2014-07-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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communities, Mr. Culver advised that he found nothing defining or clarifying higher restrictions for the use of bikes on sidewalks. Mr. Culver noted that the City of Minneapolis stenciled sidewalk areas in their business districts where bicycles were prohibited, but St. Paul was silent on that point. In performing a "Google" search on that issue, Mr. Culver advised that he found that a lot of people thought bicycles should not be allowed on sidewalks, and some already thought it was against the law. Mr. Culver reported that there appeared to be a considerable amount of confusion among the public. Discussion included how the City of Roseville defined pathways (separations of multi-use trails/pathways generally 8' or wider and blacktop) versus sidewalks (5'-6' and concrete); differences in recreational and commuter bicycle uses and needs; whether defining uses and protocol to avoid conflicts for those mixed use facilities would be a worthwhile public relations initiative by the PWETC to ensure their safest and most effective use; and the definition of pathways by Roseville in its 2008 Master Pathway Plan. Mr. Culver duly noted the suggested public relations and educational initiative for sharing in a future City News newsletter and on the City's website; with Member Lenz suggesting public education efforts with back to school articles in the Roseville Review, would also be good timing and would possibly encourage more users. Member Felice agreed with the need for good education, relating some of her observations in bicyclers not following the rules, creating additional hazards for vehicles on the roads and at intersections as well as for pedestrians. At Member Wozniak's suggestion for additional signage on trails and/or sidewalks, Mr. Culver noted the cost of installation and maintenance of signage, and questioned how to designate differences in why or where that signage would occur, exceptions and other problematic issues along with State law already in place defining rights and rules. Mr. Culver advised that State law dictated that bicycles on sidewalks were under the same rules as pedestrians and, while vehicles were required to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, it was prudent for pedestrians or bicyclers to verify their safe crossing. Specific to bicyclers on sidewalks or trails, Mr. Culver advised that they had the same responsibilities as pedestrians; but when on roadways having a designated or marked bicycle lane, then the laws and rights were different, and they were considered another vehicle on the roadway. Mr. Culver emphasized the need for bikers, pedestrians and drivers all needing to be aware of their responsibilities. Mr. Culver noted that this was an ongoing struggle within that industry to be consistent between facilities. Further discussion included rationale for Ramsey County's plan to install a dedicated east bound right turn only lane versus a dedicated left turn lane on County Road B-2 at Lexington Avenue as a more efficient traffic movement system than split phased signal timing. Page 4 of 15