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TO: |
Mayor and Members of Council |
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FROM: |
Alan Brown,
Director of Engineering |
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PREPARED BY: |
Lloyd
Fernandes, Senior Transportation Engineer |
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DATE OF MEETING: |
2004-Jan-26 |
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SUBJECT: |
Cycling
Implementation Plan - Phase I/Phase II Work Plan |
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RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Phase I Cycling
Implementation Plan (draft October 2003) be endorsed and updated as required,
with input from the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC);
AND THAT subject to the approval of
the Engineering Department’s 2004 capital budget, staff be authorized to
proceed with the Phase I implementation plan (estimated at $125,000);
AND THAT the Region of York be
requested to work with Town Engineering staff to implement segments of bike
facilities on the Regional roads as recommended in this report;
PHASE II
AND
THAT
subject to approval of the Engineering Department’s 2004 capital budget, staff
be authorized to:
§
Establish the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee ($20,000 in 2004
budget);
PURPOSE:
Engineering staff was directed by Transportation Committee in late 2002 to proceed with the development of a cycling implementation plan. A two-phase approach was undertaken to balance the need to:
§ Determine components of the plan that could be implemented in the short-term and
§ Develop a more comprehensive long-term strategy.
This report outlines the details of the Phase I Cycling Implementation Plan (draft October, 2003), completed with consultant assistance. In addition, the report also outlines the framework of the proposed Phase II work program to establish the longer-term cycling implementation plan. Initiation of the Phase I works, Phase II study and the initiation of the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is subject to 2004 capital budget consideration and availability of staff and consultant resources.
BACKGROUND:
Engineering staff provided an overview of the 1998 Town-wide Bicycle System Study in late 2002 to Transportation Committee. The overview illustrated that the 1998 study is a “Cycling Master Plan”, which sets the vision for the Town and provides a solid base to develop a cycling network. However, a detailed plan is required to ensure the various components are implemented in an appropriate manner based on timing, budget and priority. As a result of the overview presentation and report, Transportation Committee authorized Engineering staff to initiate work on a cycling implementation plan (as per the short-term action plan indicated in the MTPS-2002 which was completed and endorsed by Council in June of 2002). In addition to the initiation of a cycling implementation plan, Transportation Committee also requested that Engineering staff report back on the establishment of a Town of Markham Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
At the September 29th, 2003 Transportation Committee meeting, the Engineering Department outlined, in a staff report, the details required to initiate, establish and manage a Town of Markham Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Transportation Committee endorsed the recommendations and provided amendments including clarification of resource requirements to be considered in the 2004 budget process.
DISCUSSION:
The Cycling Implementation
Plan
A multi-phase approach was developed in order to initiate interest and
momentum in this alternative mode of travel as soon as possible (Phase I) while
at the same time being able to ensure that a detailed Town-wide plan would be
developed (Phase II).
The Engineering Department has identified Phase I requirements with
consultant assistance (Bikeway Implementation Strategy Phase I: Spine Network,
Draft October 2003, Marshall Macklin Monaghan Ltd.). The key components of the proposed Phase II
study have also been identified based on the experience gained from the
development of the Phase I plan.
Details of
each of the phases including findings and requirements are provided below.
A) Phase I
Phase I - Approach
The first phase outlines those improvements which can be realized within
the next two years (i.e. 2004 & 2005).
These improvements include the establishment of a spine network, which
is comprised of bike routes (i.e. bicycle route marker signs only) and bike
lanes. In both cases the spine network
components will include only those improvements that require installation of
signage and line painting and/or re-adjustments to line painting.
It is recognized that special area studies and development applications
are underway in various locations within the Town (i.e. Milliken Main Street
Study, Markham Road Corridor Study, etc.).
Further co-ordination with respective Town staff will be undertaken to
best incorporate the proposed bike facilities in these areas.
Phase
I – Highlights of Implementation Strategy
The Phase I strategy has been developed based on two primary goals:
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To develop a visible and connected cycling network in the Town of
Markham that is easily accessible and actively used by all types of cyclists;
and
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To connect, integrate and enhance the existing transportation network
to include on and off-road cycling network as a means of facilitating the use
of bicycles for leisure, tourism and utilitarian purposes such as commuting,
shopping, school and errands.
The key highlights of the draft Phase I Bicycle Implementation Strategy Phase 1: Spine Network (October 2003) are listed below:
§ Two-year implementation plan (2004 – 2005).
