Safety Questionnaire for the Lexington Friends of the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway

The following are some of the bicycle safety issues that we have been struggling with. Your opinions are solicited.

1) Do we need a button activated light (similar to Hartwell Ave) at the Bikeway intersection with Bedford Street?

PRO: Without a light some cars will not stop.

CON: Disruptive for auto traffic, most cars do stop and traffic flows better without a light.

2) Should Bikeway STOP signs at all intersections be replaced by YIELD signs? At some intersections? Which ones?

PRO: Users don't stop now. Non-enforced signs are bad policy.

CON: Users might be even more casual. Arlington and Bedford must agree to such changes and might object. National uniformity?

3) Should there be barricade fences installed at Meriam and Revere Streets as at other intersections?

PRO: The lack of fences implies these are safer crossings; not true.

CON: Fences are expensive. Signs could underscore crossing danger.

4) Should we have new and more readable rules signs?

PRO: Cyclists and inline-skaters don't read wordy signs with small lettering.

CON: Expensive and may not help. Try pamphlets or other means.

5) Do we need more Bicycle Bobby time on the Bikeway?

PRO: It helps maintain civility (especially when police time is unscheduled and thereby unpredictable).

CON: It's costly, especially in a Town override situation.

Please respond with your ideas to Harvey Bingham.