BikeWalkLee's 2015 Priorities

As BikeWalkLee issues its 2014 annual accomplishments report, it is also identifying its priority list for local, regional and state governments and agencies in 2015.  

BWL Steering Group Jan. strategic planning meeting BikeWalkLee's priorities for 2015 focus on six key areas: integrated planning, quality of life, transit, safety, complete streets, and bike/ped facilities.  (Click here for complete document) Below are key action item highlights from the 2015 priorities list:  Integrated Planning: BoCC adoption of the 2035 Horizon Plan comp plan amendments, consistent with the vision expressed by the public in the EAR. MPO Board adoption of a 2040 LRTP based on the land-use scenario adopted in 2014, realistic revenue estimates, selection of the highest priority projects consistent with Board goals, using innovative approaches, and all in support of a balanced multi-modal transportation system consistent with complete streets and livable communities.

Quality of Life: BoCC reinstatement of funding for infrastructure through impact and/or mobility fees. Lee County VCB incorporation of bike tourism into Lee County's tourism strategy. Lee State Legislative delegation supports incorporation of bike tourism into Florida's tourism economic development strategy, and supports legislation and funding for the statewide regional connector trail system.

Transit:

• Lee MPO adopts 2040 LRTP that supports robust transit system.

• BoCC (and related partners) increase LeeTran funding by at least 5% to improve services, in addition to dedicating 100% of fare increase revenues to improving services.

• Lee State Legislative delegation supports legislation and funding for a more robust transit system, and supports funding fix for medical transit services.

Safety:

• Lee MPO Board sets goals and annual numerical targets for reducing bike/ped fatalities and serious injuries and measures progress against targets.

• Lee MPO, local jurisdictions and all stakeholders complete implementation of the MPO's Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Action Plan short-term action items.

• Local law enforcement, media, other stakeholder agencies implement an effective and coordinated countywide enforcement and education campaign.

• Lee State Legislative delegation supports FDOT bike/ped safety and complete streets initiatives.

• Lee State Legislative delegation supports legislation to strengthen a ban on texting while driving and Rep. Passidomo's bike/ped safety bill.

Complete Streets:

• FDOT implements its 2014 complete streets policy through revisions in policies and guidances, providing tools to local governments.

• Local jurisdictions with complete streets policies (Lee County, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs) revise their Land Development Codes, Administrative Codes, and agency policies and practices required to fully implement their complete streets policy.
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• Lee MPO implements the TIGER grant Complete Streets project on schedule, consistent with project goals, and with the active participation of all stakeholders.

Bike/ped facilities:

• Lee MPO coordinates implementation of countywide bike/ped master plan and local jurisdictions incorporate those recommendations into their own master plans.
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•  BoCC substantially increases funds for stand-alone bike/ped projects (retrofits) to restore funds reduced during the recession, and begin to fund the extensive BPAC approved and prioritized project list.

• Local jurisdictions increase funding for sidewalk, path, and bike lane projects.

• FDOT increases funding for stand-alone bike/ped projects in 5-year work plan.

Click here to read the full 2015 Priorities document

Click here to read the full 2014 Accomplishments report, which includes 2015 priorities and "scorecard" on implementation of 2014 priorities.

Report by Darla Letourneau