BFC_Spring_2013_closed Submitted by Michael Faught on 2013-02-26 16:54:45

Name of Community Name of Community City of Ashland State Has the community applied to the Friendly Community program before? Yes What was the result of the community's last application? Bronze Mayor or top elected official (include title) Mayor John Stromberg Phone 541-488-5300 Email [email protected] Address 20 E. Main Street, Ashland, OR 97520 Website www.ashland.or.us

Applicant Profile Applicant Name Michael Faught Title Public Works Director Department Public Works Employer City of Ashland Address 20 E. Main Street City Ashland State Oregon Zip 97502 Phone 541-488-5587 Email [email protected] Are you the Bicycle Program Manager? Yes If no, does your community have a Bicycle Program Manager?

What is the Bicycle Program Manager’s contact information? Michael Faught (see above)

Community Profile 1. Type of Jurisdiction Town/City/Municipality If other, describe (50 word limit)

2. For purposes of comparison, would you describe your community as largely suburban 3. ClimateAverage daytime temperature (in °F)

January 47 April 62 July 87 October 68 Average precipitation (in inches)

January 2.48 April 1.69 July 0.51 October 1.46 4. Size of community (in sq. mi.)

Total area 6.59 Water area

Land area 6.59 5. Total Population 20,232 5a. Student population (during semester) 10-25%

6. Population Density (Person per sq. mi. of land area) 3047.2 7. Median Household Income $40,140 8. Age distribution (in percent)

Under 5 3.5% Age 5-17 15.9% Age 18-64 63% Age 65+ 17.6% Totals (should equal 100) 100% 9. Race (in percent)

White 90.3% Black or African American 1.1% American Indian and Alaska Native 0.9% Asian 2.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.3% Some other race 1.3% Two or more races 4.0% Totals (should equal 100) 100% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 5.1% 10. How many government employees (including the Bicycle Program Manager), expressed in full-time equivalents, work on bicycle issues in your community? Public Works 1.5 FTE; Planning 1.5 FTE; Ashland Police 1 FTE; Ashland Parks & Recreation 1.25 FTE 11. What percentage of the community's Bicycle Program Manager's time is spent on bicycling issues? 10% or less 12. Do you have a Bicycle Advisory Committee? Yes 12a. How often does it meet? Monthly or more frequently 12b. How many members serve on the committee? There are seven voting members on the Transportation Commission and twelve non-voting ex officio members. The Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission and the Traffic Safety Commission were disbanded in the creation of a single Transportation Commission. 12c. Which of the following groups are represented or regularly attend the Bicycle Advisory Committee? Check all that apply. Law Enforcement,Chamber of Commerce,Planning Department,Transportation Department,Parks Department,Recreation Department,Transit Agency,Other If other, describe (50 word limit) The Director of Public Works or designee serves as the primary staff liaison and as Secretary of the Commission. A City Council liaison and a Southern Oregon University student liaison regularly attend commission meetings. 12d. Name and email of Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair David Young - [email protected] 13. List all bicycle advocacy groups in your community Ashland Bicycle Works Ashland Ashland Mountain Adventures Ashland Woodlands & Trails Association Bear Creek Bicycle Bear Creek Greenway Foundation Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association (RVMBA) (chapter of the IMBA) Siskiyou Cyclery Siskiyou Velo Club Southern Oregon Partners Active Transportation (SOPAT) Standing Stone Brewery United Bicycle Institute 13a. List the name and email of the primary contact for the bicycle advocacy community Phil Gagnon, President of Siskiyou Velo - [email protected] 13b. Do you contract with any advocacy groups for services or programs? Check all that apply. Paid,Volunteer 13c. List all advocacy groups that are working with you on this application. Ashland Woodlands & Trails Association (AWTA) League of American Bicyclists Instructors Rogue Valley Transit District (RVTD) Siskiyou Velo Cycling Club Southern Oregon Partners Active Transportation (SOPAT) 14. What are the primary reasons your community has invested in bicycling? Check all that apply. Improved quality of life,Improving public ,Community connectivity,Transportation options,Reduce car-parking demands,/environmental stewardship concerns,Decrease traffic congestion,Increase tourism,Cooperation with adjacent communities,Public demand,Economic development,Support Smart Growth or other growth management goals ,Traffic and bicycle/pedestrian safety,Meet local or state requirements,Other If other, describe (50 word limit) Ashland's vision is to retain our small-town character even while we grow. We proactively plan for modal equity ensuring we have the opportunity to conveniently and safely use the mode of choice, moving toward a less auto-dependent community. 15. What was your community's most significant achievement for bicycling in the past year? (500 word limit) Road Diet: N. Main St. provides the primary access to our community from the north. With an ADT of 19,000 trips/day, N. Main St. has been one of the weakest links in our community for bike/pedestrian travel. In October 2012, a one-year pilot project was implemented reconfiguring a 1.25-mile stretch of N. Main St. from four-lanes to three-lanes with 6-ft. bike lanes and a left-turn refuge lane. The reconfiguration allows traffic to continue unimpeded by turning movements, thus reducing vehicular crashes, reducing travel speeds, and provides a safe bike and pedestrian facility encouraging residents to choose to walk or bike rather than taking their cars for local trips. At the end of the road diet trial period, the City and community will determine if they would like to keep the road diet on N. Main St. or return it to its previous form. (i.e. four-lane cross-section). The evaluation measures include: improved safety, reduced vehicle speeds, increased bicycle and pedestrian volumes, maintain acceptable vehicle travel time, and community support. Ongoing monthly data is being collected as well as community input. To date, the road diet has received tremendous support from the community and especially from bicycle enthusiasts. Ashland Watershed Master Trails Plan: The Ashland Watershed Master Trails Plan has been submitted to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for approval. The executive summary describes the Ashland watershed trails on USFS land as immensely popular. On virtually any given day you will see bikers, runners, hikers, dog walkers, and the occasional equestrian. Locals love their trails and, increasingly, others do too. Mountain bike magazines tout the Ashland trails to ride and one even devotes an article to “the perfect Ashland downhill bike.” Rated the top city for trail in the nation by Outside Magazine (2010), Ashland was also ranked one of the top recreational cities in the country, partially based on its network of trails. However, the trails are not problem-free. Concerns of trail user conflict and safety, erosion, fire danger, habitat encroachment, deleterious effects on Ashland’s water supply and the lack of a sustainable plan for the future have prompted Ashland Woodlands & Trails Association (AWTA) to spearhead the master plan effort. Executive Summary submitted to the USFS can be found at:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5371594.pdf USFS Scoping Letter: http://a123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic.download.akamai.com/11558/www/nepa/89822_FSPLT2_149398.pdf USFS webpage dedication to Ashland Trails Project: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/landmanagement/projects/?cid=stelprdb5371610 16. What specific improvements do you have planned for bicycling in the following year? (250 word limit) 1) Along with plans to implement additional bike parking, sharrows and signage, the City of Ashland has secured funding to provide an additional route for local, multi-modal east-west travel. The extension of E. Nevada St. involves construction of a new 0.12 mile paved roadway linking the existing terminus of E. Nevada St. with N. Mountain Ave. It requires construction of a bridge over Bear Creek and will contain bicycle lanes and sidewalks allowing for greatly improved connectivity. The connection is a critical element for the extension of the Bear Creek Greenway, a 17.1mile paved, multi-use trail. Trail managers and the non-profit Bear Creek Greenway Foundation have identified the connection to N. Mountain Ave. as a high priority. 2) The Ashland Watershed planned improvements involve building more trails to increase safety by separating downhill bikes from other uses. This will occur both on City and USFS land and will happen with the help of community volunteers organized by the AWTA and the RVMB. Ongoing mountain bike trail maintenance will continue. 3) The neighboring city of Talent has approved a road diet design for a section of Hwy 99 adding much needed 6-ft bike lanes. The implementation of the road diet in Ashland has inspired the City of Talent to approve the redesign, thus adding key safety features for bicyclists using this heavy traveled route. The cycling community will continue to encourage Oregon Department of Transportation to extend the road diet from this section of Hwy 99 connecting it to the road diet in Ashland.

