SLCBC Intermodal Hub Bike Transit Center TE Application

This is a funding proposal for the Intermodal Hub BikeStation in Salt Lake City based on the Application

1.1 NAME OR TITLE

Intermodal Hub Bike Transit Center - Salt Lake

1.2 PROJECT LOCATION AND LENGTH

The proposed Bike Transit Center would be located in the downtown Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub at 320 South 600 West. The project would have two phases. The first would be a feasibility and preliminary design study. Pending the results of that study, the second phase would be the build out in the Intermodal Hub as well as establishing initial operations.

1.3 PROJECT SPONSOR(S)

Lead Sponsor: UTA Rideshare, a division of Utah Transit Authority

Co-Sponsor(s): Salt Lake City Corporation and the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective

1.4 APPLICATION CONTACT PERSON(S)

(1) Shaina Miron Quinn Title: Regional Marketing Specialist / UTA Rideshare Address: 3600 South 700 West City: SLC State: UT Zip: 84130 Phone: 801-287-2066 Fax: 801-262-8031

(2) Jonathan L. Morrison Title: Project Coordinator / Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective Address: 2312 S. West Temple City: SLC State: UT Zip: 84115 Phone: 801-328-2453 Fax: 801-466-3856

(3) Jordan Gates Title: Environmental Advisor to the Mayor / Salt Lake City Corporation Address: 451 S. State St. #306 City: SLC State: UT Zip: 84111 Phone: 801-535-7939 Fax: 801-535-6331

1.5 Funding Request

A = FEDERAL FUNDS REQUESTED = $68,000 B = ALL CASH REQUIRED PLUS FLEX (SOFT) MATCH = $55,000 + $13,750

SPONSOR MATCH = B / (A+B)X 100% = $13,750 / ($13,750+55,000) * 100% = 20%

1.6 Statement of Intent to Fund, Pursue Reasonable Progress and Maintain

Shaina will sign this.

1.7 Enhancement Categories by Group

Check all that apply. Enter approximate percentage of project cost estimated for that category. A project may be awarded additional points if multiple categories apply, provided that the applicant effectively demonstrates how each will complement one another and is significant (>15% of project total cost).

DONE ON PAPER

Bicycle and Pedestrian

X 1-100% Facilities for pedestrians and bicycles, check system type below

X Major Regional system
X Local/Link to Regional
X Local System (town, city, etc.,..)

1.8 Executive Summary

Provide a concise overview within the remaining space provided on this page only answering the "Technical Scope or what" is your project. Other sections are provided for the benefits and users of the proposed project. When possible list quantity details such as project length, area improved, improvement to resource etc.

COME BACK TO THIS ONCE ENTIRE APPLICATION IS DONE

George -- Is this different than section 1.2?

2.0 Application Inventory

2.1 Please check the appropriate box for each question or cross out if Non Applicable. You may insert a sentence of explanation for "No" answers in the space provided below that question:

Application has required registration number (07-PTE XXX)? Yes
Has the applicant UDOT regional office been contacted? Yes
For historic resources only: have you contacted the SHPO? N/A
Will the project be open to the public for at least 25 years? Yes
Will a fee be charged for public access? If yes, how much? Yes

If yes, explain how the fees charged will be used. ??? QUESTION: TBD as part of a feasibility study OK?

Is the project a component or extension of a previously awarded transportation enhancements project? No

If so, give the project number: STP-

Does all right of way necessary for the project fall within public ownership or lease? Yes
Does the project sponsor own all of the right of way/property? Yes
If right-of-way/land acquisition is necessary, has the owner signed a letter of understanding & intent to sale the property? N/A
If no, does the applicant have an option on the property executable within one year of application? N/A
Have utilities been Blue Staked for critical areas? N/A

If yes, list those areas or limits of survey: N/A

Have utilities been contacted or consulted on the project? N/A

2.2 Sponsor Experience with any Federal Aid Programs

Briefly describe sponsor's experience with federal funded programs. Include specific staff by name if assigned to this project.

UTA Rideshare -- Bicycle Lockers:

In 2006 UTA Rideshare accepted 60 bicycle lockers funded in part by a TE grant. These bicycle lockers will be used by commuters connecting bicycle trips with a UTA TRAX light rail or UTA bus trip. The lockers are currently being assembled by UTA facilities and will be installed at 15 locations during the spring of 2007. The UTA Rideshare staff member assigned to this project is Shaina Miron Quinn.

Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective -- BikeEd Program:

In 2006 the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective started a Bicycle Education program funded by a TE grant. The grant was written by Jason Bultman (jason@slcbikecollective.org) and executed by Jonathan Morrison (jonathan@slcbikecollective.org).

