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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-01-21 Bike-Ped StudyWatertown Town Council Committee on Public Works Councilor Piccirilli, Chair, Councilor Donato, Vice Chair, Councilor Palomba, Secretary And Economic Development and Planning Councilor Woodland, Chair, Councilor Feltner, Vice Chair, Councilor Piccirilli, Secretary Committee Report Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 6:00 PM The meeting, in accordance with the Governor's Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law relating to the 2020 COVID-19 emergency, was conducted by Zoom and televised live by Watertown Community Access Television (WCATV). In addition, the agenda provided the public with notice of how to access the meeting online and by telephone, and that comments were invited via email. The purpose of the meeting was to continue the discussion of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Report and specifically review the comments from the public provided since the Committee's previous meeting on December 7, 2020. At that meeting the Committee agreed to extend the timeline for comments from January 4 to January 11. Attending the meeting were all the members of the two Committees as well as Councilor Gannon, Steve Magoon, Assistant Town Manager and Director of the Department of Community Development and Planning (DCDP), Laura Wiener, Senior Transportation Planner at DCDP, members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Andy Campagna and Janet Jameson, Watertown Faces Climate Change member Deborah Peterson, Bob Shay, President of Watertown for All Ages, and Watertown resident Hannah Rieff. Councilor Woodward introduced Laura Wiener who presented the Public Comment Summary prepared by McMahon Associates (see 1St attachment). a) There were 55 unique views of the Story Map and Plan as well as nine comments and three emails. b) The comments covered a range of issues including: • Motor vehicle speeds and the need for lower speed limits, increased enforcement, traffic calming techniques, and speed feedback signs. • More care by bicyclists to follow bicycle etiquette, use facilities appropriately, and wear more safety gear, including lights and helmets. • That food access be added to the list of priority locations for how bicycle and pedestrian projects are prioritized. • Greater emphasis should be placed on how the Plan supports efforts to address climate change by encouraging more bicycling and walking. Watertown Town Council Resolution 2019-R-2 for renewable energy was specifically referenced. This concern was voiced during the meeting by Deborah Peterson from Watertown Faces Climate Change (see 2nd attachment). c) The most prominent of the issues cited was the need for snow removal, both on residential sidewalks and along street edges. Some respondents were enthusiastic about the snow removal goals in the Plan while others questioned their feasibility. Watertown resident Bob Shay, the President of Watertown for All Ages, submitted a letter from the organization and the Ad Hoc Watertown Snow Removal Committee (which includes members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee) that outlines the need for a residential snow removal regulation. (See 3rd attachment) d) Also submitted during the extended review period was a lengthy email from Watertown resident Mr. Peter Barzdines, which responded to specific sections of the Plan including the Public Engagement, Issues and Opportunities, and Recommendations sections. (See 4th attachment). While the consultants, McMahon Associates, recommended no changes to the Plan, there were two specifics recommendations from the group. a) Inclusion of the language presented by Watertown Faces Climate Change. Janet Jameson, Andy Campagna, Councilor Donato, as well as others voiced their support for these changes. b) List Lissa Gifford and the Committee on Disability in the list participants in the Plan and include the Commission on Disability in Policy Recommendation — Cultural. Councilor Feltner made these suggested changes which were supported by Laura Wiener, Steve Magoon, and others. The question was raised about how concerns about the Plan, such as those raised in Mr. Barzdines' email and those raised by Mr. Shay and members of the Ad Hoc Watertown Snow Removal Committee, would be addressed. It was proposed that the DCDP would be responsible for developing implementation plans for each recommendation in the Plan. DCDP's implementation plans would be referred to Town Council committees for discussion. It is at these committee hearings that specific questions related to the implementation plans could be discussed. In regards to the snow removal issue it is most likely that the DCDP would recommend that the implementation of this recommendation be addressed by the Committee on Rules and Ordinances and the Committee on Public Works. The meeting concluded with Councilor Piccirilli making the following motion: That the Town Council accept the Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan Report, with added references to the 100% Renewable Energy Resolution, and the addition of the Commission on Disability to the report, subject to the condition that the Administration develop implementation plans for specific recommendations, for review by the Town Council, prior to proceeding. The motion passed 5 — 0. The meeting adjourned at 6:32 PM Minutes prepared by Councilor Palomba TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERS & PLANNERS