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BFC_Fall_2015_applied_6.11.15_Wayne_Feiden BFC_Fall_2015_open Submitted by Wayne Feiden on 2015-06-11 17:59:29 Application Tips - The application is designed for communities of all sizes. Please note that some questions will not apply to a small rural community or Census Designated Place, for example, but will apply to a large city. The judges will take the size and type of the community into account when making the award decision. - You can export and print a copy of the draft or final application by logging into your account and clicking on the PDF button next to the application. - The word limits for open ended questions are just guidelines as the system is actually using a character limit. Ensure that your entered text does not get cut off, even if you stay within the word limit. - Ensure to log out using the Log Out button. Closing the browser will not log you out completely and will trigger a warning that another user is logged in next time you sign in. If this occurs, and you are certain that no other user is logged in at the same time, you can just disregard the warning and it will disappear within 24 hours. - If you would like to share any documents such as a bike plan or a bike map with the reviewers, please include a link to the file either under the relevant question or in the last question of each section if there is not enough space. We recommend using a service such as TinyURL (tinyurl.com/) to shorten any long links. - Please invite cyclists in your community to become local reviewers for your application. Interested cyclists can sign up at bikeleague.org/content/become-local-reviewer. The deadline to sign up is August 16, 2015 midnight Eastern. Name of Community Name of Community Northampton County/Borough/Parish Hampshire County State Massachusetts Has the community applied to the Bicycle Friendly Community program before? Yes No If yes, what was the result of the community's last application? No designation Honorable Mention Bronze Silver Gold Platinum If designated, what year was your community first awarded a Bronze or higher award? 2011 Mayor or top elected official (include title) Mayor David Narkewicz Phone 413-587-1249 Email mayor@northamptonma.gov Address 210 Main Street room #12 Community Website http://www.northamptonma.gov/ Link to community map (Google) BFC Contact Profile Note: This person will receive any future BFC related communication from the League. Name of BFC contact Wayne Feiden Title Director of Planning and Sustainability Department Planning and Sustainability Employer City of Northampton Address (No PO Box, please) 210 Main Street room #11 City Northampton State Massachusetts Zip 01060 Phone 413-587-1265 Email wfeiden@northamptonma.gov Is the BFC contact also the Bicycle Program Manager? Yes No If no, does your community have a Bicycle Program Manager? Yes No If different from above, what is the Bicycle Program Manager’s contact information? Please include name, email and phone number. Does your community have a Safe Routes to Schools Coordinator? Yes No If different from above, what is the contact information of the Director of your community’s Department of Transportation (or equivalent). Please include name, email and phone number. Ned Huntley, nhuntley@northamptonma.gov 413-587-1570 If different from above, what is the applicant name and email? Community Profile 1. Type of Jurisdiction. NOTE: The application will be referring to your type of jurisdiction as “community” throughout the application, which does not include bicycle amenities, services and other resources outside your boundaries. Town/City/Municipality County/Borough/Parsih Metropolitan Planning Organization/Council of Governments Regional Planning Organization Rural Planning Organization Census Designated Place ( CDPs are populated areas that lack separate municipal government, but which otherwise physically resemble incorporated places. CDPs are identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. ) Indian Country Military Base Other 2. For purposes of comparison, would you describe your community as largely urban 3. ClimateAverage daytime temperature (in °F) January 22 April 46 July 71 October 49 Average precipitation (in inches) January 3.76 April 3.83 July 3.95 October 3.96 4. Size of community (in sq. mi.) Total area 36 square miles Water area .5 square mile Land area 35.5 square miles 5. Total Population 28,600 6. College/University student population (during semester) 10% or less 7. Population Density (Person per sq. mi. of land area) 794.5 8. Median Household Income 57,991 9. Age distribution (in percent) Under 5 3.8 Age 5-19 16.9 Age 20-64 65.7 Age 65+ 13.5 Totals (should equal 100) 99.9 10. Race (in percent) White 87.66 Black or African American 2.72 American Indian and Alaska Native .3 Asian 4.07 Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander .05 Some other race 2.48 Two or more races 2.7 Totals (should equal 100) 99.98 Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 6.75 11. How many government employees (including the Bicycle Program Manager and the Safe Routes to Schools Coordinator), expressed in full-time equivalents (FTE), work on bicycle issues in your community? NOTE: A person that spends 1/10 of their time on bicycle issues would be counted as 0.1 FTE. .4 11a. What percentage of the community's Bicycle Program Manager's time is spent on bicycling issues? 11-25% 11b. What percentage of the community's Safe Routes to Schools Coordinator’s time is spent on bicycling issues? 10% or less 11-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100% No Safe Routes To School Coordinator 12. Do you have an officially recognized Bicycle Advisory Committee? Yes No 12a. How often does it meet? Monthly or more frequently 12b. How many members serve on the committee? 10 12c. Which of the following groups are represented or regularly attend the Bicycle Advisory Committee? Check all that apply. Residents Law Enforcement Chamber of Commerce Public Health Planning Department Transportation Department School Board or School System Parks Department Recreation Department Transit Agency Other If other, describe (50 word limit) Department of Public Works and all of the selected groups above are members of the City's Transportation Commission and its Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee 12d. Name and email of Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair Wayne Feiden, wfeiden@northamptonma.gov 13. Does your local government have an internal equity, diversity or inclusion initiative, committee or position? Yes No Other If yes or other, please describe the initiative/committee/position, and provide the name and email address of the primary contact. Human Rights Commission - the commission is made up of community volunteers (up to nine of them), that meet once a month to discuss human rights issues and initiatives relevant to the community. Contact: David Narkewicz, mayor@northamptonma.gov 14. List all bicycle advocacy groups in your community MassBike (Pioneer Valley chapter), Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways, Northampton Cycling Club, Pedal People, Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail 14a. List all Healthy Hampshire, MassBike (Pioneer Valley chapter), Northeast Greenway Solutions 14b. List the name and email of the primary contact for each bicycle and transportation equity advocacy group. If a primary contact is the applicant or BFC contact, list an alternative contact. Healthy Hampshire: Sue Cairn, scairn@collaborative.org MassBike (PV chapter): James Lowenthal, james.lowenthal@gmail.com Northampton Cycling Club: info@nohobikeclub.org Pedal People: Ruthy Woodring, mail@pedalpeople.coop Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways: Nicholas Horton, nicholas_horton@yahoo.com Northeast Greenway Solutions: Info@GreenwaySolutions.org Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail: info@manhanrailtrail.org 14c. List all advocacy groups that are working with you on this application. Healthy Hampshire and MassBike 15. What are the primary reasons your community has invested in bicycling? Check all that apply. Improved quality of life Improving public health Community connectivity Community