2. ROADS AND CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2005
ANNUAL REPORT AND 2006 WORKPLAN COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR LES
ROUTES ET LE CYCLISME – RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2005 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2006 |
commITTEE
RECOMMENDATIONS
That Council:
a) Receive the 2005 Annual Report of the
Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee as detailed in Document 1; and
b) Approve the objectives contained in the
2006 Workplan, as detailed in Document 2.
Que le Conseil :
a) reçoive le Rapport annuel de 2005 du
Comité consultatif sur les routes et le cyclisme tel que décrit à Document 1;
b) approuve les objectifs qui sont
présentés dans le Plan de travail 2006, tel que décrit à Document 2.
Documentation
1.
Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee report dated 17 March 2006
(ACS2006-CCV-RCA-0001)
2. Extract
of Minutes, 5 April 2006.
Report to/Rapport au :
Comité des transports
and Council / et au Conseil
17 March 2006 / le 17 mars 2006
Submitted by/Soumis par : Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee/Comité consultatif
sur les routes et cyclisme
Contact Person/Personne ressource : Stephanie
Brown Bellefeuille, Advisory Committee Coordinator
City Clerk’s Branch/Direction du greffe
(613) 580-2424 x 16760, stephanie.brown@ottawa.ca
SUBJECT: |
ROADS AND CYCLING advisory committee
2005 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2006 WORKPLAN |
|
|
OBJET : |
COMITÉ
CONSULTATIF SUR LES ROUTES ET LE CYCLISME – RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2005 ET PLAN DE
TRAVAIL 2006 |
REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That the Roads and Cycling
Advisory Committee recommend that the Transportation Committee recommend that
Council:
a) Receive the 2005
Annual Report of the Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee as detailed in
Document 1; and
b) Approve the objectives contained in the 2006 Workplan, as detailed in Document 2.
RECOMMANDATION DU
RAPPORT
Que le Comité consultatif sur les
routes et cyclisme recommande au Comité des transports de préconiser au Conseil
de:
a) reçoive
le Rapport annuel de 2005 du Comité consultatif sur les routes et le cyclisme
tel que décrit à Document 1;
b) approuve
les objectifs qui sont présentés dans le Plan de travail 2006, tel que décrit à
Document 2.
BACKGROUND
City Council, at its meeting on 3 December
2003, reconfirmed its governance structure.
This included the advisory committees, and the requirement for each to
complete a workplan outlining proposed projects and activities for the upcoming
year. The workplan is to identify each
and every activity the Committee plans to undertake in the upcoming year,
whether they have a budgetary impact or not.
The item should be identified, a brief description of the project or
activity should be noted, and the anticipated timing of the item should be
provided.
The Lead Department Representatives are to provide the Committee with information on the departmental workplan and priorities, where the workplans of the Committees tie into that workplan, and where the Committee can assist the Department. The Lead Department Representative will also advise on what staff and/or financial resources are available as part of departmental priorities.
DISCUSSION
The Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee designed its workplan in the framework of two sub-committees, Safety and Education, and Infrastructure, that met the first week of February. At its February 20 meeting, the 2005 annual report and 2006 workplan objectives were approved.
The mandate of RCAC is to provide advice and guidance to Ottawa City Council and its Departments, on issues, policies and programs, which reflect the City’s commitment to a variety of travel modes, and that achieve the appropriate balance in a way that contributes to our City’s overall quality of life, and that have an impact on a citizen’s ability to travel in Ottawa. The goal of the Committee is to give advice to provide a liveable and environmentally friendly city that is accessible and safe to commute by bicycle, motor vehicle and other methods of road transportation, and where such means is an integral part of a publicly supported and balanced transportation system. The Committee will specifically advise on transportation issues related to cycling, traffic-safety (including education, area and neighbourhood traffic management including traffic-calming) and other transportation-related policies and programs. The complete Terms of Reference for the RCAC can be found in Document 3.
CONSULTATION
PUBLIC WORKS AND SERVICES
The Department
concurs with the 2006 Workplan and 2005Annual Report, prepared by the Roads and
Cycling Advisory Committee, and acknowledges the value provided to the
Department in terms of providing comment and advice from the citizen's
perspective on various projects. Staff
would like to add that the 2006 workplan is extensive, and details are to be
developed. Therefore, staff looks
forward to working with RCAC within the Committee's mandate and conflict of
interest guidelines (as applies to the workplan), and as staff resources
permit.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
FINANCIAL SERVICES BRANCH
There are no financial implications from this information report on the Cycling Advisory Committee’s 2006 Workplan and 2005 Annual report.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Document 1 – Roads and Cycling 2005 Annual Report
Document 2 – Roads and Cycling 2006 Proposed Workplan
Document 3 – Roads and Cycling Terms of Reference
DISPOSITION
City Clerk’s Branch staff will forward the
recommendations approved by the Transportation Committee to City Council for
ratification.
