HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-14-LBAC-min
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
Committee Name: Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee
Date, Time and Location of Meeting:
October 14, 2010- 7 pm, Room 111,
Town Office Building
Members Present:
Peggy Enders (Chair), Stew Kennedy, John Frey, Marita
Hartshorn, George Gagliardi, Laurel Carpenter, Jerry Van Hook, Richard
Canale, (Planning Board Liaison), Bob Hausslein (FoLB Chair),
Others Present:
Luis Melendez
Members Absent:
Mike Tabaczynski, Peter Kelley (Selectmen’s Liaison),
Sandra Shaw (Recreation Committee Liaison)
Minutes
: The September minutes were accepted as corrected.
Subcommittee on Streets and Roads Heavily Traveled:
A report from this
group was tabled until the subcommittee meets.
Hartwell Avenue Area Traffic Mitigation Plan Update:
Richard Canale
reported on the Hartwell Avenue traffic Mitigation Plan. A draft is on the
Planning Board’s web site. Bicycle accommodations will be provided on: Wood
Street, Hartwell Avenue, Bedford Street and at the roundabouts. The Maguire
Road roundabout may offset the Bikeway crossing at Hartwell Avenue.
The connection with the West Lexington Greenway is undetermined. The WLG
has CPA funding and representation from various committees; however, its
oversight group might benefit from having a more official status. The next public
hearing on the Hartwell Avenue plan is Wednesday, October 27.
MAPC Bike Rack Program:
Marita reported that Dave Pinsonneault will order
nine “U” shaped racks and three 6’ triton racks. Two of the tritons will be located
at the town pool and in Hastings Park. The other nine will be at various
Lexington Center locations as approved by the HDC.
DCR Proposal:
We are in the process of working with colleagues in Arlington
and Bedford to apply for a grant from the DCR for a map, improved signage, and
information kiosks along the entire length of the Bikeway. Volunteers will be
needed to help with needs assessment. Peggy distributed the preliminary first
page of the proposal.
Bikeway Plowing:
We decided to continue to raise funds for Bikeway plowing
since the plowing was done so efficiently last year.
Bikeway Usage Guidelines:
George distributed a draft of suggested Bikeway
guidelines to help the committee when considering requests for use of the
Bikeway (e.g., for large events, to post signs, etc.). He outlined the most
important factors in making a decision on Bikeway use. We determined that
safety should be the overriding factor. Jerry suggested that any special use
“should not disrupt general use of the Bikeway.” Closing off any section of the
Bikeway for special events might jeopardize safety. It was also agreed that
“requests need to include a plan for dealing with traffic….” George solicited
additional comments and will incorporate our suggestions in the next draft. We
discussed whether the guidelines would be an internal document or part of the
town’s policy manual. Stew stated that the town already has some policy
guidelines: when an individual or group asks to use the Bikeway, the Town
Manager’s office consults the LBAC and the police. Peggy mentioned that Norm
Cohen has reached out to get help developing policies to guide the Selectmen;
George will attend the meeting with her on November 3.
Adams Art Grant:
We agreed to be one of the sponsors of the Adams Art
Grant, which the Tourism Committee is seeking to underwrite a “cultural tourism”
program. Some of the money from the grant would be used to publish a bike
and walking map to various cultural sites in and around Lexington. Laurel will try
to attend the October 21 meeting that Dawn has called.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.
Record of the Discussions of the Friends of Lexington Bikeways
Treasury:
Bob Hausslein reported a balance of $6,192.67, which includes a
$1,000 contribution from Shire (for two earlier road races) and a $25 donation
from Amy Weinstock.
Moving Together 2010 Conference:
Laurel, Peggy and Bob Hausslein
attended the meeting. Both perceived a gap between the state DOT
administrators and what is actually happening on the local level. The State
apparently sometimes violates its own standards for road widths and has
narrowed road lanes to 10 feet 6 inches. The new Massachusetts drivers’
manual will have more information about road rules for bicyclists.
Bike Corral:
Peggy reported that the Farmers’ Market would like to have
corrals once a month next season. We thanked Steven Kruse for designing our
new banner. We will get an additional banner from VistaPrint.
Bikes-Not-Ride:
About 30 people came to our booth at the First Parish Bike Not
Ride event. There was a kids’ obstacle course and bike repair information. The
event was significant in that it gave cyclists an opportunity to interact.
Bike Co-op:
In the process of planning the 10-10-10 "bike not drive" work party,
First Parish cyclists proposed starting a bike co-op. It will be a vehicle for cyclists
to get together and share information and parts. Later they may expand to bike
donations and sponsored rides. We encourage them in this endeavor
Potluck Supper:
We are planning a potluck supper at Follen Church before
Christmas. We will ask Richard Friese to speak. Laurel will look into securing
Follen Church.
…Next LBAC/FoLB meeting is Thursday, November 18, 2010, 7:00 p.m. in Room
G15.
Items distributed:
Unapproved Minutes
Meeting Agenda
Draft of Bikeway Guidelines
DCR grant proposal draft (first page only)
Marita Hartshorn: Recorder
Peggy Enders: Editor