tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666195730630249633.post2475697913262383046..comments2024-03-25T17:49:41.408-07:00Comments on Salem Breakfast on Bikes: New Funding may Boost Safe Routes Planning: At the MPOSalem Breakfast on Bikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618055627843335993noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666195730630249633.post-20731325128986113772017-08-03T22:59:09.409-07:002017-08-03T22:59:09.409-07:00Submitted the following as a comment on the ODOT s...Submitted the following as a comment on the ODOT survey:<br /><br />The ODOT mission should be changed to include the following:<br /><br />Each person has a fundamental right to participate fully in social, civic, economic, and religious life of their community that should not require or be conditioned on ownership or access to use of an automobile,<br /><br />And whereas, public transit is essential for providing the young, the old, the disabled, and the economically challenged with the ability to participate,<br /><br />And whereas, Oregon's transit systems and funding systematically denies full participation to all its residents, denying this fundamental right,<br /><br />Therefore, as concerned residents and religious communities in Oregon, we call upon governments at every level to recognize the denial of this fundamental right to participate, and to direct public resources to ensure that all Oregon towns and cities offer residents a fully functional transit system that allows them the ability to participate fully in all aspects of life in this community without regard to economic status or ownership of an auto.<br />Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12731260619465817652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666195730630249633.post-83000591164253889592017-08-03T15:04:00.058-07:002017-08-03T15:04:00.058-07:00I know you value accurate reporting and documentat...I know you value accurate reporting and documentation, so to be clear the statement you added about SKATS' potential future comments to ODOT and the OTC ("At the moment they are likely to advocate for "highway expansion" and "free-flow" more than reducing congestion by making it easy not to drive.") was not at all mentioned in the agenda and are speculation on your part. <br /><br />Regarding what projects SKATS has funded over time: the projects funded for the most recent 15 years are a balanced mix of project, and can be summarized in these categories: <br />* 23% bike and sidewalk projects (13 projects, including $500,000 for the Peter Courtney Minto Brown Bike/Ped bridge (to be topical))<br />* 21% intersection-related (combinations of road and signal projects, but include safety projects (like the Union @ Commercial signal that will help bicyclists/pedestrians connect to the future Union Street Family Friendly)<br />* 7% for ITS (Intelligent Transportation System program), mostly for Salem personal services for the Regional Traffic Control Center, but a little for signal interconnects<br />* 24% Planning Studies & MPO support<br />* 20% Transit (bus replacements, funding for Kiezer and South Salem transit centers, etc.)<br />* 5% Rideshare and Travel Demand Management (goes to newly re-named "Cherriots TripChoice" program)<br /><br />Regarding the TDM - I've seen posts on this blog about TDM and advocating for more funds for this program. Both SKATS and ODOT have increased funding over the years to Cherriots TripChoice, and we currently provide about $700,000 per 2-year biennium (about $480,000 from SKATS, and $220,000 from ODOT). Cherriots TripChoice has staffed up, and is implementing their Strategic Plan. Should they feel they need additional funding/staff in future years we will discuss that at the time. Beside the funding, I know the staff at Cherriots are very committed and do a great job in their mission of encouraging and assisting people to use all mode options, whether that be carpool, vanpool, local transit, regional transit, biking and walking. <br /><br />Mike Jaffe<br />SKATS MPOAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com