A Bicycle Rider's Perspective on the City Council Race (With endorsements)

Mayor and City Council Cycling Endorsements by David Boerner (published in My Group Ride)

Friday, 25 March 2011 09:59
Disclosure: These are the opinions of one man: myself, David Boerner.  I am a Fort Collins resident, a cyclist, and a freelance writer with a bit of experience in bike advocacy. These are endorsements based on bicycle friendliness.  To find out more about the candidates’ other views, check out the Coloradoan’s Candidates’ Q&As or the Candidates’ websites. Why should we as cyclists care who gets elected to City Council or who is elected mayor?  Are they gonna get the Quiznos Classic to come through town?  Are they gonna close down the road for Wednesday Night Worlds?  What did City Council ever do for me? Bicycle Advisory Committee Chairman Rick Price explains: “City Council affects bicycling in Fort Collins by setting policy that City staff follows.  If we continue to elect Council members and a mayor who value the environment, our quality of life, and, yes, bike paths, lanes, and education programs, our bike program will thrive,” And if we don’t, they won’t. Luckily, we’ve had a predominantly bike-friendly Council for years.  And that will probably remain true after this election no matter who wins what. But while everyone in Fort Collins politics is perfectly willing to say that “bikes are great,” some are more willing to vote to fund bicycle facilities and programs. Fort Collins uses a council-manager government system, wherein the mayor is not an executive, but a part of the executive body – City Council.  The Mayor is more like an at-large Council Member in Fort Collins with one vote, just like the other Council members. Therefore, the composition of City Council is what’s important for bike policy, and the mayor is just one part of that picture. City Council seats alternate every other municipal election.  This year's election is April 5th and four seats are up for grabs: Mayor, District 2, District 4, and District 6. Mayor The good news is that all three candidates for mayor identify themselves as cyclists.  Karen Weitkunat rides on the trails for recreation and wellbeing.  Ross Cunniff identified himself as a “fair-weather commuter.”  And Eric Sutherland said, “I’ve commuted to every job I’ve ever had – religiously.” Look like Sutherland wins the die-hard cyclist award. No candidate for mayor of bike-friendly Fort Collins would dare say anything negative about cycling, but some of the candidates were able to get a little more specific about why cycling is good and why they are good for cyclists.  Here are the candidates: Karen Weitkunat Weitkunat understands very well that Fort Collins’ bicycle friendliness is a major selling point for our city – as do the other candidates.  She doesn’t commute by bike, but she runs her business from home, so she doesn’t commute.  But she does ride the trails. Weitkunat applauds the bicycle safety education efforts in Fort Collins and said, “it starts with the kids.” Weitkunat has worked with Tim Anderson of the Fort Collins Velodrome Association, and supports the velodrome. Having been in the hospitality industry, Weitkunat understands first-hand the economic benefit of competitive cycling. Weitkunat said that bicycling facilities are a good investment, though she wasn’t as knowledgeable about the funding mechanisms for bike facilities and bike advocacy as some of the other Mayoral and Council candidates – which was surprising, considering her years as a City Council Member. Weitkunat would probably be a great mayor for cyclists.  She’s interested in education and protecting our trails.  But she talks too much about “protecting” our bicycle facilities when our bike trails aren’t really in danger.  And our “complete streets” planning policy means that future bike lanes are guaranteed. However she’s right on the money in advocating bike education for children, a proven technique for long-term ridership increase in Holland. Eric Sutherland I can’t help but love Sutherland after talking to him.  Much in contrast to Weitkunat’s optimistic fluff, Sutherland has a much more fiery, grave style.  Sutherland seems to make it his mission to uncover what he calls “pseustainability” – disingenuous, “green” marketing. But he’s gotten himself some bad press by challenging New Belgium – a move tantamount to sacrilege in our beer-loving, bike-cruising burg. To clear things up a little bit: Sutherland was right in saying that New Belgium’s “100% wind-powered” marketing was bullshit – and New Belgium stopped saying it.  Also, I was told by an anonymous New Belgium employee that New Belgium’s restraining order against Sutherland was unnecessary.  In fact, Sutherland’s criticism helped to make New Belgium more transparent and more sustainable. So let’s try not to think about Sutherland as “the guy with the restraining order.” Most of Sutherland’s advocacy has been spent of sustainable energy.  He’s a “big-picture” thinker with sustainability, but he said that bikes are an essential part of that picture. Sutherland thinks Fort Collins needs to divert some of its bike advocacy energy away from “boosterism” and into safety and education (although some advocates would argue that “boosterism” is education).  He thinks that city engineers and contractors need specific instructions not to reroute bike lanes into automobile traffic during street construction – a phenomenon he calls “cone zones.” And above all, Sutherland said Fort Collins should walk the talk on sustainability, “as opposed to creating PR talking points.” Sutherland would likely push hard on bike policy.  Unfortunately, his approach seems to have already burned a few bridges and I think that at attitude of diplomacy could go a long way toward getting good bike policy passed. Ross Cunniff Ross Cunniff talked for about half as long as either Weitkunat or Sutherland, but he said a lot in that time. “I’m familiar with the challenges of bicycling in Fort Collins,” Cunniff said, himself a commuter. “Although we are highly rated [for bicycle-friendliness], there are still things we can improve.” Cunniff advocated education for cyclists and drivers about the status of a bicycle as a vehicle under the Colorado Vehicle Code. Cunniff said he has “a reasonable level of understanding” about funding for bike projects and advocacy.  But he sounded to me like he had the best understanding of any of the mayoral candidates. HOW? Cunniff says that the bike trails and bikeability of Fort Collins are good for Fort Collins’ image and that “bicycles are absolutely good for business.” Cunniff cited his track record as an advocate for our trail system as evidence of his commitment to bicycling in Fort Collins. Weitkunat repeatedly cited the trails as being a great thing, but she didn’t talk much about what’s next.  Cunniff was involved in creating the bike trails and he doesn’t appear likely to rest on his laurels. Cunniff said he will continue “enabling the choice to ride a bicycle.” “What I’ve seen is there’s a feedback loop: as you get more people aware, more people ride bicycles, and the accident rates start to go down.  It’s about getting more people on bicycles.” I agree. Mayor Endorsement: Ross Cunniff District 2 Sue Pawlak Like every other candidate, Sue Pawlak had good things to say about bicycling in Fort Collins. “It’s a solid reason why people more here in the first place,” Pawlak said.  “We need to protect [our bike facilities].” Pawlak has an open mind and was very receptive to my information about the price of bicycle facilities. But she kept bringing up the costs of bicycle facilities too much for my liking.  I appreciate her lack of pie-in-the-sky promises.  But her understanding of bike issues and funding in Fort Collins was underwhelming. Quite in contrast to her opponent. Lisa Poppaw Poppaw has the best understanding of the funding mechanisms for bicycle facilities and programs of any of the Council or Mayoral candidates I interviewed.  She schooled me about the GOCO lottery money that funds our bike trails and explained to me that “the city’s general fund pays for very little of lanes and paths.” “Is cycling a good deal for Fort Collins? Heck yeah, it’s a great deal!” Poppaw has a strong track record on bicycle policy.  She helped initiate the recent Bicycle Safety Education Plan, and “supported all the bike initiatives” during her time on Council. Poppaw wants to see education for law enforcement officers about bicycling. She wants to look for funds for overpasses and underpasses on bike corridors.  She wants to build a relationship with Poudre School District to get more bike education in schools. Of course, the best story about Poppaw is how a group tried to recall her last year, alleging – among other things – that Poppaw wanted to “eliminate personal vehicle use.”  That claim originated from Poppaw’s support of the bicycle parking racks in parking spaces downtown.  Apparently the group, called “We Will Not Fail Fort Collins,” didn’t consider bicycles to be “personal vehicles.” It’s not totally fair to support a candidate because she was threatened with recall for supporting bicycles, but it sure makes good copy for a bike racing website. Either way, the choice is clear in District 2. While Pawlak is extremely open-minded to bicycling and would probably vote for sensible bike policy, Poppaw has already proven that she’s right up there with Ben Manvel as being one of cyclists’ best advocates in City Hall. District 2 Endorsement: Lisa Poppaw District 4 Kristin Stephens Stephens doesn’t come into the Council race with any specific bike legislation in mind, but she said she would be in favor of keeping the FC Bikes program that recently lost its grant funding. She thinks our bike friendliness is attractive to businesses.  She’s a runner, and a “big advocate of natural areas.” Stephens doesn’t have the experience of some of the other candidates, and she doesn’t have a comprehensive understanding of the funding for bike programs and facilities. But, she says, her opponent “Troxell hasn’t done a good job in any way.  He’s not very responsive.  He’s rude and not very collaborative.  For that reason alone people should vote for me.” Wade Troxell Wade hasn’t returned my multiple calls (although he did respond to the initial email request for his phone number).  Being a City Council candidate is a full-time job, and Troxell is a busy man.  But if he cared that much about the cyclist vote, he would have called me back. District 4 Endorsement: Kristin Stephens District 6 Gerry Horak Gerry Horak, a fine candidate for bicyclists, is running unopposed for District 6.  I anticipate that Horak will continue term-limited David Roy’s tradition of bike-friendliness. District 6 Endorsement: Gerry Horak

