Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee
Minutes of the Wednesday, March 8, 2006 Regular Meeting
Tucson, AZ
Submitted by Richard
Corbett
Committee members, staff and members of the public introduced themselves.
Some minor errors were pointed out in the draft minutes, such as “an” when “and” was needed. Mention of the Julian Wash was also pointed out, as was the western terminus of the Sahuarita Rd bike lane project.
A motion to approve the minutes of the February meeting, as corrected, was made by Roy Schoonover, seconded by Russ Clanagan and passed unanimously.
Tucson Police Sergeant Tim Beam reported that there was 15
bicycle-motor vehicle crashes last month (February), and that even though this
was more than last year, it was probably due to the no rain/milder weather we
had. When questioned, he explained why the fatality in the 4th
Avenue Underpass was not reported as a vehicular fatality – the State of
Arizona crash reporting system does not recognize bicycle only crashes.
Pima County Sheriff’s Sergeant Karl Woolridge reported that
there were ten bicycle-motor vehicle crashes in unincorporated Pima County in
February. He went on to explain that there were there were three hit and runs,
one property damage only, and one in Green Valley where a 92 year old driver
struck a cyclist from behind.
Bill Katzel asked why the Green Valley driver (from the
January crash) was not cited for a three-foot passing violation, and Sgt
Woolridge responded that he was not involved with the traffic team that dealt with
it, and suggested that Katzel call the Green Valley Sheriff’s sub-station to
get more information. The Chair suggested that this could be an agenda item for
the future – and asked that Member Bill Adamson invite a command level person
from the Green Valley Sheriff’s Office to a future meeting. Zoll said he
believes the BAC has the ability to directly contact the officer who
investigated.
4. BAC
Elections
The Chair
said the regular elections for BAC are held in May, so starting now is both
indicated, and a good idea. He went on to ask for volunteers for the Nominating
Committee, and Russ Clanagan, Jean Gorman, and Brian Beck were appointed, with
Russ as the Chair. They will bring back a report and a slate next month
(April). It was noted that the candidates
must be present, and especially that the Chair has many duties outside the
meetings.
Melissa
Antol explained that Rosemary Carmody was unsure why her name was on this
agenda item, and suggested that it be carried forward to the next meeting,
since Rosemary was not able to attend. Member Diana Tolton said this was a good
example of the need to improve the way BAC agendas are developed. Richard
Corbett mentioned that there had been an effort to hold staff & officers
meetings the week after BAC meetings, to review the past meeting, and draft an
agenda for the next meeting. Perhaps these can be revived, at a different, more
convenient time. Bill Katzel mentioned
that the Tucson Mayor & Council have an agenda sub-committee.
6. Letter
of Support for Kolb Road (Valencia to Voyager RV Park) bike lanes
Roy
Schoonover noted that the letter passed out would be addressed to both Chuck
Huckleberry and Kurt Weinrich. This need for bike lanes on Kolb Road is one
that has been a growing concern for many years, and he has now been promised
action very soon, especially since this (Kolb Rd) is the only route that
Voyager RV residents have to access the Tucson metro area, and it is also a
part of the El Tour de Tucson route. It was also pointed out that the two
person crash noted in the letter has psychologically traumatized the person who
was not physically injured, and she has yet to get back on her bicycle.
As to Kolb
south of I-10, Roy noted that the housing development to the south of Voyager
is paying $2.9 million in development impact fees to the City of Tucson, but he
has been told there are no plans to improve this stretch of Kolb Road (south of
I-10).
A motion to approve sending the letter was made by Roy Schoonover, seconded by Donna Aversa, and passed unanimously.
7. A
letter of support for implementation of shoulders on Sahuarita Road
Roy
Schoonover apologized for not having copies of the draft letter on Sahuarita
Road to hand out, but that he has worked with Donna Aversa and Bill Adamson to
develop it. Richard Corbett noted that it is not required that a letter be
approved word for word, but if the BAC supports the purpose and points to be
made, they can authorize it to be sent.
Matt Zoll
stated that he understands Sahuarita Town Manager Jim Stahle wants to wait
until after the RTA election to construct the shoulder bike lanes on Sahuarita
Road, but he said a letter would still be helpful.
Bill Adamson
said that based on his past experiences, it would be important to continue to
“press on the issue”.
A motion to
approve sending the letter was made by Bill Adamson, seconded by Steve Bresler,
and passed unanimously.
Agenda
Item #8: Aviation-Barraza Pathway connection concerns
David
Bachman-Williams passed out his draft letter and explained his concerns about
the Broadway/Aviation Parkway intersection, especially the eastbound Broadway
to eastbound Aviation diverge (free right turn). The letter asks the City of
Tucson to study this and come up with a solution to improve safety of cyclists proceeding
past the Aviation Parkway on Broadway. Roy Schoonover suggested that Dan
Williams at ADOT be copied.
