HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-11-LBAC-min
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
Committee Name: Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee
Date, Time and Location of Meeting:
March 11, 2010, 7 pm, Room 111, Town
Office Building
Members Present:
Peggy Enders (Chair), Stew Kennedy, John Frey, Abe
Shenker (FoLB Chair), Richard Canale (Planning Board Liaison), George
Gagliardi, Mike Tabaczynski, Jerry Van Hook
Others Present:
Bob Hausslein, Rod Moreno, Nick Briggs, Jacob Zuckerman,
Rich Spencer
Members Absent:
Hank Manz, (Selectmen’s Liaison), Sandra Shaw (Recreation
Committee Liaison), Laurel Carpenter, Marita Hartshorn
Minutes
: The February 18, 2010 minutes were accepted.
Eagle Scout Bikeway Project:
Nick Briggs returned to update the committee
on his proposed bikeway project. He plans to start work on March 20 and is
recruiting other scouts to help. He got some advice about planting trees, and
John Frey referred Nick to the tree management manual. In addition to cleaning
up the area, planting grass and bushes, Nick will fix the Grant Street fence.
MPO Bike and Pedestrian Planning Forum:
Richard reported on a meeting he
attended regarding the allocation of funds for surface transport; the Regional
Planning Advisory Committee advises this group. There was a panel discussion
that included Nicole Friedman, who is coordinating the Bike Share program in
Boston (90 specific stations with 1000 bikes).l Richard reported that Walk
Boston is working with second graders; Safe Routes with fourth through eighth
graders. Other topics at the conference included the Mass Bike program of
Same Roads-Same Rules; empowering police to ticket cyclists; and obtaining
better rider data. Since 2001-02, Boston has seen a doubling of the number of
riders in the city. Richard also talked about a traffic calming study for the Shade
Street area.
Richard mentioned that he has talked recently with Terry Gleason about the plan
to pave the Bikeway extension in Bedford. He said that the Battle Road
committee is looking favorably at planning for off-road access to the Old North
Bridge.
Bikeway Plowing:
In a discussion about planning for next year’s plowing
program, the committee agreed that the separate contracting arrangement has
worked very well. It is still important to make a strong case for the town
assuming the expense of the winter plowing effort, since the Bikeway was heavily
used throughout the winter by walkers and commuter cyclists.
Safe Routes to School:
Jerry reported that four of 6 elementary schools have
good SRTS programs, and the two middle schools have signed on, as well. Judy
Crocker coordinates the program and would like to focus on cycling as critical for
middle school students. Jerry proposed that the committee identify and
recommend the best paths for bike travel to Diamond and Clarke. Peggy agreed
to be in touch with Judy to discuss this.
Tri-Town Meeting:
Peggy reminded members of the Tri-Town meeting on April
5 in Arlington.
Bike Maps and Tourism in Lexington:
Peggy reported on her email exchange
with Dawn McKenna; it is not so clear that the new map being developed for
tourists will contain much information about bike routes or the Bikeway, although
Dawn has indicated a willingness to keep talking. George suggested that the
map might include a bike tour of historic places in Lexington. Jerry suggested a
bike carrier might be installed on the Liberty Ride.
Center Sidewalk Signs:
John reported that the design for the signs to be
placed on center trash cans will likely be a sign with red maroon letters and a
white background stating, “Walk Bikes on Sidewalks.”
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:35 pm.
Record of the Friends of Lexington Bikeways Discussion:
Treasurer’s Report:
Rich Spencer reported a balance of $5,371.55, reflecting
donations of $ 820 since the last meeting and plowing expenses of $ 420. It was
announced that Bob Hausslein will be taking over for Rich after this meeting.
Many thanks to Rich for taking over the job three years ago with the promise that
he would only have to serve as treasurer for a year; he has done a great job.
FoLB Outreach Plans:
Bob Hausslein said he is working with Peggy to prepare
a mailing to reach out more broadly to folks who have joined over the years,
attended events, or donated to the plowing fund. Plans call for listing various
ways people can get involved (e.g., staffing bike corrals, clearing brush and litter
on the bikeway, going on FoLB bike rides, helping with yearly counts, planning or
attending social events, putting together a periodic newsletter, designing an
FoLB logo, etc.).
Bob said he has ordered the 20 FoLB vests; it was agreed that members will
each pay for their own vest.
Spring Cleanup:
Bob will organize a ride along the Bikeway to survey what will
be needed for cleanup and brush cutting and clearing.
Bike Racks at Retailers:
Jerry said he has identified the major commercial
areas in town that would be improved with the installation of a bike rack – he
mentioned Hartwell Place, Bedford Street at the fire station, Marrett Place, the
corner of Lincoln Street and Marrett Road, Spring Street and Marrett Road,
Countryside, etc. He said there are ten different areas, and proposed that each
member take responsibility for reaching out to the manager or owner. He will
peruse the bike rack catalogue and communicate with members about racks to
recommend, prices, etc.
Other Business:
John mentioned that the Tree Committee will need volunteers
to help with tree planting in the nursery on April 24.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:03 pm.
Peggy Enders, Recorder and Editor