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 Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan 2005
APPENDIX Meeting Minutes Middle Flint Regional Development Center Notes from the Public Meetings Americus 3-2-04 Contact GDOT and show interest in including bike lanes in Hwy 280 and 19 expansion. ***A bicycle route that would extend from Americus to Cordele along 280. Find out if there are any abandoned rail lines in the region. Answer: There is only one in Webster County and it is only partially in this region.
Look into tourism trail (Andersonville etc….)
Draw bike routes on maps at the next PAC mtg.
Possible Sub-committees Walking vs. biking Local vs. county What are your strong points/interests?
Cordele 3-9-04
Discussion of additional bike routes: Route to follow SAM Shortline Excursion Train route Possible mountain trail at GA Vets State Park
Funding possibilities discussed: Transportation Enhancement (80/20 % Federal/Local match) Wood Johnson Adopt-A-Highway Use of gas tax money towards bike/pedestrian trails
Bicycle racks have be removed from both jobs and schools due to theft.
Possible Collaboration with Crisp Dooly Empowerment Zone using Youth Build program participants as possible labor.
BRAG-Bike Ride Across Georgia SORBA-Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association www.sorba.org SORBA is a member-based, nonprofit organization formed to promote trail preservation and development, mountain bike racing, touring, fun and fellowship for all mountain bicyclists in the southeast.
Youth Create BMX track within the region (example: BMX track @ Chehaw Park). No sidewalks or bicycle racks which prohibit children from riding to school. When sponsoring bicycling events incorporate a youth/family event as well.
PAC Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2004 3:00 pm Middle Flint Regional Development Center
Present: Kelly Coleman, Nelson Rodriguez, Becky Jones, Mack Wells, Carvis Passmore, Jack Kearbey, Mayor McGowan, Angela Davis, Jennifer J. Dawson, Patsy Brunson, Shannon Walker, and Rendell Day.
The meeting was opened with a welcome from Ebony White (staff to PAC). Introductions were made from PAC members, and a detailed description of the purpose of the PAC (members were chosen from the 8 county Middle Flint region).
Topics discussed:
Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan The Importance of Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation: Potential for cleaner air, provides basic access and transportation choice, promotes a healthy, active lifestyle, supports efficient land use and development patterns, creates more livable communities, supports transit, reduces congestion, quality of life and property values. Our Mission: To create a regional bicycle and pedestrian plan that will serve as a tool to integrate bicycle and pedestrian activities into statewide and local decision-making processes. Outline: Executive Summary, Introduction, Goals, Objectives, and Performance Measures, Existing Conditions and Needs Assessment, Recommendations, and Implementation Strategy. Due Date of the B/P Plan: December 2004.
Issues/Concerns: -Narrow and rougher roads for bicyclist (rumble strips) -No bicycle signage along roads -Safety and education as major thrusts -A need for safe routes -Safer sidewalks and in some cases a need for sidewalks (ADA Accessibility) -Encourage walkable communities for quality of life (mile markers along popular routes and trails) -Creating routes/trails connecting community facilities -Creating a route that will connect historic resources within region -Connecting routes to other regions (example: Americus/Cordele to Columbus) -Rails to Trails (using abandoned railroads as a bike/pedestrian trail) -The inclusion of bike lanes when widening state highways -Some cities already have existing plans for trails in their communities (examples: Americus, Oglethorpe, and GA Veterans Park) -Regional Bike Tour (future event which will not only increase tourism but economic development as well)
Meeting Dates Next PAC meeting will be held on April 13, 2004, 3:00 pm at the Middle Flint RDC. Public Meetings: (Please attend the public meeting that is closest to you) Americus: Russell Thomas Jr. Public Safety Bldg., (City Council Chambers) Tuesday March 2, 2004, 7pm
Macon County: (location TBD), Thursday March 4, 2004, 7pm
Cordele: Cordele City Hall Tuesday March 9, 2004 7pm
With no further discussion, meeting was adjourned
Notes from PAC Meeting April 13, 2004 Middle Flint Regional Development Center
Members Present: Angela Davis, Mayor Bill McGowan, Jack Kearby, Patsy Brunson, Shannon Walker, Sherry Evans, Greg Speight, Will Goforth, Tom Queen, Carvis Passmore, Rendell Day, Kelly Coleman New Member: Vanessa Askren
Minutes from last month were reviewed with no changes.
