2004 Past Massachusetts Bicycle Meetings

Friends of the Community Path Monthly Meeting

Monday, January 12, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, 112 Belmont Street, #2, Somerville, 02143 (Between Summer St. and Highland Ave. One block east of Lowell St.)

Agenda

Updates:

• Shape up Somerville
• Bike/Pedestrian Co-ordinator
• Cedar to Central Design
• Active Living by Design grant

Action Items:

• Secretary/minute taker
• How to stay active
• Set up meeting with Joe Curtatone

Please RSVP to friendspath@yahoo.com if you think you can make it.

Framingham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Tuesday January 13, 7:30 pm Lower Nevins Conference Room 1

Agenda

7:30 pm: Review meeting minutes and various correspondence.

7:45 pm: Selection of officers for 2004:
Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary

8:00 pm: *** Tentative ***
Kerstein Audette and Karen Sobol, graduate students at Tufts University, are currently working with the Planning Department to design mixed-use pedestrian and cycling links and make recommendations for infrastructure upgrades. They will present some of their findings and solicit suggestions from FBPAC. (Rescheduled from December).

8:50 pm: Public comment.

Assabet River Rail Trail Meeting

Thursday, January 22, 7:00 pm at Marlborough City Hall.

It's time to look ahead to Spring activities, and we'll have the latest on trail construction. (Yes, construction is continuing through the winter.)

Possible snow showers are forecast later in the week. Call 1-508-485-8394 on Thursday afternoon for meeting status if the weather is questionable.

Rail Trails, Bikes, Pedestrian Caucus Meeting

Tuesday, January 27, 11-12:30, State House Room 511

We will be discussing:

Limited Liability on Bike Paths

Legislation: Plans and suggestions for filing new legislation

An Update on the Task Force Re-Designing the Highway Planning and Manual:
Tim Baldwin from MassBike and Ann Hershfang from WalkBoston

Safe Routes to School Legislation

Any other updates and suggestions from other members of the caucus.

All interested Legislators and staff are invited to attend!

Anne Paulsen and Pamela Resor

Somerville Bicycle Committee

Tuesday, January 27, 6:30-8:30 pm, Somerville City Hall - third floor confer ence room

All bicyclists who care about Somerville streets and paths should come to this meeting. We are extremely proud to introduce the brand new Somervile Bicycle (and pedestrian) Coordinator, Steve Winslow! Come to the Bicycle Committee's January meeting and get involved in making Somerville a better, and safer place to bicycle! This meeting will be a great forum for letting the Bicycle Committee and the new Bike/Ped Coordinator know what you think the most important priorities should be when it comes to cycling.

Agenda

1. Approve previous Meeting Minutes (5 minutes)
2. City Report and introduction of Steve Winslow (30 minutes)
3. The Year Ahead - What are our top 5 priorities for 2004? (30 minutes)
4. Friends of the Path update (10 minutes)
5. Nominations and Voting for Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary positions (15 minutes)
6. Announcements (10 minutes)

Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee Winter Social Get-Together

Thursday, February 5, 7:30-9:30 pm, Whittemore Robbins House, 670R Massachusetts Ave, Arlington Center

You are cordially invited to join members of the Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee (ABAC) for an indoor, winter social get-together on Thursday night, February 5, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at the Whittemore Robbins House in Arlington Center. The informal social gathering will feature:

• A brief report on ABAC's recent highlights and coming attractions
• A lively presentation on bicycle touring in Italy and New England, by Arlington resident Lauren Hefferon from Ciclismo Classico Tours
• Local conversations about bicycling
• Complimentary refreshments, including Bobby Mac's famous homemade cookies

The event is free of charge.

The Whittemore Robbins House is the restored yellow mansion behind Robbins Library in Arlington Center. For directions, see http://www.jche.org/.

9:00 Public comment.