2.3 Environmental and Cultural Resource Inventory

The TE program is intended for projects that required only a Categorical Exclusion Environmental Clearance. If the project involves any of the following natural or cultural items the applicant may be required to meet with UDOT to confirm application eligibility, or to obtain specific permits and clearance forms to ensure compliance with local, state and federal requirements, or fund the Environmental Phase prior to obtaining matching federal funds.

Will the project involve:

Historic buildings or archeological sites? No
Existing parks and recreation areas? No
Designated or undesignated wetlands and/or swamps? No
Canals, creeks or rivers? No
Stream straightening and/or crossing? No
Lakes or ponds? No
Known hazardous materials and/or waste? No
Features under the 100-year flood elevation? No

For all "yes" answers, explain any measure needed to avoid negative impacts during or after the implementation of the project. You may use th remaining space on this page for expanded explanations.

(7 POINTS) APPLICATION QUALITY No input required. You are allowed to deleted all of the Blue Italics to provide additional space for your application information needed to support the above section only.

Applications may be awared points for overall clarity and the use of new innovative techniques. Clarity include following the instructions, organization of the application materials and well-written but concise descriptions (no grammar, typographical or mathematical errors).

3.0 Project Purpose, Benefits and Direct Affects

Use and arrange the spacing over the next two pages as needed to answer sections 3 & 4. Do not exceed two pages.

3.1 Describe the fundamental purpose and need for the proposed project:

Why is there a project? The project purpose solves or meets a need of your community, county or state. Parts of this section may be redundant. That is OK. Section 3.1 is the most important sub section here and should be the foundation and support for the complete proposal.

The fundamental purpose of this project is to increase the usage of bicycles for transportation by making bicycling more appealing and accessible to the public. Can we get the % of transportation trips made with bicycles today? As the population along the Wasatch Front grows so will traffic, congestion and air pollution from vehicles. As many transportation planners have noted, building only more roads and more car parking is ultimately an unsustainable venture. It is well documented that improving the connectivity between bicycles, transit, and places of business is one of the most cost effective, equitable, effficient, and environmentally beneficial means of addressing transportation dilemmas. The use of bicycles as a form of transportation also reduces air pollution, vehicle congestion and mitigates the effects of urban sprawl, thus enhancing the quality of life. Achieving greater bicycle use will require, among other things, developing bike-transit facilities that offer enhanced services to bicyclists as well as a secure place to park their bike, thereby enabling the use of both bicycling and transit over single-occupant vehicles.

Although a relatively new concept in the United States, secure bicycle parking is an everyday way of life in Europe and Japan, where facilities that house and park over 3,000 bicycles per day are not uncommon. Bringing the Wastach Front to this level of bicycle ridership will require a cultural shift, which can be accomplished by education, marketing, enhanced faciliites (including bicycle transit centers, routes and signage), and leadership by the public sector to make bicycling a priority mode of transportation.

From an international perspective a common solution to this issue has simply been alternative and public transportation. The Salt Lake Intermodal Hub not only connects many modes of transportation, but it defines Salt Lake's strong commitment to meeting the alternative and public transportation needs of the Wasatch Front. The addition of a bicycle transit center will galvanize and complement the other forms of transportation.

FrontRunner, the new UTA commuter rail, is estimated to bring three thousand people into Salt Lake City every day. UTA's current TRAX and bus infrastructure can accommodate (FILL IN)% patrons with bicycles, to show the demand cyclists represent 2% of UTA's ridership. If this 2% trend continues, FrontRunner alone will bring over 60 bicycles through the Intermodal Hub.

To further encourage cyclists and complement the efforts of UTA, the bicycle transit center will make bicycle commuting even more convenient. A repair center, the sale of last minute convenience items, a secure place to store a bike, and a place to rent a bicycle appeal to the on-demand nature of our busy society.

3.2 Project Description:

Provide a complete scope. What are the existing conditions, where is the project in relation to the greater area or system, linkage to destinations and the surface transportation system. Coordinate this section with Maps, illustration and photos provided.

The Intermodal Hub will become the transit center of Salt Lake City. Its convenient downtown location will serve travelers well by connecting UTA FrontRunner commuter rail, UTA buses, UTA TRAX light rail (and evenutally a TRAX line to the airport), Greyhound buses, bike lanes, Amtrak trains, and even pedestrian traffic from the Gateway. The addition of a Bike Station to the Intermodal Hub will add bicycles as a transportation option to those living and working in the Wasatch Front.

