2014 League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community Application. Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN

Transcription

1 2014 League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community Application Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN

2 The 2014 Bicycle Friendly Community application is a joint project of the cities of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks and the Greenway & Trail Users Advisory Group. Work began on this application in early 2014 and culminated in this final document. The League of American Bicyclists designates varying degrees of Bicycle Friendly Community status, based on several criteria. This program recognizes communities for their current bicycle accommodations and a roadmap for planning future bicycle facilities. The final goal is to make bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all people. Dedicated volunteers from throughout the community gave their time and talents to assemble this application. These volunteers represented cyclists, planners, law enforcement, engineering, and other interested citizens. Our many thanks to: Dave Aker, East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation Jane Croeker University of North Dakota Health & Wellness Mark Ellingson, Grand Forks Police Nancy Ellis, City of East Grand Forks Planning Stephanie Erickson, Grand Forks & East Grand Forks Metropolitan Planning Office Greg Gahlon, East Grand Forks Police Kim Greendahl, City of Grand Forks Pete Haga, Community & Government Relations Officer, City of Grand Forks Carma Hanson, Safe Kids Grand Forks Mike Hedlund, East Grand Forks Police Aaron Kennedy, Greenway & Trail Users Advisory Group Terry Knudson, The Ski & Bike Shop David Kuharenko, City of Grand Forks Engineering Andrea Laraway, City of Grand Forks Planning Greg Leigh, East Grand Forks City Council LaVonne Nelson, Grand Forks Police Patrick Marcoe, University of North Dakota Wellness Center Mark McDonald, Scheel s David Murphy, East Grand Forks City Administrator Patty Olsen, Safe Kids Grand Forks Bill Palmiscno, Grand Forks Park District Debra Pflughoeft-Hassett, Sustainability Coordinator, City of Grand Forks Alison Rood, Cities Area Transit David Sears, The Ski & Bike Shop Dan Splichal, Greenway & Trail Users Advisory Group Jason Stordahl, East Grand Forks Public Works Clarence Vetter, East Grand Forks City Council Bret Weber, Grand Forks City Council DaLee Wilkinson, Grand Forks Police Art Young, Greenway & Trail Users Advisory Group The many volunteers who gave their time and talents to conduct the trail use counts and inventory evaluations. 2 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

3 League of American Bicyclists 2014 Bicycle Friendly Community Application Cities of Grand Forks, ND & East Grand Forks, MN Table of Contents Name of Community & Bicycle Friendly Community Contact Profile... 4 Community Profile... 5 Engineering... 9 Education Encouragement Enforcement Evaluation and Planning Final Overview B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

4 League of American Bicyclists 2014 Bicycle Friendly Community Application Cities of Grand Forks, ND & East Grand Forks, MN Name of Community Name of Community Greater Grand Forks County/Borough/Parish Grand Forks Counties & Polk Counties State North Dakota & Minnesota Has the community applied to the Bicycle Friendly Community program before? Yes If yes, what was the result of the community's last application? Honorable Mention Mayor or top elected official (include title) Mayor Michael Brown & Mayor Lynn Stauss Phone (701) (218) and Address PO Box 5200, Grand Forks, ND and 600 DeMers Avenue, East Grand Forks, MN Website Bicycle Friendly Community Contact Profile Name of BFC contact Kim Greendahl Title Greenway Specialist Department Public Works Employer City of Grand Forks Address PO Box 5200 City Grand Forks State North Dakota Zip Phone (701) Is the BFC contact also the Bicycle Program Manager? No If no, does your community have a Bicycle Program Manager? No 4 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

5 Community Profile 1. Type of Jurisdiction Town/City/Municipality 2. For purposes of comparison, would you describe your community as largely: Urban 3. Climate - Average daytime temperature (in F) January 16 April 55 July 81 October 54 Average precipitation (in inches) January.7 April 1 July 3.2 October 2 4. Size of community (in sq. mi.) Total area Water area.18 Land area Total Population 62,004 5a. College/University student population (during semester) 10-25% 6. Population Density (Person per sq. mi. of land area) 2, Median Household Income $49, Age distribution (in percent) Under 5 6% Age % Age % Age % Totals (should equal 100) Race (in percent) White 87% Black or African American 2% American Indian and Alaska Native 4% Asian 1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0% Some other race 0% Two or more races 3% Totals (should equal 100) 100% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 5% 10. How many government employees (including the Bicycle Program Manager), expressed in full-time equivalents, work on bicycle issues in your community? What percentage of the community's Bicycle Program Manager's time is spent on bicycling issues? N/A 5 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

