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Bicycle Pedestrian Sub‐Committee Dover City Hall Large Conference Room
Dover, DE March 1, 2016
APPROVED - April 5, 2016
Members Present: Chris Asay Kathy Doyle Pat Gallagher Jim Hutchison Jayce Lesniewski Dave Moses Andy Siegel
Others Present: Anthony Aglio Sarah Coakley Carolyn Courtney Eddie Diaz John Fiori
Councilman Hosfelt Kate Layton Don Stein Ann Marie Townshend Rich Vetter
CALLED TO ORDER: Meeting opened at 5:01 P.M.
The Chair called the meeting to order and opened the floor for introductions of those in attendance.
AGENDA
Mr. Asay wants to add Rob McCleary’s Rt13 proposal, MPO List of Bicycle/Pedestrian Financially Feasible projects. The Chair noted, with Mr. Gallagher’s departure notice, we need to discuss adding a replacement member. Mr. Asay also noted the Bike Rental Proposal to be added. With these additional items added, the motion was then accepted with out objection.
APPROVAL MEETING MINUTES
The chair offered to entertain a motion on the February minutes presented in the packet. Mr. Asay motioned to accept with a second from Mr. Gallagher, the minutes were approved without objection.
OLD BUSINESS ITEMS
Educational Partnerships
Wesley College ‐ Mr. Asay noted he contacted those who attended from Wesley. So far, I have not heard back from them. Mrs. Doyle noted the Wesley folks are running a little behind as they are waiting on a student. Not sure if they will make it or not.
Capital School District – Mr. Moses noted he reached out to the McCormicks for specific curriculum. We reviewed and sent to Dr. Shelton. He noted he would forward it to the appropriate people he felt would be the right place for this. He thanked the McCormicks for getting this put together.
Bike Rack Contest Ms. Courtney reported we have two submissions. A class from Dover High School and individual (from within the class) has submitted. The submissions were shared amongst the group. We have until April 12, 2016 to announce the winner.
A brief discussion on took place on money for the rack. Could even use the money from the Duathlon for production was discussed. Also, asking one of the tech schools to assist with getting it fabricated and also find funding to make more than one. It was noted the Library is (was) looking for additional bike racks.
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With discussion, it was noted Ms. Courtney will scan and email out to the members. Members will review and a vote will be held at our April 5th meeting for voting.
Senator Bike Way Mr. Aglio had nothing new to report at this time.
Walk Friendly Community Mr. Diaz noted we started on the application. We have achieved some of census data questions and low hanging fruit kinds of things. Ms. Coakley is also working with us on pieces of the application where her input is beneficial. We are on track for a summer 2016 submission.
Bicycle Friendly Community Application Mr. Asay, raised the issue of having the city possibly host an instructors class. Mr. Aglio shared information on League Instructor Class facilitator. The description was reviewed. It was noted the City, State or MPO would have to be the facilitator, they do require at least eight (8) students. This course does cost $300 per participant. To take this class, you must take Road 101 and be a member of the League of American Bicyclist (LAB). Supporting document attached. Mrs. Townshend will review and report back to the committee. Delaware Bike Council Grants Mr. Fiori reported nothing is open right now. The DBC requested an increase in the funding pool. Once we know how much we have, we will then determine the next grant cycle and criteria for project funding. It was open to all municipalities. Mr. Asay would like to have a project ready for when they do open up the grant cycle. Some basic discussion on previous grant applications, what worked & what did not work. Mr. Asay, noted the MPO agreed to come up with some design options for the State Street bridge over Silver Lake. However, they have not came up with the design layout pictures at this time. 2016 Cycling Event Schedule Dover Duathlon, April 23 Ms. Courtney noted we have met our budget for sponsorship. Now, we need to get participants. We are up to 10 for this event. We need to be smart about publicity. Get people to sign up by March 13 for $20 worth of raffle tickets. We have a Facebook event page. And huge news the volunteers list includes, First State Military Academy, DHS Jr. ROTC Cadets and staff to work the event. Mr. Moses has some experienced volunteers lined up for the transition area. In a discussion, walkers are welcomed to walk the “run” course, they would need to bike the bike course however. This is a family friendly fun, get involved event is what we are proposing. Awards are not planned for the walkers, geared for sprint winners. At the chair’s request, Ms. Courtney stated the current sponsors as: Advantech, Century Engineering, Dave’s Road Bikes, Perpetual Endurance, Premier Physical Therapy and Mercer Dental.
The chair invited members of the committee to participate by signing up or to volunteer for the event. He also asked that we share the Facebook event page “Dover Duathlon”. Ms. Townshend a handful of city employees have also expressed an interest. Bike To Work Day, May 18 Mr. Gallagher he is gearing up on that and will discuss with Ms. Courtney on coordination. Mr. Siegel had noted that someone on the committee had asked him to take over the event for next year. They planned to work together for smooth transition. Mr. Moses asked about the banner? Mr. Aglio reported he a little bad news, he cannot get it done in house as it was originally stated. He will still attempt to assist with finding funding for the banner. The materials were more costly than anticipated. Mr. Moses will reach out to Bowers
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Signs to see if their $450 quote would still stand. Funding of the banner is still needed before we can actually move forward.
