HomeMy WebLinkAbout15 - NB-4 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan - 1/19/2016 (2)CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: JANUARY 19, 2016
ITEM NUMBER: IVB -4
SUBJECT: BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN - GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
DATE: JANUARY 7, 2016
FROM: PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT - TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DIVISION
PRESENTATION BY: ERNESTO MUNOZ, PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
RALPH TABOADA, CHAIR, BIKEWAY AND WALKABILITY COMMITTEE
CYNTHIA MCDONALD, VICE CHAIR, BIKEWAY AND WALKABILITY
COMMITTEE
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: RAJA SETHURAMAN, MANAGER,
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES (714) 754-5032
RECOMMENDATION:
Review and approve the attached Goals, Objectives and Policies for the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Master Plan (Attachment 1) as recommended by the Bikeway and Walkability Committee for
incorporation in the City's General Plan Update documents which will be circulated for public
review in the near future.
BACKGROUND:
The Bikeway and Walkability Committee was formed by the City Council on April 7, 2015.
The primary objective of the Committee is to help develop and implement a robust Active
Transportation Network for the City of Costa Mesa, by improving bicycle and pedestrian
connectivity throughout the City. The mission of this committee is to:
• Focus on the review and update of the City's Master Plan of Bikeways and recommend
improvements to bikeways within the City; and
• Evaluate the bikeability and walkability of our City in order to make recommendations
for improvements to the Master Plan to the City Council.
As the City is currently updating its General Plan, any changes/updates recommended by
this committee will be incorporated in the General Plan documents with City Council's
approval. The General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be circulated for public
review and comment in the near future.
The first step in updating the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was to develop a set
of Goals, Objectives and Policies and to improve the City's bicycle and pedestrian
infrastructure. As a result, the first task for the committee was to formulate the Goals,
Objectives and Policies for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. In the last seven (7)
public meetings held last year, the Committee developed six (6) Goals with corresponding
Objectives and Policies.
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ANALYSIS:
Goals, Objectives and Policies:
In the last four (4) months, the committee members have collaboratively developed the
following six (6) Goals for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
1. Promote a Friendly Active Transportation System in Costa Mesa
Create a bicycle and pedestrian friendly environment throughout Costa Mesa
for all types of users and all trip purposes in accordance with the 5 E's
(Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Engineering, and Evaluation).
2. Create a Safer Place to Walk and Ride a Bicycle
Provide a safe, convenient, and attractive bicycling and pedestrian
environment. Apply design standards, enforcement of traffic laws, maintenance
practices, and safety awareness campaigns to encourage and increase the use
of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
3. Integrate Active Transportation Elements into Circulation System and Land Use
Planning
Provide bikeway and walkway facilities that are integrated with other
transportation systems and land use planning decisions.
4. Promote an Active Transportation Culture
Develop educational and promotional programs to increase bicycle and
pedestrian usage that respects and accommodates all users to foster a more
balanced transportation system.
5. Promote the Positive Air Quality, Health and Economic Benefits of Active
Transportation
Encourage active transportation by promoting air quality, health and economic
benefits, and by pursuing multiple sources of funding for active transportation
programs and facilities.
6. Monitor, Evaluate and Pursue Funding for Implementation of the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan
Observe and assess the usage of bicycle and pedestrian facilities periodically
and pursue funding for projects that will help achieve the overall
implementation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Attachment 1 includes objectives and policies that are needed to achieve these goals. While
staff supports the recommended policies, there may be implementation costs, additional
staffing or consultant demands that will require budget authorization from the City Council
during the budget process. Examples of policies that will result in additional staffing resources
include development of a bike share program; implementing a transit system; and conducting
roadside safety audits and bicycle surveys. In order to achieve the suggested "bike friendly"
designation by the League of American Bicyclists, the City may have to show increased
commitment towards bicycle facilities and programs through projects and dedicated staffing,
which will be identified during the budget process.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
An alternative would be to reject the proposed Goals, Objectives and Policies developed and
presented by the Bikeway and Walkability Committee. A new set of Goals, Objectives and
Policies would have to be developed for its inclusion in the Circulation Element of the General
Plan that is currently being updated. This would require a considerable amount of time and effort
which would delay the overall schedule for the General Plan update which is scheduled for
adoption in May 2016. Another alternative would be to modify some of the proposed Goals,
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Objectives and Policies. The Bikeway and Walkability Committee can review the suggested
changes and make appropriate modifications.
