Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on January 12, 2009

 

Attendance: Don Odell (Albany Bicycling Coalition), Jeff Gritsavage (NYSDOT), Jason Purvis (CDTC), Jen Ceponis (CDTC), Todd Fabozzi (CDRPC), Carrie Ward (CDTA), Fred Mastroianni (Greenman-Pedersen Inc.), Mike Lyons (Town of Colonie), Devin DalPos (Saratoga County Trails Committee), Christine Marshall (Village of Altamont), Nelson Ronsvalle (Town of Halfmoon), Rob Leslie (Town of Bethlehem), Jeff Olson (Alta Planning & Design), Lindsay Zefting (Bergmann Associates), Elizabeth Knapp (Metroland), Martin Daley (Parks & Trails New York)

 

1.0   New Business

1.1 TIP Update Status – The bike-ped project evaluation summary was passed out to the attendees.  A copy can be found at: http://www.cdtcmpo.org/planning/jan04-10/bikeped.pdf.  Programming will take place in two rounds.  In round 1, fund sources will be cut in half and programmed and the remaining funds will be programmed in round 2.  Round1 of programming will take place at the Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, January 20 @ 9:30 am at the CDTC offices. 

 

There is an opportunity to revamp the project evaluation process, particularly the priority networks, during the next New Visions update.  The task force provided some recommendations for future evaluations:

 

1.1.1 F. Mastroianni -    project sponsors should submit zoning codes and subdivision regulations with their project justification packages.

 

1.1.2 T. Fabozzi – some type of baseline should be determined for when it is acceptable to fund sidewalk projects with public money in new developments (i.e. all developments constructed after 20XX). 

 

1.1.3 J. Gritsavage – suggested categorizing communities in quadrants based on their current layout and their level of engagement in planning so as to reward the communities that are working towards the principles laid out in New Visions.

 

1.2 Bicycle Education – update – The final designs are almost done and CDTC has a contract with Lamar to advertise on CDTA busses beginning April 1.  Other formats, including rack cards (a/k/a palm cards) and posters will also be printed and distributed.  Recommendations for methods of distribution are appreciated!  The website, www.capitalcoexist.org is in the process of being developed and should be online around the same time the bus advertisements go out. 

 

J. Olson – recommended contacting Stewart’s to see if the messages can be printed on their milk cartons, as well as local television, radio and newspapers that would be willing to advertise the messages for free. 

 

1.3 Bike Map – the updated bike maps are done and ready for distribution.  Currently, maps are being limited to 120 per organization.  If you would like a map(s) please contact (CDTC)  

 

1.4 Bicycle Parking w/CDTA –There is a 50/50 match (up to $500) for bike racks for private businesses and 100% for public agencies.  Installation is not included but can be done through a CDTA-contractor and additional fee.  Applicants are responsible for making sure proper permits/variances are obtained before installing.  Applications and additional information can be found on the CDTA website at: http://cdta.org/riding_bike%20rack%20program.php. Applications are due by March 12. 

 

1.5 Error / Duplicate Subject (see 1.1)

 

1.6 Helderberg TrailAlbany County closed on the rail property and will begin sending out letters to encroachers.  Greenman Pedersen, Inc. was hired as the consultant on the project and is currently doing the preliminary and final designs.  They are hoping the final design will finished June 2010. 

 

1.7 Local Project Updates  

1.7.1 Route 50 Southern Gateway Study – a public workshop is scheduled for January 21 @ 6pm @ the Gideon Putnum Hotel Ballroom.

1.7.2 Albany Bicycle Master Plan – the final report is done and will be posted to the CDTC website by the end of the month.

 

1.8 “They just don’t get it….” – A group was formed on Facebook called “Promoting Anti-Cyclist Violence” and Facebook has refused to remove them.  Streetsblog originally reported on the group and the full article can be found on their blog: http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/01/08/facebook-refuses-to-remove-group-promoting-anti-cyclist-violence/.  If you are a Facebook member (or if you’re not you should join!) please join the counter group: “Help remove this hate group against cyclists.” 

 

1.9 Other New Business

 

1.9.1 If you have any ideas or suggestions for agenda items please contact Jason Purvis.

 

1.9.2 J. Gritsavage – NYSDOT’s Green Lites program is developing a version 3.0 which will eliminate elements that NYSDOT is already required to do.  Also, as recommended by the task force, mountable curbing will also be eliminated because of its bicycle unfriendliness.  FHWA is currently developing a similar system to rate all transportation projects across the country.  If the system becomes mandatory, the Green Lites program will likely be discontinued.

 

1.9.3 D. Dalpos – The final survey is being done for the Geyser Road Trail

 

1.9.4 M. Daley – Parks & Trails New York is rewarding communities for trail and greenway development through the 2010 Greenway and Community Trail Awards.  There are five categories – public leadership, volunteer service, corporate partnership, health trails healthy people, and outside the box.  Nomination forms can be found on their website at: http://www.ptny.org/pdfs/Greenway%20and%20Community%20Trail%20Awards/Greenway%20and%20Community%20Trail%20Awards%20-%202010.pdf and must be postmarked, emailed or faxed to Parks & Trails by January 25, 2010.  Please contact Martin (mdaley@ptny.org) if you have any questions. 

 

1.9.5 R Leslie – Bethlehem is having a Bike Expo on May 8 @ 10am – 1pm at the Elm Ave Park.

 

1.9.6 J. Olson – The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) has developed a project called “Cities for Cycling” to catalog, promote and implement the world’s best bicycle transportation practices in American municipalities.  They will essentially be reviewing design guidelines and standards, such as the MUTCD, and working on improving them.  They are also organizing to gain political support.  If you would like to check NACTO out please see their site: www.nacto.org.

 

2.0  Upcoming Events – Next Bike-Ped Meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2010 at 4:30 pm.