tMcMAHON McMahon Associates 120 Water Street, 4th Floor Boston, MA 02109 P. 617.556.0020 mcmahonassociates.com January 15, 2021 Laura Wiener Senior Transportation Planner Watertown Planning and Community Development Iwiener@watertown-ma.gov RE: Watertown Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Public Comment Summary Comments regarding the Draft Final Watertown Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, October 2020 (Plan), were submitted through several channels. A public meeting was held to review the Plan and solicit feedback. A joint meeting of the Town Council Economic Development & Planning Committee and Public Works Committee was held on Monday, December 7, 2020. A tour of the StoryMap detailing the Plan was shown, followed by a general question and answer session with the Town Council Committee. Feedback from the December 7 meeting was generally favorable: • Several councilors praised the Plan for its depth and comprehensiveness, as well as its helpful use of graphics and maps to illustrate network gaps and opportunities for connection. • Some councilors also appreciated the Plan's focus on improving safety for all users and its intensive incorporation of public input. • Both councilors and members of the public at the meeting indicated they thought the Plan was essential to creating a culture change around transportation in Watertown. • Some commenters felt that the Plan could build on the momentum created by economic development along Arsenal Street and the increase in active transportation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, to make Watertown a more vibrant, walkable community. The StoryMap summarizing the Plan was available through January 11, 2021 (extended one week at the request of December 7 meeting participants). A summary of the comments on the StoryMap and the list of comments submitted by email are provided at the end of this document. • The StoryMap was viewed by 55 unique users during the comment period, for a total of 75 sessions and 87 pageviews. • The content was available for both mobile and desktop users — 89% of users accessed the site through a desktop, while 11% used a mobile phone or tablet. • The StoryMap included a comment form where users could record their thoughts on the Plan. o Nine comments were submitted via the StoryMap. o Three people submitted comments to the Town via email. Several of the comments on the StoryMap echoed the support for the Plan shown at the Town Council Committee meeting. Commenters specifically praised the effort and thought given to pedestrian safety, and also the potential to improve the cycling and walking culture in Watertown. StoryMap comments and emails also raised some additional issues for consideration as implementation of the Plan moves forward: Engineering 1 Planning 1 Design 1 Technology Transportation Solutions Building Better Communities Watertown Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan - Public Comment Summary January 15, 2021 Page 5 of 5 • The most prominent of the issues cited was the need for snow removal, both on residential sidewalks and along street edges. o Some were enthusiastic about the snow removal goals detailed in the Plan, while others demonstrated concern regarding their feasibility. o A concern was raised that snow reduces visibility of pavement markings, creating a safety concern for bicyclists as well as vehicle operators and pedestrians, and so additional signage or indicators of bicycle facilities and raised crosswalks was needed. • Multiple commenters cited motor vehicle speed as a major impediment to safety. Several tactics mentioned in the Plan were supported to address this problem, including lowering speed limits, increased enforcement, traffic calming techniques and speed feedback signs. • Safety was cited by several commenters as an important consideration in changing the culture to be more favorable to walking and biking and to making Watertown more vibrant. Some commenters referenced bicycle etiquette, voicing concerns that some bicyclists do not use facilities appropriately, and need to wear more safety gear, including lights and helmets. • A commenter requested that food access be added to the list of priority locations for how bicycle and pedestrian projects are prioritized. It was noted that many grocery stores are not designed with cyclists and pedestrians in mind, yet for some people, this is their only form of transportation to access a food source, especially for those located where public transit is not available. • It was suggested by one commenter that greater emphasis should be placed on how the Plan supports efforts to address climate change by encouraging more bicycling and walking. Watertown Town Council Resolution 2019-R-2 for renewable energy was specifically referenced. • Several commenters mentioned specific locations for further consideration: o On Main Street, prohibit cars from entering the library parking lot, as it creates conflict with the bike lane. o The intersection of Spring Street and Summer Street should be a focus for safety improvements. o On Mt. Auburn Street the benefits of curb extensions and pedestrian refuge islands were questioned. o Bicycle parking should be added at MBTA stops and schools. Overall, members of the public were able to use the numerous feedback opportunities and channels provided to record their thoughts on the Plan, with comments coming from the Town Council Committee meeting, the online StoryMap, and via e-mail. These comments reflected a high level