6 12. Do you have an officially recognized Bicycle Advisory Committee? Yes 12a. How often does it meet? Monthly or more frequently 12b. How many members serve on the committee? There are no requirements for membership on the Greenway & Trail Users Advisory Group. Meetings are open to all interested individuals. Anyone with an interest in the Greenway or Greater Grand Forks bikeway system is welcome to attend meetings. 12c. Which of the following groups are represented or regularly attend the Bicycle Advisory Committee? Check all that apply. User Group, Transportation Department Transit Agency Other If other, describe (50 word limit) Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Metropolitan Planning Organization GF engineering department University of North Dakota Bike shops Citizens 12d. Name and of Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair Kim Greendahl, The popularity of fishing on the Red & Red Lake Rivers inspired this fish shaped bicycle rack in downtown Grand Forks 13. List all bicycle advocacy groups in your community Northern Star Cycling Club Safe Kids GF Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Subcommittee Healthy UND 6 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

7 13a. List the name and of the primary contact for each bicycle advocacy group. If a primary contact is the applicant or BFC contact, list an alternative contact. Aaron Kennedy, aaron.kennedy@und.edu, Carma Hanson, chanson@altru.org, b. Do you contract with any advocacy groups for services or programs? No 13c. List all advocacy groups that are working with you on this application. Northern Star Cycling Club Safe Kids GF Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Subcommittee Coalition for a Healthy Greater Grand Forks Ground UP Adventures 14. What are the primary reasons your community has invested in bicycling? Check all that apply. Improved quality of life Improving public health Community connectivity Transportation options Reduce car-parking demands Climate change/environmental stewardship concerns Increase tourism Public demand Support Smart Growth or other growth management goals Traffic and bicycle/pedestrian safety 15. What was your community's most significant achievement for bicycling in the past 12 months? (500 word limit) Year-round bicycling has increased over the past several years in Greater Grand Forks. The rise in winter bicycling prompted the cities to review their trail plowing policy. Beginning in 2012, both cities began plowing the entire bikeway network within 48 hours of a snowfall of more than 1 inch. Unusually heavy snow may delay that schedule, when necessary. Enforcement of city ordinances prohibiting storing snow on bicycle paths has also increased. In 2013, the City of Grand Forks began using green paint on the bicycle icons in the bicycle lanes. Green boxes were painted around the bicycle icons on the 2.75 miles of bicycle lanes on and near the university campus. The goal was to raise rider and driver awareness of the bicycle lane. More bicycle icons were added in these bicycle lanes in Sharrow symbols were added to University Avenue from the University of North Dakota campus to downtown Grand Forks in This 1.5 mile stretch provides a vital connection between the campus and businesses and restaurants downtown. The onstreet sharrows and associated signage provide a visual reminder to bicyclists and drivers to share the road. It also highlights a preferred cycling route for University of North Dakota students and faculty who come from other areas of the country and world. Grand Forks and East Grand Forks have been experiencing a growth in population. This has resulted in the construction of more housing, businesses, and park space. Both cities have increased the non-motorized connections from these areas to the existing bikeway system. These connections provide important links to over 60 miles of trails and bike lanes throughout the two cities. 7 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

