SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE
VANCOUVER TRAFFIC COMMISSION
A Special Meeting of the Vancouver Traffic Commission to discuss
the Cypress/Angus Bike Route, was held on June 13, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. at
Prince of Wales Secondary School, 2250 Eddington Street, reconvened on
June 18, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City
Hall and concluded on July 9, 1996, at 7:30 p.m. in Committee Room No.
1, Third Floor City Hall.
June 13:
PRESENT: Councillor Bellamy, Chair
Councillor Chiavario
Councillor Clarke (except for discussion
on route between
16th and 41st Avenues)
Councillor Price, Alternate
Councillor Sullivan
ALSO PRESENT: Councillor Puil
MANAGER'S
REPRESENTATIVE: Dave Rudberg, General Manager of
Engineering Services
CLERK: Denise Salmon
June 18:
PRESENT: Councillor Bellamy, Chair
Councillor Chiavario
Councillor Clarke (except for discussion
on route between 16th
and 41st Avenues)
Councillor Price, Alternate
ABSENT: Councillor Sullivan
ALSO PRESENT: Councillor Ip
MANAGER'S
REPRESENTATIVE: Dave Rudberg, General Manager of
Engineering Services
CLERK: Denise Salmon
July 9:
PRESENT: Councillor Bellamy, Chair
Councillor Chiavario
Councillor Clark (except for discussion on
route between 16th and 41st
Avenues)
Councillor Price, Alternate
Councillor Sullivan
MANAGER'S
REPRESENTATIVE: Dave Rudberg, General Manager of
Engineering Services
CLERK: Denise Salmon
POWER TO ACT
On January 19, 1994, the Council, by the required majority, granted
this Commission Power to Act on all unanimous decisions. All decisions
of the Commission contained herein were unanimous and, therefore, stand
approved.
* * *
Councillor Clarke absented herself from the meeting for all
presentations related to the Cypress/Angus bike route along the 16th to
41st Avenue portion of the route.
* * *
1. Cypress/Angus Bike Route
JUNE 13
The Chair indicated the purpose of the meeting, and a subsequent
meeting to be held on June 18, was to hear comments and suggestions on
the proposed Cypress/Angus Bike Route. After hearing from everyone, the
route proposal will be modified accordingly, for final decision by the
Commission early in July.
The Commission had before it the following information (on file):
- A letter dated May 31, 1996, from Engineering Services, advising of
the process to date, the proposal, and routing options;
Clause No. 1 cont'd
- A map of the proposed Cypress/Angus Bike Route;
- Three separate surveys focussing on the Kitsilano, Shaughnessy, and
Kerrisdale portions of the route.
Mr. Ian Adam, Assistant City Engineer, and Mr. Doug Smith,
Engineering Services, outlined, with the aid of a slide show, the
traffic calming measures proposed for the route, including:
- temporary right-in right-out diverters
- signals installed at busy intersections
- landscaped traffic circles
- concrete bicycle medians
- modification of traffic signs
- street repair and improved street lighting
- partial street closures
Mr. Smith further advised the route could either go along Angus
Drive or Pine/Maple Crescent, and the above measures would enable
cyclists to retain their speed. He also noted the CP Rail Corridor is
not an alternate option at this time. He noted a report would be
presented to the Commission in early July, and temporary measures, as
per Council instruction, would be implemented at that time.
Commission members expressed concern with this process to date, and
sought staff assurance that in future, a wider notification of
residents, carried out earlier will better serve the public.
The following speakers were opposed to the traffic calming measures
suggested for the bike route:
Zane Kerzner
Peter Austin
Rick Watts
Dorothy Cumming
Marina Knutson, Traffic & Safety Coordinator, Shaughnessy School
Joanne Murtagh
Howard Gerber
JanPaul Shason
P. Isler
Dr. Geoffrey Blair
Fred Cavanagh
Dr. Rhonda Lo
Clause No. 1 cont'd
Dr. J. McLarnon
Mik Ball
Arthur Lang
Mrs. Dean
Mrs. A. Allen
Erin Findlay
Mr. A. Solimano
Points expressed by the speakers include:
- Support for a signed bike route with minimal improvements; leave
the quiet residential neighbourhood as it is, without the traffic
calming measures, including diverters and medians
- Preference for route along Pine, between 37th and 25th
- Retention of the proposed pedestrian signal at 41st and Angus is a
positive measure, perhaps synchronized with the lights on East
Boulevard
- A pedestrian signal, not a median, is required at 33rd Avenue,
where children cross to attend a number of schools in the vicinity
- Vehicles and children unsure of traffic movements with traffic
circles, stop signs more effective
- Council policy is to decrease traffic and increase safety, however
the planned through route with no stop signs will encourage
additional vehicles
- Current traffic circles at 19th southbound at Nanton and Maple are
not effective, vehicles drive straight through, without slowing
down
- Stop signs, not a traffic circle, are essential at the 19th Avenue
intersection for cyclist safety, where five routes converge
- Concern with lack of public consultation/notification process
- Traffic circles may work in some areas, however, they are ugly,
expensive and permanent - and not wanted along this route.