3.3 Describe Direct Benefits and/or Affects of the project:

Include any social, environmental, economic, system operations and other applicable elements. Note that the EAC will want to know why other possible alternatives are not available to meet your project purpose and need. You may want to address this issue in section 6.3 if not here.

Bicycles simply do not contribute to the air pollution that the Wasatch Front suffers from during inversions. The more people we can get on bikes, the better off our air will be. A positive side effect of making cycling convenient and easy is that it starts appealing to a broader audience. Those that ride will experience the benefits of daily exercise, saving money, and likely time on their commute. Bicycles do not contribute to street traffic congestion and traffic jams that frustrate motorists, have a real economic cost and reduce quality of life along the Wasatch Front. Bike commuters also reduce their personal health risk and lower their impact on the healthcare system. They often enjoy meeting their fellow bike commuters which can strenghten the social fabric of a community. It becomes natural to strike up conversations with other cyclists; this experience is impossible in confines of a car.

3.4 Maps, illustrations, photos:

Up to four standard borderless pages are allowed. Pages that fold over are not allowed. For trail way project include: Project map, area map showing context of project in larger area, illustrations of typical sections & plans, width, length, material types, and examples of existing conditions. All maps should clearly note: North direction, project beginning, end and length, generators, destination and linkage features as identified in other sections of your application. Maps may be illustrations or schematic in nature. TIP - some applicants incorporate typical sections on project area maps leaving more space to show other project existing features, needs and illustrations of improvements.

4.0 Safety:

Are there safety elements or issues of this project addresses or corrects?

Bike commuters are safest when their bicycle is well equiped and functioning properly. Cyclists can use the Bike Station to make minor repairs to their bike such as changing a flat tire, oiling a chain or getting a bike tune up. They can pick up bicycle accessories such as lights, reflectors and helmets.

5.0 Quality of Life Enhancement and/or Indirect Affects

Estimated economic effects - Can reduce the number of automobile parking spaces needed saving $15,000 per space. Virtually eliminate the risk of bicycle theft from a public facility.

Health - ?

Environmental - ? Jordan is helping with this too (Jan 22).

Aesthetic - Fewer bicycles left unattended locked to outside bike racks. Reduced wear and tear on UTA trains and buses from bike tires. The Bike Station would be designed to complement the Intermodal Hub setting to create a positive impression to users and passers-by alike.

Historic value - ?

6.0 Project Significance/Importance

6.1 What sets your project apart as a priority:

6.2 How does the proposed project coordinate with existing local, regional or statewide long-range plans?

6.3 Project Potential

6.3.1 Access to Proposed Resource:

Grand Total: 360 users in a typical year. This calculation is based on the following projections: We estimate that about 125 people will use this facility each week commuting to work by bicycle. Yearly usage estimate with some turnover: 160 people. A smaller percentage (about 5 people a week) will be recreational cyclists that use the facility once or twice a year. Yearly recreational usage with regular turnover: 200. *More detail for bikes on board UTA* 2% of 3,000 daily FrontRunner Commuter Rail passengers will be bicycle commuters = 60 potential users. 2% of 5,000 daily TRAX passengers connecting to the Intermodal Hub will be bicycle commuters = 100 potential users. 2% of 3,000 daily bus passengers connecting to the Intermodal Hub will be bicycle commuters = 60 potential users. There will be some overlap between these groups. Not all bicycle commuters will park their bike at the Bike Station, but they may utilize it for minor repairs or for information.

6.3.2 Project Function

Provide all information under the sub-group. Coordinate information with the maps, photos and illustrations sections. How and when is your project resource used for each of the following sub-groups that were indicated in section 1.7.

100% is allocated to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Group.

6.3.2a Bicycle and Pedestrian Group

TIP: list trip origination, link from or links along project and destination or link to other trail system. Have you explained why other alternate routes are not reasonable or availiable? How does your project meet the transportation demand of the community?

Target user

% Commuter = 90% Recreational/Tourist = 10%

If trail expected to be maintained year round? _____ TIP - You can answer yes with a yes or no. Adding a sentence of why could get you a few more points.

The Salt Lake Intermodal Hub is designed and located to meet the downtown commuting needs of the Wasatch front. The jordan river parkway trail, recreational downtown facilities, and shopping may draw a recreational demographic.

6.3.2b Scenic and Natural Resources Group

List any scenic byway, existing or proposed view sheds enhanced by this project. Why should this be a priority over similar proposal? What makes this an asset to the community?

N/A

6.3.2c Historic and Archeological Group

List any local, state or federal agencies connected or supporting this project. Why should this be a priority over a similar proposal? What makes this an asset to the community?