of interest and overall support for the Plan, notably from Town Councilors. The feedback raising concerns emphasizes the need to follow through on goals mentioned in the Plan. As such, while this Memo will be added to the report, no revisions are recommended to the Plan. Watertown Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan - Public Comment Summary January 15, 2021 Page 5 of 5 Watertown Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan - StoryMap Comments Prepared by McMahon 1/12/2021 General Comments E -Mail Address Every winter snowplows destroy the handicap ramps at crosswalks and intersections. I would think it is very costly and the plowers should be held accountable. On another note, I don't know what involvement the police have had, but running lights, beeping horns, and distracted driving are like the accepted way to drive now and I don't see much enforcement. to repair them every year, and seems unnecessary. Plows should be held accountable for what they destroy. tortellij@msn.com Great plan, just want to stress the importance of path etiquette, I have been hit by a family of 3 bicyclists! It helps if they say "behind you"! Rather than do to pedestrians, what motorists do to them! danbess@verizon.net PLEASE remove the word "encouraging" regarding lowering speed limits in the Safety Policy Recommendation B and make the straightforward recommendation that the town include lower speed limits as an acceptable and recommended tool. This plan effectively makes the case for improving safety and relieving stress. Speed is by far the most important contributor to safety and lowering speed limits has been an approach embraced by most of the surrounding town. Lower speeds also make neighborhoods more livable and the town should embrace this goal for reasons beyond just bicycle safety. B Develop ... Target specific areas in Watertown where strategies to meet this goal include encouraging lower speed limits, traffic calming, intersection safety improvements, and enforcement particularly in areas of high crash incidents as reported through the incidents as reported through the MassDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). deb.peterson@verizon.net I'm very enthusiastic about this plan! One thing that I've noticed in the last week since it's snowed is that sidewalks are consistently under -shoveled/ -plowed, making access difficult for pedestrians and especially those with disabilities. Therefore, I very much support the recommendation for establishing snow clearance procedures! josh.rosmarin@gmail.com I would like to submit a 13 page document of comments on the Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan Report. To whom should I submit it? peterbar@post.harvard.edu Watertown Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan - Public Comment Summary January 15, 2021 Page 5 of 5 I would like to see every bike have a flashing red light at the front & rear of a bike & a bright light at front or tire lights. Bikers need to be well seen from the front & back of their bike. I believe it's a Mass law to wear a helmet. Is this law enforced? I see kids & people not wearing helmets or following the biking rules. Safety for both the biker & auto driver are key! heiress166@gmail.com You should not allow cars to enter the Library parking lot from Main St. - They should enter via to Sonny Whooley Way. The new bike lane behind the library is creating an accident waiting to happen. csenet500@gmail.com We need to put license plates on bicycles. Too many drive erratically, and are a danger on the roadway. There is no accountability for the cyclists, and they drive accordingly. csenet500@gmail.com Thank you for all the effort put into developing this thoughtful plan. I would like to be sure that the Town's maintenance procedures and priorities live up to the promise of this plan. For example, Public Works needs a clear standard operating procedure that ensures that Town -owned sidewalks, as well as all crosswalks and curb cuts on Town -owned property, are cleared of snow with the same urgency as car routes are cleared. We also need to be sure we're focusing on Complete Streets with every capital and major maintenance project. I understand that Watertown has signed on to Complete Streets; let's ensure that that means something significant. Again, thank you for all your hard work to date. hannah.rakoff@yahoo.com Email comments were received from the following: • Deborah Peterson, Watertown Faces Climate Change, December 12, 2020 • Peter Barzdines, Watertown resident, January 10, 2021 • Allie Wainer, graduate student, Tufts Department of Urban and Environmental Policy, January 13, 2021 WATERTOWN TOWN FACES CLIMATE CHANGE A Working Group of Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment and a node of 350Mass Statement on Proposed Watertown Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan We in Watertown Faces Climate Change are happy to see a vision statement and goal for a modal shift to more bicycling and walking in the Watertown Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. It was two years ago that the Town Council passed as resolution with ambitious and specific net zero goals that included the transportation sector. Transportation is one of the biggest contributors to climate change and modal shift is one of the ways to reduce its impact. This plan makes a good case for the potential to shift to more bicycling and walking especially for local trips and recommends a variety of actionable steps toward that goal. Thank