BikeWalkLee Blog: BWL accomplishments report

Showing posts with label BWL accomplishments report. Show all posts

Saturday, February 13, 2016

BikeWalkLee Release 2015 Annual Report

On February 15th, BikeWalkLee released its 2015 Annual Report and shared it with its supporter organizations, national partners, government officials, agencies, staff, committees, the news media, and others in the BWL network as a way of saying "thanks" to everyone for their support, leadership, commitment, and involvement.

BWL Steering Group: (from left) Steve Chupack, Sarah Baker, Margaret Banyan, Darla Letourneau, Bruce Butcher, Dan Moser, Cindy Banyai, Doug Saxton, Nick Dekker, Tom Sharbaugh, Kate Gooderham, Ken Gooderham, and Diane Odeh.

Through the support of our partner organizations, in conjunction with committed public officials, local governments and agencies, a variety of government advisory committees, and dedicated individuals, there have been many accomplishments in the past seven years. These include: Adoption of complete streets policies by the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Lee Board of County Commissioners, the City Councils of Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Cape Coral (adopted this past summer); Several countywide plans developed and adopted by the MPO — a countywide bike/ped master plan, a countywide bike/ped safety action plan; and the award of a major federal TIGER grant to the MPO for a Complete Streets Initiative Project. Bike/ped safety continued to be a key priority in 2015, with high-profile and in-depth bike safety feature coverage by News-Press' "Share the Road Florida" team.

As 2016 gets under way, the Steering Group of BikeWalkLee wanted to highlight some of the key 2015 accomplishments throughout the county as a reminder of all that has been done and all that is yet to do. A special thanks to the four organizations that became part of our coalition in 2015, bringing the total number of supporter organizations to 70 (plus 9 national partners). Click here for the 2015 Supporter Organization list.

click here for PDF of Annual Report

We have also included our top priorities for local, regional and state governments and agencies for 2016 and 2017. During the next two years, we see the focus being on "stepping up our game" to ensure that the adopted complete streets policies and plans are fully implemented; that bike/ped infrastructure investments are increased by all agencies and jurisdictions; and that the TIGER grant is successfully completed and leveraged for more improvements countywide. We continue our focus on safety, with expectations for the various stakeholders and officials. (Click here for complete 2016-17 priorities document.)

In 2016 and beyond, BikeWalkLee will continue to work with local officials, dedicated advocates and like-minded organizations to advance the cause of complete streets and transportation choices for Lee County. Thanks to everyone in the BikeWalkLee network who has been part of this journey.

List of Links:

Links to BikeWalkLee blog posts on:

Report by Darla Letourneau

BikeWalkLee's 2016-17 Priorities

As BikeWalkLee issues its 2015 Annual Report, it is also identifying its top priority list for local, regional and state governments and agencies over the next two years, 2016-17. BikeWalkLee's priorities focus on "stepping up our game" by ensuring that the adopted complete streets policies and plans (bike/ped master plans and bike/ped safety action plans) are fully implemented; that bike/ped infrastructure investments are increased by all jurisdictions, and that investments already made, such as the $10 million federal TIGER grant Complete Streets Initiative Project (to be completed by the end of 2016), leverage more improvements countywide; and that mechanisms (e.g. performance measures with targets) have been put in place to measure our progress into the future. We also continue our focus on safety, with expectations for the various stakeholders and officials.

Our vision is that by the end of 2017, the promise of complete streets is actually delivered and visible on the ground, and achieving the intended results of improved access, connectivity, safety, and inspiring more people of all age, income groups, and fitness levels to walk, bike, and take transit. Complete streets is an integral part of achieving the community's larger goals of quality of life, economic vibrancy, and a sustainable future.

The following are BikeWalk Lee's 2016-2017 five priority goals and expectations:

Implement Complete Streets Policies

FDOT fully implements its Complete Streets Implementation Plan by end 2017, maximizing the involvement of local governments and all stakeholders to achieve the greatest impact of their policy and practice changes throughout Florida. Local jurisdictions/agencies elect to adopt the new FDOT Complete Streets design, policy, and procedures into their own procedures and practices.

