Transportation Committee Meeting

October 5, 2005

Kendall 207

Present: Leslie J. Deniz, Frankie Hockstaff (University Police), Glennda Morse (FMS), Greg Francis (Facilities Planning), Ken Sator (EHS), Dick Chamberlain (Financial Services), Dustin Struble (AS Community Affairs), Stephanie Yule (Risk Management), Yvette Zuniga (AS Info Office), Rick Rees (Student Activities), Guests included: Mark Stemen (Geography), Linda Gatton (Student Judicial Affairs), Tatiana Ahlstrand, (student), Judy Bordin (Child Development Program), Jack Krause (Prof. Studies in Education).

Continued discussion on Bicycle Policy: Judy Bordin spoke first, on behalf of the Child Development Center located in AJH and next to Modoc. She stated her concern regarding bicyclists on campus, and the near-misses she has witnessed. She reminded the group of an accident that occurred several years ago where a bicyclist hit a 4-year old, resulting in a broken arm to the child, and a law suit against the university. She continued that on any given day there are elementary-aged children on campus who are not as able to look out for themselves. She is advocating for the children on campus, to ban bike riding on the campus while the development center is open. She also stated her department has done things to make the area safer such as trimming bushes and requesting extra patrol by the police department. In spite of these efforts, she feels there is more bike and skateboard riding on campus.

Greg Francis asked what the outcome of the concentrated enforcement has been, since it appears we are not getting the desired behavior changes. Frankie Hockstaff answered by saying they give many verbal warnings, as well as some tickets, which result in a fine of approximately $200.

Glennda Morse spoke of the importance of having the consultant meet with representatives from each area to hear about the specific problems and concerns, in order to identify specifics and to incorporate remedies into the ultimate plan. Discussion continued with comments from various committee members as well as other guests, including Mindy Mendonza and Jack Krause. One comment made by Krause was that as he stopped bicyclists to tell them they weren’t allowed to ride on the inner-core of campus, their response was that they were unaware of this and they were very willing to comply. The issue of poor, outdated signage was then discussed, with Chief Deniz reporting that new, updated signs were in the process of being made and erected at various places throughout campus.

Linda Gatton from Student Judicial Affairs spoke about the successful campaign efforts to get students to not bring cars to campus, therefore, we are seeing more bikes. Frankie Hockstaff agreed, saying we sold out of bike licenses and during move-in, it was observed that most students had bikes with them.

Chief Deniz reminded the group that the campus Master Plan incorporates more areas to ride bikes around the campus, as well as the increased number of bicycle parking areas. Greg Francis said that by providing better accommodations for bicycles, we can encourage more bike riding, but that we surely need rules and that the rules have to make sense. Mark Steman said he would like to see the Transportation Committee take a stand on encouraging alternative transportation to campus.

Greg Francis gave an update on the Cal Trans Grant application process. They are putting the final touches on the application package that is in partnership with the City of Chico. The outcome could be an award in the neighborhood of one million dollars. The grant helps to fund the study of all transportation issues, on and off campus, not just bicycle riding. These funds would pay for a consultant to help study the issues at hand. He reiterated that hiring a consultant was good, but not necessarily the answer and that we have to be involved also, along with the City of Chico. He also emphasized the excitement of an opportunity such as this, where we can be a part of not only fixing the problems but providing viable alternatives that enhance our campus and city.

Greg reminded everyone that even if the grant is not awarded, we still need to start gathering information to take on the task of coming up with a policy to recommend to the president. If anyone knows consultants in this arena, please let him know. Tatiana, who is interning with Greg, said she had a list and will bring it to the next meeting.

Dustin Struble said in closing, that students want to see a positive campaign in which more information is shared regarding the rules of bike riding on campus. Include the “why” and focus on the positive aspects of riding a bike to campus.

Meeting adjourned at 2:10 pm.

Next meeting is November 2, 2005 at 1:00 pm in Kendall 207.