Engineering 17. Does your community currently have any of the following policies in place? Check all that apply. Local Complete Streets policy ,Local bicycle accommodation policy

17a. When was it adopted? The Ashland TSP was adopted in 1998. The City Council is currently reviewing an updated TSP (link included in 17b). 17b. Provide a link or attach a copy of this legislation or policy Link to the updated Ashland Transportation System Plan (TSP): http://ashlandtsp.com/statics/draft_documents 18c. What tools are in place to ensure implementation? Check all that apply. Implementation guidance,Design manual,Training,Oversight by Bicycle Program Manager,Implementation checklist 19. Does your community currently have any of the following additional policies in place? Check all that apply. Design manual that ensures the safe and appropriate accommodation of bicyclists in every new road project,Streetscape design guidelines ,Connectivity policy or standards ,Other If other, describe (50 word limit) The following policies are included in the updated Ashland TSP: Policy (L11) Integrate Bicycle Parking and Policy (L12) Establish Incentives for Bicycle Friendly Businesses (narrative can be found on p. 102 of the attached Ashland TSP). 20. How do you ensure your engineers and planners accommodate bicyclists according to AASHTO, MUTCD and NACTO standards? (Check all that apply.) Offer FHWA/NHI Training Course,Hire outside consultants to train staff,Send staff to bicycle-specific conferences/training,APBP webinars,Adopted local design manual,Other If other, describe (100 word limit) The adopted land use ordinance requires that adequate city-standard transportation facilities be provided to and through each development site. The council-adopted Street Standards Handbook includes specifications for all facilities, including sidewalks and bike lanes, and is applied to all developments seeking site review or subdivision approval. Subsequent to land use approval to meet local standards, any public facility improvements require that engineered civil drawings demonstrating compliance with all applicable standards including local and AASHTO, MUTCD and NACTO must be provided for review and approval. Street Standards Handbook: http://ashland.or.us/Files/StreetStandards_RevisedAugust2008.pdf 21. Which of the following significant physical barriers to cycling exist in your community? Check all that apply. No significant physical barriers If other, please describe (100 word limit)

22. How do you ensure that there are end-of-trip facilities for bicyclists? Check all that apply. Bike parking ordinance for existing buildings specifying amount and location ,Bike parking ordinance for all new developments specifying amount and location ,Building accessibility ordinance ( are allowed to be parked inside non-residential buildings),On-street bike parking/bicycle corrals ,Ordinance that allows bike parking to substitute for car parking,Other If other, describe (250 word limit) 1) Ordinance requiring showers and lockers in existing and new non-residential buildings: There is no requirement, however a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan Credit is available when demonstrating a reduction in car parking demand by providing incentives or encouragement to walk, bike or use transit. Applicants requesting variances to parking requirements have in the past been required to take additional measures including providing an on-site TDM manager, bus passes, showers, lockers, and etc. 2) Requirement for new developments to meet LEED-Neighborhood Development silver standards or higher: There is no LEED requirement, but a newly adopted district master plan provides height bonuses for LEED certification. LEED buildings get priority permit processing, and LEED certification has been used to justify conditional use permits or variances. City is considering green building incentives this year, including citywide LEED height or density bonuses. 3) Developers are eligible for density bonuses for providing end of trip facilities: There are no density bonuses, but developers can reduce parking required, allowing an intensification of development, with a TDM Plan showing reduced car trips with incentives and encouragement for , biking or using transit. 4) Other: While no bike parking is required within the downtown, the Community Development building includes 14 bike spaces, showers, lockers, and a shared loaner-bike. Bicycle parking is provided with sidewalk U-racks, a covered bike corral on the downtown plaza, and bike corrals installed in the right-of-way at the request of businesses. Bicycle Parking Requirements: http://ashland.or.us/CodePrint.asp?CodeID=3435 23. Do your standards for bike parking conform with APBP guidelines? Yes 24. What is the total number of bike parking spaces in your community? 120 spaces on racks in the downtown business district. This does not include numerous other spaces within the city. 24a. What percentage of bike racks conform with APBP guidelines? more than 75% 24b. Of the total bike parking available, please specify the percentage of bike parking spaces that are:

Bike lockers Less than 1% Parking spaces in bike depots (i.e. Bikestation) 6-15% Parking spaces in bike corrals (on-street bike parking) 16-30% 25. Approximately what percentage of the following locations has bike racks or storage units?

Public and private schools More than 90% Higher Education Institutions More than 90% Libraries More than 90% Transit stations and major bus stops More than 90% Parks & recreation centers 76-90% Other government owned buildings and facilities

More than 90% Event venues (e.g. convention center, movie complex) More than 90% Office buildings 76-90% Retail stores 76-90% Multi-family housing 76-90% Public housing 76-90% 26. Does your community have transit service? Yes 26a. What percentage of buses are equipped with bike racks? more than 75% 26b. Are bikes allowed inside transit vehicles? Yes,Sometimes Describe (50 word limit) Allowing bikes inside transit vehicles is allowed at all times and is dependent on anticipated passenger load. 27. What is the mileage of the existing off-road bicycle network within your community? 60.9 27a. How many miles of the following off-road bicycle accommodations do you have? Answer all that apply (in centerline miles)

Paved shared use paths (?10feet) 4.3 miles paved, shared use paths Natural surface shared use paths (?10feet) 36.6 miles natural surface, shared use paths Singletrack 25 miles; 13.6 miles single track open to bikes 27b. What percentage of natural surface trails and singletrack are open to bicyclists? 51-75% 27c. What are the exceptions? (100 word limit) Ashland Municipal Code 10.68.210 Vehicles - Use Restricted A. No one shall ride or drive any bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, motor vehicle, truck, wagon, horse, or any vehicle or animal in any part of the parks, except on the regular drives designated therefore; provided that baby carriages, wheelchairs, and such vehicles as are used in the park service are not included in the foregoing prohibition. No one shall ride or be upon any in any part of Lithia Park. Ashland Watershed includes one single track trail closed to bikes due to user conflict. 28. What is the centerline mileage of your road network? 124 miles 28a. What is the street network density of your road network? (miles of road per sq. mi. of land area) More than 15.0 28b. What percentage of roads has posted speeds of 25mph and lower? 51-75% 28c. What percentage of the existing on-street bicycle network meets or exceeds AASHTO, MUTCD and NACTO standards?

28d. List your existing on-road bicycle accommodations that meet or exceed AASHTO, MUTCD and NACTO standards.Answer all that apply (in centerline miles)