Reviewed what was discussed at public meetings: -Include Youth Project in planning process (Chehaw Park) -Bicycle racks and lack thereof and as it pertains to theft
New Business: A major thrust should be to get information out about cyclists’ rights to the road. Have a speaker from law enforcement come to the next PAC meeting to talk about bicyclist/pedestrians rights.
Group Exercise: GOALS
Safety: Create ad focus more on drivers education material Media Coverage
Signage Create Adopt-a-Sign campaign specific to Bike/Ped program. Increase number of signs erected in the region.
Education Partner with schools and DARE Program to include Bicycle/Pedestrian education Marketing
Health & Exercise More promotion of local organization i.e. BRAG More family friendly programs, whether it be trails, 5k runs, or bike tours.
Regional Bicycle Connect Communities Route Include Historic Resources and Attractions Create bicycle routes HOG on Bicycle route
Next Meeting May 25, 2004 3pm Middle Flint RDC We will further discuss: Sub-committees Maps drawn for possible routes Vision Statement
DOT Meeting June 10 purpose is to discuss Hwy 280 Project Notes from PAC Meeting May 25, 2004 Middle Flint Regional Development Center
Members Present: Angela Davis, Mayor Bill McGowan, Tom Queen, Carvis Passmore, & Jennifer J. Dawson
Guest Speaker-Sgt. Tim Green (Americus Police Department) Sgt. Green discussed 2 sections in the code book which consists of: 1. Pedestrian Laws 2. Bicyclist Laws
He gave several good pointers on how pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers can be successful and safe on the road.
Next Meeting-Goals and Objectives and the Vision Statement will be discussed at the next meeting. Maps will also be drawn for possible routes.
Next Meeting Date and Location: September 14, 2004, Ellaville, GA. Time: TBD
DOT Meeting June 10 purpose is to discuss Hwy 280 Project
Middle Flint Regional Development Center Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Advisory Committee
Notes from PAC Meeting September 14, 2004
Committee members present: Patsy Brunson, Angela Davis, Carvis Passmore, Greg Speight
Staff member present: Matt McDaniel, MFRDC
Committee briefly reviewed “Goals and Objectives” developed from previous meetings and a draft document integrating recommendations from both MFRDC PAC and the Lower Chattahoochee RDC PAC.
Matt McDaniel indicated that the final document had to be produced by the end of the year, and that it was time to develop more specific recommendations and implementation strategy.
Recommendations developed by committee members present include:
A standing regional bike and pedestrian advisory committee should be maintained in some form following completion of the current planning study. This committee would continue to develop, support, and implement bike and pedestrian planning and programs. This committee should work in conjunction with a similar group from the Lower Chattahoochee RDC region, if such a group is formed and maintained, possibly through annual or bi-annual meetings of both groups.
Primary potential bicycle route identified is U.S. Hwy. 280 from Plains to Cordele; incorporate bicycle lanes with “rumble strip” dividers on four-lane section from Americus to Cordele. This route passes by or near a variety of local tourist attractions (such as Jimmy Carter N.H.S., Americus attractions, Ga. Veterans Memorial State Park/Lake Blackshear), and spur or loop routes can connect additional sites of interest, such as Andersonville N.H.S. and village and farming communities and countryside in Dooly County. Potential exists to continue this route from Plains westward to Lumpkin (Stewart Co.) and connect with State Bicycle Route 5.
A region-wide study may be necessary to develop additional bicycle routes and determine their feasibility. This effort may be supported by continued interest of a regional bicycle and pedestrian committee and accomplished by that group and/or an independent consultant.
At least one bicycle route or portion of a route should be identified and developed for each county in the region. Citizens in every county should have access to a safe and well-marked bicycle route.
