Minutes 05-02-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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31 • Appointing a future committee to study infrastructure improvements in areas of the county where cycling is especially popular. OTHER RESOURCE GROUPS • Cycling advocacy groups • Local civic groups • Orange County Schools • NCDOT • Law enforcements agencies • EMS Chair Dorosin asked if the budget request is based on supporting this drive safely/ride safely program. Abigaile Pittman said it would support the education and education campaign, and to bring some awareness of safe bicycling. Commissioner Rich asked if the website will live on the Orange County website, and if it will be linked to the Towns. Abigaile Pittman said yes, but there is limited flexibility on the design of the website, and it would have to be a sub set of the Planning Department on the transportation site. Commissioner Rich said she is concerned that people will not be able to find this information. Abigaile Pittman said she has voiced this same concern. She said it can be closer to the front of the Planning Department's page. Commissioner Rich said the Intergovernmental Parks work group is working on a lot of maps that have different aspects, such as hiking, mountain biking, etc. She said some of these maps may be able to be incorporated. Commissioner Rich referred to the comment that change comes about through education, not laws. She asked if examples could be provided of the type of education that can be offered. Heidi Perry, Chair of the Bicycle Safety Task Force and Outboard Chair, said this can be done in a few ways, and they have heard from a member of the Highway Safety Research Center, who had great influence on this philosophical approach. She said part of the kick off campaign could include rewarding good behaviors, instead of focusing on the negatives. She said the posters would be educational, as the laws on this topic are often misunderstood. Commissioner Marcoplos said large groups of bike riders are the peskiest of all. He asked if there are legal solutions to this issue, such as maximum group size, spacing on the road, etc. Heidi Perry said there are no laws, but there are best practices, which can be found on the bikewalknc website. She said it is hard for a large group to break into smaller groups safely. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the use of helmets was discussed. Heidi Perry said it is a state law that anyone under the age of 16 has to wear a helmet, and organized groups/rides require helmets to be worn. Chair Dorosin said he is open to talking about this budget request. Bonnie Hammersley said it is not a part of her recommended budget, but she has asked Todd McGee to work with this group. Commissioner Jacobs asked Abigaile Pittman if she checked with the NC Department of Transportation (DOT) to see if they provide any of these materials as part of their bicycle program.