Batavia Active Transportation commission expands outreach, adds two members

The Batavia Active Transportation Advisory Commission (BATAC) presented its quarterly update to the City Council, reporting efforts to increase public outreach, continuing work on electric micromobility regulation, and use of pedestrian monitoring counters to collect data on downtown activity.

Regan Bole, BATAC chairperson, told the council the commission has staffed a presence at community events including farmers markets and will be at the fire department open house to raise awareness about active transportation topics. Bole said the commission is continuing to study e‑bike and e‑scooter regulation and is watching neighboring communities’ approaches.

The commission said it is using pedestrian counters at the Depot Museum area as a control site because that location is one of the busiest downtown intersections and the data will help the commission plan future placements. Bole noted the commission has both a permanent counter near the kiosk and a mobile counter whose locations are not publicly disclosed; the commission has an app with live data and can share information with council members.

BATAC also reported personnel changes: Jared Heck is leaving after roughly five years of service and Liam McKay will serve as co‑chair. At the meeting, the council approved appointments of John O’Toole and Michael Lopteen to three‑year terms on the commission. O’Toole said he rides an e‑scooter to St. Charles and wanted representation for commuters; Lopteen described experience in vehicle engineering, electrification and mobility and said he hopes to contribute technical expertise.

An alderman asked about replacing existing bicycle signage to reflect changes in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD); BATAC and public works said they will check on timing and coordinate when changes can be implemented.

Council members congratulated the commission on outreach changes and welcomed the new members.