8 16. If you have applied to the BFC program before, describe any improvements that have occurred for cycling in your community since your last application. (500 word limit) The City of Grand Forks launched a three-year program to install bicycle racks throughout the downtown area. This project began in 2010 and resulted in the installation of approximately 15 sets of inverted U bicycle rack sets, one on-street parking stall, and a decorative parking rack in a high profile area. These bicycle facilities added 40 bicycle parking spots to downtown Grand Forks. In 2013, the website was launched to promote local biking opportunities. This website promotes local biking events, routes, and rules of the road. There also opportunities for advocacy and online submission of ideas to improve the Greater Grand Forks bikeway system. The Northern Star Cycling Club (NSCC) has been revived after a long absence. This club went on hiatus after the flood of 1997 and was restarted in the fall of The Northern Star Cycling Club is a group of cyclists of all ages, abilities, and interests. NSCC hosts events ranging from casual around-town rides, to gravel adventures, to summer alleycats and a winter race. This on-street bicycle parking stall provides parking for up to 8 bicycles in the space used by just one car 17. What specific improvements do you have planned for bicycling in the next 12 months? (250 word limit) A group of interested individuals has been meeting periodically over the past four years to bring a bike share program to Greater Grand Forks. The University of North Dakota Student and Staff Senates have expressed interest in funding for the project. Conversations have begun with a local non-profit group to manage the finances and logistics of the project. The goal is begin with a pilot project of one rack near UND housing and another downtown. 8 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

9 Engineering 18. Does your community currently have any of the following policies in place? Check all that apply. Neither 18a. When was it adopted? Not applicable 18b. Provide a link or attach a copy of this legislation or policy 18c. What tools are in place to ensure implementation? Check all that apply. None of the above 19. Does your community currently have any of the following additional policies in place? Check all that apply. None of the above 20. How do you ensure your engineers and planners accommodate bicyclists according to AASHTO, MUTCD and NACTO standards? (Check all that apply.) Offer FHWA/NHI Training Course Send staff to bicycle-specific conferences/training APBP webinars, Other If other, please describe (100 word limit) The Grand Forks traffic engineer is a member of the pedestrian and bicycle committee of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. 21. Which of the following significant physical barriers to cycling exist in your community? Check all that apply. Major highways Bridges that are inaccessible or unsafe for cyclists Large body of water (e.g. river) Railroad corridors 22. How do you ensure that there are end-of-trip facilities for bicyclists? Check all that apply. On-street bike parking/bicycle corrals Ordinance that allows bike parking to substitute for car parking 23. Do your standards for bike parking conform with APBP guidelines? No standards 24. What is the total number of public and private bike parking spaces in your community? Approximately 4,266 24a. What percentage of bike racks conform with APBP guidelines?51-75% 24b. Of the total bike parking available, please specify the percentage of bike parking spaces that are: Bike lockers None Parking spaces in bike depots (i.e. Bikestation) None Parking spaces in bike corrals (on-street bike parking) Less than 1% 25. Approximately what percentage of the following locations has bike racks or storage units? Answer all that apply. Public and private schools More than 90% Higher Education Institutions 76-90% Libraries More than 90% Transit stations and major bus stops More than 90% 9 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

10 Parks & recreation centers More than 90% Other government owned buildings and facilities 51-75% Event venues (e.g. convention center, movie complex) More than 90% Hotels & restaurants 10-25% Office buildings 10-25% Retail stores 10-25% Multi-family housing 26-50% Public housing 76-90% 26. Does your community have transit service (bus, light rail, heavy rail)? Yes 26a. What percentage of buses are equipped with bike racks? All 26b. Are bikes allowed inside transit vehicles? Yes Green paint highlights the bicycle lanes along University Avenue on the University of North Dakota campus 27. What is the centerline mileage of the existing off-road bicycle network within your community? a. How many miles of the following off-road bicycle accommodations do you have? Answer all that apply (in centerline miles) Paved shared use paths (> 10 feet) Natural surface shared use paths (> 10 feet) 2.5 Singletrack 0 27b. What percentage of all natural surface trails and singletrack are open to bicyclists? All 27c. What are the exceptions? (100 word limit) 28. What is the centerline mileage of your road network (including state owned and private roads)? a. What is the street network density of your road network? (centerline miles of road per sq. mi. of land area) b. What percentage of roads has posted or design speeds of 25mph and lower? 76-90% 28c. What percentage of roads has posted or design speeds of 35mph and higher? 11-25% 10 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

