NOTICE OF MEETING Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Central Iowa Bicycle Pedestrian Roundtable (Roundtable)

) *************************** Tuesday, March 15, 2011 12:00 p.m. St. Etienne Room, Armory Building 602 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA *************************** TENTATIVE AGENDA I. Call to Order II. Introductions III. Approval of Agenda IV. Approval of the Roundtables February 15, 2011, Meeting Minutes ..............Page 3 V. Discussion Items A. B. C. D. Department of Justice Trail Usage Ruling ....................................................... Page 9 Update - Unified Bicycle Ordinance ............................................................... Page 10 Trail Marketing Update .................................................................................. Page 17 Bike-Pedestrian Project Updates................................................................... Page 19

VI. Informational Item Bike and Ride Data ............................................................................................. Page 20 VII. Other Non-Action Items of Interest to the Committee VIII. Next Roundtable Meeting Date 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, St. Etienne Room, Armory Building, Des Moines IX. Adjournment

Altoona Ankeny Bondurant Carlisle Clive Dallas County Des Moines DART Grimes Johnston Mitchellville Norwalk Pleasant Hill Polk City Polk County Urbandale Warren County Waukee West Des Moines Windsor Heights

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MEETING NOTES DES MOINES AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) CENTRAL IOWA BICYCLE-PEDESTRIAN ROUNDTABLE (ROUNDTABLE)

January 18, 2011 12:00 PM

City of Des Moines, St. Etienne Room Des Moines, Iowa

Roundtable Attendees Present:

Marco Alvarez, City of West Des Moines Dana Conn, Transportation Management Association Dustin Delvaux, City of Bondurant Josh Heggen, City of Windsor Heights Ben Landhauser, City of Waukee Jim Lane, City of Norwalk, Chair Loren Lown, Polk County Conservation Mindy Moore, City of Des Moines Jim Priebe, Warren County Conservation Ruth Randleman, City of Carlisle/MAC Ted Tran, Congressman Boswells Office Stefanie Toftey, DART Ron Ward, City of Johnston Carol Williams, Story County Conservation

Roundtable Staff Present:

Dylan Mullenix, Senior Transportation Planner

I. Call to Order
Chair Jim Lane called the February 15, 2011, Roundtable meeting to order at 12:05 p.m., at the St. Etienne Room, Armory Building, 602 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA.

II.

Introduction
Participants introduced themselves.

III.

Approval of Agenda
Participants approved the January 15, 2011, Roundtable meeting agenda.

IV.

Approval of the Roundtables January 18, 2011, Meeting Notes

Participants approved the Roundtables January 18, 2011, meeting notes.

V. (A.)

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Fund Amendment

Mindy Moore explained the City of Des Moines received a grant last year that was to be used on Bike Month, trail maps, to provide League Cycling Instructor (LCI) training, and to host a Bike Rodeo. However, the LCI class and Bike Rodeo did not materialize, and the City of Des Moines would like to reallocate those grant funds to be used for Bike Month 2011 and for bike education efforts. This amendment requires approval from the Roundtable.

Vern Willey asked about the amount of money in question. Ms. Moore responded that $4,000 is available for Bike Month and $3,650 is available for bike education. Discussion ensued about where within Bike Month the funds would be used. Discussion ensued regarding why LCI training and the Bike Rodeo never materialized. Ms. Moore noted LCI training required a minimum of 10 persons, which they did not get, and the Bike Rodeo did not meet the grant requirements. The Roundtable agreed with to allow the City of Des Moines to reallocate funds. Chair Lane directed MPO staff to draft a letter noting this approval.

V. (B.)

Update Unified Bicycle Ordinance Draft

Ruth Randleman explained the MACs subcommittee revised the draft ordinance, and the MAC is asking for comments on the revised draft before taking the final version to the MAC in March. Ms. Randleman emphasized that each local government, not the MAC, will need to adopt the ordinance. Discussion ensued about the various changes made from the first draft. Chair Lane asked whether a provision for a three-foot passing clearance should be added. Ms. Randleman noted the MAC subcommittee did discuss this but left it out as it would be difficult to enforce. Discussion ensued about ways the subcommittee tried to make the ordinance easy to enforce, which included the removal of specific measurements where applicable. Discussion ensued regarding the section regarding motorized devices on trails. Discussion ensued regarding provision for bike trailers. The roundtable suggested revising Section 16 of the draft ordinance to remove the phrase and shall not tow or be towed by another bicycle or vehicle. Marco Alvarez asked if the Roundtable and other communities could have additional time for review of the draft ordinance. Ms. Randleman asked for any comments to be made by the first part of March.

