Agenda
1. Call to order
2. Welcome & introductions (pass around a signup sheet for all attendees)
3. Report from BASC: things done, and not done.
4. Review of comments submitted to www.hsvbike.com
5. Public Forum
6. Closing Remarks.
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Open Forum Minutes
Attendees:
Peter Hannah
Marjorie Holderer
Sharon Bayler
Teresa Fitzpatrick
Tim Barnack
Scott Erwin
Capt. Rodney Baker
James Moore
Rex Reynolds
Bill Kling
Dave Stone
Jamie Miernik
Call to Order:
Meeting called to order by Peter Hannah at 5:07 PM
Introductions:
Peter Hannah introduced the BASC team (see attendees list) and thanked citizens for coming to the open forum. He mentioned the BASC blog (www.hsvbike.com) and asked for input as BASC represents the public.
Peter introduced Mayor Tommy Battle, who thanked attendees and BASC members, specifically mentioned the Bike Map and the things the committee is doing to make Huntsville better & cycling safer.
BASC Report & Comment Review:
Peter summarized the comments that were posted to the blog pre-meeting
- Motorist Education
- Harassment of cyclists by motorists
- Signage issues (Share the Road and Bike Route Signs)
- Bike Routes
- Bike Lanes need to be swept (Providence area)
- Need support of Council Members (no response from S. Moon).
- Bike parking ordinance – (need support from public as to where to put bike racks) Ordinance will take approx 1 year to develop. Once formulated, there will be public interaction/review meetings before the ordinance can be finalized.
- Traffic signals don’t trigger for cyclists, also green lights too short to allow cyclists to safely clear the intersection.
Dave Stone introduced himself as an LCI (Licensed Cycling Instructor), certified by the League of American Bicyclists. He mentioned the “Eleven Things You Should Know about Cycling” brochure, and that he is available to teach cycling safety courses. There are three LCI instructors in Huntsville. Courses can be tailored to children or school groups, and other educational programs are available. See bikeleague.org or Dave’s website at www.knology.net/~BikeEdHSV/courses.htm.
Bill Kling mentioned that he has appropriated $5,000 in funding for Share the Road Signage again for the upcoming year (2010). This was passed at the last City Council Meeting. It was mentioned that all signs are up in Research Park, but not in other areas.
James Moore advised that almost 80% of signs are up, both Share the Road and Bike Route signs.
James also mentioned that the Bikeways Map is finished, and 10,000 copies were funded & printed, and are going like hotcakes. At least 3,000 have been distributed. Thanks again to BASC but especially to Peter for his hard work.
James also mentioned the Long Range Planning Map he had brought – he needs public input. Map has 400 miles of bike lanes or routes with shoulders which will be phased in over the next 10-15 years as funding becomes available. This applies to both road widening projects or new road projects.
CARS update – This is on the council agenda for next Thursday, to be approved for next year.
Safe Route to Schools – Rodney Baker mentioned that equipment had been purchased for HPD through SRTS.
Public Forum:
To open the public portion, Peter asked that all who wish to speak state their name, and their district if known.
Kevin Davis – asked for guidance on how to approach our elected representatives (i.e. Montgomery) as to what we can do about cyclists who are killed, there is no witness, and no charges are filed. What does it take to get the DA’s office to indict?
Rodney Baker stated that charges of vehicular homicide or reckless driving can be filed. For cell phone usage there is no law prohibiting use.
Rodney Baker also mentioned that the most recent fatality suspected to be bicycle related is still under investigation, and he will update once the investigation is closed, as he cannot comment on an ongoing investigation.
In general, HPD commits traffic resources to statistical areas where large numbers of incidents occur. Bicycle fatalities are down overall.
Kevin Davis asked if police have the authority to charge if they don’t witness. Rex Reynolds responded that all laws apply the same to cyclists as to motorists – cyclist can obtain a warrant if injured. Cyclists are treated the same way as far as evidence. Rex also stated that new laws, such as the 3 Foot Passing Law, would be good improvements.
Kevin Davis asked if public pressure on elected officials could change this, Rodney Baker replied that the DA’s office is sensitive to cyclist’s issues. Rodney Baker also stated that the HPD has a higher consciousness now – all officers have been trained in cycling laws and safety and how to take a report for an accident involving a cyclist.
Tyler Brown – Regarding Saturday’s fatality, how will we know the rest of the story, and if a vehicle was involved? Can this be reported back to BASC, or to the blog?
Per Captain Baker yes this can be put on the blog and also can be updated at next week’s council meeting, once the investigation is complete. Tyler suggested that accidents might be put on a separate tab on the blog. Rodney Baker stated that there were approximately 7,500 traffic accidents in HSV in the last year, and 16 bicycle accidents (reported) YTD.
Savannah Clark – reported harassment of teens on bikes in 5 Points by motorists, and stated she does not feel safe. Captain Baker stated that if they feel endangered or threatened they should call 911. If not in immediate danger, use the non emergency number. In either case, get the tag number and report it. They can swear out a warrant if endangered or threatened, at the very least a police officer can visit the offender. Guidelines for reporting an incident are on Dave Stone’s website: http://www.knology.net/~BikeEdHSV/Police.pdf
Savannah Clark – Traffic lights are too short for cyclists to cross the intersection safely at O’Shaunnessy and Andrew Jackson.
Tyler Brown – asked if LAB can provide classes & training to those who do not have resources? Dave replied that this is usually handled at the local level; some cities have money available to fund cycling education. The Cycling Skills for Parents class is free; the Cycling Essentials class is $60.00. This fee is for materials and instructor’s time.
Jacqy Stone – Why was the driver of the vehicle that hit Sarah Chapman not charged? Rex Reynolds – Can only answer in a generic way, but the investigating officer must state that a criminal or negligent act occurred – then the investigation goes to the District Attorney, then to the Grand Jury, and then a warrant obtained. Investigators consulted with the DA’s office.
Jim Garvin – if the fatality on Saturday turns out to be a hit and run, would the motorist be charged? Per Rodney Baker, yes, could be charged with vehicular homicide, hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident. Jamie Miernik stated that AL code states that for vehicular homicide to be charged, there must be gross negligence – some other citation must be issued (such as speeding or drunken driving). Hitting a cyclist from behind is improper passing.
Jim Garvin – what is the decision tree on whether a law was broken? On any fatality the investigating officer will consult with the DA’s office. AL law states that the officer must personally witness, except in the case of a felony (factual evidence available).
Brian Sumners – What can be done about loose dogs? What is the avenue to pursue?
Rodney Baker stated that City of Huntsville has a leash law, Madison County also. Report harassing dogs – this falls under civil liability, contact Animal Control or the non-emergency police number. Animal Control contacts may be found on the Spring City Cycling Club’s website: http://www.springcity.org/communityaffairs/contactagency.shtml
Nolen Clark – Would like to see a list of bike racks the City owns – can some be re-appropriated depending on size and usage. Some are too large for where they are located, and are underused, whereas other locations have none or racks that are too small.
Nolen Clark – Would like to see a timeline from BASC – what we hope to achieve in 5 years, such as an East/West crossing of the Parkway – this would be big items, for which we would need funding (Jamie stated that a good resource is the Bike Plan – many goals, both short and long term, are already on the Bikeways Plan). Items in the Bikeways Plan are not as specific and of course current suggestions are needed.
Jim Garvin – would also like to short term goals (such as till end of 2010) – James Moore stated that there is a different environment concerning cycling. James is always looking for sources of funding for education, bike racks, etc. Rex Reynolds also commented on the change in atmosphere such as the Police Dept. roll call training, and that this past year has been a year of planning. As far as capital planning, bike planning will now show up in the budget. Jamie Miernik stated that the Long Range Plan has many bike project such as traffic calming, bike friendly signals, etc. and all was been directed by city officials to do such planning.
Jim Garvin – how will such goals be measured and reported back to the public? Peter advised that these can be reported through the blog or through meeting minutes or in person.
Marjorie Holderer – For 2010 the Federal Highway Administration has advised ALDOT that they must include bike and pedestrian facilities on new roadways or improvements to roadways.
Savannah Clark – Asked how can we address motorist education? She is open to passing out flyers and using email lists.
Leela Pahl – Regarding motorist education, can city officials, such as the Mayor, step up and say cyclists belong? Can we do more PSA’s? She also mentioned that there are many things we can do for free – such as bike events to educate cyclists and motorists. Take the mayor’s letter of support to the media.
Chris Joy – PSA’s – can the Mayor participate in a PSA – Teresa Fitzpatrick to send copy of request for Mayor to do PSA to Rex Reynolds.
Clint Patterson – Regarding traffic enforcement – from what Rodney Baker said previously, traffic enforcement is focused on high incident areas that cyclists don’t typically ride – can we see some focus on places like Meridian where cyclists don’t feel safe due to speeding. Rodney Baker asked that speeders be reported and they can add coverage to those areas.
Marjorie Holderer – TNT PSA on WLRH – can we make another PSA about riding at night? Sharon Bayler suggested we do an event like the “Shining Safely” event held in other cities – to educate folks about night riding.
Jim Garvin – Planet Bike has a light donation program, he has contact info.
Mike Dalen (who was unable to speak but sent in this comment) - would like the city to accelerate the painting of bike lanes in the streets, making it clear to autos that bikes have priority in those lines (“Bikes Only” painted at intersections, etc.). Priority should be given to main bike commute thoroughfares – Meridean Street, Bailey Cove, Eastern Bypass for starters.
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.