Conventional bike lanes (ridable surface ?4feet) N. Main - Helman 6,430 ft. / Siskiyou Blvd 13,388 ft. / Ashland St. 9,157 ft. / E. Main - Walker 5,717 ft. / Hwy 66 1,290 ft. / Lithia Way 2,263 ft. = 7.24 miles Shared lane markings Oak St. 4,986 ft. / 'A' St. 2,495 ft. / Maple St. 1,270 ft. / N. Main 300 ft. = 1.71 miles Contra-flow bike lanes Zero (0) Protected or buffered bike lanes (one-way) Zero (0) Protected or buffered bike lanes (two-way) Zero (0) Raised cycle tracks Zero (0) Left-side bike lanes Zero (0) Bike boulevards Zero (0) Signed bike routes Zero (0) 29. What other ways have you improved conditions for bicyclists? Check all that apply. Road diets ,Area wide traffic calming ,Speed limits 20 mph or less on residential streets,Bike cut-throughs,Removal of on-street car parking,Speed tables to calm traffic,Other If other, describe (250 word limit) 1) The city installed a compact bike repair station complete with tools and a tire pump on the downtown plaza. Rogue Valley Transit District provided the funding for the station, while city workers installed and maintains the equipment. 2) Bike sharrows and “Share the Road Signage” have been installed in three locations with high bicycle volumes. Oak St. from Lithia Way to ‘A’ Street; ‘A’ Street from Oak St. to Eighth St.; and N. Main St. from Helman St. to bike lane (on main arterial) on both sides of the road. 3) The Planned Pedestrian Network included in the updated Ashland TSP prioritizes projects that are located on designated Safe Routes to School. During the TSP update process Safe Routes to School was a high priority and resulted in a map dedicated to such routes in our community. The recently updated TSP also includes a new creative multi-modal system development charge (SDC) program that allows dedicated SDCs to be expended on bike, pedestrian, transit and vehicular growth rebuild projects. 30. What percentage of arterial streets has dedicated space for cyclists (e.g. bike lanes, paved shoulders ?4feet, cycle tracks, etc)? 51-75% 31. Which of the following broader transportation policies and programs are in place in your community? Check all that apply. Maximum car parking standards ,No minimum car parking standards ,Paid public parking ,Shared-parking allowances ,Prioritization of active mobility in planning and design processes ,Other If other, describe (250 words) Planning regulations provide for a reduction in required parking based on reduced parking demand through use of available on-street parking, and also for the implementation of a Transportation Demand Management plan to reduce car parking by encouraging and incentivizing bicycling, walking or transit use. 32. What maintenance policies or programs ensure the on-street bicycle network (including shoulders) remains usable and safe? Select all that apply.

32a. Street sweeping Weekly 32b. Snow clearance Same time as other travel lanes 32c. Pothole maintenance Within one week of complaint 32d. Describe any other maintenance policies or programs for the on-street bicycle network (including shoulders). (100 word limit) Paved path sweeping on the Central Ashland Bike Path and Bear Creek Greenway is performed monthly by the Ashland Parks & Recreation department, and sometimes more often when dirt and debris are reported. Flail moving/vegetation maintenance for sight paths and clearance along paved trails is also performed 1 - 2 times per year. Visual inspection for paved trail problems, vandalism, bollards needing replacement, etc. is performed weekly. 33. What maintenance policies or programs ensure the off-street bicycle network remains usable and safe? Select all that apply.

33a. Path sweeping Monthly 33b. Vegetation maintenance Annually 33c. Snow clearance Never 33d. Surface repair Within one week of complaint 33e. Describe any other maintenance policies or programs for the off-street bicycle network. (100 word limit) 1) Jackson County Parks regularly maintains the Bear Creek Greenway, a 17.1 mile continuous trail connecting Ashland to neighboring cities. A section of trail on the north side of Ashland that was plagued with longitudinal cracking due to significant root damage and pavement deterioration was repaired with reinforced concrete. Immediate projects include informational signage, mile markers, map kiosks, and installation of directional and location signs. 2) Ashland Parks & Recreation regularly maintains trails which include clearing, water bar maintenance, resurfacing, pruning limbs for height clearance, weed abatement, hazard tree assessment, trail head checks and trash pick-up. The program is set-up on an annual schedule which includes bi-monthly, monthly, quarterly and annual maintenance. 34. Is there a mechanism in place for cyclists to identify problem intersections or areas to traffic engineers and planners? Check all that apply. Online reporting,Monthly meeting,Other If other, describe (100 word limit) Community members often call the Public Works and Planning departments to report problem intersections and areas. The city website includes an area for complaints/concerns where problems can be identified in a written format. Assistant Planners review the complaints daily and distribute to appropriate staff with the expectation to return phone calls and e-mails on the same day if possible, or within 24-hours. 35. How do you accommodate cyclists at intersections in your community? Check all that apply. Most signals are timed,Demand activated signals with loop detector (and marking) or bike accessible push-button,Video or microwave detection ,Bicycle signal heads ,Path crossing with high visibility markings or signs ,Raised path crossings , Other If other, describe (100 word limit) The I-5 Exit 14 bridge repair project added new five-foot bike lanes and seven-foot sidewalks on the interchange approaches and eight foot bike lanes on the bridge. Cyclists traveling east on Green Springs Hwy. will encounter a bike signal activated by a detector loop. The bike signal allows cyclists to cross the southbound on-ramp before vehicles are allowed to turn. Ashland is among the first communities outside the Portland metro area to receive this technology. Bridge repair on Exit 19 on the north end of Ashland included wider shoulders to accommodate bicyclists crossing to connect to the Bear Creek Greenway. 36. Describe any other amenities or infrastructure improvements that your community provides or requires that create a comfortable and attractive bicycling environment (e.g. human-scale building design guidelines, mixed-use zoning, public restrooms, etc). (500 word limit) Ashland's building design standards focus on human scale developments designed first for people rather than cars. Generally, buildings are built to the sidewalk with parking at the rear or side, automobile parking is buffered with landscaping and screening, and bicycle parking is required to be provided, half of it covered, and it must be as close to the entrance as the nearest auto space. There are driveway spacing standards intended to minimize conflict points for cyclists and pedestrians. Generally, a high level of urban design is required resulting in a streetscape that is interesting and engaging to pedestrians and cyclists. Mixed uses are provided for and encouraged. Street Standards include requirements for bike lanes on all facilities except those with low volumes (< 3,000 ADT) or low travel speeds (< 25 mph) where a shared approach is encouraged. Sharrows have recently begun to be installed on some of the busier of these streets. Each development is required to provide transportation facilities meeting the street standards. Neighborhood streets are designed for 20 mph speeds, and all street designs are intended to encourage bicycle and pedestrian travel. Recent street standards adopted as part of the Croman Mill District master plan include a Central Boulevard with a separated (i.e. buffered) bike lane and a street system which limits driveways to minimize conflict points for cyclists. The city recently partnered with the ODOT to “right-size” the state highway into town, going from a four-lane configuration without bike lanes to two lanes with a shared center turn lane and bicycle lanes on both sides (aka “a road diet"). The city is at one end of the Bear Creek Greenway, a regional multi-use trail system, and has developed its own complementary Central Ashland Bike Path to provide separated bicycle facilities continuing through town. Needed future trail connections are actively sought in development applications, supported by design standards which require new developments to provide not only an internal circulation system through the site but also connections to "existing or planned off-site adjacent sidewalks, trails, public parks, and open space areas." On a broader scale, Ashland recently participated in a regional planning effort with other communities in Southern Oregon – the first such plan adopted in Oregon to plan for necessary growth areas to accommodate a doubling of the region’s population in the next 50-60 years. Ashland was alone among the participating cities in choosing not to expand its boundaries in that time frame, instead opting to accommodate planned growth with more efficient land use planning in existing boundaries in order to maintain a compact, urban form while advocated for more coordinated regional transportation planning efforts.

Education 37. What percentage of schools in your jurisdiction participates in Safe Routes to School programs (or similar programs) that include bicycle education?