V. (C.)

Letters of Support for the Partnerships Washington, D.C., Trip Projects

Chair Lane asked for any comments to the letter drafted by Lisa Hein in support of continued Transportation Enhancement funds. No comments were provided. Chair Lane and MPO staff announced a meeting with Congressman Boswell on February 22, 2011, that will feature a discussion on transportation funding in the next fiscal year.

V. (D.)

Iowa Bicycle Summit

The Roundtable discussed highlights from the Iowa Bicycle Summit, held January 28-29 in Des Moines. Chair Lane noted he attended the Saturday events, which were good. Discussion ensued about the congressional forum held on Friday of the event. The point made by the congressional staffers was that there is a ban on earmarks in Congress, but that local entities could keep providing projects in case any funds do become available.

V. (E.)

Bike-Pedestrian Project Updates

MPO staff asked for Roundtable participants to send any updates about trails that will be constructed over the summer. This will allow staff to update its trail gaps map. Stefanie Toftey suggested it would be beneficial to collect this information now, while communities are developing their Capital Improvement Plans, so that any changes could still be made to those plans. Chair Lane noted the Roundtable used to review these maps regularly, and he would like to see the Roundtable begin reviewing these maps again to understand what links might be missing. Ms. Toftey noted that if there are any minor connections missing to transit facilities, DART may have funds that could be used to help make the connections.

VI. (A.)

Trails Marketing Meeting

Chair Lane noted a trails marketing meeting is scheduled for February 18, 2011, at the Greater Des Moines Partnership office. This meeting will feature Brian Leaders with the National Parks Service and Mark Wyatt who will discuss a program to develop tourism and marketing plans for Iowa trails.

VI. (B.)

DART Bike-and-Ride Counts

MPO staff reviewed the DART bike-and-ride counts for January. Staff noted counts for CyRide were not available at the time of the agendas publishing.

VII.

Other Items of Interest to the Roundtable

Loren Lown noted the US Department of Justice has released new Americans with Disabilities Act regulations that will allow persons with disabilities to use motorized mobility devices on trails with no limits on size or horsepower. Mr. Lown also noted the regulations make it difficult for trail managers to inquire about someones disability, potentially leading anyone to be able to use motorized vehicles, such as four-wheelers or even automobiles, on trails.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential problems this new regulation could pose on trail managers. Chair Lane noted this will be an agenda item at the next meeting. Ruth Randleman noted the Iowa Legislature is looking to cut funding for Vision Iowa and Great Places, both of which have provided trail funding in the past.

VIII.

Next MPO Roundtable Meeting Date

The next Roundtable meeting is scheduled for March 15, 2011, at noon.

IX.

Adjournment
The February 15, 2011, Roundtable meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

V. (A.) Department of Justice Trail Usage Ruling Discussion Item

The Central Iowa Bicycle-Pedestrian Roundtable:

At its February 2011 meeting, discussed the US Department of Justices recent ruling under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) dealing with the use of power-driven mobility devices on trails; Notes the new regulation takes effect on March 15, 2011; Notes the new regulation permits persons with mobility disabilities to use power-driven mobility devices on trails without restrictions on the devices size or horsepower; Notes the new regulation places limitations on a public entitys ability to inquire about ones disability status or need for a power-driven mobility device; Expressed concern that the new regulation could result in the use of four-wheelers or other all-terrain vehicles on trails by persons that do not have a true disability; and, Noted that local governments with trails should review the new regulation and be prepared for the changes that take effect on March 15, 2011.