§ The 2004 components are estimated at $125,000 with the 2005 components estimated at $176,000 based on typical industry unit costs.
§ Includes goals, objectives and route selection criteria to guide the selection of candidate routes for the “spine” bikeway network for the more urban area of Markham
§ Establishes bikeway route selection criteria based on quantitative and qualitative criteria to guide the selection and alignment of proposed cycling routes for the spine network.
§ Develops a set of road retrofitting guidelines to assist staff in implementation of the proposed spine network.
§ Identifies a preferred bikeway spine network that when completed will consist of 114 km of bikeways and will include three facility types: Bike Lanes (26 km), Signed Bicycle Routes (70 km) and Signed Bicycle Routes with Wide Curb Lanes (18 km).
§ Includes a digital database that is linked to digital maps and details of proposed routes, facility type and sign type by location and bikeway segment for the entire spine network which will assist Town staff in network implementation.
§ Establishes network implementation priorities and implementation costs for 2004 and 2005
§ Recommends the need for the creation of a Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC) to address the needs and priorities of pedestrians and cyclists in Markham and to assist in the proposed Phase II study. (Transportation Committee and Council approved the establishment of the CPAC in principle in October 2003.)
§ Indicates the need for the Engineering Department to work with other Town Departments to ensure that the implementation of signs and pavement markings are initiated in the Spring of 2004.
§ Suggests the Town issue to the media and post on the Town’s website a media release and map of the spine network to inform the public on the Town’s efforts to begin to implement bikeway facilities in Markham.
§ Recommends the Town enter into discussions with the Region of York regarding bikeway spine segments proposed for sections of Regional roads.
Phase
I – Schedule
As noted above,
the report outlines a two-stage development process which would see
approximately half of the routes completed in Year 2004 and the remaining in
2005.
B) Phase II
Phase II – Approach (proposed)
The second phase is expected to include the development of a set of
routes and lanes, which will build on the spine network established in Phase I
and serve to update the Town-Wide Bicycle System Study completed in 1998. The Phase II work will also cost and prioritize
the implementation such that appropriate funds can be budgeted annually in the
10-year capital improvements program taking into account the updated
development charges program. Such an
approach will clearly establish the Town’s commitment to developing a balanced
transportation system, which establishes a road network and transportation
system that supports cycling, in addition to walking, public transit and
automobile use. Such work would see
co-ordination between Town departments, with public input via the Cycling and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC).
Accordingly, the interests of both cyclists and pedestrians can be
protected and on-road and off-road facilities can be developed. The Phase II work would be expected to be
initiated at the earliest in Summer 2004, subject to the 2004 budget process.
Phase
II – Key Components of Draft Work Plan
Phase II will build on the Phase I work. However, the main focus will be on the
development of comprehensive mid-term (2005 to 2010) and long-term (2010 to
2020) implementation strategies. The key
components to be included should be:
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A preferred set
of bikeway routes will be identified, feasibility assessed and facility types
confirmed or revised, costed and prioritized.
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Policies will be
reviewed, detailed on and off-road bikeway and trail facility design guidelines
and best practices developed and a formal implementation process and structure
proposed.
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Public
participation component to be hosted by the Town through the proposed Cycling
and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC).
Phase II - Schedule
The proposed Phase II workplan is suggested to be initiated in
Summer/Fall 2004 and is estimated to require nine to twelve months to
complete. With this estimated
timeline a final report would be completed and presented to Transportation
Committee at earliest in Summer/Fall 2005 pending the 2004 budget approval
process.
Please note the CPAC development should be targeted to begin at least two to three months in advance of the initiation of Phase II work in order to engage prospective members, appoint members and confirm the committee’s mandate. This initiation will allow sufficient time for CPAC to be fully mobilized and therefore able to contribute to the development of the Phase II implementation study.
Initiation of the CPAC development and
Phase II work is subject to the 2004 capital budget process.
The financial and consultant
resource considerations related to the Cycling Implementation related work
(including Phase I, Phase II and the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee)
for the 2004 budget process are listed below:
Bike Implementation Plan - Phase 1 (installation of bike signs and pavement markings)
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An initial estimate of $125,000 in 2004 to implement 70 km of primarily
signed bicycle routes.
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The above estimate is based on typical industry based unit costs. The Operations and Asset Management
Department have advised that they do not have sufficient resources to undertake
such works. Additional contracting costs
may be incurred and will be confirmed subject to a formal quotation for
manufacturing and installation of the signs.
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The draft 2004 capital budget indicates funding by tax rate and
development charges at 50 percent each.
