“school travel plan for athens city schools within athens ......safe houses have been a frequent...

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“School Travel Plan for Athens City Schools within Athens Corporation Limit under

Safe Routes to Schools Program”.

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Table of Contents Section 1: The Safe Routes to School Team ....................................................................... 3

Section 2: Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4

Section 3: The Public Input Process ................................................................................... 4

Section 4: Description of schools ....................................................................................... 6 Section 4a: Athens Middle School .............................................................................................. 6

Section 4b: Morrison Elementary School ................................................................................... 6

Section 4c: West Elementary School ........................................................................................... 7

Section 4d: East Elementary School ........................................................................................... 7

Section 5: School Demographics ........................................................................................ 8 Section 5a: Athens Middle School .............................................................................................. 8

Section 5b: Morrison Elementary ............................................................................................... 8

Section 5c: West Elementary ...................................................................................................... 8

Section 5d: East Elementary ....................................................................................................... 9

Section 6: Current School Travel Environment .................................................................. 9 Section 6a: Morrison Elementary School .................................................................................... 9

Section 6b: East Elementary School .......................................................................................... 11

Section 6c: West Elementary School ......................................................................................... 12

Section 6d: Athens Middle School ............................................................................................. 13

Section 7: Barriers to Active Transportation .................................................................... 15 Section 7a: ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL ....................................................................................... 17

Section 7b: MORRISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ......................................................................... 17

Section 7c: WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL .................................................................................. 18

Section 7d: EAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ................................................................................... 19

Section 7e: HOCKHOCKING ADENA BIKEWAY ........................................................................... 21

Section 7f: ASSESSMENT OF ACCIDENT DATA ........................................................................... 22

Section 8: Creating Solutions............................................................................................ 22 Section 8a: ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL ................................................................................... 23

Section 8b: MORRISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ......................................................................... 24

Section 8c: WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL .................................................................................. 24

Section 8d: EAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ................................................................................... 25

Section 8e: BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................ 26

Section 9: Improvements Mapping ................................................................................... 27

Section 10: The Action Plan ............................................................................................. 31

Section 11: Plan Endorsements ......................................................................................... 33

Section 12: Supporting Documentation ............................................................................ 34

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Section 1: The Safe Routes to School Team

School

David Mc Allister Business manager

for Athens City

Schools

[email protected]

Robert Marrs Retired Athens City

School teacher

Janalee Stock Athens City School

nurse

[email protected]

John Gordon Morrison

Elementary

principal

[email protected]

Dennis Boger East Elementary

principal

[email protected]

Joan

[email protected]

West Elementary

School principal

[email protected]

2.oh.us

Paul Grippa Athens Middle

School principal

[email protected]

Local Government

Andy Stone Director, City of

Athens Street

Department

astone @ci.athens.oh.us

Richard E. Crossen Athens Police

Department DARE

officer

[email protected]

Community

Liz Luehrman Morrison P.T.O. president 740-698-2215

Kristina Gerig East Elementary P.T.O.

president

740-594-5621

Rebecca Miller West Elementary P.T.O.

president

740-707-4252

Claire White Athens Middle School

P.T.O. president

Sydney L. Marrs Morrison Elementary

student volunteer

740-592-1378

Julian Fahl-Matlack East Elementary

student volunteer

740-589-6325

Keegan Shaw West Elementary student

volunteer

740-517-0197

Athens Middle School

student volunteer

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Section 2: Introduction

The City of Athens has a long history of promoting health, fitness and safety. Ohio

University provides facilities that compliment the cities effort to improve the quality of

life in this historic community.

The City of Athens understands the value of healthy children and would like to get the

assistance of the SRTS program to implement a variety of programs to focus on the

children of three Elementary and one Middle School.

Athens offers a wide variety of fitness opportunities from a City Recreation center to

18.4 miles of bike paths, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, golf, Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates

classes as well as summer youth programs and multiple Senior fitness programs.

The city schools system has long been committed to promoting fitness and safety for

not only students but staff and faculty as well. Students have recorded BMI’s to identify

fitness problems and Ohio University has worked closely with the Athens City Schools to

promote faculty fitness through the University facilities called Wellworks.

The city schools system has actively encouraged fitness with class competitions for

cumulative mileage walked. Pedometers have been provided to students who then track

their daily usage. Some principals have requested additional pedometers and a budget for

replacement batteries. The schools also work with Officer Crossen on bike safety and the

importance of safe after school recreation and fitness. Each of the four school principals

stressed the importance of pre and post school physical activities as the demands on the

schools class time inhibits the allotted time for physical education.

Parent surveys and P.T.O. groups have shown an interest in increased adult and police

profile to create a secure approach to the school travel plan. Safe houses have been a

frequent request along with support for a walking bus program to insure that students are

protected on their walks to and from school.

Our community has chosen to write a school travel plan because of our concern for

improving the safety of students using alternative means of propulsion to reach our

schools. Older sidewalks and traffic congestion create impediments to what could be an

ideal environment for children walking and biking safely to school. We feel that a few

changes could create an incentive for children to use locomotion that is both healthy for

the children as well as for the environment.

This school travel plan is an overall plan for a cluster of the three K-6 elementary

schools and the one 7-8 Middle school that are all clearly within the city limits and are all

within two miles of one another.

Section 3: The Public Input Process

The STRS program was met with widespread support by the community. Athens is a

small town with a historic college and prides itself on its support of education. The

schools have a great rapport with the community and school funding has always been

high on the list of a young and evolving populace.

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Interviews were held with each of the four school principals who were eager to

enhance their physical education programs. Childhood obesity is a universal concern for

the four principals and adding a pre and post school activity was a win win proposition.

Each principal was able to provide baseline data for their respective schools and were

quick to identify programs that they had in place as well as obstacles they faced dealing

with transportation to and from school.

Appointments were then scheduled to meet with each of the PTO’s and Student

Councils. Parents and students were introduced to the SRTS program and were asked for

their input. Every PTO was supportive of enhanced fitness but had concerns about the

safety of such a project. Traffic safety was universally a concern with a skepticism about

existing crossings, sidewalks and auto traffic in the areas close to the school.

A parent survey was distributed by each of the schools to expand on the base of

information and parental input. The East Elementary PTO supervised the collection of

information and had a follow up meeting to address the comment section of the surveys.

PTO President Chris Gehrig was an enthusiastic stakeholder of the program and has

assisted in the coordination of the four PTO’s.

The Athens Bike Rodeo sponsored by the University Medical Associates served as a

public meeting point for interviews with parents regarding bike safety and willingness to

participate in a SRTS program. The Associates distributed 250 bike helmets for free and

supervised a bike inspection and bike safety program. Dr. Shubrook also agreed to be a

stakeholder in the SRTS plan.

Officer Crossen of the Athens Police Department came onboard as a stakeholder as a

result of the Bike Rodeo. Arrangements were made with Officer Crossen for a meeting

to discuss police support for enhanced safety for walking and riding students. Officer

Crossen suggested that a high profile of police activity surrounding the schools at the

start and end of the day might be arranged by coordinating their shift changes with the

start and end of the school day. The suggestion of call boxes and flashing computer-

operated school zone speed signs would also encourage participation in a SRTS plan.

Student councils provided a point of view that reflected much of what their schools

had advocated. Each of the four schools had participated at some grade levels in a bike

safety program. Each of the elementary schools had participated in a competition with

pedometers. Two of the elementary schools and the Middle School thought bike racks or

a bike barn would be an incentive for increased participation.

Andy Stone, the Director of the City of Athens Street Department was contacted about

the extent of the 18 mile bike path and any new extensions that might access the four

schools in the program. West Elementary and the High School are in close proximity to

the bike path and could be accessed with some modifications. Mr. Stone was also

supportive of a proposal for bike lanes on Richland Ave. and an upgrade of Depot Street

stairs that could improve accessibility for students walking to and from the Athens

Middle School.

The Athens City Schools nurse was very enthusiastic about the SRTS program. Ms.

Janalee Stock has been taking BMI’s on 2nd

and 4th

graders and is very concerned about

the issue of childhood obesity. Ms. Stock was aware of the SRTS program through

Athens City Assistant Superintendent Dave Mc Allister. As coordinator for the Health

and Wellness Team she has been actively seeking increased physical activity among the

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k-8 student population. Ms. Stock feels that many of the proposals of the four schools

would blend with the goals of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation which she has

supported since its inception.

Athens has an outstanding City Recreation Center and its Assistant Director, Aaron

Romero was very helpful in identifying recreation programs that dovetail with the school

systems and how SRTS plans would enhance the symbiotic relationship that exists

between the two programs.

Finally the team sought the support and input of local businesses and Ohio University.