Elementary More than 90% Middle School More than 90% High School None 38. Outside of schools, how are children taught safe cycling skills? Check all that apply. Bike clinics or rodeos ,Youth recreation programs,Helmet fit seminars,Trail riding classes,Other If other, describe (250 word limit) In a joint effort to continue the ongoing Education Program historically taught to students in Ashland, the Ashland Parks & Recreation department and the Ashland Transportation Commission have partnered to provide funding for a certified Bicycle Safety Education instructor. Funds generated by the annual Ashland Bike Swap along with Transportation Commission funds support the program (no cost is charged to the school district). It is vitally important that good biking skills and habits be taught to students at a young age so that safe riding can become a lifelong habit that will benefit them and others well into adulthood. The benefits of biking to school are twofold; it helps reduce vehicle traffic around schools during peak travel periods; and it provides a positive health benefit derived from the exercise. In fiscal year 2011-2012 approximately 344 students at three elementary schools as well as the middle school participated. Photo of Bicycle Safety Education Program: http://www.flickr.com/photos/derekdiamond/511795455/in/set-72157632838296609/lightbox/ 39. Do you have a ticket diversion program? Check all that apply. For motorists,For cyclists 40. What have you done in the last 18 months to educate motorists and bicyclists on sharing the road safely? Check all that apply. Public service announcements,Community newsletter/magazine article,Utility bill insert,Newspaper column/blog on bicycling,Dedicated bike page on community website,Share the Road Signs,Share the Road information in driver's education,Other If other, describe (250 word limit) 1) Rogue Valley Transit District buses include "Share the Road with Cyclists" advertisement on the sides of buses. 2) Share the Road Program is presented annually by

certified League of American Bicyclist instructors to Ashland Kiwanis, Rotary and Elks members along with Oregon Shakespeare Festival employees and City of Ashland staff. 3) Southern Oregon Active Transportation Summit - October 2012 was a huge success. Over 100 participants gathered to share ideas, labeling the "Big Idea" as fully integrated bicycle boulevards and cycle tracks in the region. For more information visit the website at: http://goroguevalley.com/the-big-idea-bicycle-boulevards-and-cycle-tracks/ 41. In your community, how often are the following classes offered annually?Answer all that apply (in numbers)

Traffic Skills 101 classes or equivalent (including classroom and on-bike instruction) Siskiyou Velo offers course 4 x year; Parks & Recreation adult class offered every six weeks. Note: Ashland Fire Chief and Police Chief have taken the class. Both are avid cyclists. Cycling Skills classes (three to four hour classroom training courses) Siskiyou Velo offers course 6 x year; Bicycle Street Smarts 6 x year; Parks & Recreation adult class offered every six weeks. Commuter classes (one to two hour classes) Siskiyou Velo offers course 4 x year; Course is taught to Standing Stone Brewery employees 2 x year. Bicycle maintenance classes or workshops United Bicycle Institute offers a variety of beginning, intermediate and women only courses 15 x year. 42. Do you offer regular Smart Cycling courses for your community engineers and planners that include on-bike instruction and in-traffic cycling? No 43. Has your community hosted a League Cycling Instructor seminar in the past two years? Yes 43a. How many League Cycling Instructors are there in your community? Seven (7) 43b. List League Cycling Instructors that have taught at least one class during the past 12 months. (250 word limit) David Chapman John Colwell Mike Faught (Public Works Director/Bicycle Program Manager) William Heimann Gary Shaff Kat Smith Elaine Sweet 44. Which of the following groups of professional drivers have training that includes information on sharing the road with cyclists? Check all that apply. City staff,Transit operators,Delivery drivers If other, describe (100 word limit) As a result of completing this application, the Ashland School District Transportation Department has requested "sharing the road with cyclists" training. One of the local League of American Bicyclist instructors has offered to arrange the training with the bus drivers. 45. Describe any efforts your community has made to ensure your education programs reach traditionally underserved populations, particularly seniors, minorities, non-English speakers and the disabled. (250 word limit) Ashland Parks and Recreation offers a Bicycle Safety Education course to any interested citizens 4-6 times per year. All ages and abilities are welcome, and all facilities are ADA compliant. The course is published in the Parks and Recreation guide that is mailed to all Ashland and Talent (neighboring city) residents. Sixteen percent of Ashland residents are over the age of 65 years, and at least 60% of our activities are tailored towards that age group. As a result of completing this application, additional courses were scheduled with our Senior Center that will teach "Relationship with Bikes & Autos," "Traffic Skills 101" and "1-2-3 Bicycle Skills." 46. Describe any other education efforts in your community that promote safe cycling. (500 word limit) The following courses are taught by a certified League of American Bicyclist instructor: Group Riding - 4 x year, Adult class for beginner/intermediate/advanced levels Group Leader - 3 x year, two-day course/nine hour total instruction for advanced level 1-2-3 Bicycle Skills - 3 x year - Adult beginner level Municipal Court Diversion course - offered every six weeks for both motorists and cyclists (fine is $282.00/course is $75.00 - if completed the ticket is dropped)

Encouragement 47. How do you promote National Bike Month/your own dedicated Bike Month? Check all that apply. Official Proclamation,Community Rides,Mayor-led/Council-led Ride,Public Service Announcements,Publish a guide to Bike Month Events,Bike Month Website,Commuter Challenge,Bike Commuter energizer stations/breakfasts,Car-free days ,Bike to School Day,Public education campaign relating to cycling (e.g. with a focus on public health or environmental benefits),Trail construction or maintenance day,Other If other, describe (250 word limit) 1) Ashland public elementary schools promote walk/bike to school every Wednesday. Those students who walk/bike to school get to select a prize and their name is added into a monthly drawing. The schools also provide bike helmets and safety gear for those students in need. Walk/Bike to school day in Ashland: http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/go/whos-walking/2012/OR/Ashland 2) For the past 20 years, a loaner bike and helmet are available for use by employees of the planning, building, conservation, public works and engineering departments for short trips such as inspections, site visits and notice posting. Use is at the discretion of the employees dependent on distance, topography and weather. As most of these employees spend the bulk of their time in an office setting, the bike is a welcomed alternative. 47a. What percentage of the population participate in Bike Month events?

47b. Do you actively promote Bike to Work Day or other incentive programs? Yes If yes, describe (500 word limit) 1) goRogueValley.com is a casual coalition of people committed to promoting active transportation options for a healthy, livable valley. They use their website as a hub or clearinghouse for active transportation programming, events, and information in southern Oregon’s beautiful Rogue Valley, in order to help people get around the area by bike, bus, and on foot (as well as with other alternatives to driving alone). They have a community calendar with events and meetings. They also manage a Facebook page with up-to-date articles, information, and events. Included on the goRogueValley.com website is a link to the Bicycle Benefits bicycling program listing local participating business. Cyclists purchase a reflective helmet sticker for $5 from a participating business. When they visit a participating business by bicycle and show their sticker at the register, they receive a discount on their purchase! Discounts are decided by the business, and vary from place to place. Bicycle Benefits: http://www.bicyclebenefits.org/index.php?option=com_sobi2&catid=78&Itemid=54 2) Standing Stone Brewing Company, a League of American Bicyclists Bike Friendly Business, established a Commuter Bike Program, the RPM Club, with a goal of promoting health and reducing fuel use and . They offer free, new bikes to employees who have worked there for 1,000 hours and agree to bike commute at least 45 times within a year of receiving their new wheels. RPM bike program: http://blog.standingstonebrewing.com/2010/08/14/standing-stone-bike-program-rolls-into-second-year/ Photos can be found at: http://www.standingstonebrewing.com/restaurantphotos3.html 3) The Ashland Food Co-op offers free annual bike tune-ups along with funding half of the cost of all bike accessories (e.g. lights, bells, helmets, fenders, racks, locks, etc.) to employees who bike to work. 47c. Approximately what percentage of the community workforce do you reach on Bike to Work Day?

