Commissioners Bretko, Nutter, Rogers, Green, Chapman, and Hartzell were present. Spear, Burke and Baxter arrived late.

Green called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.

Green noted that Baxter would be late, and she explained that he would like to hold the discussion of the annual "Car Free" event until after he arrives. Green also pointed out that Burke is working on a project and stated that he would be about one hour late.

Ken Gosling of the City of Talent Parks Commission introduced himself, and explained that he is serving as the bicycle coordinator for the City of Talent. Gosling recognized that, to date, Talent has done little about bicycles. He stated that he has an interest in cycling and is trying to build public interest in the issue. He noted that he hopes to build a good working relationship with the City of Ashland. Gosling also stated that he served on Ashland’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission in the early 1990’s. Gosling explained that Talent is now looking at an inventory of bike facilities, as well as considering needs for the upcoming improvements on Talent Avenue. Gosling emphasized that he is here unofficially, as a private citizen, but that the City of Talent was aware of his visit. He questioned whether the commission would be interested in working together.

Rogers noted that the commissioners have an informal get-together for coffee on Tuesday mornings at 8:00 at the Grizzly Peak Roasting Company on First Street, and suggested that Gosling might want to stop by.

Hartzell questioned what survey is to be done in Talent. Gosling responded that he has been walking and driving around Talent to inventory routes. He noted that Talent is working to develop a downtown plan, and he pointed out that the current comprehensive plan advocates alternative transportation without providing much detail. Hartzell suggested that Gosling consider attending the upcoming Joint Study Session as a potential way to gauge interest on the part of the City of Ashland in working on ways to connect the two communities even more.

Baxter arrived at 5:17 p.m.

Marshall Fox inquired about the possibility of repairing the section of paved bike path just past Lynn Newbry Park in Talent, which is broken up with tree roots. Harris provided contact information in Jackson County as this section is outside of Ashland’s jurisdiction. Fox also questioned the bike paths to be put in on Siskiyou Boulevard during the redesign. Chapman noted that the Siskiyou redesign proposal was on the board and would be discussed later in the meeting.

Spear arrived at 5:25 p.m.

Nutter noted that his motion from the last meeting to lengthen the meeting by 30 minutes would enable the commission to accomplish more. He suggested that making the meetings 15-30 minutes would be a great help. Bretko, Rogers, Chapman, and Rogers agreed. Green questioned if a 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. meeting would work for everyone. Hartzell stated that she would prefer a 5:00 start time. Harris indicated that a 4:30 start time was better for staff. Green stated she would prefer to begin at 4:30 p.m. Spear concurred. There was general consensus to lengthen meetings by 30 minutes, and to begin meetings at 4:30 p.m. starting with the December 20^th meeting.

Chapman noted the Siskiyou Boulevard design is roughly 30% complete, and stated that the design would be presented on December 5^th, from 3-5 p.m., at the City Council Chambers, and from 4-7 p.m. on December 6^th at SOU’s Stevenson Union.

Chapman clarified that there were still two items that need to be decided: 1) the roundabout in front of the Fire Station; and 2) the lane configuration on Ashland Street to Walker Avenue, which has been discussed as either a 3 or 5 lanes. Chapman also pointed out that there would be a left turn lane from Ashland Street onto Siskiyou Boulevard to assist business owners in the vicinity. Chapman stated that the design called for 5-foot wide bikelanes from the Fire Station to Walker Avenue, and he noted that the project will be bid in May or June with construction to begin in July.

There was discussion of whether a different type of pavement would help to identify the bike lanes. Green noted that this was already a formal recommendation of this commission to be considered in the design. Chapman stated that he would like to be made aware of other commissioners’ comments on the design, or to have other commissioners attend the meeting.