Two people stood out as boosters of the SRTS plan. Dr. Joel Rudy who is the V.P. and

Dean Emeritus of Ohio University is uniquely qualified and familiar with the school and

its programs. Dr. Rudy served on the Athens City School Board and has been a high

profile supporter of fitness in the public schools. Mr. Peter Kotses who is the co-owner

of Athens Bicycle has an obvious connection with promoting biking to school and has

been very supportive of bike safety and enhanced bike lanes in the City of Athens.

Each member or group was assured that a copy of our draft proposal would be

provided to them so they could review it for their approval.

Section 4: Description of schools

Scope: Our school travel plan is designed to include three elementary schools inside the

city limits and the Middle School which serves the entire system.

Section 4a: Athens Middle School The Athens Middle School serves the entire city and outlying communities. The

school consists of grades 7 and 8 and is administered by Dr. Paul Grippa. AMS has a

student population of 434. The school is located in the center of town, close to the

downtown business community at 51-55 West State Street. The school is located at one

of the highest points in the city and would not be accessible by the bike path. 78% of the

respondents to the survey live in the 45701 area and about 2/3rds live within a two mile

area of the school.

Section 4b: Morrison Elementary School Morrison Elementary has been proclaimed as one of Ohio’s “Hall of Fame” schools

and was named a Venture Capital School by the Department of Education. Part of their

mission statement is “caring for the safety of their children and parent involvement.”

John L. Gordon is the principal of Morrison and was most helpful in soliciting parent and

staff involvement for this project.

Morrison is a K through 6 school with a student population of 418. The facility is

located at 793 West Union Street and is the farthest from the center of the city and has

the lowest rate of students walking or bike riding.

There are no sidewalks leading to the school and one two lane road that is heavily

congested in the morning and a genuine safety problem for anyone reaching the school in

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a manner other than motor vehicle. As a consequence of the physical impediments to

walking and biking, the parent surveys displayed the greatest misgivings about the STRS

venture.

Respondents to the parent survey came from four different zip codes and includes 65

students who are non-residents but attend due to open enrollment. This is the highest

dispersion of the four schools participating in our SRTS plan. Mr. Gordon places the bus

traffic to the school at above 90% of the student population.

Section 4c: West Elementary School West Elementary is one our neighborhood schools. With a school population of 332,

the building is nestled into the Western limits of the city. Located at 41 Central Avenue.

the grounds are the closest to the existing bike path that runs along the Hocking River.

The neighborhood is one of the older parts of the community and has existing sidewalks

but narrow roads leading to the school.

Joan Linscott is the principal of this K through 6 facility and was so knowledgeable of

her student body that she was able to identify by name the students who walked to

school. None of the students ride to school since riding to school is banned in their

handbook.

Open enrollment is a determining factor in the schools transportation plan. Nearly

20% of the students are non-residents of Athens City. Between busing and private

transportation the congestion can be risky in a narrow neighborhood. Any relief to the

traffic would be a blessing and would be the focus of their SRTS plan.

Section 4d: East Elementary School East Elementary is strategically the school most likely to benefit from the SRTS plan.

The school is in a well established neighborhood with sidewalks and supportive

neighbors and few student rentals. The building is in a level plane and could be reached

by the bike path with limited impediments. The building also has the strong support of a

positive and aggressive PTO.

At 298, East Elementary has the smallest student population with a non-resident

enrollment of only 32 students. The school is located at 3 Wallace Drive and has a long

history of ethnic diversity and close ties to the faculty of Ohio University. The parent

survey reflects the largest number of advanced degrees of the three elementary schools.

And the parent surveys attest to the largest number of students who walk/bike to school.

Principal Dennis Boger not only supports the STRS plan, he lives it. Mr. Boger lives

within sight of the school and walks to work on a daily basis. East is the only school that

establishes rules in their handbook for walking and biking to school. They also are the

only school to have a crossing guard and a school patrol made up of 5th

and 6th

graders.

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Section 5: School Demographics

Section 5a: Athens Middle School

Ethnic composition:

Asian or Pacific Islander 3.7%

Black, Non –Hispanic 1.4%

Hispanic 1.4%

Alaskan Indian or National .5%

Multiracial 2.8%

White, Non-Hispanic 90.2%

Economic composition

Free lunch program 33%

Reduced lunch program .04%

Section 5b: Morrison Elementary

Ethnic composition:



Hispanic 1.9%

Multiracial 1.9%



Free lunch program 26%

Reduced lunch program .07%

Section 5c: West Elementary

Ethnic composition:


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Hispanic 2.4%

Alaskan Indian or National .3%

Multiracial 5.7%



Free lunch 31%

Reduced lunch .09%

Section 5d: East Elementary

Ethnic composition:



Hispanic 3.0%

Alaskan Indian or National 1%

Multiracial 5.7%



Free lunch 19%

Reduced lunch .05%

Section 6: Current School Travel Environment

Section 6a: Morrison Elementary School

- Morrison Elementary in Athens is made up of grades K through 6 and has a

student population of 418. The school is located the farthest from the center of the city

and serves the south side of the city and outlying areas. Morrison serves students from

seven postal codes with 81% of the students responding to the parent survey residing in

the 45701 area and 75% live further than two miles of the school.

The 5th

grade provided the largest response to the survey. Overall parents of female

students doubled the number of respondents with male students. Half of all the grades

reflected a tendency of families with two or more children.

None of the students walked to school. No one surveyed reported using a bike for

transportation. 60% of the students rode the bus to school. There was no change in the

pick up from school statistics. The family vehicle was used by 33% of the students and

carpools were employed by only 7% . No other form of transportation was reported.

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The commute to and from school was less than 20 minutes for 71% of the students.

School ends at 3:35 however there are transfer buses that leave for the surrounding areas

at 3:05 daily. This results in a slight reduction of congestion at the end of the school day.

Due to the remoteness of Morrison and the lack of sidewalks and bikeways no survey

reported asking permission to walk or bike to school. The greatest number of additional

comments rejected such an option was collected from the parent surveys from Morrison.

Only five surveys thought the walk/bike option would be appropriate after 8th

grade. The

rest felt it was never a safe option.

The number one objection in the survey was the distance traveled. Unsafe route came

in second on their apprehension about a walk/bike option. Few said they would change

their objection under any circumstance. One survey said the only way to solve

transportation issues would be to move the entire school.

The overwhelming number of respondents felt that the school neither encouraged nor

discouraged their children from seeking alternative forms of transportation. Some felt

that the school discouraged alternative transportation while others felt the school should

discourage options. The neutral position again reflected the majority opinion on how

much fun it would be to walk or bike to school. Most grades reflected the view that it

should be healthier for their kids to walk/bike to school but for the first time surveys

reflected a concern that it would be less healthy for their children to walk/bike to school.

The respondents to the survey had a high degree of education. 20% of the forms

reflected a post graduate degree. One quarter of the forms reported a minimum of a

bachelors degree. 19 PhD’s were counted between those who responded to the survey

and their spouses.

- Morrison is located at 793 West Union Street on a highly traveled state route 56.

The school is over two miles from the center of Athens and serves the southern part of

the city. Buses load and discharge students at the front of the school in an adjacent

parking lot. Parents who drop off children have to maneuver carefully through the lot to

avoid other cars that are discharging their passengers. The buses have a restricted lane

and the children are discharged safely at the curb and never cross a street. Students are

allowed into the building at 8:30 but the handbook states that the school is not

responsible for their supervision until 8:45. Students are tardy if they enter after 9:00.

The school dismisses at 3:35 and the buses control the entire front of the school.

Congestion is created as parents in vehicles wait in lanes for their children to leave school

and find their vehicle.

Morrison also shares an access and egress from Route 56 with the Athens Church of

Christ Day Care and the Beacon School which can complicate or compliment the needs

of the school in the after school activities.

- Morrison operates without crossing guards. One of the teacher’s aides helps to

direct students through the lot between the buses in a cross walk in the morning.

Principal Gordon and two teachers supervise the dismissal policy. Students who are

bused to school do not have to cross a street upon being discharged from the building.

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Section 6b: East Elementary School

- East Elementary in Athens is made up of grades K through 6 and has a student

population of 298 with a non resident enrollment of 32. The school is located in a level

plane and can be reached from the bike path and by sidewalks with supportive neighbors

and no student rentals. East serves students from the east side of town with 94% of the

students responding to the parent survey residing in the 45701 area and 58% live within

one mile of the school and 99% within two miles of the school.

The 6th grade parents had the greatest response to the survey. Overall parents of

female students responded more than parents of male students. 48% of all the grades

reflected a tendency of single child families, with 89% of the homes reporting 1 or 2

children. The size of the houses on the east side may be a factor in the smaller families.

