Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission

Wednesday March 20th, 2019 7pm, Conley Room I. Call to Order Nancy Allured called the meeting to order at 7:02pm Attendees: Nancy Allured, Elizabeth Bishop, Alyse Kondrat, Bill Neiman, Doug Jones, Therese Kushman, Carrie Provost, Suzanne Fitch Rita Nathanson approved the meeting minutes and Carrie Provost & Alyse Kondrat seconded. Public Comment: Public comment: Suzanne Fitch shared some general information on a few bicycle and pedestrian plans that were being considered by the City. a. Prairie Path redesign for the downtown Wheaton plan for Phase 3 b. Underpass at Wheaton Avenue and Roosevelt Road II. Chair Report None III. Ongoing Business: Bicycle Festival – 2019 – Nancy suggested that the festival sub-committee meet with Paula in April to plan theme, participation and logistics for using the City Hall parking lot. Bike/Walk to School – Spring Event – May 8th. Therese has contacted the schools within District 200 to provide information for their planning for this year’s event Group Rides – The May 8 group ride will be a special invitation to the high schools to join our ride. Bike Valet / Taste of Wheaton – Michelle has the plan in place with the Park District to continue the bike valet at Taste of Wheaton on the Saturday. Members available to help on the day are Alyse, Bill, Rita, Elizabeth, Carrie, Therese, Doug History Ride – 2019 – Bill contacted Dennis Rodkin, expert on the Underground Railroad role that Wheaton College played. He has agreed to speak during the history ride, along with Glennette Tilly Turner and expert on Wheaton sites that were used during the Underground Railroad. Wayfinding Sign Corrections – no action until later in spring Coffee with Council – Bill reported on his attendance at coffee with council. He spoke with the  BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMISSIONMEETING MINUTES Month Date, Year council members and staff about specifics on bike racks in the new downtown Wheaton plan. Following that meeting John Duguay sent a specific count and location report with an indication of increased racks once the project is complete. IV. Other Topics / New Business: Roosevelt Road underpass: the commission members discussed this potential project and suggested that the better solution for bicyclists may be an improved crossing of Roosevelt at Main Street. This is a potential gateway to help connect residents on the south side of Roosevelt Road to the downtown district with a safe and comfortable way across such a busy intersection. Bicyclists are much more likely to use this area to cross from south to north than the underpass. Pedestrians are more likely to use the underpass with stairs at Wheaton Avenue. Two possible road projects coming up for the City are possibilities for new and safer accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists: Reconstruction of Roosevelt Road at County Farm Road, and; Gary Avenue from Harrison St north to Jewell Road. Nancy will contact the City to find out about these two projects and when we will need to present recommendations. V. Upcoming Meetings Wednesday April 17th, 2019 Wednesday May 15th, 2019 VI. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm 2