Colorado State University Bicycle Friendly University Aplication

The following is the application submitted by Fred Haberecht, Assistant Director of Facilities Management at CSU in January 2011.  The application resulted in CSU being awarded a Silver level Bicycle Friendly University designation on March 8, 2011.

The application is divided into the following categories:
General Profile
Engineering
Education
Encouragement
Enforcement
Evaluation and Planning

If you are curious about the future plans for bicycling on the CSU campus questions 92 through 94, at the bottom of this post, address the future.

The Bike Co-op participates in many CSU events such as this Smart Transportation Fair in April of 2009.  The Co-op is not listed in the Bicycle Friendly University Application as one of the bike shops within 5 miles of campus.  The Bike Co-op also hosted two League Cycling Instructor workshops at CSU  in August and October of 2009.  The application below (question 45b) refers to this workshop as being hosted by the CSU Police Department.  CSU PD provided the space for the workshop but the Bike Co-op was the actual host and coordinator for the program. 

Colorado State University Bicycle Friendly University Application

Submitted by Fred Haberecht on 2011-01-20 15:14:35

Name of Institution :  Colorado State University

How many campuses make up the institution?  60

Does this application include all campuses?  No

If no, which campus(es) are included in this application? 

 Main, South, Foothills, University Center of the Arts

City :  Fort Collins

State :  Colorado

President, Chancellor, or top official (include title) :  Dr. Anthony A. Frank

Website :  http://www.colostate.edu/

Applicant Profile

First Name :  Fred

Last Name :  Haberecht

Title :  Assistant Director, Facilities Management

Phone :  970-491-0162

Email :Fred.Haberecht@colostate.edu

General Profile

The data in this section is gathered by the U.S. census. Click here to find the most recent information on your  ollege/university.

1. Type of institution (Public/Private) option for each

National University

If other, describe (50 word limit)

 Land-Grant University

2. Type of Campus:

Suburban

If other, describe (50 word limit)

3. Population

City population:

 141,000 (August 2010)

Total campus enrollment:

 29,932 (August 2010)

Percent living on campus:

 23% (August 2010)

Percent living off campus:

 77% (August 2010)

Undergraduate enrollment: 21,953(2010-2011)

Graduate enrollment:  3,864

Number of on-site faculty and staff:  6,183

4.What is the average commute distance of the students living off campus?(Miles)  8.2 miles each way

5.Climate  Average temperature for January in °F 29

Average temperature for April in °F  48

Average temperature for July in °F  71

Average temperature for October in °F  50

Average precipitation for January in inches  .42

Average precipitation for April in inches 2.09

Average precipitation for July in inches 1.87

Average precipitation for October in inches .98

6. Do you have a Bicycle Program Manager or a contact person responsible for bike-related issues (if there is no designated program manager)?

Yes

6a. Are you the Bicycle Program Manager?

 No

6b. If no, what is the name of your Bicycle Program Manager?

 Joy Childress

6c. Bicycle Program Manager Phone

 970-491-7695

6d. Bicycle Program Manager Email

 joy.childress@colostate.edu

6e. In which department does your Bicycle Program Manager work?