FISCAL REVIEW:
The total fiscal impact to develop and implement the programs required to address the Goals,
Objective and Policies is unknown at this time. If authorized, cost estimates will be prepared and
funds will be requested as projects are developed. Additionally, staff would seek grant funding
to further the Goals and build the necessary infrastructure.
LEGAL REVIEW:
There is no legal review required for the Goals, Objectives and Policies for the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan.
CONCLUSION:
The Council directed the formation of the Bikeway and Walkability Committee whose primary
focus was to evaluate the bikeability and walkability within the City and review and update the
City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Subsequently, over the last four (4) months, the
committee has collaborated in developing the Goals, Objectives and Policies for the Bicycle
and Pedestrian Master Plan. Staff requests approval of the attached Goals, Objectives and
Policies for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
ERNESTO MUNOZ
Public Services Director
ATTACHMENT: 1
RAJA SETHURAMAN, Manager
Transportation Services Division
Goals, Objectives and Policies for the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
DISTRIBUTION: Chief Executive Officer
Assistant Chief Executive Officer
City Attorney
City Clerk Division
Staff
File
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ATTACHMENT 1
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN
GOALS, OBJECTIVES & POLICIES
Goal 1.0: Promote a Friendly Active Transportation System in Costa Mesa
Create a bicycle and pedestrian friendly environment throughout Costa Mesa for all types of users and
all trip purposes in accordance with the 5 E's (Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Engineering,
and Evaluation).
Objective 1.1: Expand, Enhance, and protect the existing bicycle and pedestrian network to provide a
comprehensive, system of Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV facilities to increase connectivity between
homes, jobs, schools, transit, and recreational resources in Costa Mesa.
Policies
1.1.1. Develop an extensive bicycle and pedestrian back -bone network through the use of standard and
appropriate innovative treatments.
1.1.2. Plan and install new bicycle lanes where feasible and appropriate.
1.1.3. Plan and install shared lane markings ("sharrows") and signage on appropriate existing and planned
bicycle routes where bicycle lane implementation is demonstrated to be not feasible.
1.1.4. Where feasible, Class I shared -use paths should be a priority for future developments.
1.1.5. Plan and install new shared -use paths in utility corridors and/or along flood control channels, and
extend existing bicycle and shared -use paths.
1.1.6. Plan and complete north/south multi-purpose and bicycle routes through the City to augment the
east/west routes.
1.1.7. Encourage reallocation of roadway rights-of-way where appropriate to accommodate shared -use
path and bicycle facilities, while preserving and respecting the character of each adjacent neighborhood.
1.1.8. Support bicycle improvement projects that close gaps in the regional bicycle network either by
implementing specific projects recommended in the Plan or through other treatments.
1.1.9. Encourage bicycle projects that connect local facilities and neighborhoods to major bicycle corridors.
1.1.10. Work cooperatively with adjoining jurisdictions and local/regional agencies to coordinate bicycle
planning and implementation activities. Where required, develop consistent active transportation plans and
policies with regional and adjacent agencies.
1.1.11. Prioritize safe access to major regional trails such as the OC Loop/Santa Ana River Trail and the Newport
Back Bay Trail System. Where feasible, plan and provide a continuous low -stress Class I and/or Class IV facility
from east to west across the City between these facilities.
1.1.12. Explore favorable opportunities to remove parking to accommodate bicycle lanes.
1.1.13. Identify favorable opportunities to retain parallel parking adjacent to sidewalks to maintain pedestrian
safety.
1.1.14. Consider every street in Costa Mesa as a street that cyclists could use.
1.1.15. Link on -road and off-road bicycle and pedestrian facilities within Costa Mesa to existing and planned
facilities in adjacent and regional jurisdictions.
1.1.16. Low stress design techniques should be considered where necessary to attract a wide variety of users.
1.1.17. Establish designated suggested routes to schools for biking and walking.
1.1.18. Designate walkable districts in the City.
Objective 1.2: Provide end of trip facilities that support the bicycle network.