Almost one third of the students walked either to or from school. This is the only

school to show more walkers than students using buses. None of the students biked to

school although the school handbook permits biking. The family vehicle came in second

as the most used means of conveyance. Carpools were employed by none of the parent

surveys. No other form of transportation was reported.


86% of the students were inside the 20 minute commute. School starts at 9:00 and ends

at 3:35 and the buses are confined to one residential street in front of the school. None of

the students who are bused are required to cross a street. Parents who drive will use

Wallace or Ohio to discharge or collect children and that requires crossing a

neighborhood street.

Due to the location of East, the sidewalks and the bike path, it would be possible for

students to ride to school from the far east side of Athens. None of the parents surveyed

had asked permission to have their child bike to school. About one third reported that

they had asked permission to have their child walk to school. East parents reflected the

most liberal attitude about an age appropriate walk/bike alternative. 20% felt that 3rd

or

4th

grade was appropriate while 31% felt that 5th

through 7th

would be the best time for

such an option.

The number one objection in the survey was the distance traveled. Speed of traffic

was the second most mentioned concern with sidewalks a close third. Most agreed their

objections could be overcome by minor changes such as traffic signals and sidewalk

upgrades.

The overwhelming number of respondents felt that the school encouraged their

children to seek alternative forms of transportation. The fact that the principal lives

within walking distance of the school adds to that encouragement. A positive position

was reflected by the majority opinion on how much fun it would be to walk or bike to

school. All the grades reflected the view that it would be healthier for their kids to

walk/bike to school. One survey commented on the quality time it afforded them while

walking with their child.

As mentioned earlier, East parents had the highest percentage of advanced degrees of

the three elementary schools. The east side is the closest to the university and is a favorite

neighborhood for university professors and their families to reside. The neighborhoods

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surrounding East provide the school with a multi cultural student body with the highest

rate of Asian, and Hispanic students.

- East is located at 3 Wallace Drive between the highly traveled East State Street and

two tight neighborhood two lane streets. The school is close to the geographic center of

the city and serves the eastern part of Athens. Buses load and discharge students at the

front of the school on Wallace Drive. Parents who drop off children have to maneuver

carefully through neighborhood streets and have little options for parking. The buses

have a restricted lane and the children are discharged safely at the curb and never cross a

street. Students are allowed onto the playground at 8:35 and into the building at 8:50.

Students are tardy if they enter after 9:05.

The school dismisses at 3:35 and the buses control the entire front of the school.

Congestion is created as parents in vehicles wait for their children to leave school and

find their vehicle. The faculty and staff have no parking lot which adds to the congestion

of parking close to the school.

- East operates with the only contracted crossing guard in the city school system.

The crossing guard helps children across East State Street onto Verona which leads to the

back of the school. East also has student safety patrol as well as Principal Boger on

watch for arrival and dismissal.

Section 6c: West Elementary School

- West Elementary in Athens is made up of grades K through 6 and has a student

population of 332. The school is located on the west side of town and serves students

from the northern and western limits of the city. West serves students from 7 postal

codes with 70% of the students responding to the parent survey residing in the 45701 area

and 58% live further than two miles of the school.

There was a slight advantage in the number of female students in the survey. Less

than 1% of the surveyed reported families larger than 2 children. The majority of the

grades reflected a tendency of families with one child.

Less than 1% of the students walked to or from school. No one surveyed reported

using a bike for transportation. 45% of the students rode the bus to school. There was no

change in the pick up from school statistics. The family vehicle was used by 16% of the

students and only one survey mentioned a carpool. No other form of transportation was

reported.


School starts at 9:05 and the handbook warns not to be at school before 8:45 and there is

no outdoor supervision. Students who arrive by car must enter the building from Central

Ave. and parents are warned not to block the drop off zone that has a curb painted

yellow. School ends at 3:35.

West Elementary is surrounded by student rentals which reduces the number of single

family households. Only 7 student’s surveyed asked permission to walk to school and

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West has a no biking policy. 58% of those surveyed said they would not feel comfortable

with the walk/bike option at any grade. Of those who could accept the option they would

wait till the 6th

grade.

The number one objection in the survey was the distance traveled. The West survey

had the greatest variety of checked objections including sidewalks, crime and weather.

Unsafe route came in second on their apprehension about a walk/bike option. Few said

they would change their objection under any circumstance. One parent was so insecure

that they drove their child to the point of the bus pick up.

The overwhelming number of respondents felt that the school neither encouraged nor

discouraged their children from seeking alternative forms of transportation. Some felt

that the school discouraged alternative transportation while others felt the school should

discourage options. The neutral position again reflected the majority opinion on how

much fun it would be to walk or bike to school. Most grades reflected the view that it

would be healthier for their kids to walk/bike to school.


reflected a high school to some college. 38% of the forms reported a minimum of a

bachelors degree. One third went on for a Masters degree and 9% had a PhD.

- West Elementary is located at 41 Central Ave. The school is on the western edge of

the city and serves the northern and western parts of the city. Buses load and discharge

students at the front of the school on Central Avenue which is a busy two lane

neighborhood street. Parents who drop off children have to maneuver carefully through a

residential area that is subject to high speed student traffic. The buses have a restricted

lane and the children are discharged safely at the curb and never cross a street.

The school dismisses at 3:35 and the busses control the entire front of the school.

Congestion is created as parents in vehicles wait in lanes for their children to leave school

and find their vehicle.

- West operates without crossing guards. Teachers park in the back of the school

accessed from an area that reduces that particular element of congestion. Principal

Linscott and designated teachers supervises the dismissal policy. Students who are bused

from school do not have to cross a street upon being discharged from the building.

Section 6d: Athens Middle School

- The Middle School in Athens is made up of grades 7 and 8 and has a student

population of 434. The school is located in the center of the city and serves the entire

city and outlying areas. 78% of the students responding to the parent survey live in the

45701 area and 2/3rds live within two miles of the school.

The 7th

grade survey overwhelmingly represented parents of female students (85%)

while the 8th

grade survey was evenly split. Both grades reflected a tendency of families

with two or more children.

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Less than 10% of the students walked to school but about 20% of the students walked

home after school. No one survey reported using a bike for transportation. 50% of the

7th

graders rode the bus to school while 67% of the seventh graders rode the bus home

after school. The same affect was reported with the 8th

graders. 33% rode the bus to

school and 55% rode the bus home. The family vehicle was used by 33% of the 7th

graders and 55% of the 8th

graders to start the day. The numbers dropped to 17% of the

7th

graders and 22% of the 8th

graders at the end of the school day. Carpools were very

small with only 17% of the seventh graders reporting to school and none on the way

home for either grade. No other form of transportation was reported.

The commute to and from school was less than 20 minutes for 2/3rds of the seventh

graders. 77% of the 8th

graders had a commute of less than 20 minutes. School ends at

2:30 and there is less traffic than in the morning commute so a slight reduction was

reported on the commute home.

Only 17% of the 7th

graders had asked for permission to walk or ride their bikes to

school. 22% of the 8th

graders had checked the section on asking permission to walk/bike

to school.

Half of the 7th

grade surveys felt it was never appropriate for kids to walk/bike to

school. The remaining half felt that 5th

, 6th

, or 7th

was appropriate for non vehicle

transportation. One third of the 8th

grade surveys felt children should have supervised

vehicular transportation. One third of the 8th

grade surveys felt that 8th

grade was

appropriate for students to walk or bike to school.

The number one objection in the survey was the distance traveled. The 7th

and 8th

grade split on their second apprehension between the issue of time and speed of traffic.

42% said they would change their objection if the distance wasn’t a problem and one

third said they would go along if time wasn’t an issue.

Two thirds of the respondents felt that the school neither encouraged nor discouraged

their children from seeking alternative forms of transportation. The neutral position

reflected the majority opinion on how much fun it would be to walk or bike to school.

Both grades reflected the view that it would be healthier for their kids to walk/bike to

school.


reflected a post graduate degree. At least one third of the forms reported a minimum of a

bachelors degree. One parent claimed that the level of education was irrelevant to the

survey.

- The Middle School is located at 51-55 West State Street on a highly traveled route.

Buses load and discharge students at the front of the school requiring the entire block and

blocking access to vehicles that are seeking access to the school. Side streets are the

main source for private vehicles and students may be discharged blocks away from

school to ease the transition. Students are allowed into the building at 7:20 but must

remain in the auditorium until 7:40 if they choose to enter the building.

The school dismisses at 2:35 and the busses again block West State Street and South

Lancaster Street. South High Street to the East of the building is a one way street and is

one of the few places where students can be reached by private transportation. Half of

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the block is residential parking and half is a tow away zone restricted to student drop off

and pick up only.