48. How do you promote bicycling outside of your official Bike Month? Check all that apply. Community and charity rides,Videos on bicycling on community website/TV channel,Public Service Announcements,Trail construction or maintenance day,Commuter Challenge,Triathlons and bicycle races,Bike commuter events,Car-free days ,Publish a guide to community bicycle events,Bike to School Day,Public education campaign relating to cycling (e.g. with a focus on public health or environmental benefits),Community celebration/ride each time a bicycle project is completed,Other If other, describe (250 word limit) Rogue Valley Transit District (RVTD) houses the Transportation Options program for southwest Oregon. Information on alternatives to driving alone as well as bicycle safety education classes, Safe Routes to School program coordination, Go By Bike Week and Walk/Bike to School Day can be found on their website at: http://www.rvtd.org./way_to_go_program.php RVTD also publishes information on Bike Safety & Commuting and the Health Benefits of Cycling. City of Ashland Assistant Planner commutes by bike. See the "Enjoying the Ride" article: http://www.dailytidings.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120914/LIFE/209140301&cid=sitesearch 49. List the signature cycling events that occur in your community. (500 word limit) Ashland is host to over a dozen annual cycling and running events. The trail system within our community as well as the scenic bike routes leading into and out of our city make our location attractive to event organizers and cycling enthusiasts. The following information describes such events: Spring Thaw – http://www.echelonrace.com/springthaw/ The 21st annual two-day mountain bike festival will take place again in May which includes a cross country race and a downhill event. The event draws 400-600 participants competing for cash and prizes totaling $10,000. Ashland Mountain Adventures, a local business is organizing the event this year along with Echelon Events, LLC and many volunteers to make this well attended event happen. Mountain Lakes Challenge – http://www.mountainlakeschallenge.com/ An annual June event that offers three scenic routes in the Southern Oregon Cascades. Participants can choose the Metric Challenge, Century Challenge or Double Metric Challenge. All rides begin and end in Ashland, climbing past mountain lakes and scenic meadows. The event provides refueling stops made possible by volunteers and organizers of Siskiyou Velo Cycling Club. Ashland Mountain Challenge – http://ashmtnadv.com/?page_id=105 A Super D

series event that attracts 300 participants, filling to maximum capacity each year. The race comprises of four stages of flat and uphill cross-country and downhill terrain. The event gained national recognition by Decline Magazine as featured in the following article: http://www.declinemagazine.com/content.php?itemid=6892 Mt. Ashland Hill Climb Bike Race – http://www.mtashlandbike.com/ The 32nd annual hill climb bike race begins in the downtown Ashland Plaza and climbs 6500’ to the Mt. Ashland Ski Lodge. The race to the top is a contest of road cyclists’ verses mountain bikers facing back to back at the starting line and joining back up again for the last two miles of climbing to the finish. Siskiyou Challenge http://www.siskiyouchallenge.org/ A multi-sport relay race includes two road cycling and one mountain bike leg of the six leg course. The race, in its fourth year has grown into a community favorite event. Many local businesses enter teams and/or sponsor the event which includes 400 participants. Oregon Enduro Series (OES) - http://oregonenduro.com/ Ashland will be the location for the OES Finals in a five-race series around the Pacific Northwest. Formerly known as the Oregon Super D Series, it has gained international acclaim as the premier mountain-bike enduro series in North America. The two-day event will draw up to 275 participants. The event coordinator is interested in making Ashland the location for the 2014 North American Enduro Tour Finals. Cycle Oregon - http://www.cycleoregon.com/week-ride/past-rides/cycle-oregon-25/ Cycle Oregon, “The Best Bike Ride in America,” chose Ashland as its two day layover in 2012. Cycle Oregon delivers the best combination of scenery, challenge, amenities, camaraderie and philanthropy of any ride out there. A fun-loving mix of back-road riding and two-wheeled tent revival, the event moves from town to town with 2,000 or more riders enjoying generous hospitality and providing direct financial benefits to host towns as well as cycling-related causes throughout Oregon. Beautiful picture of the tent city in Ashland during Cycle Oregon 2012: http://traveljapanblog.com/ashland/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/129_0554-RAW-cycle-oregon.jpg 49a. How does the municipality sponsor or actively support these events? Organize the event,Contribute in-kind funding (i.e. police presence, closing roads, etc),Other If other, describe (100 word limit) The City of Ashland's Special Event Committee meets with event coordinators in an effort to minimize city staff involvement resulting in a reduced event fee for the applicant. We offer annual certified flagger classes so coordinators can provide their own volunteers and not be subjected to city staff overtime fees. Less city staff involvement gives the applicant freedom to provide their own volunteers while still meeting the city’s safety requirements for a community event. If city staff overtime is required, the city has approved a new policy which charges 60% of staff overtime instead of 100% of the cost. 50. Does your local tourism board promote bicycling in your area? Yes If yes, describe (250 word limit) The Ashland Chamber of Commerce promotes local businesses that rent bikes and sell bikes and supplies. Their website offers information on outdoor opportunities which includes a link to the Ashland Woodlands & Trail Association, Ashland Trail maps and a calendar of local events. Chamber of Commerce website: http://www.ashlandchamber.com/Page.asp?NavID=941 51. Are there cycling clubs in your community? Check all that apply. Recreational bike clubs,Mountain bike clubs,Friends of the Trail groups,Racing clubs or teams,Other If other, describe (100 word limit) Many cyclists in our community use informal Cyber Clubs as a way to provide information to cyclists about organized group rides and events in our area. Cyber Clubs can be found on Southern Oregon Bike Blog (http://sobikeblog.com/), Google and Facebook. 51a. List the names of the clubs. (500 word limit) Southern Oregon University Rogue Riders is a group of mountain bikers dedicated to strengthening the community at SOU and in the Rogue Valley. Riders get out on the trails together so they can learn from each other, improve riding skills and have fun. They also actively participate in local trail maintenance and encouraging stewardship and good trail etiquette. One of their biggest goals is to introduce new people to the sport by making it easy for them to try it out and make them feel welcome in the community. To view a SOU Rogue Riders Ashland Trail ride video, click on the link below: (Keep in mind the initial content is college student life….the trail footage is amazing; the final view is spectacular!) http://www.pinkbike.com/video/284523/ Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association - (“RVMBA”), a chapter of the International Mountain Bike Association “IMBA“, is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose mission is to support and advance the interests of all Southern Oregon mountain bikers. RVMBA was formed to protect and expand trail opportunities for mountain bikers in the Southern Oregon area, including Ashland, Talent, Medford, and Jacksonville. Whether you are an adrenaline seeking gravity rider, or recreational trail cyclist, they have come together in the spirit of unity to seek additional opportunities for all riding disciplines. Formerly known as the Southern Oregon Freeride Association (“SOFA”), they have rebranded to better represent the interests of all mountain bikers in the Rogue Valley, and have worked to establish non-profit status in conjunction with IMBA. To read more on RVMBA, click on the following link: http://rvmba.org/about/ Siskiyou Velo Cycling Club - A powerful bicycle advocate working for cyclists throughout the Rogue Valley. By helping shape policies and plans to be pro-bike, they have direct impact on our built landscape, our transportation choices, our environment and most of all our communities. Their education and outreach programs encourage safer, healthier choices for everyone who wants to bike. They are working every day to make cycling a safer, more convenient transportation choice for everyone. To read more on the Siskiyou Velo Cycling Club, click on the following link: http://www.siskiyouvelo.org/ 52. How many specialty bicycle retailers (shops dedicated primarily to selling bikes and bike-related equipment) are there in your community? Thirteen (13) 52a. List their names. (250 word limit) Ascari Bicycles Ashland Bicycle Works Ashland Cycle Sport Bear Creek Bicycle Bike Tools, Etc. DeSalvo Custom Cycles Flywheel Bicycle Solutions Get’n Gear Goodtimes Bicycles Landshark Bicycles Siskiyou Cyclery United Bicycle Institute United Bicycle Supply 53. Which of these bicycling amenities do you have in your community? Check all that apply. BMX track ,Mountain bike park,Themed loop routes around the community If other, describe (100 word limit)

53a. Is there a skate park in your community? Yes If yes, do bikes have access to the skate park? Always 54. Are there opportunities to rent bicycles in your community? Yes 55. Does your community have a public bike sharing program? Yes 55a. If yes, please provide details about the system below.