 Other

If other, describe (local bike shop, external consultants, etc)(50 word limit)

 Campus Police Department

6f. Is the Bicycle Program Manager position full-time?

 Yes

If not, what percentage of this individual’s time is spent on bicycling issues?

6g. What percentage of the Bicycle Program Manager's salary is paid for by the college/university?

 100

6h. What percentage is paid through donations or grants?

6I. Other funding source, please describe (200 word limit)

7. How many college/university employees, expressed in full-time equivalents, work on bicycle issues? Enter a positive whole  number, 1 or larger for each of the following:

Faculty:

Staff:

 4 or more

Students:

 1-5

If other, describe (Volunteer run, etc)(100 word limit)

8.Do you have a Bicycle Advisory Committee?

 Yes

If other, describe (100 word limit)

8a. How often does it meet?

 Monthly

If other, describe (250 word limit)

8b. Which of the following groups are represented or regularly attend the Bicycle Advisory Committee? Check all that apply

Law enforcement, Student government,Planning department, Transportation department, Facility services, Health and wellness, City/county/regional government staff, Housing/resident life, Public Safety Division, Cycling team/club

If other, describe (250 word limit)

8c. Name of Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair

 Dave Kemp

8d. Email of Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair

 dk@fcgov.com

9. Is there a bicycle advocacy group(s) on campus and/or in the community?

Yes

9a. Is this group(s) working with you on this application?

 Yes

9b. Provide the name of the primary group:

 Bike Fort Collins

9c. Do you contract with this group for any services or programs?

 Yes

If yes, describe (200 word limit)

 Primarily the bike library but Bike Fort Collins is also a member of the Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee.

9d. Who is the primary contact for this group?

 Jeff Morrell

9e. Email of primary contact of advocacy group

 Jeff.Morrell@bikefortcollins.org

10. What are the primary reasons your college/university has invested in bicycling? (Check all that apply.)

Improve quality of life for students and faculty,Improve health for students and faculty,Connect community and campus,Provide transportation options,Reduce car-parking demands,Support smart growth,Address climate change/environmental stewardship concerns,Decrease traffic congestion,Attract students,Cooperate with adjacent community,Respond to user demand,Improve bicyclist/pedestrian safety

If other, describe (250 word limit)

11. What was your institution’s most significant investment for bicycling to date?(250 word limit)

Expansion of the campus bike network including end of trip facilities. New and expanded bike parking areas in conjunction with new construction as well as lockers, and showers have been created throughout the bike network. The recently constructed parking garage on campus includes covered bicycle parking spaces and a new academic building includes showers for commuters.

12. What was your institution’s most significant investment for bicycling in the past year?(250 word limit)

The university has invested approximately $100,000 in the installation of new bicycle racks throughout campus. CSU Parking Services and the CSU Police Department have collaborated along with construction of new buildings to implement many new bike parking areas. In a partnership with the city of Fort Collins, the university constructed a new portion of bike trail which connects the South and Main Campuses while also extending the city bike trail network.

13. What specific improvements does your college/university have planned for bicycling in the coming year?(100 word limit)

With the construction of the Engineering II building, Colorado State University will build a new section of bike path providing greater connectivity between campus and neighborhoods to the North. South Drive, a major road on campus, may be reconfigured to include a contraflow cycletrack to provide a convenient and safe connection for residents to the campus core. A designated blke lane will connect the University Center of the Arts underpass to Main campus in a safer manner.

Engineering

14. What policy does your institution have for accommodating bicyclists?

Other

If other, please describe.

 Colorado State University is planning specific guidelines to accommodate bikes and pedestrians in the core of campus while forcing vehicular infrastructure to the exterior. By making driving on campus more difficult, bicycle usage will increase. In accordance with new state legislation, all new construction on campus must adhere to LEED Gold standards. These standards require suitable end of trip accommodations for cyclists. In conjunction with the city, streets are managed and maintained regularly providing adequate and safe traveling. Student housing requires that all buildings provide bike parking for 80% of their residents. Finally, the City of Fort Collins adopted the Complete Streets Policy, otherwise known as, Larimer County Urban Street Standards which Colorado State University adheres to.

14a. When was it adopted?

 Before 2005

14b. Provide a link to this legislation or policy.(250 word limit)

 http://www.larimer.org/engineering/GMARdStds/GMARdStds.htm

14c. How was it adopted?

 Internal Policy

If other, describe (100 word limit)

14d. What tools are in place to ensure implementation? (Check all that apply.)

 Design manual,Other

If other, describe (100 word limit)

 All construction projects have an internal review by CSU facilities to verify that projects meet University construction standards. Additionally, the campus planner and landscape architect review all plans for accommodation of future planning efforts.

15. How does your college/university ensure your engineers and planners accommodate bicyclists according to AASHTO and MUTCD standards? (Check all that apply.)

Offer general training,Other

15a. Describe each checked (200 word limit)

 Planning staff are also members of the Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee.

16. What percentage of bridges and underpasses on your campus are accessible to bicyclists?

90-100%

16a. What are the exceptions?(100 word limit) 

 No exceptions, all accessible.

17. How does your college/university ensure there are end-of-trip facilities for bicyclists? (Check all that apply.)

Bike parking ordinance/policy requiring amount, design and location ,Bike parking ordinance/policy for all new developments,Policy requiring showers in buildings,Policy requiring lockers in buildings,Building accessibility policy,On-street bike parking (e.g. bike corrals),Standards for bicycle parking that conform to APBP guidelines

If other, describe (100 word limit)

18. How many annual on-campus automobile parking permits are available each year per total campus population?

81-100%

19. Does your college/ university charge students a fee for an automobile parking permit?

Yes

19a. If yes, how much is charged annually?

 $201-$500

20. Does your college/ university charge faculty and staff a fee for an automobile parking permit?

Yes

20a. If yes, how much is charged annually?

 $201-$500

21. How many bike parking spaces are there in your college/university? Enter a whole number, 0 or larger

13,932

21a. Number of people per bike parking space

22a. What percentage of your bike parking is covered (from the elements)?

 1-5%

22b. What percentage of your bike parking is secured (i.e. caged, monitored, indoors)?

 51% or more

23. Does your college/university have bike lockers?

No

23a. What percentage of your bike parking is made up of bike lockers?

