REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Scott L. MOzier, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: jill m. Gormley, TE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
JOHN BARBERY, Supervising Engineering Technician
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) Semi-Annual Report (April 2023 through October 2023) (Citywide)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council review and accept the semi-annual report providing an overview of the ATAC activities for the period of April 2023 through October 2023.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On October 8, 2002, with a 7-0 vote the City Council established the Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC, formerly known as the the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)) as well as the charter and by-laws under which the ATAC would serve to advise the City Council on bicycle and pedestrian matters throughout the City. The goal of the ATAC is to ensure sensitivity to bicycle and pedestrian issues in the design and implementation of all Public Works projects which impact bicyclists and pedestrians. This semi-annual report will highlight the accomplishments and activities of the ATAC for the period of April 2023 through October 2023. It is the goal of the ATAC to provide the Council a report semi-annually.
BACKGROUND
On October 8, 2002, with a 7-0 vote the City Council established the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) as well as the charter and by-laws under which the BPAC would serve to advise the City Council on bicycle and pedestrian matters throughout the City. On May 25, 2023, a resolution was passed that renamed the BPAC to the “Active Transportation Advisory Committee” (ATAC). The change was in name only, as the Committee continued to center ATACs goals and objectives in continuing their effort to ensure safety and sensitivity to bicycle and pedestrian issues in the design and implementation of all Public Works projects which impact bicyclists and pedestrians. The ATAC meets monthly and is comprised of a representative for each Council District as well as two (2) Mayoral appointees.
Six (6) task force committees were formed or continued to discuss strategic planning for city-wide events that include Safety, ATAC Awards, Event Planning Committee Task Force, World Day of Remembrance Task Force, and Memorial Fund Task Force.
Through the objectives of the ATAC Charter, members participated in a variety of interactive and exciting events to promote active transportation facilities, education, and community in the City of Fresno’s. In August of 2023, ATAC members, along with City of Fresno leaders, traveled to Münster, Germany, our sister city, to collaborate with City leaders on bike infrastructure networks, as Münster has successfully generated a 47% ridership amongst its residents. ATAC members participated in the 2023 PEDAL Summit, a daylong event that included several motivating speakers from around the world and City representatives to discuss the valuable impact that active transportation has had in their communities. The PEDAL Summit also included a variety of “break-out rooms” that provided information on topics ranging from active transportation policy and planning to transportation safety, to learning about the future of E-bikes in our communities. ATAC also provided five (5) letters of support for grant applications for projects with bicycle and pedestrian components. A complete list of the projects supported by letter is included in the attachment. Members of the World Day of Remembrance Task Force were diligent in strategizing and planning the City’s second annual World Day of Remembrance event which pays homage to bicyclists and pedestrians who were victims to vehicle collisions in Fresno. The event was held on November 19.
ATAC has been active in the City’s groundwork for a Vision Zero Action Plan to make every street as safe as possible for our most vulnerable users with a goal of zero traffic related deaths. A task force was formed to determine how to memorialize past victims involved in vehicle crashes as well as placement for memorial construction. Committee members continue to be passionate in their effort to ensure that safety and consideration of bicyclists and pedestrians are inclusive in planning for all members of the community.
The City of Fresno was recognized as a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly City in 2019. Current and former ATAC members assisted City staff in reapplying for Bicycle Friendly City status in August. Other goals for the next six months include filling vacancies on the committee, updating the Active Transportation Plan, and working to develop the Vision Zero Action Plan.
Of particular interest to the ATAC are the number of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities occurring within the city limits. Based on monthly activity reports, the following are the number of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities by year:
• 2018 - Pedestrian 25, Bicyclist 5
• 2019 - Pedestrian 20, Bicyclist 3
• 2020 - Pedestrian 29, Bicyclist 6
• 2021 - Pedestrian 22, Bicyclist 3
• 2022 - Pedestrian 23, Bicyclist 7
• 2023 - Pedestrian 16, Bicyclist 1 (January 1, 2023 - October 15, 2023)
Fatalities Year to Date - Pedestrian 16, Bicyclist 1
Per the charter, the ATAC is also tasked with reviewing matters related to walking and bicycling, including the following:
• Providing input into the development and review of the comprehensive bicycle/pedestrian goals, objectives, and policies (i.e. General Plan, Specific Plans, ATP)
• Working with the City to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety
• Review and comment on the functional classification and physical condition of existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities
• Identify road hazards, obstruction, site access restrictions, and circulation impediments as they affect cyclists and pedestrians
• Identify the current provisions of bicycle parking facilities within the City and recommend appropriate bicycle technology and locations which would increase use of bicycles
• Review all projects that fall within the City’s jurisdiction insofar as they relate to bicycling and walking
• Evaluate and make recommendations regarding safety issues for all types of bicycle and pedestrian facilities
• Make recommendations on capital improvements to increase the use and safety of bicycle and pedestrian facilities
• Participate in the review, prioritizing and recommendations of bicycle and pedestrian projects for funding under either Capital Improvement Programs, designated Transportation Development Act Article 3 funds or other district, county, state or federal bicycle and pedestrian grant programs
• Provide input to the City County and Police Department regarding enforcement provisions of the vehicle code pertaining to the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists and pedestrians, bicycle parking security and theft prevention, legislation regarding bicycle and pedestrian travel in the City of Fresno
• Participate in the City’s effort to promote operator awareness and competence through education programs, coordinating with County projects where available
• Participate in the City’s effort to promote bicycling and walking as viable forms of urban transportation and recreation
• Participate in other local, regional or statewide bicycle and walking promotion activities and take a leadership role in planning and implementing Bike to Work Day/Week in May
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, the semi-annual report does not qualify as a “project” as defined by CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because the semi-annual report does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
The semi-annual report has been accomplished within the operating budget of the Public Works Department. There will be no additional impact on the General Fund.
Attachment(s):
ATAC Semi-Annual Report May 2023 - October 2023
ATAC Letters of Support Project List