Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-02-23 PZC MINUTESI I I Page 1395 VI. COMMISSION'S CHOICE Mr. Carlson noted that he would like to mention that the next meeting of the Commission will be on Wednesday evening, February 23rd. Mr. Lentsch welcomed Mrs. Maxine Stanley to the Commission. Councilman Brown stated that Mr. Ross, a second new appointee to the Commission, was unable to attend the meeting this evening, but has indicated he is very happy to have been appointed to the Commission. The proposed development of the KLZ Site was discussed. Mr. Supinger stated that until the . final plans are presented, there isn't too much that the Commission can consider. He estimated that further plans could be expected in two weeks or so. Mr. Supinger stated that comments from the various departments on the preliminary plans will be submitted to Larwin officials. Mr. Robins suggested that possibly the City should issue a statement to Larwin setting forth what the City wants in the Plans. Mr. Lentsch stated he didn't feel the City could demand very much from the developers, and questioned whether the City could really demand anything. Mr. Supinger stated that the City ·can require a subdivisin plan or a waiver; can requ.ire an amount of land be deeded for public park purposes; can make sure that subdivision plans take into account al~ facilities that will be needed to serve the area. Mr. Supinger stated th~ he felt the City was limited by not having the Planned Development on the books, and pointed out that the City cannot now require landscaping, or that the development actually be built . as per plans that may be submitted when the matter is discussed. Mr. Robins discussed the drainage of the proposed development. He pointed out that the de- velopment will cover the entire 57 acre tract, and that every drop of· water will "run off". He stated that there would be no absorption, and that a l" rain will result in 5 acre feet of water that will be inundating some oth er property. Mr. Supinger stated that Mr. Waggoner, Director of Public Works, will work with the developers on the drainage matter. Mr. Lentsch asked if there was a ratio of park land to population available? Mr. Supinger stated there is; this information will be included in the staff re- port to the Commission when the matter is considered. Mr. Lentsch discussed members of the Commission and their attendance record. Mr. Lentsch inquired as to a way of removing members who do have poor attendance records? Mrs. Henning stated that it is the responsibility of City Council to remove any member of a Board or Commission. Mr. Lentsch discussed the possibility of writing each Commission member, pointing out that each member should fulfill the obligation of attending the meetings. Mr. Lentsch stated that he felt the Planning Commission should go on a tour of the City, and possibly take the same tour that is proposed by the members of the Workable Program Citizens' Committee. He pointed out that there are several new members on the Planning Commission. Mr. Lentsch asked the staff to set a date for the tour at their convenience. Mr. Lentsch stated that he would like to have a meeting with M~ E. P. Romans, Director of Parks and Recreation. He stated he would like to hear the goals of the Parks Department. Mr. Supinger questioned if a joint meeting with the Planning Commission and Parks Commission would be satisfactory? Mr. Lentsch indicated it would be. Mr. Lentsch stated he would like to have a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and City Council. Carlsdn moved: Henning seconded: The meeting be adjourned. The motion carried. The ·meeting adjourned at 9:35 P.M. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary * * * * "* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 23, 1972 The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 8:00 P. M. by Chairman Lentsch. Members present: Carlson; Stanley; Vobejda; Robins; Henning; Ross ; Lentsch Supinger, Ex-officio Members absent: Weist; Brown Also present: Assistant Director of Community Development Romans; Planning Assistant Young. -·-- - ---- ---- -- II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Mr. Lentsch stated that Minutes of the meeting of February 8, 1972, were to be considered for approval. Henning moved: Vobejda seconded: The Minutes of February 8, 1972, be approved as written. The motion carried. - ---- ---- ----- - - --- - -- - - - -- - - -- Page 1396 III. BICYCLE TRAIL SYSTEMS. CASE #5-72A February 8, 1972 Mr. Supinger stated that this meeting was scheduled in an effort to consider informally the proposed bicycle trail system. Mr. Supinger stated that the Bicycles Now! organization had made a presentation to the City Council in September, and asked that a bicycle trail system be developed in the City of Englewood. Mr. Supinger stated tha ~ Mr. Romans, Director of Parks & Recreation, Mr. Waggoner, Director of Public Works, ?olice Chief Clasby, and himself were appointed by City M~nager Dial to serve on a committee to study the matter of bicycle trails. Mr. Weist entered the meeting and t~ok his place with the