 0%

23b. If you do provide bike lockers, what is the annual fee?

 No Charge

24. Number of Bike depots/ hubs/ bikestations

24a. If you do have a bikestation, what is annual fee?

 No Charge

25. Approximately what percentage of the following locations have bike racks, storage units, or indoor bike rooms?

25a.  Dormitories

91-100%

25b. Libraries

 91-100%

25c. Classroom Buildings

 91-100%

25d. Recreation Centers

 91-100%

25e. Administration Buildings

 91-100%

25f. Transit Stations/Bus Stops

 91-100%

25g. Research Labs

 91-100%

25h. Off-campus college/university-owned housing

 46-60%

25i. Parking garages

 91-100%

If other, describe (250 word limit)

26. How do you direct students, staff, and visitors to bike parking?

Locations on campus bike map,Website

If other, please describe

27. Does your bike parking meet the security and convenience guidelines recommended by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP)?

Most

28. Do you provide any of the following for students, faculty, and/or staff who commute by bike? (Check all that apply.) Locker room,Shower facility ,Bicycle repair station,Maintenance supplies such as tools, pumps, and tubes

If other, describe (100 word limit)

29. Is there a construction protocol that ensures bicyclists are accommodated (detour routes, signage, etc)?

Yes

If yes, please describe

 Yes, all plans are reviewed by CSU facilities and signage is required of the contractor to direct users to alternative routes.

30. Does your college/university have a transit service(s) (including Shuttles, Night Ride, etc.)?

Yes

30a. If yes, is the transit service free?

 No

30b. Are transit vehicles equipped with bike racks?

 All

30c. Are bikes allowed inside transit vehicles?

 No

If yes or sometimes, describe (100 word limit)

31. What is the mileage of your total campus road network? (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

10

31a. How many miles of this network are under the college/university’s control?

 10

32. What is the mileage of your total shared-use path network on campus?(Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

3

33. List all current and planned bicycle accommodations on campus Complete all that apply (all should comply with AASHTO and MUTCD standards) a. Bike lanes Current Mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

3

Planned Mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

 2

b. Shared lane markings (sharrows) Current mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

Planned Mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

c. Signed bike routes; Current mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

1

Planned Mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

 1

d. Paved shared use pathsCurrent mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

2

Planned Mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

 1

e. Natural surface shared use paths; Current mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

Planned Mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

f. Single track Current mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

Planned Mileage (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

34. How is your campus accessible by bike? (Check all that apply.)

Direct access by trail,Adjoining streets have bike lanes,Located on a signed bike route system,Surrounded by low-traffic streets

If other, describe (250 word limit)

35. What other innovative ways have you improved on-road conditions for bicyclists? (Check all that apply.)

Road diets,Speed limits 20 mph or less on campus streets,Bike cut thrus,Remove on-street car parking,Car restrictions/car-free zones

,Other

If other, describe (250 word limit)

 The removal of on-street car parking being replaced with a contra-flow cycle track is currently proposed for a particular street on campus.

36. What maintenance policies or programs ensure all campus bike lanes and shoulders remain usable and safe? (Complete all that apply.) 36a. Street sweeping

Annually

If other, describe (100 word limit)

36b. Snow clearance

 Same time as other travel lanes

If other, describe (100 word limit)

36c. Pothole maintenance

 Within one week of complaint

If other, describe (250 word limit)

36d. Describe any other maintenance policies or programs for bike lanes and shoulders (250 word limit)

 Labor distribution is prioritized among the city based on the amount of traffic. Snow removal maps are also implemented.

37. What maintenance policies or programs ensure shared-use paths remain safe and usable? (Answer all that apply)

37a. Path

sweeping

Complaint basis only

If other, describe (100 word limit)

37b. Vegetation maintenance

 Weekly

If other, describe (100 word limit)

37c. Snow clearance

 Same time as roadways

If other, describe (100 word limit)

37d. Surface repair

 Within one week of complaint

If other, describe (100 word limit)

37e. Describe any other maintenance policies or programs for shared-use paths (250 word limit)

 Bikepaths are restriped annually.

38. How does your college/university facilitate reporting of bicycle facility problems?

Email/ phone report to maintenance dept

If other, describe

39. How do you accommodate bicyclists at intersections in your college/university? (Check all that apply.) No signals, N/A

If other, describe (100 word limit)

40. Are there other infrastructure features or improvements at your college/university to promote bicycling?

Yes

If yes, describe (250 word limit)

 The Mason Corridor is a 5 mile multi-modal route about to begin construction in Fort Collins. This corridor is specifically being constructed for bicycles, pedestrians, and transit buses and will run through the CSU South and Main Campuses. This corridor will provide a direct route for commuters to the campuses and the community beyond while hopefully decreasing vehicular traffic and pollution.

Education

41. What do you do to ensure that incoming students, faculty and staff are educated on safe cycling and driving? (Check all that apply.)

Bike safety video(s) ,Educational bike tours of campus,

Presentation to all incoming students,Handouts at resource fairs,Information in all welcome packets for new students, faculty, and staff, Other

If other, describe (100 word limit)

 The CSU Police Department conducts a Registration Tent for students for five days at the beginning of the fall semester. All freshmen are directed to visit the tent at a mandatory student orientation where they are presented the laws of the university and safety tips.

Officers also present this information to new hires. Students and staff each receive a book of bicycle rules and regulations at the time of registration. For mid-semester newcomers to CSU, registration occurs at the front desk of the CSU Police Department Monday through Friday ensuring all students are aware of university policies and bicycle regulations.

42. Do you offer education on theft prevention?

Yes

If yes, describe (100 word limit)

 Officers provide information on how to best secure bikes at staff and student orientation presentations. Best locking practices are shared by the staff at the Police Department’s bike registration tent, at the front desk of the Police Department, and at the info desk at the Lory Student Center. Lastly, the Resident Assistances in the dorms inform their residents of best locking practices at the beginning of each year.

43. What have you done in the last 18 months to educate motorists and bicyclists on sharing the road safely? (Check all that apply.)

