Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on February 10, 2004

Attendance: Mark Cashman (MHCC/LAB), Scott Lewendon (Clough Harbour Associates), David Iman Adler (N.Y.P.C.A.), Don Odell (Retired Planner), Lindsay Childs (Guilderland Pathways Committee), Robert Ritter (Louis Berger), John Stangle (Village of Menands), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH Healthy Heart), Deb Spicer (NYSDOH), Brittany Ekleberry (NYSDOH), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Bob Speece (NYSDOT Region 1), Dave Gehrs (CDTA), Jesse Day (NYBC) Shelley Lang (CDTC), Teresa La Salle (CDTC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

1.0 AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES REVIEW

The February 2004 meeting minutes were approved.

2.0 PROJECTS/PROGRAMS AND OTHER UPDATES

3.0 ONGOING TASKS

3.1 Guilderland Pathways Committee: L. Childs reported that the Pathways Committee is hoping to secure a grant with the Hudson River Valley Greenway. The Pathways Committee actively participated in the Thruway’s Albany Corridor public meeting at the Beltrone Living Center. The impact to bicyclists and pedestrians along Western Avenue is a concern. Also, the Pathways Committee supports the creation of a multi-use trail along Thruway right-of-way.

3.2 Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail Map update: J. Purvis noted that the map is still in progress. There may be updates available for comment at the April meeting.

3.3 Greenway Linkage—Rensselaer County: J. Purvis stated that the first public meeting for this project will be Monday March 15, 2004 at the Blooming Grove Church in North Greenbush from 7:00 to 9:00PM. A copy of the press release was distributed for review. J. Purvis will forward an electronic version of the press release to those members in attendance.

3.4 Patroon Greenway Linkage: The project will focus on a feasible routing option from the Pine Bush Preserve through the Tivoli Preserve, to the Corning Preserve. The kick-meeting with the consultants was held. The next steps will be to gather background information from the preliminary work done by NYSDOT.

3.5 Department of Health Walkable Community Workshops: E. Troy reported that the dates of the workshop will be May 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th rather than the week of May 17^th 2004. There will be 6 Workshops--Albany (2), Rotterdam, and Saratoga Springs are scheduled. The Town of Bethlehem and Village of Hoosick Falls are possibilities for the other two. Elaine is working on putting together agendas and evaluation forms.

4.0 NEW BUSINESS

4.1 Toolbox Update: J. Purvis discussed the items included in the mailout related to the Toolbox Update. It was agreed that there be a task force recommendation after each section of text. The members provided some comments. Additional comments can still be sent to Jason. Also discussed were the draft goals and objectives. Particular attention was given to the “multi-jurisdictional” objective. There was a lot of discussion as to an appropriate percentage goal for multi-jurisdictional projects. It is expected that these issues will be revisited at future meetings. Jason will continue to distribute materials prior to the meetings. Members are asked to be prepared to discuss the materials at the meetings.

4.2 NYBC Capital District Bike to Work Week: J. Day reported that May 8^th-14^th is Capital District Bike to Work Week. Jesse distributed a flyer highlighting the week’s events and a nomination form for commuter of the year. Some of the activities will include a Tri-County River Ride on May 8^th and a poster contest. Claire Nolan is the contact for these events.

Jesse also noted that NYBC is in the process of creating an events calendar for 2004. Please go to www.nybc.net or call 436-0889 to submit your event or to obtain more information.

4.3 NYS MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Staff: Jason mentioned that the first meeting of the NYS MPO bicycle and pedestrian planning staff will be held at the SMTC offices on April 27^th. The purpose of this meeting is to 1) share information and ideas on successful/unsuccessful projects and plans, 2) focus on enhanced communication within the MPO’s and with state/regional/local agencies. Discussions are expected on the possibility of a larger meeting with the Regional DOT Bike/Ped coordinators.

4.4 Regional Bike/Ped News: Articles from local papers were included in the mailout for informational purposes. There was no discussion on these articles.

Deb Spicer and Brittany Ekleberry are in the process of compiling a comprehensive list of all of the different grassroots pedestrian groups throughout the state. Members thought this was a very good idea. It was mentioned that trail groups and disability groups should be included as they often are advocates on pedestrian issues. Contacting the other MPO’s and County officials was also suggested.

David Iman Adler reported that the NYS Canalway has asked NYPCA to look at an east-west connection from the Waterford Visitors’ Center to the existing Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail. This connection would provide a logical terminus for the Canalway Trail. Route options through the City of Cohoes are being explored. David is in the process of meeting with the appropriate stakeholders.

David also reported on NYPCA’s events on National Trails Day (June 5^th). Events include give-aways, runs/bikes/walks for health, an informational treasure hunt, general clean up activities and much more. Please visit www.nypca.org and click “special event” for more information.

NYPCA will be changing their name to Parks and Trails New York on June 1^st.

The NYS Thruway’s public meeting was discussed. Letters from Task Force members have been sent to the Thruway regarding any decision that may impact bicycle and pedestrian travel along Western Avenue.

Ivan Vamos distributed a letter he received regarding the need for bicycle racks at the Rensselaer Amtrak Station. There are bike racks at the station and Dave Gehrs will look into this further.

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5.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

- The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.