City seeking applicants for new bike safety commission
By Brandi Makuski
Mayor Mike Wiza is now accepting applications to fill positions on the newly formed Bicycle and Pedestrian Street Safety Commission (BPSSC).
The commission was formally created last week when the Stevens Point City Council approved an ordinance governing the new legislative body, replacing the two-year-old Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC).
The commission, Wiza said, will be advisory in nature, and its recommendations are subject to full council approval.
Under the ordinance, the commission must have five members and one alternate, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council. Membership must include an engineer or planner, pedestrian and bicycle safety advocate, a “bicycle-friendly” business owner, a safety educator, one member of the council, and a nonvoting member of the community development or public works departments.
All members must be a city resident.
“Each member should have, to the extent practicable, known experience and interest in pedestrian and bicycle transportation safety, as well as familiarity with the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) and the Portage County Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan,” an email from Wiza read in part.
Appointees will serve a term of three years, with the exception of the council member, who will serve through the remainder of their elected term.
Under ordinance, the commission will advise the city council on “updates, maintenance, and implementation” of the Portage County Countywide Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan, as well as the city’s comprehensive plan.
The group is also charged with helping the city achieve increased standards for bicycle and pedestrian safety and accessibility, promote integration of biking and walking into the city’s planning and development, and make recommendations to the city council.
The group is also responsible for public education, Wiza said.