Policies
1.2.1. Provide bike parking and bike -related amenities at public facilities and along public right-of-way.
1.2.2. Pursue public-private partnerships to furnish local businesses with secure bike parking and other related
amenities.
1.2.3. Develop and adopt bicycle parking equipment standards for bicycle parking to be installed within the
public right-of-way and post on the city website.
1.2.4. Work with local schools and colleges to provide ample and secure bike parking and other related
amenities for students and employees.
1.2.5. Work with OCTA to maximize bicycle amenities, such as bus stop solar lighting and bicycle lockers, at
high-volume transit stops.
1.2.6. Prioritize the installation of bicycle -scale and/or pedestrian -scale lighting.
1.2.7. Encourage and incentivize providing attended bicycle parking services, such as a bicycle valet, at major
City events, OC Fair, Farmer's Markets, holiday festivals, and other community events.
1.2.8. Prioritize schools with the highest auto traffic volume during peak hours and insufficient parking for staff
and parents. Plan and install bicycle facilities adjacent those schools.
Objective 1.3: Encourage sustainable modes of transportation to fill gaps between the first and last miles of trips
(walking, biking, ride sharing, transit, taxi and car -sharing).
Policies
1.3.1. Identify citywide infrastructure needed to create the interconnected multi -trail system.
1.3.2. Improve the quality, aesthetics and safety of high use pedestrian corridors.
1.3.3. Develop and implement a bicycle sharing system.
1.3.4. Pursue the following mode split goals:
50% motor vehicles
10% transit
10% bicycles
20% walking
10% carpools, taxi, Uber and other forms
1.3.5. Establish a goal for all trips of less than 3 miles to be 30 percent by bicycle, and establish a goal for all trips
of less than 1 mile to be 30 percent by walking.
1.3.6. Consider implementing a small scale transportation system to encourage mode shift to popular
destinations as defined by users.
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Goal 2.0: Create a Safer Place to Walk and Ride a Bicycle
Provide a safe, convenient and attractive bicycling and pedestrian environment. Apply design standards,
enforcement of traffic laws, maintenance practices and safety awareness campaigns to encourage and increase the
use of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Objective 2.1: Develop bicycle and pedestrian facilities with approved uniform design standards, and
implementation of wayfinding signage providing information on various destinations.
Policies
2.1.1. Require that all facilities be designed in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local
standards.
2.1.2. Provide and maintain bicycle and pedestrian signal detectors, informational signage, and lighting,
along City bikeways.
2.1.3. Develop, install and maintain a bicycle and pedestrian wayfinding signage program to indicate route
turns, the presence of intersecting bikeways, streets and distances to nearby local and major destinations.
2.1.4. Develop a list of acceptable plant materials for shared use paths that will not damage, create
security problems or hazards for bicyclists. Incorporate canopy trees and native, drought tolerant
landscaping as a standard Class I facility (shared use path) feature. Encourage the use of sustainable
drainage designs, such as bioswales.
2.1.5. Utilize Complete Streets elements as demonstrated in most recent versions of National Association of
City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Street Design Guide and Bikeway Design Guide.
2.1.6. Crosswalks will include high visibility crossing treatments.
2.1.7. Paint direction arrows on all bike lanes and bike paths to reduce the risk of collisions.
Objective 2.2: Continue and expand enforcement activities that enhance safety of bicyclists on bike paths
and roadways.
Policies
2.2.1. Enforce laws that reduce bicycle/pedestrian/motor vehicle incidents and conflicts.
2.2.2. Train police officers on bicyclists' rights and responsibilities and bicycle/pedestrian/vehicle collision
evaluation.
2.2.3. Utilize the City's bicycle mounted patrol officer program to educate and enforce pedestrian and bicycle
user violations not necessarily to punish, but to correct.
2.2.4. Promote efficient reporting mechanisms for behaviors that endanger cyclists and pedestrians.
2.2.5. Develop a partnership with the school community to establish and update suggested routes to schools
for biking and walking.
Objective 2.3: Maintain bicycle and pedestrian facilities that are clear of debris and provide safe conditions for
all users.
Policies
2.3.1. Establish routine maintenance schedule/standards for bicycle and pedestrian facilities for sweeping,
litter removal, landscaping, repainting of striping, signage, and signal actuation devices.
