MAYOR McCLEMENT FORMS AD HOC BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN THE CITY OF FREDERICK
Frederick, MD — Mayor Randy McClement will begin the task of forming an Ad Hoc Bicycle Committee to discuss making The City of Frederick a designated Bicycle Friendly Community. Interested individuals should submit a recent resume and letter of interest noting the Bicycle Committee to Marsha Bowers, Commission Coordinator, 101 North Court Street, Frederick, MD 21701 by July 25, 2010.
“As the Board of Aldermen and I look at our future in improving safety and access for bicyclists, I have decided to create this Ad Hoc Committee. I also believe that making the City a Designated Friendly Community is good for economic development in terms of bicycle tourism and the like. I am looking for a broad based representation of our City, from a residential, commercial, as well as geographical aspect,” said Mayor McClement.
On June 3rd, 2010, The City of Frederick Transportation Planner Tim Davis presented the concept to the Board of Aldermen of an action plan to move the City forward in receiving the designation of Bicycle Friendly Community. At the time the Aldermen overwhelmingly supported the idea and Resolution in a vote of 5-0.
The purpose of the Ad Hoc Bicycle Committee will be to develop a list of attainable goals in a prescribed period of time. Those goals known as the “Five E’s” may include:
- Engineering items such as on-street networks, bike parking or complete streets;
- Education considerations having to do with Safe Routes to School programs and bicycling education course;
- Encouragement activities such as Bike to Work Day or the promotion of advocacy groups to further bicycle events in the City;
- Enforcement training for the police and the promotion of Police of Bike; and
- Evaluation methods such as a specific plan or program to reduce cyclist/motor vehicle crashes. Or the development of an on-street pilot program that is safe for all users.
The Committee is to be comprised of one Aldermen representative (non-voting), City Transportation Planner, four City residents, and three City business owners. If possible, one representative should be from one of the Frederick City bicycle advocacy group. The residents and business owners should represent differing geographical parts of the City. It would be recommended, but not required, that one of the business representatives come from the field of bicycling sales or service.
- To make recommendations to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for progressive actions to implement elements of the Five E’s in phases; immediate, mid-range, and long term;
- Complete an action plan for moving forward with having the City designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community. This plan to be completed by November 1, 2010;
- Committee to provide a “mid-study” workshop to the Mayor and Board to update direction/progress of the committee; and
- Meetings will be open to the public
For additional information, please contact Marsha Bowers, Commission Coordinator, at 301.600.1380 or email mbowers@cityoffrederick.com.
Note: applications are due by July 25th, 2010
