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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.7.23 - RTBC Agenda PacketMPOJC Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee Tuesday, March 7, 2023 – 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.Review Metro Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Collision Data 4.Review 2022 Trail Counts and 2023 Trail Count Locations 5.Update on Federal Funding a.Discuss 2023 Surface Transportation Block Grant Applications b.Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) c.Discussion Regarding a Joint Application to Fund a Regional Trail Wayfinding and Branding Program (2025 TAP/CRP Funding Cycle) 6.Discuss Updating Wayfinding and Identification Signage for Regional Trails 7.Pre-Planning for 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: March 1, 2023 To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee From: Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #3: Review Metro Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Collision Data One of the guiding principles in the MPO’s 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan is the safety of all modes. One of the ways we measure safety is by collecting and reviewing bicycle and pedestrian collision data. The following charts and tables show the changes in Metro Area bicycle and pedestrian collisions and the severity of those collisions over the past two decades. The data was downloaded from the Iowa DOT’s Crash Analysis Tool on 2/23/2023. 32 36 36 48 46 31 39 34 19 18 28 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Reported Metro Area Bicycle & Pedestrian Collisions Pedestrian Collisions Bike Collisions Figure 1. The number of bicycle and pedestrian collisions began trending downward around 2016, with bicycle collisions cut by more than 60% between 2015 and 2021. The record low in 2020/21 may be attributed to the sharp drop in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) due to closures related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, both bicycle and pedestrian collisions have increased by more than a third. Figure 1 32 36 36 48 46 31 39 34 19 18 28 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 23 32 28 27 26 16 21 21 13 11 17 3 1 1 3 6 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Reported Metro Bicycle Collsion Severity Minor Serious Fatal 81% 92% 81% 63% 70% 58%59% 68% 79% 72% 64% Percentage of Bicycle Collisions Resulting in Injury 2012-2022 Figure 2: Despite the growth in metro area population and increased VMT during this period, the 2021 collision numbers for bikes are comparable to those in 2012. The majority of bicycle collisions from 2012-2022 took place in Iowa City (81%) followed by Coralville (16%). Most bicycle collisions occurred within street intersections (60%). This also accounts for 71% of the serious injury collisions. Just over 18% of collisions occurred during evening, dawn, or twilight hours. These account for 1 fatality and 24% of serious injuries. Figure 3 & 4: With the exception of a bicycle fatality in 2021, the number of collisions resulting in injury and the injury rate have generally trended downward since 2016. Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 27 37 19 35 36 32 26 20 15 24 30 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Pedestrian Collisions 12 24 7 15 20 12 16 13 5 17 17 3 4 2 5 7 2 3 3 5 2 5 1 1 1 2 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Reported Metro Area Pedestrian Collision Severity Minor Serious Fatal 50% 78% 47% 60% 75% 47% 73% 80% 67% 88% 79% While the number of pedestrian collisions were consistently declining between 2016 and 2020, collision numbers are on the rise since 2020. The number of injuries and the rate of collisions resulting in injury is also trending upward. As with bicycles, most pedestrian collisions within the metro area occur in Iowa City (87%) followed by Coralville (9%). Most pedestrian collisions occur within street intersections (68%). This also accounts for 47% of the serious injury collisions and 2 of the 5 fatalities. 17% of collisions were at midblock locations. Approximately 40% of collisions occurred during evening, dawn, or twilight hours. These account for 15 (40%) of serious injury collisions. Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Date: March 1, 2023 To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee From: Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #4: Review 2022 Trail Counts and 2023 Trail Count Locations Each year, the MPO collects bicycle and pedestrian counts along the regional trail network. Data is collected using an infrared device that does not differentiate between bicycles and pedestrians. Last year, we acquired two additional trail counters, which allowed us to transition from short term (2-week counts) to season-long (2- to 3-month) counts. During the spring and early summer, counters were kept in place at several locations along the Iowa River Corridor (IRC) Trail. Johnson County used its recently acquired counters to capture additional data along sections of the Iowa River Corridor Trail outside urban boundaries. Those counts are presented on the following pages. In mid-summer into the fall we installed counters along portions of the Clear Creek Trail. Due to a programming error, these counts were not recorded. We have corrected the programming issue and are now conducting winter counts along the Clear Creek Trail. In anticipation of the new Clear Creek Trail connection between Coralville and Tiffin (to be completed this summer) staff proposes to station trail counters along the Clear Creek Trail for the entire bicycling season (see the map on the following page). This will allow us to capture counts before and after the new trail connection is opened. In October, we will resume counting in other areas. Please let us know if you have trail segments that you wish to have counted before May or after September. 