked to
community representatives to contact her if other locations were needed. The MPOJC is also
looking to purchase a new counter that will be able to differentiate between pedestrians and
bicycles and be out on trails for a longer period of time. Proud said that in her view a counter that
can differentiate between bikes and pedestrians would be preferred over one that would only
count bikes.
d. Bike to Work Week/Month 2021—Preliminary Planning
Walz said that when the RTBC last met in March, they had started to think about Bike to Work
Week/Month and then, due to COVID-19, all activities were cancelled. Still, the MPO was looking
at last year’s activities to see what could be planned for May 2021. The committee should start
thinking about plans for 2021 in the event that group activities are still not recommended. Walz
mentioned that the MPOJC provides a Bicycle Rules of the Road brochure in six languages and
communities and bicycle organizations are encouraged to use these however they wish.
Brochures may be printed or the links to them can be shared on the inernet . The MPOJC also has
funding for a bike bell giveaway. W alz also noted that the MPO would offer a Bicycle Friendly
Driver program that got its start with Iowa City Tranist to other transit drivers and to other
government divisions that involve driving. The program familiarizes drivers with bike behaviors to
make the roads safer for everyone.
Oppliger mentioned that Channel 4 had bike videos starring some of the committee members but
was curious about the accessibility of the content. Walz noted that the videos are on YouTube and
you can link to them from the City’s Bicycle Master Plan page—www.icgov.org/ICbikes. Soglin
responded that the video had been easy to find. Walz encouraged communities and bicycle
organizations to provide links to the videos from their websites and social media pages.
Oppliger asked whether communities were aware of Bike Index, which allows people with stolen
bikes to search across communities. Oppliger added that there had been a recent case of
success and wondered if a database of all bikes in the area could be created to help recover
stolen property more quickly and visibly. Proud asked if it could be pushed during Bike Month if
the communities agree. Walz recommended that the information be passed along to the police
departments as they oversee bicycle registration; it would be up to the police to decide whether to
use the service and to coordinate.
Soglin mentioned that there were lots of good ideas generated at a Bike Month planning meeting
in early 2020 and the committee and staff could refer to that f or more Bike Month ideas. Proud
MPOJC Regional Trails and Bicycle Committee Minutes
_________________
Page 3
agreed with Soglin and stated that the focus for Bike Month should be expanded beyond
commuters and should engage more of the public in recreational riding.
Wiedemeier stated that the Iowa City Bike Library had begun planning a ride series in Johnson
County to engage the broader community and more information would be posted soon. Right now,
the idea is called the Black Lives Bike Ride and a 10-mile ride posted every month with three
stops along the way and ending at a black -owned restaurant. This would replace group rides for
now and allow them to be socially distant. Each stop along the way would have an audio
component narrated by a person of color from the community explaining the significance of the
location, and whether it would be a physical button to press at the location or a phone component
was still being decided. From asked for clarification on the name and Weidemeier responded that
it was currently being called the Black Lives Bike Ride, but because it was not affiliated with the
Black Lives Matter movement, the name Rise Up Bike Ride was also being considered. However,
the intent was to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Walz said that another committee meeting would be scheduled in the new year and they would
think of more ideas for Bike Week/Month at that time. Walz recognized the success of the Iowa
City Bike Library’s weekly self-guided ride maps and that introducing people to more trails had
been successful. Oppliger mentioned that BIC publishes maps on its webpage.
e. Updates from communities on adoption/implementation of the Metro Bicycle Plan
Walz explained that Iowa City now has 3 bike turn boxes in place; two at the intersection of Dodge
Street and Jefferson Street, one at the intersection of Governor Street and Market Street. A two-
stage bike box at the intersection of Burlington Street and Madison Street is scheduled. Buffered
bike lanes were installed on Burlington Street, between Madison Street and Riverside Drive, and
bike lanes were extended on Dodge Street to Kirkwood Avenue. Also the newly opened
McCollister Boulevard extension includes bike lanes and a sidepath.
