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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-04-2020 ATC Agenda Packet - AmendedCity of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Co mmission Agenda (CORRECTED) ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Thursday Monday, May 4, 2020 6:00 p.m. SPECIAL MEETING Teleconference Based on the threat of COVID-19 as reflected in the Proclamations of Emergency issued by both the Governor of the State of California, the San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Director and the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as well as the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20 issued on March 17, 2020, relating to the convening of public meetings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of San Luis Obispo will be holding all public meetings via teleconference. There will be no physical location for the Public to view the meeting. Below are instructions on how to view the meeting remotely and how to leave public comment. Additionally, members of the Active Transportation Committee are allowed to attend the meeting via teleconference and to participate in the meeting to the same extent as if they were present. Using the most rapid means of communication available at this time, members of the public are encouraged to participate in Council meetings in the following ways: 1. Remote Viewing - Members of the public who wish to watch the meeting can view: ➢ View the Webinar: ➢ Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1822672926367407631 ➢ Webinar ID: 688-353-883 2. Public Comment - The Active Transportation Committee will still be accepting public comment. Public comment can be submitted in the following ways: • Mail or Email Public Comment ➢ Received by 3:00 PM on the day of meeting - Can be submitted via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org or U.S. Mail to City Clerk at 990 Palm St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 ➢ Emails sent after 3:00 PM and up until public comment is opened on the item – Limited to one page emailed to cityclerk@slocity.org, which will then be read aloud during the public comment period on the item specified. • Verbal Public Comment ➢ Received by 3:00 PM on the day of the meeting - Call (805) 781-7164; state and spell your name, the committee meeting and agenda item number you are calling about and leave your comment. The verbal comments must be limited to 3 minutes. All voicemails will be forwarded to the Committee Members and saved as Agenda Correspondence. ➢ During the meeting – Comments can be submitted up until the Public Comment period is opened for the item when joining via the webinar (instructions above). Please contact the City Clerk’s office at cityclerk@slocity.org to more information. Active Transportation Committee Agenda May 4, 2020 Page 2 All comments submitted will be placed into the administrative record of the meeting. MISSION: The purpose of the Active Transportation Committee (ATC) is to provide oversight and policy direction on matters related to bicycle and pedestrian transportation in San Luis Obispo and its relationship to bicycling and walking outside the City. CALL TO ORDER Chair Jonathan Roberts ROLL CALL : Committee Members Thomas Arndt, Lea Brooks (vice chair), Donette Dunaway, Timothy Jouet, Briana Martenies, Russell Mills, Jonathan Roberts (chair) PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting. ACTION ITEM 1. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN VISION AND GOALS (FUKUSHIMA – 110 MINUTES) At the January 16, 2020 ATC meeting, the committee began discussion and took input on the “Vision and Goals” chapter of the Active Transportation Plan (ATP). The purpose of this meeting is to review the updated version of the Vision and Goals chapter and make refinements in anticipation of the full draft to be released this summer. While the committee will review it again when the full draft is released, this meeting is the time to give input if the proposed Vision and Goals chapter is drastically off the mark or not consistent with work achieved in prior ATC meetings on the Plan or public outreach feedback. The “Vision and Goals” Chapter highlights the overall vision for the ATP on a programmatic level. It highlights the spirit of what the Plan attends to achieve on a high level that manifests itself in each subsequent chapter of the Plan. A Plan’s “Vision and Goals” is most effective when a set of only a few broad goals is identified with actionable objectives to guide staff priorities in yearly work plans and budget cycles. It is important to note that the “Vision and Goals” Chapter does not spell out everything that the City is doing or intends to do to improve active transportation. Specifically, technical information such as design policies, engineering standards, parking policies and specific projects are not Active Transportation Committee Agenda May 4, 2020 Page 3 aspects of this chapter but will feature in subsequent chapters that will be brought to the committee for review and input when the full draft of the plan is released. Staff Recommendation: Receive input on the updated Vision and Goals chapter and recommend that staff further develop it in anticipation of the full draft release of the Active Transportation Plan this summer. Attachment 1: Active Transportation Plan Draft Vision and Goals ADJOURNMENT The next Regular Meeting of the Active Transportation Commi ttee is scheduled for Thursday , May 21, 20 20, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California. ATTACHMENTS 1. Active Transportation Plan Draft Vision and Goals The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request to the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7100 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7107. Agenda related writings and documents are available online or for public inspection at the Public Works Department, 919 Palm Street, SLO. Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address: http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/60965/Row1.aspx Chapter 2: Vision and Goals Vision: San Luis Obispo will be an active transportation friendly city where bicycling and walking are healthy, safe, and comfortable forms of transportation for people of all ages and abilities. Attachment 1, Page 1 of 9 Goal 1: Safety, Health & Sustainability This Plan will empower residents to live a more active lifestyle by providing a network of safe and, efficient, and enjoyable facilities to support walking and bicycling as functional and dignified forms of transportation. The Plan will support the City’s climate action goals by reducing dependence on fossil fuel powered forms of transportation. What will the Plan do for SLO? How will SLO Implement the Plan? •Will the Plan help reduce crashes and fatalities, particularly involving vulnerable road users? •Does the Plan increase opportunities for physical activity among residents, workers and visitors? •Does the Plan help reduce air pollution, asthma rates, and greenhouse gas emissions? •Eliminate transportation related fatalities and severe injuries for both bicyclists and pedestrians by 2030. •Increase level of outreach and education programs. •Increase percentage of K-12 students receiving bicycling and pedestrian education. •Reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions Objective Actions A.Reduce frequency and severity of bicycle and pedestrian crashes through the implementation of systematic safety improvements and street designs that prioritize safety for vulnerable road users 1. Continue implementation of the City’s Vision Zero policies and traffic safety programs to develop a transportation system that will reduce fatal and severe crashes around San Luis Obispo. 2. Prioritize rapid implementation of bicycle and pedestrian improvements on San Luis Obispo’s high-injury network to rapidly address known safety issues. Prioritize public safety and active transportation mobility over motor vehicle throughput and street parking when considering tradeoffs of transportation safety improvements. 3. Continue the implementation of the City’s new streetlight installation program, prioritizing new lighting installations at locations where known bicycle and pedestrian safety concerns exists. Attachment 1, Page 2 of 9 4. Apply bicycle and pedestrian design guidance as presented in Appendix X. Guide planners and engineers to design streets that support safe bicycle and pedestrian transportation. 5. Fund safety education programs that encourage safe behaviors on the road. 6. Design for speeds of 20-25 mph on residential and local streets. Explore a city council resolution authorizing speed limits as low as 15 mph in designated school zones. Apply strategies and innovative best practices to reduce speeds on arterial and collector streets where collision patterns exist. 7. Improve enforcement of City’s traffic control requirements around construction zones to minimize impacts to pedestrian and bicycle accessibility and safety during construction activities. 8. Partner with community health groups to address safety concerns related to walking and biking. B.Promote an active lifestyle that includes biking and walking. 1. Support and incorporate bicycling and walking programs by community partners. 2. Promote programs that encourage residents to walk and bike together on city streets. 3. Develop tools such as a web-based map or app to promote the use of the bicycle and pedestrian network and distribute them as part of a wayfinding strategy. C.Reduce air pollution, asthma rates, and greenhouse gas emissions 1. Develop a bicycle and pedestrian network that encourages residents of San Luis Obispo to choose different modes of transportation other than driving by providing low-stress facilities and integrating bicycling and walking with transit. 2. As mandated in the Climate Action Plan, achieve reduction in vehicle miles traveled annually as residents, workers, and visitors meet daily needs by walking, biking, and using transit, consistent with the City’s Climate Action Plan. 3. Advocate for active transportation as a key strategy for addressing climate change, preserving clean air, reducing traffic congestion and noise, promoting good health, and conserving land and energy resources. Attachment 1, Page 3 of 9 Goal 2: Access & Mode Shift This Plan will serve as a catalyst for significantly increasing citywide bicycle and pedestrian transportation mode share through improved access to community destinations such as employment centers and schools, grocery and shopping centers, senior facilities, recreation centers, and transit stops. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities will be designed to provide an accessible, low-stress experience for users of all ages and ability levels. What does the Plan Address? How do we Measure Progress? •Does the Plan prioritize projects and programs that offer the greatest potential to increase walking and biking? •Does the Plan support infrastructure that accommodates users of all ages and ability levels? •Does the Plan help support and complement access to transit services and other potential forms of transportation? •Does the Plan provide flexibility for rapid development of priority projects and programs? •Increase the density of low-stress bike facilities so that 90% or more of San Luis Obispo residents live within 1/4 mile of a low stress bikeway. •Measure progress towards increasing percent of highest-priority (Tier 1) bikeway and pedestrian projects completed each year. •Increase the share of commute trips made by active transportation users to 20% by bicycle and 18% by walking/transit/carpool. •Continue to allocate transportation capital project expenditures by transportation mode consistent with City’s adopted mode split percentages •Increase share of women bicycle commuters to match percentage of all commuters •Double mode share for all bicycle and pedestrian trips for K-12 schools Attachment 1, Page 4 of 9 Objective Actions A.Increase access to jobs, grocery and shopping centers, senior centers, parks, schools, recreation centers, transit, and other neighborhood destinations 1. Build low-stress bicycle and pedestrian facilities that provide access to local destinations in every neighborhood in San Luis Obispo. 2. Complete the highest-priority (Tier 1) bicycle and pedestrian projects recommended in this Plan by 2035. Complete lower-priority (Tier 2 and 3) projects as opportunities arise based on funding, potential to combine with other capital projects, and as part of private-public partnerships. 3. Develop and implement a quick-build program, allowing for rapid implementation of priority active transportation projects using lower-cost, interim materials to provide immediate benefits for safety and mobility while exploring funding for permanent improvements. 4. Continue to evaluate all streets during pavement resurfacing to determine if pedestrian or bicycle facilities can be provided and/or improved. Prioritize streets with planned bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects when establishing each pavement management program schedule. 5. Install additional crossings across major arterial and collector streets to connect neighborhoods to major destinations, development of low speed/volume neighborhood greenways, physically separated bikeways on higher-speed thoroughfares, and intersection crossings that prioritize pedestrian and bicycle safety. 6. Develop a focused Safe Routes to School Improvement Plan for all K-12 schools in San Luis Obispo to increase walking and biking to school. 7. Increase the supply of bicycle parking at neighborhood destinations like schools, medical centers, grocery stores, and government offices. 8. Implement a bikeshare program in partnership with Cal Poly to maximize utilization. If supported by the City Council, explore additional micromobility transportation options to increase sustainable transportation choices in San Luis Obispo. 9. Explore allowing expanded use for personally-owned skateboards, scooters, and other personal mobility devices in the Municipal Code. Attachment 1, Page 5 of 9 B.Coordination and maintenance 1. Coordinate the implementation of active transportation facilities with the City’s paving program to deliver bicycle and pedestrian enhancements costs effectively and improve roadway condition. 2. Continue and improve a maintenance program for pedestrian and bicycle facilities to provide continued safe and comfortable use of the network. 3. Look at other resources to expand maintenance funding opportunities. C.Support access to public transit service and integration between active transportation modes 1. Design bikeways that provide first and last mile connections to transit. 2. Locate future micromobility stations at popular transit stops and explore mobility as a service system to incentivize use of transit and micromobility as seamless transportation services. 3. Work with SLO Transit and the Regional Transit Authority to improve bicycle and pedestrian access to transit stations and the comfort of transit stops. 4. Work with SLO Transit and the Regional Transit Authority to improve transit stations by providing more seating, shade and lighting to increase comfort for users. 5. Install secure, long-term bicycle parking at transit centers and other major stations. D.Serve people with disabilities 1. Ensure that bikeway designs do not create additional barriers for people with disabilities or unique mobility needs, including cyclists using bicycles with trailers, recumbent bicycles or other devices adapted for those with disabilities. 2. Expand bikeshare opportunities for people with physical disabilities. 