Hi folks.....here is the info for this Monday's Planning Commission Meeting.  Please come to City Hall this coming Monday night at 6 p.m.  Even if you cannot remain for the entire time, just a show of presence from the bicycling community is encouraged if we are ever going to make any headway in this town.

 

Thanks ------- Bill

 

CITY OF FREDERICK
PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
December 11, 2006
PROJECT INFORMATION

 

AGENDA ITEM:    
NAME OF PROJECT: State Highway Administration / Frederick County / City of Frederick Bike Route
TYPE OF PROJECT:  N/A
CASE NUMBER:   N/A

 

PROPERTY OWNER:  City of Frederick (Staff Contact:  Timothy Davis)
ADDRESS:    101 North Court Street
     Frederick, MD 21701

 

PHONE NUMBER:   (301) 600-1884   
  
APPLICANT:   Same

 

PROPERTY   
LOCATION:  Patrick Street – Eastern City Limit to Western City Limit

 

REVIEWED BY:   Timothy P. Davis
DATE:    December 4, 2006

 

PROJECT PROPOSAL

 

The project is an informational review and consideration of an officially designated bike route through the City of Frederick.  This review is in conjunction with county and regional routes designated by the State Highway Administration (SHA). The State Highway Administration, Regional & Intermodal Planning Division, has proposed the idea to the City of Frederick and Frederick County the concept of a bicycle route through the area.

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

 

A meeting was held at the SHA District 7 Offices with the County and City in early October of 2003.  It was decided that for this concept to go forward, a formal request to consider this idea should be presented by the State.  The formal request was received from the Chief Engineer of District 7, Robert Fisher on October 9, 2003.

 

This item was before the City of Frederick Planning Commission on January 12, 2004.  The concept was presented by Staff only, demonstrating various routes to select.  Unfortunately, the Commission did not agree that this was a good idea, noting legal ramifications and route safety issues.

 

In the summer of 2005, another meeting was held at the District Office, this time including more State Officials and local bicycle enthusiasts.  In September, the Planning Commission heard at the DRC hearing more information on this idea and agreed to allow for more discussion in the public forum on this item.

 

The State Highway Administration is in the process of developing a network of cross state bicycle routes in an effort to further promote bicycling in Maryland as a form of transportation and recreation.  The goal is to provide a direct and continuous system that will link urban centers, transit centers and recreational centers throughout the state.  The focus will be on providing facilities for the skilled adult cyclists interested in long distance touring and utilitarian trips.

 

The SHA selected MD 144 from Baltimore City to the City of Frederick because, as noted above, it provides direct and continuous access from urban center to urban center.  It is understood that currently this roadway is being utilized for both local events and access between the two cities by local bicycle enthusiasts.

 

On October 5th, members of the Maryland Department of Transportation, The City Planning Staff, and interested bicycle enthusiasts took various test rides through the City.  In early spring of 2006, several meetings with an ad-hoc group that included another ride and subsequent evaluations of several routes took place.  No formal decision has been made to date.

 

STAFF COMMENTS & ANALYSIS

 

This route is to be designated for bicyclists that are in the upper 2% of the riding public – another words, expert cyclists.  This route is for riders traveling long distances; this is not for riders that do not feel comfortable in traffic.

 

Using the most direct and through route, albeit a congested one, was the consensus of the riders that participated in the evaluations of the routes.

 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

 

City Staff and MDoT respectfully request that the Commission take the comments heard this evening and consider this item to be formally voted on at the next public hearing in January.