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| SFMTA home > About Us > Meetings > Muni Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC) > August 17, 2006, minutes | |
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MUNI ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MAAC) Minutes of August 17, 2006 Members Present: Rae Chamberlain, Leslie Clark (Vice Chair), Ed Evans (Chair), Paul Fichera, Melvin Galloway, Ed Harley (Secretary), Jeanne Lynch, Bruce Morgan, Bruce Oka, Arden Wheeler Absent:Janet Copriviza (Excused), Barbara George (Excused), Vernon Smith, Jewel McGinnis (Excused) Accessible Services Staff Present: Jamie Osborne, Annette Williams Guests: Paco Alfaro, Susan Kitazawa, Frank Markowitz (MTA Pedestrian Program), Bob Planthold (Senior Action Network), Leah Shahum (MTA Board / San Francisco Bicycle Coalition) Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:14PM. Introductions: Introductions were made in lieu of a roll call. Reading and approval of agenda: The agenda was approved with corrections. Approval of the minutes of July 20 2006 MAAC meeting: Members agreed to table the approval of the July minutes until the next MAAC meeting. Comments from the Chair: MAAC Chair, Ed Evans indicated that Jeanne Lynch had provided the committee with a number of pictures showing people bicycling and skateboarding on the sidewalk. He requested that MAAC invite a representative from the San Francisco Police Department who would be able to speak on the topic of enforcement of laws developed to protect pedestrian safety. Mr. Evans would also like to seek legislation to mandate the registration of bicycles with the City. He believes that this step would make San Francisco’s sidewalks safer for pedestrians, by making cyclists more accountable for their actions. He also noted that this type of legislation would help bicycle owners recover stolen bicycles. He believes that people who use other forms of personal transportation besides automobiles need to follow the rules. He is getting tired of vehicle operators refusing him service by telling him that the wheelchair lifts are broken. This happens to him very frequently. He would like to open a dialogue with Muni maintenance staff to determine how to best address this issue. Mr. Evan’s also reported that he is interested in learning more about recent changes to the alignment of Muni bus lines and how it will effect the accessibility of bus stops. He invited Muni planning to the next MAAC meeting to talk about these changes. Leah Shahum, MTA Board of Directors / San Francisco Bicycle Coalition: Leah Shahum spoke to the committee about her new position with the MTA Board of Directors and her experience as the Executive Director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coaltion. She explained that the main purpose of her visit was introduce herself as an MTA board member to MAAC and to learn about transit accessibility from members. She feels that she is becoming more aware of the issues, and asked the committee: “What do you want an MTA board member to know about accessibility services for MTA and what should we be paying attention to in the coming months?” Ed Evans – I am curious about the proposal to bring bicycles to LRVs. Do you consider your position with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) to be a conflict of interest when you make decisions about MTA bicycle projects? Ms. Shahum responded that she must recuse herself from biycle issues that the SFBC has taken a position on. On the specific issue of bringing bicycles on LRVs, she would not be able to take a vote. Ms. Shahum expressed support of recent negotiations between BART and Muni to establishment a monthly Fast Pass for seniors and people with disabilities that would also allow unlimited use of BART within the city limits. Bruce Oka – Specifically, regarding the BART - Muni Fast Pass issue. For BART and Muni staff to tell us that there is (or has been) no agreement or proposal on the table is not correct. We have a copy of a letter from former Muni general manager, Michael Burns, dated 1999 that demonstrates that he had spoken about this issue with BART general manager, Tom Margro. The members of this committee are very frustrated over the lack of progress on this particular issue. I am ready to litigate over this. Bob Planthold – It is telling that the negotiations with BART have not included Muni access services. I feel that MTA has not empowered access services, it is an office way on the sideline… I feel that the engineering, technical planning staff are cluess on issues of accessibility. We have to suffer afterwards. We get reputations as complainers. Ms. Shahum also discussed the SFBC and her role as the organization’s executive director. She introduced the SFBC’s focus on the use of biycles just for everyday transportation (as opposed to using bicycles for recreation) and outlined their efforts to educate biycle riders. She described a series of free classes (developed by the SFBC, MTA and the San Francisco Transportation Authority) aimed at educating adult bicycle riders who are not familiar with the rules of the road. Bob Planthold - I want to ask that when there is a new policy initiative or service change, think of communicating this information to other constituencies. Although meetings and documents are open to the public, I think that there is more that the MTA can do to make it’s materials