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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-01-14 LBAC-minAPPROVED MEETING MINUTES Committee Name: Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee Date, Time and Location of Meeting: January 14, 2016, Community Center Room 217 Members Present: Peggy Enders (Chair), Bob Dangel, Laurel Carpenter, John Frey, George Gagliardi, Carolyn Levi, Bob Hausslein (FoLB Chair), Sandra Shaw (Recreation Liaison), Richard Canale (Planning Board Liaison) Members Absent: Marita Hartshorn, Mike Tabaczynski Others Present: Jennifer Melot Review November Meeting Minutes: The notes were approved as amended. Master Plan for Bikeway Signage: Peggy reported that the Committee will hear the recommendations of the Toole Design Group some time before the 25 per cent design plan is forwarded to Town Meeting for CPA funding. Bike Lanes: The Committee heard a summary of what was discussed and decided at the January 11 Selectmen's meeting about the East Mass Ave Roadway Improvements project. Bob Dangel then talked about roadway layout alternatives that might improve on the current plan for bike lanes in terms of the distance between the bike lane and drivers' parked side doors. He described the current BSC design: 11 foot travel lane, a 5- or 6 -foot bike lane, 7 foot parking lanes, and 6 feet of sidewalk, totaling a 60 -foot right of way in the corridor. The Committee reviewed the pictures of a variety of roadway widths and bike lane /parking lane layouts between East Lexington and Cambridge (including a 9.5 foot travel lane in Somerville with signage stating, "Bikes May Use Full Lane "). He concluded saying that he thinks there is space for a safer bike lane if all 30 feet of the right -of -way can be used. Richard said that "bike lanes are a given," since MassDOT is funding the project to include bike lanes and improved pedestrian crossings. The Committee agreed to move forward with a recommendation to improve the buffer zone between parked cars and cyclists with a 10.5 -11 foot travel lane; a 4 -4.45 foot bike lane; a 3 -foot buffer zone; and a 7 -foot parking lane. The Committee agreed that bike lanes are preferred over sharrows in the corridor. Bob said that the lanes in Cambridge and Somerville "have a very positive effect in telling cars to not drive to the right." Laurel agreed, saying that bike lanes send a different message than sharrows. Richard talked about the Maple Street and Marrett Road intersections, saying that the design needs to include sharrows in both lanes — the turn lanes as well as the through lanes. The Committee agreed to recommend that, if it is not possible to use the entire 60 -foot right -of -way in some areas of the project, then consideration be given to eliminating parking on one side of the street. The Committee also agreed to recommend that bike accommodations be extended in both directions from the corridor project — to the Arlington line in one direction and the town center in the other. Tom Fortmann will attend the February LBAC meeting to talk about his concerns with the bike lanes proposed for the corridor project. Liaison Reports: Richard announced that the Planning Department has hired David Field as junior planner. He worked in the Arlington planning department, rides a bike, and worked on the bike plan for the town of Medford. Richard mentioned a Citizens' Article for March Town Meeting to fund improvements for walkers and bike riders at school sites. Other Business: Jennifer mentioned the February 6 meeting of regional bike committees being organized by Bruce Kulik, Nicole Waxmonsky and her for an information - sharing session. Peggy mentioned the various pieces of legislation being sponsored by MassBike to increase bike safety including bills to protect "vulnerable road users," to require truck side guards on larger vehicles, and to make it legal for bicyclists to ride across a bike path crosswalk. Finally, Peggy mentioned that the budget submitted by the DPW to the Board of Selectmen no longer includes funds in the paving program for bicycle accommodations or to continue maintenance of existing accommodations. She said she has been in touch with several members of the Board. Richard said that the budget for sidewalk improvements has also been reduced. The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 PM. Record of the Discussions of the Friends of Lexington Bikeways The Treasurer's Report was given, including good news about donations for this year's plowing fund. Future Directions: The group discussed ways to renew the charge and vision of the Friends. The Friends organize a number of seasonal activities (from Bikeway counts to summer bike corrals, Bike Walk `n Bus Week, maps and flyers, etc.) and play a central role in stewardship of the Minuteman Bikeway, but its formerly strong organizing base is shrinking. Volunteers help out with activities, but the group needs more planners in advance of events. How does the group renew itself, given the interest and need for better safety and education programs, for bicycle advocacy generally in Lexington? How and who should take charge of recruitment and encouragement of volunteers? George talked about better group branding (T- shirts, hats, etc.) and an adopt- the - Bikeway program. Jennifer suggested that FoLB reach out to people to get ideas and ask, "What do you care about ?" Laurel said that the Friends' name is "cumbersome." Peggy suggested, "Bike Lexington," to go along with the email group and the title of last spring's flyer. This could be part of an "overall overhaul." Bob Hausslein said that events are very important to reach new volunteers. It was suggested that we reach out to Cycle Loft about some sort of affiliation, as well as a discount program for bike riders at bike stores or generally. The group thought it a good idea to get bike jerseys made with "Bike Lexington." It was agreed that a good organizing team as well as dedicated leadership was essential to moving forward. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. Peggy Enders, Recorder Handouts: • "Road and Bike Lane Widths" -- Bob Dangel's pictures of roadway accommodations from Lexington to Cambridge • NACTO Guide "Conventional Bike Lanes," 2012 • The Friends of Lexington Bikeways, January 2016 Next LBAC /FoLB meeting: Thursday, February 11, 2016