02/14/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Works staff. If people object after implementation, the petition to the City Manager requires a public hearing. He noted there were objections to the plan at this time. Thus, the City Manager administra- ~ tive~y accepts the plan as proposed, and a public hearing is set based on those ,., petitions opposing the plan. It was consensus of Council a public hearing would be held March 12, 1979, on the proposed bikeway traffic plan for West 18th Avenue. Mr. Obie proposed an alternative for consideration at the public hearing. He requested staff develop a proposed bike lane as suggested from Bailey Hill to Westmoreland Park, then connect to the Amazon bikeway, continuing east. He felt it would be much safer and equally as easy to navigate. He also noted during the count taken, there were about 100 bicycles a day compared to 17,000 cars on 18th Avenue. He felt there was a need for Council and the public to consider alternatives to the proposed plan. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to present for considera- tion his alternate proposal for the bike/traffic plan on West 18th Avenue at the March 12, 1979, Council meeting. Mr. Lieuallen opposed the motion because he said Mr. Obie had noted only two components of bike riders: University of Oregon students and high school students from Churchill. He felt there were many more components, noting many people who ride bikes throughout the day along those routes. He said the traffic count was done in the middle of winter when the University of Oregon was not in session and he did not feel it to be realistic. He said bicycle traffic is increasing every day, as evidenced by the work in his business. ~ Ms. Smith felt whether or not Mr. Lieuallen agreed, it would be best for Council to be supportive of looking at alternatives. Mr. Lieuallen said his opposition was that Mr. Obie was proposing a hard and fast alternative. He would be more supportive of a motion directing staff to develop other alternatives, but did not want to be in a position of having to choose between one of two alternatives. Mary Hawkins, 1125 West 18th Avenue, submitted to the Council 1,200 petitions against the bike path on 18th Avenue. Manager said staff would present the alternative proposal as described by Mr. Obie. Vote was taken on the motion, which carried with all Councilors present voting aye, except Mr. Haws abstaining. Mr. Obie suggested the Councilors consider taking a bike ride down 18th on the present bike pathway during commuter rush hour, either 8:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. He suggested this would allow Councilors a first-hand view of the problems. A short recess was taken. - 2/14/79--8 90