Commission members. Mr. Supinger stated that the City of Englewood hosted the first meeting of a group of various municipal representatives working on bicycle trails in September. He stated that representatives at this meeting agreed that all bicycle trail systems should be coordinated throughout the metropolitan area. Mr. Supinger stated that Mrs. Barbara Young, Planning Assistant, was assigned the responsibility of designing a proposed bicycle trail system through the City of Englewood, and to work with the metro coordinating committee. Mr. Larry Borger, of the Council of Governments, assumed the responsibility of metropoligan coordination in November; the group has been meeting regularly on the matter of the bicycle trail system. Mr. Supinger pointed out that in developing the Englewood Bicycle Trail System report, Mrs. Young has researched information from the metropolitan area and information obtained from all over the nation on experiences with bicycle trails. Mrs. Young has met with City De- partment Heads, has conducted actual field surveys, etc. in her attempt to develop a compre- hensive, realistic report. Mr. Supinger stated that it is the feeling of the staff that the bicycle will develop into an important mode of transportation, and should be included in provisions for an over-all transportation system. Mr. Supinger stated that the Bicycle Trails System report does have several suggestions contained therein, some of which are as follows: I. ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION PROGRAM. A. Transfer the major responsibility for licensing, inspection, and educational pro- grams to the Fire Department from the Police Department. B. Revision of the existing Bicycle Code to include safety features, traffic rules and licensing to conform with area-wide standards. 1. Yearly licensing and inspection through neighborhood fire sub-stations. The Fire Department to assist the Police program of safety conducted in the schools. In addition to the metal plate now issued, a serial number should tie st~mped on each bicycle. This would improve the Police Department's system f or recovery of stolen or lost bicycles and give added incentive to the licensing program. Distribute educational materials such as "rules of the road", etc. 2. More public notice to be given the present program of licensing and inspection of bicycles, which is carried on through the schools. This program is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Englewood. 3. Enforcement to be intensified, with traffic tickets being given to offenders. Adults to be fined; juvenile's parents to be notified to bring offenders in for instruction. Unlicensed bicycles ·in public and school parking racks to be tagged to remind owners of _the advantages of licensing. C. Educational programs to be expanded to include older teenagers and adults. 1. Citizens' committee to promote interest in bicycling as a recreational activity and for commuter use: a. Development of programs of interest and educate community groups. b. Participation in the development and approval of future bicycle trails. c. Aid in raising funds for such development. 2. Use of local newspapers, radio and television: a. List locations of Fire Department substations for registration and licenses. b. Publicize school programs, revised traffic rules, parking f acilities, com- mittee meetings, advantages of licensing. Mr. Supinger stated that the designation and development of the actual bike trail system should be a cooperative effort between City representatives and citizen representatives. Mr. Supinger pointed out that there is a map contained within the report indicating a proposed routing of the system; the proposed system has a portion of the trails on street; some por- tions of the trail system are through areas of public and private ownership. Trails are proposed along Sherman Street, the City Ditch, Huron Street, Elati Street, Eastman Avenue, Jefferson Drive, Mansfield Avenue, and Layton Avenue. Drainage-ways such as in Northwest Englewood, Huron Gulch, and along Big Dry Creek and the South Platte River are also con- sidered as areas where a bicycle trail could be instituted. The proposed system is a total of 20 miles, 10 of which are on public streets, 6 miles in undeveloped areas along ditches and drainage-ways or across private property, and 4 miles of which are open to public access. Mr. Supinger noted that the on-street bicycle trails will cost approximately $300 to $500 f or striping a lane, and instal1ing "button" barriers. This will also encompass the restriction of parking on one side of the street. Mr. Supinger noted that an estimate of $10 ;000 per mile for the development of trails in undeveloped areas is based on experience of the City of Denver. Total ~ost ~f the proposed system is estimated in excess of $163,000. I I I I I I Page 1397 Mr. Lentsch asked proponents of a bicycle trails system to speak. Mr. Paul Thompson 1005 S. Estes Ct. Lakewood, Colorado -stated he was president of Bicycles, Now! He urged the Commission to seriously consider the proposed system. Mr. Thompson discussed the congestion