With all future bike routes, develop routes to ensure incorporation of all sites of cultural, natural, and aesthetic interest. New highway construction sometimes reroutes primary travel lanes away from significant historical or sensitive natural features. Ensure that bicycle routes deviate from primary highway facilities to former roadways and sections that still pass by or through such areas. Example: Memorial Mile, a designed and landscaped section of U.S. Hwy. 19 in northern Sumter County, is being bypassed by highway widening that would otherwise destroy that resource. A potential bike route on U.S. 19 should leave that facility, pass through this older section of roadway, and then return to the primary U.S. 19 facility.
Bike lanes on state highways should continue use of or be modified to incorporate “rumble strips” dividing automobile traffic lanes and bicycle traffic lanes. This separation will improve safety for both drivers and riders and increase comfort for bike riders.
Identify, restore, and construct “waysides” along existing and future bicycle routes. Traditional highway waysides often include picnic areas, refuse receptacles, and water fountains; such amenities would likely be useful to and enjoyed by bicycle riders. Additionally, informational signage at these facilities could promote local sites of cultural and natural interest.
A bike and pedestrian trail connecting Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus to the city’s recreational complex should be constructed.
Additionally, the committee recognized that many of the previously identified “Goals and Objectives” could be reworded and developed as specific recommendations. Therefore, Matt McDaniel will review these items and develop additional recommendations from them.
Because of limited attendance and time constraints at the current meeting, it was decided that implementation strategy would have to be developed at the next meeting. Matt McDaniel stated that he would write notes from this meeting and distribute them within a week and solicit additional comments and recommendations from those members unable to attend. At the next meeting, a final list of recommendations will be reviewed and implementation strategies developed.
Meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting: October 12, 2004, 3pm, Middle Flint RDC, Americus Review final recommendations and develop implementation strategy Middle Flint Regional Development Center Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Advisory Committee
Notes from PAC Meeting October 12, 2004
Committee members present: Vanessa Askren, Patsy Brunson, Angela Davis, Jack Kearbey, Bill McGowan, Nelson Rodriguez, Greg Speight
Staff member present: Matt McDaniel, MFRDC
Matt McDaniel noted that the MFRDC and the PAC would no longer develop a joint document with the Lower Chattahoochee RDC as had been previously indicated.
Committee briefly reviewed the draft “Recommendations” developed from the “Goals and Objectives” section. Regarding use of “rumble strips” to divide bicycle and motorized vehicle lanes, the group indicated the necessity of properly constructing the lanes and ensuring that the strips do not intrude upon the bike lanes. Vanessa Askren also mentioned the use of special paints in Florida that serve the same safety purpose but are less disruptive to bike riders.
Additionally, the committee stressed the importance of signage along designated bicycle routes to indicate the possible presence of riders. The group was not aware of such signage on Bicycle Route 15/ U.S. Highway 41 in the region. The committee also voiced concern over the designation and use of busy, hilly, and/or winding state and U.S. highway routes as bicycle routes; generally, it was agreed that use of such routes would require the construction of designated bike lanes. Further discussion indicated the need to identify additional routes on less used and possibly safer county roadways. The committee suggested the possibility of counties identifying and maintaining such routes.
Matt McDaniel explained a draft bicycle map he had prepared. The map included “proposed” routes suggested at the previous PAC meeting: the US 280 route, connecting Plains to Cordele via Americus, and the “spur” SR 49/SR 90 route, connecting Americus to Vienna via Andersonville, Oglethorpe, Montezuma, Byromville, and Lilly. “Potential” routes on the map included: US 19 from Butler south to Lee County and toward State Bike Route 20 at Leesburg; the extension of the proposed US 280 route west from Plains through Webster County toward State Bike Route 5 at Lumpkin; and continuing the proposed SR 49 bike route northward through Marshallville and toward State Bike Route 40 at Fort Valley. Additional proposed routes included SR 26 west from Ellaville (from proposed US 19 route) to Buena Vista and westward toward State Bike Route 5 at Cusseta, and SR 90 from Cordele toward Rebecca (Turner County) and State Bike Route 20 at Fitzgerald (Ben Hill County).