Local communities that have adopted complete streets policies (Lee County, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Cape Coral) revise their Comp Plans, Land Development Codes, Administrative Codes, and agency policies and practices in 2016-2017 to implement their complete streets policies, making it an integral part of the way they do business.

In 2018, BikeWalkLee will issue a report card on the status of complete streets implementation throughout Lee County.

Implement Bike/Ped Master Plans and Safety Action Plan

Lee MPO oversees implementation by all stakeholders of the updated countywide bike/ped master plan recommendations and the 2013 countywide bike/ped safety action plan.

Lee MPO establishes performance measures and targets for key goals in both plans; and tracks and reports to the MPO Board on performance results.

Local jurisdictions with existing master plans (Fort Myers and Sanibel) track implementation of their plans and update them, as needed. Local jurisdictions that are in process of developing master plans (Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach) complete their plans and move to implementation during 2016-17. Estero (the newest municipality) undertakes the development of a master plan in 2016-17.

In 2018, MPO staff and the BPCC reports to the MPO Board on implementation of both plans (Master Plan and BPSAP) by all jurisdictions and agencies responsible for report recommendations.

Increase Investments in Bike/Ped Infrastructure Projects

In the FY 2017 and FY 2018 budget cycles, local jurisdictions and agencies develop 5-year transportation CIPs and Transportation Investment Plans (TIP for MPO) that increase their investment in bike/ped infrastructure projects (stand-alone projects), consistent with their Master Plans and/or recommendations by their bike/ped advisory committees. Increases are both in terms of the absolute dollar amounts and their share of the total CIP/TIP budget.

In 2018, BWL issues a report card analyzing the increased bike/ped investments by all jurisdictions and agencies since 2014.

Implement and Leverage TIGER Grant Complete Streets Initiative Project

Lee MPO completes construction of TIGER project by the Jan. 2017 deadline, consistent with project goals (improving access, connectivity, safety, and promoting economic benefits and bike tourism); incorporating innovative features as opportunities arise; and with the active participation of all stakeholders.

Lee MPO's BPCC recently established working group on wayfinding completes it work in early 2017, linked to the completion of the TIGER project so that the new TIGER project path segments are integrated into the existing signage and maps in the area (Tour de Parks Loop and University Loop) for an improved and integrated wayfinding system when the TIGER project is opened to the public. The wayfinding working group also identifies opportunities for wayfinding coordination and consistency countywide.

Local jurisdictions and agencies build on the federal TIGER investment to accelerate filling the gaps in the countywide bike/ped system so that more connections can be made, improving access and encouraging more people to bike and walk.

Improve Safety

Lee MPO Board sets goals and annual numerical targets for reducing bike/ped fatalities and serious injuries and measures progress against targets, as called for in 2013 Safety Action Plan.

Local law enforcement, media, local governments, and 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 distracted driving laws and improve vulnerable users safety.

List of Links:

Links to BikeWalkLee blog posts on:

New Supporter Organizations

Report by Darla Letourneau

Saturday, February 7, 2015

BikeWalkLee Releases 2014 Accomplishments Report

On February 7th, BikeWalkLee released its 2014 Accomplishments Report and shared it with our supporter organizations, national partners, government officials, agencies, staff, committees, the news media, and others in our network as a way of saying "thanks" to everyone for their support, leadership, commitment, and involvement.

BWL Steering Group; (from left) Margaret Banyan, Cindy Banyai, Dan Moser, Bruce Butcher, Darla Letourneau, Ken Gooderham, Steve Chupack, Tom Sharbaugh, Ann Pierce, and Kate Gooderham. Not present: Sarah Baker and Steve Rodgers.

