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