Massachusetts Legislature Rail-Trail/Bikes/Pedestrian Caucus

Thursday, March 18, 10:00 am - noon in the Members' Lounge (3rd floor, near the House Chamber)

This meeting to discuss the following legislation:

• Safe Routes to School: H 1610
• Bicyclists' Bill of Rights and Responsibilities: H 1553
• Limited Liability on Bike Paths: Follow-up on filing new legislation
• Speed Limit Bill: H 1917
• Transportation Bond Bill

and any other updates from members of the caucus

All interested Legislators, staff and advocates are invited to attend!

Representative Anne Paulsen and Senator Pamela Resor

Natick Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Monday, March 29, 7:00 pm, Natick Police Dept. Conference Room

This will be a big meeting, with big potential to do Good Things. Major topics will include:

• Welcome Landry's Bicycles to Natick - to become flagship store, this summer. (Jack Johnson, Peter Henry)
• Natick Mall Expansion - review proposal, CRT spur incorporation, Mar.4th and Mar.22nd NPB Hearings; special consultants and future plans.
• Cochituate Rail Trail status, including MassPike, MBTA and CSX ROWs. (Framingham DPW just installed "Future CRT" road signs!)
• CRT Brochure - Propose minor edits for 2nd edition.

Plus:

• National Bicycle Summit - review. (Jack Johnson)
• Mar. 24th regional "Smart Growth" forum (smart damage control?).
• Update re Natick Open Space Committee.
• Trail improvements, mapping and signage.
• Downtown Natick overlay zoning proposal (HOOP).
• Other items?
  Massachusetts Legislature Rail-Trail/Bikes/Pedestrian Caucus
  Wednesday, April 7, 1:00 pm - 2:30 in the House Members' Lounge (3rd floor, near the House Chamber)
  This meeting will discuss the Governor's Transportation Bond Bill, H 4507, found on the web at http://www.state.ma.us/mhd/tbb/bondbill.htm. The public hearing on the Bond Bill was postponed from March 21.

  Cambridge-Somerville-Belmont Bikeway Hearing
  Thursday, May 13, 7:00 pm, Tufts Administration Building Council On Aging Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, 167 Holland Street, Somerville, MA
  The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed bikepath construction project. All views and comments made at the hearing will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.
  The proposed project consists of construction of a bikepath from Somerville to Belmont. This project will physically and visually connect the proposed work with existing sections of path improving the continuity and safety of the bikepath. The project starts at the end of the Somerville Bicycle path, continues through Davis Square, and follows the Linear Park to Alewife Station in Cambridge where it will connect with the Minuteman Path. At Alewife, a new bridge will be constructed over the Alewife Brook and the new path will continue to Brighton Road, Belmont.
  Plans will be on display one-half hour before the hearing begins, with an engineer in attendance to answer questions regarding this project.

  MassBike Board Meeting
  Monday, May 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Harrington Room of the First Parish Unitarian-Universalist, 50 Church St., Waltham
  The agenda will include: President's Report, Treasurer's Report, Executive Director's Report, Notes on the ED Transition, Discussion of the Strategic Plan, and a Proposal to hire two summer associates.

  Assabet River Rail Trail Monthly Meeting
  Wednesday, May 26, 7:00 pm, at the Acton Memorial Library, 428 Main St (Rt 27).

  Arlington Bicycle Committee Meeting
  Monday, June 7 7:30-9:30 pm, Arlington Town Hall, Annex Building, 1st floor conference room. (Enter from Academy Street side - toward rear of bui lding.)
  Agenda:

  • Introductions; sharing local conversations about bicycling.
  • Approve minutes from prior meeting, listed at http://www.abac.arlington.ma.us/Pages/meetings.html
  • Feedback on BIKE-Arlington Tour and Alternative Transportation Festival.
  • Planning for ABAC's Town Day exhibit, Saturday, Sept 11.
  • Update/discussion on bicycling and schools.
  • Update on ongoing bikeway cleanups in Arlington.
  • Status on Bow Street bikeway ramp improvement.
  • Update on Arlington pathway projects.
  • Roadway transportation updates.
  • Discuss proposal for a bicycle-parking brochure.
  • Review/update action items from prior minutes.
  • Open forum; other topics as time allows.

  For more information, see ABAC's website at http://www.abac.arlington.ma.us.