Through the support of our supporter organizations, in conjunction with committed public officials, local agencies, a variety of government advisory committees, and dedicated individuals, BikeWalkLee has been able to achieve a great deal in six years. These include adoption of complete streets policies by the Lee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Lee Board of County Commissioners, the City Councils of Fort Myers and Bonita Springs; several countywide plans developed and adopted by the Lee MPO — a countywide bike/ped master plan, a countywide bike/ped safety action plan — and the award of a major federal TIGER grant for a Complete Streets Initiative Project. Bike/ped safety continued to be an overarching priority in 2014.

As 2015 gets underway, the Steering Group of BikeWalkLee wanted to summarize the coalition's 2014 accomplishments and share our priorities for 2015, as a reminder of all that has been done and the work that lies ahead. A special thanks to the six organizations that became part of our coalition in 2014, bringing the total number of supporter organizations to 66 (plus 9 national partners). Click here to read our blog introducing each of our new supporter organizations.

This year's accomplishments report includes lots of photos from the year, along with a series of quotes from national, state, and local leaders demonstrating BikeWalkLee's impact in Lee County and beyond. Last year for the first time, we laid out our priority list for local/regional/state governments and agencies for 2014. This year we have included a summary scorecard of how local and regional performed against BikeWalkLee's 2014 priorities.

We have included our top priorities for local, regional and state governments and agencies in 2015. BikeWalkLee's priorities for 2015 focus on six key areas: integrated planning, quality of life, transit, safety, complete streets, and bike/ped facilities.

In 2015 and beyond, BikeWalkLee will continue to work with local officials, dedicated advocates and like-minded organizations to advance the cause of complete streets and transportation choices for Lee County. Thanks to everyone in the BikeWalkLee network who has been part of this journey.

List of Links:

Click here to read the 2014 Accomplishments Report (which include 2015 priorities and scorecard on implementation of 2014 priorities).

Click here for the full 2015 Priorities document.

Click here for 2014 scorecard.

Click here for 2014 Supporter Organization List.

Links to the BikeWalkLee blog posts on:

2014 Accomplishments Report

Report by Darla Letourneau

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.
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.
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

Six more groups join BikeWalkLee's coalition network of supporter organizations

Join BikeWalkLee in welcoming six more groups to our network of supporter organizations, for a total of 66 as we begin 2015!

A strong coalition is the strength of BikeWalkLee and the reason behind our numerous accomplishments. We have partnered across sectors with a growing number of community stakeholders that want to improve the quality of life and mobility in Lee County. Partners include Florida Gulf Coast University, health care organizations, safety and injury prevention groups, AARP of Florida, citizen and community groups, environmental organizations, planners and sustainable communities groups, bike clubs, and bike shops.

Every year BikeWalkLee's coalition of supporter organizations has grown, starting with 30 organizations in 2009, which has now grown to 66 at the beginning of 2015. During 2014, we broadened our coalition with six new organizations, including the College Parkway Redevelopment Group, Jim Dodson Law, the FGCU Student Planning Association, Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation, Inc., Go Girl Cycling, and Lee Public Voice.

BikeWalkLee would like to introduce them to our network and welcome them into our coalition:

1. College Parkway Redevelopment Group
The College Parkway Redevelopment Group (CPRG) is a voluntary group of property owners that have been working on developing Lee Plan Goals, Objectives and Policies to guide redevelopment within the College Parkway study area. BikeWalkLee members have been involved from the beginning in the development and participation of this community plan.

College Parkway Corridor

The following is the draft Vision Statement from the proposed Lee Plan Amendments:
“Recognizing the importance of College Parkway as a significant transportation corridor and understanding the need to maintain its function while expanding economic opportunities within the College Parkway Community, the College Parkway Corridor will become a mixed-use, walkable, vibrant and diverse destination where employment, residential, commercial and civic uses are integrated with public spaces to support a local economy, encourage walking and bicycling, support civic interaction, and provide a spectrum of housing choices to address a diverse population.”