The MPO staff:

Has shared this information MPO and the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance; Notes the organization American Trails held a webinar on February 23, 2011, to provide additional information to trail managers; Notes the Iowa Department of Transportation sent an email on February 21, 2011, noting they are working to become more familiar with the new regulation and will soon put together discussion items and possible implementation options for input; Will continue to update MPO member communities as new information becomes available; Has included, immediately following, key sections of the new regulation for the committees review; and, Notes some communities have expressed the need for local jurisdictions to work together to develop uniform assessment metrics to ensure local provisions regarding power-driven mobility devices are consistent along trails that cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Staff Contact: Dylan Mullenix, dmullenix@dmampo.org. (515) 334-0075, extension #202.

FY 2011 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

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ADA Part 35 (Title II)-NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF

DISABILITY IN STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES
35.104 Definitions. Other power-driven mobility device means any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines--whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities--that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion, including golf cars, electronic personal assistance mobility devices (EPAMDs), such as the Segway PT, or any mobility device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes, but that is not a wheelchair within the meaning of this section. This definition does not apply to Federal wilderness areas; wheelchairs in such areas are defined in section 508(c)(2) of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. 12207(c)(2). Wheelchair means a manually-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor or of both indoor and outdoor locomotion. This definition does not apply to Federal wilderness areas; wheelchairs in such areas are defined in section 508(c)(2) of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. 12207(c)(2).

35.130 General prohibitions against discrimination. (h) A public entity may impose legitimate safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of its services, programs, or activities. However, the public entity must ensure that its safety requirements are based on actual risks, not on mere speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations about individuals with disabilities 35.137 Mobility devices. (a) Use of wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids. A public entity shall permit individuals with mobility disabilities to use wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids, such as walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or other similar devices designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities in any areas open to pedestrian use. (b)(1) Use of other power-driven mobility devices. A public entity shall make reasonable modifications in its policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of other power-driven
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mobility devices by individuals with mobility disabilities, unless the public entity can demonstrate that the class of other power-driven mobility devices cannot be operated in accordance with legitimate safety requirements that the public entity has adopted pursuant to 35.130(h). (2) Assessment factors. In determining whether a particular other power-driven mobility device can be allowed in a specific facility as a reasonable modification under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a public entity shall consider-(i) The type, size, weight, dimensions, and speed of the device; (ii) The facilitys volume of pedestrian traffic (which may vary at different times of the day, week, month, or year); (iii) The facilitys design and operational characteristics (e.g., whether its service, program, or activity is conducted indoors, its square footage, the density and placement of stationary devices, and the availability of storage for the device, if requested by the user); (iv) Whether legitimate safety requirements can be established to permit the safe operation of the other power-driven mobility device in the specific facility; and (v) Whether the use of the other power-driven mobility device creates a substantial risk of serious harm to the immediate environment or natural or cultural resources, or poses a conflict with Federal land management laws and regulations. (c)(1) Inquiry about disability. A public entity shall not ask an individual using a wheelchair or other power-driven mobility device questions about the nature and extent of the individuals disability. (2) Inquiry into use of other power-driven mobility device. A public entity may ask a person using an other power-driven mobility device to provide a credible assurance that the mobility device is required because of the persons disability. A public entity that permits the use of an other power-driven mobility device by an individual with a mobility disability shall accept the presentation of a valid, State-issued, disability parking placard or card, or other State-issued proof of disability, as a credible assurance that the use of the other power-driven mobility device is for the individuals mobility disability. In lieu of a valid, State-issued disability parking
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placard or card, or State-issued proof of disability, a public entity shall accept as a credible assurance a verbal representation, not contradicted by observable fact, that the other powerdriven mobility device is being used for a mobility disability. A "valid" disability placard or card is one that is presented by the individual to whom it was issued and is otherwise in compliance with the State of issuances requirements for disability placards or cards.

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V. (B.) Update - Unified Bicycle Ordinance Discussion Item The Metropolitan Advisory Committee (MAC):

Has developed a draft Unified Bicycle Ordinance for metropolitan communities to consider adopting; Asked for comments on the revised draft by March 1, 2011; Reviewed and amended the ordinance, via a subcommittee, given comments received by the March 1st deadline; Will present the final draft ordinance to the MAC at its April meeting; and, Has provided, immediately following, the revised version of the bike ordinance that will be provided to the MAC and to local communities for adoption.