you. A clear articulation of the link and references to the town's net zero planning in the Plan's goals, actions and measures of success would bolster both efforts. Given the urgency of Climate Change and ambitious town goals, we would also like to see the existing recommendations around this goal more robust. Some examples Vision Statement for Bicycling and Walking In Plan Currently Proposed Change Vision Statement for Bicycling and Walking The Town of Watertown supports a bicycle and pedestrian network that is safe and accessible for all users, and expands transportation choice through a combination of inclusive, interconnected bicycle and pedestrian facilities, as well as policies and programs that promote a culture of walking and biking. The Town will strive to have dedicated funding for implementation and personnel for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, which will result in a more multimodal environment that supports vibrant public spaces, healthy lifestyles, and the Town's goals for climate change. Vision Statement for Bicycling and Walking The Town of Watertown supports a bicycle and pedestrian network that is safe and accessible for all users, and expands transportation choice through a combination of inclusive, interconnected bicycle and pedestrian facilities, as well as policies and programs that promote a culture of walking and biking. The Town will strive to have dedicated funding for implementation and personnel for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, which will result in a more multimodal environment that supports vibrant public spaces, healthy lifestyles, and the Town's goals for 100 % net zero in the transportation sector by 2050. Policy Recommendation- Culture In Plan Currently Proposed Change A Work with groups including the Watertown Transportation Management Association (TMA), MassBike, and Watertown Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee to promote bicycling town -wide. Work with groups including the Watertown Transportation Management Association (TMA), MassBike, and Watertown Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee to promote bicycling town -wide. Establish specific bicycle and pedestrian goals for the TMA and monitor their progress. B Evaluate and communicate progress on this Plan on an annual basis. Provide information on number and severity of crashes involving bicycling or walking, linear feet of upgraded sidewalks and bike B Evaluate and communicate progress on this Plan on an annual basis. Coordinate with Net Zero Planning and adjust or enhance to improve impact. Provide information on number and severity of lanes, and town -wide active mode share. Create a Working Group to develop metrics to evaluate success. crashes, involving bicycling or walking, linear feet of upgraded sidewalks and bike lanes, and town -wide active mode share. Create a Joint Working Group with net zero planning to develop metrics to evaluate success. D Work with employers to highlight and publicize D Work with employers to highlight and publicize successes of the Watertown Transportation successes of the Watertown Transportation Demand Demand Management (TDM) Program in reducing Management (TDM) Program in reducing vehicle trips vehicle trips and supporting walking and biking. and supporting walking and biking. Additionally, data Additionally, data generated as part of TDM generated as part of TDM reporting can should be reporting can be used to understand which TDM used to understand which TDM measures can be measures can be correlated to the most mode shift correlated to the most mode shift to walking and to walking and biking and reduction in vehicular biking and reduction in vehicular trips to inform and trips to inform future planning (see Appendix C for direct future planning in these areas.(see Appendix C information). for information). K Highlight accomplishments relating to improving Highlight accomplishments relating to improving bicycle and pedestrian connectivity and amenities bicycle and pedestrian connectivity and amenities as as a result of the Transportation Demand a result of the Transportation Demand Management Management (TDM) program, zoning requirements, design guide, site planning requirements, and (TDM) program, zoning requirements, design guide, site planning requirements, and parking policies. This parking policies. This will spread community will spread community awareness of the Town's awareness of the Town's efforts and help foster a efforts and help foster a community culture community culture supportive of walking and supportive of walking and biking. Make the biking. connection between modal change and climate change and reach out to climate groups in getting the word out. Ann Munson (annmunson60@gmail.com) and Rick Kalish (rkalish54@gmail.com), Co -Chairs Dear Councilor Palomba and members of the joint committees, Watertown for All Ages (WAA), a nonprofit which advocates for older residents in Watertown, has been collaborating with the Watertown Bike/Ped Committee on developing a comprehensive sidewalk snow removal ordinance for the town of Watertown that covers residences as well as commercial establishments. The two organizations established an ad hoc committee to research the ordinances of other communities and the effectiveness of those ordinances. This led to the inclusion of the recommendation in the Bike/Ped committee's plan that the joint Economic Development and Planning Committee and Public Works will be reviewing at their public meeting on