To Whom It May Concern (and lurkers, too):
I’ve not followed this thread carefully, but unless I’m mistaken, no one has discussed how dangerous it is to use a bicycle for transportation on public roads. I can only assume that the absence of mentioning this fact is that listserv members see no need (1) to report on something that is intuitively obvious and (2) that we all know, anyway. [If anyone needs to confirm the obvious, go here: https://popularcyclist.com/how-dangerous-is-riding-a-bike-on-the-road <https://popularcyclist.com/how-dangerous-is-riding-a-bike-on-the-roada> , a presumably reliable source given that popularcylclist.com exists to promote cycling and therefore might be expected to understate the risks—which they probably have done!] Anyway, it strikes me that in the interests of safety: 1. All bicycle peddlers (using that word to mean “one who pedals,” not one who sells!) should be licensed by the to-be-established MA DUV (the Massachusetts Dept. of Unmotorized Vehicles) upon successful completion of a written and riding test. 2. The required frequency of license renewal should be a function of rider age and the number of years that have elapsed since first licensing, except that people of AARP-eligible age should be tested annually and re-licensed only upon passing a balance exam. 3. No license will be issued without proof of insurance that includes coverage for medical expenses and liability and a signed waiver holding the Commonwealth and all Massachusetts cities and towns harmless from liability for road hazards resulting in accidents and/or personal injury. 4. Given bicycling’s inherent dangers, the minimum age for a Peddler License should be 18. 5. Children between 14 and 18, may be licensed but with restrictions established by the DUV in accordance with legislation to be drafted. 6. Children under the age of 14 would be eligible for a “rider’s” permit (with signed, parental consent, of course) that restricts the child to the rear seat of a tandem bicycle, and then only when accompanied by a more mature person (i.e., over age 18 if a sibling or over 21 if unrelated) in the front seat. 7. All road bicycles should be registered, plated (front and rear), and inspected annually. 8. No bicycle for personal use should be painted red or blue, for these colors are reserved for exclusive use by police and fire (i.e., public safety) department velocipedes. 9. The MUV reserves the right to amend these regulations annually, based on a review of bicycle injuries and deaths recorded during the previous calendar year. Regards, Steve Low From: Lincoln <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > On Behalf Of Sara Mattes Sent: September 4, 2023 1:51 PM To: Sam Melton <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Cc: Lincoln Talk <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] Bike lanes A couple of quick facts and starting points for understanding the challenges to work toward the goals you suggest - 1) Over 1/3 of our population, by careful planning and policy, is over 60. We have strived to retain seniors both for economic and social reasons (maintaining diversity and a truly small town character)…for many seniors, regardless of proximity to Donalen’s, riding a bike to do errands is not an option. 2) Many homes a distance, traveling narrow and winding roads…geography and topography are a challenge. A change in mind-set cannot change those facts on the ground. 3) Our roadway network goes back to the earliest settlements, Native and Anglo-paths followed topography and the nature of land-was it arable, wet or not. Those paths were then widened and cleared to create cart paths. Those cart paths are still the backbone of our network ( a great piece of research on the evolution of our roadways was done by Kerry Glass and is available in the library) 4) Our roads are scenic byways, and much land on either side of these (narrow) roads is private property-making changes to the width and path of the road difficult if not impossible to alter. We have spent many years and studies looking at these challenges and the tensions they produce. It’s complicated. The Roadway and Traffic Committee (RTC) was created in 2010 to bring stakeholders and boards, committees and commissions to again review all options and seek improvements as we embarked on a major road restoration project. Many, many hearings were held and many of those in specific neighborhoods. All voices and ideas were encouraged to weigh in. The Bicycle and Path Committee(BPAC) formed to add its voice. They and the RTC have some interesting plans and have been running some pilot projects. Check in on their work, attend a meeting, make sure and keep an eye out for public meetings …fresh looks are always helpful. Perhaps there is something yet to be considered. But don’t be discouraged and/or disappointed if what looks like a great idea/concept at first blush gets tripped up by the realities note above. >From a battle-scared overran of the road wars, Sara ------ Sara Mattes On Sep 3, 2023, at 11:18 PM, Sam Melton <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: This is not true, and Lincoln is actually a very bike-able town if you change your mindset! It makes me sad that many people feel that it is not a reasonable way to get to the grocery store or get into the city for work. We have an opportunity to change the culture and infrastructure in Lincoln to encourage our neighbors and friends to use bicycles not only as a form of exercise (which is great) but also as a means of transportation that is healthier, better for the environment, and safer for our neighborhoods! Isn’t this a great goal for our town?