MassBike Metro Boston Kickoff Meeting

January 26th, 2005, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
University Lutheran Church, 66 Winthrop Street, Cambridge
Present: John Allen (Waltham), Dan Barrett, Peter Brooks (Watertown), Dorie Clark (Somerville), Mark Dulcey (Boston/Dorchester), Rob Fine (Boston), Andi Genser (Brookline), Phil Goff (Somerville), Jesse Gordon (Cambridge), Jack Johnson (Arlington), Henry Lieberman (Cambridge), David Loutzenheiser (Cambridge), Bobby Mac (Arlington), Steve Miller (Cambridge), Doug Mink (Boston/Roslindale), Brian Murphy (Cambridge), Jon Niehof (Watertown), Greg Palmer (Somerville), Bhupesh Patel (Somerville), Chris Porter (Cambridge), Tom Revay (Dedham), Jeff Rosenblum (Cambridge), Trevor Schroeder (Boston/JP), David Smallwood (Boston/JP), Pete Stidman (Boston/JP), Joanna Zeman (Boston).

The meeting was chaired by Chris Porter and Jon Niehof.

It was acknowledged that the poor weather kept other interested people from attending, and especially may have limited attendance from more outlying communities. The chairs noted that the purpose of this meeting is informal discussion and brainstorming - no official decisions will be made, and additional opportunities will be provided for others to contribute their thoughts.

After a round of introductions, Dorie Clark, Executive Director of MassBike, gave an overview of the history of the organization as well as current statewide initiatives and activities. MassBike is hoping to form local/regional chapters throughout the state, including in the metro Boston area. MassBike has a sample charter, a set of policies that chapters are expected to abide by, and a list of FAQ's regarding chapter formation. Some copies were distributed; these documents also can be obtained from MassBike's web site, www.massbike.org.

Most of the remainder of the meeting was devoted to a group discussion on the mission and goals of a MassBike Metro Boston chapter; geographic scope; issues of interest/concern to people; and the chapter's relationship to other groups. Ideas emerging from the discussion are summarized below.

Geographic Scope

Jon Niehof presented a variety of potential geographic scopes, including communities included and population covered. After some discussion, there was general agreement that the chapter should roughly include the 24 communities corresponding to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Inner Core Committee (ICC). Participation from interested persons from adjacent communities with common interests, such as other communities inside the Route 128 beltway, would not be discouraged, though. It was also recognized that the chapter boundaries may evolve to some extent on who is interested and willing to attend meetings. The chapter's scope may become more clearly defined as other neighboring chapters form (e.g., North Shore and South Shore). The ICC definition encompasses communities with similar, strongly urban characteristics and will be most advantageous for coordinating with MAPC on transportation planning issues.

Mission

A proposed draft mission statement was distributed with the agenda. After some suggested revisions, this mission statement now reads: The purpose of the MassBike Metro Boston chapter is to conduct advocacy, outreach, education, coordination, and service on bicyclists' issues of concern across the core cities and towns of the metropolitan Boston area.

Roles & Relationship to MassBike Statewide and Other Groups

There was discussion about the relationship of the chapter to the statewide organization and to other groups active on bicycle-related issues (e.g., local advisory committees, trail advocacy groups, Critical Mass). Steve Miller noted three potential roles for MBMB - we could choose to pursue any or all of these:
  1. As a coordinating council/convening forum for groups that want to work together or have common interests;
  2. As a catalyst for local activity;
  3. As a body that works on our own specific (regional) issues.

Some additional thoughts provided include:

  • MassBike is an advocacy organization (unlike advisory committees which are officially established by government agencies), but one that still works through established channels (governments, corporations, etc.) and wants to maintain good relationships with these entities
  • MBMB activities should support the goals of the statewide organization and should help strengthen the organization - e.g., by build the membership of MassBike as well as conducting outreach on issues already selected by MassBike as priorities
  • MBMB can provide a forum for beginning work on independent initiatives of specific interest to members
  • MBMB can advocate for a metropolitan bicycling system - connections among communities
  • MBMB should not limit itself to infrastructure projects but also work on topics such as motorist and cyclist education, enforcement of traffic laws, etc.
  • It may be advantageous for specific issues not to be undertaken through MassBike. For example, trail advocacy groups have found that it is better not to be associated with an official bicycling organization. In such cases, MassBike could work with (or spin off) such groups. MBMB also can help coordinate among groups doing their own work

Potential Issues/Projects

The suggestion was made to establish goals for different time frames (short-term, medium, and long-term). The group also brainstormed on potential specific issues or projects that they would like to see MBMB undertake. There was a general consensus that we should pick a small number (2 or 3?) in the short term, in order to focus our energies. The projects should be ones that can unite us, as well as engage new constituencies and increase our diversity. Projects should recognize the diversity of issue interests (infrastructure, education, etc.), communities, and demographic segments in the region. Some suggestions:
  • Pick 1 or 2 infrastructure projects that are "spinning their wheels" and move them forward
  • Establish formal representation of bicyclist interests at a regional level for input into transportation planning (e.g., formal advisory committee with MAPC to provide input into long-range transportation plans, transportation improvement program, regional bicycle plan)
  • Non-infrastructure issues that can benefit all members, e.g., insurance, legal issues, hospitalization coverage
  • Publicity/outreach at community events such as street fairs - support the statewide organization by building membership, educating people about issues
  • Help establish and/or strengthen local advisory committees
  • Address design issues on state roads crossing community boundaries

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 23rd. On a trial basis, the time will be moved to 7-9 pm so people have an easier time making it after work. The group agreed that it would be best to establish a permanent meeting location within the central area of the City of Boston, and that this should be done as quickly as possible. For now, the next meeting will be held at the current location, contingent upon room availability.

Topics will include electing officers and narrowing down a list of chapter goals as well as candidate issues.

Notes submitted by Chris Porter

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