Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-13-LBAC-min APPROVED MEETING NOTES LEXINGTON BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE THURSDAY, June 13, 2019. 7 pm Parker Room, Town Office Building Members present: Peggy Enders (Chair), Mike Tabaczynski, Kevin Falcone, Bob Hausslein (Chair FoLB), Jennifer Melot, Omar Khudari, Bob Dangel, George Gagliardi Member Absent: Lou Savarino Others present: Richard Canale (Planning Comm Liaison), Joe Pato (Board of Selectmen Liaison), Sgt Paul Callahan (Police Liaison), Sandra Shaw Meeting Notes: The notes for meetings in April and May 2019 were approved. Tri-Town Meeting and Recommendations to Select Board: The Committee reviewed the upcoming tri-town meeting agenda and the differing opinions among the three bike committees on a-bike regulations. The Committee also discussed whether the people who need the messages actually pay attention to them; the idea of a more ambitious awareness campaign was discussed. Peggy mentioned seeing a convoy of electric one-wheel vehicles on the bikeway and wondered whether these should be permitted. Developing clearer passing guidelines was also discussed, including variants on the message "wait before passing." Since it's clear that the centerline markings help keep people on their side of the path, Peggy has asked Dave Pinsonneault about re-painting the center lines on the bikeway; he replied that bids are going out on July 1 . Jennifer opined that a specific passing distance could be easily illustrated graphically but urged the Committee to pick one of the suggestions and see if it works. 1 Bike Lanes on Mass Ave: Peggy described the discussion at TSG regarding the proposed bike lane on the uphill sides of Mass Ave between Audubon and Wood Streets and the various objections by abutters with respect to a parking ban. Richard said he sent a note in support on behalf of the Battle Road committee (the corridor management plan calls for equal access for bikes, peds, and cars on the Battle Road). A discussion is scheduled with the BoS on July 8. The Committee talked about options the neighbors have in lieu of parking on the .......................................................................................................................................... 1 "Do Not Pass With Oncoming Traffic" "Yield to Slower Traffic When Passing" "Pass with Two Feet" "Slow Down When Congested" Wait to pass until safe. "For safety's sake, please SLOW DOWN and LEAVE PLENTY OF ROOM when passing pedestrians." street, including large and long driveways and the many side streets along the avenue. On a related topic, Peggy said she thought the bike lanes closer to Pleasant street near the Follen Church are not adequately protected from parked car doors. She thinks a solution needs to be found to provide an adequate buffer in the places where there are adjoining parked cars. Richard said the lane widths should have been 10.5 feet; emergency vehicles only need to put their flashers on to take as much of the road as they want. Should a letter be sent to MassDOT to protest this practice? Yield Signage on the Bikeway: Sgt Callahan said that there is concern about the mixing of Yield and Stop signs along the bikeway intersections; in some places there are both types (e.g., Revere Street). The Committee talked about how drivers who are familiar with the bikeway crossings, regardless of signage, either slow or stop at most intersections. Most bike riders slow down but rarely come to a complete stop if they don't see traffic, especially where the sightlines are good. The idea of 4-way yield signs was floated, or all one-way yield signs. The police seem to favor dispensing with "yield" signs, even though they were recommended by Toole Design at light-traffic intersections (e.g., Revere). Liaison Reports: Richard Canale said that discussions are picking up about improving safety for all modes of travel in the Hartwell/Wood/Bedford Street area. He talked about the funding sources (80% Federal, 20% MassDOT) if the design work is done by Lexington. He talked about proposed roundabouts: 128S and N side; and a bike-safe roundabout at the jughandle on Bedford Street. Richard also talked about the Planning Board review for National Development's project on Watertown Street and the challenge of the narrow road for seniors who might be bicycling or walking to the bus stop. Watertown Street is 40 mph; the bridge is functionally 40. People want the cars to go slower. MassDOT says a speed study may increase the speed limit (apparently the 85th percentile speed on 2A is >40 mph). How to modify road to bring speeds down? Sgt Callahan said that, so far this year, the PD have recorded seven motor vehicle vs bicycle crashes. Several medicals included a woman who died on the bikeway running near Revere Street (no crash, she collapsed). Solar glare was a factor in a driver hitting a bike rider at Woburn on Wednesday. Incidents were reported at Meriam, Hancock, Hayes, Hartwell, Maguire, Woburn Streets. Bedford Police will be patrolling the Narrow Gauge trail, their mile of the MMBW, and the Reformatory Branch with a "rugged golf cart." He commented that half of the people coming out of the police academies are now bike-trained. Peggy commented on the problem at the Depot with cars stopping in the crosswalk that is the bikeway intersection. Attendants from the parking booth will put out cones to prevent drivers from using the bike path to make a 3-point turn. The old-fashioned ticketing system at the booth contributes to the congestion. Members unanimously approved to recommend Matthias Beebe for a 3-year term on the Bicycle Advisory Committee. Saying goodbye to Jennifer Melot was a sad occasion; she has served the Committee and Lexington well. The meeting was adjourned. Record of the Discussions of the Friends of Lexington Bikeways: The Treasurer's Report was given. There has been a $1400 profit from t-shirt sales and a number of generous donations. There is a balance remaining from the Blossom Fund grant; Bob said he hoped this might help with improving the pocket park behind the center. Funds toward a Cary Coovert memorial: Bob asked the members to approve a commitment of $500 toward the memorial, this was approved. Burma Shave signs: Signs have been out for about a month, some are down. Galen Mook likes them and wants Arlington and Bedford to post some, as well. New Website: Kevin said he will work on it and discuss in July. May Activities: Bikeway Counts: Peggy reported that there were approx 4,360 trips counted on Saturday, May 18 (3,151 bike trips), and on Tuesday, May 21 , 1128 trips during the commuter and lunch hours (796 bike trips). Commuter numbers appear to be increasing. Bike Walk 'n Bus Week: Commuter Breakfast went well, no report on Bike Smart. Skill Share was washed out; one person showed up. Discovery Day: A great day! Volunteers gave away all the kids' bike helmets before noontime. Sandra sold $520 worth of T-shirts. A busy day on the bikeway, as well. Bike Corral: Farmers' Market corrals have started up and Bob needs volunteers. Bikeway Map: Peggy said it is time to talk about generating a new version of the Minuteman Bikeway map: should one get redesigned, and who will pay for it? Mr. Pato said he thought there should be a common funding stream for maps. Next Meeting: Thursday, July 11 , 7 pm. Recorder: Jennifer Melot Editor: Peggy Enders