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
SUBJECT
Title
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Semi-Annual Report (April 2021 through September 2021) (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 2021 through September 2021.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has adopted a goal of providing the Council with a report on a semi-annual basis. This semi-annual report will highlight the accomplishments and activities of the BPAC for the period of April 2021 through September 2021.
BACKGROUND
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. The BPAC meets monthly and is comprised of a representative for each Council District as well as two (2) Mayoral appointees. There is currently a vacant position in District 1. COVID-19 has presented challenges and changes for the BPAC: In-person meetings have continued to be held via an online platform; Bike to Work Day/Month was cancelled for the second year to honor social distancing requirements.
Five (5) task force committees were formed or continued to discuss strategic planning, the Palm/Belmont Class IV project, to develop educational PSA videos for sharrows and HAWKS that included Spanish translation, develop educational opportunities for the 2022 fiscal year, Vision Zero, and to develop the Bicycle and Pedestrian Awards. In 2021 BPAC presented its inaugural Paul A. Martinez Pedestrian Safety Award and Nick Paladino Bicycle Safety Award. The BPAC also provided eight (8) letters of support for grant applications for projects with bicycle and pedestrian components including the California Avenue Complete Streets Project and the Barstow and Bond Traffic Signal Project. A complete list of the projects supported by letter are included in the attached.
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. One suggestion to achieve the Silver designation was to hire an ATP Coordinator, which was the principal recommendation from the Strategic Task Force. This new position was included in the FY2022 Budget, and the position has been filled. Other goals for the next six months include filling the District 1 vacancy and working with CMAC to develop an educational public service announcement for pedestrian scrambles, continue research on Vision Zero, and updating of the BPAC Charter.
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 13, Bicyclist 3 between April 2021 through September 2021
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:
BPAC Letter of Support Project List