Oppliger asked if the boxes were being advertised to students. Walz responded that contact had
been made with the University of Iowa’s Active Transportation Committee, which includes
members of the UISG. Oppliger believed that there was still confusion about how the boxes work
and Walz said that Iowa City would be releasing a video today that explained the bike boxes
better. Ralston added that there would also be signs installed at the two-stage bike box explaining
how to use it.
Walz asked Proud if the trail between Coralville and CRANDIC Park was under construction yet.
Proud reported that the project had been delayed and would likely be mid-fall 2021 before the
construction was finished. Coralville had received a small Wellmark grant of $25,000 for the
Creekside Cross and Creekside Flow trail to add amenities including a kiosk, a bike wash station,
and two gathering spaces, one at the maintenance building and one at the top of the hill, which
would be opened next summer. Coralville had adopted both the Metro Bicycle Plan and their own
Trail Plan; a more thorough action plan would be made this winter, as the fall had been primarily
focused on supporting the schools throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Proud added that
Coralville had hosted the first Iowa Mountain Bike Festival and it was a huge success. The rides
had been distanced and comfortable and would be held here again for at least another year.
Proud added that for Bike Month 2021 it would be good to encourage more female riders, so
Coralville was hoping to plan some ladies’ nights in order to make that happen. Oppliger added
that the festival had been very fun to attend and Ralston agreed. Proud appreciated the
compliments and gave credit to the Iowa Bike Coalition for the sponsorship and support.
Walz asked for other community updates. Simpson and Geisen had nothing to report. Soglin said
that Friedhof from conservation was working on engineering designs from Half Moon to Kent Park
for them and Soglin would follow up with Walz after the meeting about Bicycle Friendly Driver
training. Soglin was also reapplying for the Bicycle Friendly Status for the Johnson County
Administrative Campus.
4. OTHER BUSINESS
Oppliger said that the National Bike Summit would be virtual this year as it was last year and he would
MPOJC Regional Trails and Bicycle Committee Minutes
_________________
Page 4
be willing to finance some registrations.
Walz explained that the MPO would be announcing an effort to get people out using trails during the
winter months to encourage outdoor activities as a safe opportunity during the COVID-19 winter
months. Seydel-Johnson reported that Iowa City would be plowing more trails to help people get
outside during the winter, although the focus would likely be on walking rather than biking. Iowa City
was also adding five new playgrounds over the coming weeks. Walz asked if there was more
information about plowing and Johnson had a map of the trails to be plowed. Proud was also working
on one and would send it to Walz once finished.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Oppliger moved to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
Walz adjourned the meeting at 1:43 PM.
Date: March 1, 2021
To: Regional Trails and Bicycle Committee
From: Sarah Walz, Assistant Transportation Planner
RE: Agenda Item #3: Discuss applications for MPOJC Transportation Alternative
Program and Surface Transportation Block Grant funding
MPOJC administers a grant process to apportion Transportation Alternatives Program
(TAP) funds and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds . We are currently
administrating our grant application for projects planned for FY2025-2026.
The TAP program is of principal interest to the RTBC as it provides funding for on- and
off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities. MPO communities have traditionally relied on
these funds for trail projects. The STBG program is a flexible program that may be used
for a range of transportation projects—both motorized and active transportation. While
MPOJC communities have traditionally used these funds for road and bridge projects,
most project applications include pedestrian or multi-use sidepaths, ADA compliant curb
ramps, pedestrian signals, separated grade crossings, etc., as part of the MPO’s
adopted Complete Streets Policy.
The MPO uses a set of criteria adopted by the Urbanized Area Policy Board in order to
score projects. The scores offer a tool for evaluating the benefits o f each project but do
not determine which projects will be funded or the level of funding to be allocated. Any
input that the RTBC provides will be relayed to the Transportation Technical Advisory
Committee, which makes recommendations to the Urbanized Area Policy Board. The
Board ultimately makes the decisions on projects and allocation amounts.
The scoring criteria along with all the TAP and STBG applications are attached. We will
review these applications with you at your meeting.
This year the MPO has $520,000 in available TAP funds to award. Only one application
was submitted: Iowa City’s application for a 10-foot wide trail along Highway 6, between
Broadway Street and Fairmeadows Boulevard . This project scored very well under the
following criteria:
•Economic Opportunity—project improves/provides direct access to planned
growth, existing jobs, or retail.