and pollution caused by the automobile, and pointed out that statistics show a 3 % to 5 % increase in the number of automobiles per year in the metropolitan areas. Mr. Thompson stated that an alternative to the automobile must be provided, and pointed out that in the past year, Bicycle Institute of America dealers sold more bicycles than there were automobiles sold. Mr.Thompson pointed out. that students, employees, and people interested in recreation all use the bicycle as a form of xransportation now, in place of the automobile. Mr. Thompson stated he felt a b ·cycle trail system .is a significant step forward in the effort to alleviate problems brought about by the automobile. Mr. Thompson stated that bicyclists must be encouraged to use this mode of transportation, and must also. be provided adequate and "protected" bike trails. Mr. Thompson stated that it has been proven throughout the country that bicycles are faster than the automobile in highly congested urban areas fox distances of up to 5 miles. He closed his presentation by again urging the Commission to seriously consider the proposal. Mr. Lentsch stated he understood the City of Lakewood had recently spent $70 1 000 for a bicycle trail system, and asked Mr. Thompson if he could say what the average number of bicyclists using this system was? Mr. Thompson indicated he could not give an average figure of the number of users of the bicycle trail, and questioned the $70,000 figure as the cost of a 6 mile system. He pointed out that Lakewood is tieing the bicycle system into their program of repairing and repainting of streets, which cuts the cost of the trail considerably. He stated that the system in- stituted on Simms and Union involved widening of the streets and repaving, and he didn't think it cost $70,000. Mr. Lentsch asked if there were other persons who wished to speak in favor of the proposed bicycle trail system? No one indicated a desire to speak in favor of the system. Mr. Lentsch then asked if there were persons who wished to speak in opposition to the pro- posal? Mr. Bob Stein 3680 E. Orchard Rd. -stated he was president of the JC's, and was speaking as a representa- tive of the JC's. Mr. Stein asked how the prQposal would be funded? Mr. Supinger stated there was no determination at this time as to how the proposal would be funded. He stated he felt this would have to be determined by the committee of citizens and city representatives. Mr. Stein ~hen asked if the people of Englewood would be paying for the use of the bicycle tr~il system? Mr. Supinger stated they would be, generally. Mr. Supinger discussed the possibility of using funds made available through the licensing program to develop and maintain the system. Mr. Stein asked if there was a "good estimate of the number of bicycles in use in Englewood?" Mr. Supinger stated he didn't have such an estimate, and pointed out there is very little incentive Lor licensing of bicycles in Englewood, and this would be the best source of such information. Mr. Stein asserted that we are "discussing a project we don't know how to. pay for and don't know who will use it." Mr. Supinger pointed out that bicycle ownership is increasing steadily, and that there is a need for some accommodation of this type of transportation. Mr. Stein stated there are several reasons the JC's are opposing the bicycle trail system, among them being: 1. They feel there is a problem in the transportation of vehicles and pedestrians which should be considered. 2. The number of people using bicycles are primarily. children, and the JC' s question the need of special bicycle lanes for these children. 3. There are a number of other priority items which should come before a bicycle trail system, citing additional fir€ substations, rescue vehicle, pay increase for City police- men and firemen; street repair, and lighting programs for the streets of the City. The JC's feel these priority items will serve more people than the proposed bicycle system. Mr. Stein stated the JC's did feel that an intensified education program would be of great benefit to the community, and also urged the enforcement of regulations regarding bicyclists that are now "on the books". Mr .. Stein stated the JC' s feel there are "a lot of places available for people to ride bicycles where they don't have to worry about lights to cross st r eets, etc." and that there was a better way to spend money than on bicycle trails. Mrs. Henning asked if Mr. Stein was speaking for the executive committee of the JC's, and what was the total membership? Mr. Stein stated that he was representing the Executive Board,. which is composed of 11 people. The total membership is 63. Mr. Ross asked if the information were available on the number of bicycle accidents that occurred within the past year in Englewood, and where they took place? Mr. Stein stated he didn't have such information, but felt sure that the number of bicycle accidents in ratio to the population would be substantially less than the ratio of automobile accidents. Mr. Stein reiterated that he felt the education program would be of great benefit. Page 1398 Discussion followed. Mr. Ross asked if there were a way of determining how many bicycles are owned within the City limits? Mr. Supinger stated that perhaps a house-to-house survey would be the best way to determine the number now, and to enforce licensing requirements for future determination. Mr. Al Pribyl 4227 S. Broadway - Mr. Jim Thomas stated he was owner of LCA Bicycles, and that adult bicycles outsell childrens' bicycles three to one. This has been determined by national survey. 