accessible to people with disabilities. I suggest that you try to be collegial. Jeanne Lynch – Have you given any thought to the cycle shop people? I have done some research and they are not aware of the rules of the road. I’ve also discovered that bicyclists coming in to the city are big offenders in riding on the sidewalk. Ms. Shahum indicated that the SFBS distributes a newsletter that features tips for bicyclists in safely riding. While they can’t monitor the behavior of all bicyclists, they do encourage bicyclists to follow the laws and not ride on the sidewalks. One of the ways that the SFPD encourages people to stay off the sidewalk is to make the street safer with new bike lanes and share the road arrows. She indicated that by creating calmer streets with less car traffic we benefit both bicyclists and pedestrians. Bruce Morgan – If you are under twelve years old, you may ride a bike on the sidewalks. Various cities and counties require that bicyclists take and test and be registered. Has there ever been anything like this for San Francisco? Why isn’t there anything in place now? Ed Evans – There was a licensing program for San Francisco, but it has fallen by the wayside. I would like to see rider licensing with mandatory attendance of the classes you described. I think that bike riders should also have their bikes insured, so that if they hurt somebody they can be held liable. Ms. Shahum hasn’t seen any recent moves to legislate bicycle licenses. She indicated that the SFBC would be concerned that mandatory licensing may lessen the amount of people bicycling. She cited an example of when helmets are made mandatory for bike riders, the actual ridership decreases dramatically. The SFBC believes that fewer bicycles on the street will negatively effect San Francisco’s environment, public health and traffic congestion. She feels that poor behavior by “Bad Apple” bicylists cannot be avoided and that mandatory legislation will have a negative effect. She believes that if you increase opportunities for training and make the streets safer for bikes, then people will get off the sidewalk. Ed Harley – I would like to suggest that the SFBC improve their image by getting signs placed here and there about the fact that bicycles (and skateboards) are not allowed on the sidewalks. Ed Evans – Would the SFBC advocate for stricter enforcement of the laws regarding bicyles on sidewalks? Ms. Shahum indicated that the SFBC advocates for stricter enforcement of all laws. In particular, they have been working with the San Francisco Police department on a training video that highlight the rights and responsibilities for bicyclists. SFBC volunteers have created made short educational videos that are available on their website (www.sfbike.org) that discuss safety issues like not riding on the sidewalks and not riding too close to buses. Bruce Morgan – Is there anything in the training materials, or on your website that indicate what the actual fines are for bike riding on the sidewalk? Ms. Shahum took additional questions and comments about her role on the MTA Board of Directors. Susan Kitazawa – I am concerned about Muni operators who are not looking out for people whose disabilities are not obvious, such as low vision. They never call stop names. I think that they need better training and increased awareness of the needs of people with disabilities. Bob Planthold – The MTA Board is not familiar enough with the needs of people with disabilities. I’ve heard that there is an upcoming MTA Board strategic planning meeting could you share the specifics of this meeting with MAAC? MTA will have a special meeting on Tuesday, September 26 that will begin at 9:00AM. It is a public meeting that will be focused on long-term strategic planning. The meeting will take place in the Atrium conference room on the 2nd floor of the MTA offices at One South Van Ness. Paul Fichera – State law requires that all operators receive eight hours of training per year. Paco Alfaro – I have experienced continual problems with LRV operators not calling out stops. I wish that MTA would train operators to understand their obligations under federal law to do so. MAAC thanked Ms. Shahum for her presentation. She thanked the committee for giving her the opportunity to speak and indicated that she would be available to answer additional questions following the meeting. Frank Markowitz (DPT), Transit Accessibility and Pedestrian Safety: Frank Markowitz discussed his position as the manger of the MTA Pedestrian Program and his program’s work to ensure public accessiblity and safety. The MTA Pedestrian program concentrates on traffic control devices, signs and signals, crosswalk markings. They are also involved in broader issues such as education and enforcement. He discussed several special project issues that he thought would be of interest to MAAC: 1.) Pedestrian Master Plan / Streetscape Management Plan – The Pedestrian Master Plan is a long range (20 year) blueprint for improving San Francisco’s pedestrian environment. The Streetscape Management Plan is a set of guidelines to shape the city’s future landscaping and urban design needs. Mr. Markowitz indicated that these two projects need to be coordinated closley. They both include requirements of physical accessibility and of acessible public outreach. He indicated that the Mayor’s office on Disability is coordinating the public outreach for the Streetscape Management