pages: TransportationCommission/2012-07-25.pdf, 3
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TransportationCommission | 2012-07-25 | 3 | more from the neighborhood and bicyclists than other residents. Additionally, she thought there would be break-out sessions, but when she came, she was handed a nametag and sat in an assigned seat. She also was unable to elect her group's spokeperson. The group had to select one out of six alternatives for the plan and every table, which seemed odd, selected the same alternative. She also found that someone at her table lived in Oakland. She felt that the participants were manipulated to respond in a particular way. Ultimately, she wanted to make sure that cyclists from out of town are not planning routes for their benefit and that all group attendees understand the meaning of cycle tracks and what that entails. Jon Spangler, Alameda resident and a League of American Cycling Instructor, explained that he does not live on Shoreline Drive, but lives in the mid island area. He has driven, bicycled and taught bicycle safety along Shoreline Drive since 1977. He tried to ease Ms. Gottstein's concerns by letting her know that there were not people stacked outside or inside Alameda to respond in particular way. He felt the reason the cycle track was chosen was because anyone who is concerned with children and new cyclists riding along the street could clearly see that the cycle track was the safest option for providing bicyclists with access to the shoreline. He personally does not like cycle tracks, but allowing cyclists to ride safely on the street is crucial. Furthermore, he noted that Crown Beach is a regional resource and not the property of the City. Commissioner Bertken asked staff if the information that was just reviewed and commented on be included in the final input. Additionally, he wanted to know if there would be later public meetings in the fall and if so is a schedule available on how this will play out. Staff Payne replied that staff is taking what they learned from this meeting in late June and they are coming up with a draft plan for this route. Staff will present the draft alternative to the participants in the fall. The meeting date is not scheduled at this time. The draft plan will go to the Transportation Commission after the public meeting in the fall, and also will go to the Planning Board and then the City Council. Staff Khan replied from staff's perspective is to work with the community to find the community's needs and priorities. So, no decisions will be made about the project design until consensus is made. Commissioner Schatmeier replied that he attended the meeting. He was impressed by how the community received all the comments and was engaged in the process. The community members were collegial, and the meeting was well run. He was told by an acquaintance that Shoreline Drive was a faster alternative than Otis Drive because there are fewer traffic lights and stop signs. He questioned whether the community around Shoreline Drive wants this street to be a through street to avoid Otis Drive or do they want to divert people to Otis Drive. So, the main discussion should be how does the community want Shoreline Drive to operate and that should be a central goal for this process. Commissioner Miley stated that he also attended the meeting and as someone who grew up in Alameda his group was well run. Regarding the cycle track, the group came to a consensus that the cycle track was the superior alternative. He would be interested to see how staff interprets the comments and refines the alternatives and plan. Page 3 of 11 | TransportationCommission/2012-07-25.pdf |