Capital District Transportation Committee
Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force
Record of
Meeting on August 17, 4:00pm
Attendance: Dominick DeCecco (Albany County Legislator), Kevin McLoughlin (HRV Greenway), Don Odell (Albany County Dept.
of Economic Development, Conservation and Planning), Don Robertson (NYSDOT-
Region 1), Bert Schou (CDTA), Ivan Vamos, (New York Bicycle Coalition), Monique Wahba (City of Albany Planning Department), Katherine
Forster (CDTC), David Jukins (CDTC), Sandy Misiewicz (CDTC)
Dave
Jukins presented the details of this project to the Task Force. The improvements are being made to provide
capacity for growth. CDTC is a member of
the steering committee and is trying to ensure that bicycle and pedestrian
concerns are being addressed. One of the
project's objectives includes "improving mobility and accessibility of
pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users through construction of sidewalks, a
separate bike/hike trail, and intersections that enhance pedestrian
safety." Another concern is that a
continuous path from the Mohawk Hudson Bike/Hike trail to Ann Lee pond is kept
open. Written comments on the project
are being received until September 15, 1999.
Sandy
Misiewicz presented the photos she took on the Mohawk Hudson Bike/Hike trail of
the different kind of signs that are used.
It was noted that signs identifying the municipality you were in would
be helpful.
The
draft was given out at the meeting. The
Task Force is to review it before the September meeting. Some general comments were that a contest for
creating a trail logo should be held and that there is the possibility of
applying for funding from the Greenway Conservancy for a trail logo sign that
can be used throughout the trail (at least the Hudson Valley portion). A partnership with Mohawk Heritage Corridor
for the Mohawk portion of the trail should be investigated also. Another suggestion was that interpretive
signage be included in the guidelines.
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Eric Ophardt has been hired as the new
Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for NYSDOT.
He will be starting in the fall.
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Ivan Vamos discussed the NYBC Grant to
develop a Community Safety Campaign aimed at making local streets safer for
bicyclists and pedestrians. It will
focus on mitigating traffic safety "hot spots" and promoting safe
cycling and walking.
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The City of Albany would like to see a bike/pedestrian component to the
rehabilitation of the Livingston Bridge.
The City is in discussions with NYSDOT, Amtrak and CSX. If any individuals on the Task Force would
like to write a letter in support of this project, the City of Albany would
appreciate it.