PREAMBLE
The following sets forth the bylaws, policies, and procedures which shall serve to guide the proper functioning of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), a committee serving in an advisory capacity to the Volusia Transportation Planning Organization The intent is to provide procedures and policies for the BPAC for fulfilling the requirements of the Federal Highway Act of 1962, as amended, and subsequent laws setting forth requirements for transportation planning for all modes of travel and to ensure the accomplishment of the planning tasks within a cooperative framework properly related to comprehensive planning on a continuous basis.

SECTION 1.0: BYLAWS OF THE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (BPAC)
This document serves to outline the organization and functions of the BPAC as well as the mission and goals of the committee. The mission of the BPAC is as follows:

“Create and implement a regional plan for the continuing enhancement and expansion of the bicycle and pedestrian network. We will support activities that encourage and provide for a safe and balanced transportation system that promotes connectivity, mobility, health and an improved quality of life.”

The Goals of the BPAC have been divided into Plan Implementation and Community Outreach/Public Awareness and Safety and are as follows:
Plan Implementation

• To identify and map existing and proposed facilities.
• To develop a prioritized list of projects into a TPO wide implementation program for improving the bicycle and pedestrian network.
• To formulate, review and identify opportunities for the use of alternative transportation modes.
• To encourage the implementation of uniform design standards.
• To recommend funding/implementation strategies.
• To promote coordination among governmental and non-governmental agencies as well as other organizations to implement the mission.
• To provide for the safety of all users and conform to ADA standards.
• Community Outreach/Public Awareness and Safety
• To promote an ongoing education program that will raise awareness, encourage a heightened recognition of safe practices, and improve perceptions and attitudes of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• To promote the importance of bicycle and pedestrian mobility for transportation, recreation, health and wellness.
• To promote coordination among governmental and non-governmental agencies as well as other organizations to foster public awareness and safety.
• To cultivate partnerships that assist in the funding, planning, development, and implementation of the community outreach, public awareness, and safety programs.
• To promote the enforcement of existing traffic laws as related to bicycle and pedestrian safety.

SECTION 1.1: MEMBERSHIP APPOINTMENT, QUALIFICATION, AND TERMS OF OFFICE
A. The BPAC shall consist of 19 voting members made up of private citizens; non-voting members shall consist of City representatives, highway and transportation planners, professional engineers, and those technical personnel made available by the various municipalities. The membership shall include, but not be limited to, the following members:

VOTING MEMBERSHIP:
A. TPO Appointees – Each voting member of the TPO Board appoints a citizen that is not a member of City or County staff.

NON-VOTING MEMBERSHIP:
A. Technical Staff Appointees (appointed by TPO Chair) – 1 person from a Large City, 1 person from Small city, 1 person from County Traffic Engineering, and 1 person from County Growth and Resource Management (appointments to be approved and confirmed every two (2) years).

B. School Board Appointee – 1 person from the School Board

C. VOTRAN Appointee – 1 person from VOTRAN

D. FDOT Appointee – 1 person from the Florida Department of Transportation

E. Each voting member shall be designated in writing by the governing body of said governmental unit. Each voting member may be represented by an alternate or alternates designated in writing by the governing body of said governmental unit. Alternates may vote only in the absence of the member on a one vote per member basis.

F. Municipalities and agencies in selecting their non-voting representatives, shall name only those technically qualified persons employed by a government or governmental agency.

G. One or more alternates should be named, approved, and confirmed for each non-voting member, provided the recommended alternate meets the technical qualifications set forth in the preceding items.

H. Each BPAC representative is expected to demonstrate interest in the BPAC’s activities through attendance of the regularly scheduled meetings except for reasons of an unavoidable nature. In said case of unavoidable nature, each representative should ensure that their alternate attends. No more than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences will be allowed by the representative or their alternate. A Subcommittee of Administrative Affairs shall deal with consistent unexcused absences and is empowered to recommend a replacement from the City or agency the member represents.

I. Voting members and their alternates shall serve at the pleasure of their respective TPO Board member for an indefinite term as determined by said TPO Board member.