Green inquired about the possibility of designating the sidewalks as pedestrian-only; Chapman responded that the city would not discourage bikes on sidewalks. Nutter questioned whether a recommendation from the commission on the use of colored asphalt would be beneficial, and Harris noted that the commission had already made a formal recommendation to that effect. Harris clarified that the conceptual design has already been approved, with the final design decisions for the bikelanes left up to the Public Works Director. Hartzell noted that the project would be coming back to the council on issues including the roundabout and whether to have 3 or 5 lanes on the Ashland Street end. Harris reiterated that colored asphalt is on the list of recommendations, and stated that the final decisions will be cost-based. Nutter asked that staff check in with Public Works on how these recommendations will be addressed.

Traffic Safety Commissioner George Fardelmann noted that in Denmark bikelanes are gradually raised about an inch above the road surface. Harris explained that this had been considered, but she pointed out that the graduated rise would require more width than is available on Siskiyou. Nutter questioned whether a barrier could be used to distinguish the bikelane from the motor vehicle travel lane. Harris pointed out that physical barriers typically create bicycle safety concerns.

Fox suggested that a raised, convex design to the bike lane markings might be a solution. Rogers noted that this was brought up previously, but dropped due to potential safety concerns. Hartzell questioned whether zebra-striping the lane might help to identify it better. Harris clarified that zebra striping is done with a thermo-plastic application that is not detectable to car tires. Fox noted that raised bump lane markings used on highways provide an effective reminder not to inadvertently cross into another lane.

Baxter noted that the subcommittee met and discussed the annual event. He explained that the original intent behind the event was to raise awareness among the general public and promote the use of alternative modes of transportation. Baxter stated that the subcommittee had concluded that the annual event as it has been done up until now has achieved neither of these objectives. He stated that the subcommittee had concluded that the commission should not continue the event as it has existed in the past. Baxter emphasized that there are clearly other means to encourage these objectives, and he suggested that the commission look at other creative ways to achieve these objectives.

Baxter noted that a CATS-type pledge program could be reinstated, and he also suggested an annual alternative transportation festival to focus on specific methods of alternative transportation. Baxter concluded that the commission should actively pursue effective means of achieving the objectives it sets.

Chapman noted that the RVTD newsletter did indicate a 900-rider increase in their bus usage for Car Free Day.

Green questioned whether street or lane closures and critical mass rides were discussed. Baxter noted that both of these options were discussed, and stated that a non-confrontational "sub-critical mass ride" had been looked at as well. Baxter asked if this sort of thing might be better received if promoted by a non-official body or through the high school. Baxter clarified that the sub critical mass ride would involve an organized circuit of cyclists riding in traffic in Ashland, with businesses providing refreshments and a ride director working to control the flow of cyclists to prevent confrontations.

Bretko agreed with the idea of identifying specific routes and having neighborhoods, clubs or groups adopt these routes to ride in significant numbers on specified days.

Hartzell emphasized that there is a need to address transit and walking, and to encourage all non-motorized transport. She stated that she would like to see a regular schedule of events to allow people to drop in for those that suit their interests.

Rogers noted that the BTA sponsors an event in September similar to what RVTD has been doing.

Baxter explained that people need to see more cyclists and pedestrians on the road on this day, so that they can begin to see cycling, walking, and riding the bus as viable alternatives.

Harris noted staff’s concern with the idea of confrontational critical mass rides, and stated that the "sub-critical" format Baxter had discussed seemed much different. Baxter stated that he envisioned participants signing liability waivers as they would when entering a race to cover potential liability.

Chapman discussed the pedestrian sting operation in the City of Bend that he heard about while attending a recent conference. He noted that Bend had wanted to avoid entrapment concerns and was very up front by telling citizens two weeks before the operation, with full media coverage announcing that violators would receive a $175 ticket. He noted that there was TV coverage, signage, and cones placed before the crosswalk, and that a plainclothes officer entered the cross walk while another videotaped offenders, and two officers in patrol cars served as "chasers." Chapman noted that despite publicizing the sting well in advance, 165 tickets were issued in a two-hour per day operation over two weeks, and only one of these tickets was contested. Chapman noted similar sting in Ashland.

Green suggested combining some other elements with a sub-critical ride to promote education.