How many bikes are in the system? Ten (10) bikes How many stations are in the system? One (1) station operated out of an office on the Southern Oregon University campus. How many trips are being made annually? Based on a 250 days per year school calendar, 3,000 trips are made annually. 56. Do you have any current League of American Bicyclists designated Bicycle Friendly Businesses in your community? Yes If yes, list the names of the businesses. (250 word limit) Standing Stone Brewing Company, a League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Business, established a Commuter Bike Program, the RPM Club, with the goal of promoting health and reducing fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. They offer free, new bikes to employees who have worked there for 1,000 hours and agree to bike commute at least 45 times within a year of receiving their new wheels. Information about their program can be found at: http://blog.standingstonebrewing.com/2010/08/14/standing-stone-bike-program-rolls-into-second-year/ Photos can be found at: http://www.standingstonebrewing.com/restaurantphotos3.html Ashland Community Hospital, founded in 1907 is a community-owned, not-for-profit organization. The hospital has 49 beds for inpatients, a diagnostic and surgery center with imaging equipment, a laboratory, and equipment for respiratory testing and surgery, along with many outpatient services. Employees have formed a bike/ped support group encouraging alternative transportation modes to and from work. They were awarded the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Business Honorable Mention in 2012. 57. Do you have any current League of American Bicyclists designated Bicycle Friendly Universities in your community? No If yes, list the names of the institutions. (250 word limit) Although Southern Oregon University is not currently a League of American Bicyclists designated Bicycle Friendly University, their program is deserving of recognition. The Ecology Center of the Siskiyous (ECOS) supports a mission to bring public awareness of the realities of what impact the campus has on the environment and the

future. One of the ways they support their missions is through a community bike program which is an all-volunteer organization working to replace cars with something less polluting. They offer working, reliable bikes for cheap or nothing. Cheap is less than $50 and nothing is what you pay if you come in and work on the bike with them. Volunteers teach others to assemble and repair bikes while donating their time to recycle donated bikes as well. 58. Does your community have youth recreation and/or intervention programs centered on bicycling? Check all that apply. None If other, describe (100 word limit)

59. What mapping and route finding information is available for your community, which has been updated in the last 18 months? Check all that apply. Online route finding service,Smart phone app,Printed bike map outlining existing bike infrastructure (by type), public restrooms and other bicycle amenities,Printed mountain bike trails map,Printed greenways and trails map 60. Describe any other programs or policies your community has to encourage cycling. (500 word limit) The updated Ashland TSP includes the following programs to encourage cycling in our community: 1) Program (O1) Create TravelSmart Educational Program – Invest in individualized, targeted marketing materials to be distributed to interested individuals for the purpose of informing and encouraging travel as a pedestrian or by bicycle. (p. 102 of TSP) 2) Program (O4) Retrofit Bicycle Parking Program – Establish a retrofit bicycle parking program allowing interested property owners to apply for bicycle racks or bicycle corrals to be installed in front of their establishment. The City will coordinate with local business owners as to where bicycle racks are installed to be sensitive to the potential impacts on pedestrian space and vehicle parking. (pp. 102-103 of TSP) 3) SDC credits can encourage private development to provide small-scale public improvements that can be constructed by the private sector at a smaller cost. For example, an SDC credit might be given for providing end-of-trip bike facilities within the new development. Eligible projects are on major roads, including sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as transit capital projects. In addition: Given that the comprehensive plan and implementing ordinances emphasize modal equity in our land use planning, our planning staff works on review of current development proposals with bicycle issues in mind, provide staff support to Council and Commissions which includes constant consideration of bicycle issues, support advocacy efforts (Commute Challenge, Car Free Day, Ashland Bike Swap, Bike Safety Education, etc.), and draft and review ordinances and plans dealing with bicycle and pedestrian issues on some level in every project. Our planning staff also works to ensure that bicycle parking is provided on each proposal, that curb cuts are spaced to avoid too many conflict points with bicyclists in the streetscape, that larger projects provide required bicycle and pedestrian circulation plans, that adequate bicycle and pedestrian connectivity is provided to current and future sidewalks and trails, that bike lanes are provided where necessary and generally take an approach that considers land use planning and transportation in tandem. For instance, a recently revised city regulation dealing with a prohibition on new drive-up uses in the downtown was based partly on the historic character of the downtown core, but also more broadly had to be considered in light of impacts of added automobile circulation on the bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly character of the downtown streetscape.

Enforcement 61. How does your police department interact with the local cycling community? Check all that apply. A police officer is an active member of the Bicycle Advisory Committee,Identified law-enforcement point person to interact with cyclists,Other If other, describe (100 word limit) An assigned police officer is a member of the City’s Special Event Committee. The officer attends all meetings with the event coordinator, reviews proposed routes, prepares a traffic/safety action plan including information on volunteer/flagging needs and acts as the pace car for neutral start bike races in the downtown corridor as necessary. The officer remains in contact with the event coordinator prior to the event to answer any questions that may arise. 62. What kind of training is offered to police officers regarding traffic law as it applies to bicyclists? Check all that apply. Basic academy training,Presentation by League Cycling Instructor or local cyclist 63. What enforcement programs that target improving cyclist safety are in place? Check all that apply. Helmet giveaways,Targeting motorist infractions,Targeting cyclist infractions,Share the road campaigns If other, describe (100 word limit) The City of Ashland Municipal Court Diversion course is offered every six weeks. The course emphasizes both cyclist and motorist safety. 64. What percentage of police department employees are on bikes? 1- 10% 65. Are any other public safety (e.g. EMS) employees on bikes? Yes If yes, describe (50 word limit) Ashland Police Officers, Ashland Fire & Rescue and Ashland Parks & Recreation regularly use bicycles for seasonal downtown and park patrols and parades and special events. 66. Do police officers report cyclist crash data or potential hazards to traffic engineers and planners to identify sites in need of safety improvements for cyclists? Yes 67. Which of the following safety services and amenities are available in your community? Trail watch programs/ Trail patrols,Street lighting on most arterials,Stolen or impounded bikes recovery system or assistance 68. Do you have any local ordinances that protect cyclists equitably? Check all that apply. Specific penalties for failing to yield to a cyclist when turning ,It is illegal to park or drive in a bike lane (intersections excepted),Penalties for motor vehicle users that 'door' cyclists,Ban on cell phone use while driving,Ban on texting while driving,Vulnerable road user law ,Safe passing distance law

If other, describe (250 word limit)

69. Do your local ordinances place any restrictions on cyclists? Check all that apply. State or local law requires cyclists to use bike lanes when provided If other, describe (100 word limit) In addition to following the laws of the State, the City of Ashland has additional restrictions as stated in municipal code 11.52.030. The restrictions apply to the following subjects: Riding on Sidewalks; Racing; Method of Riding; Carrying Articles; Traffic Regulations; Speed on Bicycle Routes; Riding Abreast; Hitching on Vehicles; Bicycle Parking; and Bicycle Impoundment. Details can be found on the city's website at : http://www.ashland.or.us/CodePrint.asp?CodeID=2723 70. Describe any other enforcement programs or policies relating to cycling. (500 word limit)

Evaluation and Planning 71. Does your community have a comprehensive bicycle master plan or similar section in another document? Yes 71a. If yes, please provide details about the plan below.

