Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This intersection improvement project, known as the Intersection Improvements - Worthington - Galena & Lazelle, is currently under construction. The project includes the construction of a new sidewalk that varies from 8-10 feet wide along the east side of Worthington - Galena Road from Lazelle Road to 300 feet north of Lazelle Road. This sidewalk will serve as a shared-use path, which will connect from the existing shared-use path in Westerville at the north end of the project to the existing shared-use path along the north side of Lazxelle Road. Columbus City Code Section 2173.10 establishes the ability of City Council to designate sidewalks as shared-use paths, to allow bicyclists to use the facility without violating the City's prohibition against operating bicycles on sidewalks.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
None
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to have portions of sidewalk designated as shared use path to coincide with the scheduled completion of Worthington-Galena Roadway Improvement Project on or around June 30, 2011.
Title
To designate a portion of sidewalk as shared-use path on Worthington - Galena Road from Lazelle Road to County Line Road; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the Bicentennial Bikeways Plan recommends a shared-use path along Worthington - Galena Road; and
WHEREAS, the Intersection Improvements - Worthington - Galena & Lazelle project includes the construction of a sidewalk varying in width from 8-10 feet along the east side of Worthington - Galena Road from Lazelle Road to 300 feet North of Lazelle Road; and
WHEREAS, said sidewalk under construction will connect two existing shared-use paths in Westerville and along Lazelle Road; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to establish a bicycle facility in the Polaris area to complete a connection from the Westerville Bikeway to an existing multi-use trail on the north side of Lazelle Rd west of Worthington - Galena Road; and
WHEREAS, City Code Section 2173.10 prohibits riding a bicycle on the sidewalk except for children's non-motorized vehicles as defined in section 2173.015(A)(2), and at locations that Columbus city council designates as bikeways or shared-use paths; and
WHEREAS, in order to complete this project it is necessary to designate a portion of sidewalk at one location as shared-use path to allow legal use by bicyclists; and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned project is scheduled to be completed on or around June 30, 2011; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Mobility Options, Department of Public Service, so that the above described sidewalks can be designated as shared use path near the completion of the Intersection Improvements - Worthington - Galena & Lazelle Project, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the sidewalk on the east side of Worthington Galena Road, from Lazelle Road to 300 feet North of Lazelle Road is hereby designated as a shared-use path.
SECTION 2. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the mayor, or ten days after passage if the mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.