11 28d. What percentage of the existing on-street bicycle network meets or exceeds current AASHTO, MUTCD and NACTO standards? More than 90% 28e. List your existing on-road bicycle accommodations that meet or exceed AASHTO, MUTCD and NACTO standards. Answer all that apply (in centerline miles) Conventional bike lanes (ridable surface > 4 feet) 3 Shared lane markings 3 Contra-flow bike lanes 0 Protected or buffered bike lanes (one-way) Protected or buffered bike lanes (two-way) 0 Raised cycle tracks 0 Left-side bike lanes 0 Bike boulevards or Neighborhood Greenways What other ways have you improved conditions for bicyclists? Check all that apply. Bike cut-throughs, Signed bike routes, Bike/pedestrian overpasses/underpasses 30. What percentage of arterial streets has dedicated space for cyclists (e.g. bike lanes, paved shoulders > 4 feet, cycle tracks, etc)? Less than 10% 31. Which of the following broader transportation policies and programs are in place in your community? Check all that apply. Paid public parking Shared-parking allowances If other, describe (250 words) A two-hour time limit is enforced for on-street car parking in the downtown area. Bicycle parking is free and unlimited. 32. What maintenance policies or programs ensure the on-street bicycle network (including shoulders) remains usable and safe? Select all that apply. 32a. Street sweeping Same time as other travel lanes 32b. Snow clearance Same time as other travel lanes 32c. Pothole maintenance Within one week of complaint 32d. Describe any other maintenance policies or programs for the on-street bicycle network (including shoulders). (100 word limit) None. 33. What maintenance policies or programs ensure the off-street bicycle network remains usable and safe? Select all that apply. 33a. Path sweeping Monthly 33b. Vegetation maintenance Weekly 33c. Snow clearance Within 48 hours of storm 33d. Surface repair Within one week of complaint 33e. Describe any other maintenance policies or programs for the off-street bicycle network, if applicable. (100 word limit) The City of Grand Forks conducts an annual assessment of the off-street bicycle facilities. This assessment tool is used to determine surface conditions. Staff uses this 11 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

12 information to develop a maintenance plan for bikeway facilities. Citizens can report bicycle network related maintenance and safety concerns online or by phone at any time. 34. Is there a mechanism in place for cyclists to identify problem intersections or areas to traffic engineers and planners? Check all that apply. Online reporting Monthly meeting Other If other, describe (100 word limit) Citizens can report bikeway issues by through both city websites and at Comments can also be submitted through the GF City 311 online program. Comments submitted online are routed through the appropriate staff for review and potential action. 35. How do you accommodate cyclists at intersections in your community? Check all that apply. Most signals are timed Most signals are timed for bicycle speeds Demand activated signals with loop detector (and marking) or bike accessible push-button Colored bike lanes in conflict areas Path crossing with high visibility markings or signs 36. Describe any other amenities or infrastructure improvements that your community provides or requires that create a comfortable and attractive bicycling environment. (500 word limit) A wide variety of bicycle parking options are available in Greater Grand Forks 12 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

13 Education 37. What percentage of your public and private schools offer bicycle education, e.g. through a Safe Routes to School or similar program? Elementary More than 90% Middle School 1-25% High School None 38. Outside of schools, how are children taught safe cycling skills? Check all that apply. Bike clinics or rodeos Youth recreation programs Helmet fit seminars 39. Do you have a ticket diversion program? No 40. What have you done in the last 18 months to educate motorists and bicyclists on sharing the road safely? Check all that apply. Public service announcements, Share the Road educational videos on community website/tv channel, Community newsletter/magazine article Information in new resident packet Flyer/handout, Newspaper column/blog on bicycling, Dedicated bike page on community website, Share the Road Signs, Other If other, describe (250 word limit) A website focusing on local biking opportunities, rules of the road, events, and other bicycle related information was launched in In 2014, Safe Kids Grand Forks created a mobile "Share the Road" display. This display uses a toddler size car and bicycle mounted on a display to represent a typical city street. The display demonstrates proper Share the Road practice and recommendations. This display is used at community events and businesses to promote the rules of the road for cyclists and motor vehicles. Members of the local Optimists Club instruct hundreds of fourth grade students on bicycle safety during the annual spring bicycle rodeos 13 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