Monday, December 7 that the town "expand the snow removal requirement to residential property owners to maintain sidewalk accessibility in winter months." The importance of having sidewalks cleared of snow to older residents was underscored through a series of focus groups WAA conducted around transportation alternatives for older residents. We learned that many older residents living in town rely on walking to get to local stores as well as for exercise, and are very frustrated during the winter when the sidewalks in front of some residences are not shovelled. Walking in streets narrowed by snow is very dangerous for everyone, but especially older people, so they feel they have to stay isolated in their homes. And, of course, it is also extremely problematic for children walking to school, dog walkers, and people in general who especially now in the time of COVID, rely on walking just to get out of the house. The ad hoc Sidewalk Snow Removal committee would welcome the opportunity to share our findings with the relevant Council committee(s) in order to move toward the implementation of an ordinance that would, in the words of the Bike/Ped plan, "expand the snow removal requirement to residential property owners to maintain sidewalk accessibility in winter months." Thank you, Robert Shay President, Watertown for All Ages Co -Chair, Ad Hoc Watertown Snow Removal Committee Comments to Town of Watertown Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan Report January 9, 2021 Peter A. Barzdines peterbar@post.harvard.edu The changes to our town proposed in this report are too big to be adopted by the Town Council on the advice of Town staff and a Town committee. When we have a final version of these proposed changes, we should have the voters of the town vote on them. Background. I have extensive urban cycling experience from my four academic years at Harvard, from Fall 1970 through Spring 1974. I rode in all weather, day and night, around Cambridge. I rode occasionally to Boston, even in the snow. I rode occasionally to Watertown and travelled once on a snow-covered highway to Maynard. Since 1987 I have lived in Watertown where I am a motorist, pedestrian, and road runner. Use. We want to build facilities that people will use. We should study existing facilities in Watertown, Cambridge, Newton, and other nearby towns to see the extent to which people are using them. If people are not going to use facilities, there is little reason to spend money building them. Climate. Watertown receives rain and snow. We need to make certain that any facilities we build will work in the worst of weather. The salt and sand we use on our roads in the winter help to erode paint on our streets. Rain and snow can make streets slippery, making it important that cyclists and drivers can keep going straight as much as possible. Intuition. Snow can cover the lines and symbols we paint on our roads. Locals may know what is painted under the snow, but visitors won't be able to see the lines and will drive according to what a reasonable person might expect there. This can lead to potential collisions between locals and visitors. 1. Overview You say, "... to get where they want to go easily, safely, and car -free." As a pedestrian and road runner, I appreciate this, and I wish well to those who travel by bicycle. We need a sentence here to say, "... to help people get where they want to by car." 2. Walking & Biking in Watertown Today 2.1 Travel Trends You say, "According to Watertown's Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program, the Town's goal is to reduce single occupant vehicle mode share by 20%, which results in a goal of approximately 50% for residents and 60% for workers." Have you taken a poll of residents and workers to see what we 2 and they want? Why have you put your statement in a section on trends? Having lived here since 1987, I have not observed a trend of increasing bicycles and pedestrians. Thank you for the information from Lime Bikes. It is good to see some actual data. Please note that Lime Bike data can be awkward because Cambridge and Boston use(d) Blue Bikes. This would discourage Watertown people from using the services of Lime Bikes to these towns. "Who We Are Planning For" — You don't show a picture of a car and driver here. I appreciate being able to walk and run around Watertown, but I also appreciate being able to drive around. You show a couple walking hand in hand and give their minimum walking width of 8 feet and preferred walking width of 10 feet. As I sit under my 8 foot ceiling, I must say I need nowhere near 8 or 10 feet to walk side -by -side with someone. You show two cyclists riding side -by -side. From my cycling experience I know that it is customary for cyclists to ride one behind the other when there is traffic on the street. 2.2 Existing Networks "BICYCLE LEVEL OF STRESS" — Far and away the most stressful thing to a cyclist is black ice. Most of our streets are crowned. We plow snow to either side, and the traffic helps to destroy any snow left over on the street. On a warm, sunny day after a snowstorm some of the snow will melt. The crown will make the water flow toward the side of the road. When the water freezes overnight, any black ice will be out of the way where it won't cause any trouble. Many schemes of separating the bike lane end up leaving snow "uphill" on the crown from the bicycle lane. When some of the snow melts during the day, the water will flow downhill across the bicycle lane and will freeze overnight. This leaves glare ice in the bicycle lane. A few years ago a member of the Cambridge Running Club was killed while riding in a bicycle lane in Central Square. The effect of having a bicycle lane is that motorists don't look before opening their car doors. A bicycle lane between parked cars and the curb gives a cyclist nowhere to go if someone opens a car door on the passenger side. Although we make an attempt to clear snow from our river paths, I don't run there after a snow because there are spots of glare ice. If I had a bicycle I wouldn't ride it on those paths after a snow. Clearing a path does help for careful walking. Please see the picture below. 