connectivity Provide affordable transportation options Reduce car-parking demands Climate change/environmental stewardship concerns Decrease traffic congestion Increase tourism Increase property values Cooperation with adjacent communities Public demand Economic development Support Smart Growth or other growth management goals ( An urban planning and transportation concept that concentrates population growth in compact walkable urban centers. Its goals are to achieve a unique sense of community and place; expand the range of transportation, employment, and housing choices; equitably distribute the costs and benefits of development; preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources; and promote public health. ) Traffic and bicycle/pedestrian safety Meet local or state requirements Other 16. What was your community's most significant achievement for bicycling in the past 12 months? (500 word limit) Northampton has improved bicycling in the community in several notable ways. The City continues to expand its bike path network through a half million dollar project that will extend bike routes to an abutting municipality. Additionally, three more miles of bikes lanes have been created in the past year. Lastly, the City hired a designer for the city's first cycle track to be built on Pleasant street (conveniently located near the business district). 17. If you have applied to the BFC program before, describe any improvements that have occurred for cycling in your community since your last application. (500 word limit) Since our application in 2011, Northampton has seen some significant improvements for cyclists. These developments include the creation of several miles of new on-street bike lanes, the extension of bike paths to connect to other existing regional networks, and the addition of ten miles of bicycle paths to the national recreation trail system. The City has renamed bike paths for consistency in regional identification (Mass Central, and New Haven/Northampton Canal Line) and has implemented new zoning regulations that mandate bicycle parking. New wayfinder signals have been installed on trails and roads, while a road dirt feasibility study was completed for two major highways. Additionally, a large art installation on the bike bridge near downtown Northampton now stands out to improve visibility and enjoyment of the bike path. Another important initiative was made possible by a grant from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, which provided road/bicycle safety training to law enforcement and encourages the police department to increase education of bicycle safety and pedestrian regulation. 18. What was your community’s biggest challenge to bicycling in the recent past? How was this issue addressed? (500 word limit) Our biggest challenge to bicycling in recent years has been education. We have numerous organizations in the area that offer several opportunities for education and safety training but we lack a comprehensive and cohesive program to target the public school system as well as adults. Safety Village is a popular summer camp hosted by the Recreation Department that educates young kids on all areas of safety (including bike safety). Additionally, Pedal People hosts bike classes for safety and maintenance tips, which is a great community resource. Overall, we have met our targets for education but plan to continue to improve this aspect of bicycling throughout the City. 19. What specific improvements do you have planned for bicycling in the next 12 months? (250 word limit) In the next 12 months Northampton plans to complete its bike share feasibility study, design three specific road projects and intersections to improve bicycle safety, construct a new roundabout at a major roadway to improve bicyclist visibility and access, and install three more bicycle repair stations (funds permitting) along existing bike paths. Engineering 20. Does your community currently have any of the following policies in place? Check all that apply. Local Complete Streets policy ( Ensures that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with all users in mind - including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. (National Complete Streets Coalition) ) Local bicycle routine accommodation policy ( A policy that requires the accommodation of cyclists in all new road construction, reconstruction and resurfacing. ) Neither 20a. When was it adopted? 2008 20b. Provide a link to this legislation or policy http://www.northamptonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/838 20c. Since the adoption of the legislation or policy, what percentage of the implemented road projects (where bicycle facilities were considered) includes bicycle facilities? 100% of road reconstruction and 50% of road repaving 20d. What tools are in place to ensure policy compliance? Check all that apply. Requirement to go through an administrative process if no bicycle/pedestrian facilities are proposed Implementation guidance Design manual Training Oversight by Bicycle Coordinator Implementation checklist None of the above 21. Does your community have bicycle facility selection criteria that increases separation and protection of bicyclists based of levels of motor vehicle speed and volume? Yes No If yes, describe (100 word limit) 22. Does your community currently have any of the following additional policies in place? Check all that apply. Design manual that meets current AASHTO standards Design manual that meets current NACTO standards Streetscape design guidelines ( Streetscape design guidelines can help create more diverse transportation systems and more accessible communities by improving non-motorized travel conditions and creating more attractive urban environments. (Victoria Transport Policy Institute). ) Mixed-use zoning Form-based/design-based codes ( A code based primarily on urban form or urban design, including the relationship of buildings to each other, to streets and to open spaces – rather than being based primarily on land use. (Palo Alto) ) Connectivity policy or standards ( Requires transportation planners to establish a certain minimum amount of street intersections per mile, with some exceptions. ) Policy to preserve abandoned rail corridors for multi-use trails Other None of the above 23. How do you ensure your engineers and planners accommodate bicyclists according to AASHTO and NACTO standards? (Check all that apply.) Offer FHWA/National Highway Institute Training Course Hire outside consultants to train staff Send staff to bicycle-specific conferences/training APBP webinars Require project consultants to have bike/ped qualifications Adopted a local design manual Other None of the above 24. Which of the following significant physical barriers to cycling exist in your community? Check all that apply. Major highways Bridges that are inaccessible or unsafe for cyclists Tunnels that are inaccessible or unsafe for cyclists Large body of water (e.g. river) Roads with bicycle bans Railroad corridors Other No significant physical barriers 25. How do you ensure that there are end-of-trip facilities for bicyclists? Check all that apply. Bike parking ordinance for existing buildings specifying amount and location Bike parking ordinance for all new developments specifying amount and location Ordinance requiring showers and lockers in existing non-residential buildings Ordinance requiring showers and lockers in new non-residential buildings Building accessibility ordinance (Bicycles are allowed to be parked inside non-residential buildings) On-street bike parking/bicycle corrals ( On-street bicycle parking, which is clearly differentiated from the roadway through paint, small buffers, flexible bollards or a combination of elements. It generally consists of 6-12 bicycle racks that lie either diagonal or perpendicular to the roadway. (Bike Portland) ) Ordinance that allows bike parking to substitute for car parking Requirement for new developments to meet ( Certification by the US Green Building Council that a development's location and design meet accepted high levels of environmentally responsible, sustainable standards. ) Developers are eligible for density bonuses for providing end-of-trip facilities ( Allows developments to increase the level of density surpassing the allowable Floor Area Ratio in exchange for amenities needed by the community, e.g. bike parking. ) Other None 26. Do your standards for bicycle parking: Conform with APBP guidelines? Address the need for parking spaces for cargo bicycles? Address the need for facilities to recharge electric assist bicycles? No standards 27. What is the total number of public and private bike parking SPACES in your community? NOTE: Please only include usable bicycle parking spaces if a rack has been installed incorrectly, e.g. against a wall. 500 27a. What percentage of bike racks conform with APBP guidelines? 