Minutes from the Sept. 8th, 2005 Mayor’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Task Force Meeting

 

Meeting Attendees: Roger Alig, Ken Carlson, Meg Chico, Susan Conlon, Arnold Kelly, Daryl McMillan, Ken Naglak, Art Pope, Chris Scherer

 

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

 

Planning

·         Ken & Ken reviewed with the groups the results of their August 17th meeting with Chris Marion, Pat Ward, and Jim Parvesse.  The meeting was viewed as very positive and the township appreciative of the hard work of the Task Force.  Communication channels will remain open with regard to the decision process during the upcoming budget process as cost estimates are developed for projects by Jim Parvesse and projects are weighed against other needs/projects within the Township.

·         Ken C facilitated discussion of the Task Force focusing on one or more large projects in depth.  Among the potential projects discussed were the feasibility of a road diet concept for roads such as Alexander Rd., Canal Pointe Blvd or Old Trenton Rd and a Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge over Route 1.

·         Also discussed was the need for a mid block crossing at Avalon Watch.  Since there is potential for serious injury to Avalon Watch residents crossing to the Village Shoppe strip mall across Clarksville Rd. Arnold suggested that the Task Force should focus on one project at a time and see it all the way through.  It was decided that the Avalon Watch project should become the primary focus of the group for the near term.  As an initial step it was felt that the group should research other mid block crossings in NJ which were successfully implemented for comparison with this location.  It was also suggested that a survey of Avalon Watch residents might be used to gauge the need for the crosswalk and observation of the location at key commuting times might also be appropriate.  Subsequent to the meeting a number of mid block crossings in NJ have been located as follows:

     The NJ DOT designates mid-block crosswalks on many state highways,

Including Routes 206, 33, and 27:

 

 http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/traffic_orders/crosswalk

 

http://www.ahherald.com/readers_write/2005/050217_mt_traffic.htm

           

            http://www.orth-rodgers.com/flash_site/sections/projects/0242a.html

 

 http://www.edisonnj.org/clerks/codebook/10.08.htm

 

 

·         Chris presented the possibility of paved compatible shoulder bikelanes in Mercer County Park along the main access road as an alternative to the gravel now present.  There is frequent use of the roadway by both bicyclists and pedestrians/runners currently.   Subsequent to the meeting, Ken C called the Superintendent of Mercer County Parks and found out that the County has $100,000 in this year’s budget to pave the shoulders.  

·         Daryl presented the idea of using Bikefest surplus funds for Share the Road signs and or bike racks.  There is approximately $6,000 in surplus funds currently from the two bike fest events.  The feasibility of this idea will be discussed at the next bike fest meeting later this month.

·         Susan discussed her concerns with regard to the student pedestrian traffic crossing Clarksville Rd at the High School in a high traffic, high speed area which is not a dedicated school zone.  There is a school zone in front of Maurice Hawk further along Clarksville Rd. Subsequent to the meeting, Sandy spoke with George Fallat, Traffic Engineer for Mercer County who indicated that the speed limit could be reduced 10-15 miles/hour below posted speed limit (or to as low as 30 mph on 571) for the length of the school frontage, extensive in the case of the high school. He indicated that the county is looking at reducing the speed along 571 from South Mill to the Community Park as well and that he would like to put a whole package together to present to the state DOT very soon.  He was surprised that the speed limit wasn't reduced when the school was built or at any other time in the last 30 years. Mr. Fallat would need a brief letter from a school and/or a township official in order to begin action with the state. 

·         Roger discussed plans for the proposed Rogers Preserve Trail to be built in similar fashion to the Millstone River Trail.  He conducted a walk of the property the prior week which was well attended.  The next step is to set a date for the trail building.

 

Upcoming Meetings:

·         Sept. 21st, 7 PM  Planning Board Meeting to discuss Rt. 571 Concept Plan

·         Sept. 26th- Town Council Meeting- Task Force members should make public comments re dangerous conditions at the Alexander Rd S curve by the Canal

·         October 4th - 8PM BRT Open House at the municipal center

·         Oct. 13th- Next Task Force meeting (this date will have to be changed due to Yom Kippur)