2 You make no mention of a shared lane which is the width of a regular lane plus the width of a bicycle lane (but with no markings). It is easy for a motorist to pass a cyclist. The lack of bicycle lane markings makes drivers of parked cars more careful about opening their doors. When I rode a bicycle, this was my favorite kind of place to ride. 2.3 Safety "The reconstruction of Mt. Auburn Street will provide curb extensions ..." — A curb extension has some attributes making the situation less safe. It isn't easy to plow snow at a curb extension. A snowplow driver needs a nice straight curb with a nice gentle curve at an intersection. Snow that hasn't yet been plowed can conceal a curb extension so that a cyclist or motorist runs right into it. A curb extension narrows the street, bringing cyclists closer to the cars. I have crossed the street at the curb extension pictured below. Having crossed many times before the construction of the curb extension and many times since it was built, I have not found it to be of any benefit. "... implementation of ADA-compliant curb ramps ..." - Curb ramps for wheelchairs are a good idea, but it is necessary to clear them of snow. Under icy conditions, the slope of a curb ramp is a slip and fall risk for a pedestrian. A pedestrian needs a place where he can step between the street and the sidewalk without stepping on the ramp, and he needs that place cleared of snow. "... a raised crosswalk ..." — A raised crosswalk might be obscured by snow. It might not be visible on a rainy night. Road markings warning of a raised crosswalk are not consistent and can wear off. A motorist might damage the suspension of his car if he is not aware of a raised crosswalk. A cyclist may have his wheel bent from hitting a raised crosswalk. A slippery raised crosswalk could put a car or a bicycle into a skid. 2 A raised crosswalk will cause a driver to brake before it and accelerate after. This puts more carbon dioxide and pollution in the air. A raised crosswalk can be difficult for a snowplow driver. Speed bumps may have their place in parking lots but should not be allowed on the streets. 3. Public Engagement 3.3 Community Survey "Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)" —These contribute to greatly improved safety. It is much easier to know that a pedestrian is crossing when the beacon is flashing. Motorists are really better at stopping for pedestrians. Pedestrians really do push the button to turn on the beacon. I feel much better as a motorist and as a pedestrian at the beacon by the Library (see previous picture). Because it doesn't flash its amber lights when there is no pedestrian, it gets attention when it does flash. A beacon stops traffic for less time than a traffic light would. It doesn't get in anyone's way. We should put these at suitable mid -block crossings around town. "pedestrian refuge islands" — Cambridge has had these on Mt. Auburn Street for quite a few years. I drive there fairly often, and I have not yet seen a pedestrian taking refuge on one. Snow makes them a huge safety risk. Even if the refuge has a sign, before the snow has been plowed it can be very difficult to tell how far the curb extends. This can be a risk to motorists and cyclists. When it is slippery, the safest way to ride on a bicycle or in a car is straight ahead. You don't want to make extra changes in direction because each one may cause a skid, or you may just be unable to change direction. First you need to turn to the right to miss the refuge. That leads you heading toward the curb and maybe a parked car. Second you need to turn to the left to avoid the curb and parked car. Third you need to turn to the right to avoid crossing into the path of oncoming traffic. The possibility that a bicycle in the bicycle lane and a car in the travel lane could be side -by -side at one of these things is an accident waiting to happen. When snowplows plow around a pedestrian refuge island, they leave mounds of snow there. On a warm day, some of the snow may melt. The water may remain where pedestrians walk on the island, or the road's crown may cause it to flow over the road. Then the water can freeze overnight and you have glare ice on the path of a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist. Here is a picture of a pedestrian refuge island on Mt. Auburn Street in Cambridge. 2 Here is a picture of one that is flush with the pavement on Mt. Auburn Street in Cambridge. At least the snowplow drivers can plow the snow from the flat one to the side of the street. 