Topics for TES

[Bruce Dwyer]

Please provide any comments on this list of topics for Rich Baier.  I will
send him the list in advance of our next meeting and confirm his attendance.
Thanks

Alexandria Bicycle Committee
Topics for Discussion with new Director of TES


General topics

1.  Bicycle committee is a subcommittee of Park & Recreation Commission.
However, the committee supports bicycling for both transportation and
recreation.  The committee provides lots of support to the city, preparing
the Bicycle Master Plan and the bicycle routes for the new map, plus more.
We believe that pedestrian concerns go along with bicycle concerns in
addressing how to make Alexandria a more livable community.  The committee
is proud of the contributions and work it has done beyond just serving in an
advisory capacity.  We would like to work more closely with TES.

2.  The Master Bike Plan recommends the creation of a full-time
bicycle/pedestrian coordinator reporting to both TES and Park&Rec.  The
committee spends much time chasing around the city offices to coordinate on
projects with a bicycle impact. Plus there is a lack of expertise on AASHTO
and VDOT guidelines on bicycle facilities.  The City Council adopted the
Master Plan 2 years ago, endorsed the request for FY 2001 TEA-21 funds, and
increased the FY 2001 budget for bike trails to $77,000/year.  Successful
implementation will take project management and bicycle facilities skills.

Specific topics

1.  Eisenhower Valley Greenway Project overview with aerial photo charts.
Project is a Master Plan for developers, requires coordination with Planning
Department and TES.  Ties in to Rt. 1 and Telegraph Road interchange
bike/ped accommodation.

2.  Bike/Ped considerations very disappointing and dangerous in the East end
of Eisenhower Valley with the loss of trail due to sewage treatment plant
construction.  An alternative route to use Jamison Street right-of-way has
been frustrating to committee.

3.  Need immediate attention to adjust the sensitivity of traffic signal
activation loops to bicycles.  Slow response to cyclist death a year ago.

4.  King Street RR bridge area, even without a new bridge, needs ped/bike
safety improvements

5.  Alexandria Heritage Trail need safety improvements and other
improvements (especially in I-395 underpass, which is also a highly used
bike/ped neighborhood commuting route to stores and new city library) and
signage

6.  What can be done to improve the safety of peds and bikes in
right-turn-on-red intersections?

7.  Need to update sidewalk/sidepath ordinance consistent with other
jurisdiction is the state, Arlington, Hampton.

8.  Would TES support the resurrection of the Bicycle Improvement Request
postcard from several years ago.  Stopped because improvement suggestions
were not made.

9.  VDOT is coming to the end of its program of providing free bike
racks/installation.  Alexandria put them in parks and has orders in for
commercial area placements.  VDOT has asked if Alexandria could take
advantage of a few remain racks.