HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 02 16 Other - Document entitled "St. Petersburg City Trails" Bicycle And Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Special Meeting
February 16, 2011
The attached document entitled, "St. Petersburg City
Trails" was provided to the Committee Members at the
February 16, 2011 Bicycle And Pedestrian Advisory
Committee Special Meeting.
St. Petersburg City Trails TM Chapter 1 - Page 1
Chapter 1
Vision, Goals and Objectives
The vision for St. Petersburg CityTrails TM was created through the public
involvement process and the Plan's specific Advisory Committee and
Steering Committee. This vision focuses the vision articulated in St.
Petersburg's comprehensive visioning process, Vision 2020. The specific
goals and objectives for this Master Plan additionally support broader
federal and State of Florida goals, notably in the areas of transportation,
public health, air quality and natural resources.
VISION
"St. Petersburg will be a City with a balanced
transportation system designed to move people safely
and effectively. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities shall be
designed, encouraged and celebrated as indicators of a
healthy city."
The vision statement is the formal expression of the community's guiding
image. It depicts what a community would like to become - how it may
look, how it may function, how it may be better. The vision statement also
serves as the foundation for the creation and implementation of an action
plan that can help St. Petersburg achieve its vision over time.
The above vision statement was articulated by the community for St.
Petersburg CityTrails TM through a public involvement process and the
CITY OF Sf. F!1!n!OLISG
St. Petersburg City Trails TM Chapter 1 - Page 2
Plan's Citizen Advisory Committee and Steering Committee. Toward this
vision, the development of a bicycle and pedestrian network throughout
the City of St. Petersburg is an essential ingredient in creating a balanced
transportation system that enhances mobility and maintains the high
quality of life that St. Petersburg residents and visitors have come to
enjoy. This St. Petersburg CityTrails TM provides a blueprint for facilities
construction and program development that will serve both the
transportation and recreational needs of City residents and visitors. The
following sections detail the Goals and Objectives that support this vision.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Goals and objectives are
an integral part of a = c.%
transportation plan •. T
because they provide " .
direction, or focus, to the
community's vision. For
St. Petersburg CityTrails
TM , they are the result of.
x ,
community, the Advisory
Committee and Steering -
Committee's input.
Definitions
Goal
A "Goal" is the Tong -term end toward which programs or activities are
ultimately directed. It broadly addresses a desired outcome that supports
the Plan Vision.
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St. Petersburg CityTrails Chapter 1 -Page 3
Objective
An "Objective" is a specific, measurable, intermediate end that is
achievable and allows measurement of progress toward a goal.
Goal 1:
Transform the existing transportation network in the City to accommodate
bicycling and walking as a transportation mode and for recreation. Provide
safe and easier access to schools, parks, recreational trails, and
community centers by foot and bike.
Objective 1.1:
'3� :4 : 7- Bicycle and pedestrian mode level of
service standards are established for all
� �_ roadways within the City. These
r , . m standards, using the
if �, ' , � 4 t y ,' t established methodology in the Florida
'' , : 4.4.1 , f .-- . ., _ . Department of Transportation's new
"` - 2002 Quality / Level of Service
-_e ,m - ' _+` -- Handbook will ensure the safe and
•-- t, convenient accommodation of bicycling
and walking in all roadway and facility
designs.
Objective 1.2:
Fully integrate bicyclists' and pedestrians' needs in all phases of
transportation planning, roadway design, roadway construction, capital
projects, transit projects, and in the operation and evaluation of
transportation programs and projects.
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OF ST rt,E�TIO»S
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St. Petersburg CityTrails Chapter 1 -Page 4
Objective 1.3:
Provide safe pedestrian and bicycle linkages to parks and schools;
establish "gateways" that improve park and school accessibility, using
drainage ways, greenways, railroad rights -of -way, utility corridors, local
roads, off-road trails, and other linear corridors, especially those that serve
both transportation and recreational uses, where appropriate, to better
connect with the City's roadway bicycle facility network and the off -road
trail system, providing mobility alternatives in addition to the use of arterial
roadways.