Public service announcements,Campus newsletter/paper article,New student/hire packet,Dedicated bike page on college/university website,Share the Road signs,Distributing bike safety information to all bike permit applicants,Other

If other, describe (200 word limit)

 The Police Officer who presents at orientations offers one on one education for anyone who is interested in sharpening their bicycle skills, be that technique or rules of the road. The CSU Police Department’s Bicycle Safety Seminar is also an outlet for bicycle education. This Safety Seminar is conducted by CSU police officers and is directed at CSU students, staff, and faculty who have violated bicycle regulations and received a ticket. This program aims to educate bicyclists who may be confused about policies. With more

education, they will avoid another infraction.

44. Do you have a ticket diversion program for cyclists or motorists?

Yes

If yes, describe (100 word limit)

 The Safety Seminar is offered to people through the CSU Police Department who receive a bike safety ticket. The goal of the program is to educate the public in hopes that they will not incur another infraction. The seminar consists of a bike safety video called “Enjoy the Ride” by the League of American Bicyclist and a 20 question quiz. When the person passes the quiz they get half off their safety violation price. For ease of the customer, the seminar is offered online or at the CSU Police Department

45. Which of the following options are available on a regular basis at your college/university? (Please include classes for non-students as well)

45a. Traffic Skills 101 (or equivalent) classes -- including classroom and on-bike instruction.

Annually

If other, describe (100 word limit)

45b. Cycling Skills classes -- three to four hour classroom training courses

 Other

If other, describe (100 word limit)

 A League Cycling Instructor class was hosted at the CSU Police Department in October of 2009.

45c. Commuter classes - one/two hour classes

 Annually

If other, describe (100 word limit)

45d. Bicycle maintenance classes

 Annually

If other, describe (100 word limit)

45e. How many people do you teach in all of these classes annually?

 30. Colorado State University created an annual education program with the development of a pilot program called RamCycle in 2009. This course had three sections broken down into safe cycling, bicycle laws, regulations, and bicycle maintenance.

46. Do you offer physical education cycling classes (for credit)?

No

46a. How many students do you teach with these classes annually?

47. Are there course offerings in bicycle transportation planning, policy, and engineering or public health?

No

Please list and describe (250 word limit)

48. How many League Cycling Instructors are there in your college/university community? (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

48a. Please list active League Cycling Instructors. (100 word limit)

 Dave Kemp Molly North Matt Wempe

49. Has your college/university hosted a League Cycling Instructor seminar in the past two years?

Yes

50. Describe any efforts your college/university has made to ensure your education programs reach underserved populations.

(250 word limit)

The Police Department offers a Bike Rodeo to children of the Fort Collins community. Police officers teach them bike laws with an obstacle course simulating the road and give them fun bike freebies and helmets. This is another example of the university’s outreach within the Fort Collins community.

51. Does your college/university have driver training for any of the following professional drivers that includes information on sharing the road with bicyclists? (Check all that apply.)

Bus/Transit operators,Law enforcement students and/or staff

If other, describe (200 word limit)

51a. If yes to any of the above, describe the program. (250 word limit)

 Transit operators: The city of Fort Collins operates the bus system in Fort Collins and at CSU. Bus drivers are educated on how to share the road safely with bicyclists. CSU Police Department staff is educated on bicycle laws and regulations.

52. Are there other education efforts in your college/university to promote bicycling?

Yes

If yes, describe (250 word limit)

 CSU conducts various bicycle education fairs and bike to work and school tents throughout the year. These programs are designed to educated and involve the public in bicycle activity. In the past these have been sponsored by the CSU police department, Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee, city FC Bikes program.

Encouragement

53. How do you promote bicycling to the college/university? Check all that apply

Public Service Announcements,Car-free days,Commuter challenges for students,Commuter challenges for faculty and

staff,Commuter Breakfasts

If other, describe (500 word limit)

54. Do you actively promote any bicycle-commuting incentive programs?

Yes

54a. If yes, describe (500 word limit)

 The university hosts a Bike to School and two Bike to Work days annually. At strategic locations on campus, participants are provided

with bicycle education materials, food and promotional giveaway items. Twice a year, CSU CBAC and community partners produce the

Bike for Breakfast program during the spring and fall semesters to encourage and assess bicycle commuting to campus. This program

reached approximately 2600 students in its 2010 inaugural year.

54b. Approximately what percentage of the campus staff/students do you reach?

 30%

55. List the signature cycling events at your campus or community (e.g. bike festivals, major rides and races). (500 word limit)

A six day bicycle race is held at Colorado State University annually. The track used is a looped street located in the historic section of

CSU campus known as the Oval. This street imitates a velodrome and cyclists in the race demonstrate velodrome-style racing to local

residents. The Master’s program of Colorado State University’s College of Business, the Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise

(GSSE) began to host a “Community Ride” fundraiser in 2009. Three routes of different lengths were offered to accommodate various

riders. The annual Sensible Modes of Alternative Road Transportation (SMART) Fair is held in the Student Center on CSU campus.

Local businesses dedicated to alternative transportation attend this fair with information and giveaway items to engage student

participation. This fair is very educational on the overall benefits of cycling including healthy lifestyles and reduction of pollution. The

MS150 Colorado ride overnights at the CSU campus each summer. The ride has over 3000 riders who camp overnight on campus

grounds or in residence halls. This event provides volunteer opportunities for campus and community member participation. Annually,

the CSU RAM Cycling team hosts a Rocky Mountain Collegiate cycling race as part of the qualification process for the USA Nationals

race. The USA Collegiate Nationals cycling race was held at CSU in 2008-2009. Races began and ended on the Foothills Campus.

56. Does the college/university sponsor or actively support any of these rides?

Yes

56a. If yes, how? (250 word limit)

 The University actively supports the aforementioned activities by providing police support, venue space, recycling and trash cleanup,

ground crews as needed for setup and teardown logistics.

57. Does your marketing department promote bicycling at the college/university to potential students/staff?

 Yes

If yes, how? (250 word limit)

 Walking tours of campus are offered daily to prospective students. These tours include information about bike registration requirements, bicycle safety considerations, bike library resources, and showcases multiple areas of the campus where major end of trip facilities are provided.

