Minutes from the May12th, 2005 Mayor’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Task Force Meeting

 

Meeting Attendees: Roger Alig, Ken Carlson, Meg Chicco, Matt Elliot, Arnold Kelly, Barry Keppard, Daryl MacMillan, Art Pope, Chris Scherer, Sandy Shapiro, Mark Waltman

 

Web site:  http://www.princetonol.com/groups/bikeped/

 

GENERAL BUSINESS

 

o        Bikefest Update- Daryl gave us an update on the planning for the May 28th Bikefest.  60 People have signed up so far and many more are expected to sign up in the next few weeks and at the event.  Daryl’s helping to coordinate volunteer activities and was looking to sign up Task Force members for volunteer duties.  Please contact Daryl if you’re able to volunteer. 

o        Task Force information table at Bikefest- Ken C met with Pat Ward to update maps and Task Force information posters for the information table the Task Force will have at the Bikefest.  It was recommended that the large map posters be secured either with plywood or with fencing posts.  Daryl and roger have fencing posts that could be used.  Ken C is also looking for volunteers to staff the information table.  It was suggested that comment cards be prepared so that residents can make comments regarding bike/ped issues they have in their neighborhoods.

 

o        Meeting with Princeton Sidewalk and Bikeway Advisory Committee - Ken N met with Mike Suber, former chair of the Princeton Sidewalk and Bikeway Advisory Committee (SBAC) to compare notes on current efforts.  Mike and the committee are very supportive of a dedicated bicycle/pedestrian bridge over Route 1.  Mike also shared with Ken articles on various Bike/Ped Issues.

 

o        Meeting with Lawrence-Hopewell Trail Committee- Ken C was invited to the May 9th Lawrence Hopewell Trail (LHT) Committee meeting to give a short presentation on the Task Force’s recent bike/ped efforts.  The Trail Committee is particularly interested in the Bike/Ped Bridge project over Route 1 and connecting trail to the D&R Canal.  It will be useful for us to stay connected to the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail effort as they try to resolve the many issues they have encountered in developing this 20 mile loop.   Ken handed out brochures about the trail (let Ken know if you would like additional copies).  Barry suggested that we should try to emulate the Committee’s success in getting significant corporate sponsorship of their efforts. 

 

o        Land Use Issues- Barry gave a short presentation on land use issues with respect to non-vehicular transportation planning.  Traditional land use planning promoted segregation based on use- residential, commercial, industry.  This generally leads to poor planning with respect to non-vehicular transportation (e.g., bicycle lanes and sidewalks) between the different zones.  There is a current movement towards more integrated zoning.  Barry was interested to know if the Task Force has been addressing land use issues.  Barry offered that we feel free to use him as a technical resource, for instance in helping to prepare model ordinances.  Meg and others made the case that the Task Force has a strong interest in land use issues (e.g., the re-design of Rt. 571 in Princeton Junction and the re-design of Canal Pointe Boulevard).  However, the Task Force often does not have a chance to advise on bike/ped issues relating to site plans and zoning issues.  It was discussed that members of the Task Force should be more involved in the planning, zoning, and site review process, either as members of these boards or as liaisons.   Ideally, members of the Task Force should volunteer to monitor each of these boards as well as council meetings for topics of interest to the Task Force.  The Task Force also needs to become better educated in the process by which new projects move through the various boards.  To this end, we will invite Marvin Gardner to a future Task Force meeting. 

 

PLANNING

 

o        Preparation of Information Package to Educate Planning Board on Bike/Ped Issues- Urbitran Associates will be going up in front of the Planning Board sometime in June to give their final recommendations on the Orth-Rodgers Bike/Ped Plan.  Ken N spoke of the need to educate the Planning Board regarding bicycle/pedestrian standards and guidelines and commonly accepted practices.  Ken and Art have found a number of recent articles from the current Bike/Ped Planning literature that provide current guidelines and standards, many of which run counter to the bicycle/pedestrian recommendations from Urbitran.  One example is the use of bike paths that run parallel to the roadway.  Several articles point out that these types of paths are the most dangerous bikeways as they commonly lead to accidents at the intersection of the path with crossing streets.  A second example is the commonly accepted concept that bicycles are considered vehicles and that roadways be designed with this concept in mind.  Ken N and Art will assemble a package for distribution to the Planning Board.  Ken C said he will ask Shing and Marvin Gardner for an advanced copy of the Urbitran final recommendations so the Task Force will have a chance to prepare a response. 

 

o        Alexander Road Improvements- Ken C told the Task Force of the township’s plans to make interim improvements to the Alexander Road S curve, including re-surfacing, striping, and the possible construction of a sidewalk.  Ken C informed Jim, Chris, and Pat that the Task Force recommends longer term improvements to Alexander Road, including straightening out the road and the inclusion of bikelanes.  Ken C originally advised the town to consider a TEA-21 application for this project.  But in talking to Sheree Davis of the DOT, TEA-21 funding is more appropriate for bike paths, walkways, and streetscapes, particularly in transit villages and transit stations and not for road re-design.  More appropriate funding sources would county and municipal aid grants.  Allotments for County Aid will be announced in August.  We need to find out of the town has put in for County funding for any projects.  Municipal Aid applications were due in March.  We should consider applying for next March. 

 

o        Public Education- Chris brought up the idea of educating residents on bike/ped mobility and safety issues.  If residents are in agreement on the importance of these issues, then it becomes easier for the town to make progress towards these goals.   Chris suggested developing a pamphlet discussing what a desired bike/ped end-point for the town should be, what’s possible, and what would it look like.  Chris also suggested setting up a 501-3c (private non-private) that would serve as an organization that could receive donations from corporations for bike/ped improvements and education in town.  A 501-3c would also be eligible for other services, such as McGraw Hill’s Writers to the Rescue Community Program which provides grant writers and web site design services to private non-profits.  Chris will look into this and present at the next Task Force meeting.

Discussion Items for Update Meeting with Chris Marion

 

o        Involvement of Task Force members in Planning, Zoning, and Site Plan Review Boards (as members or liasions)

o        Budget for minor expenses

o        Timing for Capital Improvement Project Process

o        Future road projects in the town

o        Longer term Alexander Road S curve improvements- County and municipal aid as possible funding sources

o        Have we applied for County Aid for 2005?

o        PSE&G Groundbreaking and next steps

 

Action Items:

o        Task Force members should consider volunteering to monitor Zoning Board, Planning Board, Site Plan Review Board, and Township Council meetings- All

o        Book larger rooms for Task Force- Kens

o        Find out if Township has applied for County Aid for 2005-Ken C

o        Invite Marvin Gardner to an upcoming Task Force meeting- Ken C

o        Prepare Bike/Ped planning packet for Planning Board- Art and Ken N

o        Provide fencing posts for Bikefest map posters- Daryl and Roger

o        Let Daryl know if you are able to volunteer at the Bikefest, and Ken C know if you are able to staff the Task Force information table- All

o        Ask Chris for a budget for the Task Force for incidental expenses- Ken and Ken

 

Upcoming Meetings/Events:

 

o        May 28th- 2nd Annual Bikefest (7:30 AM to 1PM)

o        June 2nd -TASK FORCE MEETING, 7:30 PM.  Bike/Ped Project Priorities for 2006 and beyond; Presentation on the development of a possible 501-3c for bike/ped improvements/education; Potential Projects for August TEA-21 funding

o        June 18th- Pedals for Progress Bike Donation, 9 AM-noon at the Community Farmer’s Market