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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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