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Objective 1.4: 4, �. .4• � ' " i
Expand the off - street urban ,, .1't l , , i
trail (shared use pathways) - ''� ' a 3 , � '
system, particularly the r g . t '
Pinellas Trail.
1 —
4
_ = - -�—� -- . . .
• Objective 1.5:
'` Provide increased linkages to major
a .k attractors such as the downtown,
-, waterfronts, shopping centers,
parks, open space areas, and other
�, .,;� i mportant destinations.
6111 DE E1. RTCRSNRC
St. Petersburg CityTrails Chapter 1 - Page 5
Objective 1.6:
Provide and /or restore sidewalks and eliminate hazards and barriers to
bicycle and pedestrian accessibility.
Objective 1.7: Provide regular maintenance of all bicycle and pedestrian
facilities. (e.g. street sweeping, surface repaving, pavement markings and
signage maintenance)
Goal 2:
Change the character of roadways (e.g. arterials and major collectors) to
allow safe and convenient crossing by pedestrians and cyclists.
Objective 2.1: Establish minimum pedestrian crossing "level of service ".
This policy would not only guide the City in its infrastructure development
but would also require mitigation by other public agencies and private
developers as they impact the transportation system.
Objective 2.2:
Reduce the number I to. .ti .@{ Ata
and /or width of —
411
motor vehicle travel
lanes on major
roads to safely 1
•
accommodate A
pedestrian crossings
and enhance street.;
4-
appearance, etc.
where possible.
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St. Petersburg CityTrailsTM Chapter 1 - Page 6
Goal 3:
Provide beautiful streets that are aesthetically pleasing, safe, multi- modal,
and livable.
Objective 3.1:
Design roadways at a bicycle and pedestrian scale and use bicycle /
pedestrian -first designs.
Objective 3.
Use traffic calming L
.
techniques on _
residential roadways to
ensure compliance with
speed limits. R J,
Objective 3.3:
Develop streetscapes
that are aesthetically pleasing and inviting to people incorporating textured
(e.g., brick) surfaces, narrower travel lanes, pavers, decorative lamps, on-
street parking, colorized pavement, and street trees where appropriate.
Develop entrance features (neighborhood markers) where appropriate to
enhance a sense of "place ". Maximize permeable surfaces; increase
storm water recharge within rights -of -way. Incorporate art into public
projects and capital improvement efforts. Convert one -way streets to two -
way streets where possible.
Objective 3.4:
Design of future facilities will incorporate environmental sensitivity.
St. Petersburg CityTrailsTM Chapter 1 -Page 7
Goal 4:
Provide transportation options for all citizens that will increase the levels of
bicycling and walking and reduce the percentage of automobile trips.
Objective 4.1:
Ensure that roadways, walkways, and alleys create a connected street
system (i.e. where appropriate, connect roadways and eliminate /prohibit
closures, partial closures, turn prohibitions, and medians that deny
access).
Objective 4.2:
Link parks through a system of beautiful, tree - canopied sidewalks,
bikeways, greenways, waterways, and trails,
Objective 4.3:
Provide safe and
xa convenient pedestrian and
bicycle access to public
transit. Accommodate
bicycle use on the PSTA
VW titt
transit system.
Objective 4.4:
Expand the accommodation of intermodal linkages and terminal facilities,
especially bicycle parking.
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St. Petersburg CityTrails Chapter 1 -Page 8
Objective 4.5:
Identify, eliminate, and reduce mandatory requirements for
accommodating the automobile. Proactively identify and consider revision
of codes, practices, and regulations that encourage an automobile -
oriented result.
Objective 4.6:
Better "balance" the `level of service' for motor vehicle users with that for
bicyclists and pedestrians; consider adjustments as needed.
Objective 4.7:
Establish a public information program encouraging the increased use of
bicycle and pedestrian modes as transportation.
Objective 4.8:
Establish a citizen Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (appointed
by the Mayor with confirmation of City Council) to support and encourage
the use of non - motorized transportation and provide advice to the City in
matters related to planning and developing facilities and programs.
Objective 4.9:
Provide transportation options for all citizens that will increase the levels of
bicycling and walking and reduce the percentage of automobile trips.
Goal 5:
Enhance the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists in St. Petersburg.
