REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: ANDREW J. BENELLI, PE, City Engineer/Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic Engineering Division
JILL GORMLEY, TE, Traffic Operations and Planning Manager
Public Works Department, Traffic Operations and Planning
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Acknowledge an update to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee’s 2003 charter and the name change of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee
Body
RECOMMENDATION
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is recommending the Council acknowledge the update of the 2003 charter and committee name change.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On October 8, 2002 the City Council established the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and the charter and by-laws under which the BPAC operates were approved on May 13, 2003. The goal of the BPAC is to ensure sensitivity to bicycle and pedestrian issues in the design and implementation of all Public Works projects which impact bicyclists and pedestrians. The proposed name change to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee and updates to the charter and by-laws will allow the committee to continue to operate in a manner that reflects those goals, today and in the future.
BACKGROUND
On October 8, 2002 with a 7-0 vote the City Council established the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The charter by-laws under which the BPAC would serve to advise the City Council on bicycle and pedestrian matters throughout the City were approved on May 13, 2003. The nine-member committee meets monthly and is comprised of appointees from each of the Council Districts as well as two Mayoral appointees. The goal of the BPAC is to represent the Council Districts and Mayor’s Office in working with City staff to prioritize bicycle and pedestrian issues in the design and implementation of Public Works projects which impact bicyclists and pedestrians.
Active transportation is a viable transportation option in the City of Fresno. The City has established many policies and goals related to providing and maintaining safe, available, and accessible transportation options for people of all ages and abilities choosing to walk, bike, or use other non-motorized devices such as scooters, wheelchairs, and skateboards to travel throughout the City. The City has been designated a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclist since 2010.
Active transportation has evolved since 2003 when the BPAC charter was approved. Policy changes at the local, state and national level have brought more attention to the importance of well planned, connected active transportation networks that allow people to travel throughout the City without reliance on a vehicle. The 2003 charter referenced bicyclist and pedestrians. The current committee members desire to update the BPAC charter language to reflect the changes in the active transportation environment and be more reflective of all the different types of active transportation users. Similarly, the name change is proposed to be more inclusive of all types of active transportation users and not just cycling and walking.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, these actions do not qualify as a “project.”
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because the BPAC charter update and name change does not include a bid or award a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
The implementation of the BPAC charter update and name change will not have any impact to the General Fund.
Attachment(s):
Active Transportation Advisory Committee charter - November 2021
Resolution