BP August minutes

Bicycle Pedestrian Sub‐Committee Dover City Hall Large Conference Room Dover, DE August 6, 2019 approved 10/1/2019 Members Present: Others Present: Chris Asay, Jayce Lesniewski, Dave Moses, Fran Carolyn Courtney, John Fiori, Kirby Riddle, Andy Seigel, Durk Lee Hudson, Councilman Ralph Taylor, Donna Mitchell INTRODUCTIONS CALLED TO ORDER: Meeting opened at 5:00 P.M. Councilman Ralph Taylor welcomed everyone. He announced that Gerry Pennington had resigned as chair. Ms. Riddle then announced that she would be resigning her seat as well. Mr. Asay asked her to make her registration effective after the September meeting so that we would have a quorum. She agreed. Mrs. Mitchell asked Mr. Asay why a quorum is needed for the September meeting, noting this is an advisory committee? Mr. Asay noted we have not set the September meeting agenda. Mr. Asay asked for suggestions for members. He has asked Pete DiMaria and stated to Mr. Asay, yes he would be interested. Mr. DiMaria could not attend tonight, but would be attending in September. Mr. Moses noted he would be reaching out to Kathy Doyle to return as a member, as she would bring a lot to the table. Mrs. Courtney noted we should run an advertisement, as there may be people out there that are interested that we are missing. I’ll contact the clerk’s office for guidance on that process. Mr. Asay agreed, stating that was a good idea. AGENDA Mr. Asay asked for addition/deletion to agenda. The motion was then accepted and approved without objection. MINUTES The Chair opened the floor to accept the June minutes. Mr. Fiori noted under construction updates, a typo on the 6th line “drawn” not “done” by Century Engineering. With no further changes, the minutes were approved without objection. OLD BUSINESS PEDESTRIAN ISSUES Mr. Asay opened the floor to Mr. Lesniewski and Ms. Riddle. Mr. Lesniewski a lot of things I’ve suggested in the past have been considered. Things that come to my mind, restriping crosswalks on Rt8, sidewalk repair by…Mrs. Mtichell asked is this information on advisory projects. Is that is something we should be doing? Mr. Asay responded as advisory to City Council we see the responsibility to relay things that need attention. Mrs. Mitchell noted I thought this was an advisory committee for multimodal transportation and not maintenance issues. Mr. Asay said he thought this committee was to advise the city on all pedestrian and bicycling issues. Mr. Moses seconded that statement. Mrs. Mitchell that is not a motion. Mr. Moses noted he was supporting Mr. Asay’s statement. Ms. Courtney noted that Mrs. Mitchell is correct. This committee has been directed to call into Public Works with these kinds of maintenance issues as any resident can, they should be calling directly into Public Works. We have directed them to do and they are now just following up on these issues, such as the stripping of Rt8. Under Mrs. Cyr’s leadership we directed this body to share their concerns with staff directly by calling Public Works. Mr. Lesniewski stated I suggested cross walks on State Street near Washington Street. Ms. Courtney noted when she followed up on this suggestion, DelDOT and the city had to approve and neither supported this idea due to the residents

that would be losing parking in front of their homes. DelDOT did not want to do that and the city did not push that issues. Mr. Lesniewski continues to feel this would be a good idea as he sees people crossing here frequently. He felt this was important. Mr. Taylor asked if we have a project like this how does it get done? Mrs. Mitchell noted it would need to go thru Council and DelDOT for moving these kinds of projects forward. It does take some time to go thru all the approval processes. Brief discussion on how this process works. Mr. Lesniewski noted on Kings Highway behind the Reed Street building, he stated that he sees people often having go out into the street, handicap access is poor. Mrs. Mitchell responded stating she has requested that parking lot repave, the sideway and handicap ramp issues will be addressed. Mr. Siegel noted he called into Planning & Inspections about an area near (State Street) Wesley College, and they did go over and clear that out. Mrs. Mitchell noted she also saw that and it has been removed. Mrs. Mitchell noted she too had seen this area and called into code enforcement for to issue any applicable citations. Mrs. Courtney will resend the information to report issues on these matters. DOVER TREASURE HUNT Ms. Riddle shared flyers on the event. We have had to scale back the tree walk to The Green and back. We felt it was a stretch to far without assistance with co‐sponsors we decided to keep the tree walk within the boundaries of Silver Lake Park. We do have a draft brochure that will highlight the park and trees along the pathways. There will be two (2) guided walks during the Silver Lake Day event. We do still have the draft of the “town” walk was coming together we can share that, keep in mind this is a draft. We are hoping eventually there will be lots of walks to highlight things in Dover. I would encourage everyone to come out and join us with the walks. We need participants as this is new so the more folks there will help. Sat., August 31 from 10 am – 1pm. CONSTRUCTION PROJECT Mr. Fiori noted the US13 Sidewalk construction is about done. The Senator Bikeway is under construction, about ½ way done and still on schedule. Mr. Moses asked where that stands with Bennie Smith? Mr. Fiori noted we met with Mr. Smith we decided to allow him to park his vehicles in the lane during services. One hurst and one vehicle behind and they only be allowed to park there during the service. We will see how that works and address issues that may arise. Mr. Moses how does a cyclist safely navigate that? Mrs. Mitchell noted the Mayor and I met with Mr. Smith and this is the solution that we came to. They will have to navigate it by using the sidewalk or road. Mr. Taylor asked Mr. Moses what is his solution? Mr. Moses noted it would be what I understood Bennie Smith agreed to in the beginning and that was to use the side street. I was told $40,000 was spent on his property to keep the SBW uninterrupted. Mrs. Mitchell noted no money was spent on his property. Mr. Fiori confirmed no monies were spent on the Bennie Smith property. Mr. Moses feel this is dangerous we area supposed to be able to allow your young child to ride this without interruption. Mr. Asay stated the whole reason to start this area was due to the safety of cyclists in this particular area. If cars are parked along there cyclists are now forced out into the street or up on the sidewalk. Mrs. Mitchell stated Mr. Smith is long time business owner and the support was not there to force him into an agreement. Mr. Asay stated this proposal now forces kids to ride into the street with no protection. Mrs. Mitchell said kids may use the sidewalks, they will not be forced into the street. The only time this is an issue is during the services and parking restrictions will be enforced.

