01-05-1998 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 5, 1998 (#3) BIKE ROUTES A. FINALIZED REPORT - ERICKSON McDermott questioned how the information provided by Gappa regarding bike route road standards will affect the routes as designated. Gappa acknowledged that many of the routes do not meet the standards. B. NEW MAPS - ERICKSON Erickson indicated that the corrected maps are not yet color coded. C. WIDE SHOULDER AND DESIGNATED BIKE ROUTE REQUIREMENTS - GAPPA Wilson asked for discussion regarding the requirements to determine whether any changes would be required to the bike routes. Gappa referenced page 4(4) in the packet where the standard for a typical bike route is from a minimum of 4' to 10'. He indicated that all bike routes should be to this standard. Wilson asked about bike routes with no shoulders. Gappa said alot of these type of bike routes are on low traveled roadways in other communities but is not the case in Orono. Wilson asked how this applies to Fox Street. Gappa noted the difficulty in obtaining a continuous network for signage. He feels the standard should be reached before any signage is added. Welles noted that there is a distinction between experienced and average bike riders and the bike routes should be geared to the average bike rider. Wilson indicated that the standards pose a problem to the bike routes currently designated as the Commission would not want to see some of the routes widened as it would change the character and beauty of the roads. Discussion of this problem resulted in the Commission decided not to recommend signage on what had been designated bike routes due to the majority being major arterial roadways. Watertown Road was cited as being problematic. Gappa noted the lack of a continuous route as well, though Watertown Road does connect to other routes via Old Crystal Bay Road bike route. Gappa noted that the standards are not regulated by State law but are an accepted standard. 3