14 41. How many times per year are the following adult bicycling education classes held within your community? Answer all that apply. Traffic Skills 101 classes or equivalent (full-day training course, including classroom and on-bike instruction) 0 Cycling Skills classes (three to four hour classroom training courses) 0 Commuter classes (one to two hour classes) 0 Bicycle maintenance classes or workshops Do you offer regular bicycle skills courses for your community engineers and planners that include on-bike instruction and in-traffic cycling? No 43. Has your community hosted a League Cycling Instructor seminar in the past two years? No 43a. How many League Cycling Instructors are there in your community? 0 43b. List League Cycling Instructors that have taught at least one class during the past 12 months. (250 word limit) N/A 44. Which of the following groups of professional drivers have training that includes information on sharing the road with cyclists? Check all that apply. Transit operators School bus operators 45. Describe any efforts your community has made to ensure your education programs reach traditionally underserved populations of all age groups, particularly seniors, women, youth and adult minorities and non-english speakers, and persons with disabilities. (250 word limit) Safe Kids Grand Forks provides bicycle education at local learning centers. These centers serve low-income members of the community. Safe Kids Grand Forks also conducts bicycle safety education during the monthly New American Orientation classes. These classes are offered through Lutheran Social Services. Topics for the orientation include the importance of helmets, rules of the road, and only one rider per bicycle seat. The local Optimist Club operates the Bicycle Buddies program. Each year bicycles are donated to low-income children in the community. Educational materials, locks, and helmets are also included with these bicycles. A local church also purchases bicycles and helmets for local low-income children. 46. Describe any other education efforts in your community that promote safe cycling. (500 word limit) As listed above, Safe Kids Grand Forks created a mobile "Share the Road" display. This display uses a toddler size car and bicycle mounted on a display to represent a typical city street. The display demonstrates proper Share the Road practice and recommendations. This display is used at community events and businesses to promote the rules of the road for cyclists and motor vehicles 14 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

15 Encouragement 47. How do you promote National Bike Month/your own dedicated Bike Month? Check all that apply. Community Rides, Videos promoting bicycling on community website/tv channel, Publish a guide to Bike Month Events, Bike to School Day Public education campaign relating to cycling (e.g. with a focus on public health or environmental benefits), If other, describe (250 word limit) 47a. What percentage of the population participates in Bike Month events? Less than 5% 47b. Do you actively promote Bike to Work Day or other bicycle commuting incentive programs? No 47c. Approximately what percentage of the community workforce do you reach on Bike to Work Day? 1-25% 48. How do you promote bicycling outside of your official Bike Month? Check all that apply. Community and charity rides, Videos on bicycling on community website/tv channel, Public Service Announcements, Triathlons and bicycle races, Publish a guide to community bicycle events, Bike to School Day, Public education campaign relating to cycling (e.g. with a focus on public health or environmental benefits) Local businesses encourage bicycle use by providing parking near their entrances 15 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

16 49. List the signature cycling events that occur in your community. (250 word limit) Bikecicle (winter bicycle race taking place in and around the Greenway) Newman Center Ride (charity event pitting UND vs. NDSU students in a oneway, time-trial) Ground UP Adventure Family Adventure race Extreme North Dakota Ironman Triathlon Dewey Kvidt Duathlon Tour De Forks 49a. How does the municipality sponsor or actively support these events? Fund event, Contribute in-kind funding (i.e. police presence, closing roads, etc), Assist in promoting the event 50. Does your local tourism board or chamber of commerce promote bicycling in your area? Yes If yes, describe (250 word limit) The Greater Grand Forks Convention and Visitors Bureau has been a strong supporter of bicycling in Greater Grand Forks. Staff from the bureau has participated in meetings to bring a bicycle share program to the community. They have also provided funding for a decorative bicycle rack and several signature bicycle events. 51. Are there cycling clubs in your community? Check all that apply. Recreational bike clubs, Racing clubs or teams 51a. List the names of the clubs. (500 word limit) Northern Star UND Cycling Club Grand Forks BMX Club Ski & Bike Shop Riders Scheel's Biking Club 52. How many for-profit specialty bicycle retailers (shops dedicated primarily to selling bikes and bike-related equipment) are there in your community? One 52a. List their names. (250 word limit) The Ski & Bike Shop 53. Which of these bicycling amenities do you have in your community? Check all that apply. BMX track 53a. Is there a skate park in your community? Yes If yes, do bikes have access to the skate park? Always 54. Are there opportunities to rent bicycles in your community? Yes 55. Does your community currently have a bike sharing program that is open to the general public? No 55a. If yes, please provide details about the system below. How many bikes are in the system? How many stations are in the system? How many trips are being made annually? 16 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

