revised 3/15 minutes

[jeffrey.gauger at mspb.gov]

City of Alexandria Bicycle Study Committee Minutes from 3/15/00

In attendance: Bruce Dwyer, Marion Clark, Daryl Schaefer, Jim Wamsley, Sam
Longstreet, Jeff Gauger, Michael Merritt, Fred Rodriguez, Tom Wallenius, Anh
Phau, Paul DeMaio, Jerry King, Dave Levy

i.  Welcome to guests:  Anh, who recently moved to Alexandria from Portland, and
Fred, Service Manager at Spokes.

ii.  Marion reported on budget:
     Unallocated funds available for bike projects now = $87,000
     Capital improvement budget for bike trails (not yet approved by City
Council) = $ 77,000 for each of the next 6 years.  This represents a dramatic
improvement over previous $ 15,000.

1.  Jamison Temporary Trail (between Holland Lane & West St.)
     Marion reported that once historic bridge is reconstructed, an asphalt
trail will go in.  Michael said it appeared that construction had begun on
trail.  However, he expressed concern that bridge work has been scheduled for
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?any day now? for a long time.  Bruce expressed concern about layout of trail.
Paul suggested that ?under construction? signs be posted explaining the project
in order to garner enthusiasm for the trail.  Bruce agreed to put the word out
on listservs as well.

2.  Eisenhower Grant
     Marion said there was no response yet.  Bruce suggested encouraging
prominent Republicans to write letters in support of the project.  Jim will send
us the name and address of the Commonwealth Transportation Board member for this
district.

3.  Potomac Yard
     Bruce suggested that a wider swath through Crystal Drive would allow
two-way bike traffic.  Recommendations go to Arlington.

4.  Wilson Bridge
     The kick-off meeting is Wednesday, March 20.  Bruce, George and Ruth have
been involved in stakeholder meetings and will continue.  All members get in
comments on interchanges.

5.  King Street RR Bridge
     Bruce sent in comments on behalf of committee.

6.  Eisenhower Valley Bike Race
     Daryl reported on day of events scheduled for September 23.  Promoted by
Sports Image Marketing.

7.  Traffic Signal detectors
     Bruce will give list of eight intersections to Marion and bring it to the
attention of the TES director.

8.  Issues for new TES director
     The new TES director, Richard Baier, has been invited to the April meeting.
Some of the issues to be discussed w/ Mr. Baier include:
     -- bicyclists include not just recreational riders but commuters too
     -- pedestrian issues go together with bike issues
     -- need more bicycling/pedestrian expertise in the city, esp. with
implementation
     -- need to immediate attention to traffic signal activation and signage
     -- need wide lanes at King St. bridge
     -- Eisenhower project
     -- implementation of bike plan!
     -- sidewalk ordinance
     -- bicyclist feedback - riders could write down concerns about trails on
     postcards & mail to TES
     -- culvert underpass under 395
     -- Holmes Run flooding (Marion reported that dredging has been done)
     -- Potomac Yard trail (& other trails) where drivers allowed right turn on
red - dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists

9.  COG project priorities
      Marion reported that COG transportation planning board has a grant to
study green space.  Eisenhower trail made their list.  Committee identified
Chambliss as another priority.

10.  Earth Day
       Scheduled for May 21 at 4-mile run park.  Ruth needs rides leaders for
Earth Day ride.

11.  Pedals for Progress/Earth Day
       Paul reported on program that ships donated bikes to developing
countries.  Bring $10 for shipping cost.

12.  Bike-to-work day
       Scheduled for Friday, May 19 from 7-8:30 a.m. at City Hall.
       Mayor will read proclamation at the April 25 City Council Meeting.

13.  Be Safe Coalition
       Bruce sought volunteers to be bike committee liaison to go to meetings at
9 a.m. Friday.  Jim volunteered.

14.  Friends of W&OD Board
       Need new members.  Meet 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday in Vienna once a mo. or every
two months.

15.  Other business
        Michael reported that two new bridges at Cameron Station will connect
Holmes Run trail.  Currently there are obstructions on trail.  Marion will
contact Moses Simmons about rerouting Holmes Run trail.

Next meeting:  APRIL 19, 2000