Provide a link to the plan or describe. (250 word limit) Goal I of our Comprehensive Plan's Transportation Element (adopted 12/17/1996) is to "Raise the priority of convenient, safe, accessible and attractive walking and bicycling networks." Goal II is to "Support and Encourage Increased Levels of Walking and Bicycling." Goal III is to "Emphasize environments which enhance pedestrian and bicycle usage." Goal IV is to "Dedicate funding and staff support to implement the goals and policies of this section." 35 supporting policies include #2 which calls for incorporating "bicycle facility needs into all planning, design, construction and maintenance activities of the City of Ashland.” While not explicitly adopted as a "Bicycle Accommodation Policy," the Transportation Element includes goals and policies which seem to address the elements raised in other such policies observed elsewhere. Both the Transportation Element and our Transportation System Plan (TSP), adopted in 1998, emphasize an underlying theme of "modal equity" or equal consideration for all travel modes. A current revision of the Transportation System Plan, now under review by our City Council, gives further emphasis to modal equity identifies system improvements to embody this vision. When was it passed or most recently updated? Comprehensive Plan (adopted 12/17/96); Transportation System Plan (adopted 1998); TSP update for Council review 2013. Is there a dedicated funding source for implementation? Yes If yes, describe (250 word limit) The Street Funds include four primary sources of revenue; intergovernmental revenues (gas tax, state and federal grants), street user fees, system development charges (SDCs) and bond proceeds. The intergovernmental revenues account for approximately 50 percent of the Street Fund. This indicates the importance of the gas

tax, and state and federal grants, to the overall streets program for the city. Bond proceeds and fee increases will continue to be dependent on the state of the economy and voter willingness for passage. The street user fee generates about 2 million annually and is generally dedicated to street life cycle repair. The multi-modal SDC funds are dedicated to growth related construction projects. The TSP suggests a “fee in lieu policy” for sidewalk construction projects that apply to streets designated as Shared Streets. The fee in lieu applies to development applications that would otherwise be required to construct sidewalks along their site frontage. Rather than having the applicant construct the sidewalks along their site frontage, the fee in lieu policy would have them pay a fee into a sidewalk construction fund equivalent to the cost of constructing sidewalks along their site frontage. The sidewalk construction fund would be used to construct high priority sidewalk projects. (p. 94 of TSP) The City assesses a multi-modal SDC, whereby an applicant is assessed a fee based on the number of person trips the proposed development is estimated to generate. This allows the system revenues to be used to fund capacity related improvements to the vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit systems. What percentage of the current plan has been implemented? 60 percent Are you meeting annual target goals for implementation? Yes 72. Do you have a trails master plan that addresses mountain bike access? Yes If yes, provide the link to the plan or describe. (250 word limit) The Ashland Watershed Master Trails Plan has been submitted to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for approval. The plan can be found at the link below: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/landmanagement/projects/?cid=stelprdb5371610 73. Is there formal cooperation between the mountain biking community and the community recreation and planning staff? Yes If yes, describe (100 word limit) Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association works cooperatively with Ashland Woodlands & Trails Association and city staff to solve ongoing mountain bike issues and needs. 74. Does your community have an on-going bicycle counting and/or survey program that allows for long-term trend analysis of cycling trips (e.g. participation in the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project)? No If yes, please describe the most recent results. (250 word limit)

75. Does your community routinely conduct pre/post evaluations of bicycle-related road projects? Yes If yes, please describe the results. (250 word limit) The City of Ashland implemented a temporary “Road Diet” project in the fall of 2012 along the North Main Street corridor in an effort to improve bicycle/pedestrian activity and encourage a multi-modal system. Bicycle and pedestrian data was collected at key intersections prior to construction of the project to create a base for post data comparisons. Since that time, data has been routinely collected on a monthly basis and will continue to be collected for a one year trial period. In the first three months since implementation of the project, pedestrian volumes on Main Street have increased on average from 23 to 66 in a four hour PM peak period. Similarly, bicycle volumes on Main Street have increased on average from 22 to 31. A continued increase in bicycle and pedestrian volumes over the next nine months will be considered an indication that the “Road Diet” better serves all modes of travel along North Main Street. 76. Does your community establish target goals for bicycle use? Yes If yes, please describe (250 word limit) Target goals for bicycle use are included in the updated multi-modal TSP. Goal #1: Create a “green” template for other communities in the state and nation to follow; Goal #2: Make safety a priority for all modes of travel; Goal #3: Maintain small-town character, support economic prosperity and accommodate future growth; and Goal #4: Create a system-wide balance for serving and facilitating pedestrian, bicycle, rail, air, transit, and vehicular traffic in terms of mobility and access within and through the City of Ashland. Goals and Objectives can be found on pp. 33-35 of the TSP. The Planned Network information can be found on pp. 100-107. Rogue Valley Transit District addresses community established target goals for bicycle use in their Long Range Plan which can be found at the following link: http://www.rvtd.org/images/subpages/File/Chapter%20V%20Regional%20Expectations%20for%20Transit%5B2%5D.pdf 77. What is the most current journey-to-work data for your community? Tip: Search for topic B08301 (Means of Transportation to Work) for your community on the American FactFinder website. Answer all that apply (in percent)

Bicycling (in %) 6.7 Walking (in %) 11.4 Transit (in %) 1.3 78. What is the average commuting distance to work for residents of your community? 5-10 miles 79. How many cyclists have been involved in a crash in your community in the past five years involving a motor vehicle? Fifty-two (52) 79a. How many cyclist fatalities have occurred in your community in the past five years involving a motor vehicle? Zero (0) 79b. Do you have a specific plan or program to reduce these numbers? Yes If yes, describe (250 word limit) The updated TSP addresses an analysis of the bicycle network highlighting the areas with existing gaps that can be improved to provide a safer environment for cyclists. Information can be found on pp. 43-49 of the TSP. Along with the TSP recommendations to reduce the number of cyclist crashes (no fatalities for the past ten years), the current implementation of the “Road Diet” on N. Main St. and ongoing diversion and education classes for cyclists and motorists are additional improvements/programs. 80. Do you measure the Bicycle Level of Service of roads and/or intersections? Yes If yes, please describe your methodology and recent results. (250 word limit) Similar to the pedestrian Level of Service (LOS), there are two basic performance measures that influence the bicycle LOS results within the Multi-Modal Level of Service (MMLOS) analysis. One is the feeling of security and quality of experience a bicyclist has riding on a roadway facility (e.g., presence and width of bicycle lanes). The second is the frequency of conflicts with vehicle cross traffic (e.g., frequency of driveways or unsignalized intersections). For the corridors studied in Ashland, the MMLOS results for bicycle facilities indicate bicycling along these roadways may be uncomfortable for many individuals. This is primarily due to the lack of bicycle facilities on some roadways or roadway segments, relatively high traffic volumes, and the frequency of unsignalized intersections and driveways. Opportunities to improve LOS for bicyclists along the major roadways include adding additional bicycle lanes, implementing buffered bicycle lanes, and consolidating driveways. 81. Do you have community-wide trip reduction policies or programs? Yes If yes, describe the policy/program and the results. (250 word limit) The updated TSP includes information on a community-wide trip reduction policy that offers “an enticement such as bonus densities and flexibility in design in exchange for a public benefit. Examples might include a Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program. Or transit facilities in exchange for bonus densities.” (p. 81 of TSP) Rogue Valley Transit District promotes their “Way to Go Program which offers alternatives to driving alone. The primary activities include: Education, Public Outreach, Employer Outreach, and Government Outreach. Further information on the program can be found at: http://www.rvtd.org/way_to_go_program.php 81a. Does the program use individualized marketing to identify and support current and potential bike commuters in your community? Yes If yes, describe the program and the results. (250 word limit) Program #1 (O1) Create TravelSmart Educational Program – Invest in individualized, targeted marketing materials to be distributed to interested individuals for the purpose of informing and encouraging travel as a pedestrian or by bicycle. (p. 102 of TSP) Policy # L12 (L12) Establish Incentives for Bicycle Friendly Businesses – Work with the Planning Commission and Chamber of Commerce to establish incentives for bicycle friendly businesses. The incentives should encourage businesses to facilitate