  Assabet River Rail Trail Annual Meeting
  Thursday, June 17, 7:00 pm at Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St.
  Update on progress over the past year, plus refreshments.

  A Gathering of Rail Trail Advocates
  Saturday, July 10, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Ware High School, Rt. 32, Ware
  Sponsored by The Mass Central Rail Trail
  Agenda:
  Registration and networking 9:30-10:00
  Welcome and Introductions 10:00-10:15
  Presentations by: Hardwick, Ware, Palmer 10:15-11:15
  Q&A and next steps 11:15-12:00
  Brown bag lunch and tour at Grenville Park 12:00- 2:00
  The Brown bag lunch will be provided by the Ware Schools and it will consist of fruit, beverage, cookie and a choice of veggie, turkey, or ham and cheese sandwich.
  Please RSVP your entre'e choice and contact info to Craig Della Penna either by phone at 413-575-2277 preferably by email at craig@railtrails.org.
  Cost will be $10.00. Please pay in-person at the event.
  Directions to Ware High School: From Mass Turnpike take exit 8 Palmer. Left at end of ramp and north on Route 32 for about 6 miles. The high school is on the left.

  Natick Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
  Monday, July 12, 7:30 pm, Natick Police Dept.'s Conference Room
  NBPAC members will first attend the Natick Selectmen's meeting in Natick Town Hall (2nd floor front).
  Major topics will include:

  • 7PM, Town Hall)- Natick Selectmen make annual NBPAC board appointments.
  • Welcome new NBPAC board members, and thank retiring ones (Martin Kessel, Josh Lombard)
  • Review Lake Cochituate history and nature walk on June 12th, part of SuAsCo Riverfest.
  • Review Tour de Natick on June 20th.
  • Natick Mall Expansion - view July 7th revised plans and 25-page draft NPB decision; CRT spur incorporation, Speen Street crossing, trails to west, recent NPB hearings (and next one July 14th); special consultants and future plans.
  • Discuss Nat. Highway Div. use of Chip Seal on new street surfaces.
  • Route 135 Reconstruction - bike-ped issues to be reviewed.
  • Cochituate Rail Trail status, including MassPike, MBTA and CSX ROWs.
  • CRT Brochure- Discuss printing schedule, etc.
    Plus:

    Updates re Natick Open Space Committee, Natick Walks. Downtown Natick overlay zoning proposal (HOOP).

    Upcoming meetings: July 13th, Framingham BPAC, July 14th NPB.

    Other items?

  Framingham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
  Tuesday, July 13, 7:30 pm, Lower Nevins Conference Room 1
  Agenda
  7:30 PM
  Vote on meeting minutes
  Progress reports on 2004 street surveys
  7:45 PM
  Senior Planner Bryan Taberner will provide a brief update of the Planning Department's pedestrian, bicycle, and trail activities.
  8:00 PM
  John Stasik, chair of the MetroWest Growth Management Committee's Transportation Task Force, will discuss current programs and initiatives.

  • Smart Growth
  • Route 9 pedestrian enhancement study
  • Natick Mall expansion and possible transit center
  • Regional trail projects

  Framingham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
  Tuesday, September 14, 7:30 pm, Lower Nevins Conference Room 1, Town Hall
  Agenda

  • 7:30: Vote on meeting minutes and other administrative items
    - Review various correspondence and relevant newspaper articles
  • 7:50: Preview of Moving Together 2004, the statewide bicycle and pedestrian conference on Wednesday October 20. Once again the conference is at the Crowne Plaza, Lincoln Square, Worcester and registration is $30. The internet site for registration is
  • 8:00: Progress report on site plan compliance at Home Goods on Cochituate Road.
    - Pedestrian and wheelchair safety improvements at Dunkin' Donuts on Worcester Road
    - FBPAC suggestions for enhancing pedestrian and bicycle accommodation at the proposed Lowe's on Cochituate Road
  • 8:30: The Selectmen are forming a Farm Pond Task Force. FBPAC has offered to participate to advise on pedestrian, wheelchair, and bicycle aspects. Those interested in applying for appointment to the Task Force should contact the Selectmen's office.
  • 8:50: Status update on the FBPAC 2004 street and sidewalk surveys.
  • 9:00: Public Comment

