BECOMING A BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY A guide for applying to The League of American Bicyclists, Bicycle Friendly Community Program
What is a Bicycle Friendly Community? League of American Bicyclists Program Provides Roadmap Based on 5 E s Build a Bicycle Culture Bicycling from 8 to 80 Only 16 Florida Bicycle Friendly Communities Image Credits: League of American Bicyclists
The History of the Effort 2008 TEAM Punta Gorda Spokes & Trails Committee formed 2010 Punta Gorda Pathways begun by City of Punta Gorda 2011 Initial Application, honorable mention 2013 Appointment of City s Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator 2013 Formation of Bicycle Friendly Communities Committee 2014 Charlotte Community Foundation grant for Wayfinding signs & Share the Lane Website 2015 Site Visit and Consultation by LAB
Our Collaborative Effort TEAM Punta Gorda City of Punta Gorda Punta Gorda Police Department Bicycle Patrol Punta Gorda Fire Department Medics on Bikes Charlotte Public Schools Safe Routes to School Charlotte County Health Department Charlotte County MPO Charlotte County Office of Tourism Peace River Riders Bicycle Club Acme Bicycle Shop Isles Yacht Club Private citizens
The Five E s: Achieved Through Shared Leadership 1. Engineering Creating safe & convenient places to ride & park City of Punta Gorda 2. Enforcement Ensuring safe streets for all users Punta Gorda Police Department 4. Evaluation & Planning Planning safe & viable transportation options All Partners 5. Encouragement Creating a strong bicycle culture TEAM Punta Gorda 3. Education Giving people the skills & confidence to ride TEAM Punta Gorda & Punta Gorda Police Department Image Credits: Federal Highway Administration
1. Engineering Creating Safe & Convenient Places To Ride & Park Our Goal Create a well-connected network of on and off street bicycle infrastructure.
1. Engineering Community Accomplishments 2030 Alternative Transportation Plan Bicycle Facilities Map Sidewalk Facilities Map Punta Gorda Pathways Harborwalk Linear Park Route 41 MURT Sharrows on US 17
1.Engineering Moving Forward Infrastructure Types Traffic Volume & Speed Development Pattern Existing Street Conditions Low Hanging Fruit Identify Opportunities Cost Effective Rapid Implementation
Bicycle Infrastructure Types Separated Facilities Multi-Use Path Shared by bicycles & pedestrians Punta Gorda Pathways Separated Bicycle Lane Separated Bicycle Only On Street Facilities Bicycle Boulevard On Street Shared by bicycles & vehicles Bicycle Lane Bicycle Only US 41 Bridges
Infrastructure Type: Multi Use Path Punta Gorda Pathways Goal 17 Mile System Example Project Laishley Park Marina Harborwalk Missing link
Infrastructure Type: Bicycle Boulevard Neighborhood Connections System Links Example Project Coronado/Aqui Esta
Infrastructure Type: Bicycle Lane Dedicated Space Urban Collectors Example Project Nesbit Street
Infrastructure Type: Separated Bicycle Lane MORE - Dedicated Space Major Urban Collectors Example Project W Marion Ave
2. Enforcement Ensuring Safe Streets For All Users Our Goal Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety through education, communication, and enforcement.
2. Enforcement Community Accomplishments Traffic Safety & Enforcement Plan Enforcement PGPD Bicycle Patrol 3 foot campaign Bait bike operations Education 3 Foot Law Stickers Bicycle Rodeos Active public media program
2. Enforcement Moving Forward B.E.E.P. Bicycle Part of our community Education Training Enforcement Safety Program Holistic approach
2.Enforcement B.E.E.P. Officer Training Bike Patrol Trail Watch Safe Routes to School
2. Enforcement B.E.E.P. Public Education Youth Events Information Booth
Other Public Safety Programs Punta Gorda Fire Department: Medics on Bikes Agile rapid initial response in crowds & festivals Equipment funded by the BFCC & Peace River Riders
3. Education Giving People The Skills & Confidence To Ride Our Goal Develop a broad-based bicycle education campaign.
3. Education Community Accomplishments Developed Website Bicycle education Bicycle Encouragement I m a Spokesperson Traditional Media Campaign
3. Education Moving forward Expand website & brand Multi-Strategy Media Campaign Educational Materials Public Service Announcements E-resources Links Bicycle Safety Month Social Media
3. Education Training for All Provide Bicycle Safety Training for Diverse Target Audiences Driver focused Bicycle riders Youth
4. Evaluation & Planning Safe & viable transportation options Our Goal Develop a Bicycle Master Plan for Punta Gorda
4. Evaluation & Planning Community Accomplishments: Complete Streets Program Bicycle Friendly Communities Collaboration (BFCC) Data Collection Bicycle Count Crash Analysis BFCC Infrastructure Survey
4. Evaluation & Planning Moving Forward: Develop Bicycle Master Plan Update 2030 Alternative Transportation Plan 5-year Capital Improvements Program Report Card Enhance data collection Evaluate Safe Routes to School Crosswalks Safety Concerns
5. Encouragement Creating a strong bicycle culture Our Goal Provide ample opportunities & support for safe bicycling as recreation and transportation in Punta Gorda.
5. Encouragement Community Accomplishments Free Bicycle Loaner program Wayfinding Maps & Bicycle Racks Major bicycle events Pedal & Play Wheels & Wings Hamster Wheel 200
5. Encouragement Moving Forward Events Grow existing events Encourage new events Event Clearinghouse- Share the Lane Develop innovative bicycle projects National Bike Month Bicycle Friendly Businesses Bicycle Co-op Youth Events Bicycle Parking
Our Path Forward Update Bicycle Master Plan Adopt 5-year bicycle infrastructure CIP Pursue Bicycle Friendly Community status
QUESTIONS Special Thanks to TEAM Punta Gorda & Punta Gorda Police Department