Clause No. 1 cont'd
- The proposed median at 33rd Avenue would divert traffic onto
neighbourhood streets, including Cypress which is already heavily
used
- The planned bike route and traffic planning for the neighbourhood
are two different issues and should not be combined
- Traffic, safety and congestion concerns, especially surrounding the
schools in the area including Shaughnessy Elementary, Maple Grove
and private schools
- Any changes to redirect traffic, especially the median at 33rd and
Pine and/or Angus will increase traffic on Marguerite and a signal
at 41st and Angus would further intensify the problem
- The 33rd Avenue and Pine diverter would create major neighbourhood
access problems for many area residents
- Support for pedestrian-activated signals on 41st and 49th at Angus
- Engineering's survey questions appear to be biased and favour very
few
- Opposed to Angus diverters, which would result in more traffic on
Cypress
- The proposed additional stop signs would cause more car pollution
and waste gas
- Children's safety should be of prime concern, and allowing cyclists
a through route, with increased down hill momentum due to lack of
stop signs does not consider safety of children - in addition,
schools were not shown on distributed route maps
- Few if any bikes currently use the proposed routes, cost of project
is out of proportion to percentage of public served
- Look to rapid transit to solve transportation problems, not traffic
calming through neighbourhoods
Clause No. 1 cont'd
- Most cyclists will probably divert around Pine Crescent depression,
Angus has a more gradual incline
- The proposed route directs cyclists up hill to one of the highest
points in the City
- The Maple Crescent traffic circle would pose a danger to children,
as motorists and pedestrians are unfamiliar with correct procedure
for navigating these circles, a four-way stop would be less costly
and more effective for traffic calming
- The Arbutus Corridor should be considered as an alternate route, as
the City owns land in many places adjacent to the CPR right-of-way
Ms. Dorothy Cumming was generally in favour of the proposed bike
route and apart from concerns with increased traffic felt Engineering's
proposed measures quite possibly would minimize through traffic in the
neighbourhood and shortcutting to Downtown Vancouver.
* * *
The Chair indicated the speakers remaining on the list would be
heard at the reconvened Special Meeting on June 18, 1996.
* * *
The Commission recessed at approximately 9:10 p.m.
* * *
JUNE 18, 1996
The meeting reconvened, with Councillor Bellamy in the Chair, to
hear the remaining speakers on the Cypress/Angus Bike Route issue.
The following speakers were opposed to the traffic calming measures
suggested for the bike route:
Clause No. 1 cont'd
Kerry McKeen
Fred Fredrikson
Tavis McKeen
Julian Becher
Peter Cowdry
Nicholas Glass
Isabel Minty (brief filed)
Jan Kubik
Cus Huckvale
Peter Isler (read Fredrikson letter)
Colin Brander
Graham Kedgley
Ann Ramsay
Maureen Whelan
Kerry Raines
Points expressed by speakers generally reflected those made at the
meeting of June 13th. Additional points include:
- Cyclist activated signals at 16th, 12th and Broadway along Cypress
would slow down traffic, resulting in many motorists cutting
through the adjacent neighbourhood.
Tavis McKeen and Julian Becher, both ten years old, added the
increase in cars from the proposed plan would jeopardize the safety of
neighbourhood children who currently use their back lanes for various
sports and recreation activities.
Mr. Paul Bruhn and Mr. Colin Brander were in favour of the route as
proposed. Mr. Bruhn lives in a co-op with no backyard and looks forward
to riding with his family on a calm, bike-oriented street. The majority
of traffic destined for Richmond moves through his neighbourhood, and he
welcomes any traffic calming suggestions. Mr. Brander felt the
Off-Broadway route currently works well and adds life to the
neighbourhood. He noted more people would use bikes if provided with
comfortable bikeways. However, due to the wide variety of traffic using
the Arbutus Corridor he is opposed to its use as a commuter route.
In response to questions as to when the Vancouver Traffic
Commission will be making its decision regarding the Cypress/Angus bike
route, and how the residents will be kept informed and involved, the
Chair indicated the Commission with consider this matter at a Special
Meeting on July 9, 1996, at 7:30 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1.
Reports, reflecting public input received,
Clause No. 1 cont'd
will be made available to residents prior to the July 9th meeting.
Engineering staff advised results of the surveys would be included
in the reports being prepared for commission decision.
* * *
The Commission recessed at approximately 8:45 p.m.
* * *
JULY 9, 1996
The meeting reconvened, with Councillor Bellamy in the Chair, to
make a final decision on the Cypress/Angus Bike Route.
