HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-12-LBAC-min
APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
Committee Name: Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee
Date, Time and Location of Meeting:
January 12, 2012, 7 pm, Town Office Building
Members Present:
Peggy Enders (Chair), Stew Kennedy, John Frey, Marita
Hartshorn, Jerry Van Hook, Bob Hausslein (FoLB Chair), George Gagliardi, Mike
Tabaczynski
Others Present:
Richard Spencer
Members Absent:
Laurel Carpenter
Minutes
: The December 2011 minutes were accepted as corrected.
Ad Hoc Transportation Governance Committee:
Peggy described the work of the
group that was formed to look at improving transportation governance and the
committee structure. A few recommendations are being forwarded to the Selectmen,
including quarterly meetings of all transportation-related committees to share
information.
DCR Grant for Minuteman Bikeway User Information (Update):
Peggy drafted the
RFP to hire an engineering firm to develop a plan for new signs and kiosks along the
entire bike path from Bedford to Cambridge. It was reviewed by colleagues in Arlington
and Bedford. The RFP has been issued by John Livsey, and bids are expected by mid-
February. Volunteer time will be needed to provide the matching funds stipulated in the
grant. Volunteers will help with meetings, focus groups, inventories, etc.
Plans for Bikeway Drainage and Root Control (Update
): Work has started to
address the drainage problems along the five sections of the Bikeway. It’s not clear
whether the root work has begun. Peggy will remind the DPW that the committee voted
in the past to remove the rumble strips before any paving is done.
Granite Curbs:
Laurel had offered to prepare a statement on the committee’s position
with regard to granite curbing. This discussion will be tabled until that statement is
ready.
Bicycle Safety Awareness
: Peggy reported that Terry Gleason would like towns to
collaborate on a Bike Safety Week at the end of April. Mike and Stew expressed
interest in appearing in a video about bike safety on the streets and Bikeway etiquette.
The Sweeney sisters would like to be in the video, Marita said.
Center Streetscape (follow-up):
Jerry sought support from the Sidewalk Committee
for single lanes in each direction of Mass Avenue in the town center. They decided to
support the plan as submitted by the Planning Department. Mike said considering the
cost of the project, not having a traffic study is not good planning. The committee
voted to stick with our original request that the town do a traffic study before the center
design is implemented toward the goal of making Mass Ave a truly complete street.
Arlington Heights is a good example of good traffic flow with single lanes.
Needham Bikes
: Peggy reported that the bicycle committee in Needham is promoting
a 7-mile rail-trail as part of a longer corridor. They have expressed interest in learning
lessons from the Minuteman Bikeway experience with construction, maintenance, etc.
Bikeway Plowing:
Barrels are being moved off to the sides, which are disturbing some
who are concerned about public safety. Members agreed to move them back to the
center of the roadway if spotted offsides.
Other business:
Sharrows are planned on a section of Concord Avenue Jerry would
like to ask to have them along the entire length of Concord Avenue.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 pm.
Record of the Discussion of Friends of Lexington Bikeways
Bike Blog and the :
Lexington MinutemanBen Aaronson from the Minuteman would
like to introduce an online bicycle blog. Jerry thought this would be a good project for a
young and savvy cyclist.
Spring Tri-Town Meeting:
Terry Gleason from Bedford would like Lexington to host the
meeting so more people from Bedford can attend. The committee agreed to look into
reserving Cary Library in early spring and hopes Arlington will coordinate the agenda.
The session will be a good time for sharing information about the DCR Grant as well as
bicycle safety.
Officers and Directors Insurance:
The committee discussed whether this is
necessary considering the cost. Bob will check with the Citizens for Lexington
Conservation.
Bike Racks for the Historical Society
: Sue Bennett has not yet responded about the
number of racks. Marita will order the two and hopes they can both be used by the
society.
Upcoming Dates
LBAC/FoLB meeting Thursday, February 9,
at 7 PM, Room 111, Town Office
Marita Hartshorn: Recorder
Peggy Enders: Editor