CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF FRESNO
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
As Amended on November 11, 2021
BACKGROUND
At both the state and national level, it has been recognized by the Legislature and Congress that the time has arrived to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Promoting more widespread and efficient active transportation systems are central to balancing the country's multi-modal transportation system. The involvement of concerned and engaged citizens to address these issues and advise local legislative and administrative bodies is required to meet our common objectives of creating more livable communities.
The City of Fresno recognizes that it is in the public interest to officially recognize active transportation as a viable transportation option. The development and implementation of a strong active transportation policy, including: bikeways, walkways, secure parking, improved access to public transit, intermodal bicycle-transit coordination, and educational programs for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers to promote the safe sharing of public roadways must be given a priority in transportation planning.
It is with this background that an Advisory Committee is established to advise the City Council, Office of the Mayor and city staff on active transportation matters.
MISSION
To make Fresno a more active transportation friendly city.
OBJECTIVE
The City's Active Transportation Advisory Committee (hereinafter Advisory Committee) shall advise and recommend policies for the planning, development and maintenance of pedestrian and bikeway systems for safe and enjoyable circulation for both utilitarian commuting travel and recreation within the City.
The Advisory Committee's goal will be to ensure sensitivity to bicycle and pedestrian issues in the design and implementation of all public works projects which impact bicyclists and pedestrians, including bicycle and pedestrian safety, active transportation connectivity and public engagement on relevant projects.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
The Advisory Committee is established to advise the City Council on active transportation matters and shall meet at least 10 times a year and report no less than semi-annually to the City Council on its recommendations and pending works. This committee's advisory and review function on matters related to active transportation shall include, but not be limited to:
1. REVIEW OF CITY PLANS
a. The Advisory Committee shall participate in the development and review of comprehensive active transportation goals, objectives and implementation policies in the general plan, community plans and area specific plans . These plans shall include non-motorized transportation objectives, maps of existing and proposed bike ways - including supporting facilities such as bicycle parking and walkways within the city, as well as those connecting to surrounding jurisdictions, pedestrian walkways and crossings . The Advisory Committee shall be informed about participation opportunities in the development of such plans. b. The Advisory Committee shall also review recommended changes to same bicycle/pedestrian sub-element of the general plan, community plans, and area specific plans.
c. The Advisory Committee shall be represented on any citizens advisory committee charged with updating the Active Transportation Plan. d. The Advisory Committee shall work with the City to promote active modes of transportation.
2. EXISTING CONDITIONS
a. The Advisory Committee shall review and comment on the functional classification and physical condition of existing bicycle paths / shared use paths , bicycle lanes , bicycle routes and cycle tracks (Caltrans Class I, II, Ill and IV facilities, respectively) within the City.
b. The Advisory Committee shall notify staff of any current road hazards, obstructions, site access restrictions, circulation impediments (e.g. to parks, airports, transit stations, across freeways, bridges, etc.) as they affect cyclists and pedestrians.
c. The Advisory Committee shall review and comment on the current provision of bicycle parking facilities within the city and recommend appropriate bicycle parking technology and locations whic h would increase use of bicycles for commuting and other utilitarian trips.
3. REVIEW ROAD AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
a. The Advisory Committee shall be informed of all projects that fall within the city's jurisdiction insofar as they relate to active transportation and be afforded the opportunity to review the design of the projects for a ccommodation of cyclists’ and pedestrians' needs.
b. The Advisory Committee shall make recommendations to City staff regarding safety issues for all types of bicycle and pedestrian
facilities (e.g. proper signs, street markers, traffic calming and control devices to designate bikeways, regulate traffic, and improve safety and convenience for bicyclists and pedestrians.)
4. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & FUNDING
a. The Advisory Committee shall make recommendations on capital improvements to increase use and safety of bicycle/pedestrian facilities (e.g. bikeways, signage, pedestrian/bicycle bridges, bike parking facilities, intersection and traffic signals, traffic calming, walkways, etc.).
b. The Advisory Committee shall be advised of participation opportunities in the review, prioritizing and recommendations of bicycle/pedestrian projects for funding under either Capital Improvements Programs, designated Transportation Development Act Article 3 funds or other district, county, state or federal bicycle and pedestrian grant programs.
5. ENFORCEMENT
The Advisory Committee shall provide input to the City Council and Police Department on:
a. Enforcement of provisions of the vehicle code pertaining to the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers of vehicles and the resulting effect on collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians. b. Bicycle-parking capacity, security and theft prevention. c. Legislation regarding bicycle and pedestrian travel in the city.
6. EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS
a. The Advisory Committee shall participate in the City’s efforts to promote operator (children, youth, and adult cyclist; and motorist) awareness and competence through education programs, coordinating with County programs where available.
b. The Advisory Committee shall participate in the City's efforts to promote bicycling and walking as viable forms of urban transportation and recreation. c. The Committee will also participate in other local, regional or statewide bicycle promotion activities and take a leadership role in encouraging Bike to Work Day/Week in May and Pedestrian Month in October of each year.
7. ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
The Advisory Committee shall consist of voting members representing each council district and the Mayor representing the city at large. Each councilmember shall appoint one committee member, and the Mayor shall appoint two. All appointees shall be approved by city council. Members shall be individuals who have a strong in terest and enthusiasm for planning, improving and maintaining active transportation facilities, education, encouragement, enforcement and equity.
Committee members must live within the City of Fresno or in a county island within the City of Fresno . The Cit y Manager will designate staff from the Public Works , Development, Parks and Recreation and Transit Departments to provide administrative and technical support to the committee.
8. ORGANIZATION AND TERMS OF OFFICE
The Advisory Committee members shall annually elect a chair-person and a vice -chair and hold the election at the beginning of the year . City staff will provide secret arial support to include taking minutes and maintaining records of the Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee shall establish rules and regulations for its own organization and procedures and shall meet when necessary, as determined by the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee shall meet a minimum of 1 0 times a year. All meetings shall, except as provided by law, be open to the public. After three unexcused absences members are deemed to be resigned and seats can be reappointed. The replacement will fill out t he remainder of the term and then may be reappointed to a full term.
The term of each member of the Advisory Committee shall be three years. Initial appointments will be staggered, by lot, so that three members serve a three -year term, three members will serve a two-year term and three members will serve a one-year term. Thereafter, all subsequent appointments will be for a three-year term.
Appointments can be renewed for consecutive three-year terms. Members serve at-will.
The three year term for a n ew appointee starts from the date of city council approval, and ends on the third anniversary of the date of their approval.
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