Document 1
The following is an overview of the Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee’s (RCAC) activities for 2005, followed by the activity outputs, and the immediate or desired outcomes. The goal or long-term impact is shared with numerous stakeholders and complements the RCAC Terms of Reference (“to ensure that Ottawa is an environmentally friendly city that is accessible and safe to commute by bicycle and other modes of road transportation, and where such modes are an integral part of a publicly-supported, and balanced, transportation system.”) These long-term impacts provide a long-term vision to guide our work.
Four outcomes have been formulated in support of this vision and they comprise the following:
Two main subcommittees have been established to support these outcomes (Safety and Education, and Infrastructure). These subcommittees resume the activities of RCAC sub-committees past, and will contribute to the following long-term impacts, recognizing that there are many other stakeholders, including the City, which also make a contribution:
It should also be noted that RCAC’s activities contribute to improved fitness and health for Ottawa’s citizens by promoting a more active lifestyle, through human-powered transportation and recreation activities.
RCAC has been very active in 2005 with several items moving forward to Transportation Committee (and others):
It should also be noted that in 2005, RCAC created its own brochure, advising on relevant information to RCAC, its mandate, activities, and how to contact us. This was made possible through the workplan funding.
In addition, other RCAC motions and reports are currently in progress:
There have been numerous ad-hoc committees, and reports that have come to our attention. The most important of these is the Ottawa Cycling Plan (OCP).
1. Examine the progress of the capital projects outlined in the Transportation Master Plan
Activities
Examine “Annex A of the Transportation Master Plan” to determine progress of capital projects.
Output
Report and recommendations on the progress of Transportation Master Plan Capital Projects.
Background
In 2003, the Council approved the 20/20 Transportation Master Plan (TMP). This plan outlined a number of key capital projects that were needed in order to achieve the goals outlined in the TMP. The goal of this proposal is to examine the progress of the capital projects outline in “Annex A Required Infrastructure Projects” of the TMP, make recommendations and report to the Transportation Committee. (Ongoing)
2. Review and evaluate the road maintenance program
Activities
Evaluate and provide recommendations on road maintenance, with particular emphasis on potholes, designated bicycle lanes, snow clearing and street cleaning).
Output
Reports and recommendations seeking to improve road maintenance.
Background
The City of Ottawa Surface Operations continues to look at new means of maintaining roads and paths. This proposal is to examine the status of Ottawa's road maintenance program and make a report and recommendations to the Transportation Committee. The study could include an examination of the means by which road maintenance projects are identified, and prioritized. With respect to potholes, the committee could consider inviting staff to bring the committee up to date on the latest means of pothole repair, and could consider examining what initiatives other municipalities are taking. (Ongoing)
3. Evaluation of Byward Market parking
Report and recommend to staff and City Council on how to best utilize the funding currently allocated to the supervised parking facility.
A motion and report advising recommended action.
4.Harmonization of Zoning and Bicycle Parking Bylaws
Report and recommend to staff and council on the bylaw harmonization process, and zoning regulations, as they apply to cycling infrastructure and facilities.
Reports and recommendations on by-laws and zoning regulations.
This will be new area of focus for the Committee. (Ongoing)
5. Greenbank Road Rail Overpass Issue
Report and recommend a solution to staff and to City Council to address the lack of safe facilities for students to bicycle to school.
A report with a recommendation on this particular issue, with the intent of examining other such areas of concern around the City (or ‘safety audits’).
The issue was originally raised between the RCAC Vice-Chair and Councillor Gord Hunter’s office. It has since raised the interest of all such areas to the members of RCAC. (Ongoing)
Safety and Education sub-committee:Examine and provide advice on all
areas in which the city affects cycling education and enforcement of laws, so
that safer cycling conditions will exist.
1. Roads and Cycling Safety and
Education
Maintain, assess and provide advice on all City programs relevant to roads and cycling safety and education.
Reports and recommendations seeking to improve cycling safety, education and promotion.
On-going item from 2005 RCAC workplan.
2. Inventory of Key Groups Related to
Roads and Cycling Safety and Education
Establish an inventory of key groups and associations relevant to roads and cycling safety and education. Maintain, assess and provide advice on all City programs relevant to roads and cycling safety and education.
Maintain and update inventory, to determine any gaps in activity, build network, establish contacts and to exchange information.
