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40% of Minnesotans don’t drive yet some people still won’t clear their sidewalks despite requirements to do so.

Among those that I represent is a blind man that uses pedestrian facilities to get to work.

At a committee meeting today we discussed some snow emergency pilot programs aimed at better and more efficiently clearing streets.  I took it upon myself to also introduce a plan to address sidewalk clearing.  Last year I called on public works to clear sidewalks many times and they just didn’t have the resources to get it done.  Here is the new plan that I proposed.

1. City negotiates rates for clearing uncleared sidewalks with approved private companies (probably per foot or similar).  The understanding is that the sidewalk must be cleared within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.  (The city policy is that the walk must be cleared withing 24 hours of the end of a snow event.)
2. The contractor must take and provide a time stamped picture to document the uncleared walk.
3. The property owner is charged the full amount of the cost of clearing the walkway + $60 administrative fine for each occurrence.

The cost + fines angle should force those that are repeatedly negligent to just hire someone to do it, as it will be cheaper.  Previously we just charged a flat amount which often was less than the cost of removal.

No one spoke against this at the committee meeting so I hope this passes next Monday.

Mitzi Baker has done alot of nice work in the area of active living in Olmsted County.  Here is some information on public investments in active living.  Basically this is just another reason why safe non-motorized connections in my community are vital. Read the rest of this entry »

Here is how you design an intersection with absolutely no consideration for pedestrians.  Bill Bruins sent me this photo.  This is the area on North Broadway that I refer to as death triangle for its awful bike and pedestrian design.  Here you can see that there are situations where someone with a disability could not reach the crossing button.  There are similar boneheaded intersection layouts at many intersections along West Circle Drive as well.

There will be a meeting on November 17 from 5 to 7 PM at the Rochester Public Library to discuss our community bicycle masterplan.  If you want to say your piece, here is your chance.

http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/planning/trnsprtnplng/bpac/bikemasterplan2011/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/planning/trnsprtnplng/bpac/bikemasterplan2011/Pages/default.aspx

Here is an update, nothing but street tree compromise.

Here are the gory details of the compromise struck in a smoke [stack ribs] filled room.  Despite a few complaints the citizen initiated policy is popular, effective, and badly needed.  Developers wanted more flexibility and got it.  Citizens wanted strong scientific based standards, and they were maintained.  I presented some background information and listed 4 points of agreement. Read the rest of this entry »

I also sent out this same letter via email.  Here is what I wrote:

Dear Rochester Pedestrian, Cyclist, or Supporter,

If you are receiving this note directly from me, it is because you have contacted me on pedestrian / bicycle issue, are a part of the local growing cycling community, or your name was given to me.  I intend to use this network as issues come up.  I will not spam your inboxes but will send action alerts.  If you do not want to be involved in our collective efforts, let me know and I will remove you from my list. Read the rest of this entry »

First an update, while the weather in May and June was not particularly nice for us humans, it was great for newly planted trees.  As such I checked a few streets up in the NW and it appears that better than 95% of the trees are doing well.  This is good news after much poorer numbers last year in the Country Club Manor area, in part due to vandals.

I was sent an analysis by 3 students (Peggy Buehler, Neomi Runyon, Holly Berg) who looked at how much money we saved by doing a community planting.  In short, this is a great way to plant trees and improve neighborhoods. I fully expect they got an “A.”

Community Tree Planting Event reflection

Community Tree Planting

Another area where we are a national model.  Active living is one of the best ways we be a world class community in a future with a much older population.

Read the rest of this entry »

Here is something that Rochester desperately needs.  Our urban design standards are shamefully poor.  Just look at the 2nd street facade of the new Holiday Inn going up on 2nd Street for a case and point.  I hope we can elevate design standards in Rochester.

http://www.designadvocacyforum.org/