HomeMy WebLinkAboutstaff reportJune 12, 2014
ITEM NO.: 11 COMPLETE STREET POLICY
Name: Complete Streets Policy and Master Street Plan Amendment related to
Bike Plan requirements
Location: Jurisdiction wide
Regueest: Approve a Complete Streets Policy for Little Rock and Amend the Master
Street Plan to help implement that policy.
Source: Staff
PROPOSAL / REQUEST:
To approve a Complete Streets Policy for Little Rock, this policy indicates that streets
should be constructed and maintained such that all forms of transportation may safely
and freely use the streets of Little Rock — pedestrian, non -motorized and motorized. To
help implement this proposed policy a second item is presented to modify the Master
Street Plan as it relates to dedication, construction, and marking for Bike Paths, Lanes
and Routes within Little Rock.
ANALYSIS:
The Bike Friendly Community Committee of Little Rock approached the City of Little
Rock about adopting a Complete Streets Policy. This group of volunteers reviewed
similar policies and recommendations from some national organizations to write a policy
they wanted the City of Little Rock to adopt. After some discussions with Staff in early
2013, a resolution of intent to adopt a Complete Streets Policy- was approved by the
Little Rock Board of Directors in April 2013 — Resolution No. 13675. This resolution
instructed Staff to develop a Policy over the next year, so that the Board could adopt it.
The City Manager's Office first brought together staff from Parks & Recreation, Public
Works and Planning Departments to discuss the issue. Individuals from various interest
groups —health, aging, bicycle, public transit, and development community, were invited
to participate and meetings were held in late 2013 and early 2014. The intent of the
group was to develop a 'Policy Statement' for the Board of Directors and to look at
changes that might need to be made in Little Rock to help implement that Policy.
The goal for the group was to develop a consensus that could be used as a guide to the
City and development community for a road system that would be safe and available for
all types of transportation. The City's roads should be safe and usable for pedestrians,
non -motorized vehicles, and motorized vehicles. Several members of the group
provided examples of ordinances and resolutions from other communities in Arkansas
and around the country. The group also reviewed how roadways were built and
maintained in Little Rock as well as the current regulations related to this.
June 12, 2014
ITEM NO.: 11 (Cont.) COMPLETE STREET POLICY
The core policy is that the City will develop a safe, reliable, efficient, integrated and
connected multimodal transportation system that will promote access and mobility for all
users, and will ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of the transportation
system are accommodated, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, users of public
transportation, emergency responders, freight haulers, people of all ages and abilities,
and adjacent land users. The Complete Streets Policy starts with this and then states
that the city shall incorporate complete streets infrastructure into existing public streets
to create a comprehensive, integrated, and connected transportation network that
balances access, mobility and safety needs of all users of all ages and abilities and the
needs of adjacent land users, thus providing a fully connected, integrated network that
provides transportation options throughout the City whenever feasible.
The second issue was seeing if Little Rock's existing development criteria and
regulations assure that the goal of Complete Streets can be met. It was felt by the
committee looking at the issue that generally the existing regulations (ordinances) do
encourage much of what is required for by the Complete Streets Policy. That is, there
are pedestrian and vehicle requirements with the various classes of roads within Little
Rock. One area found lacking was the requirements related to bicycle facilities.
Several changes to the Master Street Plan — Bike Plan section are proposed to assure
that bicycles are treated as a valid mode of transportation and with safety in mind.
These changes require both public and private development to include bicycle facilities
where appropriate at Class III and Class II levels (Bike Routes and Lanes). The Plan
would continue to require only public projects to provide Class I level bike facilities (Bike
Paths).
Staff has prepared two ordinances that we believe will establish a Policy and then help
to implement that Policy. The Complete Streets Policy states that the City of Little
Rock's goal is a safe, reliable, efficient, integrated and connected multimodal
transportation system for all modes and individuals. It does state some conditions
under which a particular project would not be expected to fully meet the intent of
Complete Streets. The second ordinance is intended to improve facilities and safety for
bicyclists and include bicycles as a valid part of the transportation system.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
Notices were sent to the City contact list for ordinance amendments. This list includes
engineers, developers and neighborhood organizations. Staff has received no contacts
as a result of the mailing.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the Complete Streets Policy and of the Master Street
Plan amendment as it relates to bicycle facilities.
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ORDINANCE NO.
