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Home My WebLink About2009-03-12-LBAC-min `O1775gN�v5 MO c tic Q71 VI APRIL 14 �FXI NGT°� MEETING MINUTES Committee Name Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee Date, Time and Location of Meeting March 12, 2009, 7 pm, Room 111, Town Office Building Members Present Stew Kennedy, Mike Tabaczynski, John Frey, Jerry Van Hook, Manta Hartshorn, Abe Shenker (FoLB Chair), Laurel Carpenter Others Present Bob Hausslein, Bob Dangel, Paolo Marinelli, Richard Spencer Members Absent Peggy Enders (Chair), Richard Canale (Planning Board Liaison), George Gagliardi, Hank Manz, (Selectmen's Liaison), Sandra Shaw (Recreation Committee Liaison) Snow Plowing It was reported that John DiNapoli's plow broke down during the late-February large snowstorm and is still out of commission He is still waiting for a part. Presently the bike path is mostly navigable If we have a snowstorm this spring of two inches or more and warm weather is not immediately forecast, we should hire John again This will give us an opportunity to test the plowing arrangement. Mike suggested we should explore buying a plow, as our 2008/09 efforts have been frustrating For next year, we might consider hiring two contractors one as back up, or split the task having each plow half We may have a problem raising funds next year due to our unsuccessful efforts this year The gates had been open for one week, and we experienced no vehicles entering the path illegally When the path is redesigned, we should recommend a smooth surface, free of rumble strips and raised bollards, to eliminate the potential problem of a plow damaging the path Ledgemont Bike Parking Proposal Stew, being somewhat familiar with the Beal Companies' proposal, expressed favor for their plans for encouraging bicycle commuting to their new building The plan includes adequate bike parking (sheltered), showers and financial incentive for bicycling commuters However, Stew wondered if the proposal is adequate when the existing buildings are added to the equation Before the next meeting, we should all look at www lexinotonma oov/planning/Ledgemont.cfm and read Addendum 4 so we will be able to discuss and weigh in on the proposal before it comes before town meeting Peggy and Stew will collaborate to consider preparing a statement o�`Ov5 1775 MOgN� tic (� ? Qj{ PD APRIL I T �FXlrvGTO� before our April meeting to be read at town meeting when this warrant article comes up Spring Street Jerry reported on the Spring Street hearing Jerry moved that we advise the selectmen to stripe the entire length on both sides of Spring Street indicating the outside edge of the travel lane at 10 feet from the centerline Seconded by John Unanimously voted in favor Since Jerry will be speaking as a representative of the Sidewalk Committee , we thought it would be better to have Stew or Peggy represent us and state our rationale at the upcoming Selectmen's Meeting on March 16, 2009 Striping at 10 feet from center would serve to calm traffic and provide a safe lane for cyclists Hartwell Avenue Discussion tabled until the April meeting Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting William Bradenberger spoke on the recently passed Bicycle Safety Bill Arlington has produced an 8 '/ x 11" bike map We should explore doing the same as the current bike maps are depleted Arlington also intends to stripe Lake Street at a 10 foot from center width Arlington's plowing this winter has again been a success It was also noted that the striping on Lowell Street is inconsistent. Complaint Department As our liaison to the Lexington police, Abe received a call from them about two issues One, a person objected to allowing cyclists to bike on Mass Ave in Lexington Center as it is too crowded He responded that biking on Mass Ave is within a cyclist rights The same person felt that the timing on the light at Bedford Street is off Perhaps the yellow portion is too short for stopping safely The Lexington Police Department will check on it through the DPW Record of the Friends of Lexington Bikeways Discussion Treasurer's Report: Rich Spencer $6,696 32 Donations have slowed down Perhaps we should explain the trials and tribulations of the 2008-09 plowing attempts in the Minuteman Rails to Trails hosted a forum at Tufts University on March 3, 2009 Laurel Carpenter and Bob Hausslein attended Laurel said the forum covered networking of trails, City of Boston initiatives, and support for the gas tax. She observed that people seem to be operating in two worlds, those who think in terms of alternative transportation methods and those who don't. Bob noted a great deal or psychological support for alternative methods and also that Somerville has made great strides supporting cycling ` s MOgN/ oo 1775 tic �- °w Qj{ -� D r 3 g APRIL 14 FXI NG10'4 Newsletter We had more questions than answers on this topic Should it be a one page letter and come out more often? Should we refer people to the web to get information? Could it be linked to the Town's website? Should we wean people off paper? Abe maintains the site FOLB blogspot.com Pot Luck: Again we raised questions about the purpose of a social event. Should we introduce participants to a variety of topics such as commuting or activities of the FOLB Should we have a Block Party on the Path in Lexington Center or Season's Four? We should have food and music With these thoughts Laurel will make a proposal at the April meeting The meeting was adjourned at 8 24 p m Information Distributed • Agenda for March 12, 2009, meeting Recorder Manta Hartshorn Editors Stew Kennedy and Peggy Enders Next Meeting April 9, 2009, 7 pm, Room 111