HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-12-LBAC-min
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee
Thursday, January 12, 7 pm, Room 221, Lexington Community Center
Members Present
: Peggy Enders (chair), Laurel Carpenter, John Frey, Bob Hausslein, Bob
Dangel, Jennifer Melot, Mike Tabaczynski, George Gagliardi; Richard Canale (Planning Board
Liaison); Sandra Shaw (Recreation Committee Liaison)
Members Absent
: Carolyn Levi
Others Present
: Richard Fries; Ted Finch
The December 2016 meeting minutes were approved as submitted. Bob Dangel volunteered
to take meeting minutes. (A regular scribe is needed now that Marita is no longer on LBAC.)
Bicycle Parking and Center Streetscape:
Peggy gave a brief update of recommendations of
the Center Streetscape committee and bicycle parking recommendations, in particular. She
said there is support for the idea of another parklet – to include seasonal bike parking as well
as tables and chairs -- at the other end of the center. The recommendations also include
mention of both permanent and temporary public art installations, some of which may double
as bike parking. These recommendations will be presented to the BoS at the end of January.
Minuteman Bikeway: proposed access ramp from Maple Street:
The committee
discussed the outcome of a meeting with Dave Cannon and some Byron Road neighbors that
abut the Bikeway; the neighbors have similar concerns as does the committee about the
changes to the 75% design of the access ramp. Dave Cannon has agreed to meet with
members at the site this coming Sunday. John Frey asked whether the Town had offered an
easement to the developer.
Tri-Town Bike Committee Meeting:
Lexington hosted this meeting at the Community Center
on December 7 (notes were provided in call to meeting). Peggy mentioned that the Board of
th
Selectmen in Arlington plans to appoint a celebration committee for the 25 anniversary of the
Bikeway; a rolling celebration is being considered for the fall of 2017. Zagster may only be
introduced in Lexington; Arlington is more interested in Hubway. There was a good
discussion about the increasing popularity of e-bikes. Arlington has lowered speed limits to
25-mph where speed limits are otherwise not posted (i.e., statutory versus regulatory limits).
Richard Fries said that MassBike plans to file an e-bikes bill to the Massachusetts General
Court as well as an “omnibus bill” with 15 pieces of other legislation. He went on to say that
the vulnerable road users bill did not pass, and that the bike lane blocking bill needs the
Governor’s signature. Finally, he said that MassBike is asking for uniform record keeping by
police departments on accidents with bikes.
Liaison reports:
Sandra reported that a new director of recreation has been hired. Richard
Canale said that there is a Town Meeting article to hire a consultant to oversee the production
of a new comprehensive plan for transportation, housing, etc. He said this was the Planning
Department’s third try to secure this funding, which this year has the support of the BoS.
Peggy said that she has talked again with Economic Development director Melisa Tintocalis
about an Open Streets event in Lexington Center.
Other business:
Crash report: a young man, heading eastbound on the bikeway at the
Hancock Street intersection, hit the side of a car moving at slow speed. The judgment was
that the cyclist failed to use caution. Committee members discussed the need at that crossing
for a better crossing treatment, including a flashing light – something the Committee has
recommended on a fairly regular basis over the years.
The meeting was adjourned.
Record of the Discussions of FoLB/BikeLexington:
The Treasurer’s Report was given.
Snow Plowing:
Three plowing events in December; there were complaints about the plowing
on December 31. More reliable help is needed to move barrels before and after snow plowing.
Bike Safety Flyer and Tax Bill:
Peggy has received permission from the BoS to include a
flyer in the spring tax bill. The new version of a mailing should include focus on road rules for
bicyclists and motorists, clear definition of sharrows – as well as more focus on road safety
and courtesy. Text should be “punchy” for short attention spans. Jennifer volunteered to draft
content for the flyer and will share with Ted, George, Bob, and Peggy. George Gagliardi
mentioned that he has four thousand leftover copies of the Bike Lexington brochure.
Bike Walk ‘n Bus Week:
The dates are May 13-21, to coincide with Bay State Bike Week
Peggy is working with Peter Coleman to organize and publicize another Bike Smart program at
the Community Center; Patrick Bibbins will again lead the program with help from volunteers
on Saturday, May 13.
Bikeway Access to MMBW:
Peggy raised the continuing issue on Spencer Street with the
closure of neighborhood access point to the Bikeway by a landlord who put up a chainlink
fence. MassBike has made inquiries as well as a number of neighbors and members of the
Bike Committee. Richard Canale talked about the potential of the LexHab property; there was
evidently a prior agreement with the Planning Board. A paper street access point at the
intersection with Joseph Street might also be a solution, if there could be a reduction of the
terminal slope. Peggy promised to again be in touch with town staff.
Recorder: Bob Dangel; Editor: Peggy Enders