Capital
District Transportation Committee
Bicycle
and Pedestrian Task Force
Record of
Meeting on
Attendance: Judy Breselor (Rensselaer County), Mark
Cashman (MHCC/LAB), Lindsay Childs, (Guilderland Pathways), Dom De Cecco,
Stephen Feeney (Schenectady County), Scott Lewendon (CHA), Mike Lyons (Town of
Colonie), William Mackesey (SCHT, Town of Clifton Park), Mary McNeill (NYSDOT
Region 1),
1.0 AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES REVIEW
The July 2005 meeting minutes were approved.
2.0 MAJOR DISCUSSION
2.1 Trail User Survey and
Benefits Analysis: J. Purvis
noted that a PDF of the document will soon be available on CDTC’s website. He encouraged members to review the document
for further discussion at the September meeting. S. Feeney provided background information on
the original trail survey done in 1997.
The main purpose of the survey was to gain support within the county for
trail work, by highlighting the economic benefits of a complete trail
system. The survey also gauged the
number of trips and was accompanied by a land owner survey which was sent to
adjoining land owners regarding the existing trail and possible trail
expansion. As part of the study, trails
in other areas were researched.
3.2
SAFTEA-LU: The “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users”, was signed into law the week of
August 9th. J. Purvis
provided a handout which highlighted the Bicycle/Pedestrian related funding and
programs. Members expressed interest in
presentations regarding details of the different programs, such as Safe Routes
to School.
3.3
Linkage Projects: J. Purvis
noted that CDTC has started several new Linkage Studies, many with bike/ped
components including Route 4 in
3.4
Priority Network Level of Service and
Infrastructure Index: J.
Purvis reported that CDTC interns have continued extensive work on the Index
and have completed
3.5
Other New Business:
B. Mackesey reported that he
expects an update on the Zim Smith Trail dual user pathway this month.
J. Stangle mentioned the
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the rehabilitated portion of the Mohawk-Hudson
Trail in
J. Purvis reported that he
has received and reviewed a draft of the Watervliet Waterfront Revitalization
Plan. The plan includes many of the
bicycle/pedestrian improvements that were included as recommendations in CDTC’s
Trail Connections Linkage Study.
M. Cashman noted that the
League of American Bicyclists Website contains information on SAFETEA-LU.
E. Peck reported that the old
bank building just over the Mohawk River Bridge on Route 9 has been bought by a
private owner and will not be used as a visitors center for the trail in that
area as planned.
S. Feeney noted that
As a result of the Downtown
Connection Study, a portion of trail will connect the Stockade to the existing
terminus of the Mohawk-Hudson Trail at
In the