•Quality of Life—project improves transportation choices for location
specifically serving multi-family development and enhances safe route s to
school.
•System Preservation—improvement of existing infrastructure (this is a high
traffic corridor without pedestrian facilities).
2
•Choice—Project is on existing bus route, provides a separated trail, and
reduces modal conflict. (A crossing at the 1st Ave./Highway 6 intersection)
•Safety—Project is an area with two or more documented bicycle or pedestrian
collisions in the last 5 years.
•Health—project addresses a critical gap in the regional trail network.
•Equity—Project improves the transportation network in lower-income
neighborhoods.
Summary of Applications for MPOJC
FY25-FY26 Transportation Alternative Program Grant Funds
Funds available:$520,000
Funds requested:$500,000
FFC LRTP
Applicant Project Description 1a 1b 2a 2b 3 4 5a 5b 6a 6b 6c 7a 7b 7c 8a 8b 9a 9b 10 Total Project Cost
Local Match
Pledge
Previous
TAP Funds
TAP Funds
Requested
1 Iowa City Hwy 6 Trail - Broadway St
to Fairmeadows Blvd Yes A
portion 5 2 - - 5 5 0 0 3 3 3 7 0 0 0 5 5 0 9 52 1,700,000$ 1,200,000$ -$ 500,000$
Totals 500,000$
Shortfall 20,000$
Projects Scoring Criteria Funding
MPOJC has $7,380,000 in STBG funding available. Six applications were submitted,
seeking a total of $16,971,450 in funding. While the RTBC does not usually provide a
recommendation on STBG funding, we want the RTBC to be apprised of these
applications as several include bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Summary of Applications for MPOJC
FY25-FY26 Surface Transportation Block Grant Funds
Approximate Funds Available:
Funds Available:$7,380,000
Funds requested:$16,971,450
FFC LRTP
Applicant Project Description 1a 1b 2a 2b 3 4 5a 5b 6a 6b 6c 7a 7b 7c 8a 8b 9a 9b 10 Total Project Cost
Local Match
Pledge
Previous STP
Funds
STBG Funds
Requested
1 Iowa City
Dodge St Improvements -
Burlington St to Governor
St
Yes Yes 5 2 2 0 5 5 0 0 3 3 3 7 0 0 0 0 5 0 7 47 17,000,000$ 9,250,000$ 3,750,000$ 4,000,000$
2 Iowa City
Taft Ave Reconstruction -
American Legion Rd to
Lower West Branch Rd
Yes Yes 5 2 1 0 5 5 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 9 38 11,000,000$ 7,000,000$ -$ 4,000,000$
3 North Liberty Ranshaw Way (Hwy 965)
Reconstruction Phase 6 Yes Yes 5 1 4 1 5 5 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 34 11,300,000$ 6,300,000$ -$ 5,000,000$
4 University
Heights
Sunset St Pavement Repair
& Ped Improvements Yes Yes 5 1 1 0 5 5 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 3 3 31 481,000$ 145,000$ -$ 336,000$
5 Coralville Hwy 6 and Deer Creek Rd Yes Yes 5 2 3 0 0 5 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 28 3,105,000$ 624,105$ -$ 2,480,895$
6 Coralville Heartland Dr - Commerce
Dr to Jones Blvd Yes No 5 1 2 0 0 5 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 22 1,445,000$ 290,445$ -$ 1,154,555$
Totals 16,971,450$
Shortfall (9,591,450)$
Projects Scoring Criteria Funding
Surface Transportation Block Grant & Transportation Alternatives Program
Scoring Criteria
MPOJC Policy Board Approved November 18, 2020
1: Economic Opportunity – Supports metro area growth, innovation, job creation, and productivity
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:
6: Choice – Offers multi-modal transportation options that are affordable and accessible
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
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:
Total Score:
1Not used to score Transportation Alternatives Program projects
2Lower-income neighborhoods are defined as being at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) by block group.