Commissioner Jason Burke arrived at 6:06 p.m.

Baxter/Spear m/s to discontinue Car Free Day as it has existed in the past. Discussion: Members expressed their intention to continue with the spirit and purpose behind the event. Barnes noted that RVTD would continue to do its Car Free Day, but he stated that he liked the idea of a sub-critical mass ride. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed.

Baxter stated that he would like to meet in subcommittee to begin discussion of the sub-critical mass ride idea. He also asked that staff find out an official position from the city on this idea. Chapman suggested continued brainstorming to develop other ideas. Baxter stated that he would keep everyone up to date on future subcommittee meeting dates and times.

Hartzell stated that the annual event had been a focal point for the commission, and recognized the danger of letting things fall off of the radar screen without the annual event to provide focus.

Harris noted some of the difficulty the commission had encountered in the past, and stated that the sub-critical mass ride might be more practical and effective.

Traffic Safety Commissioner George Fardelmann asked if there was any interest in a pledging system similar to what C.A.T.S. had done previously. He noted that there is some interest on the part of the Traffic Safety Commission. He distributed some background information on this idea.

Spear explained that the commission had previously indicated it was in favor of the concept, but that there had not been interest in taking on the program under commission sponsorship. Fardelmann noted that a similar incentive program in Portland allowed participants to earn REI gift certificates. He suggested that the initial set-up of the program would primarily involve marketing. With follow-up calls quarterly when it was time for pledges to be renewed.

Nutter stated that he thought this was a good idea, but he suggested that it might be a bit premature. He indicated that it might work better down the road, after the sub-critical mass rides are in place. Fardelmann suggested that the commitment required would not be that significant.

Rogers suggested that the commissioners serve as role models. Hartzell noted that the program could be promoted in the newspaper to keep it in peoples’ minds.

Green stated that while she does not disagree with the program, she is not a strong supporter. She noted that she is concerned with creating an invisible program that goes unnoticed. She suggested that a target number of those to be "converted" should be identified and then a strategy created to reach this target. She indicated that she could not get behind the program as it is.

Fardelmann explained that the point of this idea is to try to encourage people to change their behavior on more than the one day per year, and stated that the target is to get people thinking about not driving. Hartzell stated that the program would provide a sort of monitoring piece.

Baxter stated that he liked the idea, but he questioned how it would work. He concurred that the year-round approach was a way to get a commitment from people and take the commission’s efforts beyond the "feel good" level. Baxter also agreed that the program would require developing some sort of framework and targeting groups.

Fardelmann noted that grants to subsidize RVTD ridership for those who commit not to drive certain days could be pursued.

Rogers stated that this is a good idea, but she also stated that it would take more work than expected.

Fardelmann questioned whether the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission would sign on in support of the program if the Traffic Safety Commission decides to run the program. There was generally consensus that the commission was supportive of the idea. Chapman questioned what would come next, and Fardelmann indicated that if they decide to move ahead, the Traffic Safety Commission would likely form a subcommittee. The commissioners expressed their appreciation to Fardelmann for his attendance.

Rogers noted that the commission had begun it’s efforts to develop a Car Free curriculum in local schools over a year ago, to the point of preparing binders outlining potential curricula to present to the schools and forming a subcommittee. She explained that school letting out for the summer had derailed the committee’s efforts. Rogers went on to explain that Scott Bricker from the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) had recently proposed a partnership with the commission to begin a pilot program in an Ashland school, to be one of only three such programs in the state. Rogers noted that discussion of this proposal had spurred the formation of a work plan at the subcommittee level.

Green noted that the subcommittee had recommended weekly or twice weekly events in schools, and had suggested that these occur either Tuesday and Wednesday or Wednesday and Thursday. Green stated that the commissioner roles will be very labor intensive in helping the school select its curriculum from the workbooks and then creating packets. Green recognized that momentum would build after the initial efforts.

Green also noted that there was a possibility of involving students from the charter school to carry the program into other schools. Green stated that there are six big tasks laid out in the work plan and all are relatively significant. Green noted that Lincoln School is eager to begin and has already put information in their newsletter.