This will be a new activity for RCAC. (Summer 2006)
3. Public Perceptions Re: Roads and
Cycling Safety and Education Issue
Review existing surveys and results, and if necessary, investigate further possibilities of surveying/determining public’s perception on cycling safety and education issues.
Work with staff, review survey information already completed, consult with other groups (established in inventory, discussed in previous item 2) and consult Ottawa Cycling Plan (OCP).
This will be a new activity for RCAC. (Ongoing)
4. RCAC Outreach Initiative
Build relationships with various community, resident, and other-type organizations by attending general meetings and/or speaking to community leaders with the objectives of:
Meetings/presentations with community, resident and other-type organizations.
This will be a new activity for RCAC. (Ongoing)
5. Updating Terms of Reference for
Safety and Education sub-committee
Update Safety and Education Terms of Reference (by March 2006).
Draft and distribute terms of reference for approval by RCAC.
This will revise previous TORs. (Spring 2006)
6. Issue an Annual Report to RCAC From
the Safety and Education Sub-committee
Produce an annual report on sub-committee activities to RCAC (November 2006).
Draft and distribute for the information of RCAC.
This will be a new activity for RCAC.
1. Cycling Awards Review
Form a committee to manage and select individual and organizational cycling award recipients; and continue working on format of the Bruce Timmermans Award presentation.
Meet as a sub-committee to discuss the above.
This item continues from the 2005 workplan. (Ongoing)
2. Roads
Form a committee to respond to specific initiatives, e.g., road construction, road reconstruction and pathway construction, in their communities when requested by staff.
This item continues from the 2005 workplan. (Ongoing)
Monitoring reports and recommendations to City and Council.
This item continues from the 2005 workplan (Ongoing).
Monitoring reports and recommendations to City and Council regarding the proposed 2007 municipal budget.
This item continues from the 2005 workplan (Ongoing).
Document 3
Approved by City Council
April 14, 2004
ROADS AND CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Terms of
Reference
MANDATE
The mandate of the Roads and Cycling Advisory
Committee is to provide advice and guidance to Ottawa City Council and its
Departments, on issues, policies and programs, which reflect the City’s
commitment to a variety of travel modes, and that achieve the appropriate
balance in a way that contributes to our City’s overall quality of life, and
that have an impact on a citizen’s ability to travel in Ottawa. The goal of the Committee is to give advice
to provide a liveable and environmentally friendly city that is accessible and
safe to commute by bicycle, motor vehicle and other methods of road
transportation, and where such means is an integral part of a publicly
supported and balanced transportation system.
The Committee will specifically advise on transportation issues related
to cycling, traffic-safety (including education, area and neighbourhood traffic
management including traffic-calming) and other transportation-related policies
and programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee shall be responsible for:
· Providing a forum for citizens and community associations to raise issues and concerns related to roads, cycling and other transportation issues in the City, and reviewing suggestions and concerns from citizens.
· Advising on transportation issues (cycling, roads and related transportation matters) as they affect the City of Ottawa Official Plan, Secondary Plans, programs, budget and overall policy development, including monitoring the implementation of said plans and evaluating their effectiveness.
· Providing advice on physical infrastructure related to the road network and cycling network, including planning, design standards, operations and maintenance.
· Providing advice on by-laws, legislation and regulations that have an impact on the road network and cycling network, and its applicable users.
· Providing advice on neighbourhood, corridor and area traffic conditions (including traffic calming and area traffic management).
· Providing advice and guidance on matters pertaining to education on overall road safety and cycling related issues, and the development of policies and programs in accordance with its mandate.
· Promoting bicycle use as a means of improving the health of Ottawa residents.
· Representing the interests of all cyclists in the City of Ottawa.
· Providing advice on environment, air quality and economic development issues related to transportation and cycling.
· Providing advice on integration of transit/bicycle trips.
· Providing advice and guidance on other transportation related issues within the Committee’s mandate, as required.
· Working with the Transportation, Utilities and Public Works Department and outside agencies that have contracts with the City on roads and cycling-related issues.
· Liaising with outside agencies on issues of mutual interest (e.g. the National Capital Commission, local school boards and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation).
ORGANIZATION
The Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee shall have a citizen membership of 9-15, and shall include the following:
· Up to 12 members at large (who shall have diverse geographical representation and varied cycling and transportation experience and/or interests) and with a minimum of one citizen appointment representing the rural community;
· One representative from each of the following area cycling organizations (Citizens for Safe Cycling, Ottawa Bicycle Club, Kanata-Nepean Bicycle Club).*
* Should any of the aforementioned groups fail to nominate a representative within the required timeframe, the seat for that year shall be filled by another member appointed at large.
