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
ANDREINA AGUILAR, Chief Engineering Technician
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) Semi-Annual Report (November 2023 through April 2024). (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 November 2023 through April 2024
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 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 November 2023 through April 2024. 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.
Five (5) task force committees were formed or continued to discuss strategic planning for city-wide events that include World Day of Remembrance Task Force, Memorial Fund Task Force, Welcoming & Member On-boarding Task Force, Bike Month Task Force, and 2024-2025 Budget Task Force. ATAC hosted the City’s second annual World Day of Remembrance event which pays homage to bicyclists and pedestrians who were victims of vehicle collisions in Fresno. The event was held on November 19. A Memorial Task Force was formed to determine how to memorialize past victims involved in vehicle crashes as well as placement for memorial construction. The Bike Month Task Force co-sponsored and planned Bike Ride with the Mayor which included Council members as well.
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. ATAC provided six (6) letters of support for grant applications for projects with bicycle and pedestrian components. In addition, members are active in various capacities throughout the community, leading bike rides and repair clinics, being involved in various plan updates, and conducting advocacy. ATAC has been active in the City’s planning efforts for the Active Transportation Plan Update and the Vision Zero Action Plan. Members continue to serve as a voice to help build a connected network and to make every street as safe as possible for our most vulnerable users with a goal of zero traffic related deaths. Committee members continue to be passionate in their effort to ensure that safety and consideration of bicyclists and pedestrians are inclusive in planning and design of capital improvement projects.
The City of Fresno maintained their Bronze Level destination for Bicycle Friendly Community in Fall 2023. Current and former ATAC members assisted City staff in reapplying for Bicycle Friendly Community status in August 2023. Other goals for the next six months include filling vacancies on the committee, updating the Active Transportation Plan, developing the Vision Zero Action Plan, and continuing to provide support on grant application for active transportation projects.
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 22, Bicyclist 2
• 2024 - Pedestrian 14, Bicyclist 3 (January 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024)
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 November 2023 - April 2024
ATAC Letters of Support Project List