Rogers stated that she had spoken to one of the teachers, and that she would be in going to a class to speak to some students on Friday, November 16^th. It was suggested that binders be provided to those on the student council so that they could be involved in choosing the curriculum to be followed.

Green identified curriculum options for Nutter as a walking school bus, a bicycle train, a physical education component, and safe route mapping. It was noted that the binders include a specific, step-by-step curriculum for each option. Rogers noted that she currently teaches bicycle safety, and she clarified that this is all done for the school without involving the teachers. She suggested that with BTA’s help the school car free program could be handled in a similar manner.

Green emphasized that the commission’s intent is to build the strength of the program through the involvement of the school community of parents and teachers, with the commission to serve as guides to get the program underway and then hand it off to the school once it is established.

Harris suggested contacting the teacher who has expressed interest in the program and working with him to develop the specifics of the curriculum. Rogers clarified that she does not know the level of this teacher’s interest. Harris suggested that this is crucial in determining the next step. Rogers noted that the teacher in question is the one who oversees the city council students, and Rogers stated that she would be speaking to him tomorrow.

Harris emphasized that curriculum development is a huge undertaking, and suggested that Rogers verify the teacher’s interest and then focus in from there. Rogers noted that she could take the binder "menu" in and begin working with the student council from there. There was general agreement that this was the way to proceed. Rogers clarified that her goal is to meet with the student, find out where they are in there interest in the program and what they want to do, and then determine the next step from there.

Harris suggested asking the teacher what he needs to support his taking on this project. Hartzell suggested sharing the action plan and seeing what he thinks of it. Harris noted that the teacher needs to be motivated, as well as the kids, and suggested that this could best be accomplished by determining what kind of help he will need. Rogers pointed out that the teacher who has expressed interest, Louis, is a music teacher who works with the student council class and essentially lets them creatively pursue their own interests.

Hartzell suggested looking at where to start and determining the amount of time available. Rogers noted that there was some student interest in making posters. Green suggested getting the program going before everything is in place and then adding elements as they are ready.

Harris noted that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is doing a project to repave Highway 99 from Valley View Road through Ashland to the Public Library. She explained that there have been requests for installation of a bikelane during this project, but she clarified that a bikelane is not part of the current project due to right of way requirements. Harris went on to note that because of this, she has pulled together a request to the Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) summarizing the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commissioners concerns and asking that the TSC request a speed limit reduction on North Main Street from ODOT. Harris noted that she does not have any traffic information at this point, and that 25 mph. is likely the lowest speed that can be posted in this area. She also pointed out that she did not believe that ODOT would drop the posted speed more than 15 mph. from the 45 mph coming into the city.

Chapman and Nutter stated that they would like the speed limit downtown to be 20 mph, with 5 mph incremental increases away from the downtown, with no place in the city to allow speeds over 30 mph. Hartzell pointed out that the police do not issue tickets until a driver goes 11 mph over the speed limit. Chapman stated that this does not seem realistic, given that 11 mph would be more than 50% over a posted speed of 20 mph.

Harris noted that she did not think that too much work was needed on this request up front, as the state will do research in response to the request. Harris clarified that she would request a 20-mph speed limit from Manzanita Street to Gresham Street, and 25 mph from the north city limits to Manzanita Street. Chapman stated that he would not be opposed to a 30-mph speed limit from Grant Street to the city limits. Fardelmann and Chapman agreed that in the downtown area, both Main Street and Lithia Way should be posted at 20 mph. Harris clarified that she would update her memo and route it to Assistant City Engineer Jim Olson with revisions.

Bretko inquired whether other groups would be supportive to this request. Harris responded that the Planning Commission had also requested that the speed limits in this area be reconsidered. Fardelmann questioned whether they are looking at the speed limits on Siskiyou Boulevard as well.

Green asked that any agenda items for the next meeting be sent to her at least a week in advance so that she could work with staff to prepare the agenda.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.