Discussion
ensued, with Donna Aversa suggesting the importance of multi-modal emphasis to
the State, and Wayne Cullop agreeing with the importance of safety. Matt Zoll
cited past work with Dan Williams to eliminate a free right turn at St Mary’s
& I-10, and said that some of the RTA ramp designs that may be built may be
‘challenging’ for cyclists.
A motion to
approve sending the letter, with the modifications discussed, was made by Diana
Tolton, seconded by Russ Clanagan, and passed unanimously.
Discussion
then continued regarding the pathway at the east end of Aviation Parkway,
passing under and to the east of the Veterans’ Memorial Interchange. Matt Zoll
explained this is from Ritchey to Alvernon, and went on to cite the problems he
is aware of: 1) a power pole in the middle of the eastbound path, 2) parking on
the path by businesses, between Dodge and Alvernon, and 3) a too short
pedestrian signal cycle to cross Alvernon. This item was tabled to next month.
Wayne Cullop mentioned that the BAC needs to have a bigger picture of safety
concerns, and not look at smaller things item by item. Diana Tolton said the
BAC needs to have better overall direction. Corbett alerted the Chair that the
discussion was off the agenda, and the Chair moved on to the next item on the
agenda.
9. Call
to the Public
Eric Post
mentioned his concerns about glass from auto crashes being merely swept aside
into the bike lane, and his continuing concern about construction and warning
signs that stick out into the bike lanes. He asked if education of the towing
companies might help with this.
Bill Katzel
asked Committee Members to look up the definition of ‘Advocacy’, as he feels
the BAC is definitely an advocate for cyclists and to a lesser degree,
pedestrians. He went on to ask why the call to the public was moved to item #
9, stated that this is a lot less convenient for members of the public who have
something to bring up, and asked that it be moved back to # 4.
Eric
Gonnason suggested moving the call to the public before the Law Enforcement
reports (item #3). He went on to state that the Rillito and Santa Cruz
shared-use paths need to be connected.
10.
BAC Reports/Announcements
Matt Zoll
gave a brief report on the recent Lab sponsored National Bike Summit in
Washington DC, where a panel of five from Tucson, including Ward 6 Council Aide
Roger Carrillo, Tucson DOT Director Jim Glock, PBAA Director Richard
DeBernardis, Brad Fund Founder Jean Gorman, PAG Bicycle Coordinator Richard
Corbett, and Zoll himself, presented a workshop on the Tucson region’s bicycle
friendly community application seeking a regional Platinum status.
Melissa
Antol urged BAC members and staff to sign up to help with 1) the 4th
Avenue Street Fair Bike Parking, 2) GABA Swap Meet Bike Parking, 3) Bike to the
Zoo Bike Parking, and 4) Clean Air Jam Bike Parking. If you can help, please
e-mail her at: Melissa.Antol@Tucsonaz.gov.
She went on to announce that the 14th Round of Transportation
Enhancement grants are starting up, and interested parties are encouraged to
contact Shellie Ginn at TDOT Shellie.Ginn@Tucsonaz.gov or 791-4371 for more information.
Bill Adamson
handed out a sheet describing a “Santa Cruz Valley Bicycle Advocate Committee”.
Interested persons can get meeting notices, agenda’s and minutes by E-mailing
Bill at billadamsom@earthlink.com. He also announced the dedication of the
Continental School pathway. Fantasy Island is still an issue that must be
watched he said.
11. Potential Items for Future Agendas
·
Bicycling on sidewalks – issues and concerns
·
BAC
Nominating Committee report
·
Aviation-Barraza
Pathway east end concerns
·
Strategic
planning – Committee goals and objectives
·
Regional
Transportation Authority Plan
·
Annual
Report
·
Trolley
Tracks – new design for bikes
·
Motorized
bicycles, concerns as to legality, & status
·
Fantasy
Island update
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 pm
Bill Adamson, Pima County
Donna Aversa, Oro Valley
David Bachman-Williams, Pima County
Brian Beck, City Ward 2
Dave Boston, Ward 6
Steve Bresler, City Ward 1
Russell Clanagan, Town of Marana
Steve Cohen, Pima County
P. Wayne Cullop, City Ward 4
Jean Gorman, City Mayor’s Office
Roy Schoonover, Pima County
Diana Tolton, Pima County
Melissa Antol, TDOT
Sgt. Tim Beam, Tucson Police
Richard Corbett, PAG
Sgt Karl Woolridge, Pima Sheriff's
Matthew Zoll, Pima County DOT
Nadia Barrera, citizen
Leon Byerley, citizen
Eric Gonnason, citizen
Bill Katzel, citizen
Eric Post, citizen