3183 s. Grant St. -stated he had two boys., both of which rode adult bicycles. Mr. Thomas stated he was very interested in the proposed system, and opposed the taking of on-street parking ~or a bicycle lane. Mr. Thomas stated he didn't feel bicyclists would use this proposed system to commute to their jobs; he commented "they would have to go 15 miles out of their way." Mr. Thomas stated he felt "it's a good idea, but would hate to see $163,000 spent for it." Mr. Bill Hansen 3796 S. Sherman - Mr. Bruce Grattan 5255 S. Grant St. stated he was in favor of bicycle trails, but not on streets. Mr. Hansen pointed out that many people do not have a parking space in the rear of their property, and need the on-street parking area. Mr. Hansen stated he felt it was wrong to use streets for bicycle lanes, and asked if alleys had been considered. -stated he was a member of the JC's. He asked if the source of cost estimate was solely from Denver, Littleton, and the State Game and Fish Department, or if the staff had obtained other cost estimates? Mr. Supinger stat~d that the staff had used estimates given by these agencies as the primary source. Mrs. Young noted that some information was obtained from the Englewood Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Grattan asked where the trails would be in undeveloped areas? Mr. Supinger stated that there could be. bicycle trails along the City Ditch, drainage-ways in the City, along rail- road rights-of-way, etc. He noted that grading and hard surfacing would be required to make these areas usable. Discussion followed. Mr. Grattan noted that the State of Michigan tickets juvenile Bicycle offenders and while there is no monetary fine, the bicycle is impounded after three tickets. Mr. Grattan stated that he felt this would be much better than making a child take part in an educational program. Mr. Grattan noted that bicycle trails have not solved the problem with bicycle riders in Littleton. Mr. Supinger stated that he felt Littleton, too, was having problems because of lack of enforcement. Mr. Lentsch asked if there were persons who wished to speak further against the proposal? . No one indicated a desire to speak .. Mr. Lentsch then asked for rebuttal from the proponents. Mrs. Elena Slusser 3306 W. Tanforan Drive -stated she commuted 10 miles three to five days a week through Englewood to southeast Denver. Mrs. Slusser pointed out that . a bicycle trail system through Englewood would not be strictly. for Englewood ci,tizens, as many people commute througb Englewood from points outside the City to other points outside ~he City. Mr. Lentsch asked Mrs. Slusser to describe the route she presently uses in crossing Englewood, and to indicate what route of the proposed bicycle trail system she would use if this were to be adopted? Mrs. Slusser stated she traveled Federal Boulevard to West Union Avenue to Santa Fe Drive, crossing to West Tufts Avenue; she then travels West Tufts Avenue to Clarkson to Dartmouth Avenue thence to her destination at East Evans and South Ash Street. Mrs. Slusser stated that any one of the proposed routes would be easy and practical for use in commuting from her home to southeast Denver. Mr. Dick Slusser 3306 W. Tanforan Drive -stated that he commutes to the Martin Company at Waterton five days a week. He began commuting on bicycle three or four years ago, and thi~ year has commuted all through the winter. Mr. Slusser stated that it is 11.9 miles one way. Mr. Slusser stated that he purchased a new bicycle in June, 1971, and has now 5,000 miles on this bicycle. Mr. Slusser stated that he has four children living at ho~e, and that they have six bicycles now. He stated that he has one child at college, who also has a bicycle. Mr. Slusser stated he moved to the Denver area in 1953, and he couldn't believe the clear air; he pointed out that the air isn't clear now, and that you can actually smell the gases and pollutants in the air .. He stated that the greatest of fender is. the car. He pointed out that open t rash burning . was prohibited in the metropolitan area a few years ago in an effort to alleviate air pollution. Mr. Slusser discussed the problems of bicycle owners in that they seldom are provided any place to safely leave their bicycle while on business, and many are stolen. He stated that he has had two bicycles stolen. Mr .. Slusser stated that if provisions are made for safe bicycLe parking, people would use bicycles more. Mr. Slusser stated he would be willing to pay $.50 for a place to leave his bicycle and be assured that it would not be stolen while he was gone. I I I I I I Page 1399 Mr. Lentsch