3 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT A COMPLETE STREETS POLICY FOR
4 THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
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6 WHEREAS, the State of Arkansas is in the process of dey.eloping a complete streets policy
7 for state funded highway projects and over 600 other cities and communities across the United
8 States have adopted a complete streets policy, and
9 WHEREAS, the City of Little Rock has ado. la Master Strep-t:Plan that provides standard
10 designs, parameters, and infrastructure requirma l is for certain spectftd types of streets and
11 highways used by motorists, including those u}sib ],automobiles, buses,`:,] s and commercial
� . `� I I II i cit and
12 vehicles, fire trucks, police vehicles.,: and ambulances, I 1• safely throughoutl y,
13 WHEREAS, the city's adopted Mster llet Plan recognizes that well-designed streets also
14 provide for the needs of persons walking; a k�htlwr neediri ! to safely cross the streets and
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15 bicyclists using the ster as a safe route, to schval, coriiiiiuting to work or on errands,
16 or as a form of heal !� creatiari;'- d the city iitiilizes desigms�tiandards that address the special
' ' ' I ` i > l' s with visual impairments or in wheelchairs,
17 needs of persons with � lztzes,I ����� ,d ng p �E p
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18 to safely"I'` �i d acr Meets,ilt]4��
19r Bik
WH�WEAS, the i#Plan, a part 4� 1e Master Street Plan, was adopted in its most
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r � E . 1 1 i emphasis on the development of
20 recent form. on December �i'��011, a��i its previous heavy emp p
21 separate bike patlis was changed'to the creation of consistent and safe routes throughout the city
22 through signage, sli� ws, striping and dedicated bike lanes, thereby both reducing development
23 costs and aiding the d $ ' t'of a more comprehensive bike route system in a shorter period
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24 of time, and
25 WHEREAS, the Board of Directors desires to further advance the development of the city's
26 transportation network to provide streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access and
27 the ability to move safely along and across streets for all users, including motorists, public
28 transportation users, bicyclists and pedestrians, of all ages and abilities, and
29 WHEREAS, by adopting this ordinance, the Board of Directors recognizes the steps the city
30 has already taken to provide for the needs of all users of city streets and highways and affirms its
[PAGE 1 OF 4]
ORDINANCE
To adopt a complete streets policy
I desire for the further advancement of fully integrated active transportation networks within the
2 city.
3 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
4 THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS:
5 Section 1. Complete streets policy. It is the policy of the city to develop a safe, reliable,
6 efficient, integrated and connected multimodal transportationt�system that will promote access
7 and mobility for all users, and will ensure that the safe 'tdd convenience of all users of the
8 transportation system are accommodated, including 41
11edestrians, bicyclists, users of
9 public transportation, emergency responders, freigliti Maulers, pea ' p all ages and abilities, and
p p g Y ply 1
10 adjacent land users. Complete streets may be achieved through"
large projects or
11 incrementally in a series of smaller improvemen't'sf or main trance activities_ over a period of
12 time utilizing maximum financial ibility withllthi t that all sources of transportation
13 funding opportunities will be drawn upon 'to ;implementct]g ete streets.
14 Section 2. Applicability. Except as 'pro%,i'de�l 'in Secti:o `ll ,elow, the city will apply this
15 complete streets poli pilofstreet projb6ts. for pt Qc" ��eets, regardless of funding source,
16 includingthose inva ,� new col ction tv ,oi}s rtictiotl Ufit,repaving,rehabilitation, and
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17 change in the allocation of pave � ace on texist>ng street. The exceptions will allow the
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18 city to remain flexible to fh�e' 4 �i r✓'ii 5 cers of different streets so that sound engineering
19 and planning
J en 11 r'od l i.� the designs.ns.]ud m1�
20 Sectid*Cornplete st
in structure. As feasible, the city shall incorporate complete
21 streets infrasre into exi _ public streets to create a comprehensive, integrated, and
22 connected transpo ll'}an netwo hat balances access, mobility and safety needs of all users of
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23 all ages and abilities ds of adjacent land users, thus providing a fully connected,
24 integrated network that pro des transportation options throughout the city. "Complete streets
25 infrastructure" means design features such as: sidewalks, shared use paths, bicycle lanes,
26 automobile lanes, paved shoulders, street trees and landscaping, planting strips, curbs, accessible
27 curb ramps, bump outs, crosswalks, refuge islands, pedestrian and traffic signals, including
28 countdown and accessible signals, signage, street furniture, bicycle parking facilities, public
29 transportation stops and facilities, priority signalization, narrow vehicle lanes, raised medians,
[PAGE 2 OF 4]
ORDINANCE
To adopt a complete streets policy
I dedicated bus lanes, traffic calming devices such as traffic circles and traffic bumps, and surface
2 treatments such as paving blocks, textured asphalt and concrete.