Objective 5.1:
Reduce the pedestrian crash rate.
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St. Petersburg CityTrailsTM Chapter 1 -Page 9
Objective 5.2:
Reduce the bicyclist crash
rate. m!
Objective 5.3: 5
Control speeds of motor p'
vehicles to the appropriate Vii"
level.
kk' >
Objective 5.4:
Employ a full -time Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator.
Objective 5.5:
Develop and implement 4
comprehensive education
programs including safety
campaigns and training to law
enforcement officials, school
children, motorists, bicyclists, and
pedestrians. z .
Objective 5.6:
Provide regular and rout
enforcement of all bicycle,
pedestrian, and motor vehicle laws.
CITY Or S.�
St. Petersburg CityTrails Chapter 1 -Page 10
WALKING AND BICYCLING ACTIVITY SUPPORT OTHER FEDERAL
AND STATE OF FLORIDA GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
St. Petersburg CityTrails M goals and objectives not only support and
expand the themes articulated in the City of St. Petersburg Vision 2020,
but improving the bicycling and walking environment and activity within the
City of St. Petersburg also advances numerous regional, state, and
national goals and policies. Enhancements to bicycling and walking
conditions also assist in advancing broader goals, policies and initiatives
in other areas such as transportation, public health, air quality, and natural
resources.
Transportation
In the 1990s, there was significant national legislation that promoted
intermodalism (including bicycling and walking as a mode of
transportation) and a balanced transportation system. This direction was
fundamental to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
(ISTEA) of 1991 and the subsequent Transportation Equity Act for the
21st Century (TEA -21) of 1998.
In March, 2000, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a landmark
policy statement, Accommodating Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel: A
Recommended Approach. This policy statement was issued by the U.S.
Department of Transportation in response to TEA -21 with considerable
input and assistance of public agencies, professional associations and
advocacy groups. The USDOT policy statement builds on the recognition
of the importance of bicycling and walking to the creation of a balanced
transportation system.
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St. Petersburg CityTrailsTM Chapter 1 - Page 11
Consistent with this national legislation, the State of Florida's Department
of Transportation (FDOT) also recognizes the importance of integrating
bicycling and walking. In the 2020 Florida Transportation Plan, there are
four general goal categories. They are safe transportation, system
management, economic competitiveness and quality of life. Within these
general categories, there are specific applicable long -range objectives :
• Reduce the rates of motor vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian fatalities,
• Design the transportation system to include human scale, pedestrian,
bicycle, transit - oriented and other community- enhancing features,
where appropriate,
• Design the transportation system in a way that sustains human and
natural environments and conserves non - renewable resources, and
• Increase access to and use of alternatives to the single- occupant
vehicle.
The Communities for a Lifetime Initiative, through the State of Florida's
Department of Elder Affairs, also focuses specifically on bicycling and
walking as a desired mode of transportation. The Communities for a
Lifetime Initiative is a statewide initiative that assists Florida cities, towns
and counties in planning and implementing modifications that benefit the
lives of all their residents, youthful or senior. One of the areas of discovery
in the initiative addresses transportation. The specific applicable language
is as follows:
• "Accessibility - to goods and services means having available means
of transportation that are convenient and affordable,
• Synchronized traffic signal timing and upgraded crosswalks to enhance
pedestrian safety and traffic flow patterns, and
• Larger, easier to read signs"
CITY QS. MTERISISUAG
I
St. Petersburg CityTrailsT"' Chapter 1 - Page 12
Public Health
In recent years there have been several initiatives, at the state and
national levels that specifically address health issues such as general
physical activity (or inactivity) and obesity. Improvements to the bicycling
and walking environment promote greater bicycling and walking activity
thereby encouraging increases in physical activity, which in turn reduces
obesity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion,
one of the national health objectives for the year 2010 is to reduce the
prevalence of obesity among adults to less than 15 %. In 2001, twenty
states had obesity prevalence rates of 15 -19 percent (including Florida);
29 states had rates of 20 -24 percent; and one state reported a rate over
25 percent.
