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
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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