2023 Proposed locations for May-September Clear Creek Trail: 1.West of Tiffin on County Trail (Johnson County) 2.Tiffin west of underpass 3.Coralville near Deer Creek Road 4.Coralville at Tom Harkin Trail Head at Camp Cardinal 5.Coralville at IAIS Railroad underpass, south of 2nd Street/Hwy 6 Date: February 28, 2023 To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee From: Emily Bothell, Senior Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #5(a): Discuss 2023 Surface Transportation Block Grant Applications MPOJC administers a biennial grant process to apportion the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program funding. We are currently administering our grant process for projects planned for FY2027-2028. Surface Transportation Block Grants (STBG) provide flexible funding that may be used by MPO entities for projects to preserve and improve the conditions and performance on public roads, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and for transit capital projects. The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) provided MPOJC with the funding target of $9.3 million in STBG program funds for programming in FY2027-2028. Five entities have submitted a total of five applications requesting $16,000,000 in STBG funds. Attached you will find a summary of each project and the adopted scoring criteria. Due to the size of the applications, they are not included in the packet but are available for review here: https://www.mpojc.org/what-we-do/transportation-planning-division/mpojc-funding The 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 affordable and 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 which projects receive funding and allocation amounts. While the Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee does not make formal recommendations on STBG applications, the Committee may choose to provide input on whether and how STBG projects benefit the bicycle and pedestrian network as several projects also include facilities that serve bicyclists and/or pedestrians. I will be available at your March 7th meeting to describe the projects and answer any questions you may have. 2023 Surface Transportation Block Grant Applications 1.The University of Iowa Hawkins Drive Reconstruction from Finkbine Commuter Drive to Lot 43 East Access Description: Full reconstruction of Hawkins Drive from Finkbine Commuter Drive to Lot 43 East Access Drive. Hawkins Drive will remain with four lanes, and a 10-foot wide shared path will be added on one side of the road. A right hand turn lane will be added on Finkbine Drive at the Hawkins intersection. Traffic signals at Elliott Drive will be replaced and will be upgraded at Lot 43 Drive. 2.Coralville Dubuque Street NE and 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. 3.Iowa City Burlington Street/ Highway 1 Bridge Improvements Project Description: Replacement of two Burlington Street/ Highway 1 bridges over the Iowa River and reconstruction of portions of Grand Avenue, Byington Road, and Melrose Avenue to allow for two-way traffic, on-street bicycle facilities and pedestrian accommodations, and rehabilitation/ replacement of the pedestrian overpass that crosses Riverside Drive. 4.North Liberty South Dubuque Street Reconstruction (Phase 2) Description: Reconstruct/rehabilitate South Dubuque Street within the City of North Liberty from just south of the East Zeller Street intersection to the roundabout at North Liberty Road. Existing conditions include a two-lane asphalt roadway in varying condition, with minimal gravel shoulders and open ditches. The reconstructed/rehabilitated section would include two vehicle travel lanes, one roundabout at a busy intersection and a five foot wide sidewalk along the urban section (just south of East Zeller Street to just south of Juniper Street). The existing multi-use trail would remain. 5.University Heights Sunset Street and Melrose Avenue Preventative Maintenance and Pedestrian Improvements Description: Preventative maintenance consisting of replacing sections of deteriorating street panels, reconstruction of intersection curb and ramps to maintain ADA Compliant crosswalks, and replacement of sidewalk sections that are cracked, uneven, or exhibit out of compliance cross-slopes. Date: February 28, 2023 To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee From: Emily Bothell, Senior Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #5(b): Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) grant funding process We typically conduct our competitive grant process biennially and calendar year 2023 marks the next grant cycle year. This biennial process has historically reflected the desire of both the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) and the Urbanized Area Policy Board (UAPB) to allow for two years of funding to be allocated at once – thereby allowing projects to receive larger funding awards. The two programs that are of particular interest to the Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee are the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP). TAP Funding Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding may be used by states and localities for a number of activities including the construction, planning, and design of on- and off-road facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized forms of transportation. MPO communities have traditionally relied on these funds for trail projects. MPOJC staff anticipates approximately $1.5 million in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding will be available for programming in FY2027-2030 CRP Funding The Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) was recently authorized as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to reduce transportation emissions. CRP funding can be used on a wide range of activities such as a TAP project, traffic control devices, or electric vehicle charging infrastructure. A number of activities are listed by statute, but a community may apply for a project outside of the list if the reduction in transportation emissions can be demonstrated over the project’s life cycle. Approximately $1.7 million in CRP funding is available for programming from FY22-FY26. Timeline At this time, MPOJC cannot solicit for TAP applications or apportion funding until pending program changes related to the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and