‽!! On Sun, Sep 3, 2023 at 3:25 PM Jack Fultz <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Further, the original topic was about bikers on the roads and most of them are not doing some errand, they’re exercising, and on road bikes they won’t be taking on trails. Walking to the grocery store is great - and viable if one lives within a mile or so of the store. Great way to combine exercise and doing errands - do so myself even on a road bike when it makes sense but these occasions are the rare exception for most people. Sent from [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> On Sep 3, 2023, at 1:52 PM, Scott Clary <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: It depends on your riding skills Sara. I have made three trips to Donelan's almost entirely via our trails this week, carrying 10 to 15 lbs of groceries on my back. And if one takes a bit of a circuitous route, steep, technical trails can be avoided. BTW - I have no problem with horses using our trails. Kind Regards, Scott Clary 617-968-5769 Oak Knoll Sent from a mobile device - please excuse typos and errors On Sat, Sep 2, 2023, 2:11 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Most of the trails off-limits to bikes would not be suitable connectors anyway. Most often it has to do with topography. Rough trails are certainly not going to serve riders who are running errands to Donelans. ------ Sara Mattes On Sep 2, 2023, at 8:37 AM, Nick Maynard <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Building on Bob’s suggestion, currently cycling is officially prohibited on the majority of Lincoln’s trails. Wouldn’t allowing bike riding on these paths: - provide alternate commuting/errand routes that are safe from cars for adults and children? - provide local cyclists with an option to road riding and thereby ever so slightly reduce congestion. - free local trail riders from the guilt/frustration they feel every time they go out on the trails whether they are riding or not (what’s with all the signs? No this, no that?) - if you are vehemently opposed to it, please reconsider your assumptions or the circumstances that lead to your opposition. All my trail interactions over the last 19 years have been pleasant though one rarely encounters other trail users. Nick Maynard On Fri, Sep 1, 2023 at 8:24 PM Bob Mason <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Anne, Roughly speaking I consider the “spine” of Lincoln the trail(s) that start at Rte 126, go towards and over the train tracks, along Farm Meadow (behind Lincoln Station), toward the schools and then to Sandy Pond Road. As roughly illustrated in the attached annotated map. I believe one important part of changing “car culture” is to get people of of their cars and consider biking or walking, even for errands to Donelans, going to school, etc. Regardless of the aspirational hope that drivers will change their behavior and be more aware of cyclists, I think we won’t get more cyclists on the road until we have dedicated, protected infrastructure for efficient travel. Personally, I think Lincoln would be a more enjoyable and desirable town if we could all get around without the need to be in a car. Having moved a few years ago from Weston Road to Old Concord Road, my relationship to the town has become much better for the simple fact I can walk on a sidewalk or ride my bike from my home to Codman Farm, Donelans, Twisted Tree and the Post Office. I wish many more of my fellow citizens could do so feeling safe and protected. Bob On Fri, Sep 1, 2023 at 2:37 PM Anne Warner <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: What is meant by "the trail that goes up the spine of Lincoln"? On Fri, Sep 1, 2023 at 2:12 PM melinda bruno-smith <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Yes, many roads in Lincoln are in dire need of repaving. Melinda _____ From: Lincoln <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > on behalf of V Saleme <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Sent: Friday, September 1, 2023 10:30 AM To: Bob Mason <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Cc: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >; Alida ZweidlerMcKay <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] Bike lanes ….. which also implies that the majority of the roads in this town will have to be repaved first in order to accommodate- It’s important to note that many cyclists spend a great deal of time navigating around broken or missing pavement, well jutting out into traffic lanes as a result-it’s extremely dangerous. Vic On Fri, Sep 1, 2023 at 10:24 AM Bob Mason <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Bob, I agree with the sentiment that we need to change the cultural relationship between drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, but having dedicated infrastructure for cyclists/pedestrians is also a very important components of creating safe and accessible multi-modal transportation links. Hence dedicated bike lanes with physical barriers, rail trails, etc. bob On Fri, Sep 1, 2023 at 9:57 AM Bob Kupperstein <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: On Fri, Sep 1, 2023 at 9:44 AM Bob Mason <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: I’ve wondered and suggested to some that we consider enhancing the trail that goes up the spine of Lincoln so it can be used more by cyclists. It’s currently designated as a bike trail, but is really only suited for mountain biking. Such an infrastructure investment would allow greater connectivity, including to the schools with riders and walkers not even being close to a road. Bob Bob, I feel, as a cyclist, that this only avoids the growth that we need to take as a society - where we all really share the roads. We've been car-centric for so long, the mentality that only cars/trucks really belong on the road is hard to shake. But, we'll get there with more awareness. On Fri, Sep 1, 2023 at 2:13 AM Alida ZweidlerMcKay via Lincoln <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Amen to this: as a conscientious driver, I hate a day when all the cyclists are out - I pray my way through Lincoln and Concord. I wish they had dedicated bike lanes. I want bikes to be out on beautiful days in our gorgeous town. But I’m terrified to pass them and end up following forever until I feel like I can get around them safely. I’m sure I annoy both the cyclist and the cars behind me. Bike lanes seem unlikely, given the land they require, but I sure wish we had them! Alida Zweidler-McKay 25 Birchwood -- Alida, I have to admit as a cyclist I get annoyed by cars that won't pass, though I know they're just trying to be careful. I also get very concerned when cars cross into the oncoming lane to pass - I've seen a number of close-calls when that happens. I suggest keeping in mind the 4' law/rule - if you're leaving 4' and driving within the speed limit, the cyclist should be/feel safe. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- Anne Taubes Warner [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
-- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