51-75% 27b. Of the total bike parking available, please specify the percentage of bike parking spaces that are: Bike lockers Less than 1% In indoor bike depots (i.e. Bikestation) 1-5% In bike corrals (on-street bike parking) Less than 1% Suitable for cargo bicycles or bicycles towing trailers 1-5% Include facilities to recharge electric assist bicycles None 27c. Approximately what percentage of the following locations has bike racks or storage units? Answer all that apply. Public and private schools More than 90% Day care, child care centers and preschools 26-50% Higher Education Institutions More than 90% Libraries More than 90% Hospitals and medical centers 76-90% Transit stations and major bus stops More than 90% Parks & recreation centers 26-50% Other government owned buildings and facilities 26-50% Event venues (e.g. convention center, movie complex) 26-50% Hotels & restaurants 26-50 Office buildings 10-25% Retail stores (excluding grocery stores) 26-50% Grocery stores 51-75% Multi-family housing 26-50% Public housing 10-25% 28. Does your community have transit service (bus, light rail, heavy rail)? Yes No 28a. Are bikes allowed inside transit vehicles? Yes Sometimes No If yes or sometimes, describe (50 word limit) Bikes are allowed to be attached to the front of the local and regional buses on bike racks but only folding bikes are allowed on a bus in the folded position. Folding bicycles are also allowed on Amtrak trains and full-size bicycles may be carried on certain trains with designated walk-on bicycle service. 28b. What percentage of buses are equipped with bike racks? All 29. What is the centerline mileage of the existing off-street bicycle network within your community? 12.3 miles 30. How many miles of the following off-street bicycle accommodations do you have? Answer all that apply (in centerline miles) Paved shared use paths (?10feet) 12 miles Paved shared use paths (? 8 and none Natural surface shared use paths (?10feet) .3 miles Singletrack none Other. Please describe (100 word limit) 31. What percentage of the paved shared-use paths that are at least 8 feet wide (in centerline mileage) parallel a road (directly adjacent to or within the right of way)? 5% 32. What type of off-street path crossings of roads with posted speed limits above 25 mph are provided for bicyclists and pedestrians? Bike/pedestrian overpasses/underpasses Path crossing with high visibility markings or signs Raised path crossings Refuge islands Other Not applicable 33. What percentage of all unpaved trails are open to bicyclists? 76-99% 33a. What are the exceptions? (100 word limit) All roads are open to cyclists with the exception of some private farm roads that are not open to anyone. 34. What is the centerline mileage of your road network (including federal, state and private roads)? 207 miles 35. What is the street network density of your road network? (centerline miles of road per sq. mi. of land area) 5.1-10.0 36. What is the centerline mileage of your on-street bikeway network? 9 miles 37. What percentage of arterial and major collectors have dedicated bicycle facilities that meet AASHTO standards? 4.3% 38. What percentage of roads has posted speeds of ? 25mph? 26% 38a. On streets with posted speeds of ? 25mph only, how many miles of each of the following bicycle facilities that meet or exceed AASHTO or NACTO standards do you have?Answer all that apply (in centerline miles) Bike boulevards (not counted under Bicycle Boulevards) none Shared lane markings (not counted under Bicycle Boulevards) less than 1 mile Wide paved shoulders (ridable surface ?4feet and minimum clear path of ?4feet between rumble strips) none Bike lanes (incl. standard, less than 1 mile Buffered bike lanes none Protected bike lanes (one-way or two-way) none Raised cycle tracks (one-way or two-way) none 39. What percentage of streets has posted speeds of >25mph and ?35mph? 65% 39a. On streets with posted speeds of >25mph and ?35mph only, how many miles of each of the following bicycle facilities that meet or exceed AASHTO or NACTO standards do you have?Answer all that apply (in centerline miles) Shared lane markings less than 1 mile Wide paved shoulders (ridable surface ?4feet and minimum clear path of ?4feet between rumble strips) none Bike lanes (incl. standard, 7 miles Buffered bike lanes none Protected bike lanes (one-way or two-way) none Raised cycle tracks (one-way or two-way) none 40. What percentage of streets has posted speeds of >35mph? 9% 40a. On streets with posted speeds of >35mph only, how many miles of each of the following bicycle facilities that meet or exceed AASHTO or NACTO standards do you have?Answer all that apply (in centerline miles) Wide paved shoulders (ridable surface ?4feet and minimum clear path of ?4feet between rumble strips) 1.35 miles Bike lanes (incl. standard, 1.20 miles Buffered bike lanes none Protected bike lanes (one-way or two-way) none Raised cycle tracks (one-way or two-way) none 41. How has your community calmed traffic? Check all that apply. Car-free/Car-restricted zones Shared Space/Home Zone/Living Street/Woonerf ( A street that is designed primarily to accommodate non-vehicular traffic such as pedestrians and cyclists. Such streets also accommodate vehicles, but pedestrian and cyclists take precedence in the design process, which is communicated through signage. Often, there are curves to slow traffic, no curbs, intermittent parking, and trees and recreation areas for pedestrian use. (Living Street Alliance) ) Speed limits 20 mph or less on residential streets Physically altered the road layout or appearance to calm traffic speeds Road diets ( A road diet entails converting a four-lane undivided roadway to a two-lane roadway plus a two-way left turn lane by removing a travel lane in each direction. The remaining roadway width is converted to bike lanes and other uses. This approach is an approved FHWA Proven Safety Countermeasure. (Road Diet Handbook) ) Other None 42. In what other ways have you improved conditions for bicyclists? Check all that apply. Bike cut-throughs Roundabouts that accommodate bicycles Colored bike lanes outside of conflict zones Removal of on-street car parking Advisory bike lanes ( Advisory Bike Lanes give bicyclists priority on narrow roadways. Skip striping is used to show that, unlike a regular bike lane, the “advisory” bike lane may be used by motor vehicles passing each other, provided they yield to bicycles. (Portland) ) Off-street way-finding signage with distance and/or time information On-street way-finding signage with distance and/or time information Signed bike routes Other None 43. What percentage of your signalized intersections provides the following accommodations for bicyclists? If there are no signalized intersections, write N/A. Bicycle signal heads 6% Green wave for cyclists in some locations none Signals timed for bicycle speeds none Timed signals 30% Demand activated signals with loop detector (and marking) 80% Video or microwave detection for demand-activated signals 30% Push-buttons that are accessible from the road none Advance stop line or Bike Box 3% Colored bike lanes in conflict areas none Refuge islands none Right corner islands (pork chops) 6% Other, please describe (100 word limit) 44. Has your community ever removed AASHTO-standard bicycle infrastructure? Yes No No AASHTO-standard bicycle infrastructure If yes, please explain (250 word limit). 