revised program guidance released by the Iowa Department of Transportation have been finalized. At their January 25th meeting, the Urbanized Area Policy Board agreed to solicit for TAP and CRP applications in the winter of 2025, keeping with our standard biennial solicitation. I will be available at your March 7th meeting to answer any questions you may have. Date: March 1, 2023 To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee From: Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #5(c): Discussion Regarding a Joint Application to Fund a Regional Trail Wayfinding Program (2025 TAP/CRP Funding Cycle) This summer’s planned completion of the Clear Creek Trail link under I-380 to Tiffin will close a significant gap and bring all metro communities into the regional trail network. Future completion of the Clear Creek Trail to Kent Park along with the existing Iowa River Corridor Trail, which provides access to the Hoover Trail and Cedar Valley Nature Trail, present new opportunities for local and regional bicycle tourism. MPO staff introduced the idea of updating trail wayfinding and branding the trail system at the Committee’s March 2022 meeting. More recently we have had informal discussions with planners in Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, and Waterloo regarding potential collaboration on a unified brand for a complementary system of signs to carry through the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and the Iowa River Corridor Trail. Consistency in the placement and style of signs can help to tie the network together across jurisdictional boundaries, re-enforcing the trail system. Metro communities last worked on a joint project in 2010 when the MPO submitted a Transportation Enhancement grant application for bicycle wayfinding signage. The grant application was submitted with the City of Coralville as the lead applicant and was awarded $15,600. Participating communities provided a 20% match. Through the RTBC and individual consultation with each community, destinations were identified along with locations where signs would be installed. The MPO assembled all the content and distance measurements for the signs and coordinated the fabrication. This agenda item is intended to gauge interest from member communities to further investigate funding, planning, and design for a comprehensive system of wayfinding and branding. The next round of Transportation Alternatives Program Carbon Reduction Plan Program Funding applications will be available in 2025, with funding programmed in 2027-2028. Additional funding sources include the State Recreational Trail Grants and Wellmark Foundation Grants. These grants all require a community match. Please be prepared to discuss at your March 7 meeting. 2 Date: March 1, 2023 To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee From: Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #6: Discuss Updating Wayfinding and Identification Signage for Regional Trails Bicycle wayfinding signs along the regional trail network were fabricated and installed as part of a metro-wide program in 2010-2011. Over the past twelve years, the trail network has grown and new destinations, including new schools and major parks, have been established. In 2021, the MPO completed a comprehensive inventory of trail signage, which is available to our member communities as a GIS database. The inventory is a useful (and user friendly) tool for reviewing where wayfinding, trail identification, traffic control, and other signs are established along the trails as well as the condition of the signage. Most recently, the MPO used this inventory for planning updates to signage along the Willow Creek Trail in Iowa City in conjunction with the reconstruction of the trail, which is scheduled for 2023. Several Willow Creek Trail identification signs that are in poor condition or missing will be replaced with updated signs. The original Willow Creek Trail identification signs, along with similar signs for the Clear Creek Trail and Iowa River Corridor Trail, were fabricated and installed more than 20 years ago as part of another metro-wide program. In reviewing the trail inventory, we note that signs are missing or were never installed along significant portions of these trails. For example, a cluster of Iowa River Corridor Trail identification signs exist along the southernmost segment of the trail, from Benton Street south, but are absent along much of the rest of the trail. Clear Creek Trail signs appear to be present east of Camp Cardinal Boulevard and in one location in Tiffin, but are missing on the segments developed between Camp Cardinal Boulevard. and Ireland Avenue. The completion of the Clear Creek Trail connection to Tiffin this summer is a significant development that should be identified with both wayfinding and trail identification signage. It is also an opportunity to re-evaluate signs along other trails that lead to the Clear Creek Trail. The MPO can provide communities with recommendations for wayfinding or trail identification signage along their trails. The original Willow Creek Trail signs will be replaced with new signs as part of a 2023 trail reconstruction project. Obsolete or unnecessary signs along the trail will be updated or removed. Date: March 1, 2023 To: Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee From: Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner Re: Agenda Item #7 Pre-Planning for Bike to Work Week/Bike Month May is National Bike Mon:th and Bike to Work Week is May 15-21. Traditionally the MPO has helped to promote local events by assisting with local Bike Month/Week Declarations and supplying Metro Area Trail Maps. Bike Iowa City has successfully assumed the role of maintaining a bicycle activities calendar. Organizations can add their event by going to https:/bikeiowacity.com/event-calendar. This summer, RAGBRAI returns to Johnson County with Coralville as a host community. This along with the extension of the Clear Creek Trail will bring much attention to bicycling in 2023. Please be prepared to share whether you are planning any special events and/or if you need the MPO’s technical assistance.