3 Section 4. Best practices criteria. The public works department shall continue to utilize
4 design criteria and standards for streets infrastructure based upon recognized best practices in
5 street design, construction and operations including but not limited to the latest editions of
6 American Association of State Highway Transportation Q pxals (ASHTO) and Institute of
f r
7 Transportation Engineers (ITE), while also taking into acc the context and character of the
8 surrounding built and natural environments to enhance�t le'Qe ante of such environment. The
9 city manager shall ensure that complete streets n principled incorporated in city plans,
10 proposed ordinances, regulations and progran3 �� appropriate and t13a training of city staff in
,�Ilir
11 best practices in regard to design of streets for m ` , odal tr pot tion occu
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12 Section 5. Exceptions.
13 (a) Complete streets princppledl td11� ractices wil�J included in street construction,
'iljff �� l', r
14 reconstruction, repaving, and rehabilita pAjtj� is ,except d4� one or more of the following
15 conditions as determik1i,
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rr 'rector o blit WorA 'fry ti11
16 (1) The pt inval' - a st jj Highway on'which certain users, such as
17 pedestiQ' r bicy i s are probibited by law, such as an interstate highway or a
18�� 'triaT� iris'};����# +��;;
19 [i Routine ten of the t ti'portation network is involved that does not
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20 1� change the a�dwa �o or operations, such as sweeping, mowing and spot
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21 re Yr.1
22 (3) W n equivt project along the same corridor is already programmed to
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23 provide #k infrastructure or facilities.
24 (4) Scarcity ofpulation, travel and attractors, both existing and projected into the
25 foreseeable future, indicate an absence of need for such accommodations, or the
26 street is outside an established existing bus transit route and where it is reasonably
27 determined that a future bus transit route will not exist.
28 (5) The cost of complete streets accommodations is excessively disproportionate to
29 the need or probable use. Construction may not be practically feasible or cost-
30 effective because of significant or adverse environmental impacts to historic
[PAGE 3 OF 41
ORDINANCE
To adopt a complete streets policy
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resources, streams, flood plains, wetlands, remnants of native vegetation, steep
slopes or other critical areas.
(b) The director of public works shall employ a checklist to document the complete streets
analysis on each street project.
Section 6. Performance standards. The public works department shall develop performance
measures to evaluate the progress in developing complete streets. The city manager shall
regularly evaluate the success and opportunities for impro%,eiflent regarding the city's efforts to
provide complete streets according to measurable benclimaiks. Performance standards may
include linear feet of new sidewalks, percentage; ,of streets with' 1.6W design speeds, and public
participation, such as numbers of public transit!vjg�is.
fir.
Section 7. Fostering partnerships. It is a gob�f the ci%tarfoster par erships with federal,
Al t, ,
state and other transportation funding agencies, tats $1 businesses, mfe;est groups and
neighborhoods to implement the complete streets ordinance:
Section 8. Severability. In the event Iany 'tillection,' p ragraph, item, sentence, clause,
phrase, or word of this or ifiii iice is decl "gar ad', a�e. t , be i&glid or unconstitutional, such
declaration or ad' di ai'on shall n ` affect the l ��a'8 P
inin ortioils of the ordinance, which shall
Iu c I � •� ,.
remain in full force and effect' as if the ion so declared or adjudged invalid or
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unconstitutional wetq not originally a part,of e or nce.
Sectilon 9. Repealer, : All laws. ordinanc � l nd resolutions, or parts of the same, that are
inconsistent 'with the prov` - s of this ordinance, are hereby repealed to the extent of such
inconsistency.
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ADOPTED:
ATTEST: APPROVED: j
Susan Langley, City Clerk
27 APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
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30 Thomas M. Carpenter, City Attorney
[PAGE 4 OF 4]
ORDINANCE
To adopt a complete streets policy
Mark Stodola, Mayor
I ORDINANCE NO.