A new bike lane runs south on Nth Congress and the school can then be reached by

heading west on West Washington. Bike racks on the West side of the building would

accommodate students using the biking option. The school has no restriction on students

biking to school.

- The Middle School operates without crossing guards. Principal Grippa and

occasional designated faculty and staff supervise the arrival and dismissal policy.

Students who are bused to school do not have to cross a street to access the building.

Students who reach school by private conveyance are encouraged to cross at designated

traffic lights at the corner of West State and South Lancaster or West State and North

Congress.

Section 7-9:

The following information was pulled from a report prepared by Stantec Engineering.

Stantec Engineering worked in conjunction with the City of Athens and the Athens City

School District to find the barriers to active transportation, possible solutions and

mapping.

Section 7: Barriers to Active Transportation

The purpose and need of the City of Athens Safe Routes to School Engineering Study is

to improve pedestrian and bike safety for the students who attend Athens Middle School,

Morrison Elementary, West Elementary and East Elementary while considering future

transportation needs of the students.

In order to fulfill this purpose, effective solutions must address the following needs as

identified by the Safe Routes to School Team Members:

• Promote a healthier lifestyle for the students of Athens Middle School, Morrison

Elementary, West Elementary and East Elementary

• Achieve connectivity from the schools to students’ residence.

• Identify and provide the safest walking and biking alternatives for students.

Specific improvement suggestions were developed for each school with the goal of

achieving the purpose and need of this planning project. The specific recommendations

for each school are grouped according to priority and represent the time frame in which

treatments could be completed. They are divided into high priority (0-12 months),

medium priority (1-3 years) and low priority (3-10) years.

High priority suggestions for Athens Middle School included parent outreach, installation

of signage, bike rack installation and sidewalk installation. The total high priority

estimated costs is $32,500. Three additional improvements are suggested for medium and

low priority improvements.

16

Morrison Elementary had one improvement suggestion associated with the school. This

involves the installation of a bike path from the school to SR682. This low priority

solution has an estimated cost of $950,000.

Speed reduction measures, vegetation clearing, and potential sight distance evaluation

were among the high priority improvement suggestions for West Elementary. Estimated

costs for these solutions total $63,500. Three additional improvements are suggested for

medium and low priority improvements.

East Elementary School suggestions include speed reduction measures, signage and

striping improvements, traffic restrictions, and crossing guard implementation. These

high priority solutions have an estimated total cost of $39,000. Four additional

improvements are suggested for medium and low priority improvements.

Existing Conditions

In order to successfully identify, assess, and improve walking and biking routes to school,

it is key to first “take stock” of the existing infrastructure and other conditions that affect

the safety, comfort, and accessibility of those routes. Within the City of Athens, the

current conditions were documented for four schools, East, Morrison, and West

Elementary Schools and Athens Middle School. This involved mapping and walk audits

of the school campuses themselves, as well as all areas within a two-mile walk of the

schools (essentially all of Athens north of the Hocking River and specific corridors to the

south). On September 18, 2008, the SRTS Team Members along with officials from the

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. met to

discuss in detail the existing conditions around the schools.

Due to the proximity of East and West Elementary Schools and Athens Middle School

the SRTS areas for these schools have a great deal of overlap. However, because the

routes students take to and from the schools differ, it was important to perform individual

walk audits for each. This allowed the team to not only evaluate the condition of

pedestrian and bicycle facilities surrounding the schools, but also to better evaluate the

safest and most efficient routes for students to take to and from each school.

Topography plays an important role when discussing potential safe routes to school.

Steep slopes create barriers between neighborhoods as well as hard to traverse conditions

for students on bicycles and for those with physical impairments. The City has connected

these neighborhoods by installing stairs at key locations. These slopes also present a

challenge for infrastructure because it causes higher development costs on certain types

of infrastructure, and creates environmental degradation hazards.

The City of Athens has long been supportive of providing safe facilities for pedestrians

and cyclists on its streets. The presence of both Ohio University, which spawns a great

deal of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway within the

community lead to a level of awareness and support of walking and biking not seen in

17

many communities. In an effort to improve safety and promote these modes of travel, the

City has undertaken numerous projects in the past few years. These include:

• Installation of bike lanes.

• Implementation of pedestrian phases at intersections.

• Richland Avenue Improvement Project which includes pedestrian and bicycle

infrastructure improvements.

Future capital improvement and development projects include:

• Bank stabilization and road improvements on Franklin.

• OPWC road and intersection improvements project on Carpenter Street.

• Four intersections that have been identified as being problematic according to The City

of Athens Comprehensive Plan.

• Senior Housing Development near the intersection of Morris and May.

Section 7a: ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL

As the only middle school in the

Athens City School District, all

seventh and eighth grade students in

the district attend Athens Middle

School. It is centrally located within

the city, on the southwest corner of

High and State Streets, making it

accessible on foot or by bike for a

large percentage of students. Most

of the surrounding residences are

rentals primarily occupied by Ohio

University students. This central

locale is complemented by the city’s

grid street layout, maximizing the

area within a two-mile trip of the

school. Nearly all of the streets surrounding Athens Middle School have existing

sidewalks on at least one side, with the exception of Depot Street and some of the

residential streets to the north of the school.

The field observations occurred on September 19, 2008 during the arrival time. The bus

drops students off on the north side of the building and the east side of the building which

is marked with Bus Unloading and Loading Only signage. Parents used these areas to

drop their children off and consequently caused backups into the Lancaster and State

intersection.

Section 7b: MORRISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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Morrison Elementary is located at the far

western edge of Athens, one mile

southwest of the Hocking River on State

Route (SR) 56. Currently there are no

pedestrian or bike specific facilities that

lead to the school. Because SR 56 is a

high speed and winding road, walking or

riding along the road is not safe for

elementary age children. Due to its

distance from the urban core, its location

on a two-lane, minor arterial road with no

pedestrian facilities, and the wide

disbursement of its students, Morrison

Elementary School has the most significant existing impediments to establishing Safe

Routes to School.

Most students are bussed or dropped off by their parents as evidenced by arrival time

field observations which occurred on September 19, 2008. Some students did walk from

the nearby day cares. Patterns were very organized and the crossing guard and teachers

were instrumental in conducting controlled traffic operations. The buses block the front

row of the parking lot so that parents are forced to drive down the second row.

This prevents potential conflicts with students walking out in between cars.

A walking path was observed at the Beacon School which is located next door. Mowed

paths were observed throughout the woods located behind the school. However, these

paths do not serve as connectors and are of a loop design.

There are currently no walkable or bikeable routes to get to Morrison Elementary from

the surrounding neighborhood. The principal indicated the residential neighborhood

located southeast of the school along Elliottsville Rd houses older residents. Right of way

width along SR 56 appears wide enough to incorporate a bike path except where it

crosses an active railroad.

Section 7c: WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Dismissal time was observed on September

18, 2008 with transfer buses arriving and

leaving first. Walkers and students whose

parents pick them where dismissed after the

buses left. Buses load and unload in the back of

the school while the walkers are dismissed in

the front of the school and a teacher escorts

kindergartners to these areas.

19

In front of the school, parents park on both sides of the street well before dismissal, with

some parking several blocks away. Due to the urban setting and street grid in which the

school is situated, the only available parking facilities for drop off and pick up are located

on the street. Students were observed walking in between cars to cross the street to get

into the parked vehicles. There were no teachers or crossing guards regulating traffic.

The majority of students observed walking

home from school were going to the Athens

Garden apartments to the west of the school,

traveling on Central Ave to State St. Some

students cut through the backyard of property

located on northwest corner of Central/State

intersection.

Informal interviews with parents were

conducted and concerns were raised over

unsafe traffic conditions on Central. A parent

informed the SRTS team that Central Ave is

the main route for emergency services that are located north of the school.

Steep slopes make biking difficult east of Central Ave. A worn path was observed behind

the school that connects to the Athens Garden apartments. However, student use is

prohibited by the school administration due to safety concerns because of the steep slope

and overgrown vegetation.

Along Curran, sidewalks were missing on the entire west side and part of the east side of

the street. Additional streets with missing sidewalk included Rardin, Hanlin, Slaughter,

Elizabeth and West Hills. Existing sidewalks surrounding the school were generally in

good condition and vary in width from three to five feet. Curb ramps were not ADA

compliant.

Section 7d: EAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL On September 18, 2008, the overall flow and

organization of the dismissal patterns

observed for East Elementary was good.

