City of Batavia Bicycle Commission Met March 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
1. Roll Call: John Gamble, Amy Moore, Joanne Spitz, Jenn Ress, John Burnham, Randy Deicke, Jared Heck, Evan Thomas, Lucy Thelin Atac, Laura Newman, Dave Pedersen, Steve Ericksen, Troy Simpson
Absent: Emil Jensen, Brett Garrett
2. Approve Minutes
3. Bikes For Batavia: Evan shared info: Got a request from Lazarus, and Evan got bike ready ASAP and delivered to them, and will work more closely with them. Joanne also in touch with Lazarus. 80 bikes in shop; getting 10 more. Pedal & Spoke want to donate more too. Craig Foltos has some bikes and a truck to help move them. Klem wants to meet and talk to Evan…John will arrange. Need to look into a new location for shop for next year. Joanne will reach out to schools for bike needs as weather improves.
4. Fermi: Will not be opening anytime soon. Fermi has always had pride in sharing their facility/land with the community. We will have to wait and hope!
5. Jen’s Social Medial Campaign: Jen discussed and sent BBC her social media campaign…to start April 5. 4 weeks, 5 messages per week for total of 20 posts. Amazing job! Ed Barsotti has set up Bike Quiz in a google form to use to promote education and to collect names/info for raffle prizes.
4 sections: 1. General rules of the road; Be Aware 2. Helmet safety 3. Visibility/Be Seen 4. Motorists- How to interact with cyclists; Be aware of cyclists.
Social Media outlets we should use: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Neighbors Magazine, ENews from City of Batavia.
Culminate in May and have incentive to complete the Bike Safety Quiz. Get prizes and get Chamber Bucks.
Mike at Prairie Path will donate raffle prizes….helmets, bells, etc.
John B will help with social media…facebook, Instagram. Will put on City of Batavia E-News. We all need to share on any facebook pages we belong to and our own pages. John will have Carolyn help, and look into Hoot Sweet to set up all the posts.
Suggested we speak to police so they are are clear on bicycling rules of the road. Hope to set up a time to speak with staff. Or can invite Officer Eul to our meeting. And we should send link to Bike Quiz to him.
6. Safe Streets Campaign: Jenn presented at city council with John. She talked about Bike Education, signage recommendations.
New signs that say: Bikes may use full lane (BMUFL)…should these replace “Share the Road”. Her research on Ride Illinois states we should pick between 2 signs: Either BMUFL, or “3 Feet minimum to pass bicycles”. Share the road signs on McKee and Raddant should be replaced with State Law- 3 Feet Min to Pass Bicycles signs. Areas throughout downtown (e.g. Sharrows, Wilson St from Batavia Ave. to N Washington Ave.) should have BMUFL signs. Ride Illinois is providing funding for the 3 Feet Min signs. Only a few of these are in the county now, and none within the city limits of Batavia.
Jen recommended the city uses both BMUFL and 3 Feet Min signs, based on the above information. Suggest we start with signage throughout downtown and replacing Share The Road signs on McKee and Raddant.
7. John led discussion of what we should present to City Council for improvements and he presented this on March 9 to city council. They covered Bike Education, Signage recommendations, and overall goals to finish connections in town….N to S, and E to W, by quadrant.
3 Key Items:
1. Road Diet - PRIORITY, IDOT is an issue! Would like to see it from Fabyan to Mooseheart
2. Road Connections/Links (signs, infrastructure, etc.) including Jen’s signage info.
3. Sharrows and bike lanes – Prairie, Pine, to Fermi. Need to be specific in Strategic Plan for what BBC wants/recommends.
Everyone was in favor of using all suggestions on John’s list of improvements/connections.
Discussed Peck Farm: need to work with Geneva to negotiate easement. Emphasize Traffic Calming.
Troy was asked to update map, on Cleveland. He does not know about city funded improvements…we need to let him know.
Very hard to get new stop signs placed. Many rules/regulations.
Randall Rd. is county so need to work with Kane County.
Troy discussed regional funding available….ITEP, and STP, CIMAP, grant for Bike/Pedestrian Barriers.
No development planned on Mooseheart property.
http://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03082021-1694
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