Massachusetts Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board Meeting Notes
Wednesday, September 17, 2014, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Hyannis Transportation Center, 215 Iyannough Road, Hyannis
Welcome, Introductions & Safety Message : Eileen Gunn called the meeting to order at 1:05 PM.
Members present: Cameron Bain, Steve Heinrichs, Josh Lehman, Jeff McCollough, Rob Miceli, Lea Susan
Ojamaa, Joe Repole, Jim Tozza Members absent: Rosalie Anders, Glen Berkowitz, Tom DiPaolo, Dan
Driscoll, Kurt Gaertner, Janie Katz-Christy, Linda Lally, Steve Miller, David Watson Members participating by telephone: Wendy Landman , John McQueen Guests present: Connie Bain, Mike Burns (Nantucket
Planning & Economic Development Commission), Thomas S. Cahir (Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority),
Julie Boren (MA Commission for the Blind), Glenn Cannon (Cape Cod Commission), Courtney Dwyer
(MassDOT), Dr. Ed Gross (MassBike), Pamela Haznar (MassDOT), Molly Henry (East Coast Greenway
Alliance), Martha Hevenor (Cape Cod Commission), Timothy Kochan (MassDOT), Priscilla Leclerc
(Martha’s Vineyard Commission), Cathy Lynds (Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority), Lev Malakhoff (Cape
Cod Commission), Douglas Prentiss (Fay, Spofford & Thorndike), Clay Schofield (Town of Barnstable),
Pete Sutton (MassDOT) Guests participating by telephone: Daryl Amaryl (MassDOT), Arnold Sapenter
(DEP), Ben Woods (DPH)
Approval of 7/16/14 Minutes: Jim Tozza moved to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Eileen
Gunn, approved unanimously.
Regional Presentations: Bicycling and Walking Initiatives
Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA): Tom Cahir welcomed the Board and guests on behalf of the CCRTA. He addressed CCRTA’s many signing advances, which included: color-coded signs for bicyclists, more visible street signs, and adding the Cape Cod outline on Bike Route signs. CCRTA has also developed maps to improve bicycling-transit interface, available in hard copy and electronically. Racks for bicycles are provided on all CCRTA buses; bicycle parking racks have also been emplaced in each of the
Cape’s 15 communities. CCRTA has promoted better access to trails, and a bicycle light safety program.
The latter is especially valuable for the Cape’s many seasonal guest workers. The seasonal Cape Cod
Flyer rail service dedicates a car – equipped with tools – to bicycle conveyance. CCRTA also works closely with the regional MassBike chapter to publicize these services and to promote safer bicycling.
Cape Cod Commission (CCC): Martha Hevenor spoke about the importance of providing connectivity both between and within communities. Such connectivity will allow better travel options, especially during the three most congested months on Cape Cod. Transit, bicycling and walking strengthen health and economic conditions, and improve the quality of life. These improvements are far more than tourist –related; they aid older and younger citizens, and seasonal workers. Promoting bicycling and walking comfort and safety prompt both mobility and business. Data collected on the Cape show that bicyclists and walkers are more likely to patronize businesses such as restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and bicycle shops. Providing funds for bicycling and walking infrastructure can be a sound investment.
Mart ha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC): Priscilla Leclerc noted that the Vineyard is an especially attractive bicycling destination owing to its scale and features, such as beaches. More shared use paths have been built over the years, both along roadways and on Department of Conservation and Recreation
(DCR) property . These facilities are especially appealing to less experienced bicyclists. The Vineyard’s scale is very pedestrian-friendly, featuring some areas where motorized vehicles are not allowed. One of the Vineyard’s major objectives is to build more courteous behavior between motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. To that end, the Vineyard is working with the Steamship Authority to provide safety messages for arriving visitors.
Nantucket Planning & Economic Development Commission (NP & EDC): Mike Burns began his presentation by announcing that a new seven-member Nantucket Bicycle-Pedestrian Committee had been formed. In addition, Nantucket had submitted an application to become a League of American Bicyclists
(LAB) Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC). There are 39 miles of roadway on the island, and nearly 33 miles of shared use path. Tourism dominates the island two to three months of the year, and access to beaches is a strong force. The paths, however, enjoy good use throughout the year. Private funding has been provided to support one of the new paths; this is a reflection of the value island residents place on them.
One of the current path projects is planned to be built on an old rail right-of-way; selecting the proper path surface is one of the most challenging design elements.

Reviewing the Draft Scope for the Update State Pedestrian Plan – Josh Lehman, MassDOT, asked the Board members and guests to consider the four questions distributed earlier:
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How is the draft Pedestrian Plan scope most applicable to the needs of the Cape and Islands?
How is the draft less applicable and responsive to the unique needs of the Cape and Islands?
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In what ways can the Scope better serve of Healthy Transportation objective of promoting walking?
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How can our statewide pedestrian planning efforts be better meshed and integrated with regional pedestrian efforts?
The ensuing discussion raised the following primary points:
 The Plan’s tasks should be prioritized, with a more strategic focus
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Pedestrian access issues are vital; provision of sidewalks and shoulders are crucial
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Connectivity to and within population centers should be clearly defined, with gaps addressed
Utility work should be identified so opportunities for pedestrian improvements are identified
 The Cape’s Coordination Council has targeted the importance of pedestrian-transit connectivity
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Roadway speeds must be limited in order to protect pedestrian safety
 The Cape and Islands’ historic context must be considered when improvements are proposed
 Falmouth’s destination survey may yield applicable data elsewhere
Complete Streets (CS) Training Program Review – Josh Lehman asked members and guests to respond to the four questions distributed earlier:
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How can this training most effectively reach local interests in order to develop CS practices and projects
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If you took either of the first round training sessions, would you be inclined to take either of the updated courses?
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What is your primary interest in continued CS training?
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How can the proposed CS training be best tailored to the special circumstances of the Cape and
Islands?
Eileen Gunn reviewed program progress to date. A specific Scope for the CS Training Program is being developed; this Scope will include elements of the CS Funding Program. Our objective is to enable both the
CS Training element and the Funding element. Secretary Davey has committed to the Funding Program;
MassDOT’s objective is to provide fiscal support in the out years. It’s unlikely that a new Advisory
Committee will be constituted. Rather, it is expected that the expertise of the Healthy Transportation
Compact (HTC) Committee, the MA Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, and organizations such as the
Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) will be drawn upon.
Moving Together 2014 (MT14) Preview - Pete Sutton, MassDOT , presented an overview on the entire program, which offers a greater array of activities than prior conferences. For examples, there will be a
Hubway demo and ride, and a site visit to the new Orange Line Assembly Square station. Scoping sessions for the updated Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plans will also take place. The MT14 website, www.movingtogetherma.org provides program specifics.
Other Business, Public Comments & Questions :
Steve Miller’s proposed motion regarding the Charles River Connectivity Study was not addressed. The issue will be addressed, however, at the Highway Coordination meeting to be held Friday morning,
September 19.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, 11/19, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, 60 Congress Street, 1 st
Floor,
Springfield
Adjournment: Eileen Gunn adjourned the meeting at 3:10 PM.