OUTBoard minutes 041713 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Approved 6/19/13 Therefore, the Plan has been pre- reviewed by OUTBoard Vice - Chair, Jeff Charles, and by planning staff member Abigaile Pittman. Related documents, including Draft Plan Summary, Full Draft Plan, on -line comment form, and community engagement forum (survey): http: / /www.ncdot.gov /bikeped /planning /walkbikenc/ OUTBoard Action: To receive review comments suggested by Jeff Charles and Abigaile Pittman, and consider recommended comments to be provided to NCDOT Abigaile Pittman reviewed the WalkBike NC Plan noting that WalkBike NC is North Carolina's first statewide master plan to define a vision, goals and strategies for improving walking and bicycling for residents and visitors. She shared the comments from staff and Jeff Charles. Jeff Charles noted that there was a lot of work put into this plan and he thinks the OUTBoard needs to give NCDOT staff kudos for doing a pretty good job. He added that he thinks it's important to tell them the positives and say `oh by the way' there are other things. Jeff elaborated that they took very unique approach, a good one, in that they looked at economic factors, how it would improve tourism if we became a destination state for bicycling. They talked about health issues, the obesity rates of young children, we rank fifth or sixth in the nation in obesity in children. They also talk about economic benefits of health, safety, savings, environmental issues, increasing the use of these things. He would like to come up with a general statement applauding their efforts in highlighting the need for bicycle and pedestrian for all of these good reasons with the OUTBoard and staffs comments on how it can be improved. Abigaile Pittman advised that in her research online, that most other states have a safe routes for seniors programs. Jeff Charles noted that in the plan there is a benchmark reporting by the alliance for biking and walking from 2012. Safest states to bicycle, the safest state in the US is South Dakota, North Carolina is 4411, safest state for walking is Vermont and North Carolina is 415'. We are so far behind and we have to recognize they are taking an enormous step forward with this new approach. Paul Guthrie added that he thinks the plan is deficient in one way, it doesn't sufficiently indicate that for any of this to have any major long -term significance it has to integrated with the broader picture of transportation. That is especially true for this county where walking and biking will be the feeders to future transportation systems. We are beginning to look at the infancy of transportation systems across the entire county. One thing we can do now is to begin building a funding system for bus and rail transportation. Paul references the statistic of 6.7% of residents without automobiles in the report and suggested that in rural areas of the county that rate is probably higher as high as 13 %. Paul Guthrie suggested that the report should show examples. Jeff Charles elaborated that this is an enormous step. He noted that this is becoming a big issue in respect to bicycling infrastructure because we are looking for new modes of transportation in Orange County and we are seeing these scooters that can only go 30 mph in 55 mph zones and they are going to flow into the 4 foot bike lanes as bailout to allow vehicles to pass them. He noted that while Segways are not going to catch on but new technology, organic transit, they are 36 to 42 inches wide, so when you talk about a 4 or 5 foot lane that is a problem. He added that they are also designing a truck that could carry 850 lb. loads so you could envision that being used for pizza delivery or grocery delivery and meals on wheels. Jeff noted that the report cites a shift in demographics to 65 from 13% today to about 20% and we need to broaden the thought process for the upright bicycles, scooters and other competing technology in these four foot bike lanes we are arguing for. Abigaile Pittman added that in some communities residents tool around in golf carts. Alex Castro agreed with Jeffs comments and staffs comments. Alex Castro moved to approve the submitted comments and the additional comments discussed at the meeting. Ted Triebel seconded the motion. Ted Triebel added that his thoughts run parallel with Alex's and he was happy to see the work staff and Jeff did and commended both. He particularly agrees with comment number 6 as going to the critical core to keep in mind going forward.