  Boston City Council Hearing
  Monday, September 20, 5:00 pm, Honan-Allston Branch Library, 300 North Harvard St. in Allston
  The Boston City Council has announced a hearing in response to the death this summer of cyclist Kirsten Malone. The hearing will discuss issues of bikes and bike safety across the city, as well as upcoming repaving projects.
  Issues some of us would like to see addressed by the city include:
  --Urge the city to work with MassBike to conduct a public service announcement campaign aimed at increasing bike safety awareness
  --Ask the city to seek input from MassBike and the cycling community in all upcoming repaving projects, so as to ensure that roads are safe for bicyclists.

  Assabet River Rail Trail Meeting
  Wednesday, September 22, 7:00 pm at the Stow library
  The latest on trail construction and other town updates.

  Natick Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
  Monday, October 18, 7:00 pm in the Natick Police Conference Room.

  Framingham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
  Tuesday, November 9, 7:30 pm, Lower Nevins Conference Room 1
  7:30 pm

  Vote on meeting minutes
  Review various correspondence
  Status of the Farm Pond Task Force
  Update on site plan compliance at Home Goods on Cochituate Road.
  Establishment of liaisons with other Framingham government boards and commissions
  Status of the Town Manager's proposal for infrastructure improvements
  8:00 pm

  • Recap of Moving Together 2004, the statewide bicycle and pedestrian conference attended by a total of 9 Framingham residents.
  8:30 pm

  • The Governor's Highway Safety Bureau has announced a grant program to distribute free bicycle helmets for children. Can FBPAC partner with another organization to apply for a grant and distribute helmets in Framingham?
    http://www.massghsb.com/detpages/programs68.html>
  8:40 PM

  • On October 28 MASS Highway held a public design hearing for the Franklin Street reconstruction. The FBPAC members who attended will brief the committee on the project.
  9:00 PM

  • The Planning Department requires assistance in preparing plans for procurement and installation of bicycle lockers, bicycle bus racks, and bus shelters. Can FBPAC assist or recruit volunteers?
  9:15 PM

  • Public Comment

  Natick Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
  Monday, December 6, 7:00 pm in the Natick Police Department Conference Room.
  Major topics may include:

  • Natick Route 135 Reconstruction Project - tapering fog lines, crosswalk patterns, and more.
  • Pending Mass. Legislation re bicyclists and pedestrians (Rail Trail, Bikes, and Pedestrian Caucus).
  • MAPC to review updated Bicycle Plan for the MetroWest SubRegion (MWGMC Office, Natick, Dec. 13th).
  • "Pictometry" ortho-mapping (and oblique mapping) free workshop in Framingham, Dec. 21st.
  • Cochituate Rail Trail status, including MassPike, MBTA and CSX ROWs.
  • CRT Brochure- Distribute new version.
  • Plan 30-sec. spot, 30-min. program for Community TV.
  • Propose gift projects: bike racks, miniparks, statues, etc.
  • Natick Mall Expansion - MEPA reviewing FEIR for current plan; expected new plan; CRT spur incorporation, Speen Street crossing, trails to west, July 14th NPB hearing. Recent Speen St. visits (MassHighway, ARRT) and future plans.
  • Review final Rails-To-Trails Workshop in series: "Acquiring Trail Corridors" (Nov.17th); review, "Maintaining Your Trail for Optimal Use" (Sept.15th).
  • Review re-use proposals for National Guard Armory.

  Plus:

  • Welcome new Natick High School Bike Club.
  • Eastern Bank project (raised crosswalk, sheltered bicycle parking, RR platform accessibility).
  • Natick RR Station bicycle parking, sketch plan.
  • Updates re Natick Open Space Committee, Natick Walks.
  • Trail improvements, mapping and signage.
  • Downtown Natick overlay zoning proposal (HOOP) and Natick Armory.
  • Other items?