2005-05-02-WALKS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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SIDEWALK COMMITTEE Minutes of May 2, 2005 Meeting The Lexington Sidewalk Committee meeting was convened by Chairman Craig Weeks at 12 noon in the Selectman’s Meeting Room. A motion was MSP to accept the minutes of the April 14 meeting. COMMITTEE UPDATES: Community focus group: Sue-Ellen Briggs said that the survey results on parent preferences for safe access to Lexington schools were coming in. approximately 100 responses from Bridge Elementary and 112 responses from Bowman Elementary. The provisional results from the latter indicate about 10% of students currently walk, 40% are driven, and 45% are bussed. More than half of the Bowman parents would allow their children to walk/bike if there were improved sidewalks and paths, especially if accompanied by other parents. These are encouraging findings. Sue-Ellen further stated that her focus group was working on a presentation for a series of public meetings in early fall. Olga stated that Rep. Ann Paulson had introduced a Bicycle Bill of Rights legislation at the State House. She also reported that there was an effort afoot in Arlington to exclude bicycling in the Safe Routes to School program because of parental fears for the health and safety of their children. The Hardy School, Arlington notified parents in Nov. 2004 to that effect. Several groups in Arlington including the organization CYCLE KIDS (http://www.cyclekids.org) are trying to reassure parents that safety measures will be introduced. Website development: Lucy Fletcher-Jones presented her preliminary design for a web site. Colors for the web page received favorable comment. It was suggested that the diamond logo include a symbol for in-line skating. Gail Wagner said that the site could be linked to existing websites on ped/bike safety including a site entitled ³How to Become a Smart Tripper². Craig said that these and other possible links should be sent to Lucy for consideration by the Committee. Lisa emphasized these possible links should be on the committee test site and not on our public site until vetted through the committee at large. John Davies said there should be a disclaimer on the public website saying the committee was giving information, not advice. Olga again offered to make available regional information on walk/bicycle to school programs. Gail Wagner said she could provide information on bus routes to schools as well as Lexpress and MBTA routes, for the website. Lucy will send out options that were discussed for the home page title, asking for a vote of preference within a week. Policies of other communities: Lisa Baci reported that her group was looking at sidewalk policies in Lexington working with Wayne Brooks. Her committee was also exploring policies in other nearby towns, the State and Nationally. The focus would be on safety/design criteria Olga again