45. Which of the following broader transportation policies and programs are in place in your community? Check all that apply. Maximum car parking standards ( Addresses the problems that an oversupply of parking creates by limiting the number of parking spaces that developers can provide for their projects (Chapel Hill, NC) ) No minimum car parking standards ( No minimum parking requirements for any land use. ) Paid public parking Shared-parking allowances ( Sharing of parking spaces between building occupancies that have different parking demands depending on the time of day or week, e.g. retail/commercial and residential (South Carolina) ) Congestion charges ( A system of surcharging users of a transport network in periods of peak demand to reduce traffic congestion. ) Prioritization of active mobility in planning and design processes Other None 46. What maintenance policies or programs ensure the on-street bicycle facilities (including shoulders) remain usable and safe? Select all that apply. 46a. Sweeping Quarterly 46b. Snow and ice clearance Within 48 hours of storm 46c. Pothole maintenance Within one week of complaint 46d. Describe any other maintenance policies or programs for the on-street bicycle network. (100 word limit) Pothole maintenance does not have a specific policy per se of how quick the response is, the checked answer is based on what actually happens in practice. 47. What maintenance policies or programs ensure that off-street bicycle facilities remain usable and safe? Select all that apply. 47a. Sweeping Never 47b. Vegetation maintenance Annually 47c. Snow and ice clearance Within 48 hours of storm 47d. Surface repair Within one week of complaint 47e. Describe any other maintenance policies or programs for the off-street bicycle network, if applicable. (100 word limit) Community volunteers regularly participate in bike path clean up days and assist with trash and vegetation clearing activities. 48. Is there a mechanism in place for cyclists to identify problem areas or hazards to traffic engineers, planners and police? Check all that apply. Online reporting Hotline Monthly meeting Other None If other, describe (100 word limit) Cyclists may call in identified problems to the Department of Public Works. 49. What specific bike infrastructure investments have been made in low-income neighborhoods (as defined by local regulations) and minority neighborhoods? If no low-income or minority neighborhoods, write N/A. Connections to off-street bike paths have been made in low-income neighborhoods. Additionally, a grant associated with the Safe Routes to School program funded a bike path access ramp within a low-income community. 50. What specific bike infrastructure investments have been made around schools? If no schools, write N/A. The city has emphasized the creation of new bike paths and on-street bikes lanes (many of which are present in school zones). Additionally, the Safe Routes to School bike path ramp is in a school zone for Jackson Street School, an elementary school that serves a high percentage of low-income students. 51. Describe any other amenities or infrastructure improvements that your community provides or requires that create a comfortable and attractive bicycling environment. (500 word limit) New regulations require there to be bike racks/parking within 50 feet of all businesses in downtown Northampton. Proposals for funding for bike repair stations (the city has 2 installed but additional ones planned) are underway as well as plans to construct more information stations with maps and additional signage along bike paths. Education 52. What percentage of your public and private elementary schools offer regular bicycle education? 1-25% 52a. Which type of bicycle education is offered to elementary students? Check all that apply. Bicycle education is a routine part of the PE curriculum Bicycle rodeo(s) Bicycle safety presentation Bicycle-related after-school program Bicycle summer camp Other 53. What percentage of your public and private middle schools offer regular bicycle education? None 53a. Which type of bicycle education is offered to middle school students? Check all that apply. Bicycle education is a routine part of the PE curriculum Bicycle rodeo(s) Bicycle safety presentation Bicycle-related after-school program Bicycle summer camp Other 54. What percentage of your public and private high schools offer regular bicycle education? None 54a. Which type of bicycle education is offered to high school students? Check all that apply. Bicycle education is a routine part of the PE curriculum Bicycle safety is taught as part of the driver education curriculum Bicycle safety presentation Bicycle-related after-school program Bicycle summer camp Other 55. Are bicycles provided to low-income students by the school district, police, non-profit or other entity to allow every student to participate in hands-on bicycle education instructions? Yes No If yes, please describe (including funding source, if known). Pedal People, a local cooperative, offers trash/recycling/compost services and conducts bike workshops where individuals without bikes can also come and fix up one for themselves that has been donated. Safety Village (run by the Recreation Department) is an affordable summer camp where young kids are provided with bicycles with training wheels to learn bike safety skills among other safety education. 56. Outside of schools, how are children taught safe cycling skills? Check all that apply. Learn to ride classes Bike clinics or rodeos ( Teaches children the skills to ride their bicycle safely in a fun and non-competitive environment, includes instruction on how to properly fit a helmet. ) ABCs of Family Biking, family bike show-and-tell, or similar program focused on families with toddlers and young children Youth bike clubs Youth development road or cross racing teams Youth development mountain bike racing teams Helmet fit seminars Safety town area ( A program for children that teaches safety lessons about bicycles, traffic and other similar topics. The program can be held at a school or a permanent “safety town” facility. ) Trail riding classes Other None of the above 57. How many times per year are the following adult bicycling education classes held within your community?Answer all that apply. Traffic Skills 101 classes or equivalent (full-day training course, including classroom and on-bike instruction) Cycling Skills classes (three to four hour classroom training courses) Commuter classes (one to two hour classes) Bicycle maintenance classes or workshops weekly (excluding winter months) through Pedal People and Full Circle Bike Shop 57a. Do any of the above classes specifically target: Women Seniors Families with toddlers and young children Non-English speakers Minorities/People of Color Low-income populations (as defined by local regulations) University students LGBTQIA ADA community Homeless community 57b. If there are bicycle education classes targeting Non-English speakers, please list the language(s) that the course and materials are provided in. 58. Is the bicycle education curriculum taught in your community accredited by the League of American Bicyclists? Learn more about the accreditation at bikeleague.org/content/accreditation-program. Yes No 59. Do you provide any of the following educational materials published by the League of American Bicyclists to community residents and/or businesses? Smart Cycling Quick Guide Smart Cycling Student Manual Smart Cycling Education videos Other If other, please describe (100 word limit). We do not distribute League of American Bicyclist's materials but under the Sustainable Transportation and Trails section of the City's website, smart cycling ettiquette is discussed. http://www.northamptonma.gov/1346/Trails 60. Do you offer regular bicycle skills courses for your transportation engineers and planners that include on-bike instruction and in-traffic cycling? No 61. Has your community hosted a League Cycling Instructor seminar in the past two years? No 62. How many League Cycling Instructors are there in your community? Tip: Enter your community name under “Connect Locally” at bikeleague.org. Then click “Find League Cycling Instructors in the top right corner of the map to see a list of active instructors. none 62a. List League Cycling Instructors that have taught at least one class during the past 12 months. (250 word limit) none 62b. Are there any other active bicycle safety instructors that are not affiliated with the League of American Bicyclists? Please list their names and affiliation. Ruthy Woodring, co-founder of Pedal People, hosts bike safety classes and drop-in sessions. 