Here’s what you need to know

  • During the September 28, 2022, Fresno Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting, the committee learned that from January 2022 to August 2022, total collisions were 2,570, including 112 with pedestrians and 62 bicycles. From January 2021 to August 2021, total collisions were 2,502, with 127 pedestrians and 61 bicycles.
  • City Traffic Engineer Jill Gormley announced an application for the Highway Safety Improvement Program in September, where she proposed HAWK crosswalks at Cedar and Shaw and Cedar and Fountain Way.
  • BPAC budget proposal for the fiscal year 2022/23 of $20,000 includes the following items ranging from $8,800 for a fix-it station for the Midtown Trail to $200 award for Bike and Pedestrian Award. 

Follow-up questions

  • What programs and public outreach can Fresno State and BPAC initiate to encourage bike and public transit use?
  • What will the city do about the increase in total collisions?
  • Will the applications for federal funding for pedestrian improvements be granted? 

The Scene 

The City of Fresno’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) advises and recommends policies to the mayor, city council, and city staff regarding the planning, development, and maintenance of pedestrian and bikeway systems for commuting travel and recreation.

The BPAC meets on the last Wednesday of each month in the City Hall 2nd Floor, Room A (2165) 2600 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721. 

Fresno Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee members:

  • Chair Felipe Arballo
  • Vice Chair Melanie Ruvalcaba
  • Board member Gabriel Lozano
  • Board member Laura Gromis 
  • Board member Matthew Woodward 
  • Board member Steven Bradley
  • Board member Destiny Rodriguez

Others Present:

  • City Traffic Engineer Jill Gormley
  • Design Services Manager Scott Sehm
  • Assistant Director of Development and Resource Management Andrew Benelli
  • Nick Paladino from Fresno Cycling Club

Discussions/Actions

ID 22-1479 The committee (7-0) approved the minutes from August 24, 2022, along with changes. 

Board Member Matthew Woodward clarified that during the Vision Zero presentation, the mayor’s office did not offer funding to replace the grant should the City of Fresno not qualify. 

Presentations include: 

ID 22-1480   Brian Cozen, a professor from Fresno State, talked about environmental communication courses. 

According to professor Cozen, environmental communication focuses on how we communicate with our surroundings and how it influences our understanding of our relationships with water, food, and energy.

The courses incorporate weekly key assignments. Through the assignments, students reflect on their daily habits and how they can shift and minimize particular waste habits. 

The course urges students away from single-use travel. He requested input from the committee, which can support students in the course. 

In his classes, he discusses students with their different commuting patterns. He notes students’ issues of flexibility and safety in going from home to work and vice versa.

He stated that the pandemic had caused more carpooling and public transportation. 

Board member Laura Gromis suggested a “Biking to School” event, which can encourage others to make sustainable commuting changes. She also recommended a mix of bicycle and bus services. 

Vice Chair Melanie Ruvalcaba hopes for a revival of a bicycle renting program with substantial funding. 

Board member Matthew Woodward also pointed out that the Fresno Council of Governments (COGs) should make regional maps of bike routes available.

Board Member Gabriel Lozano said there is a difference between bus rapid transit (BRT) and other bus systems. He urged harmony between the two options.

Task force reports consist of:

ID 22-1224 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) budget proposal

BPAC budget proposal for the fiscal year 2022/23 of $20,000 includes the following:

  • $8,800 for a fix-it station for Midtown Trail
  • $5,000 for public service advertisements.
  • $4,000 for water bottles to be given out at Parks Department events
  • $1,000 for lights and reflectors to be given out at Parks Department events 
  • $1,000 for stickers with a safety message 
  • $200 award for Bike and Pedestrian Award 

Staff reports are as follows: 

ID 22-1339  Police District Enforcement & Collision Report (presented by City Traffic Engineer Jill Gormley)

From January 2022 to August 2022, total collisions involved 2570, along with 112 pedestrians and 62 bicycles.

From January 2021 to August 2021, total collisions involved 2502, along with 127 pedestrians and 61 bicycles.

ID 22-1340  BPAC Work Plan (presented by City Traffic Engineer Jill Gormley)

Design Services Manager Scott Sehm said the project in Palm/Belmont would continue.

He said Phase I of Mid Town Trail was awarded. 

ID 22-1481 Grant Update (presented by City Traffic Engineer Jill Gormley)

City Traffic Engineer Jill Gormley announced an application for Highway Safety Improvement Program in September, where she proposed HAWK crosswalks in Cedar and Shaw and Cedar and Fountain Way.

She mentioned application for federal funds for the following:

ID 22-1482  Class IV – Van Ness: Wishon/Fulton. (presented by Design Services Manager Scott Sehm).

Design Services Manager Scott Sehm identified the project within the radius of bike facility improvements. The design involves moving the parkway into the roadway. 

Challenge in the facility is the side distance to the cross streets and driveways, which blocks bike line access. 

Board member Laura Gromis urged for extensive outreach by the Public Works Department. 

Board member Gabriel Lozano asked for good sidelines and cycle tracks. 

ID 22-1483  Audubon Projects. (presented by Design Services Manager Scott Sehm)

Challenges in the project involved traffic, incessant speeding, and access for pedestrian access. 

 

ID 22-1485  In-Person Meetings (presented by City Traffic Engineer Jill Gormley)

City Traffic Engineer Jill Gormley stated that in-person meetings can be feasible in January 2023. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, in the City Hall, 2nd Floor, Room A (2165) 2600 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721. 

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters-admin@fresnoland.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

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