2006-08-10-LBAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEETING MINUTES Committee Name: Bicycle Advisory Committee Date, Time and Location of Meeting: August 10, 2006; 7:00 pm; Rm 111, Town Office Building Members Present: Stew Kennedy (BAC chair), Harvey Bingham (scribe), John Frey, George Gagliardi, Abe Shenker, Mike Tabaczynski,Jerry Van Hook, Jim Wichmann Others Present: Rich Spencer (FOB), Erna Greene (FOB), Hank Manz (BoS BAC liaison), Dick Canale (Planning Board liaison), Dave Pinsonneault (DPW), Jeff Roth (MIT Lincoln Labs) Members Absent: Marita Hartshorn Record of Votes taken and issues discussed. Minutes from the June 8 meeting were reviewed and accepted as corrected. Hartwell Avenue Safety: We spent a while discussing and reviewing our concerns for the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians on Hartwell Ave, and our unsuccessful attempts to get the TSAC and TMG to act or to recommend short-term improvements. Dick told us of long-term plans to improve safety at the Maguire Rd and at the Bedford St intersections. But he explained that the poor design of the Avenue itself (too straight and too wide - encouraging speed) needs to be modernized. Meanwhile, we continue to ask for restriping and addition of signage (Bike Route or Share the Road). Jerry showed his analysis of how Hartwell satisfies the state’s criteria for a Bike Route. We decided it’s high time that we bring our concerns directly to the Board of Selectmen by writing them a letter. We unanimously voted to have a letter sent. Abe and Stew will draft it. Hank suggested bringing it up in person at the next BoS meeting, on Sept 28. Jeff Roth, here representing bicycling commuters at Lincoln Labs, told of a survey regarding use of Hartwell Ave he is conducting, and he welcomed all to respond. The url is http://users.rcn.com/jrothim/www/ha_survey.html BAC Reappointments: Jerry, Harvey and John are due for reappointment in September. All three agreed to continue to serve on the committee. Stew will so notify the Selectmen. MAPC Bike rack program: Dick gave an update on the MAPC and MPO grant program: municipalities can buy bike racks and then be compensated for the cost. Towns and cities must fund and do the installation. Money is available, part of the 2 ½ year, $1.4M grant-funded Bicycle Accommodation Program. The three chosen vendors are Cycle-Safe, Dero, and Madrax. Jerry will look into availability or similarity to our HDC-approved Cora racks and also suitability of design of the available racks. Meanwhile we need to get ready our list of preferred spots needing racks. We should check with the school principals for their needs. Hank will bring this up at the next BoS meeting.