Staff Contact: Dylan Mullenix, dmullenix@dmampo.org. (515) 334-0075, extension #202.

FY 2011 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

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MODEL BICYCLE ORDINANCE DRAFT Sec. 1. Definitions. a)bicycle means either of the following: 1) A device having up to four wheels and having at least one saddle or seat for the use of a rider which is propelled by human power. 2) A device having up to four wheels with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of one horsepower or less. b) multi-use trail means a way or place, the use of which is controlled by the city as an owner of real property, designated by the multi-use recreational trail maps, as approved by resolution by the city council, and no multi-use trail shall be considered as a street or highway Sec. 3. Alteration of serial frame number. It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully or maliciously remove, destroy, mutilate or alter the manufacturer's serial frame number of any bicycle. Sec. 4. Sirens and whistles prohibited. A bicycle shall not be equipped with and a person shall not use upon a bicycle any siren or whistle. This section shall not apply to bicycles ridden by peace officers in the line of duty. Sec. 5. Lamps and reflectors. a) Every bicycle ridden at any time from sunset to sunrise and at such other times when conditions such as fog, snow, sleet, or rain provide insufficient lighting to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of three hundred feet ahead shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least three hundred feet to the front. b) Every bicycle shall be equipped with a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of three hundred feet to the rear; except that a red reflector may be used in lieu of a rear light. c) Equivalent equipment such as headlamps and red light attachments to the arm or leg may be used in lieu of a lamp on the front and a red light on the rear of the bicycle. d) A peace officer riding a police bicycle is not required to use either front or rear lamps if duty so requires.

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Sec. 6. Stopping Every bicycle used upon the city streets, sidewalks, highways, park roads or multi-use trails shall be able to come to a complete stop within a safe distance. Sec. 7. Applicability of motor vehicle laws. Every person operating a bicycle upon the city streets, highways, park roads, or multi-use trails shall be subject to this chapter and other city traffic ordinances and the state statutes applicable to the drivers of motor vehicles, except as to special regulations in this chapter and except as to those provisions of ordinances and statutes which by their nature can have no application or those provisions for which specific exceptions have been set forth regarding police bicycles. Sec. 8. Obedience to signals. Every person operating a bicycle shall obey the directions of official traffic signals, signs and other control devices applicable to other vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, and shall obey direction signs relative to turns permitted, unless such person dismounts from the bicycle, when he or she shall then obey the regulations applicable to pedestrians. Sec. 9. Improper Riding. a) A person propelling a bicycle on any street, sidewalk, highway, park road or multi-use recreational trail, shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle and shall not use a bicycle to carry more persons at one time than the number of persons for which the bicycle is designed and equipped. b) This section does not apply to the use of a bicycle in a parade or special event authorized by the city.

Sec. 10.

Carrying packages.

No person operating a bicycle upon a street, sidewalk, highway, park road or multi-use trail shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars. Sec. 11. Control with hands on handlebars

The operator of a bicycle upon a street, sidewalk, highway, park road or multi-use trail shall keep the bicycle under control at all times and at all times during operation shall have one or both hands upon the handlebars and the feet engaged

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with the braking device if the braking device is designed to be actuated by the feet.

Sec. 12.

Place of riding.

(a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: (1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle vehicle proceeding in the same direction. (2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. (3) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. (4) A facility that would allow bicycle traffic on the left side of the roadway. (b) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway which carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable. (c) When so riding upon any multi-use trail with other cyclists, there shall not be more than two abreast. (d) This section does not apply to the use of a bicycle in a parade or special event authorized by the city.

Section 13.

Bicycle Lanes

(a) Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway at a

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speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction may ride within the bicycle lane, except that such person may move out of the lane under any of the following situations: (1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian within the lane or about to enter the lane if such overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the lane. (2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. (3) When reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions. (4) When the bicycle lane does not include a marked shared lane (b) No person operating a bicycle shall leave a bicycle lane until the movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after giving an appropriate signal. (c) No person shall drive a motor vehicle in a bicycle lane established on a roadway except as follows: (1) To park where parking is permitted. (2) To enter or leave the roadway. (3) To prepare for a turn within a distance of 200 feet from the intersection.