Plan. 2.) Pedestrian Safety Enhancements Grant – Mr. Markowitz reported that the Pedestrian Program has received an Enhancements Grant for pedestrian safety outreach. He indicated that the grant would fund 50 “Bike riding / skateboarding prohibited on the sidewalk – DPT #R116” signs. The grant will also fund a public awareness campaign to encourage drivers to yield to pedestrians, and also discourage parking, bike riding and other obstacles to pedestrian access on the sidewalks. The Pedestrian Program will be creating a media campaign and will be working with 4 neighborhood groups to focus the outreach using specific posters and flyers. There will be citizen training on obtaining data on pedestrian issues and on recommending improvements to MTA. 3.) Audible Accessible Pedestrian Signals – The MTA Pedestrian Program has installed these signals at 6 intersections. They have been working with the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind to substantially increase the number of accessible pedestrian signals. Mr. Markowitz estimates that 80 to 100 intersections will be equipped with these signals over the next three years. They are currently working with different organizations to prioritize the intersection locations and then come to an agreement to get the equipment in place. Mr. Markowitz also discussed the requests that the MTA receives for “Bike riding / skateboarding prohibited on the sidewalk – DPT #R116” signs. There are currently 219 of these signs installed in certain corridors and commercial areas (such as on Geary and Mission). His program hopes to not just put out the signs, but to support appropriate public education and enforcement services to make sure that the signs are effective. Mr. Markowitz took questions from MAAC members and guests: Rae Chamberlain – I have a problem with the pedestrian signals that just display a little person walking. You don’t know how much time is left. I find that I need at least 10 seconds in my wheelchair. Some places, the signal is set to 8 and 6 seconds. I cannot get all the way across the intersection without 10 seconds. Mr. Markowitz indicated that the crosswalk timing is set by walking speed. The objective is that someone who starts at the beginning of the green light cycle should be able to cross the street at 2 ½ feet per second (approximately 2 miles an hour). This policy will be reviewed in the Pedestrian Master Plan. We know that there are some problems at certain intersections (particularly so at Van Ness across from City Hall) where people have a difficult time getting across before the light changes. We are working to improve this. Jeanne Lynch – I would like to know why there are not any signs prohibiting skateboards and bicycles on the sidewalk along Van Ness in the City Hall area? Also, I’ve heard complaint about signs in the Richmond District near 8th and 9th Avenue that are poorly placed and difficult to read. Mr. Markowitz reviewed photos of people riding bikes on the sidewalk that were provided by Ms. Lynch and indicated that he would add the locations to his department’s list of priority sites. He also noted several instances where signs placed mid-block were not as effective as those that were placed adjacent to the curb ramps at intersections. Bruce Morgan – How much do crosswalk signals cost? The cost including labor is approximately $10,000 to $30,000 to install. Bruce Morgan – When you were establishing a time frame for the lengths of crosswalk signals, did you do any testing with people who were disabled or elderly? Mr. Markowitz indicated that various street corners were observed and the the needs of the users were analyzed. The timing is adjusted to 2 ½ feet per second; however, it does vary by intersection. While pedestrian crossing time is very important, MTA planning also has to balance it with the needs of vehicles and try to avoid having huge queues and major congestion. San Francisco is different that other cities, where only 10% of the intersections have push buttons and 90% of the signals are operating on a fixed timer. MTA is testing a system that uses a camera to detect if a pedestrian is late crossing the street. The system then automatically adjusts the signal timing to allow the pedestrian to cross safely. This system can provide a wide variety of crossing times accommodate the needs of different users. Ed Evans – One of the concerns that this group has is that a lot of people are faced with obstacles getting from their homes to the bus stop where they have to access transit. There are sidewalk displays, newspaper racks, open pits around trees and shrubbery and sidewalks pushed up with tree roots. When you get to the bus shelter, you find it inaccessible or unsafely inhabited by people using it for nefarious uses like drinking alcohol or shooting dope. Mr. Markowitz reported that a number of the issues raised are going to be considered by the Pedestrian Master Plan. There will be policies developed and made available for public comments. Public meetings will also be held so that people can directly recommend changes. Jeanne Lynch – At Geary near the old Pat O’Shea’s (3rd Ave) they have placed a city garbage receptacle and a newspaper rack at the bus stop. Anyone who is trying to get on or off the bus has a real obstacle. I have also seen this type of pedestrian obstruction at Arguello and Geary, where racks are lined up one after the other. Bruce Morgan – Some