HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-18-LBAC-min
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
Committee Name: Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee
Date, Time and Location of Meeting:
February 18, 2010, 7 pm, Room G15,
Town Office Building
Members Present:
Peggy Enders (Chair), Stew Kennedy, John Frey, Abe
Shenker (FoLB Chair), George Gagliardi
Others Present:
Bob Hausslein, Jane Current, Paolo Marinelli, Nicholas Briggs,
Sue-Ellen Briggs, Margaret Stebbins
Members Absent:
Richard Canale (Planning Board Liaison), Hank Manz,
(Selectmen’s Liaison), Jerry Van Hook, Sandra Shaw (Recreation Committee
Liaison), Laurel Carpenter, Marita Hartshorn, Mike Tabaczynski
Minutes
: The January 14, 2010 minutes were accepted.
Eagle Scout Bikeway Project:
Nick Briggs presented his proposal for
improving the bikeway right-of-way next to the Grant Street bridge. There was
some discussion about also removing some of the smaller Norway maples that
are growing in the lot. There were questions about where the plantings would be
located relative to the bridge and the sewer drain, as well as about the plan for a
small stone-dust pathway and bench. Members suggested that Nick talk with
the abutters to ensure that they are aware of his plan. The committee agreed to
approve the plan in general but asked that Nick talk again with Dave
Pinsonneault and provide a more detailed plan in March.
Bikes-not-Bombs:
There was a brief discussion about the proposal from the
people running Farmers’ Market that we collaborate on a Bikes-not-Bombs event
in the early summer. We agreed that this project should not be coupled to the
bike corral but delayed any further discussion until a later date.
Bikeway Plowing:
Peggy reported that the Bikeway has been plowed a total of
six times (twice in one storm). She and Stew Kennedy have been opening and
closing the gates. Bob Hausslein talked about using his snow blower to plow the
sides of the gates and bollards.
Segways on the Bikeway:
The committee talked about a request from a
Cambridge resident who would like to commute to the Hartwell Avenue area on
his Segway, saying that his disability keeps him from being able to drive that
distance. Stew said that this issue had been discussed in the past and that the
decision then was to prohibit Segways from the Bikeway. The group briefly
discussed battery-assisted bicycles; George commented that the use of these
should be tolerated, as the vehicle is still a bicycle.
Tri-Town Meeting:
Peggy asked members whether anyone wanted to suggest
agenda topics for the April 5 Tri-Town Meeting in Arlington. A discussion of the
status of the Battle Road scenic by-way proposal was suggested, particularly in
terms of the implications for bicycling, the Bikeway, and the western connector.
Battle Road Scenic By-Way:
Peggy reported briefly on a conversation with
Richard Canale regarding a recent Battle Road steering committee meeting.
Richard reported that the steering committee is intrigued at the idea of the
western connector as a loop route to the Battle Road for cyclists and walkers. In
addition, he reported that the proposed Bedford rail-trail extension was also of
interest as part of an off-road alternative route to the Old North Bridge.
LBAC/FoLB Priorities for 2010:
In addition to continuing to ensure that the
Bikeway is open to users year-round as well as working with the DPW on a
Bikeway intersection safety plan, ideas for priorities included automated traffic
counting; kiosks at major Bikeway entrances and parking lots; adopt-a-Bikeway-
mile and/or general stewardship. George talked about a program in Reading
where people adopt portions of their bike path, are trained and thanked, wear
special tee shirts, etc. However, he said he was not in a position to oversee such
a project.
Town Meeting:
The committee briefly discussed the possibility of an LBAC
status report during Town Meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 pm.
Record of the Friends of Lexington Bikeways Discussion:
Treasurer’s Report:
Abe reported on behalf of Rich Spencer a balance of
$4,971.55, reflecting donations of $695 since the last meeting and expenses of
$735 (bikeway plowing) and $222.50 (half the cost of shipping the bike racks).
The FoLB Database and Ideas for Outreach:
Peggy reported that the
spreadsheet begun by Laurel has been updated with the last of the original
mailing list plus all snowplow donors. The group talked about the proposed
outreach in order to collect up to date information as well as email addresses, so
that regular communications can be sent via some electronic form. George
talked about the Constant Contact mailing list service. The goals of future
communications were discussed; these included membership renewal,
donations, volunteer recruitment, social and recreational activities, a periodic
newsletter. Bob and Peggy said they would meet again to put together a
proposal for the paper-mail outreach.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:12 pm.
Peggy Enders, Recorder and Editor