Hamilton Cycling Committee

Monthly Meeting – November 2, 2005

Time: 5:00 P.M.

Place: Hamilton City Hall, Room 264

Attendance:

Daryl Bender (Chair), Al Horzelenberg, Brad Tyleman, Bob Brown, Brian Applebee (Staff), Sarah Veale, Tarquin Adams, Thom Oommen, Chris Gainen.

Regrets: Udo Ehrenberg, Michael Donaldson, Cheri Weaver, Matt Chamberlain-Thompson.

Introductions: Darryl invited everyone to introduce themselves in view of the fact that two new members were in attendance: Thom Oommen toommen@greenventure.ca ,

and Chris Gainham cgainham@hamilton.ca

Resignations: It is noted with regret that Catharina Jager and Bruce Buchanan have tendered their resignations. The chair thanked them for their valuable input while part of the committee.

Meeting notes taken by Al Horzelenberg.

1. Minutes of the previous meetings held on September 7, and October 5, 2005 were approved with the request for a more complete accounting of the October 5 meeting to be presented at the next meeting.

2. Agenda review: Requests for addenda to the agenda: Bike rack design, Signage on Bayfront trail, and Parking passes at City Hall.

3. Business arising: It was noted that the minutes were incomplete and need to be “fleshed” out. Bob Brown asked to have the drawings of the Red Hill Creek cycle path plans available at our next meeting. Action: Brian will follow up

4. Cycle Ontario Alliance 2005 Conference Oct. 21 – 23, 2005: Five committee members attended and reported on a very exciting and informative conference. It was noted that the $ 300.00 contribution from the HCC was approved and forwarded on to the COA. The approx.60 people in attendance were treated to some dynamic speakers, lively panel discussions, and rewarding workshops. Unfortunately the cycling tours planned for Sunday morning did not happen due to inclement weather. Action: Bob Brown agreed to forward some digital photos from the weekend.

5. Poster Board: Al Horzelenberg brought up the issue of our sad poster board display materials. A Sub- committee was stuck to research availability and costing of new display materials. Volunteers: Bob Brown, Chris Gainham, and Al Horzelenberg. Action: Sub-committee to report back to HCC a.s.a.p.

6. New Committee Website: Sarah Veale presented the new reworked HCC website. It proved to be clean, organized, modern b&w, easy to navigate, and visually impaired friendly. Unfortunately some problems exist that make it impossible at present to post in on the web. Action: Daryl will follow up with discussions with Charlie in an attempt to free up the required passwords.

A few suggestions were brought forward regarding certain inclusions in the site. Some of those are – citing the Highway Traffic act as it relates to cycling, Hamilton protocol regarding cycling on sidewalks, bullets to indicate HCC Projects, the inclusion of Bike Shops, and the access to cycling maps & routes. Since the site is in its “under construction” phase, these will be reiterated at a later date.

7. Waterfront Trail Extension Project: Brian presented the preliminary drawings for the plans to connect the waterfront trail from Gray Rd. in Stoney Creek to Fifty Rd. in Winona. This project is expected to proceed sometime in 2006. Chris brought up a problem for cyclists regarding the overnight closing of the Confederation Park access gate at Grays Rd.

Action: Tarquin agreed to make inquiries.

8. Burlington Lift Bridge: Brian reported that all parties (Hamilton, Burlington, and the Federal Government) are committed to completing the multi-use path over the Beach strip canal. Work slated to commence next year 2006. Action: Brian will try to provide the detailed plans at our next meeting. Action: Daryl will contact the Burlington Cycling Committee to determine their input into the proposed plans.

9. Re-printing of 8-route brochure: The changes to the brochure have been finalized and forwarded to Allegra for printing. We should expect 3,000 copies to be ready for the December meeting.

10. Other Business:

a. Bike racks: _Damaged bike racks are being repaired or replaced on Concession St.

_Discussion about the bolting system of racks prompted the recommendation that all future installations incorporate a “tamper proof” bolting system. To retro-fit existing racks should occur as finances and opportunities avail themselves.

b. Harbour Front Trail Signage: Bob took issue with the inconsistent signage on the Harbour Front Trail. The “Keep Right” warnings were not posted adequately.

Action: Brian will inquire to see what can be done.

c. Parking Passes: Al asked for an alternative method of meting out parking passes for the monthly meetings. It was noted that there must be an easier way to get a pass than to have to park, walk to security, return to car, go to meeting. Action: Brian will try to print up a one year’s supply for all those that require one.

N.B. All those that need parking passes, please e-mail Brian bapplebe@hamilton.ca

d. Map update: Hunter verses Jackson? Jackson St. is a possible cycling route designation extending to Dundurn. Much discussion ensued regarding the ramp access from Jackson St. unto Dundurn. To be revisited again at a later date.

e. New Recruit: Daryl presented the HCC with a possible new member ie.: Debbie Simon (Travel Services Coordinator Tourism Hamilton). Hopefully we will be able to welcome her around our table in the near future.

Notes: Next meeting will center around the Transportation Master Plan. It is recommended that we be familiar with it and come prepared with a “wish list”

Hatt St. project is waiting for input from Councilor Art Sampson.

P.I.C. Re: Kirkendale neighborhood to view plans for a cycle route from Queen St. to Westdale (McMaster) north of Aberdeen.

11. Motion to adjourn: at 7:00 by Bob Brown, seconded by Tarquin. Carried.

Next meeting: Wed. Dec. 7, 2005

Hamilton City Hall

Meeting Room 264 at 5:00 p.m.