Sec. 14. Emerging from alley or driveway. The operator of a bicycle emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall, upon approaching a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway, yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians approaching on the sidewalk or sidewalk area and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway. Sec. 15. Operation on sidewalk. Bicycles may be operated upon the public sidewalks in a careful and prudent manner and except where signs are erected to prohibiting riding on the sidewalk. Every person lawfully operating a bicycle upon a public sidewalk, shall yield the right-of-way when approaching a

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pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing.

Sec. 16. Clinging to other vehicles. No person riding upon any bicycle on a street, sidewalk, highway, park road or multi-use trail shall attach the bicycle or himself or herself to any moving vehicle by tow rope, hand grip or otherwise, and shall not tow or be towed by another bicycle or vehicle. Sec. 17. Following Emergency Vehicles. No bicycle shall follow closer than 500 feet vehicle as defined by Iowa Code section emergency lights and/or siren activated, and park, or leave a bicycle within 500 feet of an stopped in response to an emergency. person riding a of an emergency 321.1 which has shall not stop, emergency vehicle

Sec. 18. Parking. No person shall leave a bicycle lying on its side on any sidewalk, or shall park a bicycle on a sidewalk in any other position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic. Local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit bicycle parking in designated areas of the public highway, provided that appropriate signs are erected. Sec. 19. Reckless operation.

No person shall operate a bicycle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Sec. 20 Violations

Each City shall be allowed to issue a violation pursuant to their own traffic violation ordinance.

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V. (C.) Trail Marketing Update Discussion Item The Trails Marketing Committee:

Met on Friday, February 18, 2011, to continue discussions from its initial meeting in October 2010 about ways to market central Iowa trails; and, Will provide an update at the March 2011 Roundtable meeting.

Staff Contact: Dylan Mullenix, dmullenix@dmampo.org. (515) 334-0075, extension #202.

V. (D.) Bike-Pedestrian Project Updates Discussion Item The MPO staff:

Notes the MPOs Connect: Central Iowa Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Chapter 4, Action 1.3 states, Establish a process to update governments and agencies on new trail developments and connection to the state and regional trail system; Notes the benchmark for Action 1.3 are the following: 1.3.1 Benchmark: Provide active project updates routinely to the Roundtable.

Has requested that MPO/CIRTPA member governments and agencies send updated GIS trail information to the MPO/CIRTPA staff when projects are completed; Requests that MPO/CIRTPA member governments and agencies contact MPO/CIRTPA staff with any questions; and, Notes that trail updates ensure that all trail information reflects current activity in central Iowa and will allow local stakeholders to track progress on connecting gaps and completing trails within the Central Iowa Trail System.

Staff Contact: Dylan Mullenix, dmullenix@dmampo.org. (515) 334-0075, extension #202.

FY 2011 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

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VI.

Bike and Ride Counts Informational Item Below are the most recent Bike & Ride Counts for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) and CyRide (Ames):

TABLE 1. DART Bike & Ride User Counts per Month by Year
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER TOTAL 2005 485 321 99 905 2006 334 425 553 771 1,240 1,718 1,803 2,077 1,898 1,623 1,255 1,064 14,761 2007 717 378 833 1,256 1,934 2,632 2,823 3,202 2,823 5,873 2,282 701 25,454 2008 718 623 1,183 1,904 2,739 3,297 3,968 6,636 3,844 3,797 2,248 701 31,658 2009 521 973 1,935 2,792 3,454 4,228 4,446 4,385 4,156 N/A 2,367 910 30,167 2010 341 356 N/A 2,902 3,333 3,828 4,174 4,425 3,945 3,862 2,623 1,316 31,105 2011 636 868

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Source: DART

TABLE 2. CyRide Bike & Ride User Counts per Month by Year
2008 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER TOTAL Source: CyRide 2009 17 38 54 53 189 284 336 429 401 289 139 53 2,282 2010 22 63 232 322 248 335 482 582 576 507 293 146 3,808 2011 134

87 169 79 36 370

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