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),
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 @
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
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
Trail –
1.7 Local Project Updates
1.7.1
Route 50 Southern Gateway Study – a public workshop is scheduled for January 21
@
1.7.2
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
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 –
1.9.5
R Leslie –
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