The committee agreed that the originally identified US 280 “Plains to Cordele” route and SR 49/ SR 90 “spur” route should be the priority routes. Additionally, it was agreed that further study would be needed to address the potential for routes along county maintained roadways. If committee members became aware of any such routes before the next meeting, they were invited to contact Matt McDaniel.
Mr. McDaniel also noted that Jennifer Jenkins, via email, had proposed a walking route on Lee Street in Americus including mile markers and the repaving of sidewalks. The committee agreed to include this item in its recommendations. A brief discussion of pedestrian facilities did not result in any additional recommendations, and it was generally agreed that such facilities should be identified and maintained by and within cities.
Due to time constraints and based on developed recommendations, Mr. McDaniel suggested that he prepare an implementation strategy document similar to the one prepared by Middle Georgia RDC and provide it to the PAC for comment. Because the final document was due at the end of the year, Mr. McDaniel also suggested that he prepare a draft of the final document and provide it to the PAC before a final meeting in late November to review and comment on the draft. The committee agreed to both suggestions, and a final meeting date was set for Tuesday, November 23, at 3pm in the Middle Flint RDC boardroom.
Meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting: November 23, 2004, 3pm, Middle Flint RDC, Americus Review and comments on draft of final plan to be presented to GDOT Middle Flint Regional Development Center Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Advisory Committee
Notes from PAC Public Meeting November 23, 2004
Committee members present: Kelly Coleman, Jack Kearbey, Carvis Passmore
Public present: Bill Harris, Michael Ross (Americus Times-Recorder)
Staff member present: Matt McDaniel, MFRDC
Matt McDaniel briefly reviewed the planning process for Mr. Harris and Mr. Ross.
Mr. McDaniel presented a “power point” presentation addressing the committee’s recommendations and corresponding implementation strategies. McDaniel noted that the format of the presentation would be similar to that which would be inserted into the draft planning document. The committee members discussed and approved the recommendations and suggested adding an additional rural route, including State Route 230, Drayton Road, and Cannon Road in Crisp and Dooly Counties. The route would connect Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park with Byromville and pass through scenic countryside. Additionally, automobile traffic on this route was lighter when compared with some of the other proposed routes.
Mr. Harris noted that he had been contacted by Bike Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) about a possible trip in the Americus area. Mr. McDaniel noted that, in the future, if the committee remained intact, the group could help support and promote these types of activities. Mr. McDaniel also noted the possibility of formalizing a bike and pedestrian committee under the RDC. The members present agreed to support a standing committee and to discuss the possible BRAG ride at the next meeting.
With no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting: January 18, 2004, 3pm, Middle Flint RDC, Americus Review and comments on draft of final plan to be presented to GDOT Discussion of proposal for BRAG ride in Americus area
INSERT EX SUMMARY MAP INSERT ACCIDENT DATA MAP INSERT CRISP EX CONDITIONS MAP INSERT DOOLY EX CONDITIONS MAP INSERT MACON EX CONDITIONS MAP INSERT MARION EX CONDITIONS MAP INSERT SCHLEY EX CONDITIONS MAP INSERT SUMTER EX CONDITIONS MAP INSERT TAYLOR EX CONDITIONS MAP INSERT WEBSTER EX CONDITIONS MAP INSERT EX CONDITIONS AND REC SUMMARY MAP
MIDDLE FLINT REGIONAL BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2005
CONTENTS
Vanessa Askren Kelly Coleman Patsy Brunson Angela Davis Jennifer J. Dawson Rendell Day Sherry Evans Will Goforth Becky Jones Jack Kearbey Bill McGowan Carvis Passmore Tom Queen Nelson Rodriguez Greg Speight Shannon Walker Mack Wells
MIDDLE FLINT REGIONAL BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2005
Middle Flint Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Advisory Committee
CONTRIBUTORS
Compiled by: Matthew F. K. McDaniel and Mariyana Kostova
Middle Flint Regional Development Center 228 West Lamar Street Americus, Georgia 31709
For more information: (229) 931-2909 or www.middleflintrdc.org EXISTING CONDITIONS and FACILITIES
By County
Prepared by Middle Flint Regional Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Advisory Committee and Middle Flint Regional Development Center
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