ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a PRESENTATION by ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN and a REQUEST to ADOPT the PEORIA BICYCLE MASTER PLAN. (Refer to Item #14-205)
Body
BACKGROUND:
Over the years, numerous bicycle facilities have been constructed in the city of Peoria. These facilities consist of both separated, off-street trails and paths and on-street marked bike lanes and routing signs. They are generally installed in locations as opportunities arise, such as in vacated railroad right-of-way or during a road diet to better use the city’s roadway width. The main concern with this approach to providing bicycle facilities is that it lacks a comprehensive interconnected system to allow safe and convenient bicycling for commuting to work or school, and shopping and dining areas. A citywide plan needed to be developed to tie the existing facilities together and to form a connected network for bicycle riders.
In 2014, Public Works engaged the firm Alta Planning + Design to design a Bicycle Master Plan for the city. (Refer to Item #14-205.) This firm was selected because of their vast experience in developing bicycle plans and their comprehensive public involvement approach. Alta Planning + Design joined with local firms Crawford, Murphy & Tilly and Infrastructure Engineering to provide these professional services.
Over the course of the past year, information was gathered from three public workshops, online surveys and interactive maps, and steering committee meetings. With the existing bicycle facilities information and public comment, a draft plan was developed. In November of 2015 a final draft plan was submitted to the city Transportation Commission for discussion and comment. The Transportation Commission, the i-Team Coordinator, and bike advocates from Tri-County Regional Planning Commission and BikePeoria discussed the draft plan and submitted comments and suggestions back to the Consultant. In January 2016, the Transportation Commission voted to recommend the Bicycle Plan to the City Council for adoption. (Minutes of the January meeting attached).
The Peoria Bicycle Master Plan, as recommended by the Transportation Commission, is attached. This Plan is intended to help guide staff to make future project and maintenance priorities to provide an interconnected system of bicycle facilities throughout the City, as well as connect to other communities, to make the City of Peoria a bicycle friendly community. Additionally, this plan will assist the City in meeting the goals of the Complete Streets Policy, adopted in September 2015, which includes providing safe and efficient use of City roadways for all users whether they are walking, driving or cycling.
Staff has invited Joshua Sikich form Alta Planning + Design to present a short overview of the plan and to answer questions from members of the City Council.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The development of the Master Plan is budgeted item in the City’s Community Improvement Program. Implementation of the plan will require future funds.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: A Bicycle Master Plan will benefit neighborhoods by setting priorities for roadway design that will safely accommodate all roadway users, and will encourage healthy behavior for Peoria citizens and provide for better neighborhood connectivity.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The City of Peoria will have a Bicycle Master Plan to guide future infrastructure improvements.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The City of Peoria will not have an adopted Bicycle Master Plan.
ALTERNATIVES: NA
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: NA
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
2. Vibrant Downtown: Riverfront/ Central Business District/ Warehouse District
3. Grow Peoria: Businesses, Jobs, and Population
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Support sustainability.
3. Grow employers and jobs.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works