The process for choosing membership for the Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee shall be in accordance with the approved Appointments Policy. Both the Transportation Committee and Ottawa City Council shall approve all appointments to the Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee.
In addition, the Roads and Cycling
Advisory Committee shall have
in a resource, liaison and/or advisory capacity, the following:
· 1 staff representative from the Transportation, Utilities and Public Works Department (non-voting) who will attend the formal advertised Committee meeting held every second month.
· A minimum of 1 member of Ottawa City Council, appointed by Council to act as a liaison (non-voting)
The Committee shall meet formally every second month for a total of no more than six formal meetings per year. City support, an advertised agenda and public delegations will be provided/permitted at the formal Committee meetings. The Committee may chose to informally meet on the alternate month, however, will not receive City support, an advertised agenda or receive public delegations.
The Chair of the Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee will provide a concise summary of meeting proceedings to the Chair of the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee. In addition, meeting notes, if any, deriving from the alternate informal meeting will be provided to the Advisory Committee Coordinator.
Staff items related to the Roads and Cycling
Advisory Committee that may require urgent and timely consideration in regard
to processing to the Standing Committee, may be facilitated through any one of
the following options dependent on the subject matter and timing involved:
The Transportation, Utilities and Public Works Department shall be the
lead department for the Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee. The Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee
shall report to the Transportation Committee and City Council.
WORKPLANS AND ANNUAL REPORTS
The Roads and
Cycling Advisory Committee must report annually to City Council through the
Transportation Committee (timing to be determined by the Committee Chair,
Committee Coordinator and City Clerk) on the activities of the Committee in the
current year and on the Committee’s workplan for the following year.
ROADS AND CYCLING 2005 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2006 WORKPLAN
COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR LES ROUTES ET LE CYCLISME –
RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2005 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2006
ACS2006-CCV-RCA-0001
Keith Parker, Chair, Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee stated that 2005 was an important year for the RCAC, which saw some
key initiatives come to fruition and some changes implemented that allowed the
committee to better address its full mandate of roads concerns in addition to
cycling issues, all within the six-meeting per year schedule. He noted, however, that the committee would
be able to address many more issues if it were returned to full status with a
12-meetings per year schedule. In the
past year, RCAC has worked with staff on bicycle parking for special events, the Ottawa Cycling Plan, the Byward
Market supervised parking program, and a report on cycling as a reimbursable
expense that is expected to be presented to the Corporate Services and
Economic Development Committee in the near future. Within their 2006 workplan, RCAC intends to address, among other
issues, the City’s progress towards implementing Transportation Master Plan,
the road maintenance program, the harmonization of zoning and bicycle parking
bylaws, and safety issues surrounding the Greenbank Road Rail Overpass. A complete copy of Mr. Parker’s presentation
is held on file with the City Clerk.
At the request of Councillor
Doucet, Mr. Flainek advised that the Cycling Plan has been completed and staff
is currently undertaking the report to Committee. Staff anticipates to have this report to Committee within the
next month and half to two months. The
Pedestrian Plan has been delayed due to the staff, who was to project manage
this Plan leaving. However, the
consultants are working on the background work and interviews to fill the
project manager’s position will be conducted next week. Staff is aiming to have a kick off public
open house in June to get ideas from the public on their concerns and to
provide information on the process. As
this being an election year, staff will wrap up the Plan early next year and
present it to Committee by June 2007.
To address the Councillor’s
concern about the time delay, Mr. Flainek pointed out that the Transportation
Demand Management (TDM) Group has limited amount of staff that is continuously
being reduced. When the City of Ottawa
was amalgamated, the TDM Budget was $1 million and today, that budget not only
pays for a couple of staff members, this initiative was cut this year. The program is less than a third of what it
originally was. Consequently, the
direct answer for not putting forward the pedestrian plan has to do with the
approved budget and the ability for staff to hire a consultant.
As a lesson in terms of drawing
upon community initiatives, Chair Stavinga referred to the Rural Pathway
Project, which was done through a community organization and some grant money
provided by the City, but the vast majority of it provided by a Trilium funding. She was astounded by what they were able to
deliver at a fraction of the envelope that the City put aside for the
Pedestrian Plan. She highlighted this
for staff to recognize the ability to engage local champions effectively.
The Committee then considered and
approved the following report recommendations:
That the Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee recommend that the Transportation Committee recommend that Council:
a) Receive
the 2005 Annual Report of the Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee as detailed
in Document 1; and
b) Approve
the objectives contained in the 2006 Workplan, as detailed in Document 2.
CARRIED