HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-11-LBAC-min APPROVED MEETING NOTES
LEXINGTON BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday, October 11, 2018, 7 pm Parker Room, Town Office Building
Members present: Peggy Enders (Chair), Bob Hausslein (FoLB Chair), Omar Khudari,
Kevin Falcone, Jennifer Melot, Bob Dangel, George Gagliardi, Mike Tabaczynski
Members absent: Lou Savarino
Others present: Dave Enos, Suzy Enos, Sgt Paul Callahan
The September 2018 meeting notes were approved.
Advice and Recommendations to the Board of Selectmen: E-bikes and other
Bikeway and Bicycle Issues
Peggy recapped her draft outline of issues to present to the BoS. Kevin described his
experience of using an e-lime bike. Peggy said the state needs to update the legislation
about what constitutes a "motorized vehicle," this can't be defined at the town level.
Kevin and Dave responded to Peggy's concern about bike weight by pointing out that
cargo bikes plus the cargo it carries may also be very heavy but have strong brakes to
compensate. Discussion of what class of e-bikes local companies are selling; CycleLoft
does not sell any Class 2 (throttle-assist) or Class 3 (i.e., pedalec bikes built for speed)
e-bikes. Suzy pointed out that all classes of e-bikes may enable transportation for those
(e.g.,seniors) who are not practically capable of riding bikes without an assist (and may
even need throttle-assist). MassBike, the bikeway towns, and state reps (e.g., Mike
Barrett, Jay Kaufmann, etc.) need to work together to move guidelines forward.
Bob Dangel said that what really needs to be done is put bike lanes from Arlington to
Bedford St. He also mentions that people need to get out on the bikeway and talk with
people who are behaving inappropriately, perhaps police. (Jennifer strongly agrees, but
thinks this must be *contingent* on putting alternative infrastructure on Mass Ave.)
Discussion of the idea that passing distance is perhaps the more salient issue than
speed. Further discussion of the idea that better bike infrastructure is the key action the
town can take to improve the situation on the bikeway, and is probably the cheapest
thing the town could do to promote sustainable transportation, which they are currently
doing very little to address.
Omar asked how Zagster is doing; Peggy recapitulated the history of town involvement
with Zagster. The current contract is for another year. Kevin said that the committee
should recommend dockless options (e.g., LimeBike) be considered when the contract
is up.
Bikeway Speed Limit vs Other Solutions: Messaging was discussed; example of
Shining Sea Bikeway (in Falmouth) signs — i.e., better than the new bikeway signs in
terms of providing clear safety and behavior guidelines. Posted speed limit of 15.
Mike said he thinks that setting a speed limit is "pointless." Jennifer agreed, saying that
passing distance is the salient issue. Sgt Callahan said that the focus needs to be on
the messages to users to ensure it encourages behavior to address the safety problem.
The "burma shave" signs used on the bikeway for several years were recalled as a
good example of clear but whimsical messaging; these were popular with most users.
Kevin wondered if Committee should make specific recommendations (e.g., passing or
speed guidelines) or just recommend improved signage. Jennifer suggested that the
town adopt a town-wide 3 foot-passing public safety campaign targeting both bikes and
cars. Omar said that, ideally, bicyclists and walkers would be separated on the bikeway.
Sgt Callahan suggested that widening the bikeway should be part of general upgrades.
Kevin pointed out that the recommendations should be more explicit in terms of any
references made (e.g., to the doubling of commuter times for motorists as part of the
case for improving the roadway network to safely accommodate bikes and e-bikes).
Dave mentioned that Bedford may eventually have protected bike lanes on Great Road.
Members talked about the dangers of riding on Maple Street; a bike lane on the uphill
side of the street should be provided, much as is done on Winchester Drive.
Committee discussed whether covering in the report the different classes of e-bike was
a good idea. Consensus was that this should be kept but the classes should correspond
to functional categories, not call out specific brands like the Copenhagen wheel. The
selectmen should be brought up to date on the growth of the world of e-bikes and the
implications for improvements to the roadway network.
Liaison Reports: Sgt Callahan said that the police are now considering e-bikes
(apparently Pedego approached them). Pedego bikes go up to about 20 mph. He said
that new officers coming from Lowell Police academy will be bike trained. He also
talked about the addition of bike codes in the police reporting system,
Bike code 159 - motor vehicle crash, vehicle vs bicycle; 157 - bike crash general (no car
involved); incidental bike involvement does not have its own code. In the calendar year
there were 121 code 157 and 159 crashes; 8 of the incidents were on the bikeway.
The meeting was adjourned.
Record of the Discussion of the Friends of Lexington Bikeways
The Treasurer's Report was given. There will be expenses for the 25th bikeway
anniversary, but many expenses were covered by grants as well as contributions from
the Town. T-shirt and On the Path sales will at least break even.
Plowing: Bob H thinks it won't be necessary to put out the plowing donations sign.
There were questions about this year's arrangement with McLaughlin and the role Peter
Kelley will play. Barrels were discussed. It was again mentioned that the barrels are a
throw-back to the days of the gates; the barrels are probably more useful in the summer
when the intersections need warnings for both lost motorists and some users.
Omar shared his experience of going to the comprehensive plan workshop; he said he
felt like he and others were being heard.
Richard Canale has publicized an upcoming Battle Road byway meeting; Peggy will
send a reminder.
Suzy suggested we get a "voice of the customer" during a light giveaway. Jennifer
offered to organize.
Recorder: Jennifer Melot
Editor: Peggy Enders