Several parents walked to school to meet

their children or parked along one of the

adjacent streets (Maplewood Drive, Ohio

Avenue, Morris Avenue) then walked to pick

up their children. Some crossed Wallace at

mid block to return to their car, failing to use

the crosswalks. Most did use the crosswalks

at either Maplewood or Morris.

20

There is a designated parent drop off/pick up area south of the bus pick up area. This area

is designated by cones with broom sticks with a Pick Up and Drop Off Only sign. Parents

were observed using the designated area and the undesignated areas behind the buses.

The drop off and pick up pattern is circular through the neighborhood streets. Parents

enter the neighborhood and head east on Morris off of E. State Street. The parent then

turns north on to S. Shannon and either turns west onto Maplewood or west onto Ohio.

Some congestion around the school occurs with vehicles but appears related to not

following the rules/policy. A parent was observed parking in the crosswalk to pick up

their child. Drivers exiting the school grounds traveling south on Wallace to the Morris

and Wallace intersection, several parents did not stop behind the crosswalk.

After dismissal, two members of the PTO met with the SRTS team to discuss their

concerns. Their primary concerns centered on the following issues. The first concern was

the intersection of Morris Avenue & Wallace Drive where drivers frequently continue

through the intersection without coming to a complete stop, or in some instances without

even slowing down. During the AM peak hour, they felt like a significant number of

vehicles represented cut through traffic, which they attributed to Ohio University

students. Their second concern was the vehicle speeds on Morris Avenue. Andy Stone,

Director of the Street Department for the City of Athens, had performed some

preliminary data collection along Morris. The results indicated the average speed on this

street was 12 to 21 mph. The existing speed limit on Morris Avenue is 25 mph. Another

issue noted by the PTO was vehicle-pedestrian conflict when pedestrians cross Wallace.

Sidewalks on Morris, May and E. State were generally in good condition and measured

four feet in width. Most intersections were not ADA compliant and crosswalk striping

consisted of the standard two stripe configuration. It was observed that some crosswalk

signage was faded. The southern half of Morris had missing sidewalks from Grant to the

recreation area at May.

The recreation area consists of soccer fields, a circular shared use path and portions of the

Adena bike path which connect to the Athens Community Center to the east. The

Community Center is utilized by many of the East Elementary School students for after

school/recreational programming and are bussed there from school.

Topography is the largest challenge in connecting students who live in the Highland Park

residential area bounded roughly by Congress, Fort, Grosvenor and Columbia. The

elevation difference is over 200 feet, with elevation at the school measuring 655 feet

above mean sea level and 860 feet above mean sea level at Highland Park. A set of

wooden stairs has been constructed along Merkle from Grosvenor to Franklin to help

alleviate the connectivity problem. However, the stairs end at Franklin making the

student walk 800’ out of their way to the intersection of Franklin and Morris in order to

continue walking to school.

21

The intersection of State and Verona has a signalized intersection with a pedestrian

countdown timer. The intersection also has a pedestrian crossing button which activates

the signal to change so that the pedestrian can cross the intersection safely. The

countdown on the timer allowed for a 13 second crossing. Pedestrian walking speeds

range from approximately 2.5 to 6.0 feet/second. The 2005 Edition of the MUTCD says

that a 4 feet/second rate should be considered in determining pedestrian clearance time

when older populations and people with physical impairments are utilizing the crosswalk.

If we infer this is the time needed for an elementary aged child to cross State Street, the

signal timing needed should be 9 seconds based on an approximate measurement of 36

feet. This indicates ample crossing time for elementary aged students.

The right of way is extremely narrow along Verona and Lloyd and do not contain

sidewalks. Along some areas on Verona, houses are located within the right of way,

making sidewalk construction difficult.

Portions of land on the eastern side of

Lloyd are owned by the school and are part

of the baseball field. Right of way width

along Verona measures approximately 24

feet and road width along Lloyd measures

approximately 23 feet. Traffic volumes

along these roads would be needed to

determine appropriate widths for traffic.

Sidewalks are also lacking along portions

of Elmwood and Shannon. The

intersection of Shannon and Maplewood

do not contain crosswalk markings and curb ramps are not ADA compliant.

Section 7e: HOCKHOCKING ADENA BIKEWAY

The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, a rails-to-trails project, is a 19-mile asphalt bikeway

that stretches from Athens to Nelsonville along the Hocking River. Within the City of

Athens, the trail begins at East State Street Park and follows the river along the south side

of the OU campus before turning north and going through West State Street Park. There

22

are numerous access points to the bikeway, with the most prominent being the two parks

and Stimson Avenue, Richland Avenue, and West Union Street.

The bike path is 10 feet wide and well maintained. Because the bike path is level

compared to many of the streets within the City limits, it is utilized regularly. Many

residents who work downtown and live in the residential areas east of US 33 utilize the

path for their daily commute to and from work. Principals from each SRTS school

mentioned a lack of connectivity to the bike path from the schools. Therefore, the bike

path is not utilized by many of their students.

Section 7f: ASSESSMENT OF ACCIDENT DATA

According to accident data provided by ODOT, there have been 221 accidents involving

pedestrians or bikes within the two mile radius of the four SRTS schools from 2003 to

2007. Sixty-eight percent of these involved bicyclists while 30% involved pedestrians.

The remaining 2% involved other non-motorized types of mode. Data shows that the

majority of the accidents are located in and around the Ohio University campus and

would most likely involve the college student population.

Section 8: Creating Solutions

The Engineering Improvement Suggestions provided to the SRTS Team Members aim to

reduce speeds, establish safer crossings and improve pedestrian and bike facilities within

a two-mile trip of the schools. Specific improvement suggestions were developed with

the goal of achieving the purpose and need of this planning project. The specific

recommendations for each school are grouped according to priority and represent the

time frame in which treatments could be completed. They are divided as follows:

• HIGH PRIORITY 0-12 MONTHS

23

• MEDIUM PRIORITY 1-3 YEARS

• LOW PRIORITY 3-10 YEARS

Wherever possible, sidewalks and bike lanes should be incorporated in every future

capital road improvement project to help increase opportunities for students to walk and

ride to school.

Perceived and/or real safety issues may be avoided by instituting enforcement or

encouragement programs around Athens Middle School, West and East Elementary

Schools. Drop off and pick up policies should be instituted and enforced with a

reasonable level of effort. Encouragement programs can include a Walk/Bike to School

Day or a Walking School Bus. Due to the close proximity to Ohio University to the

SRTS schools, college students could volunteer their time to help teach or organize these

programs.

These specific improvement suggestions provide the City of Athens with a wide range of

possible improvements so that projects may be prioritized and budgeted accordingly.

These estimates are for budgeting purposes only and should not be considered detailed

engineering cost estimates.

Section 8a: ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH PRIORITY 0-12 MONTHS

1. Installation of signage and parent outreach material to improve separation of

vehicles and pedestrians. The signage would indicate proper limits for

dropoff/pickup and be placed further east on State Street to avoid the back ups

that occur at the intersection of Congress and Lancaster. Estimated Cost:

$1,500.00

2. Bike rack installation is recommended at a Bike Rack Example

location that would encourage children to ride

their bikes to and from school. If choosing a

bike rack for a child it is important to consider

what a primary aged student would consider

cumbersome. The traditional bike rack as

shown in the picture is 22 inches high, shorter

than the average bike rack. Estimated Cost:

$1,000.00 Photo Courtesy of ODOT

3. Completion of missing sidewalk network.

a. Lancaster 430 LF Estimated Cost: $22,000

b. State 100 LF Estimated Cost: $8,000

24

MEDIUM PRIORITY 1-3 YEARS

1. Crosswalk installation at State and High Street with overhead pedestrian

flashers. Estimated Cost: $40,000

2. Installation of stairs from Fort to Armory. Estimated Cost: $40,000

LOW PRIORITY 3-10 YEARS

1. Modify existing signal at the intersection of State and Lancaster to add

pedestrian signals. Estimated Cost: $50,000 with mast arms, and $20,000 without

mast arms

Section 8b: MORRISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL


1. Installation of a 5,300 feet shared use path measuring 10 feet in width and

installation of two bridges assuming no right of way will be needed. Estimated

Cost: $950,000

Section 8c: WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL


1. Staff assist with drop off/pickup on Central.

2. Change staggered dismissal times to send walkers home before dismissing car

riders.