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3 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MASTER STREET PLAN
4 (ORDINANCE NO. 20,117) TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
5 DEDICATION, CONSTRUCTION AND MARKING OF BICYCLE PATHS
6 AND ROUTES IN THE MASTER STREET PLAN TEXT; AND FOR
7 OTHER PURPOSES.
8 !
9 WHEREAS a diverse committee of citizens and City staff me- ers have met to discuss how best to
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10 safely and conveniently accommodate all modes of transportation along, across and through the City's
11 network of streets and highways and to recommend code changes to implelneiit safe routes throughout the
12 City for all users; and,
13 WHEREAS, changes to the Masser Street Plan etre needed 'to improve the *s transportation
14 network;
15 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY VEE 130ARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY
16 OF LITTLE ROCK A SAS:t�lI
17 Section 1. The la��� sce ` re first p!l !'agral#i 'Se;1 A of the Master Street Plan text is
18 hereby deleted and replaced by the fojif wing langua�
19 Appli for site d, pl'n,�jFevie building per mit are not required to dedicate, mark or
�i lig F.
20 path,arl{ute asj described in the Plan. Where only a
Its i,, � �++�s;
21�nent of a blociigeing cljopcd with'tb' connectivity, either existing or anticipated
22 to 966 within the nia' 1 +Kar, to a� ,,,other bicycle lane or route, in such case signage and
1 ' the street abutting the development along Class
23 bicycle � kings shall no't he required for g p g
4 II Bike Laud Class III 13ic cle Routes.
2 C Y
25 Section 2. In the Strut, 'Plan, Section 4: Bicycle Plan, under Bicycle Facilities and
26 within the first paragraph o -the Class III Bicycle Routes subsection, the words "special signage"
27 in the first sentence and the word "signage" in the last sentence are hereby deleted and replaced
28 with the word "sharrows".
29 Section 3. To correct an error in the Master Street Plan text in Section 4: Bicycle Plan, in the fifth
30 paragraph under Construction Standards, the word "build" is deleted and replaced with the word "built".
31 Section 4. In the Master Street Plan text, Section 4: Bicycle Plan, in the seventh paragraph under
32 Construction Standards, the second sentence is deleted and replaced with the following sentence:
[PAGE 1 OF 21
ORDINANCE
To amend Master Street Plan to Revise Requirements
For Dedication, Construction and Marking of Bicycle
Paths and Routes in Master Street Plan Text
I Sharrows should be provided.
2 Section 5. In the Master Street Plan text, Section 4: Bicycle Plan, in the Construction Standards
3 section in the first paragraph under Signage and Marking, the last sentence is deleted and replaced with
4 the following sentence:
5 Requirements for signs and graphics painted on the pavement, including sharrows and
6 bicycle emblems, vary depending upon the class of a particular bicycle route.
7 Section 6. In the Master Street Plan text, Section 4: Bicycle PI ;,In the Construction and Standards
8 section and the fourth paragraph under Signage and Marking,;rst two sentences are deleted and
9 replaced with the following language:
10 Class III Bicycle Routes require sharrow markiqs on the paV,6nent according to traffic
11 engineering requirements. Class I Bike Patjlsyien constructed, ilass I1 Bike Lanes
12 should be marked with on -street bicycle {i ��,hies in white paint 3&itctional arrows
13 directing the flow of bicycle traffic. Class III *,gle Rp. t ishould be trt�r eri with on-
;�'i''
14 street bicycle graphics as described a> ove.
15 Section 7. Severability. In the event.any title,; section, paraigraph, item, sentence, clause, phrase, or
16 word of this ordinance is declared or adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration or
17 adjudication shall not af7f _ 11
� �! alining poli] s of the re;salution, wh'Icb shall remain in full force and
18 effect as if the portion �clared�r adjudged ir►`i;a)i� or; inconsti`tutipnal were not originally a part of the
19 ordinance. .
20 Section ler. All!Jardiriances ari esolutions of the City in conflict herewith are hereby
}� X11
21 exxtteen� h confl i ct.
repeate"od
22 Section 9. This ordina ` all tak�idffect thirty (10) days from and after its passage.
23 PASSED:
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25 ATTEST: `� APPROVED:
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28 Susan Langley, City Clerk Mark Stodola, Mayor
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30 APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
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33 Thomas M. Carpenter, City Attorney
[PAGE 2 OF 2]
ORDINANCE
To amend Master Street Plan to Revise Requirements
For Dedication, Construction and Marking of Bicycle
Paths and Routes in Master Street Plan Text