Report Prepared by: Jonnie Lan, AICP, Principal Planner, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Roles and Responsibilities
REPORT IN BRIEF
For the benefit of new members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC), Merced Municipal Code Chapter 2.52 - “Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission” introduces the BPAC and lists the Roles and Responsibilities below:
The purpose of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission is to serve as an advisory body to the City Council on matters having to do with bicycling, pedestrian activity, and other modes of active transportation within the City of Merced, as well as the mobility needs of the elderly and those with disabilities. They are to be used in an advisory capacity to the City Council to improve conditions for users of all active modes in the City of Merced, promote active transportation with the associated benefits of improved air quality, improved safety conditions for users of all modes, and health benefits, and to help advise on matters of policy, programs, and bike routes for active transportation users of all ages. The BPAC shall consist of seven (7) voting members, 6 of which represent a different district within the City of Merced and the 7th member serves at-large. In addition, the City Council may appoint up to an additional 4 ex-officio, non-voting members. The BPAC shall have the responsibilities as provided below:
1. Review and advise the City Council, as directed by the City Council or requested by the staff, on the design of capital improvement projects, street improvements, and parking facility projects as they relate to bicycling, pedestrian activity, or other active transportation issues.
2. Review and advise the City Council, as directed by the City Council or requested by the staff, on changes and updates to the active transportation and safe-routes-to-school plan, general plan, Municipal Code and other policy documents which relate to active transportation.
3. Promote any and all forms of active transportation as a viable form of transportation.
4. Assist in the development and dissemination of awareness and education materials for all forms of active transportation to the community.
5. Initiate requests to City staff from the community on issues of concern related to bicycling, pedestrian issues, and issues that relate to other forms of active transportation or the transportation needs of elderly individuals or those with disabilities.
6. Such other duties as the City Council may prescribe
This does not require action by the Commission at this meeting.