and promote bicycling for employees and customers. The League of American Bicyclists has benchmarks for businesses to use to qualify for Bicycle Friendly status. City staff will work with the Planning Commission and Chamber of Commerce to pair the League of American Bicyclists benchmarks (or similar benchmarks customized to Ashland) with incentives attractive to local Ashland businesses. (p. 102 of TSP) 82. Have you done an economic impact study on bicycling in your community? No If yes, describe the results. (250 word limit) The updated TSP identifies the importance of doing an economic impact study: If reducing the carbon footprint is a transportation priority, then increasing bicycle and pedestrian travel is a cost-effective strategy. It is the alternative to autos for frequent and short trips. That makes it essential to reducing VMT. Significant barriers to walking and cycling as travel choices can be identified in roadway design, access to transit, land use patterns, and parking strategies (particularly in downtown or other business districts). Strategies and design changes to lessen those barriers can be assigned a measurable expectation with regard to carbon savings and become criteria for project approval and funding. If full cost accounting is also considered, it will be apparent that carbon costs from not reducing auto trips are not directly born by motorists. This contributes to the underpricing of automobile travel and the tendency to undervalue non-motorized travel. Barrier effects also compromise transportation equity since disadvantaged populations will share a disproportionate share of these costs because they depend on non-motorized travel and transit. A shift in planning and policy perspective might include examining this barrier effect as part of a more comprehensive examination of potential cost allocation methodologies to determine the full cost and fair share of roadways and transportation service associated with various users. (p. 160-61 of TSP). 83. Do you have a mechanism to ensure bicycle facilities, programs and encouragement efforts are implemented in traditionally underserved neighborhoods? Yes If yes, describe (250 word limit) 1) In 2012, the Ashland Transportation Commission, in partnership with a grant received from the Siskiyou Velo Cycling Club, purchased 134 multi-sport bicycle helmets and distributed them to 134 low-income elementary and middle school students (2012). 2) Bicycle Safety Education courses are offered to seniors and those with disabilities at the Ashland Senior Center. 3) The annual Ashland Bike Swap, in its 21st year, promotes bicycle transportation & recreation and benefits bike safety education by providing a community venue for buying and selling working-condition bicycles and related equipment. The swap event gives community members access to affordable used bicycles and parts, with all proceeds going to support bicycle safety education programs in Ashland schools, which serves students of all income levels and disabilities. Information on the event can be found at the following link: http://www.rvtd.org/bike_swap.php?&mod=print 4) For over ten years, the City of Ashland and the Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) have sponsored events encouraging multi-modal transportation around International Car Free Day. The celebration offers a series of events Ashland residents, their families and everyone in the valley can enjoy. Events include: 1) The "Transportation Challenge" sign-up and kick-off booth; 2) “Share the Road" bike ride down Oak Street to educate drivers and bicyclists alike about the first, official "Shared Road" in the Rogue Valley; and 3) RVTD's FREE FARE Day – Ride the RVTD bus for free, all day, all routes. 84. Describe any other programs or policies that your community uses to evaluate and/or plan bicycling conditions, programs, and facilities. (500 word limit) As stated throughout the application, the recent TSP update provides a comprehensive evaluation and implementation plan to improve conditions, programs and facilities.

Final Overview 85. What are the three primary reasons your community deserves to be designated a Bicycle Friendly Community?

Reason One (250 word limit) Our updated Multi-Modal Transportation System Plan, Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinances which focus on multi-modal equity and our efforts to make these standards a reality on the ground, along with our updated Master Trails Plan are the primary reasons our city deserves to be designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community. As an example, the recently implemented road diet on N. Main Street (a major arterial street that did not have bike lanes) which has been one of the weakest links in our community, illustrates the importance placed on encouraging bike/pedestrian travel by providing a safer environment. Reason Two (250 word limit) Our ongoing Bicycle Safety Education programs for elementary students along with an abundance of courses offered to adults and seniors demonstrates the importance placed on educating cyclists both young and old; novice and experienced. Complementing our bicycle education courses are the diversion programs emphasizing safety and behavior change. To round out our bicycle education courses, United Bicycle Institute (UBI) offers state-of-the-art classroom instruction on bicycle maintenance and mechanics. Ashland is one of two locations in the state of Oregon where these courses are available by UBI certified instructors. Reason Three (250 word limit) Our community has a strong physical bicycle presence. The Ashland Transportation Commission places safety and accessibility for bicycles as top priorities. Several members lead by example by their active role in local bike clubs and ride their bikes as a primary mode of transportation. Our local bicycle friendly businesses provide an excellent example of actively promoting “bike to work” for employees while reducing in-town vehicle trips and the need for increased parking. Our community is host to many cycling events throughout the year from Car Free Day, Ashland Bike Swap, and a half dozen bicycle races, many of which raise funds for ongoing trail maintenance. 86. What are the three aspects of your community most in need of improvement in order to accommodate bicyclists?

Aspect One (100 word limit) The recent implementation of the road diet has proven early success in improving cycling conditions on N. Main St. A need to continue bike lanes through the downtown corridor has prompted a Downtown Parking and Multi-Modal Circulation Study as a high priority project in the updated TSP. The study will evaluate parking management, truck loading zones as well as review pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle circulation. It will also evaluate the alternatives generated for providing bicycle lanes and wider sidewalks through downtown in an effort to create a safer environment for all modes of transportation. Aspect Two (100 word limit) In support of establishing available alternate modes of transportation and meeting the TSP goal of multi-modal travel, the city has identified the need for a Bike Share Program. Bike rental stations would provide access to bicycles for short trips in Ashland with an emphasis on tourists and students. Bike rental stations would be located in close proximity to the downtown plaza and the university. Along with bike rental stations, the city is in need of bike storage units located near transit stops. Aspect Three (100 word limit) Completing the Central Ashland Bike Path system would greatly improve continuous connectivity throughout the city and into neighboring communities. The path has a gap between the current city path and a nearby regional connection, and another gap near the south end of town. Both areas have been identified as high priority projects in the updated TSP and ongoing efforts to generate grants and/or funding are in place to make these connections a reality. As explained in question #16 “What specific improvements do you have planned for bicycling in the following year?” the E. Nevada St. extension project will improve connectivity. (See Figure 8-1 “Existing and Planned Bikeway Network” p. 105 of TSP.) 87. Are you planning any new projects based on your completion of the Bicycle Friendly Community application? Yes If yes, describe (250 word limit) The updated Ashland TSP outlines the priority of identified projects in the city. The high priority projects are scheduled to be completed within five years, followed by the medium priority projects, all within the financially constrained plan. Other projects that came up based on completion of this application include “Share the Road” training courses for school district bus drivers and delivery truck drivers and bicycle skills courses specifically for seniors in our community. Certified League of American Bicyclist instructors have already been in contact with these organizations and have new courses scheduled. 88. Has completing this application made you more aware of what your community needs to do to be bicycle friendly? Yes If yes, describe (250 word limit) Completing this application has highlighted several areas that need improvements. 1) The city’s bike jump park is in need of improvements as indicated in the following news article. http://www.dailytidings.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20120512%2FNEWS02%2F205120303 2) Although the Southern Oregon University’s ECOS has an internal bike share program for students, the city could benefit from a community wide bike share program. The city’s Public Works department has researched a pilot program they would like to launch that would include two bike rental stations (one in the downtown plaza, the other near SOU campus) with 10-15 bikes at each station. Funding for this project will continue to be secured through grants. 3) The city has hired a traffic engineer to conduct a one year bike/ped count on the newly implemented road diet. The statistics will be used as an indication of improved safety and increased bike/pedestrian usage. This application has made us aware of the importance of having an on-going bicycle counting/survey program allowing for long-term trend analysis of cycling trips such, e.g. participation in the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project. 4) This application has made us aware of the need to have youth recreation and/or intervention programs centered on bicycling. We actively promote bicycle safety education training in public schools, but adding more recreation and/or intervention centered programs would greatly improve cycling education for our youth. We often get requests for model BFC applications from aspiring communities. Would you be willing to share your application? Yes

How did you hear about the BFC program? A citizen advocate initiated the first application in 2004. Submit any documents that you would like to provide in support of your application and five high resolution photos (1-5MB) here. By submitting photos, the League of American Bicyclists has the right to use your photos to promote bicycling. Please note that the files will submit immediately and will not appear as an attachment.

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