3. Curb bulbs at Central and State. Estimated Cost: $8,000 each

4. Curb bulbs at Central and Clark. Estimated Cost: $8,000 each

5. Intersection of 2nd and Central.

a. Detailed Sight Distance Evaluation. Estimated Cost: $5,000

b. Clear vegetation and install “watch for children” signage. Estimated

Cost: $1,500

6. Completion of the 870 LF of missing sidewalk network on Rardin. Estimated

Cost: $41,000

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a. Slaughter 500 LF Estimated Cost: $25,000

b. Clarke 350 LF Estimated Cost: $19,000

c. West Hills 1,030 LF Estimated Cost: $48,000

d. First 570 LF Estimated Cost: $28,000

2. Installation of stairs behind the school to the Athens Garden apartmentcomplex.

Estimated Cost: $40,000



a. Brown Ave 1,500 LF Estimated Cost: $68,000

b. Elizabeth 1,020 LF Estimated Cost: $47,000

c. Curan 150 LF Estimated Cost: $10,000

2. Regrading at Intersection of 2nd and Central dependent on detailed Sight

Distance Evaluation. Estimated Cost: $25,000

Section 8d: EAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL


1. Bulb out at the north crossing of Ohio and Wallace and replacement of the

existing drop off area signs with MUTCD signage. Estimated Cost: $16,000

2. Crossing guards at Ohio and Wallace & Morris and Wallace. Existing staff or

volunteer. Associated costs include supplies and training for certification

program. Estimated Cost: $5,000

3. Restrict left turn movement from Morris and right turn movement from

Wallace at Wallace and Morris intersection during school hours. Estimated

Cost: $1,000

26

4. Enhance crosswalk striping along Morris and other streets such as Ohio and

Maplewood. The following intersections are recommended based on student

population living along this street: Morris and Wallace, Morris and Campbell,

Grant and Morris, Verona and State, and Morris and State. High-contrast

markings and durable crosswalk marking materials are preferable to paint at

some locations because they last longer and may be more cost-effective.

Estimated Cost: $4,000

5. Completion of the 220 LF of missing sidewalk network on Verona. Estimated

Cost: $13,000


1. Raised intersection at Morris and Wallace. Estimated Cost: $10,000


a. Morris 400 LF Estimated Cost: $21,000

b. Ohio 700 LF Estimated Cost: $34,000

c. Watt 360 LF Estimated Cost: $19,000

d. Wallace 470 LF Estimated Cost: $24,000

e. Lloyd 650 LF Estimated Cost: $32,000

f. Shannon 550 LF Estimated Cost: $27,000


1. Provide paved connection from Morris to the Bike Path. Estimated Cost:

$8,000

2. Construction of stairs along Merkle. Estimated Cost: $40,000. This cost does

not reflect right of way acquisition that may be needed in order to complete the

project.

Section 8e: BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.upbeatinc.com/upbeatinc/

http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pedbike/pubs/05085/chapt10.htm

2004, Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, AASHTO

27

1999, Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, AASHTO

2007, Location and Design Manual, Volume One, Roadway Design, ODOT

2005, Basics of Bicycle Facility Design, ODOT

Section 9: Improvements Mapping

31

Section 10: The Action Plan

Strategy Strategy Detail Time Responsible Status

Estimated Possible Percent

of

Type Frame Party Cost Funding Students

(which of the 5 E's) Source Affected

*

Engineering Immediate sign improvements by providing updated LED flashing school zone signs on SR56, Central Ave., and W. State (as well as other signs). Bike Rack installation at AMS.

Summer 2009

City of Athens Pending $22,000 City/SRTS/Schools 100%

Engineering Crosswalk pavement marking improvements at all schools

Summer 2009

City of Athens Pending $8,000 City/SRTS 40%

Education Parent outreach for pickup changes at Athens Middle School

Fall 2009 Athens City Schools

Pending $500 Schools/SRTS 30%

Encouragement Change staggered dismissal times to send walkers home before car riders to avoid conflicts between walkers and departing parents.

Fall 2009 Athens City Schools

Pending 0 N/a 80%

Engineering New sidewalk construction (for missing sections) on Rardin and Verona. Bulb outs at Central/State, Central/Clark, Ohio/Wallace

Summer 2010


Enforcement East elementary crossing guard program

Spring 2010

Athens City Schools

Pending $5,000 Schools/SRTS 20%

Engineering New stair construction project - Fort St. to Armory St. and Athens Gardens Apartments to W. Elementary

Summer 2011


Engineering Raised intersection at Morris and Wallace

Summer 2011


Engineering/Encouragement

Extension of Hockhocking Adena Bikeway out SR56 to Morrison Elementary School

Summer 2012

City of Athens Pending $950,000 City/SRTS/ODOT TE

20%

Engineering West side medium priority sidewalk section completion (Slaughter, Clarke, West Hills, First, Lancaster, State)

Summer 2013

City of Athens Pending $150,000 City/SRTS/ODOT Small Cities

40%

32

Engineering East side medium priority sidewalk section completion (Morris, Ohio, Watt, Wallace, Lloyd, Shannon)

Summer 2013

City of Athens Pending $157,000 City/SRTS/ODOT Small Cities

25%

Engineering/Encouragement

Provide paved connection from Morris to Hockhocking Adena Bikeway

Summer 2011


Engineering West side lower priority sidewalk section completion (Brown, Elizabeth, Curran)

Summer 2014


Engineering Stair construction in Merkle St. R/w from Grosvenor to Franklin

Summer 2013


34

Section 12: Supporting Documentation

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Subcommittee September 9, 2008 – 12:00 p.m.

Attendees: Mary Reed, Paul Logue, Chris Knisely, Dick Planisek and Maxine Rantane.

The Ann Arbor presentation seemed to be in synch with what has been said over the years about pedestrian and bicycle issues.

Dick Planisek said that currently Andy Stone was assessing and putting in where possible bike lanes on any new projects for the City of Athens.

The committee looked at Richard Harvey’s summary of goals in reference to the Portland

Plan. The committee discussed bike lockers and/or shelter areas to keep bikes safe from theft

and the natural elements. Bike lockers can tend to be expensive, though. It was mentioned that Andy Stone had thought that the Armory would be a great central location

for an Athens Transit hub. A bicycle commuter map is available at athenscyclepath.com by Cycle Path Bike Shop.

Paul Logue suggested that this would be a good link for Ohio University students.

Mary Reed wondered if we should try to look for a smaller college for reference instead of the Portland Plan.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Subcommittee

September 2, 2008 – 12:00 p.m.

Attendees: Mary Reed, Kent Butler, Paul Logue, Paul Wiehl, Lori Gromen, Chris

Knisely, Dick Planisek, Sonia Marcus, Ron Lucas and Paula Horan-

Moseley.

Norman Cox from The Greenway Collaborative, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan gave a

presentation to the committee regarding pedestrian and bicycle development for rural

areas. Listed below are some of the major points, opinions and suggestions in the

presentation:

1. Build to promote use.

2. FHWA – all new projects should include pedestrian and bicycle lanes.

3. AASHTO - green book, details guidelines for development.

4. Populated pedestrian areas traditionally promotes better driver awareness,

areas with less pedestrians report more vehicle/pedestrian accidents.

5. Cities need to be conscious when planning because pedestrian and bicyclists

don’t always adhere to the traffic laws.

6. Pedestrian overpasses for roads are very expensive, normally not economical

and can create safety concerns.

7. Grassy islands in the middle of a roadway help with pedestrian traffic across

broader intersections with different traffic patterns.

8. Roundabouts - planning is of the upmost importance.

A question and answer period followed by a walk around of the uptown area.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Subcommittee Notes

August 7, 2008

Attending: Andy Stone, Carol Patterson, Tom Wolf, Richard Harvey, Dick Planisek, Chris

Knisely, Sonia Marcus, James Huth, Tim Creamer, Laurie Gromen, Kent Butler

General Discussion

The group discussed summary remarks from Carol Patterson on a Bicycle/Pedestrian Strategic

Plan from Asheville, North Carolina, which was funded in part by Transportation Enhancement

Funds and Safe Schools Program funds. Richard Harvey presented verbal comments on a plan

from Portland, Oregon, that incorporates key elements:

Policies & objectives that form part of Portland’s Comprehensive Plan Transportation

element

“Developing a recommended bikeway network

Providing end-of-trip facilities

Improving the bicycle-transit link

Promoting bicycling through education & encouragement”

Both plans incorporated extensive public input. Those attending thought elements of both of

these plans could be utilized in developing the Athens plan, and that we would need to gather

information from a variety of sources (data, traffic counts, public forums, surveys).

Possible resources to fund &/or help with this Athens project:

Ohio Dept. of Transportation (C. Knisely has called Sharon Todd & is waiting to hear

back)

Urban Planning Graduate Students (P. Logue will check at OSU; L. Gromen will check at

MSU; UC might be another possibility)

Other public & private funding sources including some City funding; Foundation funding

From the City Streets & University Facilities perspective:

A. Stone thinks it will be important to consider a priority list of end-state goals (e.g. linking

major corridors in the city – Columbus Road; Richland Ave.). The approach to start work on

bicycling access on major corridors, then working to smaller roads was used in Asheville.

