To:

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

From:

Tom Murtha

Date:

January 24, 2002

Subject:

Soles and Spokes Proposal

The Soles and Spokes Working Group has met twice since the last task force meeting to develop a proposal for future bicycle and pedestrian related technical training events and projects.

We generated ideas for workshops and other events that would help meet the diverse bicycle and pedestrian planning needs in the region. We propose offering more frequent and diverse events throughout the year instead of planning a large conference every two years. This would allow for more frequent networking opportunities and address different audiences more directly. For example, Soles and Spokes Design Workshops (such as the grade-separation workshop conducted recently by James Mackey) can be more technical, for implementers looking for specific ideas. Other events, such as a Safe Routes to School workshop, might focus both on implementation and "buy-in."

Proposal

Using existing staff, volunteer and financial resources, the Soles and Spokes Working Group feels the following events can be organized within the next year.

Events

• Safe Routes to School Workshop in April (see below)

We also discussed the need for "bicycle planning 101" and "pedestrian planning 101" workshops. For example, CDOT's bike program takes engineers and project managers on bike tours to demonstrate need for bicycle accommodations and discuss best practices. It would be useful to take this kind of service to other agencies in the region. The enthusiasm generated by the Walkable Communities program suggests a market for site specific pedestrian planning workshops. CATS currently does not have the resources to offer these services, but staff is developing options for the task force to consider.

Safe Routes to School Workshop Proposal

The Soles and Spokes Working Group has met to discuss an early spring workshop that will directly address the issue of safe access to schools. The workshop will provide an overview of Safe Routes to School initiatives from around the country and in our own back yard. Participants will gain ideas for infrastructure projects and promotion programs that will get more children walking and biking to schools. The University of Illinois at Chicago campus is a possible location.

Conference Goals

• Raise awareness of the benefits of providing safe routes to schools and encouraging children to walk and bike to school.

Conference Structure

Preliminaries and Keynote Address (9-10 am)

We are seeking a keynote speaker who can provide:

• An overview of Safe Routes to School efforts nationwide and around the world.

Virtual Walkabouts and Panel Discussion (10:15am-noon)

A panel comprised of local experts and our keynote speaker will discuss examples of how schools in urban, suburban, and small town areas have improved walking and cycling conditions and/or increased walking and cycling to school. Video clips will help participants "walk and bike a mile" in a youngster's shoes, to illustrate typical challenges and opportunities.

Lunch (noon-12:45pm)

Nourishment and networking!

Discussion Forums (1-2pm)

We will break into groups for facilitated discussions on topics such as:

• Current and future funding strategies.

Report Back and Wrap-Up (2-2:30pm)

We will hear reports from the discussion forums and adjourn.

Target Audience

The workshop will focus on issues that affect communities and families throughout northeastern Illinois. Special outreach efforts will be made to local and state elected officials, school administrators, educators, planners, engineers, public health professionals and community residents.

Bike Lanes and Bike Paths – Where and How to Do Each

Workshop Goals

Provide attendees with the following information, with an opportunity for questions:

• Importance of considering bicyclists in roadway corridor designs

Proposed Workshop Speaker

Michael Ronkin, Oregon Department of Transportation’s bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, comes highly recommended by national experts. Additionally, there will be short sessions by other speakers, on local examples and policy issues.

Target Audience

The workshop will mainly focus on technical issues of on-road and off-road bicycle accommodations. Planners, engineers, consultants, policy makers, and others will be encouraged to attend.

Workshop Structure, Dates, and Locations

Attendees would have the choice of two dates, tentatively Wednesday/Thursday June 19-20 or Thursday/Friday June 20-21. We are considering having one, in-depth, full day workshop option (at CATS) and one half-day workshop option (perhaps in a suburban location, like Schaumburg). The proposed locations offer both on-road and off-road bicycle facilities that can be described in the discussion.

Proposed Topics

Basic street layout principles:

• The role of cities, the role of streets, land use, connectivity, access management

The principles of bicycling:

• Why bicyclists use the roads

Basic on-road bikeways:

• Shared roadway

Other design details:

• Railroad crossings

Restriping roads with bike lanes

• Narrow travel lanes

Intersection design

• Signing and marking

Paths

• Good and bad locations

Advanced bikeway designs (time permitting)

• Raised bike lanes