58. Are there cycling teams, clubs, or co-ops at your college/university? (Check all that apply.)

Road racing clubs or teams, Cyclocross racing clubs or teams,Track racing clubs or teams

If other, describe (500 word limit)

58a. For each type checked, list names of the organizations.(250 word limit)

 CSU Ram Cycling see their website at: http://www.ramscycling.com/

59. What is the ratio of your total campus population to specialty bicycle retailers within a 5-mile radius of campus?

1 shop for every 1 -2500 students, faculty, staff

59a. List their names. (500 word limit)

 Recycled Cycles, Lee’s Cyclery, Boo Bicycles, Brave New Wheel, Rocky Mountain Recumbent, Full Cycle, Performance Bicycle, Honest Wrench, Road 34

60. Which of these bicycling areas, facilities, or amenities do you have at your college/university? (Check all that apply)

Public pumps or air hoses,Public repair station/facility,On-campus bike shop

If other, describe (500 word limit)

61. What does your institution do with its abandoned bikes? (Check all that apply)

Sell to the public in as-is condition,Repair and then sell or rent to college students and faculty,Give away to charity or community programs,Recycle for metal value

If other, describe (100 word limit)

62. Does your college/university have or participate in a bike-share or rental system?

Yes

62a. If yes, please briefly describe the system.

 The FC Bike Library operates a check out station on campus.

62b. If yes, how many bikes are in the system?

 30

62c. If yes, how many years has the system been in operation?

 2

62d.If yes, what kind of program is it? (Check all that apply)

Bike library

If other, describe (100 word limit)

62e. If yes, who is permitted to use the system? (Check all that apply)

 The public,Students,Staff

If other, describe (250 word limit)

63. Does your college or university have a bike program ?

Yes

63a. How is your bike program structured/staffed? (250 word limit)

 CSU CBAC in conjunction with BEEP is the bike program on campus and is comprised of CSU staff through the facilities and police departments as well as other campus and community stakeholders, such as the City of Fort Collins' FC Bikes program and Bike Fort Collins non-profit organization.

63b. What is the bike program's annual budget? (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

63c. How many years has the bike program been in operation? (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

 2

63d. How is your bike program structured/staffed?

 Paid staff,Volunteer/student-run

64. Does your college/university have an on-campus bike center?

Yes

64a. If yes, which of the following services does it offer?

 Full bike repairs,Basic bike repairs,Safety classes,Stolen bike registry recovery assistance

If other, describe (250 word limit)

65. Is your college/university located in a Bicycle Friendly Community?

Yes

66. What bike-map and/or route finding information is available for your college/university which has been updated in the last 18 months? (Check all that apply)

Online map,Printed on-road bike-routes map

If other, describe (250 word limit)

67. Does your college/university have other programs or policies to encourage cycling?

Yes

67a. If yes, describe (250 word limit)

 In addition to hosting the SMART Fair, which encourages students to utilize alternative modes of transportation, CSU promotes

bicycle usage with a program called Bike to Breakfast. Local vendors set up tents around campus and provide breakfast to students who have ridden their bike to school. This program ran the entire month of September in 2010. Students were rewarded for riding their bike and were further encouraged to continue riding.

Enforcement

68. How does your college/university prevent bicycle theft/loss?

Mandatory bike registration,Classes on proper locking,Regular security patrols of parking areas

If other, describe (250 word limit)

69. Does the police department have employees on bikes?

Yes

69a. If yes, what percentage of patrolling police department employees is on bike? (Enter a whole number, 0 or larger)

 15%

70. How does your campus police department interact with the student/ staff cycling community? (Check all that apply)

A police officer is an active member of the bicycle advisory committee,Appointed law-enforcement point person to interact with bicyclists,Officers distribute bike safety/theft deterrent information,Other

If other, describe (250 word limit)

 The CSU Police Department operates the Bicycle Education and Enforcement Program (BEEP). This program tracks all stolen bicycles, bicycle registrations, bicycle impounds and employs staff dedicated to educating the public and enforcing the law by warnings and tickets. The CSU bike tickets range from $15 to $75 with the average ticket costing $25.00. These tickets do not affect permanent records or driving points and the fines are significantly lower than the city tickets. The PD employs student BEEP officers whose sole purpose is to enforce the laws as well as sworn officers who uphold the bicycle laws on campus.

71. Does your college/university have a policy for impounding bikes?

Yes

71a. If yes, describe and provide a link: (100 word limit)

 http://police.colostate.edu/pdfs/Bike-Booklet.pdf The University’s impound policy states that any bike that is deemed abandoned or in violation of CSU’s bicycle regulations can result in impoundment. When a bicycle is abandoned, found, or in violation of Colorado State bicycle regulations, any University police officer, or other person authorized by the Chief of Police, may remove the lock and impound the bicycle. CSUPD will use reasonable efforts to contact the owner of any impounded bicycle by the CSUPD registration records. The impoundment of a bicycle, and any resulting fines or fees, may be appealed.

72. What kind of training is offered to police officers regarding traffic law as it applies to bicyclists? (Check all that apply)

Basic academy training,International Police Mountain Bike Association or Law Enforcement Bicycle Association training,Smart Cycling course,League Cycling Instructor/local cyclist presentation

If other, describe (250 word limit)

73. Does your law enforcement agency offer bike safety training to your college/university community?

Yes

73a. If yes, describe and provide a link.(100 word limit)

 Aspects of bike safety are presented by CSU Police during the on campus SMART Fair, Bike to Breakfast events, and orientation presentations to new students, faculty and staff. Police officers also participate in the pilot Ram Cycle project to educate students living in Residence Halls. Officers are typically on hand at the booths and are presenters for a portion of orientation.

74. What enforcement campaigns are targeted at improving bicyclist safety? Check all that apply

Helmet giveaways,Light giveaways,Targeting motorist infractions,Targeting bicyclist infractions,Positive enforcement ticketing,Share the road campaigns,Other

If other, describe (250 word limit)

CSUPD hands out 50% off coupons for bike headlights to our campus bike shop for anyone who comes into pay a “Without headlight at night” ticket.

75. Are there any other campus public safety (e.g. fire department or EMS) employees on bikes?

No

75a. If yes, please describe

76. Do your college/university policies treat bicyclists equitably and promote safety for all users? (Examples can be found on the BFU resources page.) (Check all that apply)

There are specific penalties for failing to yield to a bicyclist when turning.,It is illegal to park or drive in a bike lane (intersections excepted).,There are penalties for motor vehicle users who 'door' bicyclists.,There is a ban on texting while driving.,There is a general restriction on bicyclists riding on the sidewalk.

