HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-08-23-LBAC-min APPROVED MEETING NOTES
LEXINGTON BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday, August 23, 2018, 7 pm Ellen Stone Room, Cary Hall
Members present: Peggy Enders (chair), Bob Dangel, Mike Tabaczynski, Kevin
Falcone, Jennifer Melot, George Gagliardi, Joe Pato (Board of Selectmen Liai-
son), Richard Canale (Planning Committee Liaison)
Members absent: Bob Hausslein, Lou Savarino
Others present: Ross Morrow (DPW Engineering), Harriet Cohen, Omar Khu-
dari, Sandra Shaw
The July 2018 meeting notes were approved.
Bike Committee Priorities for 2018-2019
Joe provided an update on the BoS goal setting exercise, saying that the Bicycle
Committee recommendations (e.g., for a bicycle plan, safer road accommoda-
tions including protected lanes, budget for bike safety and information programs,
bicycle coordinator staff person, etc.), were absorbed into the complete streets
and comprehensive plan goals.
In a discussion about the status of the Committee's request for a protected bike
lane pilot on Hartwell Avenue, Ross Morrow said that once the Hanscom sewer
project is completed, the town would begin work on the Maguire Road project.
Thus, the idea of a pilot on Hartwell Avenue is further delayed.
In terms of what the Committee's focus should be in terms of priorities for the
coming year, Richard Canale said the committee's focus should be outside the
bikeway. Most of Lexington is "atrocious" for biking; the Committee should focus
on advocating for better and safer roadways. Mike agreed, saying that the town
should hire a consultant to recommend/design bikeway safety improvements; the
town's priority should be to improve infrastructure elsewhere. Other members
agreed. There remain bikeway issues to be addressed, including the controversy
about e-bikes, user behavior, and whether there ought to be a speed limit.
Richard said that Stantec is looking at there Hartwell corridor. Bike and ped in-
frastructure needs to be adequately taken into account in these plans. He en-
couraged members to attend the comprehensive planning cafe meetings.
Bicycle Crash recommendations: Peggy said that Capt McLean has reviewed
the committee's recommendations and wants to meet with committee members.
Several codes are now part of the reporting system, but a number of others rec-
ommended by the Committee have not been introduced. Peggy said that, at the
present time, the PD does not want to introduce a second bike-focused report
form.
Liaison reports: Richard Canale said that Aaron Henry has resigned; the Town
is going through search process. Peggy said that one of Committee's regular
recommendation to the BoS is that there should be a town staff person whose
job description includes coordinating a range of bicycle matters (e.g., bicycle
parking, bicycle safety education and information, best practices in infrastructure
improvements, etc.). Perhaps this recommendation could find its way to the
Comp Plan.
Joe Pato said the Town is getting complaints about abandoned e-bikes. He
would like direction from the Committee in a number of areas, including the e-
bike trend generally, possible bikeway guidelines to improve problems with speed
and other behavior. Joe also said the Town has made a TM job offer to someone
who is the current town manager in Westboro. He reminded the Committee that
the town manager sets staff tasking.
The meeting was adjourned.
Record of Discussions of the Friends of Lexington Bikeways
The Treasurers' Report was given. Peggy anticipates a further influx of riches
from T shirt sales. George will be reimbursed for lawn signs. Kevin mentioned
that the haiku submissions will be distributed among the three towns, once the
stencils are produced.
Peggy reminded folks of upcoming events and said that Lou was planning a
Smart Cycling/Bike Smart in September for 4th and 5th graders.
Minuteman Bikeway Day: Jennifer volunteered to organize a letter-writing
campaign. The subject of serving beer was discussed. Joe reminded everyone
that MMB Day will be hosted on the lawn in front of the Visitors' Center. Peggy
said that the Retailers'Association did not want food trucks to compete with town
businesses.
Brief discussion of LandLine. Richard Canale said that the real value is planning
for how regional bikeways could be connected. Peggy mentioned the Northern
Strand/Bike to the Sea and the new piece of the BFRT.
Recorder: Jennifer Melot
Editor: Peggy Enders