Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission

Wheaton Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission June 19, 2024 7pm Gammon Room, Wheaton City Hall, Wheaton, IL In person and Virtual meeting I. Call to Order 7:00 pm Members present: Michelle, Lou, George, Bill, Rita, Mike, Bob, Connor Members absent: Laurel, Alyse, Cate, Dave Public Present: Dave Basener II. Agenda Item Approval of May Minutes Motioned: Bob Seconded: George Unanimously approved via voice vote. III. Public Comment Dave Basener - He said he is recently retired and had attended one of our meetings about a year ago, so he just wanted to attend to see what was going on. He has biked for a long time and mainly rides his bike to run errands around town. Later in the meeting, he suggested we create an email list of people who are interested in biking issues who we can contact for support when we are presenting a proposal to the City Council. IV. Agenda Item Chair Report- A. June City Council Meeting - Bill and Rita attended the meeting. Bill read (during the Public Comment period) the WBPC proposal for the City to create a space on its website for business owners and others to request the installation of bike racks. https://docs.google.com/file/d/1_RhtejyypSgNAyALOex0XGZAR38K2ACR/edit?usp=docslist_api&filet ype=msword There were half-dozen or more public comments opposing the proposed addition of parking at the Cosley Zoo, on the east side of Gary road. These comments were mostly passionate and seemingly well researched, citing both safety and legal reasons for opposition. It might make sense for the WBPC to discuss whether it should develop a position on this, since it involves a significant case of pedestrian safety. The remainder of the meeting discussed Council business issues that included authorization of waste disposal and recycling contracts, a contract change order for sewer and water rehabilitation, and two  WHEATON BICYCLIST & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES June 19, 2024 contracts for leases of office equipment. Finally, a bill payment was approved to an outstanding warrant. B. Safe Routes/Bike to School - No updates. C Grant Writing - No updates. D. Bike Plan Consultant/ATA - Per John Duguay, the CMAP grant was very competitive with 122 communities applying and Wheaton was not selected. John said we can reach out to ATA to see how much work they think it would be to update and add on Pedestrian, since they did the original work. We cannot commit to anything, when it comes to cost, there are rules/parameters we must follow. But a conversation is fine to gather info. Lou will reach out to Maggie Czerwinski at the ATA. E. Carlton Sign rejected by IDOT - Per John Duguay The City contacted IDOT for placement of the sign and they approved its location and placement on the northwest traffic signal pole. However, on this pole, there is only approximately 16”-18” of vertical clearance for placement of an additional sign ... above or below the walk signal. In the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the regulatory size for this type of sign is 30”x30”. Since there is only 18” of space and the requested sign cannot fit, it cannot be installed. -IPP Welcome Signs: DPC stated they were in process and should have approval "soon". That probably means 2 weeks +/-. V. Ongoing Business A. Bike Valet recap We closed up at 10 am when it started to rain. We had approximately 30 people use the bike valet. We heard many positive comments from people that they appreciated this and they had never seen it done at any other running event. B. History Ride Our focus will be the History of Wheaton Parks presented by Bob Goldsborough. i. Ad - We will print the ads and distribute them at the library and local bike shops. We will do a press release with the City of Wheaton and in the Daily Herald. We will have the ad ready to be approved at our July meeting and print them by mid-August. A concern was raised that the ride may take longer than the 2 hours that is listed on our WBPC calendar. After the meeting, George removed the spurs to Fireman's Park and W. Hawthorne Blvd to Cosley Zoo. The total distance now is 8.3 miles and the travel time should be about an hour. That would get us closer to the tour taking 2 hours as listed on our calendar. Thank you George! ii. Police support - Per Laurel, Sergeant Miroballi (Officer Crystal's husband) was contacted and he said to reach out to him again in September before the History ride. C. Warrenville Rd Crosswalk Proposal At this time, it appears they are redoing the crosswalk at Park, so we will hold off on our proposal. We will continue to monitor and also possibly look at a safer crossing at Arbor. Connor showed an example of a flashing light that is currently at Illinois and President streets (right by Lowell school), however it does not appear to be working. This might be something we could address once school resumes in August. D. Safe Routes mapping out Sidewalks Connor said that the schools in Naperville have a walk route and a traffic control plan for each school. He recommended we do this for at least the 4 schools we are currently talking to about Safe Routes to school. Michelle has asked John Duguay if we still have the 2007 original plan that had a traffic control plan for safe routes to school and is awaiting a response. MIchelle will also reach out to D200 for this information. 2  WHEATON BICYCLIST & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES June 19, 2024 E. July Council meeting Michelle suggested that we can watch a recording of the meeting if we do not have anything to present or you can attend if you want. Michelle plans to watch the July meeting. F. Group Rides 10 riders went on the ride today to the Peck Homestead and it went well. George suggested that we collaborate with area historical societies to promote cycling to various historical sites. i. Rider safety - Michelle gave a reminder that we have first aid supplies with us on our group rides. ii. July 6th-10am-Egg Harbor - Bill said this ride is closer to 22 miles. Michelle amended our WBPC calendar to reflect this distance. VI. New Business A. Volunteer Opportunities i. Lombard Cycling Classic July 23, 2024 - They are looking for volunteers if you are interested. B. Lombard Historic homes tour June 29 - If interested, the cost is $20. It is only a 2 mile route. C. Kane County trail speed limit - Trails will be digitally monitored by FP police for those who are exceeding the 15 mph speed limit. D. Bike buses - Michelle suggested this be a part of Safe Routes to School and Bill had previously brought up this concept as well. E. Olmec Trails public art - There are 33 sculptures of public art on display around the county, including St. James, COD, and downtown Wheaton. This is a partnership with the College of DuPage Public Art Project and the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau. The exhibit pays tribute to the indigenous roots of Mexican heritage and highlights the importance of public art. F. New sidewalk from Westhaven Drive to St. Francis High School (south side of Roosevelt Road) - Work has begun on installing this new sidewalk. Next Meeting: July 17, 2024 X. Adjournment - 8:11 pm Approved 3