2009-05-14-LBAC-MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 12, 266 trips were counted during a two hour period in the morning (193 cyclists), and 421 used the path during a two hour period in the afternoon (350 cyclists). Survey of the Minuteman Bikeway: Peggy reported that Dave Cannon, John Livsey and members of the LBAC spent two mornings riding the bike path and reviewing its condition, necessary maintenance, and discussing short and long term priorities for repairs and safety improvements. Problems exist with water undermining the pavement, root upheavals and eroded pavement, lack of striping, intersection signage, etc. The path has never been restriped since the Bikeway first opened 15 years ago. We decided to work with our Selectmen’s liaison so that the bike path will be given a higher priority in Lexington. We will consider sponsoring a warrant article for the 2010 town meeting perhaps requesting using CPA funds to address drainage problems. Side Line Striping : Jerry Van Hook recommended a more systematic approach to determining which streets need side striping, saying that improving bicycle safety is the primary goal, but that it’s important to focus on streets that really need side striping, given the reality of the town’s budget problems and the possible safety problems of roadways that are too narrow. He proposed looking at towns within a 10-mile radius to determine the striping policy and to determine which town has major road entering Lexington; he identified 22 towns. We agreed to narrow the survey to contiguous towns and asked Jerry to provide members with a list of the top three questions we should ask (e.g., their striping practices, the current amount of bicycling in the town, etc) as well as the names of the contiguous towns. Jerry asked each member to contact him with preferences for the towns we would like to survey. Lexington Gardens : A hearing will take place in mid-June, and the committee has been contacted to provide input on the current plan. Stew will review the developer’s plans and draft a letter from the committee, likely to request an easement to Diamond Middle School. Other Business: Peggy reported that the town approved a request by the Alzheimer’s Association to put up a table next to the bikeway. The committee had questions about the request and asked why it hadn’t been consulted. CPA Funds : The CPA coalition asked us to endorse a bill mandating that the state fund CPA request to a minimum 75% contribution. We did so unanimously. Stew reported that CPA funds are drying up; the match is currently 35%, down from 100% a few years ago. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.