17 56. Do you have any current League of American Bicyclists designated Bicycle Friendly Businesses in your community? No 57. Do you have any current League of American Bicyclists designated Bicycle Friendly Universities in your community? No 58. Does your community have a bike co-op or non-profit community bike shop? No 58a. If yes, does the co-op/non-profit community bike shop receive support from the local government? 59. Does your community have youth recreation and/or intervention programs centered on bicycling? Check all that apply. None 60. What mapping and route finding information is available for your community, which has been updated in the last 18 months? Check all that apply. Online bike map outlining existing bike infrastructure (by type) public restrooms and other bicycle amenities Printed bike map outlining existing bike infrastructure (by type), public restrooms and other bicycle amenities Printed greenways and trails map 61. Describe any other programs or policies your community has to encourage cycling. (500 word limit) Cold temperatures and plenty of snow don t stop cycling enthusiasts from using their favorite method of transportation 17 Bicycle Friendly Community Application for GF & EGF

18 Enforcement 62. How does your police department interact with the local cycling community? Check all that apply. Identified law-enforcement point person to interact with cyclists If other, describe (100 word limit) 63. What kind of training is offered to police officers regarding traffic law as it applies to bicyclists? Check all that apply. Basic academy training International Police Mountain Bike Association training 64. What enforcement programs that target improving cyclist safety are in place? Check all that apply. Helmet giveaways Positive enforcement ticketing Other If other, describe (100 word limit) Law enforcement officers support Safe Kids Grand Forks and Grand Forks Optimist Club during their annual spring bicycle safety classes in local elementary schools. This program reaches hundreds of students and teaches basic ridership skills and laws. Low cost helmets are also available through this program. Law enforcement also partners with Safe Kids Grand Forks to distribute rewards from local businesses for young riders wearing their helmets. 65. What percentage of patrol officers are on bikes? 1-10% 66. Are any other public safety (e.g. EMS) employees on bikes? Yes If yes, describe (50 word limit) Altru Health Systems provides medical personal on bicycles during some community events. 67. Do police officers report cyclist crash data or potential hazards to traffic engineers and planners to identify sites in need of safety improvements for cyclists? Yes 68. Which of the following safety services and amenities are available in your community? Street lighting on most arterials Street lighting on most non-arterials Stolen or impounded bikes recovery system or assistance, Non-mandatory bike registration 69. Are there any local or state ordinances that protect cyclists? Check all that apply. It is illegal to park or drive in a bike lane (intersections excepted) Ban on cell phone use while driving Ban on texting while driving Other If other, describe (250 word limit) Both communities have ordinances to protect cyclists. These ordinances include prohibiting the motor vehicle on bicycle paths and 15mph speed limits on trails. 18 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

19 70. Do your local ordinances place any restrictions on cyclists? Check all that apply. Other If other, describe (100 word limit) Grand Forks Public Schools and Safe Kids Grand Forks recommend that students be in at least third-grade and higher before riding bicycles to school. 71. Describe any other enforcement programs or policies relating to cycling. (500 word limit) Both the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks have officers trained for bicycle patrol. These officers have completed a basic police cyclist course and annual bicycle firearms training. The bicycle patrol s primary goals are to patrol the Greenway, city parks, and anywhere the use of a patrol car is difficult. The bicycle patrol enhances the work of the officer in a traditional patrol car. The bicycle patrol is more accessible to the public. Bicycles also provide officers with a more flexible and stealth method of transportation crowded situations. This often helps officers be more proactive in fighting crime. Local law enforcement officers lead bicycle educational rides for elementary students 19 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

