HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-14-LBAC-min
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
Committee Name: Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee
Date, Time and Location of Meeting: November 14, 2013, DPW Building, 8:00 a.m.
Members Present:
Peggy Enders, (Chair), Stew Kennedy, Marita Hartshorn, Bob
Hausslein (FoLB Chair), Mike Tabaczynski, Laurel Carpenter, Bob Dangel, Sandra
Shaw (Recreation Liaison)
Members Absent:
George Gagliardi, John Frey
Others Present: Sgt. Paul Callahan, DPW Town Engineer John Livsey
Minutes
: The October 2013 minutes were accepted as corrected.
Peggy distributed a tabled summary of the Toole Design Group draft recommendations
for use during discussion of the report with John Livsey.
Comments: Chapter 3 (Wayfinding):
Signage is a three-town decision. John will arrange a meeting with his
counterparts to start the conversation.
Graphics are preferred over text.
On the matter of a common trailhead design that informs as well as welcomes
users to the Lexington, Mike will send the kiosk design to John. The Center
Committee is also very interested in having signage on the Bikeway in the center
as soon as possible.
Funds for the signage program will be put in the 2016 DPW capital budget
request.
Mike said that “consistency can take place over time.”
There is new signage at the Cambridge terminus of the Bikeway that might be
emulated.
Agreed that over-signing the Bikeway is a bad idea.
Chapter 4 (Intersections) Comments:
Revere Street will be worked into the master plan; however it is not currently
scheduled for improvements.
Streetlights should be considered at some intersections.
Bedford Street is up for repaving next season. At that time the crossing signal
location will likely be moved as recommended in the report.
When Hartwell Ave is improved the crossing signals will be evaluated for proper
placement.
Bicycle detectors – such as the ones at Mill Street in Arlington -- are best used
for through traffic only and will be considered for Revere Street.
John stated that he will work with public safety regarding the recommendations
regarding yield or stop control. He said that the intersections at Season’s Four
and the center parking lot crossing are appropriate for a roadway stop sign. He
said he was, in principle, in favor of the recommendations, including improving
the street markings as outlined in the report.
There was a discussion about bike lanes versus sharrows. On-street parking is a
reason why bike lanes aren’t appropriate even if there is adequate lane width.
The Town plans to paint sharrows on Waltham Street between Mass Ave and
Marrett Road. The committee mentioned the mixing of sharrows and bike lanes
in Cambridge as well as the recent addition of markings on Mass Ave in
Arlington, which seem to work well: could a combination be considered for
Waltham Street? How can by-laws be amended to allow parking and bike lanes
to co-exist?
On existing gates and bollards: the report recommends that all gates and
bollards pose a safety hazard “and should be removed.” John commented that
this may be location-dependent and proposed a meeting with the bike committee,
public safety and DPW for January.
Chapter 5 (Trailhead and Waysides) Comments:
John said that these recommendations needed a wider discussion to include
Dave Pinsonneault as well as representatives from the other Bikeway towns.
\[See earlier comments about welcome signage and/or kiosks at town lines.\]
Chapter 6 (Partnership Recommendations) Comments:
Somewhat mixed opinions on this recommendation – ideas are one thing, getting
stuff done another.
If a “Joint Powers” group is established, it should be done with care; limit to a
small number, including one significant staff person from each town.
Good way to establish common standards, rules and regulations regarding
Bikeway use.
At the very least can be useful to improve communication.
Chapter 7 (Community Outreach) and Chapter 8 (Policing)
Not much discussion, DPW less involved in these areas.
These might be discussed with other Bike Committees and public safety.
Chapter 9 (Maintenance Recommendations) Comments:
John said that a phone call is still the best way to report problems. Lexington has
Commonwealth Connections, but it is not yet hooked up to DPW.
On the condition of the Bikeway: The list of problem areas – roots, edge decay,
etc. -- has been prepared and plans are underway to address the unsafe areas.
John will give the Bike Committee a timeline for improvements; it will take a few
months to compile. Next up is another culvert replacement near Seasons Four.
The root work may be part of the paving contract or a separate paving contract.
Detours during root work and other repairs – especially between Bedford and
Hartwell intersections -- need to be carefully considered and publicized.
Chapter 10 (Future Improvements) Comments
Widening the Bikeway would involve a huge expense.
Improvements to the Hancock Street approach may be scheduled for next
season.
There are some sections of the Bikeway that could accommodate an auxiliary
path on either side to take the pressure off heavy usage. If the town decides to
build stone dust paths adjacent to the Bikeway, this decision should be made
before paving. Conservation Commission approval will be needed in wetland
areas. Mike expressed interest in this project.
Chapter 11(Next Steps) Comments:
Most of the items in this section are appropriate to leave with the individual towns
(e.g., ongoing maintenance).
\[John Livsey plans to be in touch with his counterparts to start a discussion.\]
The committee thanked John for his efforts on behalf of the Bikeway.
Other Business:
Peggy has begun completing a 24-page application to the League of American
Bicyclists for Bike Friendly Community status for Lexington. She is seeking help from
various town staff and committee members for expertise, advice, data, essay writing.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 am.
Record of the Discussion of the Friends of Lexington Bikeways
:
Treasurer’s Report: We spent $25 for coupons for the Farmer’s Market.
We received a check for $100 from the family of the Boy Scout who built the boardwalk
over the culvert at the entrance to Garfield Street.
The Selectmen approved signage on the Bikeway to solicit funds for plowing. Bob and
George are planning to insert a packet of cards on each sign so Bikeway users who see
the signs will know where to send their money. We will begin letters in the Minuteman
and emails to past donors and others. Sandra Shaw asked if we are using the emails
collected at the Farmer’s Market; we do if they’re legible.
Our winter social will be on Thursday, December 12, at Peggy’s house.
Sgt. Callahan offered to accompany the committee on the next evaluation of the
Bikeway.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 am.
Marita Hartshorn: Recorder
Peggy Enders: Editor