Present: Leslie J. Deniz, Frankie Hockstaff (University Police), Glennda Morse (FMS), Greg Francis (Facilities Planning), Ken Sator (EHS), Dick Chamberlain (Financial Services), Brian Oppy (Faculty/ Academic Senate), Barbara Kopicki (Staff Council), Courtney Voss (AS Environmental Affairs), Dustin Struble (AS Community Affairs), Stephanie Yule (Risk Management), Yvette Zuniga (AS Info Office), Rick Rees (Student Activities), Guests included: Mark Stemen (Geography), Ed McLaughlen (Chico Velo Cycling Club), Russell Mills (Civil Engineering), Billie Kanter (Economics), President Paul Zingg, Vice President Dennis Graham.

Bicycle-Riding Policy: President Zingg addressed the committee, first by thanking everyone for participating and working on the bicycle riding policy which went to cabinet last semester. He mentioned the adoption of the new Master Plan, and that the Strategic Plan would be out within the next month, and he wanted to express his opinion that the current (and amended) bicycle-riding policy is not ideal. He asked the committee to re-address the campus bicycle policy by balancing issues that he feels are not effectively balanced currently. He wants the policy to address that CSU Chico is pedestrian-friendly and accommodating, bike-friendly and accommodating, and he wants cost effectiveness. He would like the committee to further explore what are the elements that make for an ideal bicycle policy.

Continuing, President Zingg mentioned some universities he knows of where their policies on bicycle riding are quite effective, including University of Pennsylvania, the Claremont Colleges, Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo, and UC Davis. They seemed to have worked things out and that perhaps we can learn from them (and others). At this time, he said, he is uneasy about the existing policy, that it is not an optimal policy. He said there is much construction currently slated especially in the next three years, which will disrupt the major thoroughfares through campus; the campus is steadily growing and becoming denser. He stated the work the committee (and ad-hoc committee) did last year certainly provides a solid foundation, but he believes there is still a better policy out there that should take into account the points mentioned above. He stated he wanted the campus to go from where we are now, to “there” and he asked the committee to help define “there.”

Mark Steman asked the president what he believed were the shortcomings of the previous policy. President Zingg said he did not believe it adequately addresses the larger elements of the transportation issues facing not only our campus but also the city of Chico. He stated that the university has been getting more information from the city in only the last few weeks, and that there is a renewed interest on the part of the city to get back into discussions about the entire transportation picture as it is faced by both CSUC and City of Chico. The major issue is pulling it all together, and looking at long-range solutions, while keeping in mind that both the university and the city are bicycle-friendly and pedestrian friendly places, and that safety for everyone is a big concern.

Brian Oppy asked how the president came to the conclusion of shutting out bicycles on the inner-core of campus 24/7. President Zingg reported, that although the 24/7 ban was not the majority recommendation by the committee, all the committee member's opinions were discussed at cabinet, and cabinet did recommend the 24/7 ban be instituted. Oppy continued by stating he was confused by the order of events as they occurred last semester. This was clarified.

President Zingg clarified the policy was still on the table. “Let's find balance” and preserve the walk-ability/pedestrian friendly campus we are.

The question was raised as to whether or not there was a plan to go to an expert. Perhaps the committee, and university, doesn't have an expert who can do the job. The president stated if the committee concluded that an expert should be called in (to do a study) then he would support it (within reason, cost-wise.)

Another comment from the audience was that other states have massive fines for violators of existing laws and perhaps there already are existing laws than can be better enforced, in order to sustain bike-riding on campus during partial hours instead of banning it altogether.

  Mark Steman asked the president when he expected the new recommendation from the committee and he stated by the end of the Fall semester.

Dick Chamberlain reminded the committee there was at one time the mention of the campus needing a better educational effort, improved signage, etc. regarding where/when it was okay to ride bicycles. Glennda Morse said that was what prompted the issue of re-addressing the bicycle riding policy. It was noted that more and better signs were needed in the first place. She said they are prepared to have signs made and posted as soon as possible. Leslie Deniz stated she also wanted the signage to be approved by Traffic Commissioner Scott to ensure the rules are enforceable.

President Zingg continued the discussion by stating he really wanted the committee to look at North/South, and East/West corridors through campus. The point of more bike racks and better bike storage also needs to be addressed, which President Zingg agreed. Greg Francis stated not only the number of racks needing to be addressed, but the types of storage available for bicycles is also important (e.g. bike stations with security, air station, etc.)

Mark Steman reported there will be a conference on campus on November 11 and 12 on sustainability and he encouraged applications for panelists/experts to talk about the bicycle/transportation issue.

Greg Francis reported his involvement with the City of Chico continues to be positive, that both the city and CSUC want to jointly address alternative transportation. They discovered there are grant funds available through Cal Trans for a Community Transportation Study. A grant application for those funds is being drafted currently, as a joint study between both entities. Greg said he hopes all involved are looking at this not necessarily as a problem, but as an excellent opportunity to do some real good things for the city and the university. He continued by saying there have been positive conversations with the city regarding the issues at 2nd Street (buses, 4 lanes of cars, pedestrians, no bike lanes). Glennda mentioned the city has been drafting plans regarding 2nd Street and they promised to send to her some time this week.

Leslie Deniz said at the next meeting we will address how to move forward with the task presented by President Zingg. Greg Francis mentioned he would go through his contacts to ask for maps, policies, etc. of other universities be sent to us, and if any committee member had connections to other universities (especially those mentioned by President Zingg) to do the same so the committee would have a starting point instead of starting with nothing.

Next meeting is October 5, 2005, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm in Kendall 207.