REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
December 3, 2020
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: ANDREW J. BENELLI, PE, City Engineer/Assistant Director
Public Works Department
JILL GORMLEY, TE, City Traffic Engineer / Traffic Operations and Planning Manager
Public Works Department, Traffic Operations and Planning Division
SUBJECT
Title
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Semi-Annual Report (April 2020 through September 2020) (Citywide)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council review and accept the semi-annual report providing an overview of the BPAC activities for the period of April 2020 through September 2020.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2002, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee (BPAC) was established by charter 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 April 2020 through September 2020. It is the goal of the BPAC to provide the Council a report semi-annually.
BACKGROUND
In 2002, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee (BPAC) was established by charter 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 1, 2 and 4.
COVID-19 has presented challenges and changes for the BPAC: the March meeting was cancelled; In-person meetings were changed to an online platform; Bike to Work Day/Month was cancelled to honor social distancing requirements;
Four (4) task force committees were formed to discuss strategic planning, develop the semi-annual report, slow streets, and vision zero. The BPAC also provided five (5) letters of support for projects with bicycle and pedestrian components including the Palm Avenue Class IV project and the Dynamic Downtown Project. A complete list of the projects that the BPAC supported is included in the attachment.
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 goal of the BPAC is to assist the City in achieving the Silver Level in 2023. Other goals for the next six months include filling the vacancies in Districts 1, 2, and 4, meeting with the incoming Mayor and District 4 Councilmember, and assisting with the implementation of a slow streets program.
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 - Pedestrians: 25 fatalities, Bicyclists: 5 fatalities
• 2019 - Pedestrians: 20 fatalities, Bicyclists: 3 fatalities
• 2020 - Pedestrians: 22 fatalities, Bicyclists: 6 fatalities, (through September 23, 2020)
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 or 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 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.
Attachments:
Semi-Annual Report