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Home My WebLink AboutLeague of American Bicyclists - Designation of Bicycle Cmnty - Application Part I CITY OF PALM DESERT DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Authorize staff to submit "Application Part I" to The League of American Bicyclists for consideration of designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community, and designate a Bicycle Coordinator and Bicycle Advisory Committee. SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Swartz Assistant Planner DATE: March 26, 2009 CONTENTS: Application Part I Application Part II List of cities recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community Bicycle Friendly Community Frequently Asked Questions Website address www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org Recommendation: That the City Council, by minute motion: 1) Authorize staff to submit"Application Part I"of the process to The League of American Bicyclists in becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community, and 2) Designate the Parks and Recreation Services Manager to be the City's Bicycle Coordinator, and 3) Designate the Parks and Recreation Commission to be the City's Bicycle Advisory Committee. Executive Summary: Approval of the staff recommendation will allow staff to apply to The League of American Bicyclists for consideration of designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community. The process to pursue designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community is a two-step process, with a screening application (Step1) which is a general community profile. If approved, Step 2 is a comprehensive application that is designed to yield an overall picture of the community's work to promote bicycling through a detailed audit of the Five E's: engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation efforts in the City. The committee reviews and scores the application and consults with local cyclists in the community. An award of platinum, gold, silver or bronze status may be designated for four years. Bicycle Friendly Community March 26, 2009 Page 2 of 3 Background: The Bicycle Friendly Communities Campaign is an awards program that recognizes municipalities that actively support bicycling. Cities that are designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community provide safe accommodation for cycling and encourage their residents to bike for transportation and recreation. Benefits: With more people bicycling, communities experience reduced traffic demands, improved air quality and greater physical fitness. In addition, bicycle-friendly cities are often seen as places with a high quality of life. This can translate into increased property values, business growth and increased tourism. Award Determination: The League of American Bicyclists reviews and scores the application and consults with local cyclists in the community. An award of platinum, gold, silver or bronze status may be designated for four years. If the committee feels that the city does not meet the qualifications, the League and technical assistance staff will continue to work with the city to encourage continual improvements. The League of American Bicyclists recognizes newly designated Bicycle Friendly Communities with an awards ceremony, a Bicycle Friendly Community road sign, and a formal press announcement. Renewing the Designation: Renewals are due every four years after a community is designated. The League will also require a short annual update. Award levels may change based on the renewal feedback. Discussion: Representatives of Planning, Police, Public Works, Building and Safety, and Parks and Recreation divisions of the City have discussed the possibility of pursuing the Bicycle Friendly Community status for the City of Palm Desert. All departments have been supportive of the effort. If authorized by the City Council, staff will take the lead and focus on determining what programs and services currently exist and what need to be added. A planner will work with the Parks and Recreation staff and Commission, the Police Department, the Public Works Department, members of the local bicycle club, bicycle shops, and volunteers to help complete the application process. g/Planning/kevi nswartz/bicyclefriendlystaffreport Bicycle Friendly Community March 26, 2009 Page 3 of 3 On March 3, 2009, staff met with the Parks and Recreation Commission, and received support and a recommendation to take the Bicycle Friendly Community concept to the City Council for consideration. Conclusion: With City Council approval, staff will submit an application to the League of American Bicyclists to determine if or at what level the City qualifies as a Bicycle Friendly Community. Staff has the support from the Parks and Recreation Commission, the local bicycle club, and other involved residents. There are no fees associated with the submittal process, but future capital expenses may be necessary for signage and for such infrastructure or programs as may be desired to market the designation. If the City qualifies and is awarded a rating of platinum, gold, silver, or bronze, the City will be provided with an award at a ceremony, a Bicycle Friendly Community road sign, and a formal press announcement, and will be recognized in various bicycle magazines. The less tangible benefits include reduced traffic demands, improved air quality and greater levels of physical fitness. Submitted By: �. % �\ s' 1�� Kevin Swartz �a is Steele Assistant Planner P rks and Recreation Services Manager Department Head: crr�r covrtcn.