2.3.2. Encourage and empower citizens to report maintenance issues that impact bicyclist and pedestrian
safety including, but not limited to, potholes, sidewalkfffing, and overgrown vegetation.
2.3.3. Establish procedures for responding to citizen reports in a timely manner.
2.3.4. Where feasible, reduce or eliminate conflict points such as driveways that cross the sidewalk.
Objective 2.4: Increase education of bicycle and pedestrian safety through programs and training of
school children and public.
Policies
2.4.1. Create, fund, and implement bicycle -safety curricula and provide them to the public, tourists, various
ethnic groups, diverse ages and disadvantaged communities.
2.4.2. Provide multilingual bicycle -safety maps & brochures (print and electronic versions) in languages that
are widely used in Costa Mesa.
2.4.3. Encourage schools to develop and provide bicycle -safety curricula for use in elementary, middle, and
high schools such as the Bicycle Rodeo events.
2.4.4. Support marketing and public awareness campaigns aimed at improving bicycle and pedestrian safety.
2.4.5. Provide a user education program developed and promoted to encourage proper trail use and
etiquette.
2.4.6. Work with local bicycle advocacy organizations to develop, promote and support a series of
bicycle education classes. Include information on bicycle safety, maintenance and security.
2.4.7. Develop and distribute education material regarding bicycle and pedestrian responsibilities
and laws.
Objective 2.5: Monitor and Analyze Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety.
Policies
2.5.1. Request bicycle and pedestrian collision reports from local law enforcement periodically and consider
improvements to address problem areas.
2.5.2. Establish an expedited process to report maintenance and safety concerns, e.g. pavement
markings (sharrows, missing bike lane lines), ramps, curb cut-outs, broken walk/bike signal buttons,
signage, and minor maintenance of bike lanes/paths (street/path sweeping, minor surface patching,
inoperable traffic signal bicycle detection).
2.5.3. Conduct Roadside Safety Audits (RSA's) on a regular basis to provide periodic snapshots of
roadway safety, including bicycle, pedestrian, equestrian, skateboard, and other non -motorized
modes of travel.
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Goal 3.0: Integrate Active Transportation Elements into Circulation System and land use planning
Provide bikeway and walkway facilities that are integrated with other transportation systems and land
use planning decisions.
Objective 3.1: Consider bicycle and pedestrian facilities during land use planning process.
Policies
3.1.1. Incorporate the Costa Mesa Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan into the City's General Plan Update.
3.1.2. Ensure that all current and proposed land use planning is consistent with the Costa Mesa Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan.
3.1.3. Require new developments provide adequate bicycle parking and pedestrian access.
3.1.4. Collaborate with property owners to increase bicycle parking over time.
3.1.5. Encourage the integration of compatible land uses and housing into major development projects to
reduce vehicle use.
3.1.6. Provide a fully integrated network of modern active transportation facilities to and from major activity
centers and residential centers.
3.1.7. Identify areas where an increase in the need for active transportation can reasonably be anticipated
due to housing/business growth.
3.1.8. Make commercial and recreational areas more enjoyable for pedestrians by implementing measures
such as providing shade, planting trees, eliminating visible parking lots, vacant lots, and long stretches of
bland building fagade.
3.1.9. Develop creative, artistic and functional bicycle parking solutions and install them throughout the City
as a standard.
Objective 3.2: Integrate bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements during planning, design and
implementation of transportation projects.
Policies
3.2.1. Promote the preservation of bicycle access within all roadway rights-of-way, as well as the development
of innovative, safety-enhanced on-street facilities, such as bicycle boulevards and cycle tracks.
3.2.2. Establish Bike Boulevards on streets with low traffic volumes and slow speeds to encourage bicycling.
3.2.3. Support the incorporation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities into capital improvement
projects, where appropriate to maximize leveraging of funds.
3.2.4. Proactively seek new opportunities for acquisition of abandoned rights-of-way and other lands
for the development of new multi-use pathways that integrate with the planned network.
3.2.5. Improve the safety of all road users through the implementation of neighborhood traffic calming
treatments.
3.2.6. Detours through or around construction zones should be designed for safety, and convenience,
and with adequate signage for cyclists and pedestrians.