Source: American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2012-2016)
Date: March 1, 2021
To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee
From: Emily Bothell, Sr. Associate Transportation Planner
Re: Agenda Item #4: Update on the Long Range Transportation Plan revision process
Last fall the MPO began an update to
the Long Range Transportation Plan
(LRTP) we’re referring to as Future
Forward 2050: Connecting
Communities. The LRTP is a
transportation planning document
designed to help guide decision
making about transportation
improvements and transportation
funding into the future. The Plan is a compilation of plans and visions for all modes of
transportation (vehicle, transit, pedestrian, and bicycle) for the Iowa City Urbanized Area (Iowa
City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, University Heights, and portions of unincorporated Johnson
County).
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires that the LRTP be updated once every five
years as a requirement for the receipt of federal funds. The Future Forward plan will be the
culmination of a multi-year planning process in which residents, municipal staff, and elected
officials in the metro area are engaged to help create a vision of the transportation network of the
future.
In November 2020, we shared the Plan’s transportation vision and guiding principles. Below is an
update on our recent planning activities.
Travel Demand Model
Coincident with the update of the LRTP is the update of the MPOJC Travel Demand Model. The
model is used to help predict how vehicular traffic patterns may change in response to land-use
changes and to provide forecasted traffic volumes. In the upcoming months, staff will be working
with MPO entities for assistance in developing a picture of growth for the urbanized area for the
Plan horizon year of 2050. It is that growth, plus the anticipated transportation network of the
future, which drives future traffic projections.
Needs Assessment
We received capital transportation infrastructure projects from all communities for the years 2022-
2050. These projects are those for which communities anticipate the use of federal funds. These
projects will be screened and subsequently scored by staff using the Policy Board approved
criteria. The scores and public input will be provided to the Transportation Technical Advisory
Committee (TTAC) and Policy Board who will be responsible for ensuring the final project list is
fiscally constrained using the MPO’s forecasted federal transportation infrastructure budget for
years 2022-2050. The final fiscally constrained project list will then be included in the Plan to be
adopted in May of 2022.
Public Input
Staff will be engaging the public in multiple ways throughout the planning process.
Survey
We released an online survey on February 11, 2021 for all those who live, work, attend school,
or do business in Johnson County. The survey is designed to better understand how area
residents get from place to place each day and also gain an understanding of any changes
or improvements that could make it easier, safer, or more efficient to travel throughout the
metro area. Survey responses will be used at a series of virtual workshops and will help inform
the development of the Plan. The survey is available online
at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2050LRTP and will remain open until March 12, 2021.
Virtual Workshop
Staff will host a series of virtual public workshops in late April/ early May to solicit feedback on
capital infrastructure projects proposed as part of the needs assessment. When writing of the plan
commences, the public will also have an opportunity to review and respond to draft chapters.
To find out more information about the Long Range Transportation Plan or view a copy of the
current Long Range Plan, please visit https://www.mpojc.org/what-we-do/transportation-
planning-division/long-range-transportation-plan. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram
@MPO_JC for other opportunities to provide input.
I will be available at your March 9th meeting to answer any questions you may have.
Date: March 1, 2021
To: MPO Regional Trails and Bicycle Committee
From: Sarah Walz, Assistant Transportation Planner
RE: Agenda Item #5: Discuss Bike to Work Week/Month
Bike to Work Week 2021 will take place May 17 -23, 2021 with Bike to Work Day on
Friday, May 21. With the continuation of Covid-19 precautions and many people still
working or studying remotely from home, Bike to Work Week has a different meaning.
Our meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss any plans your
community/organization may have for bike events in May or later in the summer.
In response to the pandemic, the League of American Bicyclists has suggested an
alternative focus during the pandemic: bicycling for well-being. This includes fitness and
recreational bicycling as well as bicycling to replace essential trips.
During the months of December and January, the MPO encouraged people to take to
the trails for safe outdoor fitness, social connection, and mental health. We produced 13
maps for walks/rides of various lengths. These could be repurposed for self-guided
bicycling during bike month and throughout the summer.
Other resources available from the MPO:
•Bicycling Rules of the Road brochures 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.
•The MPO has budgeted for bicycle bells for free distribution. Communities could
use the bells in conjunction with education regarding trail etiquette.
•The MPO will update the Metro Area Trails Map for availability in May.