* * * *
The order of the agenda was varied to deal with Item 1(b) first.
Councillor Clarke left the meeting for discussion on this item.
* * * *
The Commission had before it for consideration three Administrative
Reports dated June 28, 1996, (on file) in which the General Manager of
Engineering Services responds to public input received at meetings held
on June 13 and 18 as follows:
(b) Cypress Bike Route - Shaughnessy Portion, from 16th Avenue to 41st
Avenue
Mr. Adam advised the purpose of this report is to obtain approval
for the signing of the Shaughnessy portion of the Cypress bike route,
without the traffic circles and other traffic calming measures
previously proposed.
A Council member suggested the Cypress/Matthews/Angus portion would
require careful signing to ensure cyclists remain on the route.
The following motions by Councillor Sullivan were put and CARRIED.
The Commission, therefore,
Clause No. 1 cont'd
RESOLVED,
A. THAT the portion of the Cypress Bike Route between 16th Avenue
and 41st Avenue be marked with signage only, on Route B as
illustrated in Figure 1.
B. THAT the traffic circles, medians, and other measures as
previously proposed, not proceed, but that conditions along
the corridor continue to be monitored and discussed with
residents and cyclists to determine whether further measures
are required in the future.
C. THAT pedestrian/bicycle signals proceed at 16th Avenue and at
41st Avenue, with funding as detailed separately in the
companion reports, Cypress Bike Route - Kitsilano Portion and
Cypress Bike Route - Kerrisdale Portion.
(a) Cypress Street Bike Route - Kitsilano Portion, from Ogden Avenue to
16th Avenue, and 1997 Provincial Bicycle Network Program Cost-Share
Update
Mr. Adam explained the purpose of this report is to obtain approval
for the implementation of the Kitsilano portion of the Cypress Street
bike route. Also, approval is sought for the preliminary design work
and public consultation for additional bike routes recently approved as
part of the 1997 Provincial Bicycle network cost share program.
A Council member expressed concern with possible noise issues in
the Kits Point area where the Cypress Bike Route joins with the Seaside
Route, as was experienced recently with the route's early morning
opening ceremony.
Engineering staff advised if similar problems reoccur, an alternate
route in this area could be looked at.
The following motions by Councillor Sullivan were put and CARRIED.
The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED,
A. THAT the portion of the Cypress Street Bike Route north of
16th Avenue be implemented as shown in figure 1 and detailed
in this report, at a total cost of $450,000, the sources of
funds are to be $130,000 previously approved
Clause No. 1 cont'd
by Council, $165,000 from the Provincial Government, and
$155,000 from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No.
12/31/6903/999 - Bicycle Network.
B. THAT public consultation and design for the 37th Avenue, Kent
Avenue, Heather Street, Nanton/28th Avenues and Lakewood Drive
bike routes be undertaken with funding of $50,000 provided
from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No.
12/31/6903/999 - Bicycle Network.
C. THAT the Streets maintenance budget be increased by $500
without offset, for the maintenance of the traffic circle
proposed in this design, starting in 1997, and the signal
maintenance budget be increased by $8,000 without offset, for
the maintenance of 4 traffic signals proposed in this design,
starting in 1997.
(c) Cypress Bike Route - Kerrisdale Portion, from 41st Avenue to S.W.
Marine Drive
Mr. Adam advised the purpose of this report is to obtain approval
for the signing of the Kerrisdale portion of the Cypress bike route,
without the circles and other traffic measures previously proposed, and
the installation of a pedestrian/cyclist activated signal at 41st/Angus.
The following motions by Councillor Sullivan were put and CARRIED.
The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED,
A. THAT the portion of the Cypress Bike Route between 41st
Avenue and S.W. Marine Drive be marked with signage only, as
illustrated in Figure 1.
B. THAT the circles, median, and other measures as previously
proposed, not proceed, but conditions along the corridor
continue to be monitored and discussed with residents and
cyclists to determine whether further measures are required in
the future.
C. THAT the pedestrian/bicycle signal installation at Angus Drive
and 41st Avenue proceed, with funding of $35,000 from the
Provincial Government, and $35,000 from Streets
Clause No. 1 cont'd
Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No. 12/31/6903/999
-Bicycle Network.
D. THAT the signal maintenance budget be increased by $2,000
without offset for the maintenance of the traffic signal,
starting in 1997.
2. Other Business
a) 33rd Avenue - Cambie to Camosun
Councillor Clarke enquired as to the status of this issue. She has
received numerous calls and letters from concerned citizens.
Engineering staff advised a letter has been sent to interested parties
advising there are no plans to widen the street, cut down trees, nor
impose a bus route. Citizen input has also been requested for inclusion
in a future report to Council.
The Commission adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m.
* * *