20 Evaluation and Planning 72. Does your community have a comprehensive bicycle master plan or similar section in another document? Yes 72a. If yes, please provide details about the plan below. Provide a link to the plan or describe. (250 word limit) When was it passed or most recently updated? December 2013 Is there a dedicated funding source for implementation? Yes If yes, describe the funding source and designated amount (250 word limit) The City of Grand Forks has a Bikeway Capital Projects Fund line item in the annual budget. This line item sets aside money for maintenance of existing bicycle facilities and construction of new bicycle facilities. What percentage of the current plan has been implemented? Less than 25% Are you meeting annual target goals for implementation? No 73. Do you have a trails master plan that addresses mountain bike access? No 74. Is there formal cooperation between the mountain biking community and the community recreation and planning staff? No 75. Does your community have an on-going bicycle counting and/or survey program that allows for long-term trend analysis of cycling trips (e.g. participation in the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project)? Yes If yes, please describe the most recent results. (250 word limit) The 2013 visual trail use count revealed results very similar to the 2011 count. The highest mode of transportation was walking (58%), followed by biking (25%). Running, inline skating, and other modes showed a combined total of less than 20%. The year olds were the highest trail users at 46%, followed by users age at 22%. Infants to 18 years were a combined total of 27%. Surveyors noted that the year age group was much higher during the daytime hours. Older adults and families were more predominant in the early evening. Results from this project is used by local and state agencies to support future grant funding applications, charting treads in trail recreation, and developing future marketing plans. 75a. If yes, do the counts capture the gender of cyclists? Yes If yes, please describe the most recent results (250 word limit) The 2013 trail users count showed an almost even distribution of males and females using the trails. 76. Does your community routinely conduct pre/post evaluations of bicycle-related road projects? No 77. Does your community establish target goals for bicycle use, e.g. a certain level of bicycle mode share? Yes 20 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

21 If yes, please describe (250 word limit) The Bicycle and Pedestrian section of the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Metropolitan 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) includes many goals for increasing bicycle mode share levels. The LRTP includes goals to increase of bicycle mode share to 15% by 2040, maximize direct travel trips between major bicycle and pedestrian generators, and increase bicycle storage options at all major destinations. 78. What is the most current journey-to-work data for your community? Bicycling (in %) 1% Percentage of bicycle commuters who are women 44% Walking (in %) 4% Transit (in %) 2% 79. What is the average commuting distance to work for residents of your community? Tip: This data is not available nationally and needs to be collected locally (or estimated). 2-5 miles 80. What percent of children commute to school by bicycle? Elementary 20 Middle School 15 High School How many cyclists have been involved in a crash in your community in the past five years involving a motor vehicle? 29 81a. How many cyclist fatalities have occurred in your community in the past five years involving a motor vehicle? 0 81b. Do you have a specific plan or program to reduce these numbers? No 82. Do you measure the Bicycle Level of Service of roads and/or intersections? Yes If yes, please describe your methodology and recent results. (250 word limit) The Grand Forks East Grand Forks Metropolitan Planning Organization uses the Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) Model developed by the Florida based engineering consulting firm Sprinkle Consulting Inc. Roadways were assigned a level of service grade based on suitability or compatibility for on-road bicycle use. The BLOS Model used a statically-calibrated mathematical equation. It factored in many of the same variables that planners and engineers use to assess other travel modes. These factors include: roadway width, bike lane width, traffic volume, pavement surface condition, motor vehicle speed, presence of heavy vehicles and on-street parking. The numeric score resulting from this equation was pre-stratified into grade categories A through F. These grades reflect the average user s perception of roadway suitability. Results of the most recent Bicycle Level of Service Model are included with this application. 83. Do you have community-wide trip reduction policies or programs? No 83a. Does the program use individualized marketing to identify and support current and potential bike commuters in your community? No 84. Have you done an economic impact study on bicycling in your community? No 21 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