Another idea that A. Stone suggested is the possible use of the Armory as a multi-modal

transportation hub, which might be included as part of the long range plans for promoting

bicycling for Athens.

D. Planisek thinks it important for the City & the University to work as one group and to

incorporate this into the Campus Master Plan, which currently focuses on parking. (While

additional parking is important, encouraging bicycle & pedestrian traffic is also important.).

The next meeting of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Subcommittee will be Tuesday

September 9, noon-1 in the City Hall Conference Room. The group will set goals for the Athens

plan, remembering that it is a bicycle & pedestrian subcommittee so the plan would hopefully

contain elements for pedestrians & bicyclists.

Additional Note:

PDF file of the Asheville Plan was distributed by email. Portland Plan PDF will be sent with

these meeting notes.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Subcommittee June 26, 2008

Present: Paul Logue, Andy Stone, Carol Patterson, Tom Wolf, Richard Harvey, John Kotowski,

Chris Knisely The group discussed creating a Bicycle/Pedestrian Strategic Plan. Carol Patterson and Tom

Wolf will review similar plans from Asheville, North Carolina. Richard Harvey will review plans from Portland, Oregon.

Paul Logue located another resource: http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/develop/sample-plans.cfm. Chapel Hill is included at this web site; Paul noted that may be the closest in size, geography and demographics to Athens.

John Kotowski informed the group that OU is working on a comprehensive pedestrian and

parking plan (Dick Planisek was unable to attend the June 26 meeting but will attend future meetings to represent the University.).

Chris Knisely reported that pedestrian safety issues on Stimson Avenue and Palmer Street were discussed at a meeting held with HAVAR participants & city representatives (Andy Stone, Paula

Horan-Moseley, Chris Knisely) on June 16.

Other Items/Suggestions: Consider purchase incentives for persons to live in the city limits

Consider developing employer supported incentives for persons to use the bus Consider centralized bicycle racks to be located in the municipal parking garage

Designate certain parking meters to be used for bicycles & (long term) obtain parking

meters that are designed with units to lock bikes

The next meeting of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Subcommittee will be held on August 7, noon-1 in the City Hall Conference Room.

http://mail.ci.athens.oh.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/develop/sample-plans.cfm


October 6, 2008

11:00 a.m.

Present: Chris Knisely, Andy Stone, Dick Planisek, Sonia Marcus, Maxine Rantane, Paul

Logue, Elahu Gosney, Lori Gromen, Mary Reed, Kent Butler, Tom Wolf

Chris Knisely explained that Norm Cox gave a presentation to the committee in September and

that she would like to try to set some goals and recruit volunteers from other groups if possible.

Ohio University is working on a Request for Qualifications for a transportation plan for the

university with a bike plan component. The group discussed if it was possible to include the

city’s bike plan needs with the university’s RFQ. Dick Planisek offered to check on the scope of

the plan and if the city could be included.

It was felt that a separate contract with the successful bidder would be advisable. Elahu Gosney

asked if OU had an idea on how much the plan might cost. Sonia Marcus estimated around

$15,000 to $20,000 and said that the actual planning and data collection would be sometime in

the spring.

Paul Logue asked if the plan would be a separate document or included with the university plan.

This would need to be discussed and decided by the committee.

The committee discussed what Ohio University’s currently does for bicycle access inside their

buildings.

The committee worked on what specific goals they would like to set for the plan and their vision

of the plan. The following goals were developed from this discussion:

1. Increase Ridership by %

2. Decrease Accidents by %

3. Develop Bike Traffic Demand Plan

4. Educate Pedestrian and Bicyclist on Traffic Laws

5. Strategy to Achieve Objectives - Ask consultant to give us ways to

measure success and achieve goals

The next meeting will be November 3rd

at 11:00 a.m.

1

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

May 4, 2009, 11:00 a.m.

Present: Chris Knisely, Tom Wolf, Ron Lucas, Dick Planisek, Sonia Marcus, Mary Reed,

Elaine Mather, Alyssa Thomas, Eric Cornwell and Paul Logue.

The minutes from April 6, 2009 were approved.

Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan

Paul Logue advised the group that The Greenway Collaborative, Inc. from Ann Arbor, Michigan

was chosen to prepare the master bicycle/pedestrian plan for the City of Athens. The city has

agreed to provide volunteers to help with the data collection for the bike plan. The group

discussed having the first data collection meeting around May 26th

.

Eric Cornwell suggested that consideration be given to making sure interviewer ratio was geared

towards the demographics of the individuals be interviewed.

Brochure

Lori Gromen reviewed and edited the brochure and forwarded it to Tom Pyle for his review.

Mary Reed reiterated Sonia Marcus’s past remarks about trying to get the blog site out to

individuals in the community.

The committee discussed whether the brochure should indicate the use of the whole vehicle lane

when you are riding at ½ the speed limit. Tom Wolf and Chris Knisely both stated that some of

the legislation does not seem to be very clear on this issue.

Dick Planisek asked whether you can ride a bike on sidewalks in other areas in the city. Tom

Wolf commented that bicycle use should be restricted to a pedestrian pace on sidewalks and that

obviously children’s use of sidewalks for bicycling is acceptable for safety reasons.

Bumper Stickers

A couple of design options for the bumper stickers were submitted by Sonia Marcus’s office at

Ohio University. The I Bike Athens bumper stickers can be made reflective. Mary Reed said

the price for each sticker should be under a dollar a piece. Elaine Mather thought that green

would be a good color for environmental friendly reasons. It was mentioned that many people

2

associate green with the university in this area. It might be possible to have local area businesses

purchase the stickers and then resell them. Athens local bike shops and the College bookstore

might be interested in purchasing the bumper stickers.

Bicycle Registry

Maxine Rantane previously offered to inquire about Ohio University’s bicycle registration

process. Ohio University has there own local registry. Lost or stolen bikes are reported to the

Ohio University Police Department. This registry is not linked with the national registry. The

group discussed the city funding a registry and partnering with Ohio University. Sonia Marcus

asked if there is a demand or need for this service in Athens and where does this project fall

within the group’s priorities of things to accomplish.

Miscellaneous

The National Bike to Work Week is May 11-15, 2009. Eric Cornwell is working on a letter to

the editor.

The June 2009 meeting will be cancelled because committee members have agreed to attend the

kick off meeting with Norm Cox for the Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan the last week of May.

The next meeting will be July 13, 2009.

1


April 6, 2009, 11:00 a.m.

Present: Chris Knisely, Andy Stone, Lori Gromen, Tom Wolfe, Ron Lucas, Dick Planisek,

Sonia Marcus, Mary Reed, Erin Sykes, Elaine Mather, Maxine Rantane, Eric

Cornwell and Paul Logue.


The proposals for the bike plan were reviewed and the list was narrowed down to ten. A

subcommittee met to review the proposals and to make a recommendation to the Advisory

Committee. The Pedestrian and Bicycle group discussed the top firms identified by the

subcommittee. Proposals from KKG, Greenways, Floyd Browne Group and Alta will be

reviewed again.

Dick Planisek agreed to look at the proposals and Paul Logue will check out the references for

these firms.

Brochure

Tom Pyle has been working on the Cycling in Athens brochures and a copy was presented to the

committee members. Maxine Rantane suggested asking the Tourism Bureau if they would

distribute the brochure with the packets they mail out to Athens area residents.

Sonia Marcus commented that the brochure was geared towards rules of the road, not necessarily

promoting bicycle riding. Lori Gromen asked about incorporating a map of the streets on the

brochure. Lori Gromen offered to speak to Chief Mayer and Captain Pyle about ideas for

educating the public about bicycle and pedestrian issues.

Miscellaneous

The blog website has been added to the Transportation Task Force webpage.

The group will look at developing a design for the bicycle/pedestrian bumper stickers.

Tom Wolfe inquired about Ohio University carts being on city streets in Athens. Andy Stone

advised the group that Ohio law does not permit these vehicles on the streets and that the city and

OU are aware of the issue and they are trying to find a solution. Sonia Marcus said currently

these vehicles are parked and not being used on city streets.

2

The committee discussed the possibility of individuals being able to register their bikes with the

city. A process would need to be setup, so that bikes could be registered through the national

registry system. Maxine said, Ohio University has a program in place and she will contact OU

Police Department to see how the process works.

Eric Cornwell advised the group about a new bike cooperative program that he has started.

