Title
Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Adopting the On-Street Bicycle Master Plan
Summary
MEETING DATE: June 5, 2012
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Engineering
CONTACT: Gary Graham, PE, PTOE, Transportation Engineering Manager
Dan Heischman, PE, Senior Engineer
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Conduct a public hearing and approve the Resolution adopting the on-street bicycle master plan.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This Resolution adopts the On-Street Master Bicycle Plan as presented to the City Council on April 23, 2012.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant provides a total of $200,000 for the development of an On-Street Bicycle Master Plan.
• In October 2010 Council authorized a contract with Renaissance Planning Group to prepare an On-Street Bicycle Transportation Master Plan, for an amount not to exceed $170,000.
• Phase I elements of the bike plan will be funded with the remaining grant funds (approximately $40,000).
• The plan will serve as a guide for the installation of treatments throughout the City and before treatments are installed, a detailed evaluation of the treatment will be conducted by staff.
• The plan is intended to be dynamic and will be periodically updated through Council Resolution as new roadways and developments are constructed.
• The City of McKinney Comprehensive Plan includes a Hike and Bike Trail Master Plan; however, it does not include on-street bike routes.
• The proposed master plan addresses the following:
o Integrates bike routes into the current Hike and Bike Trail Master Plan thereby filling in the missing links in the system
o Includes recommendations regarding the implementation and completion of the various elements
o Recommends facility treatments to increase safety of riders
o Recommends policies and programs for education and public awareness
• Renaissance Planning Group developed the bike route plan based on information received from:
o Community workshops
o Outreach activities
o Public input gathered at numerous public meetings
o On-the-ground investigations and research
o Interviews with staff and local bike advocates
• Consideration was given to the reasons bicyclists use roadways, the experience level of the cyclists, roadway characteristics, and the relative priority of the desired routes and destinations.
• Bike routes are intended to be used by bicyclists that are aware of the rules of the road and can maneuver on a street with traffic.
Benefits of On-Street Bike Routes
o Designated bike routes increase driver awareness of bicyclists on roadways
o Sharrows remind both bicyclists and drivers that a travel lane is to be shared
o Provide safe and appropriate place to ride
o Avoids bike routes in areas where only experienced bicyclists should ride
Timing of Implementation Routes
o The master plan is to be used a guide for the implementation of the network and will be completed in phases over a long term, as funds and opportunity arises
o New roadways will be designed to incorporate the elements needed for the bike route
Types of Routes
o Sharrows (pavement markings)
o Bicycle Boulevards
o Bike Lanes
o Signed Bike Routes
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• No matching funds are required from the City for any part of the grant-funded items.
• Adoption of this plan will not obligate the Council to implement any of the bike plan elements.
• The later phases will be completed as funds are available and as roadways are constructed. The largest expense is associated with the additional pavement width to accommodate a bike lane.
• A majority of the remaining arterial roadways will be constructed by developers and the components of this master plan will be completed with those projects.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A