Ride of Silence, May 18 Ms. Courtney noted she will working out a route for this year’s event as the weather is starting to get better. The plan will be to keep about the same distance as last year. Last year’s event had approximately 30 riders. We hope to grow this year.
Fun Ride, May 26 Mr. Aglio mentioned a Fun Ride that he is planning from Gateway Shopping Center to Silver Lake. Take the trail from Gateway Shopping Center on RT10 and ride the trail all the way to Silver Lake Park. It would be an evening ride possibly around 6 p.m. More details will be available as we move closer to the date.
ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
Committee Member The chair noted, we will need to consider a replacement to the committee for Mr. Gallagher who has announced he is leaving. Mr. Asay has proposed Mr. Stein as a member. Mr. Stein has some concerns about how much time he would be able to commit especially in the summer. Mr. Moses stated that we have typically taken the month of the July off from meeting. It was recommended that we share our materials such the bike and pedestrian plans, and bylaws. It was agreed we would have a nomination period and then decide on a recommendation to send to the Chairman of the Safety Advisory & Transportation Committee.
Bike Rental Program The chair reviewed the Interfaith Mission bike rental / repair issue. In discussion review it was noted the city could not support a bike rental program. It was agreed Mr. Asay would tell them that if they did their own program the subcommittee would talk favorable of the rental/repair opportunities they offer to the community. This is now a closed item.
Rt. 13, Rob McCleary Proposal Mr. Asay reviewed the proposal Mr. McCleary shared with us a couple of meetings ago. It was a new bike route along RT13 and would need to come through the city making zoning changes. The intent would be to create an off highway route. I am wondering what the city is planning to do? This would encourage bike transportation through that commercial area. Mrs. Townshend noted if we had new projects come in we always look at bike/pedestrian connections and we can certainly add this into our review. The problem is that this is decades old and would be hard to enforce. Many applications are only building renovations not site renovations. There are some opportunities but this would not be an easy thing for the city to do. Mr. Moses noted it was later discussed to move the path off the highway to the back of the shopping centers to avoid people entering/exiting the various parking areas. Mr. Asay, I agree but we are coming up with an idea for things to develop and create this.
The chair asked Mr. Asay what our role in this project? Mr. Asay our role is to foster the conversation to see if the city is interested in doing this. Mrs. Townshend noted this could cost well over $100,000 just to look at this. Do we want to look at creating off line connections? Yes, but do we have the funds to get us there, probably not. But for example Crawford Carroll Avenue will be constructed but continuous connections may be harder. I am very uncomfortable if someone comes in for a building renovation and then I say you have do a site renovation for a bike path. We are offering incentives to take up vacant locations, so to take that and away tell them they have to build a pathway is not probably the best for gaining business. The chair stated this feels like a massive of study to show where the path would be and that we don’t have the funding for such
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while it would be a good idea. Mrs. Townshend noted no one will want a reduction in their customer parking, we have trouble that we don’t offer enough parking at some sites due to national retailer recommendations. Mr. Asay noted the next version of bike plan, we might want to include something like this. That was agreed.
Mr. Aglio noted DelDOT is doing a study from Townsend Blvd up to the Pizza Hut. We want to spend extra time to see what the cross section of Rt13 should look like. Is that a bike lane, no bike lane, multiuse plan, etc. Mrs. Townshend noted we have people at the table when these issues come up, so we have an eye on it make these things happen over time.
It was noted to get a periodic report of improving this bicycle corridor.
MPO Ready List Mr. Asay noted he and Mr. Lesniewski are on the MPO Public Advisory Committee and I am still discovering things on how the process works. At the last meeting, they passed out a list of Financially Feasible Projects. Mostly road projects on this list, but there is a of bicycle/pedestrian lists is there, too. I am not sure how this works, but the number one thing in our plan is not on there. The questions was raised is our #1 project that is missing. Mr. Asay noted sidewalk on South Little Creek Road. Mrs. Townshend noted that is not a DelDOT project it’s a city project. Some discussion took place. Mr. Moses suggested that we have the list Mr. Asay is referring to and take a few minutes to make it an agenda item. Mrs. Layton noted she would shared that with Mr. Vetter. The item will be added to the April agenda.
OPEN DISCUSSION Mr. Lesniewski raised a concern of crosswalks marking at Pennsylvania and Division and Bradford and Division streets are coming up off the road and no reminders to motorists to yield. Making it a bit unsafe. He wanted it these areas could be restriped and marked. Mrs. Coakley noted as part of the Bradford Street project this area should be restriped and updated. And another issue of concern is on Kings Highway from Division and down has no sidewalks. This area could be made more safe for pedestrians if we could get sidewalks in this area.