4. Issues & Opportunities to Shape Community Vision & Goals 4.1 Issues & Opportunities "Improving the visibility and communication between pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers at intersections through design interventions." — Right turn on red may be a concern at some intersections. A driver wanting to make a right turn on a red light is looking to the left, waiting for a break in oncoming traffic. If a pedestrian approaches from the right and crosses in front of the driver wanting to turn right, the driver might run into him. We might need more signs prohibiting a right turn on a red light. "Enforcement of vehicular traffic rules in particular was viewed as a top concern. Respondents reported not feeling safe walking and biking due to motorist behavior such as running red lights." — The poor driving of Massachusetts motorists and cyclists is a much greater danger than most of the other items mentioned in your document. Since I came back to Massachusetts in 1987 it seems that someone hits my car about once every year or two. I can think of one who honestly didn't see me coming and pulled out of a parking place on Main Street. The rest of them were doing things they never should have been doing. This compares with 11 years driving in other states without being hit at all. Watertown Square is very much a problem. Many times I have been on Main Street going to Charles River Road, Arsenal Street, or North Beacon Street. Stopped at the light, I started forward when it turned green and had to slam on my brakes to avoid a car making a left turn from Arsenal Street / North Beacon Street. Did these drivers run a red light? Does the light on Main Street turn green too quickly after their left turn light turns red? These kinds of things, along with failing to yield the right of way when turning left, are dangers which won't go away by painting more lines on the roads. "Snow clearance was also a major concern among survey respondents and public meeting attendees." —The starting point for good snow clearance is to build roads that can be cleared easily. We need to 2 avoid curb extensions, raised crosswalks, raised pedestrian refuges, and anything that is difficult to plow around. We need to ask our snowplow drivers where they have difficulty and improve things for them. We do an all right job of plowing after a storm. In many places we lose 6 —18 inches on the side of the road to snow. If the snow melts, that may be all right. If a second storm comes before the first snow has melted, we can lose another 6 —18 inches to the snow, and that is a real problem. It is tough to clear out the snow after the second storm. After the first storm, we should give our snowplow drivers a rest after their long hours, then send them out to regain the 6 —18 inches. Then we will be ready for a second storm. "Bicycle Signal" — A car moves faster than a bicycle. If I am stopped at a traffic light next to a bicycle and you give the bicycle a head start, I only have to pass him down the road where there is probably less clearance than in the intersection. Frankly, I would rather we start at the same time so I can get ahead of him in the wider intersection. If I were riding the bicycle, I would also prefer to start at the same time. "Protected Intersection" — This looks very difficult to plow. "Contraflow On -Street Bicycle Lane" & "Two -Way Bicycle Lane" — These are dangerous. When the snow covers the markings, a motorist from out of town will have no reason to expect a wrong -way bicycle and there is a risk of an accident. "... DPW reports that the ordinance requires new sidewalks be concrete, ..." — As a road runner I can say with confidence that bituminous (asphalt) sidewalks are much more comfortable than concrete ones. Concrete is very hard on the feet and legs, but bituminous has just enough give to feel much better. As a concrete sidewalk ages, it tends to get cracks with the concrete on one side higher than on the other side. This presents a risk of tripping which is not present on bituminous sidewalks. "The City of Cambridge developed guidelines for maintenance of separated bicycle lanes specifically." — I have driven my car and walked as a pedestrian in Cambridge after the last two snowstorms, and their bicycle lanes were terrible, much worse than places in Cambridge without bicycle lanes. "... vehicular speeding was noted as a safety concern." — Those radar devices that show the speed limit and how fast you are going are very effective. At the one in front of Cunniff School, people really do slow down. The devices can work 24 x 7, and they can communicate with more drivers than a policeman can. "Decrease drive -alone mode share" —The Covid-19 experience has shown that driving alone is better for social distancing than riding a conveyance with many other people. "Track the number of parking spaces reduced through zoning regulations" — Every business likes to have customers who walk there, customers who cycle there, and customers who drive there. Reducing parking places is likely to drive some customers away. 5. Recommendations "Incorporate more bike parking at all schools, ..." — A good idea, you might also incorporate more bike parking at certain MBTA stops for the benefit of those who would like to ride bicycles to the T. 2 Thoughts Massachusetts Weather Excepting the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), many of these ideas might work well in San Diego if people would use them. In snowy conditions, many of them can be quite dangerous. • Anything raised but covered by snow is a danger to anyone who doesn't know it is there. He might run right into it. • Painted lines & warnings wear down very quickly on roads that are salted or sanded. There is a risk that people may not see them, especially under conditions of poor visibility. • Motorists and cyclists driving on a slippery surface need the