63. Do you have a ticket diversion program? Check all that apply. For motorists For cyclists No 64. What have you done in the last 18 months to educate motorists and bicyclists on sharing the road safely? Check all that apply. Public service announcements Share the Road educational videos on community website/TV channel Community newsletter/magazine article Information in new resident packet Information for students and parents from the school system Utility bill insert Flyer/handout Info sessions/lunch seminars Bicycle ambassador program ( Bicycle Ambassadors promote safe cycling through community organizing, education and outreach. (Transportation Alternatives) ) Newspaper column/blog on bicycling Dedicated bike page on community website Billboards Share the Road Signs Share the Road information in driver's education Other None of the above If other, describe (250 word limit) "Watch for Bikes" stickers were distributed during Bike Week for car rear-view mirrors and additional "Share the Road" sharrows and road signs have been installed along several miles of roadway when complete bikes lanes aren't feasible. 65. Which of the following groups of professional drivers have training that includes information on sharing the road with cyclists? Check all that apply. Local government staff Taxi drivers Transit operators School bus operators Delivery drivers Other None of the above If other, describe (100 word limit) We do not provide these training options in our community but the information is covered in the driver training course all professional drivers must complete, including how to safely share the road with cyclists. 66. Describe any other education efforts in your community that promote safe cycling. (500 word limit) Bicycle Week events promote bike safety by giving out reflectors, lights, ankle bands, share the road stickers for rear-view mirrors, and bike bells. In years past, one of the elementary schools has been the site of a bike rodeo, and has hosted a guest to teach riding skills, safety, and basic repair in after-school programming. The school also had a grant to give out helmets to students who were instructed on proper fitting and usage. This programming was all or mostly organized by parent volunteers. Elementary schools currently promote active transport to school through the Walking School Bus on Fridays. Schools regularly publish information about helmet use and safety in their newsletter and use the walk to school cards from the Safe Routes to School program. This past spring, MassBike/PV co-sponsored a road riding 101 class and ride at Northampton Bike Shop. Around ten people were in attendance. The chapter also co-sponsored a public talk on bicycle history by Lorenz Finison, author of Boston's Cycling Craze, 1880-1900. The past two years, MassBike/PV supplied Smith College [and Amherst College, Hampshire College and Mt. Holyoke College] with bicycle education pamphlets for the first year orientation packets. Encouragement 67. Do you have a community-wide trip reduction ordinance or programs? Yes No If yes, describe the ordinance/program and the results, and include a link if available. (250 word limit) Revised zoning regulations promote increased bicycle parking and accessibility. Additionally, the City's comprehensive plan states objectives to require new developments to accommodate bicycles, create connections to existing lanes and path networks, develop intersection designs that ensure pedestrian and bicycle safety and for new and existing traffic signals to incorporate audible signals for pedestrians. Overall, the plan suggests that the redesign of roads must consider the City’s goal to avoid inducing additional traffic while reducing intersection queuing times, avoid polluting while idling and to allow a smooth flow of traffic. The transportation section (starting on page 45) from the Comprehensive Plan has additional helpful information: http://www.northamptonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/838 67a. Does your trip reduction program use individualized marketing similar to the Portland, OR SmartTrips program to identify and support current and potential bike commuters in your community? Yes No If yes, describe the program and the results. (250 word limit) 68. What mapping and route finding information is available for your community, which has been updated in the last 18 months? Check all that apply. Web-based route finding service Smart phone app Printed/digital bicycle network map Printed/digital mountain bike trails map Printed/digital greenways and trails map Printed/digital Safe Routes to Schools map(s) None of the above 69. How do you promote National Bike Month/your own dedicated Bike Month? Check all that apply. Official Proclamation Community-wide Bike to Work Day/Week Bike to School Day/Week Bike to Church Day or similar Community Rides Mayor-led/Council-led Ride Public Service Announcements Videos promoting bicycling on community website/TV channel Publish a guide to Bike Month Events Bike Month Website Commuter Challenge Challenges aimed at students biking to school Non-commuting related (i.e. errand-running) challenges and programs National Bike Challenge Bike Commuter energizer stations/breakfasts Car-free days ( A Car Free Day encourages motorists to give up their car for a day. September 22 is World Car Free Day. ) CycloFemme Ride Kidical Mass Ride Open Streets/Ciclovia/Sunday Parkways ( Temporary event, which closes a street or area to cars for use by pedestrians and cyclists. ) Mentoring program for new riders Bike valet parking at events Bicycle-themed festival/parade/show Public education campaign relating to cycling (e.g. with a focus on public health or environmental benefits) Trail construction or maintenance day Other No promotion 69a. How many Open Streets/Ciclovia/Sunday Parkways events were held in 2014? N/A 69b. How many residents participated in the following events in 2014. Write ‘N/A’ if no such event occurred in your community. Write ‘No Data’ if participation numbers are unknown. Bike to Work Day(s) 100 Bike to School Day(s) no data Open Streets/Ciclovia/Sunday Parkways N/A 70. How do you promote bicycling outside of your official Bike Month? Check all that apply. Community and charity rides Mayor-led/Council-led Rides Videos on bicycling on community website/TV channel Public Service Announcements Trail construction or maintenance day Kidical Mass Ride Open Streets/Ciclovia/Sunday Parkways ( Temporary event, which closes a street or area to cars for use by pedestrians and cyclists. ) Commuter Challenge Non-commuting related (i.e. errand-running) challenges and programs Challenges aimed at students biking to school National Bike Challenge Business program that provides discounts for customers arriving by bicycle Triathlons and bicycle races Bike commuter events Car-free days ( A Car Free Day encourages motorists to give up their car for a day. September 22 is World Car Free Day. ) Publish a guide to community bicycle events Mentoring program for new riders Bike valet parking at events International Bike to School Day in October Bicycle-themed festivals/parades/shows Public education campaign relating to cycling (e.g. with a focus on public health or environmental benefits) Community celebration/ride each time a bicycle project is completed Other No promotion 71. List all public cycling events that occur annually in your community. (500 word limit) Northampton Youth Cycling series, Junior Cyclocross Training Program, Northampton Cycling Club Tour of the Hilltowns, NCC BikeFest, NCC Crit Training Series, NCC Tuesday Night TT series 72. Are any bicycle events specifically marketed to one or more of the following? Women Seniors Families with toddlers and young children Non-English speakers Minorities/People of Color Low-income populations (as defined by local regulations) LGBTQIA ADA community Homeless community 73. How does the municipality sponsor or actively support bicycle events? Organize the event Fund event Contribute in-kind funding (i.e. police presence, closing roads, etc) Assist in promoting the event Other No support/ Not applicable 74. Does your local tourism board or chamber of commerce promote bicycling in your area? Yes No If yes, describe (100 word limit) The Northampton Chamber of Commerce and Recreation Department actively advertise that bicycling and taking advantage of our extensive trail network is a great way to learn more about the area and discover our valley's natural beauty. 