Bike Implementation Plan - Phase 2 (proposed study)
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The Engineering department will initiate a request for proposals to
undertake the Phase II cycling implementation study as per the purchasing
by-laws. The work is anticipated to not
exceed the $100,000 and thus requires quotations from three qualified
consultants.
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The Engineering Department currently has $50,000 available in the 2003
capital budget (Acct No. 83-5350-5225-005).
Accordingly, a request for an additional $50,000 is currently requested
in the 2004 budget process.
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The development charges study update is scheduled to be completed by
August 2004. Included in this study will
be a sensitivity analysis to determine the impact on the growth related portion
of the funding to support a balanced transportation system.
Cycling and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee (Endorsed in principle at Sept 29th
Transportation Committee Meeting)
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As indicated in the September 29th, 2003 “Cycling and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee” report to Transportation Committee additional
resources were indicated with respect to the initiation, implementation and
management of the Advisory Committee.
For clarity, these requirements are iterated below.
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Appropriate budget for advisory committee activities should be
allocated for the costs associated with not only the preparation of meeting material
but also outreach to the community. This
outreach is expected to include deliverables such as brochures to communicate
the attributes of walking and biking and maps to illustrate the evolution of
the cycling and pedestrian network. In
addition, it will also include time and staff involvement as well as
marketing/advertising expertise to promote cycling and pedestrian facilities
and usage by way of events, workshops and conferences for residents, employees
and businesses in Markham. As previously
indicated $20,000 should be considered in as an annual capital budget item
starting in 2004 to support the efforts of the committee.
§
From a staffing perspective, resources are limited based on current and
projected workload for 2004 as a result of demands in the development and
transportation engineering sections. In
addition to the projected workload, the Development Charges Update Study was
initiated late in 2003 and is expected to require at minimum half the time of
the transportation staff member involved in the transportation component of the
study for a period of 6 to 8 months. It
is understood that the Development Charges Update Study is a corporate
priority. It is with the understanding
of the existing and projected commitments of staff resources, including that
required for the Development Charges Update Study, that consultant assistance
to the maximum amount of $25,000 is requested in the 2004 capital budget to
assist with project management and the demands related to liaison with the
CPAC.
Overview of
Financial/Resource Requirements
The following table
summarizes the funding and resource issues related to Phase I and Phase II and
the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (discussed in September 29th,
2003 “Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee”
staff report).
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Phase/Work |
Magnitude/Issue |
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Funding (est.) |
Comments/Staff
Resources |
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Phase I |
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2004 ~ Installation of
signage |
$125,000 |
- Estimated in current
2004 draft capital budget -Operation and Asset Department to contract out
manufacturing and installation -Final costs will be
subject to a formal quotation from qualified contractors and need for
contract administration. |
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2005 ~ Installation of
signage and pavement markings |
$176,000 |
-Subject to 2005 budget
process -Same as above |
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Phase II |
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Phase II Bike
Implementation Study |
$50,000* ($50,000 approved
**) |
-*Based on estimated
additional allocation requested in the 2004 capital budget process. -**Portion available in
2003 capital budget to the amount of $50,000 – Acct. No. 83-5350-5225- 005 (-This long-term project
is a significant addition to Engineering staff workload – i.e. technical
review, project management) |
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CPAC requirements (as per
Sept 29th 2003 staff report) |
$20,000 |
-To be considered in 2004
capital budget (-This long-term committee
is a significant addition to Engineering staff workload – i.e. project
management of CPAC and involvement in public outreach activities.) |
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Consultant assistance to
liaise with CPAC (as per Sept 29th 2003 staff report) |
$25,000 |
-To be considered in the
2004 capital budget (-Will assist in
offsetting limited staff resource issues of the Engineering Department in the
interim with respect to CPAC related work.) |
Based on the above table the
total 2004 budget request equates to an estimated $220,000. With the current ratio of tax rate to
development charges (i.e. 50:50) this would equate to $110,000 to be
accommodated by the tax rate and the equivalent by development charges.
ATTACHMENTS:
Phase 1 –
Extracts from Bikeway Implementation Strategy Report (Draft October 2003)
1.Overall Phase I spine Network
2.Phase I Spine Network – proposed 2004 works
3.Phase II Spine Network – proposed 2005 works
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Alan Brown, C.E.T. Director of Engineering |
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Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Commissioner of Development Services |
Q:\Development\Engineering\REPORTS\2004\Jan\bikeplanphase.doc