If Additional Information/Other, describe (250 word limit)

77. Are there any prohibitions or restrictions on bicyclists at your college/university?

Yes

77a. If yes, describe (250 word limit)

 There are dismount zones in high pedestrian traffic areas during academic hours where bicyclists must dismount their bike and walk.

78. Does your college/university have other programs or policies to enforce safe cycling?

Yes

78a. If yes, describe (100 word limit)

 At the start of each semester, Campus Safety Officers provide a heightened time frame of enforcement for cyclists on campus. This enforcement effort during the first two weeks of school includes providing mainly warnings and bicycle education information.

79. Does your college or university have any planned programs or changes forthcoming to policies/ordinances to enforce/improve bicycling safety?

Yes

79a. If yes, describe (100 word limit)

 Currently, the university is updating signage policies around campus to ensure consistency.

Evaluation and Planning

80. What is the most current journey-to-work data (bicycle mode share) for your community? (this percentage can be found in

the U.S. Census or the American Community Survey - Percentage of trips)

9.9%

81. What is the most current bicyclist count data on your college/university?

15,000

81a. How, when, and where was this data collected? (250 word limit)

 In 2008, Colorado State University conducted a campus wide survey concerned with how students commute daily. A little over 6,500

student responded. With this data combined with physical bicycle counts at racks around campus, we have been able to determine how many bicycles are on campus.

81b. Have you broken this number down by off-campus and intra-campus trips?

 No

81c. If yes, describe (250 word limit)

82. How many bicyclist/automobile crash fatalities have occurred in your college/university in the past five years?

83. How many bicyclist/automobile crashes have occurred in your college/university in the past five years?

11 or more

84. How many non-automobile related bicyclist crashes occur annually?

1-20

84a. How do you collect data on non-automobile related bicyclist crashes? (Check all that apply)

 Police reports

If other, please describe

85. Do you have a specific plan or program to reduce crashes?

Yes

85a. If yes, provide the link to the plan and/or describe. (250 word limit)

 The city of Fort Collins has designed a comprehensive bicycle education plan which Colorado State University adheres to and participated in the writing of.

86. Does your college/university have a comprehensive bicycle master plan?

Yes

86a. When was it passed or most recently updated?

 Before 2005

86b. Is there a dedicated funding source for implementation?

 No

86c. If yes, describe. (250 word limit)

86d. What percentage of the plan has been implemented?

 50%

86e. Are you meeting annual target goals for implementation?

 No

86f. Provide a link to the plan or describe. (250 word limit)

 http://www.facilities.colostate.edu/files/forms/Campus_Master_PlanWEB_SM.pdf The adopted campus master plan document, pages 57-59, includes a bicycle section. An additional campus bicycle master plan map can be found online at: http://www.fm.colostate.edu/sustain/downloads/bikeway_master_plan_map.pdf

87. Have you done a satisfaction survey of students and staff on bicycling in your college/university?

Yes

87a. If yes, briefly describe. (250 word limit)

 The commuter survey distributed to students in 2008 measured, in part, student satisfaction to the bicycle programs on campus. Also, the “Bike to Breakfast” program held in 2010 surveyed participants in regards to their overall satisfaction.

88. Have you done an economic impact study on bicycling in your college/university?

No

88a. If yes, briefly describe. (250 word limit)

89. Does your college/university have other programs or policies to evaluate and/or plan bicycling conditions, programs, and facilities?

Yes

89a. If yes, describe. (250 word limit)

 The Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee is an organization at Colorado State University dedicated to promoting the education and awareness of regulations and policies among cyclists on campus. A goal is that a safe campus will be available to bicyclists. This will in turn promote healthy activity and a reduction in automotive emissions.

Final Overview

90. What are the three primary reasons your college/university deserves to be designated a Bicycle Friendly University? 90a.

Reason One (100 word limit)

The CSU Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee (CBAC) helps create the “bicycle-friendly” atmosphere at CSU. This grass roots organization was self-initiated by passionate cyclists on campus. This committee works tirelessly to ensure that cyclist issues are addressed and that all new projects, programs, and enforcements or regulations take the cycling population into account. The committee is a diverse group made up of community members, police and parking services, city transportation and CSU facilities

personnel and students. CBAC has members who represent important constituencies who are vital for promoting cycling and a bicycle-friendly campus.

90b. Reason Two (100 word limit)

 The Fort Collins community supports and encourages safe cycling and has received the LAB “Gold” level community award. This environment allows CSU to enlist support from the city and to promote safe cycling on campus. Fort Collins actively works with CSU on cyclist education programs, commuter promotion programs, development and maintenance of bicycle-friendly infrastructure. These projects are facilitated by the CBAC, which includes the city, students, faculty, staff, and community members. This synergistic collaboration creates a bicycle-friendly atmosphere for students on campus and throughout the Fort Collins community. This initiative has effectively created a safer campus environment for cyclists.

90c. Reason Three (100 word limit)

 CSU is internationally known for its efforts supporting green initiatives that reduce its carbon footprint. The administration is focused on these priorities and encourages environmentally enlightened programs and practices. CSU has recently become a part of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, and as a member of this group has created a Climate Action Plan that focuses on reducing campus emissions to achieve carbon neutrality. The plan will improve infrastructure for faculty staff, and students who bike or walk to campus, such as bike racks and locker facilities, and provide incentives to encourage biking.

91. What are the three aspects of your college/university most in need of improvement in order to accommodate bicyclists?

91a. Aspect One (100 word limit)

One of the areas that needs improvement is additional education programs for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. CSU does have basic education materials for cyclists, but these programs need to offer comprehensive education that covers all aspects of cycling from maintenance and health to sustainability and commuting. Education programs also need to incorporate motorists and pedestrians. This ensures that everyone on the road or bike path will understand the “rules of the road” and be able to safely coexist. 

91b. Aspect Two (100 word limit)

Many traffic signs on bike paths are inconsistent both within the campus and city network. CSU could benefit from a comprehensive wayfinding system that includes additional and upgraded traffic signs to improve connectivity and safe campus accessibility. Although CSU has an extensive network of paths and lanes, there are issues with linking the campus to the city’s bikeway system.