22 85. Do you have a mechanism to ensure bicycle facilities, programs and encouragement efforts are implemented in traditionally underserved neighborhoods? Yes If yes, describe (250 word limit) Safe Kids Grand Forks provides bicycle education at learning centers. These centers serve low income members of the community. Safe Kids Grand Forks also conducts bicycle safety education during the monthly New American Orientation classes. These classes are offered through Lutheran Social Services. Topics for the orientation include the importance of helmets, rules of the road, and only one rider per bicycle seat. 86. Describe any other programs or policies that your community uses to evaluate and/or plan bicycling conditions, programs, and facilities. (500 word limit) Full bicycle racks at the elementary schools attest to the popularity of bicycles among students 22 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

23 Final Overview 87. What are the three primary reasons your community deserves to be designated a Bicycle Friendly Community? Reason One (250 word limit) Expanded infrastructure. Several improvements have been made to the infrastructure of the bikeway system the past five years. Area cyclists are benefitting from more parking racks in public places, increased and improved on-street markings, and connections from the bicycle system to neighborhoods and retail areas. These improvements make commuting by bicycle easier for trip planning. A committee of local entities and cycles has met several times to discuss the potential for a bicycle sharing system. The committee has recommended the implementation of a bicycle sharing system through a multi-phase program. A multi-phase program of growth would allow for flexibility in meeting future demands on the system. There is high potential for use by visitors staying in hotels or attending conferences at the Alerus Center. The committee identified four potential locations for the installation of bicycle rental racks. These locations represent two high-density population areas and two highdensity dining and entertainment areas. These locations are also located near the trail system and existing bike lanes. Locating funding and a management partner has been difficult. The committee continues to solicit partners to help launch this project. Reason Two (250 word limit) Increased public input opportunities. The Greater Grand Forks bikeway system serves a wide variety of users. These users have valuable insight for maintaining the current system and planning future bikeway growth. There are several opportunities for users to share their ideas and comments with staff and other users. Citizens can provide input and learn about future bicycling plans at the monthly Greenway & Trails Users Advisory Group meetings. These meetings provide a forum for discussion with fellow cyclists and city staff. A new website dedicated to bicycling in Greater Grand Forks offers information about cycling, road safety, and other bicycle related matters. Users can submit ideas and comments through this website. The City of Grand Forks recently launched an online reporting system as a way for users to submit comments. The 311 system allows bikeway users to report concerns, hazards, or ideas via a smart phone app. Reason Three (250 word limit) Support for bicycle programs. The bicycle programs in the community receive support from many local agencies and service groups. These groups support programs like bicycle safety rodeos, low-cost and free helmet programs, bicycle distributions, and community rides throughout the year. 88. What are the three aspects of your community most in need of improvement in order to accommodate bicyclists? Aspect One (100 word limit) More on-street cycling facilities throughout the community. The current bikeway system focuses on shared-use trails, which serves recreational cycling. Trends in bicycling have changed and more citizens are choosing to use a bicycle as a mode of transportation for commuting to work, shopping, and dining. There is a need for a more fully developed on-street system of routes to assist riders in trip planning 23 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F

24 Aspect Two (100 word limit) A comprehensive wayfinding and directional sign system. The current on-street bicycle signage is dated and no longer meets the needs of the riders. There is a need for a comprehensive sign plan to provide higher visibility and better direction. A well-planned wayfinding program would provide cyclists and walkers valuable directions to local destinations and attractions. Aspect Three (100 word limit) Improved planning and communication processes. Both City Councils adopted the Long Range Transportation Plan in late This document identifies several goals and objectives for bikeway planning. A formal action plan to implement these goals and objectives has not been developed.. A five-year action plan could outline steps to meet these goals and objectives. It would also help guide the planning and implementation processes 89. Has completing this application made you more aware of what your community needs to do to be bicycle friendly? Yes If yes, describe (250 word limit) This project gave participants the chance to share and discover other bicycle related activities happening in the community. Participants have a better understanding of all types of bicycling. The process also helped identify future cycling needs. 90. Are you planning any new projects based on your completion of the Bicycle Friendly Community application? No Supplemental documents: 2013 Trail Count results 2014 Bicycle Parking Inventory report Bicycle and Pedestrian portion of the Long Range Transportation Plan Rider test their skills each week at the local bmx track 24 B i c y c l e F r i e n d l y C o m m u n i t y A p p l i c a t i o n f o r G F & E G F