EAU CLAIRE
BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION

Meeting of July 19, 2011

The meeting was chaired by Bob Eierman and called to order at 7:06 p.m.

Members Present: Bob Eierman, Derek Parr, William Barry, Walter Reid, Dan May, Marian
Ritland, Jeff Lorentz, Beth Norquist Members Absent:      Libby Stupak , Christine Kondrasuk Staff Present:              Ross Spitz
Visitors Present: None

Minutes.  The minutes from the June 21, 2011 meeting were approved.

1.   Discussion of Eau Claire biking encouragement activities. As a follow up to a discussion held at the previous meeting, Ross provided the Commission with some information from the City Attorney regarding potential liability issues that my come up if BPAC sponsored a biking event. It was determined that as long as BPAC is organizing events within their charge, there should not be a liability issue according to state statutes. The City’s Risk Manager has requested that participants sign a waiver and that the use of bike helmets is strongly encouraged.

Bob Eierman would like BPAC to help sponsor a large bike event in the future. Possible ideas included a bike-in movie or possible an event similar to Madison’s “Ride the Drive” event. He said the group should think about which groups or businesses may donate funds to an event like this.  Also try to bring existing groups together that have a similar interest in promoting biking in the community. Also the group discussed setting up an informational booth at an existing event in the City such as International Fall Festival, Festival in the Pines or even the triathlon.  Another idea was to try to use the morning news programs to inform the public about bike education issues including rules of the road as they apply to bikes and pedestrians.

2.   Galloway Street Trail Signage update. Ross presented the draft signage plan for the section of the Old Abe Trail that heads from Phoenix Park, then along Galloway Street and turns north and follows Hastings Way. The plan includes destination information as well as directional information to help trail users navigate more easily. The goal is to have the signage in place this fall.
 
3.   Transportation Enhancement Project Updates. Ross gave a brief update on the two trail related projects that were funded under the Wisconsin Transportation Enhancement Project program. The first project involves converting the “high bridge” north of Madison Street into a bike/pedestrian trail. The second project involves the re-routing of the Chippewa River Trail at Short Street. Both projects are expected to be built in 2012.

4.   South Barstow Street update. Ross reminded the group of the upcoming public involvement meeting on August 4th for the downtown project. At the meeting, Ayres Associates will present their concept based on the feedback they have received date from the
public,  for Barstow Street, Eau Claire Street and the riverfront area. The Barstow Street design will be done using the two-way street option.

5.   Discussion of Clairemont Avenue Multi-Use Path Signals. The group discussed the letter they wanted to send to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation regarding how the pedestrian signals operate along the Clairemont Avenue trail.  The group is requesting that the “walk” signal come up with the green through movement automatically during the day. Dan May submitted an updated draft he had prepared. The group stated they liked the draft.  A motion was made by Derek Parr to use Dan May’s draft, the motion was seconded by Dan May.

6.   Recommendation on letter to WI DNR regarding the Chippewa River Trail. The group discussed final changes to the letter that requested the section of the Chippewa River State Trail south of the City that was washed out be permanently repaired. It is expected the letter would be sent out with a few days.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted,

Walter Reid, Secretary