Bike Committee Minutes from 5/15/01

[Bruce Dwyer]

City of Alexandria Bicycle Study Committee Minutes from 5/15/01
in attendance: Paul DeMaio, Mike Merritt, Ruth Reeder, Bruce Dwyer,
Suzanne Salva, Chan Mohney, Tricia McManus , Maitland Bottoms (for a few
minutes,) Jim Wamsley, Kirk Kincannon

THANK YOU SUZANNE FOR JAMIESON!!!!!
Mike discussed future impact from development in this area, PTO in
particular, and the need for committee to address these concerns.
Suzanne noted that this will be the largest construction zone the City
has ever seen.

I. 4/17/01 Minutes: unavailable

II. Eisenhower/TEA-21 Grant - Kirk stated he had no update, but will
call Richmond if he hasn't heard anything by next week.

III. Mill Rd. and Eastern Eisenhower Valley - Suzanne reported that City
is working on a new alignment east to Telegraph. The redesign will
incorporate a bike route per the bike plan with Hoffman and VDOT monies.
Mill Road will
have two lanes with a 14' outer lane with no gutter pan to accommodate
bicycles. The easements to the
DMV are being acquired. No improvements are scheduled for the Metro
crossing at Mill Road, as there are no easements and it falls out of the
scope of the work. The lane will be considered a "shared" lane as it is
not wide enough to stripe. Suzanne suggest installing a "Share the Road"
sign.  The Committee still recommends that the outer lane be 15 feet with a
marked bike lane which will both encourage new cyclists to replace a car
trip with a bike trip while also having a traffic calming effect.

Committee acknowledged the many benefits of having Suzanne review plans
in early stage to catch and address bike concerns.

IV. Bike Lanes - New Commonwealth lanes are 2 ½ miles (each way) bike
symbol will be added, once template arrives. Paul is measuring lanes at
all 4 metro stations, and Pendelton, Wheeler, and Taney. City will add
bike lanes where possible. Contact him if you have other street
suggestions.

V. Bike Projects -
A. Tarleton - Bruce will check with Elizabeth Wright to get final citizen
association input for proposed path.
B. Chambliss - Reviewed Fairfax plans. Committee to schedule walk through.
Discussed how to connect to Fairfax proposed trail. Need stream
crossing. Chan suggest using weir. Tricia will set up time we can
meet.
C. Cameron Station Development - Raleigh Connector. Committee will try
again next year.
D. Abingdon/Slaters Lane - $ from power plant to replace railroad
crossing should be available in a year. The Abingdon route and path along
the rail tracks will be use as an alternative to Mt. Vernon Trail during a
Park Service project to improve the decking behind the power plant later
this year. Kirk reported  the rough section of trail will be paved in two
weeks. Vegetation will be cut back 2' on either side and
10' above (Fairfax standards.)  Bruce recommends limbing up the Cyprus along
Abingdon to the fence line.  The trees are encroaching on the sidewalk which
is already too narrow to accommodate pedestrians.  The obstruction will only
get worse unless it is addressed now.  Kirk will email code enforcement and
have them contact the power plant.

Bruce asks members to identify and report maintenance projects. For
example: A. yellow post at trail head at Oronocco Park is dangerous and
should be removed. Kirk and Suzanne to review. B. Holmes Run has rough
spots near Wheeler. Mike mentioned problems with gravel left over from
construction project. Suzanne to check. Discussed police vehicles racing
through at unsafe speeds. Suzanne will look into midway barricades.  C.
Gravel and broken lighting still plague the Holmes Run path under I-395
E-mail maintenance suggestions to Kirk. Maintenance card is now on web,
and can be filled out electronically.

VI. Potomac Heritage Trail - Chan reported that City has money for
traditional brown and white signs, and he is working with Rich Baier and
Doug McCobb on trail signage.

VII. Events -
a. Open Space- 3 public hearings, Bruce attended District II meeting.
District I was against bikes on Union Street. June 23 - Open Space
Summit. Important for cyclists and pedestrians to be more vocal about the
need for off-road paths connecting all parts of the city.
b. Transportation Plan Public Hearing at City Council addressed upcoming
study of transportation in the city.  Alternative forms of transportation
will be  addressed.
c. Bike to Work Proclamation before City Council attended by about 12 bike
committee members.  Thanks Paul
d. Governor's Ride, Bruce and Maitland rode 150 miles. Nine people met
them at Mt. Vernon and escorted them into town. Bruce reported that the
event was delightful and everyone should consider riding next year!
e.Bike to Work attracted 250 riders
f. Bike Rodeos have been successful

IIX. Next Meeting - Tuesday, June  19 at 7:30p.m., Lee Center.
We will not meet in July.
In August, we will return to the more popular third Wednesday (Aug 15) and
we will start at 7:00 P.M.