asked how many employees of the Martin Company were commuting on bicycles? Mr. Slusser stated that there were 40 people last year who used bicycles. He noted that the Martin Company is putting in additional bicycle racks to accommodate these commuters. Mr. Slusser discussed problems faced by bicycle riders where no actual bicycle lane is provided He stated many bicyclists feel it is safer to ride facing the traffic than riding with the traffic, and that many of them break the law for this reason. Further discussion followed. Mr. Dwight Filley 1445 Corona Street Denver, Colorado -stated he was a bicycle mechanic and races bicycles. He noted that for bicycle riders to "go down Hampden is exciting." He stated he felt Los Angeles was a good 1 example of "what. happ.ens when you have a mass transit system based on the automobile." He stated that Englewood is now based pretty much on the automobile for a mass transit system, and noted that bicycles offer an alternative. Mr. Filley stated he frequently commutes through Englewood on his bicycle because the bes~ areas for racing bicycles are in the southern metropolitan area, around Morrison, and in Deer Creek Canyon. Discussion followed. Mr. Paul Thompson 1005 S. Estes Ct. -stated the Planning Commission was . being .asked to undertake a project that will provide present bicyclists with routes and will stimulate additional use of the proposed trails. Mr. Thompson also discussed the problems bicyclists face with the present laws concerning traffic. He stated that he didn't condone breaking . laws, but pointed out that bicyclists are not considered in these present laws. He stated that he felt the Police Departments should undertake a program to inform people of the present laws. Mr. Thompson then discussed .the in.crease of automobiles, 3 % to 5 % per year, and the projected four-laning of Garrison Street in Lakewood. He pointed out that the traffic carried on Garrison at the present time in a 24-hour period is 1,500 cars per day, while it is pro- jected, after the improvement, to carry 12,000 to 15,000 cars per day. Mr. Thompson pointed out that the 4 lanes will be 3 /4 miles, and will cost $250,000. He stated that by comparison, 20 miles of bicycle trails for $163,000 is very reasonable. He cautioned opponents that if the automobile increase continues, they may well expect their streets to be four-laned, or made one-way in an effort to carry the increased traffic. Mr. Thompson also discussed further the present bicycle trail system in Lakewood on Union, and pointed out that automobiles are still allowed to park within the lane, thus forcing bicyclists out into the street. Mr. Lentsch asked Mr. Thompson if he felt trail bikes and motorcycles should be allowed .to use the bicycle lanes? Mr. Thompson stated they should not .be allowed to use the bicycle trails, and that they are incompatible with bicycles. Mr. Robins asked Mr. Thompson if he had information on the percentage of bicycles used for recreational and utilitarian purposes? Mr. Thompson discussed a study done at a Califqrnia University, wherein it was shown that 70% of bicycles owned were used for commuting purposes. Mr. Thompson stated that students were one of the larger segments of our populating using the bicycle. Mr. Thompson then discussed the security problem bicyclists experience. He stated he is a teacher, and that 10 years ago, very few students used bicycles, but now they average 80 bicycles per day in the racks, and in good weather the number increases. He stated that they have had an ,average of one bicycle per week stolen, and that the school has now pur- chased 25 chains to enable the students to secure their bicycles to the rack by providing just their own lock. He stated that this year to date, they have had just one bicycle stolen. Mr. Mark Matson 1330 E. Amherst -sta~ed he represented Englewood Bicycles Now! Mr. Matson presented the Commission a scrapbook for their review of articles from local newspapers indicating the growing interest in bicycling. Mr. Matson stated that he had conducted a survey in the northeast portion of the City, in an area r.oughly bounded by Yale, Logan, Dartmouth, Franklin and University. He stated that he had contacted 350 residents, and only two were "violently opposed to a bicycle trail system". He noted that six people living on Downing had indicated they commute by bicycle to Porter Hospital, and they would like to see a bicycle trail system in this part of the City. Mr. Matson stated that other residents indicated they would ride bicycles "if they felt it was safe to do so." He stated that he had contacted residents of Kent Village, and had the unanimous support of 60 residents that there be a bicycle trail system. Mr. Matson stated that members of Bicycles Now! come from Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village as well as Englewood, and that several of these members commute through Englewood to their jobs and for shopping purposes. Mr. Matson stated .that .officials at the Denver Tech Center have stated they have a 200% in- crease in the number of employees riding bicycles to