SECTION 1.2: OFFICERS AND DUTIES
A. The BPAC shall hold an organizational meeting as a part of the regular meeting in June for the purpose of electing the Chair and Vice-Chair from the voting membership.

B. Officers shall be elected by a majority of the voting members present at the June meeting and shall serve a term of one year.

C. BPAC Officers cannot serve more than two consecutive terms for the same office. At no time may a TPO staff member chair the BPAC.

D. The Chair or Vice-Chair will meet with the TPO Staff to develop the agenda for the BPAC meeting. TPO Staff will provide timely input/materials for the BPAC agenda.

E. The Chair shall preside at all meetings and, in the event of his/her absence or at his/her direction, the Vice-Chair shall assume the powers and duties of the Chair. In addition, the Chair shall attend the regular scheduled TPO Board meetings in order to provide a brief presentation on the BPAC’s activities. The Chair will also serve on the TPO Board as a non-voting member.

F. Annually, nominations from the floor will be provided by those committee members present for the election of the officers of Chair and Vice-Chair.

SECTION 1.3: MEETINGS
A. Regularly scheduled meetings of the BPAC shall be held on a day and time agreed upon annually by the Committee. Regular meeting dates and times may be changed by action of the Committee (BPAC) to accommodate desirable changes because of holidays and/or other reasons.

B. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or by initiative of two or more members petitioning the Chair. Reasonable notice must be provided to the members and alternates for special meetings.

C. Nine (9) of the voting members on the Committee (BPAC) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

D. The TPO staff is responsible for the minutes of the meetings and for all notices and agendas for future meetings. The TPO shall furnish a Recording Secretary for all Committee (BPAC) meetings.

E. Notices and tentative agendas shall be sent to members and alternates five (5) working days prior to the regular meeting dates.

F. Meetings will be open to the public and press.

G. If the bylaws do not address a particular issue that comes before the Board, and if the Statute that the BPAC is operating under does not cover said item, then Robert’s’ Rules of Order shall take precedence.

SECTION 1.4: RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BPAC
A. The BPAC is responsible for reviewing plans, policies, and procedures as relates to bicycle and pedestrian issues in the Volusia TPO Planning Area and for making recommendations to the TPO Board that are pertinent to these subjects.

B. BPAC recommendations to the TPO Board shall be based upon the technical sufficiency, accuracy, and completeness of studies and plans and/or programs.

C. The BPAC shall make priority recommendations to the TPO Board and/or other agencies responsible for plan and program implementation based upon the needs as determined by technical studies.

D. The BPAC will be responsible to the TPO Board for coordinating all public relation matters concerning bicycle and pedestrian issues within the Volusia TPO Planning Area.

E. The BPAC shall serve as an advisory committee regarding bicycle and pedestrian matters to any and all duly constituted areawide transportation authorities and/or boards, as well as areawide planning boards or councils for physical development, health, social, or comprehensive planning upon direct request of such authorities, boards, or councils.

F. The BPAC shall provide the opportunity at each of its meetings for citizens to comment or be heard on any matter pertinent to bicycle and pedestrian issues in the Volusia TPO Planning Area. Comments on specific items as shown on the agenda shall be in writing and shall be read by the Chair or his/her designee at the appropriate time.

G. The BPAC shall, when feasible and desirable to do so, utilize any means that may be suggested or devised to provide for citizen participation in the planning process for bicycle and pedestrian issues

H. Recommended changes in the bylaws require a simple majority vote of the BPAC members at any meeting, providing that all voting members have received written copies of proposed amendments at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. The BPAC recommended changes must be presented to the TPO Board for review and approval.

SECTION 1.5: SUBCOMMITTEES
A. Subcommittees shall be designated by the BPAC as necessary to investigate and report on specific subject areas of interest to the BPAC.

B. Subcommittees shall be designated as necessary to deal with administrative and legislative procedures relating to the BPAC. These may include:

1. Administrative Affairs
2. Bylaws