The College Parkway Corridor is a significant east-west commercial area located on College Parkway between Summerlin Road and the Caloosahatchee River. The commercial corridor serves the residents and business owners from Colonial Boulevard south to Gladiolus Drive and from Summerlin Road west to the Caloosahatchee River.

2. Jim Dodson Law

We welcomed Jim Dodson Law back in March. Jim Dodson is an avid cyclist and a well respected personal injury lawyer in Florida. Jim rode this year's Royal Palm Classic (sponsored by CRBC) and managed to run into some of the BikeWalkLee members after the event, became interested in joining our efforts, and now his law firm is a BWL supporter organization and has been an active participant in our network.

As an avid cyclist, Jim understands the benefits of cycling, but also the dangers. In his person injury law practice, he represents people who have been injured and the survivors of those who have died riding bicycles. He is also involved in efforts to prevent crashes and has written a booklet, "Florida Bicycle Accident Handbook", to help people who ride bicycles avoid injury and to let readers know what to do if the worst happens. The main office is in Clearwater, but the firm handles clients all over Florida.

3. FGCU Student Planning Association

The Student Planning Association (SPA) is a student-run organization whose mission is to promote responsible and sustainable planning practices, while educating students, faculty, staff and the community on various planning issues. They strive to enhance their education through public outreach, research, and other means to further advance planning in our community. The SPA provides an interdisciplinary environment, welcoming students of all majors and departments.

In early 2014, SPA joined the BikeWalkLee coalition. Kudos to FGCU students who have launched this new organization to promote responsible and sustainable planning practices. If you're FGCU student, get involved...and go on their website and Friend them on Facebook.

4. Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation, Inc.

The Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation, Inc. exists to support the mission and programs of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) as it continues toward establishing a statewide system of greenways and trails for recreation, conservation and alternative transportation.

The Foundation's current initiative is to get approvals from stakeholders at the "gaps" in the route, and to secure funding to complete the gaps. The Foundation played an instrumental role in last year's approval by the Florida Legislature and Governor to "Coast-to-Coast Connector Trail, a 275-mile trail from Cape Canaveral National Seashore to St. Petersburg. BikeWalkLee is pleased to have a statewide partner who's promoting bike tourism, one of BikeWalkLee's priorities.

5. Go Girl Cycling

It's exciting to see a new bike shop in SWFL, and one that reflects the trend of a growing market niche--women riders. Go Girl Cycling shop recently opened in South Lee County, and was featured in a Florida Weekly article (Peddling pedals for profit, Florida Weekly, Jan. 7, 2015

Go Girl Cycling shop is next door to (and connected to) Paradise Bikes on Six Mile Cypress Parkway close to Colonial Blvd. Tina Sujana is the manager of the new store and is an active member of the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club and is becoming active on the biking advocacy scene. We're excited about the arrival of this new shop and about Tina's interest in getting involved in advocacy to make Lee County more bicycle-friendly. Check out her shop the next time you're in the area.

LAB's Steve Clark with Lynne Sharp and Tina Sujana at Go Girl Cycling shop

Go Girl Cycling

9377 Six Mile Cypress Parkway
Unit 135
Fort Myers, FL 33966
Get Directions | Email
239-938-0060

6. Lee Public Voice
Lee Public Voice is a network of organizations and associations that have come together with the purpose of working for more inclusive governance and meaningful public engagement, consistent with the county's motto of "community, transparency, and accountability. Its mission is to advocate and educate both elected officials and the public in Lee County on issues that affect our sensitive natural resources, exceptional quality of life and a growing, diversified economy. BikeWalkLee is an active participant in this network of organizations.

Its major priorities include monitoring, educating and commenting on a variety of issues including: impact and/or mobility fees to ensure that growth pays for growth; land conservation; annual budget decisions and priorities; encourage and support community planning with public participation; adoption of the 2035 Horizon Plan as well as adherence to the Lee Plan; land use/water resources.

A warm welcome to our new supporter organizations! Click here for the complete list of supporter organizations as we begin 2015. Click here for BikeWalkLee's full 2014 Accomplishments Report.

