City of Batavia Bicycle Commission met Nov. 8.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
1. Roll Call: John Gamble, Jenn Ress, Joanne Spitz, Troy Simpson, John Burnham, Randy Deicke, Jared Heck, Amy Moore, Steve Ericksen, Brett Garrett, Philip Vitkus, Evan Thomas
Absent: Dave Pedersen
2. Approve Minutes
3. Bikes for Batavia: Good month! Gave away 10 bikes; 8 for Christmas for Lazarus House and Mutual Ground. A few more getting fixed to give away. A few given to families through Chip In, and a request from John G. Evan is connected to Project 360, a home for teen youth. Jared and Evan working on a 1 page document, “About Us”. It will explain what BfB is looking for in a new space.
Do not encourage more donations unless in excellent working condition and are mountain bikes.
If someone wants to help/donate, ask for bells, lights, locks.
John B will work on updating BBC website and direct bike inquiries to BfB, and add, “contact us” info. Inquiries to BfB should be separate from BBC. John will ask Howard Chasen at the city to help with the new city system.
John asked about giving bikes to Working Bikes…Evan explained they also want bikes in riding condition.
Evan will send email about a work night…all need to wear masks. Two people are currently helping Evan and hope to get more bikes ready to go. No requests from CC or pantry. Cash on hand about $360.
Evan has given away about 250 bikes since June 2020!! THANK YOU, EVAN!
4. RMS Bike Racks: Joanne reached out to Barco about the double tiered bike racks they wanted to test/donate to RMS a few years ago and RMS wants it. Concrete was laid this week to install this rack, Barco and Robert Schmidt, BPS101 Facilities Director are working together on this, and Barco will meet Robert to help with installation once concrete is set.
5. Bike Plan: Amy sent BBC information. Will take 1 year. Different groups asked to be part of group: City, BPD, BPS101, Library, Troy, Chamber, BBC, and “drivers”. 3 people from Active Trans are involved as well as Ed Barsotti. BBC should look at Bicycle Friendly application to include things in plan to take us to the next level for Bicycle Friendly Community status.
Most towns in Kane County have a bike plan; many are part of county plan. St. Charles has a set of routes, but not an official plan.
6. Kolony: No data for past month. Nov 15 is date bikes should be taken in for winter.
7. Scooter/Bike Rack grant from Fit for Kids (Kane County Health Dept): They asked for a summary of the success of the grant for 4 scooter racks and 2 bike racks. Joanne will contact the schools for photos and information to write a report to send to them.
8. Bike Ed: Jenn would like to have programs in May, perhaps around Bike to School Day. She suggested we develop a volunteer base, similar to Environmental Commission. We should all look for community members who want to be engaged with bicycle events. Include request for volunteers on facebook/website; ask them to be honorary BBC members.
Question is: How do we get people to listen to educational programs to teach drivers how to co-exist on road with cyclists. Many drivers don’t know newer bike laws, or that road rules also apply for cyclists.
Would provide more safety if bike routes were more fully connected. Volunteers on the Bike Plan could benefit/revolve into ongoing BBC volunteers.
We have 667 followers on facebook; need to share zoom link for meetings with them.
Bike routes could help ease driving issues when Shodeen starts construction.
9. WELCOME Phil Vitkus to our meetings. We are so glad you are joining and look forward to collaborating on your ideas!
http://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11082021-1828
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