�,eTrox APPROVED DENiED CEIVED OTH R �� Lauri Aylaian ,rnCt�'1 C y Director of Community Development MEET G DA Q� �1 AYES n� / NOES: Approv,a� ABSENT: -,;'� ABSTAIN: �- VERIFIED BY: � ��`� ^riginal on File with Ci� lerk's Office Homer Croy �� A or lo�ment Services , . Wohlmuth f Cit Manager i ' g/Planning/kevinswartz/bicyclefriendlystaffreport The League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Communities Campaign Thank you for your interest in becoming a designated Bicyc/e Friend/y Community. P/ease comp/ete Part/on www,bicyc/efrlend/ycommunity.org. Visit www.bicyc/efriend/ycommunity.org or call 202-822-1333 for more information and resources. APPLICATION PART I CONTACT INFO Name of Comrnunity Mayor or top elected official (include title) Mayor's Phone Mayor's Email Mayor's Address Contact Name Position Employer Address Address line 2 City State Zip Phone Fax Email Website COMMUNITY PROFILE 1. Population 2. Square mileage of municipality Total area Water area Land area 3. Population density 4. Climate Average temperature for January Average temperature for April Average temperature for July Average temperature for October Average precipitation for January Average precipitation for April Average precipitation for July Average precipitation for October 5. Median income $ 6. Age distribution % under 20 y % age 20-64 % % age 65-84 % % age 85+ % 7. Race a. % Hispanic or Latino (of any race) � b. % Not Hispanic or Latino y c. % One race y d. % White % e. % Black or African American % f. %American Indian and Alaska Native � g. %Asian % h. % Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander % i. %Some other race % j. %Two or more races % 0 8. If you have Journey-to-Work census data on bicycling to work, what percentage of people in your community bike to work? % t . 9. Do you have a Bicycle Master Plan� (Yes) (No) 10. Do you have a written bicycle accommodation policy� (Yes) (No) 11. What was your community's most significant investment for bicycling in the past year? 12. List current community activities that encourage/promote bicycling. 13. Bicycle Coordinator 8� Government Staff a. List your official bicycle/pedestrian coordinator or bicycle issues contact person on government staff. b. What department is the bicycle coordinator located in� c. How many hours are spent per year in this capacity� d. List all other government staff or contractors whose primary duties are devoted to bicycling issues. 14. Do you have a Bicycle Advisory Committee, Ped/Bike Council or other venue for citizen input? a. List the name of the Chair and their contact information. After submitting this genera/community profile online, the League will inform you if you have met the basic criteria to begin Part/l of the application process. LEAGUE OF AMERIGW g��g� � 1612 K St.,NW,Suite 800 � � �/'' Washington,DC 20006.2850 'n'EB,`i1E www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org B�CyC�e riendly Community � bikeleague�bikeleague.org �E 202.822.1333 , __ ,,,,... Fax 202.822.1334 The League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Communities Campaign www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org Part ll is a detailed audit of the engineering, education, encou�agement, enforcement, evaluation and planning efforts in your community. Comp/ete this application on www.blcyc%friend/ycommunity,org. This comprehensive inquiry is designed to yield a holistic picture of your community's work to promote bicycling. Technical assistance for comp/efing Part ll is available at www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org or by calling the League at 202-822-1333. APPLICATION PART II ENGINEERING 1. Do you have a policy that requires the accommodation of cyc�ists in all new road construction and reconstruction and resurtacing� Please include a copy of this legislation or policy. 2. Have you provided training for your engineers and planners on how to accommodate cyclists� Please describe. Is there a mechanism to provide training on an on-going basis� 3. How many bridges are in your community? How many are closed or inaccessible to cyclists� Of those accessible by bike, how many have shoulders, bike lanes, wide curb lanes, or muiti- use paths� 4. Do you have a bike parking ordinance� If yes, please include a copy of your ordinance: 5. Are there bike racks or storage units at: Schoo�s (All) (Most ) (Some) (Few) (None) Libraries (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) Transit stations (,4�I) (Most) (some) (Few) (None) Recreation centers (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) Government buildings (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) Office buildings (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) Retail centers (A11) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) Public spaces and parks (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) LEAGUE OF AMEHIGW g�CyC��grg � 1612 K St.,NW,Suite 800 � Washington,DC 20006-2g50 N' �� we9s�TE www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org �nnw bikeleague�bikeleague.org BIC�/C�Q riendly Community �ONE 202.822.1333 Fnx 202.822.1334 6. If your community hds transit service: o. Are buses equipped with bike racks� (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) (N/A) b. Can bikes be brought inside transit vehicles? 