Report by Darla Letourneau

Sunday, January 26, 2014

BikeWalkLee Releases 2013 Accomplishments Report

On January 26th, BikeWalkLee released its 2013 Accomplishments Report and shared it with our supporter organizations, national partners, government officials, agencies, staff, committees, the news media, and others in our network as a way of saying "thanks" to everyone for their support, leadership, commitment, and involvement.

BWL Steering Group Members; Back row (from left): Margaret Banyan, Kate Gooderham, Ken Gooderham, Darla Letourneau, Bruce Butcher and Dan Moser. Front row (from left): Ann Pierce, Mike Bacigalupo and Steve Chupack. Other members not in photo: Cindy Banyai, Sarah Baker, Bert Hamilton, Steve Rodgers, and Tom Sharbaugh.

As 2014 gets underway, the Steering Group of BikeWalkLee wanted to summarize the coalition's 2013 accomplishments and share our priorities for 2014, as a reminder of all that has been done and the work that lies ahead. A special thanks to the nine organizations that became part of our coalition in 2013, bringing the total number of supporter organizations to 59 (plus 8 national partners). Click here to read our earlier blog post introducing each of our new supporter organizations.

This year's accomplishments report includes lots of photos from the year, along with a series of quotes from national, state, and local leaders demonstrating BikeWalkLee's impact in Lee County and beyond. For the first time our annual accomplishments report includes our top priorities for the coming year. Click here to read the blog post about our 2014 priorities.

In 2014 and beyond, BikeWalkLee will continue to work with local officials, dedicated advocates and like-minded organizations to advance the cause of complete streets and transportation alternatives for Lee County. Thanks to our broad network for your support of these efforts. If you'd like to be a complete streets champion and become more involved in BikeWalkLee, please contact dletourneau@bikewalklee.org.

Click here to read the 2013 Accomplishments Report.

Click here to read BikeWalkLee's 2014 Priorities.

Chick here to read about New Supporter Organizations: 1/14/14 blog post: "Nine more groups join BikeWalkLee's coalition network of supporter organizations"

Monday, February 4, 2013

BikeWalkLee Releases 2012 Accomplishments Report

On Feb. 5th, BikeWalkLee released its 2012 Accomplishments Report and shared it with our supporter organizations, government officials, agencies, staff, and committees, the news media, and others in our network as our way of saying "thanks" to everyone for their support, leadership, commitment, and involvement.

Through the support of our supporter organizations,in conjunction with committed public officials, local agencies, a variety of government advisory committees, and dedicated individuals, BikeWalkLee has been able to achieve a lot in four years. The 2012 year culminated with BikeWalkLee being named APA Florida's Outstanding Public Interest Group of the Year!

In 2013 and beyond, BikeWalkLee will continue to work with local officials, dedicated advocates and like-minded organizations to advance the cause of complete streets and transportation alternatives for Lee County. We hope we will be able to count on your support of these efforts.

Click here to read the 2012 Accomplishments Report

Photo Caption (photo by James Hamilton):
Members of the BikeWalkLee steering group at our 1/9/12 meeting. From left to right: Shannon Maitland (and son Luke), Ken Gooderham, Dan Moser, Margaret Banyan, Darla Letourneau, Ann Pierce, Steve Rodgers, Steve Chupack, and Bert Hamilton. Other steering group members not in photo: Kate Gooderham, Tom Sharbaugh, Cindy Banyai, Sarah Baker. Thanks to the whole team for a successful 2012.

We've received numerous kind notes from our network about the accomplishments report. Here's one we'd like to share:

Feb. 17, 2013 note from Bonita Springs City Councilmember Steve McIntosh: "The "accomplishments" report is very well done - professional, informative, and leaves a terrific impression of the coalition. Thank you for your commitment to making our community a better place to live, and for your efforts at protecting our cherished environment."
Thank you, Councilman McIntosh, for your feedback and support.