75. Are there cycling clubs in your community? Check all that apply. Recreational bike clubs Mountain bike clubs Friends of the Trail groups National Mountain Bike Patrol Racing clubs or teams Kidical Mass, Family Bike Party, or other family-oriented groups Other No 75a. List the names of the clubs. Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways, Northampton Cycling Club (NCC) 76. Which of these bicycling amenities do you have in your community? Check all that apply. BMX track ( BMX tracks are constructed out of dirt with various corners and jumps that are designed to be challenging while taking account of riders’ safety. ) Velodrome ( Arena for indoor or outdoor track cycling ) Cyclocross course ( A course featuring a variety of surfaces (pavement, grass, sand, gravel, dirt, etc.) and a number of obstacles that require users to dismount and remount their bicycle. ) Mountain bike park Pump tracks ( A pump track is a continuous loop that can be ridden on a bike without pedaling. Tracks consist of a series of rolling bumps and banked corners that allow the rider to gain momentum and reach speeds of up to 20mph. (Bikes and Berms) ) Bicycle-accessible skate park Loop route(s) around the community Other None 77. Does your community currently have a bike sharing program that is open to the general public (excluding private bike sharing systems limited to employees of a certain business)? Yes No Launching this year If yes or launching this year, please provide details about the system below. 77a. What type of system is your bike sharing program? Automated kiosk-style bike share system GPS-enabled bike share system Short-term bike rentals Long-term bike rentals Bike library (free rentals) Unregulated program (i.e. Yellow Bike) Other 77b. How many bikes are in the system? 77c. How many stations are in the system? 77d. How many trips are being made annually? 77e. Are there options for transporting children as passengers? Yes No 78. Do you have any current League of American Bicyclists designated Bicycle Friendly Businesses in your community? Yes No If yes, list the names of the businesses and their award level. (250 word limit) 78a. Do you have a local Bicycle Friendly Business program? Yes No If yes, please share a link to the program page and a list of certified businesses. 78b. Do you have a Bicycle Friendly Business district? Yes No If yes, describe (250 word limit) Main Street in downtown Northampton is filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries among other attractions. Biking to this destination is encouraged with multiple, convenient bike paths to downtown as well as share the road signage and sharrows. Bike racks are conveniently located throughout the area and placed close to all businesses. 79. Are there any institutions of higher education in your community? Yes No 79a. If yes, please list their names. NOTE: If more than ten institutions, please list the largest five. Smith College 79b. If yes, are you partnering with your local institutions of higher education on bicycle related programming? Please describe. (250 word limit) Smith college provides $5,000 each year where all the funds go towards bicycle and pedestrian connections to our two park and ride lots. This includes the on-going re-striping of the Elm Street bike lanes. 79c. If yes, are there any community bicycle programs or campaigns (e.g. enforcement, education, encouragement) targeting college or university students? Please describe. (250 word limit) At the moment, collaboration between the Northampton Office of Panning and Sustainability and the Sustainability Office at Smith, allows a positive exchange of ideas. Communication is underway for the potential joint implementation of a regional bike share program. Additionally, the Bicycle Kitchen is a student run operation at Smith that teaches students bike maintenance skills. 79d. If yes, do you have any current League of American Bicyclists designated Bicycle Friendly Universities in your community? Yes No If yes, list the names of the institutions and their award level. 80. How many for-profit specialty bicycle retailers (shops dedicated primarily to selling bikes and bike-related equipment) are there in your community? three 80a. List their names. Northampton Bicycle, F.J. Rogers Co., Full Circle Bike Shop 81. Does your community have a bike co-op or non-profit community bike shop? Yes No If yes, describe its services (250 word limit) Pedal People is a local bike cooperative that offers trash/recycling/compost services as well as bike maintenance and safety classes (they don't, however, sell bikes unless you fix one there and adopt it). 81a. If yes, does the co-op/non-profit community bike shop receive support from the local government? Grants Free or subsidized property/space for a duration of at least 5 years Contracts for services, e.g. bicycle skills or maintenance education, event support, etc Free bicycle safety accessories for distribution, e.g. helmets or lights Provision of abandoned or impounded bicycles for resale Free PSA or advertizing space Other If the local government provides grants and/or free/subsidized property/space to the co-op/non-profit community bike shop, please list the annual value for each (in Dollar). no funding from the local government 82. Does your community have youth recreation and/or intervention programs centered on bicycling? Check all that apply. Trips for Kids chapter Earn a Bike program ( Completing hands-on lessons in bike mechanics and bike safety, participants in an Earn-a-Bike Program earn credits towards a bike and a helmet. ) Create a Commuter program ( The Create a Commuter program provides basic bicycle safety education and fully-outfitted commuter bicycles to low-income adults striving to connect to work or workforce development by bicycle. ) Other None If other, describe (100 word limit) Summer programs such as Northampton Youth Cycling series, Junior Cyclocross Training Program, and Safety Village all promote bike safety and encourage children to find enjoyment in biking. 83. Describe any other programs or policies your community has to encourage cycling. (500 word limit) Enforcement 84. How does your police department interact with the local cycling community? Check all that apply. A police officer is an active member of the bicycle advisory committee Identified law-enforcement point person to interact with cyclists Identified law-enforcement point person to Safe Routes to Schools program No current formal interaction Other 85. What kind of training is offered to police officers relating to bicyclists? Check all that apply. Basic academy training International Police Mountain Bike Association training Law Enforcement Bicycle Association training National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Law Enforcement Training Completion of Smart Cycling course by one or more officers Presentation by League Cycling Instructor or local cyclist Institute for Police Training and Development bicycle training Training on racial profiling awareness in multimodal transportation enforcement Training on bicycle crash types, numbers and locations Other No training offered 86. What enforcement programs that target improving cyclist safety are in place? Check all that apply. Helmet giveaways Light giveaways Bike lock giveaways Targeting motorist infractions most likely to lead to crashes, injuries and fatalities among bicyclists Targeting cyclist infractions most likely to cause property damage, crashes, injuries and fatalities to themselves and others Positive enforcement ticketing ( Cyclists “caught” engaging in positive behaviors, e.g. practicing personal safety or following traffic laws, are issued ”tickets” – vouchers redeemable for recreational activities or food. ) Share the road campaigns Road safety campaigns targeting areas around schools Other None of the above How many citations have been given to motorists in 2014? 