Mr. Moses stated he accessed Mr. Smith’s property and he has multiple options for existing with his service on his property probably options better than coming out the front door. I feel Mr. Fiori would agree. Mr. Fiori noted his backdoors are not large enough for the purposes required. Mr. Moses noted the no parking signs that are now posted are not being enforced as he is parking there now and he (Mr. Smith) is not being fined. I feel this is going to be a problem. My frustration in this is that Century Engineering should have had that base covered before they designed this to go in front on Bennie Smith if the city was not going to stand behind it. Mrs. Mitchell noted the city did not have his approval, Century Engineering and DelDOT did have those conversations. Mr. Asay for cost measures we agreed to do delineators along this section since we could not cost effectively widen the sidewalk from the school east to the railroad. The suggestion of widening the sidewalk in this area was discussed. Mr. Moses wants to go on record its going to be a terrible thing if the city made a decision in the most dangerous section to force kids out into the street. Mrs. Mitchell stated the city did not make a decision, Mr. Smith was not approving. Mr. Moses stated Mr. Smith does not own the shoulder. Mrs. Mitchell noted he is the business owner and he was not happy about blocking off his property. Children can ride on the sidewalk and not go into the street. Mr. Seigel noted they only time people will be there is when servicing are letting out and that will be just a short time. He really didn’t see this as a problem. Riders can simply use the sidewalk in the event a funeral service is taking place. Mr. Moses and Mr. Asay were not in agreement with this option as this is most dangerous section. Mr. Asay wanted to point out the US Rt13 path, was a missing link for folks traveling north/south on the southbound side of Rt13. (Pizza Hut to Big Lots). This great and I just wanted to make a big deal out of that piece being completed. BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN UPDATE Mrs. Mtichell stated the consultants and MPO have set the kick off date for Thursday, August 15 at 11 AM. Mr. Asay felt it would be good to have as many committee members attend as possible. He then poled everyone. Mr. Moses said depended on work load, Mr. Lesniewski was not available, Mr. Seigel has it on his calendar and Ms. Riddle would do her best. Mr. Asay described how the meeting work, and we will be able to hear their concept on how the plan update would be done. Mr. Lee said he would try. SENATOR BIKEWAY Mr. Asay presented a proposal for Paving Markage and Signage. It was not presented for inclusion in the meeting packet. This included from the railroad track to Silver Lake Park. It involves very little construction because it is on residential streets. He and I agreed at the last meeting to come up with a proposal for the marking process and so what is currently in the plans for this piece, there will be delineator on North West Street on the west side of the street. Mrs. Mitchell noted the time and Mr. Moses maybe this should be tabled due to time and have a more indepth conversation next meeting. Mrs. Mitchell don’t they have that in the design already? Mr. Asay, yes they have a proposal for paving marking and signage. We are responding to their proposal. Mrs. Mitchell asked if DelDOT gave us a proposal to respond to Ms. Courtney replied, no their plans are complete. Mr. Asay stated there was no public workshop for this piece. Mrs. Mitchell asked Mr. Fiori if the plan included markings? Mr. Fiori noted yes there are approved markings and plans, for signage and stripping. The subcommittee saw those plans and had concerns and are now making their feedback. Mr. Asay what is being proposed are signs that direct people, similar to the blue signs you may see now. We approve of their use of those. What we felt we needed to comment about the use of sharrows to mark the pavement. We have a concern about sharrows as they are used in a completely different way in other parts of town. These are streets that are not bike friendly and a challenge for bikes his belief for sharrows is to let autos know bicyclists to share to the lane. We did have a member of the public who said he liked the sharrows, however the use here is a conflict in signals. Mr. Moses stated we have ideas that are inexpensive, and greatly increase the safety like 4 ways stops. Automobile would have the direction to stop at the Senator Bikeway. These are safe for the cyclists and driver as well and worth the money. This will make the bikeway safe as it was intended. Without marking and four ways stops to educate the motorists and cyclist it defeats the purpose.

