Meeting
MinutesWashtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition
117 North Division Street
Ann Arbor, Michigan
734/487-9058
www.wbwc.org
The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm at the Ecology Center, 117 N. Division in Ann Arbor. Board member/officer attendees were Tim Athan, Ken Clark, Kris Talley and Bob Krzewinski.
A motion was made Tim Athan, seconded by Kris Talley, to approve the October meeting minutes, passing unanimously. Bob Krzewinski reported that the latest WBWC bank account showed a balance of $312.50.
Concerning WBWC general business, despite a mailing, and follow-up telephone calls to all Washtenaw County bike shops urging their membership in the WBWC, only Ann Arbor Cyclery has joined the WBWC. Bob Krzewinski stated he would do some further follow up calls to area shops. On Board elections, it was decided to move this item to latter in the meeting.
On WBWC communications, the subject of a web page hit counter was discussed with no action taken. Also relating to the web page, enhancements were discussed including the inclusion of Michigan and local government bicycling regulations. Bob Krzewinski would also forward to Kris Talley a new "get active" page along with previous meeting minutes. Relating to publicity/advocacy, Bob Krzewinski reported that Jim Nieter is still working on having a regular bicycling column in the Ann Arbor News. Bruce Fields also suggested that the Michigan Daily may be open to a regular bicycling column and will research the matter. Suggestions for articles in publications given at the meeting included general bicycle safety issues as well as informational items such as traffic light sensors.
On action items, Bob Krzewinski reported that a meeting has been set up with Washtenaw County Sheriff Dan Minzey on November 8th at 9am to discuss bicycling issues and to help set up a positive working relationship with that office. Bob will contact the Velo Club and Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society to seek their involvement in the meeting with the Sheriff.
For 2002 projects, a general discussion was held with the following items suggested
for action.
· State/Liberty (Ann Arbor) bike lanes
· Sidewalk construction
· Outreach/education (i.e. Earth Day, May National Bike Month)
· Traffic signal sensor improvement/installation
· Bike map revisions/improvements
· Snow removal (sidewalks/bike paths)
· Greenways support
· Pedestrian Bill of Rights
· Smart growth
It was suggested that WBWC members review the suggested 2002 action items and
at the December 2001 meeting be prepared to prioritize issues as well as bring
forth ideas to implement the chosen issues.
On other WBWC action issues, Ken Clark reported that "Share The Road" signs were still being discussed by the City of Ann Arbor with one suggestion being the signs be posted on major vehicular entry points into the city. On sidewalk advocacy, Bob Krzewinski reported that he was still trying to contact Pittsfield Township government over the lack of sidewalks on the north side of Packard. Bob also requested that individuals continue to send information to him over areas in the County where there is heavy pedestrian traffic but no sidewalks.
Ken Clark discussed the "Bicycling Street Smarts" booklet, noting that such a publication could be sold through local bike shops, or included in the purchase of a new bike, and be an important means of cyclist education. Ken will check into bulk purchase rates of the booklet and report back to the WBWC. Bob Krzewinski reviewed a letter to be sent to the City of Ypsilanti offering WBWC assistance to counter a move by a small number of local citizens who are opposing the construction of a non-motorized pathway near Eastern Michigan University. Ken Clark also reported that he would try and obtain a copy of a new report comparing Ann Arbor bicycle facilities with those of Madison, Wisconsin and Boulder, Colorado.
The final issue of the evening was the election of WBWC board members. Nominated were Tim Athan, Ken Clark, Bruce Fields, Rebecca Kanner and Kris Talley and were subsequently voted in to office for a two-year term by acclimation.
With no other business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.