Commission refers Bassett Street paint-only traffic-calming plan for study

The Green Bay Traffic, Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission voted to refer for study a plan to add painted drive lanes and bike/shared-lane markings on Bassett Street between Clement Street and North Gantt Avenue to slow motorists.

A member presenting the request said the goal is speed reduction and that "all I'm asking for is paint on the road." Staff explained options including standard bike lanes, shared-lane markings (chevrons), and visually narrowed roadway striping that would create the feel of a narrower travel lane without removing parking. "For this case, your purpose is to slow down motorists," the staff member said, adding that the city has templates for shared-lane markings and can paint visually narrowed lanes to make drivers perceive a narrower 10-foot travel lane.

Staff noted gaps in the bike network around University Avenue and Humboldt and said the commission should avoid creating isolated bike lanes that dead-end without connecting facilities. Planning staff (Stephanie Hummel) was identified as a staff contact for evaluating how a painted treatment would fit with broader bike facilities; the presenting staff said they would consult the mayor's office and planning before returning with a recommendation.

Commission members discussed materials, maintenance and scale. One speaker said the machine-painted material used on a recent Erwin Avenue project cost about $800 for materials but wears quickly; staff said crosswalks and roundabout markings have not been repainted in years and that contractor rebates and setup costs can be significant. Staff recommended a trial limited to Bassett/Clement because the corridor feeds apartment complexes, Festival Foods and Kwik Trip and is a logical pilot location.

The commission motioned, seconded and voted to refer the proposal for a staff study and to return with a recommendation at a future meeting.