To address both physical
Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults inactivity and obesity, the
BRFSS, 2001 CDC has developed a
( z 30, or ,, 30 lbs overweight for 5'4' woman)
myriad of programs
including Active
Community Environments
(ACEs), KidsWalk -to-
School and State -based
�- Nutrition and Physical
r Activity Programs. While
DNo Data a <10% M 10% -14% ■ 15 % -19% III 20%-24% M z25%
CDC
these initiatives address
Source: Mokdad A H, et al. JAm Med Assoc 1999;282:16, 2001;286:10.
--- both inactivity and obesity,
ACEs specifically promotes
walking, bicycling, and the development of accessible recreation facilities.
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St. Petersburg CityTrails Chapter 1 - Page 13
KidsWalk -to- School not only encourages children to walk and bicycle to
and from school, but also encourages regular physical activity for children,
enhanced pedestrian safety, and healthy and walkable community
environments.
Another national
initiative, Healthy ," g " v file m
People 2010, (Office s € w4414
of Disease
Prevention and:_. ' —
7 „owl
Health Promotion }IIIIII����u
U.S. Department of
Health and Human 13 I�'
Services) seeks to •
increase the quality
and years of healthy
life. Two of their
primary objectives also address physical activity and obesity. Walking and
bicycling activity also support The Surgeon General's Call To Action To
Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity. Some of the Surgeon
General's specific strategies include requiring physical education at all
school grades, and providing safe and accessible recreational facilities for
residents of all ages.
Air Quality
Bicycling and walking, as modes of transportation, both support and
enhance regional, state and national initiatives and programs to improve
air quality. Increasing bicycling and walking activity, for commuting and
other trips, reduces vehicle trips thus reducing harmful motor vehicle
emissions, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen
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St. Petersburg CityTrailsTM Chapter 1 -Page 14
oxides (NOx), thereby improving air quality. Bicycling and walking have
no tailpipe emissions, no evaporative emissions, no emissions from
gasoline pumping or oil refining, and zero carbon dioxide or other
greenhouse gases. Presently, Pinellas County is designated as a
"Maintenance Area" by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency. Pinellas County was designated as a nonattaiment area in 1990,
but has since lowered the ozone to acceptable levels and is now
"maintaining" these levels. Each maintenance area has emission budgets
for VOCs and NOx that must not be exceeded in order to continue
receiving Federal funds for highway construction projects.
Nationally, walking and bicycling supports the goals of the Clean Air Act
(CAA), the Clean Water Act, and programs of the Transportation Equity
Act for the 21 Century (TEA -21). Statewide, walking and bicycling
activity support the environmental goals of Communities for a Lifetime
initiative (State of Florida's Department of Elder Affairs). One of their
specific objectives is to "Encourage the use of environment - friendly
transportation modes, such as bicycles."
Natural Resources
As a tool for natural resource conservation, the creation of greenways and
trails preserve important natural resources, link natural habitats and
present opportunities for protecting plant and animal species. The
development of greenways and trails support various objectives of natural
resource conservation efforts at regional, state and federal levels.
Nationally, walking and bicycling activity support the mission of the United
States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service which aims to provide leadership in a partnership effort to help
people conserve and maintain natural resources and environment.
-a..
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St. Petersburg CityTrails Chapter 1 - Page 15
Statewide, the creation of greenways and trails directly supports the State
of Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Long Range Program
Plan.
Objective 5 of the plan specifically addresses the Enhancement of the
Quality of Life and Recreation. Objective 5B is to "Increase recreational
opportunities and alternative modes of transportation in a manner that
balances resource protection with responsible public use through the
establishment of a statewide system of greenways and trails."
Not only do the goals and objectives of St. Petersburg CityTrails TM
promote and support bicycling and walking activity locally, but the
enhancements to the bicycling and walking environment assist in the
attainment of goals and objectives statewide and nationally. As discussed
previously, both bicycling and walking enhancements support goals in
transportation, public health, air quality and natural resources. Bicycling
and walking provides an avenue for physical activity, thereby increasing
fitness and reducing obesity. Bicycling and walking provide alternative
modes of transportation and reduces the cumulative motor vehicle
emissions thereby improving air quality. Lastly, the provision of greenways
and trails conserves important habitats and natural resources.
CM OF ST. PCTOISINUM