Mr. Asay statement he and Mr. Moses had two primary reasons for making these suggestions, 1) for the safety of bikeway users as many will be children and 2) clearly identify the route as a recommended bike route (encouraging users to make this the primary route). Mr. Moses requested that this item be added to next months agenda allowing everyone time to review the information handed out today and digest it. Ms. Courtney reminded everyone that Mr. Galvin of the MPO recommended that we check the MUTC manual, it would explain a definition of sharrows that varies from what was presented tonight. DelDOT use of sharrows is not as it was presented here this evening. Mr. Asay, agreed and he called the traffic section of DelDOT to let them know his concern about the two different uses of sharrows. Per Mr. Asay, the traffic representative agreed to talk about it internally with DelDOT and then possibly the Delaware Bicycle Council for a consistent use of sharrows. Ms. Riddle what is at the intersections of Cecil and Governors? Mr. Asay says, yes number 3 under DelDOT actions is green paint. Something different than the standard walk way. Mr. Lee stated he would like to see intersections on the screen when we are discussing these. Ms. Courtney can pull these areas up if she is provided information prior to the meeting. The city will not accept outside thumb drives, information the members would like to see during the meetings should be emailed over prior to the meeting (also for inclusion meeting packet). Announcements Nothing was brought to the forward. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:07 pm.

AUGUST 31, 2019 Silver Lake Day Silver Lake Park - 300 Washington Street, Dover 10 AM - 1 PM Enjoy a day of free family fun! Paddle, Walk, and Explore Silver Lake Park! TREE WALK FOOD & FUN MAYOR’S CANOE & Silver Lake Park Pavilions KAYAK REGATTA Silver Lake Park Pavilions Learn about the different trees! Food, Games, & Music Silver Lake Beach All Free! Canoe or Kayak Cardboard Boat Contest! JOIN US, RAIN OR SHINE! All events are free & open to the public FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.CITYOFDOVER.COM/PARKS-RECS-HOME WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OPENSTREETSDOVER BROUGHT TO YOU BY: SILVER LAKE DOVER BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISION SUBCOMMITTEE

Prepared by: Chris Asay and Dave Moses Proposal for Pavement-marking and Signage for the Senator Bikeway, Particularly on Phase 1 Phase 1 of the Senator Bikeway, currently under construction, extends from Carver Road in the west, to Silver Lake Park in the east, following Forest Street, West Division Street, North West Street, Cecil Street, the alley east of North State Street, and Washington Street. Concerning the pavement markings and signage along this route, we have two goals: 1. Safety for the bikeway users, many of whom will be children. 2. Clearly and prominently identifying the bikeway to potential users, and to automobile drivers. This is to promote use and also provide safety for users. This proposal includes recommendations for DelDOT actions, and for City of Dover actions. DelDOT Actions 1. We approve of the installation of directional signage as proposed. These are the signposts located at turns in the route that provide directional arrows and distances to selected destinations. 2. We do not approve of the use of “sharrows” painted in white paint on the pavement along the route, as these markings are already in use on roadways in Dover that are not considered “low stress” bike routes. As an alternative, we suggest markings similar to those used in striped bike lanes, but perhaps using green paint, rather than white paint. 3. We suggest the installation of green pavement markings at three intersections: Cecil Street and Governors Ave, Cecil Street and North State Street, Hazel Road and the alley. Traffic is heavy on Governor’s Ave and North State Street. The green paint is a visual warning to automobiles that this is a special crossing area. 4. We also suggest painting green angle-arrows, marked “SB” at 4 turns in the route: W Division and N West Streets, Cecil and N West Streets, Cecil Street and the alleyway, and Washington Street and the alleyway. These would provide additional guidance for bicyclists. City of Dover Actions 1. Change three intersections on Cecil Street from 2-way stop to 4-way stop: At North West Street, Kirkwood Street, and Queen Street. (The intersection of Cecil and New Streets is already a 4-way stop.) This will provide significant safety for bicyclists at these intersections, by requiring cross traffic to come to a complete stop. 2. Provide signage ( <—Senator Bikeway—> ) atop street signs at all intersections along the Senator Bikeway. This helps to make it clear that this route is a special bike route. (On this phase, there are 16 intersections that would have this signage. Also 12 more heading west, and 2 more heading east. 30 in total.)