91c. Aspect Three (100 word limit)

CSU needs to continually improve its data collection and monitoring processes of cyclists and motorists on campus. Improvement in this area will allow the university to conduct a comprehensive analysis, providing an accurate representation of campus commuters. In the future, CSU CBAC and CSU will work toward developing data collection methods that include physical bicycle counts, bicyclist and motorist surveys, accident reporting, and economic benefits. This information will be used to direct education efforts, infrastructure development, and enforcement priorities to enable motorists and bicyclists to be treated equally and fairly.

92. Are you planning any new projects based on your completion of the Bicycle Friendly University application?

Yes

92a. If yes, describe. (500 word limit)

 After the completion of this application and the acknowledgement of some areas that need improvements, the CBAC is working on several new projects: An area that needs improvement on the CSU campus relates to cyclists and motorist education. A new project that addresses cyclist education is called RamCycle. This program will be based off an active pilot program and be designed to educate freshman CSU students in the residence halls. The goal of this program is to educate Resident Advisors on bicycle safety topics so that

they will be able to teach this information to the students on their hall floor. The first stage of this project will be initiated spring 2011.

One project will involve educating motorists on current Colorado bicycle laws. CBAC will work toward creating and providing informational handouts and fliers to all students, faculty, and staff who purchase vehicle parking permits and who register bicycles. These materials will educate drivers on the rights of cyclists and promote safer interaction between these two groups. Another significant outcome from the submission of this application is the near completion of a campus specific bicycle map which includes bicycle safety elements, bike routes, and bicycle amenities such as bike lanes, bike parking, and transit connectors. With respect to data collection, this application has encouraged CBAC to think broader about data collection methods to be used in the creation of a logic model. This action plan would determine goals and objectives and create an implementation strategy that focuses outcomes to utilize resources effectively.

93. Has completing this application made you more aware of what your college/university needs to do to be more bicycle-friendly?

Yes

93a. If yes, describe. (250 word limit)

This application has enabled CBAC to take a holistic view of campus which will yield a more comprehensive planning and implementation of our goals and objectives. While there has been a lot of support for cyclists on the CSU campus, this application process has shown that more efforts need to be made to address and understand overall commuting habits and barriers. CSU needs to continue to create environments that encourage more people to get on their bikes. Recognizing this has led CBAC to begin to work on new incentive programs and projects for bicycle commuters. Overall this application has helped us take an indepth look at the CSU community and has brought to light many of our strengths and weaknesses with respect to safe and convenient cycling.

Finally, successful recognition and designation of Colorado State University as a bicycle friendly university has the potential to garner additional support and encourage influential collaborations. This designation will leverage current efforts and will carry forward the progress of the Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee.

94. What are the biggest challenges you see to becoming more bicycle-friendly? (250 word limit)

One significant challenge for CSU is implementing capital improvement projects directly related to bicycle access and connectivity.

CSU’s current economic climate may prohibit such projects in the near future. CSU’s strength lies in its sheer number of bicyclists on a day to day basis; however, the challenge exists within teaching 5,000 new students a year proper cycling behavior. The CBAC has initiated extensive outreach to new and returning students, but we recognize that we have several more years of intensive bicycle education outreach in order to arrive at a tipping point where safe cycling is the norm. Another inherent challenge, which is found in

most universities, is the dynamic nature of a revolving student body. In this environment, it is difficult to maintain consistency of active members of the campus cycling culture. Finally, another challenge we are faced with is competing for student attention with respect to cycling issues on campus. Students are inundated with a myriad of activities and studies on an ongoing basis. Despite these daunting challenges, Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee remains confident and willing to make the Colorado State University campus a 21st century Bicycle Friendly University.

If you have any additional pictures, links or documents that you would like to submit as supplements to your application, please attach them in an email to bfa@bikeleague.org

Now that we have a Safety Program, Let's Get Rolling

by Rick Price, Ph.D.
First published in the Fort Collins Coloradoan March 7, 2011

City Council adopted the new Bicycle Safety Education Plan on Tuesday, paving the way for a bicycle program where before we had just a plan.

That plan for the past 15 years was to build bicycle infrastructure. We've done a great job at that and continue to do so. The plan included encouragement initiatives like Bike to Work Day, Winter Bike to Work, Light up the Night, Commuter Incentives, Bike Library and others. There was very little education in the plan, though, besides pamphlets, a website and marketing initiatives tied to our encouragement efforts. And there was even less enforcement in the plan, as our police really didn't know where to begin to reign in the scofflaws.
I am hopeful that we are on the edge of a big change.
What happened in the process of writing the Bicycle Safety Education Plan is that we saw transportation planners talking with traffic engineers, educators and law enforcement officers about how to make this a safer bicycle community. They began asking questions about where and why bike/car crashes happen and how we can prevent them through engineering solutions, serious educational outreach and enforcement with an eye to educating all road users. This important change lays the groundwork for the development of a city bicycle program.
In its 2005 report, "Blueprint for Better Bicycling: 40 Ways to Get There," Portland's Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) identified several categories of cyclists. That report has been getting a lot of traction. We should make use of it as we roll out our new bicycle program.
BTA noted that 33 percent of people won't pedal, period. Either they are too young and their mother won't let them, or they are too old, too busy or just not interested. Another 1 percent are wild-eyed cyclists who will ride any time and 7 percent are "enthused and confident" (that's me and many of you, I presume). The important number here, though, is the remaining 59 percent of the population described as "interested" but "concerned." Call them a huge pool of potential bicycle riders.
If you talk with this group in Fort Collins, you will find people who express concerns such as "I don't know what to do when the bike lane finishes," or "I'm uncomfortable with the traffic in Fort Collins," or even, "it is simply not safe to bicycle in this town."
Portland addressed similar concerns by developing bicycle boulevards - think of them as bicycle thoroughfares - on neighborhood streets. They also hold frequent special bicycle events during which they close streets to automobiles to let residents experience riding without fear of cars and to help them create new mental maps of how to get around the community. And they adopted innovative techniques to slow traffic, educate motorists and bicyclists and promote bicycling.
Education is a big part of this new direction. Let me know if you or your business would like to help.