HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-12-LBAC-min
MEETING MINUTES
Committee Name: Bicycle Advisory Committee
Date, Time and Location of Meeting:
July 12, 2007; 7:00 pm; Rm 111
Members Present:
Stew Kennedy (BAC chair), Harvey Bingham, John Frey, Marita
Hartshorn, Hank Manz (Selectmen), Jim Wichmann, Mike Tabaczynski,
Others Present:
Bob Dangel,Peg Enders (FOLB), Carolyn Siccama
Members Absent:
Richard Canale (Planning), George Gagliardi, Sandra Shaw
(Recreation), Abe Shenker (FOLB Chair), Rich Spencer (FOLB), Jerry Van Hook
Record of Votes taken and issues discussed.
Minutes
from the June meeting were reviewed and approved as corrected.
Bike Racks by the Depot Building:
Stew told of an informal meeting last week with
Susan Bennett at which she said the HS is counting on John Frey handling the HDC
approval process for (re)placing the two bike racks near the Depot building. John had
been surprised upon learning this, but has agreed to handle the approval request.
Representing the BAC, he will see if both racks, or at least the one rack being put back
under the canopy, can be approved at the HDC meeting later tonight.
Globe article and letters about “Bikeway Rage”:
After discussion of the unfortunate
photo article in the July 1 Boston Globe and the subsequent letters about it, it was agreed
that signage about sensible usage and education of users of the Bikeway are our most
effective ways of influencing safety and harmony on the Bikeway. Jerry had already
written a good letter to the editor of the Minuteman. Peg will write an article addressing
proper Bikeway etiquette to submit to the Minuteman.
Request for permission to take survey of Bikeway users:
Stew related the request from
the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) for permission to conduct a survey of
Bikeway users in late summer or early fall. Ours was selected as one of the ten popular
recreational greenways in to be included in this study being conducted by Dr. Anne Lusk
of the HSPH. The objective of the study will be to better understand environments that
encourage people to bicycle, jog, walk and in-line skate for their health. The request was
unanimously approved, and the committee will be interested in hearing any conclusions
about the Minuteman. Stew will report this to the Selectmen.
Hartwell Ave. / TMG / Sidewalk Committee report:
Jerry not being present, Stew told
of the TMG meeting planned for July 17, at 8:30 AM, at which a preliminary report of
the traffic study conducted by BSG will be presented. Jerry and Stew will plan to attend.
Trail project leadership training:
Mike described the meetings he has set up to give
field training for project leaders. This is an attempt to better spread Mike’s knowledge
around while better conserving his time. The sessions will be on July 22 and July 28, both
from 9 AM to noon.
Location signs on Bikeway:
Jim told of the confusion he saw over location of a reported
accident along the Bikeway, where emergency responders thus had trouble finding the
accident. We discussed pros and cons of various signage and pavement paving ideas. It
was agreed the existing granite mile markers are inadequate: they are not universally
understood, and they don’t define which town one is in. Peg related how such safety
related issues were seen in a clearer light where she worked at MIT, following the
shootings at Virginia Tech. At the least, a good idea would be to erect town boundary
identifications. And there was agreement that clearer mile markers should be posted, each
identifying the town in which they lie. It was also agreed that the marking should be done
uniformly in all the Minuteman towns. Marita thus agreed to send a letter to the Arlington
and Bedford bike committees, discussing these ideas and getting their thoughts.
Other Business:
Harvey reported getting chastised by an abutter for trimming a tree that
was obscuring a Bikeway warning sign on Revere Street. Harvey had reported this to
Dave Pinsonneault who calmed him down and then got the trimmings picked up.
Meeting adjourned.
Record of Friends of Lexington Bikeways votes and discussions.
Treasurer’s Report
: New balance of $1,9031.30 reported after $100 donated to Fern’s
Bathroom project.
Bike to Market Day:
Carolyn Siccama explained her ideas for promoting the idea of
more bicycling to the Lexington Farmers’ Market. The resulting publicity will also
advance our goal of encouraging more bicycling and walking in general in town. The
Bikeway Source has agreed to bring panniers and racks for display, to show people how
easily groceries can be carried on a bike. $2 coupons will be handed out to all people
arriving by bicycle. As parking of bikes will be an issue, Mike suggested setting up – for
this special event – valet bicycle parking. Hank then suggested the portable barriers the
town purchased might fill the bill for this purpose. Volunteers to help with bicycle
parking will be needed, and members were encouraged to get in touch with Carolyn if
they can help. The Farmers’ Market on August 7 was chosen for this event.
Clarke Middle School bridge:
Peg reported on her progress so far in gathering available
information on the school bridge repair project and her plan to talk to those who have had
an oar in the water on this. So far she talked to Abe and Stew, and now will talk to Mike,
Hank, and Steve Kropper, and others as necessary. Hank mentioned the idea of possibly
requesting CPA money, if the repair looks expensive. Mike mentioned the probable need
to look into accessibility issues (per ADA) as this goes forward.
MAPC Bike Racks:
Marita reported that Lexington’s request has been submitted (in
time.) Hank will report this back to the Selectmen to make sure they are aware of the
program.
Paper Streets:
Marita and Marianne Lazaras are working together on this project to
identify paper streets that can be used by pedestrians and to get their status clarified. They
will make their report to the Sidewalk Committee.
Miscellaneous:
Stew reported talking to Dave Cannon about the area around the ramp
leading from the Bikeway to the exit from the new “NSTAR” parking lot in the center.
Dave had agreed that there will be adequate room left, with handicapped parking on both
sides of that ramp terminus, for a bike rack. This would be a prime location for a rack to
serve the Bikeway and the center shopping area.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
Information Distributed:
Draft minutes June 2007 meeting
Recorder Name:
Harvey Bingham (scribe); Stew Kennedy (editor)
Next Meeting: August 9, 2007, 7PM, Room 111 in Town Office Building