Bicycling & Shared Path Advisory Committee

Meeting Minutes Salem Bicycling Advisory Committee Tuesday, October 16, 2018, 6:30 p.m. City Hall Annex, 98 Washington Street First Floor Conference Room Members Present: Dan Shuman, Richard Frank, Jayne O’Leary, Ray Swartz, Michael Williamson, Michael Jaros Members Absent: Joseph O’Neil (Chair), Kylie Sullivan, Eric Papetti Also Present: Tom Devine, Senior Planner Call Meeting to Order Acting Chair O’Leary opens the meeting. FY19 Community Preservation Plan – Execution of Comment Letter Ed Moriarty of the Salem Community Preservation Community speaks. He describes how the Community Preservation Act, as adopted locally, can facilitate funding projects in the areas of affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space and recreation. Standalone bike infrastructures might not fit into these categories. However, projects for eligible projects that include a bike component may be eligible. The perimeter trail at Winter Island is an example. Devine stated that in addition to receiving this guidance from Mr. Moriarty, the Commission is expected to issue comments on the draft 2019 Community Preservation Plan. The last years plan update included suggestions by the Bike Committee to favor funding requests for projects that include bike amenities. This year, based on the Bike Committee’s discussion at its previous meeting, its comment letter will request that the plan be updated to reference the new Bike Master Plan, which is now nearly complete. The Committee requested that Devine seek an eligibility determination for a pump track feasibility study. The Committee also agrees that Devine’s draft letter is accept and he can sign it. Bike Share Update Devine says total rides hit 8,000 recently. He also says there will soon be an announcement of an expansion for 2019 with support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Shuman asks if there will be e-scooters in Salem. Devine says the City is exploring that, but there are challenges with it as we have seen lately in the news. One option is to have Zagster, who is already managing the bikes successfully, run an e-scooter pilot. Frank says Zagster’s performance has 1 been very good and that if Zagster does run a Salem scooter pilot, he would want access to the rider data and real time updates. Jaros wants to understand how they will determine where any docks go. Devine asked the Committee what questions the City should ask prospective scooter operators. Shuman says we need to see that a system works within state and local laws. Miscellaneous Updates Shuman announces that Marblehead has started a bike committee. He says his father has advocated to make Marblehead trails more accessible, and the Town has been receptive. Williamson suggests that the City keep a master list of bike projects and volunteers to create it. Shuman expresses concern about the Canal Street Path’s connections to the road network. Devine says these are critical elements of the bike network that need to be upgraded. The Committee discusses solutions. Williamson notes that a marijuana shop is planned for Dodge Street. If Deschamps Printing is vacating that space and loading will no longer occur, a bike lane could be painted. Other members clarify that Deschamps will remain in a portion of the space. Jaros asks when Canal Street will be striped. Devine will find out. Devine states that the redesign of Essex Street between North and Washington Streets will eventually proceed. The City might lead a demonstration project to temporarily remove a lane of parking and put in a pop-up bike lane, seating, or possibly outdoor games such as beanbag. Williamson suggests the City purchase the vacant lot across from the former Holyoke Building for use as parking. Jaros asks for an update on Phase II of the Canal Street path. Devine says he has heard a one- year construction period is expected to begin in the spring. Meeting Minutes – August 21, 2018 Shuman motions to approve the minutes, Swartz seconds, and all vote in favor. Adjourn Frank motions to adjourn at 7:48 p.m. and Jaros seconds and all vote in favor. Approved by the Salem Bicycling Advisory Committee on January 15, 2019 2