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Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute documents necessary to accept and expend all Bicycle Transportation Account Grant funds for the Citywide Bicycle Parking Program, and increase appropriations in the Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund (SR 181) and in the Department of Public Works (PW) by $120,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA) Grant Program is a program administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to improve safety and convenience for bicycle commuters. The City of Long Beach has been awarded a BTA Grant in the amount of $120,000 to provide, install and upgrade bicycle parking citywide in high commuter areas, such as - rail stations, transit centers and stops, parks, public buildings, schools, park and ride lots and bike paths. The installation of bicycle parking citywide is listed as the second most important project to be implemented within the Long Beach Bicycle Master Plan (BMP), following Bikeway signing, for which the City has received funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. According to the City's BMP and its bicycling community, improved bicycle parking ranks above the addition of any proposed new bike lanes or bike paths as the most important improvement to be initiated.
Lack of adequate safe and secure parking was cited as one of the top three deterrents to bicycle riding in a survey conducted in the development of the BMP. This project will provide 250 standard bike racks and artist designed bike racks in certain business districts (such as currently exists in the Pine Avenue District through a partnership with the Long Beach Council.for the Arts), and 50 secure bike lockers in areas where additional security is required. By providing convenient, safe and secure parking at various employment and recreational facilities, as well as along existing bike routes, bicycle ridership will be encouraged to grow.
This letter was reviewed by Senior Deputy City Attorney Donna Gwin on January 26, 2006, and Budget Officer David Wodynski on January 30,2006.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on February 7, 2006 is requested in order to submit the required approval to Caltrans to finalize the grant award.
FISCAL IMPACT
Total project costs are estimated at $1 50,000. The Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account Grant will cover $120,000 of the total cost. The City will cover the matching funds of $30,000. Sufficient funds are budgeted in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Department of Public Works (PW) to support the City's matching fund activities. The funding source is Transportation Development Act monies.
Since the Caltrans monies are currently unbudgeted, an appropriation increase is included in the recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CHRISTINE F. ANDERSEN |
APPROVED: |
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANGER |