Bicycle Committee Meeting, April 14, 2011

Bicycle Committee Meeting, April 14, 2011
8:30 a.m. Council Chambers of City Hall

The press was notified of the meeting and Jason Evans with the Easley Progress was present.

Committee Present: Councilman Chris Mann, Councilman Brian Garrison, Councilman Dave Watson, Christine de Vlaming. Also present Patrick Rivers with Land Planning & Associates, Eric Dillon with the SCDOT, Tia Smith. Lisa Garrett served as the secretary recording the minutes.

A few minutes of discussion on the Brushy Creek Greenway. The project is progressing nicely.

Discuss went to the North A St. reduction. There was a public meeting before the city council meeting in March to discuss the project. Many of the folks that attended were not happy with the plans. It is the committee’s hope that with more education and information the public will see the value in the project. It will slow traffic down which will make the street safer. It will add a bicycle lane, and add some green space.

Eric Dillon with the SCDOT had a few comments. He said there was probably not enough traffic volume to warrant a red light at North A and West Main St, but they would do a crash data and traffic count at peak times in that area and also the effects of the train.
According to Patrick Rivers North A would go from 4 lanes to 3 which would consist of two lanes and one turning lane.

Councilman Watson feels this project will help with turning into businesses off North A and with pedestrians trying to cross. It is his opinion that the project would help the area.
Tia Smith gave out information and suggestions on looking at this project (and others) from a health prospect. Get people out walking/biking/running. Possibly work in conjunction with the Easley Farmers Market, making for a healthier community. Offer education and fun programs and partnerships with other organizations.

Christine feels the public needs more personal contact from the committee and information. Councilman Watson stated that the committee had made a lot of progress so far but with anything the government works slowly.

It was suggested the May meeting would be a public meeting to discuss the project in more detail with the general public. The committee also agreed to start meeting every month instead of every other month.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35