Capital
District Transportation Committee
Bicycle
and Pedestrian Task Force
Record of
Meeting on February
11, 2003
Attendance: David-Iman Adler (NYPCA),
Mark Cashman (MHCC/LAB), Kevin McLoughlin (City of Rensselaer), Don Odell
(retired planner), Barbara Quint (Guilderland Pathways), Paul Russell (Town of
Colonie), John Stangle (Village of Menands), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Angelika
Harrington (CDTC), David Jukins (CDTC), Teresa La Salle (CDTC), Jason Purvis
(CDTC)
1.0 AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES REVIEW
January 2003 minutes were approved.
2.0 PROJECTS/PROGRAMS AND OTHER UPDATES
3.0 ONGOING TASKS
3.3 Canalway Initiative: D. Odell noted that the
Canalway group is focusing on adopt-a- trail issues, primarily in Schenectady.
4.0 NEW BUSINESS
Support
was given for the inclusion of off-road connections (trails) to be included in
the network.
The
following roads were mentioned as possible additions: Albany Shaker Road (new alignment/extension, and trail), NY
470, 112th Street Corridor in Troy, State Bike Routes 5 and 9,
Consaul Road, Sand Creek Road, Watervliet Shaker Road, and Broadway in Menands
and Watervliet. It was noted that
regional connections be emphasized. It was also noted that eligibility criteria
be less focused on the worst routes and more focused on enhancing and
maintaining marginal routes. J. Purvis agreed to draft a letter to
municipalities informing them of the update to the existing network, offering
them opportunity for input. Task Force
members agreed to review the current BP Network and submit additions to the
network at the next meeting.
4.2 Other New business: I. Vamos noted and
distributed copies of NYBC's new CD containing several tools for advocates and
professionals to utilize in the improvement of bicycle and pedestrian
safety.
J.
Purvis reported that the public meeting for the Slingerlands Bypass project had
been held. Comments are due on the 18th
of February. Both J. Purvis and D.
Jukins attended from CDTC. D. Jukins
presented the Bicycle/Pedestrian elements of the project to the task
force. Concerns of CDTC staff and task
force members were as follows: 1) the sidewalks do not connect well, especially
on the Guilderland side. 2) The pathway is a nice feature, but it would be
better if it extended to an easily accessible street in the city of Albany.
(i.e. to Krumkill Rd, project limits) 3) The redesign of New Scotland Road
(i.e. narrowing of pavement, bicycle/pedestrian friendly shoulder width), to
enhance the quality of life along the corridor, was not included in project
plans. 4) The overall width of the road
is a little wide. 5) A signal is
necessary at the Maher Road intersection in order to safely allow bicycle and
pedestrian movements.