3. Install or upgrade curb ramps, sidewalks, and traffic control devices to comply with current ADA standards. 4. Provide ample crossing time at signalized crossings at or near major destinations that are heavily used by pedestrians. B.Create an active transportation environment that is interesting, enjoyable, and inviting. 1. Work with local businesses to incorporate parklets that will provide additional seating and a fun and enjoyable place for community members. 2. Support streetscape enhancements, public art and other placemaking strategies that promote a more interesting, enjoyable active transportation environment. Attachment 1, Page 6 of 9 3. Support open streets and pilot active transportation projects, such as creation of temporary pedestrianized, car-free streets within the downtown. 4. Support land use and community design policies that allow more residents to use active transportation for daily trips. Promote development patterns that create a “15-minute City”, where most residents can access jobs, schools, shops and recreation destinations within a 15- minute walk, bike or transit trip. 5. Incorporate landscaping, stormwater treatments and other “green street” infrastructure as part of active transportation projects where feasible. Expand the City’s urban forest, encouraging installation of new street trees to provide shade, physical separation from auto traffic, and a more inviting pedestrian realm. 6. Cooperate with the County, State, San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, and Cal Poly in the planning and design of regional bicycle and pedestrian facilities, such as the Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail, to expand regional transportation and recreation opportunities. Attachment 1, Page 7 of 9 Goal 3: Collaboration and Equity This Plan will foster more equitable and inclusive access to the public planning process. The Plan will lead to investment in active transportation infrastructure, policies and programs that benefit all members of the community, particularly low-income and otherwise disadvantaged communities who will benefit most from increased access to lower-cost transportation options and opportunities for physical activity, safer streets, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the Community What is Progress? • Were community members consulted from the beginning and throughout the planning process? • Do community members of all economic backgrounds have equal opportunity to participate in the City’s plans? • Does the Plan address primary mobility barriers to vulnerable populations? • Does the City incorporate community feedback in their projects? • Does the City follow through? • Does the Plan help reduce the burden of household transportation costs (e.g. by reducing the need for vehicle ownership)? • The City utilizes innovative strategies to engage all community members in the project planning process, including working with Community Organizations to broaden participation. • Follow through with project and program implementation. • Conduct and publish results of citywide Active Transportation survey and all project specific studies. • Implement projects that improve public health and access to reduce transportation cost- burdens. Objective Actions A. Increase equitable and inclusive access to the public planning process for all community members 1. Target outreach efforts to reach community members who may not be able to participate in traditional, in-person townhall night meetings. Strategies may include increased electronic/online outreach, pop-up workshops at popular community destinations, and less-formal, family-friendly community workshops where participants may feel more comfortable engaging with staff and other community members. Attachment 1, Page 8 of 9 2. Ensure project-based outreach for any Plan recommendations follow inclusive public engagement practices. 3. Work with community-based organizations to host outreach events and interact with more people as part of future planning processes. Leverage existing relationships and cultivate new relationships with community-based organizations to distribute information and encourage public participation with planning efforts. B. Continue to build community trust 1. Implement short-term, high visibility projects in collaboration with community-based organizations that can be applied throughout the city. 2. Incorporate opportunities to enhance neighborhood vitality and livability as part of active transportation projects, such as incorporating public art, traffic calming, landscaping and other elements. 3. Include the community in the design and implementation of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. C. Improve opportunities to reduce the burden of household transportation costs 1. Improve bicycle and pedestrian projects that address disparities and close gaps in between neighborhoods. D. Address barriers so that vulnerable populations can take part in the improvements 1. Work to increase bicycle and pedestrian access in disadvantaged pockets of San Luis Obispo 2. Work with partners to provide bicycle education and maintenance training to underserved populations Attachment 1, Page 9 of 9