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 lanes on a portion of Oak Run Parkway.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Council District: 3
Engineering staff received a request from citizens to restrict parking in the bike lanes on Oak Run Parkway from Oak Cascade to Veramendi Elementary during the morning and afternoon drop-off and pickup times. This request is due to concerns about the safety of parents and children that ride their bicycles to and from the school.
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.
Oak Run Parkway in this area between Oak Cascade and the New Braunfels city limits at the edge of the Veramendi Elementary property is approximately 60 feet wide including a 4 foot buffered bike lane on both sides. The speed limit is 30 mph with a portion in the school speed zone for Veramendi Elementary posted at 20 mph during morning and afternoon hours. There are two residential homes facing Oak Run Parkway within this segment with driveway access off of Oak Brook.
Bike lanes are also installed on various segments of Oak Run Parkway from SH 46 to the city limit and on Oak Run Parkway and the adjacent collector streets, Geneva and Borchers Boulevard, in the Veramendi development. Parking will be restricted for bike lanes adjacent to the school and within the Veramendi development. Official signs will be installed with the public infrastructure prior to city acceptance and enforced through Comal County.
Observations were conducted during the afternoon pickup times to determine the number of vehicles parked in the bike lanes at the requested time. Staff observed vehicles parked in the bike lane on the north side of Oak Run Parkway both in the city limits and on the portion of the road that is in Comal County/Veramendi. Please note that the portion in Comal County has not been accepted as a public roadway and the final signs have not been installed. It should be noted that there was significant bicycle and pedestrian activity on Oak Run Parkway and adjacent neighborhood streets.
As a result of the observations, staff recommends restricting parking in the bike lanes on both sides of Oak Run Parkway from Oak Cascade to the city limits at all times. Staff also recommends extending the restriction to SH 46 to provide for safer bike lanes. This recommendation will provide a consistent restriction for this section of the road so that the bike lanes remain clear at all times.
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 lanes on a portion of Oak Run Parkway at their meeting on September 14, 2017.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of establishing no parking zones in the bike lanes on both sides of Oak Run Parkway from State Highway 46 north to the city limits.