City of Lawrence

Lawrence Bicycle Advisory Committee

May 15, 2007 minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Eric Struckhoff

Stephanie Bishop

Trent McKinley

Mark Desetti

Becky McClure

Steve Guinn 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Michael Hajdu

 

STAFF PRESENT:

Sandra Day

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

None

 

 

May 15, 2007 at 5:15 PM

Fire Station Number 5

1911 Stewart Ave., Lawrence, KS

 

1.      The meeting was called to order at 5:26 pm and chaired by Eric Struckhoff.

 

2.      Assurance of quorum: Attendance at the meeting included committee members Eric Struckhoff, Stephanie Bishop, Trent McKinley, Mark Desetti, Becky McClure and Steve Guinn.   Sandra Day from the Planning Office also attended.

 

3.      Approval of Minutes: The Committee approved the following minutes; February 20, 2007 and April 17, 2007 minutes. There are no minutes from the March meeting as there was no quorum that month.

 

4.      Discussion Item: Review and Re-approve By-Lawrence as appropriate.

 

The committee discussed the bylaws and changes in 2004 that established the committee as a joint City/County group. They discussed representation on the committee and moving the meeting to a later time. They discussed the make up of the committee in Article II, Section 7 by removing the Douglas County Traffic representative it may make the options for future membership more flexible. Eric Struckhoff is a member of the Douglas County Traffic Safety Committee. He indicated that they did not meet on a regular basis. The Committee felt strongly that someone from the Fire and medical community as well as the Public Safety (Police Department) as well as KU representation were important to the committee makeup.

 

Moved by Mark Desetti to amend the bylaws to revise the committee make up to remove the Douglas County Traffic representative requirement and to require that four members shall be made up appointed at large from the community. It was also moved to strike Article III, Section 4, subsection (b) (2). [This function is currently provided by staff]. Seconded by Eric Struckhoff. Vote passed 5 to 0; one member abstained.

 

Staff noted that the changes would be made and a copy for the Chair’s signature provide. The by-laws then would be posted on the appropriate City web page.

 

5.      Discussion Item:   Review of the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department “Paths and Parks” brochure and Bicycle Facility Map.

 

The committee discussed numerous changes to the map that included updating segment of streets connections that had been shown on the map as future that have been constructed or are near to completion. These included Kasold Path between 22nd Street and 15th, George Williams Way, and other similar collector streets. The Ring Park paths were also noted to be complete or nearly so and should be revised on the map. (Refer to working map for details). Staff noted that upon completion of the facility map it would need to be brought forward to the City and County Commissions for re-approval.

 

The Committee discussed the area of Iowa and 23rd Street crossings and the general area south of 23rd Street. Staff noted that a large map could be provided at the next meeting to look at this area in more detail.

 

Mark Desetti stated that signage was needed to require a yield to bike and pedestrians at 31st Street and Wakarusa.

 

Steve Guinn proposed a Minnesota concept with bike lanes in the center of the road. He noted how this improved safety for the cyclist and removed turn conflicts.

 

Kansas Law did not allow for a replication of the Minnesota model. The committee discussed possible changes in law regarding cycling and the move of cycling as a recreation activity to a transportation mode in response to gasoline prices. It was discussed that where paths are available cyclists must ride on the sidewalk or path. It was noted that bike lanes tend to get filled with debris making them a hazard.

 

6.      Other Business:  

 

The Committee discussed making plans for bike week next year to include an information booth at the farmers market.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Next meeting: June 19, 2007, 2007 at 5:15 PM, Fire Station #5