5253 How many citations have been given to cyclists in 2014? 1 If other, describe (100 word limit) 87. What percentage of patrol officers are regularly on bikes? 1-10% 88. Are any other public safety (e.g. EMS) employees regularly on bikes? Yes No If yes, describe (50 word limit) 89. Do police officers report cyclist crash data? Yes 90. Do police officers report potential hazards to traffic engineers and planners to identify sites in need of safety improvements for cyclists? Yes No 91. Which of the following safety services and amenities are available in your community? Emergency call boxes/phones along trails Trail watch programs/ Trail patrols Street lighting on most arterials Street lighting on most non-arterials Lighting of most shared-use paths Stolen or impounded bikes recovery system or assistance Non-mandatory bike registration None of the above 92. Are there any local ordinances or state laws that protect cyclists? TIP: You can learn about your state’s laws that protect bicyclists at bikeleague.org/StateBikeLaws. Check all that apply. Specific penalties for failing to yield to a cyclist when turning It is illegal to park or drive in a bike lane (intersections excepted) Penalties for motor vehicle users that 'door' cyclists Ban on cell phone use while driving Ban on texting while driving Vulnerable road user law Safe passing distance law It is illegal to harass a cyclist Photo enforcement for red lights and/or speed Other None of the above 93. Do your local ordinances place any restrictions on cyclists? Check all that apply. Local law requires cyclists to use side paths regardless of their usability Local law requires cyclists to use bike lanes when provided Local law requires that cyclists are required to ride as far to the right of the road as practicable without exceptions Local law restricts usage of electric-assist bicycles Mandatory bike registration Restrictions on sidewalk riding outside of the Central Business District Restrictions on sidewalk riding inside the Central Business District Local or school policies restrict youths from riding to school Other None of the above If there is a restriction on electric assist bikes, describe (100 word limit) If local law prohibits cycling on sidewalks, are children exempted? Yes No If other, describe (100 word limit) 94. Do you work with neighboring local jurisdictions on making your local bike laws consistent across municipal boundaries? Yes No 95. Describe any other enforcement programs or policies relating to cycling. (500 word limit) The grant from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission aims to reduce the bicycle and pedestrian fatalities and injuries by 20% in the next 5 years. This grant provides training and materials to allow the police officers of Northampton to make stops when observing motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians who are engaging in unsafe practices and whose behavior is endangering others or themselves. Ideally, this will be done on foot or bicycles as there are many benefits to foot and bicycle patrols for this kind of work. The officers are asked to hand out brochures. In addition, they are asked to issue citations and warnings when appropriate and ask the road user (motorist/pedestrian/bicyclist) “why”. The interaction and the “why” question are very important as they are the keys to understanding needs for infrastructure improvements. After the enforcement and awareness component, MassDOT plans to work with Northampton to identify necessary improvements which may be funded in future years. The goal of the program is to provide education to both the public and the Police department. While only 1 citation has been issued in the last year (we hope this increases to demonstrate the seriousness of bike safety) the City feels the conversations and observations being had are beneficial for all. Evaluation and Planning 96. Does your community have a comprehensive bicycle master plan or similar section in another document? Yes If yes, please provide details about the plan below. 96a. Provide a link to the plan or describe. (250 word limit) The bicycle master plan is part of the Open Space, Recreation, and Multi-use Trail Plan: http://www.northamptonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1812 96b. When was it passed or most recently updated? 2011 96c. How has the community staff reached out to minority and low-income communities (as defined by local regulations) to ensure that they are included in the decision-making process? (250 word limit) If no low-income or minority communities, write N/A. Some community meetings include Spanish translators and some surveys give the option to take it in Spanish. 96d. Is there a dedicated funding source for implementation? Yes No If yes, describe the funding source and designated amount (250 word limit) Staff funding comes from the City's general fund while capital improvements come from the local, state, and federal governments. 96e. What percentage of the current plan has been implemented? 80% 96f. Are you meeting annual target goals for implementation? Yes 97. What local agencies have a bicycle master plans or similar section in another plans and transportation demand management documents? Transit agency School District Parks and Recreation Other 98. What percentage of the total transportation budget – on average - was invested in bicycle projects in FY 2010-2014? 10% 98a. Do you allocate bicycle-related funding to low-income communities and minority communities? Yes No No low-income or minority communities If yes, please describe (250 word limit) There is no specific allocation but the plan focuses on environmental justice and notes the creation of increased bike path access in low-income neighborhoods. 99. How is bicycle planning integrated with transit planning? If your community does not have a transit system, write N/A. N/A 100. How is bicycle planning integrated with affordable housing planning? If no affordable housing, write N/A. Bicycle lanes, parking, and facilities in new housing projects 101. How does your community collect information on bicycle usage? Automated bicycle counters Regular statistically valid community bicycle surveys Travel diaries Regular manual counts of bicyclists on trails Regular manual counts of bicyclists on the road Regular counts of parked bicycles at transit stations (if applicable) Regular counts of parked bicycles at schools Other None If known (based on your own data collection), what percentage of all utilitarian trips are made by bicycle? Please identify the source. If known, how often do residents use a bicycle recreationally? If know, what percentage of all bicycle trips are made by women? If known, what percentage of children bike to school? If known, what percentage of children commute to preschool/daycare by bike (e.g. in a bicycle child seat or bike trailer)? Please describe any other relevant results and trends. (250 word limit) 102. According to the American Community Survey, what is the most current journey-to-work data for your community? TIP: Search for topic B08301 (Means of Transportation to Work) for your community on the American FactFinder website (Advanced Search). Choose the most recent data set available for your community. Divide total number of cyclists (“Bicycle”) by total number of commuters (“Total”) and multiply by 100. Repeat for pedestrians (“Walked”) and transit users (“Public transportation [excluding taxicab]”). Bicycling (in %) 3.78 Walking (in %) 11.94 Transit (in %) 3.51 103. Does your community establish target goals for bicycle use, e.g. a certain level of bicycle mode share? Yes No If yes, please describe (250 word limit) 104. Does your community routinely conduct pre/post evaluations of bicycle-related road projects? Yes No If yes, please describe the results. (250 word limit) 105. Has your community conducted a network analysis to determine what percentage of bicycling trips can be done entirely on low-stress routes and to identify intersections and corridors that represent significant barriers? GIS-based network analysis Level of Traffic Stress analysis Bicycle Level of Service for roads Bicycle Level of Service for Intersections Multi-modal Level of Service Other None 106. How many cyclists have been involved in a crash in your community in the past five years involving a motor vehicle? If none, write 0. 