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
CARLA GONZALEZ, Active Transportation Coordinator
Public Works Department, Traffic Operations and Planning Division
SUBJECT
Title
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Semi-Annual Report (November 2022 through April 2023) (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 November 2022 through April 2023.
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 November 2022 through April 2023. 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 no District vacancies.
With the expiration of the emergency declaration for COVID-19 by Governor Newsom, the City of Fresno discontinued the emergency orders that went into effect February 20, 2023, and the BPAC resumed to in-person meetings.
Five (5) task force committees were formed or continued to discuss strategic planning for city-wide events that included Bike Month, BPAC Awards, and the Event Planning Committee Task Force to promote and lead events such as World Day of Remembrance, and May is Bike Month 2023.
Through the objectives of the BPAC Charter, members participated and provided recommendations at community events and planning meetings for the new Class IV separated bikeway in Tower District along Van Ness Avenue in District 1, Fancher Creek Pop-Up Trail event in District 5, participation in Fresno’s Kit-of Parts Tactical Urbanism event in Southwest Fresno on California Avenue for a separated bikeway and artistic crosswalk demonstration for the students of Edison High School in District 3, and the Audubon Projects meeting to discuss bicycle and pedestrian safety along the Audubon Corridor in District 2. The BPAC also actively participated in public review and comment for the Fancher Creek Trail Plan in January 2023. The Event Planning Committee Task force also led and organized the first World Day of Remembrance (WDoR), held in November 2022 with a bike ride and lighting of the water tower to remember traffic road victims - with BPAC’s advocacy and dedication a proclamation was sponsored by City Councilmembers of District 2, and District 4 and presented at the Fresno City Council to honor road traffic victims and recognize the WDoR event. With support from BPAC, the City of Fresno was awarded $400,000 for a Vision Zero Action Plan through the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant program in January 2023. The BPAC also filled previous vacancies for District 3, and District 7.
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. The Public Works Department re-structured its Traffic Operations and Planning Division to increase staff and prioritize active transportation through city planning, policies, and budget. This includes the planning for a Vision Zero Action Plan and the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Update. Goals for the next six months include updating the BPAC Charter and committee name to the Active Transportation Committee which is scheduled to go to Council for approval on May 25, 2023. The BPAC Safety Awards, planning of a citywide Bike Month event for 2023, continue working with the City of Fresno on a Vision Zero Plan, and participate in the ATP update.
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 23, Bicyclist 7
• 2023 - Pedestrian 9, Bicyclist 1 between January 1, 2023 - April 30, 2023
Fatalities Year to Date - Pedestrian 9, Bicyclist 1
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 November 2022 - April 30, 2023.