EAU CLAIRE
BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION

Meeting of October 18, 2011

The meeting was chaired by Bob Eierman and called to order at 7:05 p.m. 

Members Present: Bob Eierman, Derek Parr, William Barry, Walter Reid, Jeff Lorentz, Christine Kondrasuk, Beth Norquist, Libby Stupak, Dan May, Marian Ritland

Members Absent:   None

Staff Present:  Pat Ivory

Visitors Present: None

Minutes.    The minutes from the September 20, 2011 meeting were approved as written. 

1. Discussion of Bicycling/Pedestrian Encouragement Activities.  The Commission continued their discussion regarding activities or events that the Commission could sponsor or participate in to educate and encourage the public about bicycling and walking.  Bob Eierman and Dan May stated that they had reviewed a listing of the City’s special events and they contacted representatives from 12 of the special events to inquire as to whether they would be interested incorporating a bicycle related activity such as an educational booth or a  bicycle ride into their event.  Some of the events contacted included: Taste of the Valley, Summerfest, International Fall Festival, Festival in the Pines, Earth Day, and Hike for the Homeless.  Bob and Dan indicated that several event representatives indicated an interest in working with BPAC.

The Commission also mentioned possible BPAC coordination with the Farmer’s Market, the City’s triathlon, and area businesses such as the hospitals and insurance companies.

Bob added that the Tour de Chancellor bicycle ride was held on Saturday, September 24th to encourage bicycling for UWEC students, and faculty.  Approximately 50 people participated.

Beth Norquist updated the Commission on the status of the repairs to the Chippewa River State Trail south of the City.  Work in on-going and should be completed in several weeks.

Bob noted that the WI DOT had made the changes to the signals along the pathway on the north side of Clairemont Avenue.  The stop signs at the intersections for those using the pathway were also removed.

Pat Ivory updated the Commission on the status of the 2012 City budget noting that funding was proposed in the budget for signing of the bicycle routes.  He also added that the trail maps posted on the City’s website would be updated by the end of the year.

2. Discussion of Draft Bicycle Parking Provisions.  The Commission continued their discussion regarding the draft provisions that were presented at the August and September meetings relating to requiring bicycle parking for new development.  The provisions include design standards for the bicycle parking spaces and standards for required bicycle parking spaces to be provided.  The required spaces are based on a percentage of the required vehicle parking. 
The discussion included a review of a number of examples of recent site plans and how the proposed bicycle parking standards would have applied to these site plans. 

The Commission then discussed the draft ordinance that was prepared based on standards used by the cities of Madison, Minneapolis, and La Crosse.  They also discussed several recommendations made by the Director of the Department of Community Development. 

ACTION TAKEN:  Walter Reid moved to amend the wording for item #10 to read, “In review of a site plan, where the applicant can document that the expected need for bicycle parking is different from the required parking, or where the bicycle parking is uncertain due to unknown or unusual operating characteristics of the use, the Plan Commission can reduce (up to 50% of) or add to the required bicycle parking.”  Marion Ritland seconded the motion.  All votes were in favor.  Motion carried.

The issue of moped parking was discussed and whether it should be included in the draft ordinance.  It was noted that this issue was raised at a recent Plan Commission meeting.  The Commission indicated that moped parking can be an issue as mopeds can take up bicycle parking spaces at racks, yet the mopeds are large enough that they don’t need to be supported by a bicycle rack.  The Commission did not come to a consensus on this issue.

The Commission also made several additional changes to items #3, #5 and #7 which they indicated that they would discuss again at their November meeting.

3. Proposed State Law Changes Related to Bicycles and Mopeds.  This item was tabled until the November meeting. 

4. Update on South Barstow Street and South Hastings Way Projects.  This item was tabled until the November meeting.

5. Other Updates and Future Agenda Items.
A. Future Agenda Items.  The Commission requested that a representative from the Police Department attend a future meeting to discuss pedestrian and bicycling safety and education issues.  Pat noted that the regulations regarding bicycle prohibitions on certain sidewalks should also be discussed at a future meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Walter Reid, Secretary