7. How many miles of bike lanes do you have? How many miles of bike lanes are in your bicycle master plan� What is the mileage of your total road network� In rural communities, rideable paved shoulders may also be considered. 8. What percent of arterial streets have bike lanes or paved shoulders? 9. How many miles of designated bike routes do you have? How many miles of signed bike routes are in your bicycle master plan� 10. Please describe any maintenance programs or policies that ensure�bike lanes and shoulders remain usable. a. Routine maintenance b. Capital improvements 11. Please describe initiatives your community has taken to ensure or improve bicycle access, safety and convenience at intersections, including bicycle detection, signing and marking. 12. How many miles of paved or hard surface trails (e.g. asphalt, concrete, crushed rock) do you have? How many miles of paved or hard surface trails are in your bicycle master plan? 13. How many miles of natural surface trails (singletrack) do you have? What is the total mileage of natural surface trails that are open to mountain bikes? 14. What is the estimated acreage of open space and public lands within the community (city, county, state, and federal public lands)� Are these areas open to cyclists? 15. Please describe maintenance programs or policies for your Multi-use Paths. a. Routine maintenance b. Capital improvements 16. Does your community have an ordinance or local code requirement for employers to provide bicycle parking, shower facilities, etc.? If yes, please describe or include a copy. 17. Please describe recreational facilities for cyclists such as low traffic rural roads and signed touring routes. 18. Are there other facilities that have been created to promote bicycling in your community? If yes, please describe. /"_ LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BtCVCL1819 � 1612 K St.,NW,Suite 800 � � �,%' Washington,DC 20006-2g50 ��M�� wEBSirE www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org �n�fnu. bikeleague�bikeleague.org B�CyC�e riendly Community w+On� 202.822.1333 .:._.. ,,_. Froc 202.822.1334 EDUCATION 1. How do you educate motorists to share the road with cyclists? Please describe. How many community motorists do you reach with these efforts� (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 2. Are there other bicycle education opportunities for adults� Please describe. 3. Do you have a bicycle safety program for children in schools� How many schools participate? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 4. What other types of bicycle safety and education opportunities are available for children� Please describe. How many children participate� 5. Do you make bicycle safety materials available to the public� Please describe. 6. Do you have a bicycle ambassador program that educates community members on local opportunities for bicycling and answers their questions? 7. Do you have League Cycling Instructors in your area� Please list active instructors. 8. Is bicycle safety education included in routine local activities (e.g. tax renewal, drivers licensing and testing, or inserts with utility bills each month)? If so, please describe. IEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLi81$ � 1612 K St.,NW,Suite 800 qr � Washington,DC 20006-2850 r��+�"�") � / +^�EBSITE www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org �a�� up� bikeleaguelbikeleague.org BIC�/C�Q riendly Community �� 202•822•1333 Fnx 202.822.1334 ENCOURAGEMENT 1. How do you promote National Bike Month in May (or another month)� Please describe. 2. How many people do you reach with events and activities during this celebration? 3. Do you actively promote Bike to Work Day or other bicycle commuting incentive programs? Please describe. What portion of the community workforce do you reach� (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 4. Is there an annual bike tour or ride promoted to the general public in your community? Please describe. 5. Are there community road or mountain bike clubs, bicycle advocacy organizations or racing clubs� Please describe. 6. How many specialty bicycle retailers (i.e. bike shops, not big box retailers like K-Mart or Wal Mart) are there in your community� 7. Are there other bicycling areas or facilities such as BMX tracks, velodromes or mountain biking centers in your community� 8. Does your trails system have a unit of the National Mountain Bike Patrol? Patrollers inform, assist and educate mountain bikers and other trail users. 9. Are there opportunities to rent bicycles in your community or other recreational opportunities involving bicycling? Please describe. 10. Do you have Safe Routes to School program that includes bicycling� How many schools are involved? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 11. Does your community have youth recreation and intervention programs that are centered around bicycling? 12. Do you publish a bike map and keep it up to date� 13. Do you publish a map of mountain bike trails� 14. Please describe any other efforts in your community to encourage cycling. LEAGUE OF AMEpICAN g�yCLi8T8 � 1612 K St.,NW,Suite 800 � �j' Washington,DC 20006-2g50 �r�M`� +^iEss�TE www.bicyclefnendlycommuniry,org � 6ikeleague�bikeleague.org BI(�+�/C�Q riendly Community �� 202.822.1333 - Fnk 202.822.1334 ENFORCEMENT 1. Is your local police department addressing the concerns of cyclists in your community? is there a liaison that communicates with the bicycling community2 2. Do you offer specific training to police officers regarding traffic law as it applies to bicyclists� 3. Do you use targeted enforcement to encourage cyclists and motorists to share the road safely� 4. Do you have public safety employees on bikes� Indicote the number of employees on bike as well as the size of the entire staff. 