Sign-up for April 28th webinar: Complete Streets Implementation and Design

The National Complete Streets Coalition is offering a free webinar on April 28th focused on helping transportation planners and practitioners implement complete streets policies. With five jurisdictions/agencies in Lee County having adopted complete streets policies but only in the beginning stages of implementation, this timely webinar should be of great interest to staff, committee members, consultants, and advocates countywide. Register NOW.

Complete streets implementation is one of BikeWalkLee's key priorities for local, regional and state governments and agencies over the next two years, 2016-17.  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.(See BWL related blog)

 

Upcoming webinar: Complete Streets Implementation and Design
April 14, 2016 by Mary Eveleigh

Hundreds of communities across the country have adopted Complete Streets policies—the next step is to implement them. An upcoming webinar will help transportation planners and practitioners do just that.

Join the National Complete Streets Coalition for a free online discussion all about Complete Streets implementation and design on Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 12:00-1:00 PM EDT. The event is designed to help transportation planners, engineers, and practitioners turn policies on paper into changes on the ground. Join Emiko Atherton, Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition, and Mike Rutkowski, Coalition Steering Committee member, to learn how Complete Streets projects can help people and communities and what practitioners need to consider when designing and implementing those projects.

WHAT:	Webinar: Complete Streets Implementation and Design
WHEN:	Tuesday, April 28, 2016, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT
WHO:	Emiko Atherton, Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition Mike Rutkowski, PE, AICP, Principal at Stantec and Steering Committee member of the National Complete Streets Coalition

Join this event for an overview of the Complete Streets planning-to-design process. Learn how Complete Streets and active transportation are impacting communities’ health and economy; get tips on what to consider when starting a Complete Streets project; learn strategies for design retrofits; and hear case studies of places that have done it successfully.

This event is free and open to all but registration is required. Whether you’re a planner conducting a retrofit or an engineer designing a new street, register today

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:

• 2015 Annual Report 
• 2016-17 Priorities 
• 2015 Supporter Organization List
• Previous Accomplishments Reports (2009-2014)

Links to BikeWalkLee blog posts on:

• 2015 Annual Report
• 2016-17 Priorities

• New Supporter Organizations

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.
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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.
•  
•  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