84 106a. How many cyclist fatalities have occurred in your community in the past five years involving a motor vehicle? If none, write 0. 1 106b. Do you have a specific plan, policy or program to reduce these numbers? Vision Zero policy Towards Zero Deaths program or similar ( A data-driven, interdisciplinary approach that targets areas for improvement and employs proven countermeasures, integrating application of education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical and trauma services. ) Traffic safety plan Other None If other, please describe (250 word limit) We plan to increase driver awareness of bikers through education, re-striping, and signage. We will also expand cyclist education to be more cautious and prepared. Much of this is through positive police enforcement and education through the PVPC grant mentioned in question 95. 107. Have you done an economic impact study on bicycling in your community? Yes No If yes, describe the results. (250 word limit) Not specifically, but our City has examined other states' and used their results. For example, the 2012 economic impact study of the Erie Canalway trail shows that the multi-use trail generates approximately $700,000 per mile annually in sales as well as thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue. This study is beneficial for our community in that our efforts to connect our local bike paths to the state-wide network could have immense economic benefits. 108. Describe any other programs or policies that your community uses to evaluate and/or plan bicycling conditions, programs, and facilities. (500 word limit) Other programs include community participation in Adopt-A-Trail and monthly meetings and reports from Bicycle Advisory committee. Final Overview 109. What are the three primary reasons your community deserves to be designated a Bicycle Friendly Community? Reason One (250 word limit) Northampton is recognized as a unique community for its growing social economy and vibrant art scene, and its bicycle friendliness plays a role in the development of its social network. Through businesses that visibly promote the commitment to using human power despite a cultural dependence on motor vehicles, the City supports the development of an alternative economy that offers increased opportunities for networking, gathering and social exchange of ideas, healthy lifestyles, and environmental awareness. The City is dedicated to expanding this network and continues to devote resources to the extension of bike lanes, paths and bike infrastructure whenever possible. New road construction and half of road repaving include bicycle facilities. While ever improving bicycle infrastructure the City and its residents are committed to growing a community that supports and embodies bicycle culture. Reason Two (250 word limit) Northampton is an environmentally friendly community. The City continues to encourage multi-modal transportation through its support and encouragement of bicycle-based businesses and transport. For example, the City’s bicycle patrol unit for the municipal police force (with a grant from PVPC to increase bicycle education in the business district) has a strong record of promoting resident behavior that reduces traffic, air pollution, and energy wastefulness. It strongly discourages single-occupancy vehicle use. The City supports other kinds of reduced environmental impacts through programs like the PACE car program, which increases signage, emphasizes reduction of idle cars, and encourages foot or bicycle traffic whenever possible. Reason Three (250 word limit) Northampton is a thriving tourist destination. With Smith College and the other schools in the Five Colleges nearby, many visit Northampton for its collegiate sites, historic landmarks, and natural scenery. Bicycle-friendly tourism is ideal in this well-preserved, quintessential New England landscape. Historic downtown is accessible by the Norwottuck Rail Trail, the oldest municipally built rail trail in New England. The City's planning and engineering efforts of trail creation to popular and convenient destinations have created pristine conditions for bicyclists, whether riding for enjoyment, transport, or recreation. The bike lanes on South Street and the bike-path crosswalk on King Street and the kiosks make it clear that bikes belong. The rail trail network provides bicycle access by trail to supermarkets - Stop and Shop, Whole Foods and Big Es, - the shopping malls in Hadley and doctor's offices in Amherst. Downtown Main Street is problematic for parking when in a car, making bicycling even more appealing. Many students appear to live in Northampton and commute by bicycle to Amherst. Overall, people are afraid to drive a bicycle on a road designed solely for an automobile and the improvements made in Northampton make people feel that the roads are being designed for bicycles as well as cars. Bicycle-based tourism opportunities enhance both the City's sustainability and character of place. 110. What are the three aspects of your community most in need of improvement in order to accommodate bicyclists? Aspect One (100 word limit) Our community needs to improve maintenance of bicycle routes. Although steps have been taken to make bicycling easier, much remains to be done. The City plans to make further improvements in the following key areas; surface area clearing (i.e. snow removal), traffic aid installation, physically disabled modification increases, and bicycle parking meter installations. Through these and other improvements to the built environment, the City hopes to increase accessibility and convenience and further encourage bicycle use for recreation and work. Aspect Two (100 word limit) Northampton hopes to improve incentives for bicycling over driving. In order to increase the number of commuter bicyclists and to continue making bicycling safe, convenient, and fun, the City is considering the following incentives: financial and logistical support of bicycle-based industry like the Pedal People; tax incentives for individuals and businesses who rely on bicycling as a primary mode of transport; expansion of downtown business and residential areas through modest infill as a way of increasing bicycle dependency; technological improvements supportive of bicyclists such as the installation of high-tech commuter messenger and business centers; installation of bicycle drive-throughs at restaurants, stores, and banks; and school-based educational and transportation programs that reduce family transportation costs and are budget-neutral for the city. Aspect Three (100 word limit) By attracting bicycle enthusiasts and simultaneously encouraging non-sedentary and innovative behavior of its residents, the City is considering the following improvements: modification of state law to improve economic opportunities through enforcement of bicycle fines; reduction of labor and health care costs related to increased bicycle use; increase tourism related to bicycling; encouragement of school networking with bicycle safety organizations; increased use of bicycle delivery by area businesses; generation of energy by bicyclists for sundry uses and perhaps even for resale to power companies; industrial support of bicycling; use of bicycles by postal carriers; water-based bicycling for tourist or commuter use. All of these improvements will further enhance Northampton's image as an arts, entertainment, and leisure destination. 111. Are you planning any new projects based on your completion of the Bicycle Friendly Community application? Yes No If yes, describe (250 word limit) While this application has not inspired any new projects, the City looks forward to the completion of its first cycle track near downtown in the coming years, the continued expansion of our bike path network, and new infrastructure and intersection modifications to accommodate cyclists even more so than before. We often get requests for model BFC applications from aspiring communities. Would you be willing to share your application? Yes How did you hear about the BFC program? Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)