opportunity to go straight ahead, not have to be turning right and left to keep in your new lanes and bicycle lanes. • Painted lines & warnings can be hidden by snow. It is important that they be intuitive. • Water from melting snow runs downhill, toward the side of a crowned road. It is important not to have any snow up at the top of the crown. It is important that the snow be plowed to the edge, and that anything like a bicycle lane be closer to the center than the snow. We need to have people visit facilities in our town and neighboring towns in various kinds of bad weather to see how well these facilities do. We need to ask snowplow drivers what is easy or difficult to plow around. Advocating facilities that might make sense in San Diego, then saying we need good snow removal doesn't work. We need to avoid building things that are snow removal problems. We need to take a good look at the objectives of the facilities described in this report and see if there are ways to design facilities that will achieve their purpose safely even in the snow. For example, the raised pedestrian refuges have a bunch of problems in the snow, but pedestrian refuges flush with the road surface don't have those problems. If there isn't a way to make something work well in the snow, then maybe we should do without it. Use of Facilities Survey participants, planners, and committee members may have visions of multitudes using the facilities they plan. My anecdotal experience in Watertown and nearby towns is that few of these kinds of facilities get much use at all. We need to send observers to watch existing facilities to see how much people are using them. If we have built some facilities and few people use them, perhaps we need to rethink what facilities we want to build. We need to ask ourselves and nearby towns if they have done any studies of how much use their facilities get. What We Lose Driving from Watertown to Newton Highlands on Walnut Street years ago, I saw about 1/2 mile of parked cars on business days. They were most likely people who rode to work from the Newton Highlands T station. The parked cars weren't likely a problem for the homeowners, as they had plenty of off-street parking. I don't remember ever seeing a bicycle on Walnut Street, but if I did it would have been no 2 trouble to pass it. A few years ago they turned the parking places into a bicycle lane. I still don't remember seeing a bicycle there, but the people who used to ride the T lost their parking. Trowbridge Street in Cambridge is a two -block, one way, one lane residential street. It used to have parking on both sides. Rarely would I see a bicycle there. If I had to follow a bicycle for two blocks it would not have delayed me much. Typically I would follow the bicycle until there was a wide spot where he or she could let me pass safely. A few years ago they replaced the parking on one side of the street with a bicycle lane. Most of us in Watertown do a lot of travelling by car. We need to make sure that we do not make travelling by car more difficult, most especially if the space taken away from car travel doesn't get used anyway. Impediments to Bicycle Travel Bicycle Theft Bicycle theft is a huge impediment to bicycle travel in our area. When I was at Harvard I lost about one bicycle per year to thieves. Police recovered one bicycle and the thief was convicted of a felony and given six months probation. Stealing my most valuable possession and my transportation is a very serious crime and should have gotten a much more significant sentence. We do little to prevent bicycle theft, little to recover stolen bicycles, and little to prosecute bicycle thieves. We could have more people riding bicycles if we made them secure. This one means more than all of the items discussed in your plan. Personal Appearance When I was at Harvard, I could go to class looking and smelling like I had just ridden a fast mile on a bicycle. I could ride to church or to go shopping in a store. Students could do that. Now that I am well beyond my student days, just about everyplace I go I must look nice and smell nice. This would be a big impediment to my buying and riding a bicycle. Places for Study or Travel Copenhagen, Denmark Many people in Copenhagen commute by bicycle. Perhaps you should travel over there and rent a bicycle, preferably in the winter when there would be snow. I am not familiar with their facilities, but it seems that they are making much use of them. Albany, NY Albany has free parking at meters on Saturdays. Getting more people to come into town on Saturday seems to help local businesses. I wonder if it reduces traffic on other days. Ithaca, NY Parking meters and city parking garages are free on Saturdays except for special events. Cambridge, MA Parking meters in front of the Cambridge Public Library are free on Saturdays. 2 Conclusion The Town of Watertown needs to serve all the people of Watertown. Making things better for pedestrians and cyclists without making them worse for motorists is a good goal. I applaud your effort toward achieving this goal, and note that you have given much thought to the needs of our town. You seem to be having some difficulty in two areas: • You are proposing solutions which can be very dangerous in bad weather. • You are proposing building things which seem very much unused where we and neighboring towns have built them. Having grown up in snow country in Upstate New York, I would be happy to help you in the area of snow if you wish. Peter Barzdines, peterbar@post.harvard.edu 2