5. Do you have a mandatory helmet law? If so, is the requirement a state law or local ordinance? To what ages does it apply� 6. Do you have a mandatory sidepath law� If so, is the requirement a state �aw or local ordinance? Is it enforced? �EACUE OF AMERiCAN gICyCL187'S is�2►c st.,rvw,s��ce aoo i� r�� ' � Washington,DC 20006-2850 �� wEas�rE www.bicyclefriendlycommuniry.org o�fau. bikeleague�bikeleague.org B�C+yC�e riendly Community �� 2a2•822.1333 °. `•� Fnx 202.822J334 EVALUATION & PLANNING 1. Do you have any information on the number of trips by bike in your community including census data? Please describe. 2. How many cyclist/motor vehicle fatalities have occurred in your community in the past five years� 3. How many cyclist/motor vehicle crashes have occurred in your community in the past five years� 4. Do you have a specific plan or program to reduce these numbers� 5. Do you have a system in place that allows bicyclists to submit ideas and concerns to public officials� Please describe. 6. Do you have a comprehensive bicycle plan� Please include a copy. When was it passed or updated� Is it funded� What percentage has been implemented� (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 7. Do you have a trails rnaster plan that addresses mountain bike access, and are there ongoing relations between the mountain biking community and the community recreation and planning staff. 8. Is your bicycle network part of broader development plans, land use plans and ongoing development projects? How many trai�s, bike lanes, paved shoulders, and bike routes connect with each other to provide seamless transportation options? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 9. Have you evaluated your transportation network and prioritized bicycle improvements based on hazards and needs� 10. What specific improvements do you have planned for bicycling in the following year? 11. What are the three primary reasons your city deserves to be designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community� 12. What are the three aspects of your community most in need of improvement in order to accommodate bicyclists� LEAGUE OF AMEq�GW g1�yC��gTg � 1612 K St.,NW,Suite 800 � � r' Washington.DC 200p6-2850 ��M� weasite www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org �i� bikeleague�bikeleague.org Bicycle riendly Comrnunity a�+or.� 202.822.1333 _ Fax 2a2.822.1334 FEEDBACK 1. How has completing this application affected your awareness of improvements which may be made for bicyclists� 2. Are you planning any new projects based on your involvement with the Bicycle Friendly Community program� Please describe. 3. How do you foresee this designation affecting your community's outlook on bicycling? 4. How do you foresee this designation affecting future bicycle improvement efforts� 5. 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Si�� . ; _., �� , ;: , � � ,. ��..� ' ��t� 3�` � �� 4�1� S��fi�r'L�I��+Ta1"��: ', ` � : $�a�� ` ' ' `' ��it}� ; i6,5 i Bicycle Friendly Community Frequently Asked Questions Page 1 of 3 � ,,,,� € , �� v.. � ��, .� ��. �,. �f '�. ��yc��'r�ie��d��cr�nnu�i�r . �� ; ,.., � � . ` � : " � � � �'�`�'�'+��'" .�;��t�� U��"�I+�C�� Why is it important for communities to strive to be bicycle-friendly? Citizens in communities across America want to improve their quality of life. They want a less- stressful lifestyle, a cleaner environment, affordable transportation and better health for themselves and their children. Bicycling is part of the solution. Bicycle-friendly communities experience reduced traffic, better air, and improved public health. Bicycle-friendly towns, like those with good schools and vibrant downtowns, are communities that offer a good quality of life for families, which can lead to higher property values, business growth and increased tourism. How do residents benefit from living in a bicycle-friendly community? Our nation as a whole is experiencing alarming rates of obesity and overweight, due to sedentary living and poor diet, resulting in 300,000 deaths a year from related illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Overweight is the second leading cause of death after tobacco use in the country. Bicycling is one of the best exercises for the cardiovascular system and is very effective at reducing weight and keeping it off. Bicycling is not only good for the body; it is also good for the mind. The feelings of accomplishment and relaxation that follow a bike ride, combined with the physical benefits, also lead to reduced stress levels, heightened self-esteem and self-confidence. Bicycling gets you where you need to go, without burning fossil fuels, emitting pollutants, or increasing traffic congestion. It is the ultimate form of clean and efficient transportation. According to the 1995 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey, 25%of all trips are made within a mile of the home, 40%of all trips are within two miles of the home, and 50%of the working population commutes five miles or less to work-all distances easily traveled by bike. Yet more than 82%of trips five miles or less are made by personal motor vehicle. For most Americans, transportation is an expense second only to housing. The average American household devotes 18 