3.2.7. Provide opportunity for public input prior to the removal of an existing bicycle or pedestrian
facility or the approval of any development or street improvement that would preclude these planned
facilities. d
Goal 4.0: Promote an Active Transportation Culture
Develop educational and promotional programs to increase bicycle and pedestrian usage that respects
and accommodates all users to foster a more balanced transportation system.
Objective 4.1: Encourage more people to walk and bicycle by supporting programs that foster
community support for bicycling and walking and raise public awareness about active transportation.
Policies
4.1.1. Support marketing and public awareness campaigns through a variety of media aimed at promoting
bicycling and walling as a safe, healthy, cost-effective, environmentally friendly transportation choice.
4.1.2. Support programs aimed at increasing bicycle and walk trips by providing incentives, recognition, or
services that make bicycling and walking a more convenient transportation mode.
4.1.3. Promote bicycling and walking at City -sponsored and public events, such as Earth Day, Bike to Work
Day/Month, farmer's markets, public health fairs, art walks, craft fairs, civic events, etc.
4.1.4. Encourage and promote bicycle related businesses within Costa Mesa including, but not limited to,
involvement of civic clubs and organizations.
4.1.5. Promote active transportation events in Costa Mesa to raise awareness and encourage bicycling,
including, but not limited to, those that may involve temporary road closures, bike to work/school, senior walks,
historic walks, and ciclovias.
4.1.6. Encourage major employment centers and employers to promote commuting by bicycle including the
use of flex -time work schedules to support non -rush bicycle commuting. Build a coalition with City, businesses,
schools and residents to promote active transportation.
4.1.7. Encourage participation in bicycle and pedestrian promotion activities by education facilities, arts
programs, active transportation clubs, and entertainment providers.
4.1.8. Achieve "Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community" by League of American Bicyclists by 2025.
4.1.9. Achieve "Walk Friendly Community" status from WalkFriendly.org by 2025.
4.1.10. Achieve "HEAL City" designation by 2017.
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Goal 5.0: Promote the Positive Air Quality, Health and Economic Benefits of Active Transportation
Encourage active transportation by promoting air quality, health and economic benefits.
Objective 5.1: Improve air quality, public health and reduce ambient noise by promoting active
transportation programs.
5.1.1. Determine baseline emissions levels then track and communicate changes in emissions as modes of
transportation trips shift to encourage more walking and biking.
5.1.2. Improve quality of life in Costa Mesa by reducing neighborhood traffic and noise.
5.1.3. Increase pedestrian and bicycle trips, thereby reducing vehicle trips and Vehicle Miles Traveled.
5.1.4. Coordinate with appropriate federal, state and county health agencies on active transportation
programs to achieve health benefits.
Objective 5.2: Provide Economic Incentives for expanding and enhancing bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
5.2.1. Incentivize the business community to support pedestrians and bicycle users intangible ways.
5.2.2. Partner with the business and school communities to create a marketing strategy to encourage
individual businesses to market Costa Mesa as a bicycle -friendly City.
5.2.3. Encourage developers to include features, amenities and programs that are proven to
increase walking and/or bicycling.
5.2.4. Offer incentives for businesses whose employees walk or bike to work.
5.2.5. Encourage the Chamber of Commerce and the business community to promote active
transportation in commercial areas to stimulate economic vitality.
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Goal 6.0: Monitor, evaluate and pursue funding for implementation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
Observe and assess the usage of bicycle and pedestrian facilities periodically and pursue funding for
projects that will help achieve the overall implementation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Objective 6.1: Continuously monitor and evaluate Costa Mesa's implementation progress of Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan policies, programs, and projects.
Policies
6.1.1. Establish a monitoring program to measure the effectiveness and benefits of the Costa Mesa
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
6.1.2. Track citywide trends in active transportation through the use of Census data, bicycle and pedestrian
counts, travel surveys, and online surveys as part of annual reviews of the General Plan.
6.1.3. Ensure that Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan programs and projects are implemented in an
equitable manner, geographically, socioeconomically and serving disadvantaged communities.
Objective 6.2: Pursue grants and other sources of funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects.
6.2.1. Strategize use of resources on developing effective and efficient grant application and program
administration.
6.2.2. Pursue multiple sources of funding and support efforts to maintain or increase federal, state and local
funding for the implementation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
6.2.3. Consider designating a portion of development traffic impact fees to fund bicycle and
pedestrian facilities.
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