About 25 bikes have been setup at designated locations throughout the city. Each member will

receive a key and be able to use the bicycles at their convenience. Andy Stone mentioned

contacting Athens Police Department about bikes that might be available to the program. The

bicycles are identified with a bike taxi logo on them. The group discussed the need for bike

racks and making sure the bikes are attached to public bike racks.

The next meeting will be May 4, 2009.

1


March 2, 2009, 11:00 a.m.

Present: Chris Knisely, Andy Stone, Lori Gromen, Tom Wolfe, Ron Lucas, Dick Planisek,

Alyssa Thomas, Sonia Marcus, Mary Reed, Erin Sykes and Paul Logue.


Chris Knisely advised the group, City Council had its first reading on the ordinance for the plan

and the second reading will be tonight. Paul Logue said he has received several responses in

regards to the Request for Qualifications from firms that are interested.

The firms were advised that there would be volunteers available to help with the collection of

data. The proposals are due by Friday, March 13, 2009.

Education and Communication

Lori Gromen is working on keeping the blog site updated; a link to the blog site on the city

website would be beneficial.

The committee would like to look at having a Banner across Court Street about pedestrian and

bicycle safety and education. It was suggested that bumper stickers might be a good way to

target the public and students. Mary Reed estimated the banner cost at about $150 and around

$180 for a 1,000 stickers. Local businesses might be interested in sponsoring the banner or

bumper stickers.

Tom Wolfe commented that many college students don’t get adequate training about bicycle

safety and laws. The committee discussed using the precollege meetings with students to

educate them. Sonia Marcus said, this was just her opinion, but her department abandoned using

precollege because the students are provided so much information at one time.

Podcast and Facebook were suggested by Ron Lucas to use as resources to get information out to

the students.

City Website

The blog site address needs added to the City of Athens website.

2

Ohio Bike Federation

The Ohio Bike Federation is working on updating the bicycle laws. Currently they are working

on updating the language regarding the far right rule for cyclist. There are gray areas regarding

merging of traffic and who has the right of way when bike lanes are present.

Miscellaneous

Sonia Marcus introduced Erin Sykes to the group. Erin will be working on bike related projects

for Ohio University. Some potential projects will be a bike loan program. Dick Planisek asked

about what bike racks are available throughout the city to accommodate such a program. Andy

Stone said that previously the city did an inventory of the uptown area.

Ohio University will be holding events for Earth Month in April.

Andy Stone will be conducting his street tour with City Council in April.

The next meeting will be April 6, 2009.

1


February 2, 2009, 11:00 a.m.

Present: Chris Knisely, Andy Stone, Elaine Mather, Lori Gromen, Maxine Rantane, Tom

Wolfe, Ron Lucas and Paul Logue.

The minutes from January 5, 2009 were approved.

The official blog site address is www.bikeandwalkathens.blogspot.com. Lori Gromen advised

the group that any committee member could add or make changes to the blog site. An e-mail

was sent January 14, 2009 with the user name and password for the site.

Andy Stone inquired whether the map on the Cycle Path website was mentioned on the blog site.

Maxine Rantane stated that the map is in the process of being updated at this time. A link on the

city website for the blog site would be beneficial. A link on the city website to the Police

Department page on bicycle tips would be beneficial as well.

City Council reviewed the Request for Qualifications to develop a bike plan for the City of

Athens. There was a general acceptance from council members regarding the proposal. Jim

Sands will be working on the appropriations for the plan. Currently, City Council is planning on

appropriated $10,000 in 2009 and 2010. It was suggested that a smaller committee from this

group review the RFQ when they are submitted to make the recommendations.

Andy Stone advised the committee that Congress Street will be added, on a regular basis, to the

street sweeper schedule.

Chris Knisely advised the committee members that OU Impressions will hold the Dump the

Pump sometime in spring of this year. A banner on Court Street regarding the

bicycle/pedestrian committee would be beneficial. The Mayors Press Conference would be a

good avenue to promote bus ridership in Athens.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 2, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.

http://www.bikeandwalkathens.blogspot.com/


November 3, 2008

11:00 a.m.

Present: Chris Knisely, Mary Reed, Andy Stone, Paul Logue, Tom Wolf, Alyssa Thomas

and Elahu Gosney.

Chris Knisely explained that the committee is working on developing a bike plan and some

deliverables for a bike plan was submitted by Andy Stone as part of this process.

1. A city-wide origin-destination survey for bicycle traffic

2. Accident diagrams and analysis (pulled from city-provided police records) of all bike/ped

accidents over the last 5 years.

3. A survey of existing ridership and attitudes

4. Based on the origin/destination survey and other data, a map of chokepoints or dangerous

situations, and recommended projects to correct those situations. An order-of-magnitude

cost estimate should be provided for each recommended correction.

5. Recommended locations for NEW bike or ped facilities based on items 1-3 above – new

bike paths, new bike lanes, major storage point locations. An order-of-magnitude cost

estimate should be provided for each new project.

6. A prioritized, order of merit list of the potential projects identified in items 4 and 5

above. The prioritization should be based on data gathered in items 1-3 above.

Ohio University has indicated that the RFQ is on hold because of budget restraints. Alyssa

Thomas stated that she is trying to get a committee setup to start looking at bicycle and

pedestrian safety for the university and the students.

Andy Stone explained how the city would go about selecting a design professional and the

bidding process. If the amount is under $25,000, then requests could be sent out to potential

firms regarding developing a bike plan for the city.

Chris Knisely offered to speak with Paula Moseley and Paul Wiehl regarding available funds.

It was discussed that volunteers to help with traffic studies might be used for an in kind

contribution.

Paul Logue offered to contact Norman Cox from The Greenway Collaborative, Inc. to get an

estimate on developing a bikeway plan.

The group felt that the data should be collected between March and May of next year and that the

contracts and money appropriation would be completed before the actual data collection.

A resolution for the creation of a bike sharing program is being discussed by OU Student Senate.

Alyssa Thomas explained that Virginia Tech has a good model with similar components for a

ride share program.

The committee was advised of federal legislation that would allow for a small business tax credit

for employees that bike to work.

Next steps: Acquire funds, obtain consultant, partnering with OU, contracts and data

collection.

Andy Stone advised the committee that University Estates Boulevard will incorporate bike lanes

when the issue with the asphalt has been resolved.

The next meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.

1


January 5, 2009, 11:00 a.m.

Present: Chris Knisely, Mary Reed, Andy Stone, Alyssa Thomas, Sonia Marcus, Elaine

Mather, Lori Gromen, Maxine Rantane and Elahu Gosney.

The minutes from December 1, 2008 were approved.

Andy Stone explained the RFQ process to the group members. A firm can be selected based on

their qualifications; normally a ranking system is used. Then a proposal can be obtained with the

dollar amount attached for the project. The RFQ should state a limit on the number of pages

submitted regarding the firms qualifications. The group agreed on a 30 page limit.

Chris Knisely will submit the RFQ, prepared by Paul Logue, to City Council for review. The

members of the committee were invited to the council meeting on January 12, 2009.

The group looked at the handout regarding the information that will be displayed on the blog site

for the committee. The group discussed what name should be shown for the committee. The

group agreed on the City of Athens Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

The mission statement was revised as such:

The City of Athens, Ohio’s mission is to promote public health, safety and sustainable

transportation through making walking, bicycling and use safe and accessible. We will achieve

this through legislation, planning and education.

The blog will shows the meeting times, agendas, minutes, blog, other information, links and

laws.

The laws from the Ohio Revised Code sections will be posted as a user friendly version for each

section. The blog name will be walkandbikeathens.blogspot.com.

The East State extension is completed out to Holzer Clinic.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 2, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.


December 1, 2008

11:00 a.m.

Present: Chris Knisely, Mary Reed, Paul Logue, Tom Wolf, Elahu Gosney, Laurie

Gromen, Dick Planisek, Andy Stone, Elaine Mather, Sonia Marcus

The group discussed the need to proceed with a Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan and to develop a draft

“Request for Proposal” document. Paul Logue agreed to draft the document to publish so that

interested firms could respond. This will be coordinated with City Council to obtain the

necessary approval for appropriation of funds to pursue such a project. Subcommittee members

agreed to review the draft “Request for Proposal”.

In tandem with the plan and the overarching vision, Mary Reed suggested that sub groups be

formed for projects such as Education and Publicity/Communications. Mary Reed and Laurie

Gromen agreed to work on the Publicity/Communications group.

Andy Stone provided an update on several projects – the Safe Routes to Schools project and the

Richland/Rt. 682 Roundabout. Plans are for construction of the Roundabout to occur in Spring

through Fall of 2010. Andy reviewed the map of the Richland/Rt. 682 plan, providing details on

pedestrian and bicycle crossings.

The meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 5, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.

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