cents out of every dollar it spends to getting around. In some metro areas, households are spending more on transportation than on shelter. The vast majority of that spending, 98% is for the purchase, operation, and maintenance of automobiles. Most American families spend more on driving than on health care, education or food. And the poorest families spend the most-sometimes more than one-third of their income goes to transportation. Poor people and low-income communities do not have sufficient transportation choices. Bicycling addresses these issues and provides an elegantly simple solution. Why should my community get involved with the Bicycle Friendly Communities program? Whether you feel your community is or is not bicycle friendly, you should be involved. This program offers awards of national recognition for communities that already understand the benefits of bicycling by providing safe and plentiful bikeways for bicyclists, bicyclists access to safe and convenient bike parking, and encouragement and 'share the road' programs for non- cyclists. http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/faqs.htm 2/25/2009 Bicycle Friendly Community Frequently Asked Questions Page 2 of 3 If you don't feei your community is worthy of bicycle-friendiy status, you should get involved anyway.The application process is a learning process. The questions are intended to educate just as much as they are to evaluate. By reviewing the questions on the application, you may find a solution to a problem your community experiences. The League offers technical assistance through the www bicyclefriendlycommunity.org website as well as technical expertise through the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. If my community is designated a "Bicycle Friendly Community", won't this send the message that further improvements for bicycling aren't needed? The League of American Bicyclists understands that no community is perfect, but some are more bicycle-friendly than others. Therefore the League awards communities by tier including, platinum, gold, silver, and bronze. The award recognizes the positive steps and helps identify the steps that need to be taken to reach the next award level. Additionally, the award expires after four years. Communities must provide an update on their progress in order to maintain their award. The award will act as a catalyst for continued change. How do I apply? Access the�pplication and resources, and then seek the endorsement and assistance of local officials in completing the application. Who should complete the application? A city official responsible for bicycling issues usually completes the application. Much of the application can be completed by anyone familiar with what a community has done for bicycling, but the communities governing body must approve its final submission. Is there an application or renewal fee? No. Thanks to the generous support of the Bikes Belong Coalition, we are able to waive all application fees. Does my community need to be doing everything on the application in order to receive the award? No. The completed application provides a detailed picture of a community. Applications are scored and the awards determination is made on both the answers to the application and the feedback from local cyclists. I need help completing the application, what should I do? Review the great number of resaurces available online. If you cannot locate the answer to your question or the appropriate resource, please contact us at infoC�bicyclefriendlycommunity.org or call 202-822-1333. How does the application process work? The League of American Bicyclists reviews Part 1 of the application. If the application is incomplete or shows little commitment from the community to support bicycling, it will be returned to the applicant with comments and asked to be resubmitted. Part 2 of the application is reviewed and scored by a committee selected to provide both a local and national perspective. If awarded, a designation of bronze, silver, gold or platinum will be made. A press event is planned where a League representative presents the award to the community along with a certificate and a Bicycle Friendly Community road sign. How does my community rank? Find out if you live in a Bicycle Friendly Community by visiting the Cammunity Profiles section of the website. If your community isn't listed, work to get them involved. Even if your community doesn't deserve an award, use the application to make improvements in your community by showing it to your municipal leaders. Is "Bicycle Friendly Communities" connected to Bicycling Magazine's"Ten Best Cities" articles? While similar, the League's Bicycle Friendly Community program and Bicycling Magazine's http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/faqs.htm 2/25/2009 - Bicycle Friendly Community Frequently Asked Questions Page 3 of 3 articles on the best and worst cities for cycling are not connected. To view Bicycling Magazine's most recent article click here: http:llwww._bicycfinginfc�.arg/d�(friendly,htm Name J About BFC � C.o..mm�anity_Profiiles � A�api.y � Technicai Ass.i.stanc...e � FAQ's � M�clr..a.. � Ccsntact The Lea ue�(A�n ricai�Bicyclists, 1612 K Street NW:Suite 800 Washington,DC 2Q006-2802 pfhone-202-822-1333 fax-2(?2-822-i3;3�emai! bikele�guetq?..bikeleagu.�.c�rg. Tf7e Bicyc(e Frienci3y Comrnunity Pror�ram is supported by the ��' g��(� �'Q�. CR�i1TIBM � http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/faqs.htm 2/25/2009