stops have an island in the middle of the street with a cut in the middle to allow people to pass through; however, the cut is located outside of the crosswalk markings and requires someone to go out of their way to use it. I’m curious why this is done, as it creates a dangerous obstacle for someone who is blind. Mr. Markowitz reported that MTA and the Department of Public Works do have some grant funding that will help improve median island channels. He was very interested in learning about locations where these situations existed. Mr. Markowitz gave MAAC members his contact information, should they see instances of additional problems and access barriers they would like to address. Frank Markowitz MTA Pedestrian Program Manager frank.markowitz@sfmta.com (415) 701-4442 MAAC members thanked Mr. Markowitz for his presentation. Update on Muni / BART Fast Pass: Jamie Osborne, from Muni Accessible Services, presented MAAC with an informal update to the recent Muni / BART negotiations. He noted that the MTA and BART staff are continuing to meet and make progress towards finding a solution that both agencies can be happy with. MTA staff, Marisa Espinosa, reported that following the last MAAC meeting, the subject was brought up with the BART Accessibility Task Force and was met with little enthusiasm. It was suggested that MAAC members attend BART’s board meetings and work with BART’s Task Force to better communicate why this is an important issue for transit riders with disabilities. Ms. Espinosa suggested to Mr. Osborne that any changes to the Fast Pass program would wait until the roll out of the Translink card. Mr. Osborne noted that MTA was exploring creating a new monthly pass structure for all Muni riders. He also discussed that implementing the changes would have significant costs for reprogramming computerized Translink fare collectors. Bob Planthold – The cost to reprogram the machines was estimated at at least $100,000 to $200,000 a couple of years ago. Ms. Espinosa indicated to Mr. Osborne that the issue would be addressed at the next BART Board meeting scheduled for August 24, 2006. [ This date was later changed to September 14, 2006 ] Mr. Osborne suggested that if MAAC members were interested in the outcome of this issue, they may want to attend that meeting and express their concerns to the BART Board of Advisors. Bob Planthold – We were told that last time, the issue would be brought to the BART Board on August 24. If people here don’t show up, then they interpret it politically as a lack of interest. Mr. Planthold also offered specific directions to the location of the BART board meeting at the Kaiser Center in Oakland. Ed Evans – I have refused to ride BART because of this issue. Bruce Oka- This is an issue that has been going on for “eons.” I am tired of listening to BART’s excuses for why they can’t do it… I think that if we are to have an impact, than people other than me and Bob need to attend these meetings. [To Mr. Evans] I know that you have just stated that you are not going to ride BART, but you must make your presence known to BART Board of Directors. Ed Evans – I’ll write them letters. Bob Planthold – I presented the seven year old letter to show the history of work between the two agencies and how far things were before they just sort of died. Again, The access offices of both agencies are on the sidelines on this issue. Paul Fichera – I suggest that our chair take BART and go over there. ADA Complaints: MUNI Accessible Services staff presented July ADA complaint data from 2005 and 2006 to the MAAC committee. MAAC members expressed frustration at a recent trend in poor operator behavior and indicated that they not satisfied with the complaint resolution process. Nominations for MAAC Recognition Award: Jamie Osborne reported that he has identified an LRV operator that will be presented with an award at the next meeting. Public Comments: There were no public comments. Items for Next Agenda: 1.) Arden Wheeler – I think that we ought to get the chief of police down here to talk about enforcement. 2.) Ed Evans- I think that we should also get the commander in charge of enforcement. 3.) Bruce Oka – I would like Peter Straus here to talk about route changes. 4.) Paul Fichera – We should ask Muni Maintenance to MAAC to discuss recent issues. Member’s Questions and Comments: Jeanne Lynch reported that operator behaviour has gotten so bad on the 38 line that she has started to take more paratransit trips. She thinks that the training for operators is a waste of money if people do not do what they are taught. Announcements: Ed Evans announced that the Mayor’s Disability Council scheduled for August 18th from 1:00PM to 4:00PM in room number 400. Leah Shahum announced that the Bicycle Coalition was involved in improving accessibility in Golden Gate park where there is a car-free space for about a mile and a half on JFK drive on Sundays. There had been concerns about the access to this area while the road was closed. There will now be a free tram added to shuttle people up and down JFK drive on Sundays. The tram will run every 15 minutes. Ms. Lynch asked that MAAC end the meeting with a moment of silence in memory of Sue Bierman, Rose Resnick and Debbie Macklin. Adjournment: At 3:00PM, the meeting was adjourned to the next regularly scheduled meeting of Thursday, September 21th, 2006, at 1:00PM. |
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