Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Garry Ford, City Engineer
Contact Info
(830) 221-4020 - gford@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Discuss and consider approval of the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 126-346 of the Code of Ordinances to restrict parking in the bike lane on Industrial Drive.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Council District: 4
Engineering staff received a request from a citizen to restrict parking in the bike lane on Industrial Drive. This request is due to concerns about the safety of cyclists as well as sight distance issues from the numerous driveways along Industrial Drive.
Bike lanes designate an exclusive space for bicyclists through the use of pavement markings and signage. Bike lanes enable bicyclists to ride at their preferred speed without interference from prevailing traffic conditions. Bike lanes also facilitate predictable behavior and movements between bicyclists and motorists. Bicyclists may leave the bike lane to pass other bicyclists, make left turns, avoid obstacles or debris, and avoid other conflicts with other users of the street. Bike lanes also provide a buffer for pedestrians on sidewalks and pedestrians use bike lanes when sidewalks are not available. In Texas, there is no general restriction of parking in bike lanes. Restricting parking in bike lanes is covered by local ordinances and official signs.
Industrial Drive is approximately 40 feet wide including a 5 foot striped bike lane on the north side of the street and extends between Loop 337 and Gruene Road. The speed limit is 30 mph. This request is to restrict parking along the north side of the road only, which would allow for the bike lane to be kept clear for cyclists and pedestrians, and allow for adequate sight distance at the driveways. Due to the absence of sidewalks on Industrial Drive, there are also pedestrian walkers and runners that use the bike lanes. These pedestrians include people walking to and from work and people exercising at the many gyms along Industrial Drive.
A parking study was conducted in August 2017 to determine the parking demand during a typical business day along the entire length of Industrial Drive. The summary of the parking study is attached.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
2006 Comprehensive Plan: Transportation Goal 21: Provide a system of convenient and safe transportation facilities through comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing transportation system planning and development.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Traffic control signs cost approximately $150 each. Sufficient funding is available in the FY16-17 approved streets and drainage budget.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board unanimously approved the recommendation to City Council to amend Section 126-346 of the City of New Braunfels Code of Ordinances to restrict parking in the bike lane on Industrial Drive at their meeting on September 14, 2017.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of establishing no parking zones in the bike lane on the north side of Industrial Drive from Loop 337 to Gruene Road.