work. Mr. Matson then discussed the financing of bicycle trail system in Aurora. He stated that the proponents of bicycle trails raised $40,000 by collecting trash, for hich a civic organization paid so much per ton. The City of Aurora then matched the $40,000, and applied for a Federal Grant to finance part of the system; Mr. Matson stated that citizens of Aurora got their bicycle trail system, and also cleaned up their city. Discussion followed. Miss Cathy Washburne 4075 S. Colorado Blvd. -: stated she felt "kids would use bicycle paths", and their value shouldn't be minimized. Miss Washburne stated that people would ride bicycles if the paths were available. She felt that children that would use the bicycle paths now would continue to use the ~acilities as adults. Page 1400 Miss Gretchen Engelbach 3029 S. Cornell Circle -stated that she is a member of Bicycles Now~ and was the League of Women Voters coordinator of cycling interests. Miss Englebach stated that a Mr. Wolf of the Denver Office, who was unable to attend this meeting, has a two-hour presentation which he would like. to make at a future date. Miss Engleback stated she . owned two bicycles. Mr. Jim Thomas 3183 S. Grant - Mr. Cooley 4572 S. Delaware - Mr. Les Nack 4457 S. Bannock - sta.ted he "likes the paths so long as they don't run in front of my house." He stated that the provision of bicycle paths won't eliminate the automobile. Mr. Thomas stated he was basically opposed to the amount of money estimated to be. spent on the trails, and he stated he felt there were higher priorities needed. He urged the Commission and staff to con- sider areas where parking won't have to be eliminated for the bicycle trails. stated he was a member of the JC's and he owned a bicycle and two cars. He stated that his primary concern on the proposal was the amount of money to be expended. Mr. Cooley stated he was in favor of the bicycle paths in certain areas, and stated he felt the people of Englewood should have a voice in this matter. Mr. Cooley stated he felt there should be considerably more publicity on the proposal. Mr. Cooley stated that he would be concerned about losing parking in front of his home if he did live on a street proposed for a bicycle lane, and he felt the people living on the streets so proposed should have "more time to examine the facts." Mr. Cooley discussed the mass transit situation, and stated that he didn't consider the bicycle to be the answer. He stated he felt that buses could be used to help cut down pollution. Mr. Cooley stated he didn't feel that the majority of people who live in Englewood work :in Englewood, and pointed o~t that he lives 17 miles from his place of employment, and that he would not ride a bicycle to his place of employ- ment. Mr .. Cooley stated that he felt the. proposed expenditure for bicycle lanes could be better used for an educational program. He stated that $10,000 could develop a "fantastic program" in the Englewood Public Schools. Mr. Cooley stated that there are ~eas developed now where people can ride bicycles, and stated that there were areas around most of the City parks for bicyclists. questioned the transfer of licensing procedures from the Police Depart-. ment to the Fire Department. Mr. Supinger pointed out that it is felt this could bring the licensing factor closer to the people by making use of the fire sub-stations. It is felt that by using the fire sub- stations, it could also make the licensing procedure lilore convenient for residents of the City. Mr. Nack stated he felt "Englewood needs a lot more than bicycle paths; the city has talked about fire sub-stations in Centennial Acres and in northwest Englewood; storm drainage; these things are needed much more than bicycle paths." Mr. Ken Meeker 1832 S. Utica -stated he had been ,employeed in Englewood for 1-1/2 years, and has followed the development of bicycle trails throughout the metropolitan area. Mr. Meeker stated that he would be opposed to any system that might be de- veloped in Englewood which did not interconnect with trails in other municipalities. Mr. Meeker also urged that any system take into account schools, parks, downtown Englewood area, shopping centers, and adequate secured parking. Mr. Meeker stated he felt there were many people who would not ride bicycles because of the lack of secured parking. Mr. Meeker also urged that the cooperation of the State Highway Department ·be secured in the revamping of regulations so that bicycle riders will not have to break laws to ride ,on State Highways. Mr. Meeker suggested that priorities assigned to the bicycle lane system throughout the metro- politan area is incorrect, and that this project should have a "high priority". Mr. Meeker further stated that he didn't feel that citizens who tried to "improve the city should be treated like second-class citizens." Mr. Cooley discussed the matter of "priorities", and suggested that the streets in Englewood have holes "you could lose your car in." Mr. Cooley stressed that the streets should be re- paired and stated that this is just "one example of higher priorities" needed in the city. Mr. Supinger