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<br />Councihnember Jeffrey stated last year the Council discussed trail connections across different <br />roads in the City. He rides his bicycle frequently, and there are no crosswalks at trail:- <br />connections that cross County roads. State law requires drivers to stop for crosswalks, and the <br />addition of crosswalks at these trail connections is one more safety factor the City could add to <br />their trails. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig asked what about the process required with the County to add crosswalks on <br />County roads. City Engineer Jankowski replied the City cannot add crosswalks to County roads, <br />but can make a formal request to the County. There is general guidance for crosswalks included <br />in the Committee's packet; they should be used judicially because the more they are used the less <br />they are adhered to. The first step may be to identify how many of the crossings would be <br />required. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig asked if there are any problems foreseen with crosswalks on County roads. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski replied practically a crosswalk on a 50 mph road may be something of <br />a hazard. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey stated a hazard of crosswalks on County roads could be related to drivers <br />passing stopped drivers on the right of left; however, he would challenge the County that if <br />crosswalks are not added at these trail crossings there could be liability to the County by not <br />providing some quasi safety at these locations. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig noted the City is trying to develop a trail system people are comfortable using. <br /> <br />Council11;lember Cook stated in the long term tunnels will be needed at trail crossings located on <br />higher traffic roads. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig suggested staffbe directed to draft a case regarding the placement of <br />crosswalks, including a map of recommended locations. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski indicated staff can also talk with the County to determine the crosswalk <br />policy. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook stressed that the City should also consider drafting a policy that <br />pedestrian/bicycle tunnels will be considered when road improvements are done at high traffic <br />locations. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson inquired about the amount of traffic required to trigger the installation of <br />a crosswalk. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson replied technically the trigger would relate to traffic and <br />pedestrians, and would be weighted highly on pedestrian traffic. <br /> <br />Public Works Committee / September 19, 2006 <br />Page 4 of9 <br />