A brief discussion of the marking “McGiffins” that are around the area, such as on Loockerman Street. We would have to work with DelDOT to add these to roads that are not city owned. It was recommended to Mr. Lesniewski to contact the Central District for concerns he stated, noting that sometimes if the concern comes in from a citizen that tends to carry more weight. This contact information will be forwarded to him.
Mrs. Layton shared a Bus Tour for transportation and improvement program on Wednesday, April 20. I just wanted to share the date with you all. This is basically a mobile public workshop to look at the projects in the MPO program. More details will be forth coming. Please RSVP with her if you are interested.
ADJOURNMENT With no further business the meeting adjourned at 6:17 PM without objection.
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SITE FACILITATOR: The SiteFacilitator organizes logistics,
promotes the Seminar, and collaborates with the Coach. This person
should be a self-starter, passionate about biking, and want to
spread education throughout her/his community.
LOCATION: The Site Facilitator is in chargeof finding a location
for the training that has a classroom and parking lot. During the
seminar, the Site Facilitator is also the point of contact for the
building, and maintains a daily “sign in” sheet for
participants.
The CLASSROOM should be able to seat at least 13 people, ideally
a minimum of 30 by 22 feet in size. Please explore the
technological and presentation materials available to the room.
The PARKING LOT should be unused during the weekend, not have
obstacles, and be big enough for multiple drill areas.
TIP: If the seminar is held when there’s potential for adverse
weather, ensure there’s a parking garage nearby.
The Site Facilitator cannot be an LCI candidate who is also
enrolled in the seminar
TIP: Find a location that allow bikes in the building, or bring
extra bike racks to lock them outside
REQUIREMENTS» The Site Facilitator must submit a signed
Memorandum of Understanding with the League 90 days before the
seminar.
» The seminar requires a minimum of 8 paid and
qualifiedcandidates and a maximum of 16. No seminar will be held
with fewer than 8 candidates who are qualified and regis-tered 21
days before the seminar date.
» During the seminar, the Site Facilitator will maintain a
roster of candidates with emergency contact information andmaintain
a daily sign-in sheet.
» At the conclusion of the seminar, the Site Facilitator and
Coach will hold an interview with each candidate to certify him or
her as an LCI or recommend additional training.
» The Site Facilitator will collect and forward Seminar Feedback
forms to the League
COLLABORATION: There are a number ofpoints in which the Site
Facilitator will coordinate with the seminar Coach. Communication
is essen-tial since the Coach is usually not available on site
until the seminar and is often unfamiliar with the site city.
COACH
The Site Facilitator will help research and plan a ride route
for on-bike testing that best meets the needs of the Coach’s time
allotment & test criteria.
TIP: Send ride route to participants in advance so everyone is
prepared for where the rides will be — especially those from out of
town!
The Site Facilitator will help find LCI assistants, who provide
crucial sup-port to the Coach during the Seminar, including grading
on-bike testing.
TIP: Send the grading sheet to the LCI assistants in advance so
thay know what to expect.
Many coaches find it helpful for the Site Facilitator to compile
a list of» food options / restaurants» lodging / hotels / hostels»
medical facilities
TIP: Get the training agenda from the Coach in advance of the
seminar so you’re informed and better prepared for logistics
PROMOTION: An essential duty of the SiteFacilitator is to use
her/his networks to recruit and encourage qualified students to
attend the Seminar. The League includes the Seminar on our website,
but many students register because of local word-of-mouth.
Qualified participants must:
» Have completed Traffic Skills 101
» Be a member of the League
» Pay a $300 registration fee
» Have access to a bike, helmet and lights
Registrants will receive a packet from the League including a
written assessment that must be submitted 14 days before the
training. Registrants must score at least 85% to be admitted as an
LCI candidate. The Coach will make the final determi-nation of
candidates qualifications for admission.
TIP: Be clear about the cancellation policy for registrants... -
30 days: Full refund minus $50 fee - 14 days: 50% refund- 7 days:
No refund
FACILITATOR
Most seminars start on Friday afternoon or evening, and continue
through most of Sunday Sunday.
How to Host a League Cycling Instructor SeminarCertification as
a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) requires the meeting of specific
prerequisites and the successful completion of a 23-hour seminar
arranged by a Site Facilitator and conducted by a designated League
Coach. The first step in the seminar process is an expression of
interest from a community — and then the planning begins! This
infographic is a primer on the roles and responsibilities in
putting on a successful Seminar. For more information visit
www.bikeleague.org/ridesmart or contact
[email protected].
Designate a Site Facilitator » Turn in MOU to League » Secure a
suitable fa-cility for the seminar » Start recruiting qualified
students
90 days
Spread the word! » Focus on recruitment! » Contact local
advocacy organizations, bike clubs and other groups
60 days
Contact the League for Coach information » Begin dialogue with
Coach about shared responsibilities » Continue recruitment
7 weeks
Just 3 weeks left for registration! » Work with Coach on
logistics
6 weeks
Cancellation policy now in effect » Any registrant who cancels
must notify Coach and League for refund
4 weeks
Registration closes » Any late registrant pays $75 additional
fee
3 weeks
TIMELINE to Organizing a Seminar