discussed the preparation of the proposed b~cycle trail system. Mr. Supinger stated that data gathered from all across the United States indicates that more than 1 /4 of the land in residential areas is devoted to the use of the automobile. Mr. Supinger stated that the figure in the downtown areas rises to 60% estimate considering the parking lots, etc. Mr. Supinger stated he didn't feel that governmental jurisdictions throughout this country could continue to devote this much land area to the use of the automobile, and that alternative forms of transportation will have to be considered. Mr. Lyle Martin 4375 S. Washington stated that he felt the prqperty owners had a right to voice an opinion on the use of the streets. He urged that the Police Department enforce the laws concerning bicycles that are in effect now. Mr. Martin objected to the proposal which would assign licensing responsibilities to the Fire Department rather than the Police Department. Mr. Thomas asked if the staff had considered a "pilot program", and institute one or two bicycle lanes to "see how they work out". Mr. Supinger stated that the staff has developed a "comprehensive suggestion" for the bicycle lane system in the City. Mr. Slusser stated he would like to see the report contain requirements for secured bicycle parking in given locations, notably Cinderella City. Discussion followed. I I I I I I Page 1401 Mr. Robins asked if the staff had an estimate of the number o f people expected to use the proposed bicycle paths? Mr. Supinger stated he nidn't have such an estimate, and again stated that he felt it is going to become necessary to use other modes of transportation other than the automobile. Discussion followed. Mr. Ed Tanguma 1020 W. Tufts Ave. asked how much consideration has been given to using alleys for the bicycle lanes? Mr. Supinger stated that it· has been considered, but that several problems are involved in using the alleys, among them visability, maintenance, etc. Mr. Lentsch stated that the Commission will give the proposal considerable study before making a recommendation to Council. Mr. Lentsch thanked members o f the audience for their attendance and participation. IV. COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS DINNER MEETING March 15, 1972 Mr. Lentsch noted that the Denver Regional Council of Governments annual dinner meeting has been scheduled for · March 15th. This function will be held at the Regency Inn, House of Lords Room, 3900 Elati Street, dinner to be served at 7:00 P.M . Mr. Supinger noted that the City will pay for the attendance of the Commission member, and that if the member wishes · to take a .. guest he may do so at his expense. Registration must be made by March 10th. Those members indicating a desire to attend were: Mr. Weist, Mr. Lentsch, Mr. Carlson, Mrs. Stanley, and Mrs. Vobejda. V. ASPO CONFERENCE Detroit, Michigan .. Mr. Lentsch stated that the ASPO Conference will be held in Detroi t, Michigan, this year, from April 15th through April 20th. Funds have been budgeted for attendance at this Con- ference. Mr. Lentsch indicated he would like to attend the conference, as did Mr. Carlson. Mr. Robins stated he might be available to attend. The Director was asked to communicate to the City Council asking that two members of the Commission be allowed to attend the ASPO Conference in Detroit, Michigan. VI. ·DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Supinger reminded members of the special meeting scheduled f or Februar~ 29th for a study session of the proposed sign code. VII. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mr. Lentsch asked if Mr. Supinger had made arrangements for the meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission? Mr. Supinger stated he had not to this date. Mr. Lentsch asked about the proposed tour? the tour at the pleasure of the Commission. 3 or 4 hours. Mr. Supinger stated the staff would schedule Mr. Supinger stated the tour would encompass Mr. Lentsch suggested that perhaps newer members could meet with · Mr. Supinger for a back- ground information on matters of concern to the Commission. Discussion followed. It was suggested that perhaps some afternoon· about 2 P.M. members of the Commission could meet with Mr. Supinger. Mr. Carlson discussed the report on the proposed bicycle paths, and suggested that perhaps it should be determined whether the lanes would be designed for recreational bicyclists, or for those using bicycles to commute to their places OJ employment. Mr. Supinger observed that when he rode a bicycle he made an effort to avoid the heavily traveled streets. Mr. Ross stated he felt the Commission needed more information on the number of bicyclists ex- pected to use the system, and he stated he would also like to h.a.ve information on the number of accidents involving bicycles. Discussion foll owed. Mr. Lentsch welcomed Mr. Ross to the Commission. It was moved, seconded, and carried to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 10:45 P.~ Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary I> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *