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 Operations and Planning
JILL GORMLEY, TE, City Traffic Engineer / Traffic Operations & Planning Manager
Public Works Department, Traffic Operations and Planning Division
CARLA GONZALEZ, Active Transportation Coordinator
Public Works Department, Traffic Operations and Planning Division
SUBJECT
Title
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Semi-Annual Report (May 2022 through October 2022) (Citywide)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council review and accept the semi-annual report providing an overview of the BPAC activities for the period of May 2022 through October 2022.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On October 8, 2002, with a 7-0 vote the City Council established the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and the charter and by-laws under which the BPAC would serve to advise the City Council on bicycle and pedestrian matters throughout the City. 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. This semi-annual report will highlight the accomplishments and activities of the BPAC for the period of May 2022 through October 2022. It is the goal of the BPAC 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) and the charter by-laws under which the BPAC would serve to advise the City Council on bicycle and pedestrian matters throughout the City. 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 BPAC meets monthly and is comprised of a representative for each Council District as well as two (2) Mayoral appointees. There are currently vacant positions in Districts 5 and 7.
COVID-19 has presented challenges and changes for the BPAC: In-person meetings have continued to be held via an online platform. However, with the recent lift of COVID-19 restrictions City Council chambers were opened to the public and discussions for in-person meetings. BPAC is currently in discussion to resume in-person meetings pending the decision of extending emergency orders by City Administration.
Five (5) task force committees were formed or continued to discuss strategic planning for city-wide events that included Bike Month, the BPAC Awards, World Day of Remembrance, to finalize an educational video about Pedestrian Scrambles, BPAC budget list for fiscal year 2023, and a Vision Zero presentation. The task force commitments led to the completion of a Pedestrian Scramble PSA, Proclamation and BPAC award Ceremony for Bike Month in May presented at City Council to Dr. Anthony Molina for the Nicholas Paladino Bicycle Safety Award, Vision Zero presentation at City Council, and the formation of the Event Planning Committee Task Force to promote and lead events such as World Day of Remembrance and Bike Month for fiscal year 2023.
Through the objectives of the BPAC Charter, members participated and provided recommendations at community events and planning meetings for the South Fresno Trail project, Van Ness Class IV Protected Bike Lane project, and Safe Access to Woodward Park - Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training Program. The BPAC also actively participated in community surveys for proposed grant applications submitted to the Active Transportation Cycle 6 State program and led a presentation for Vision Zero to City Council in support of the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Vision Zero Plan grant application both submitted by the Public Works Department.
The City of Fresno was recognized as a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly City in November of 2019. This is the City’s third designation at the Bronze Level. A continued goal of the BPAC is to assist the City in achieving the Silver Level in 2023. In January of 2022, the City announced the hiring of the new Active Transportation Coordinator to help in achieving this goal. Other goals for the next six months include filling the District 5 and District 7 vacancies, update the BPAC Charter, BPAC Safety Awards, planning of a citywide Bike Month event for 2023 and continue working with the City of Fresno on a Vision Zero Plan.
Of particular interest to the BPAC 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 18, Bicyclist 5 between May 2022 through October 2022
Fatalities Year to Date - Pedestrian 23, Bicyclist 7
Per the charter, the BPAC 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):
BPAC Semi-Annual Report May 2022 - October 2022
BPAC Letters of Support Project List