Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on June 13, 2006

Attendance: Mark Cashman (MHCC/LAB), Dom De Cecco (Retired), Rocky Ferraro (CDRPC), Dave Gehrs (CDTA), William Mackesey (Town of Clifton Park), Don Odell (Albany Bicycling Coalition), Henrietta O’Grady (Halfmoon Trails), Eric Ophardt (NYSDOT), Joshua Poppel (NYBC), Kevin Prickett (PTNY), Deb Spicer (NYSDOH), John Stangle (Town of Colonie), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Teresa La Salle (CDTC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

1.0 AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES REVIEW

The minutes from May’s meeting were approved without changes.

2.0 NEW BUSINESS

2.1 Regional Greenway Visioning Workshop: The workshop will be held on Tuesday June 20^th at the Crossings of Colonie and there is still plenty of space available for attendees.

2.2 Trail User Survey and Adjoining Residential Property Owner Survey: The user survey is underway and is being conducted by CDTC staff, volunteers, and SUNY Albany students. CDTC has begun the data input process. There are still plenty of slots available for volunteers to help out on the trails. Due to the lack of filled slots, there may be sites that will not be surveyed.

The Residential Surveys were sent out the week of June 5^th and continue to be returned.

2.3 Regional Bike-Hike Map: The 2006 version of CDTC’s Regional Bike-Hike Trail Map was printed the last week of May and requests have been coming in steadily.

2.4 Program Updates (SPOT, TEP, Linkage, etc.): SPOT Improvement solicitation is expected to go out around July 30^th.

TEP applications are due at NYSDOT on June 30^th and are expected to be received at CDTC on July 18^th for evaluation.

The next round of Linkage Solicitation will begin in August or September.

2.5 Other New Business

M. Cashman inquired about current work in the area of Schenectady County Community College and Washington Avenue in regards to sidewalk connections.

D. Odell noted that he appeared before the Albany City Common Council regarding the development of a committee on Bike/Ped issues and relations.

E. Ophardt noted that the next steps regarding Safe Routes to School at NYSDOT is to appoint a regional coordinator and an MPO Coordinator. He also noted that the Enhancement position at NYSDOT needs to be filled.

J. Poppel reported that NYBC’s Bike Month in May was very successful. NYBC recently held a 9 hour Road 1 Bicycle Class and is seeking interest in future courses.

I. Vamos referenced an article concerning the paving of the Mohawk-Hudson trail in Colonie in the journal of the Mohawk River Community Partners of Colonie.

J. Stangle confirmed that the Town of Colonie is looking into paving bids to pave the gravel section referenced in the above mentioned article.

I. Vamos also mentioned a Canal Corporation meeting on June 14^th in downtown Albany regarding special legislation to separate the Canal Corp., in which he will be attending.

E. Troy noted that she received an invitation by the Canal Corporation to participate in the “Canal Splash” on August 12^th and 13^th. The event includes locally organized events and activities such as nature and history walks, museum and gallery exhibits, rowing regattas, kayak and canoe outings, musical performances, boat tours, and more. To register and event or activity or for complete information, visit Johnnymilleradventures.com.

E. Troy also noted that New York Stat Physical Activity Coordinator, with the NYSDOH will be participating in a Safe Routes to School conference call.

D. Gehrs noted that the installation of bike racks on CDTA buses is on schedule and the entire fleet should be equipped by mid-August.

R. Ferraro discussed transportation issues in Saratoga County regarding trails and trail connections. A related discussion illuminated concerns with the landscape aesthetics of trails and the negative impact associated with the lack of landscape design regarding trails.

H. O’Grady reported that the Zim Smith Trail in Saratoga County is experiencing setbacks. The trail was supposed to have started construction in the Spring/Summer of 2006 but has been postponed due to ROW issues on one small section of the trail. Segmented construction is being looked into, but delays may postpone trail construction to next year. Saratoga Plan is pursuing the supporting the paving of trail segments.

H. O’Grady also reported that National Trails Day Events in the Town of Halfmoon were very successful.

E. Ophardt mentioned current legislation regarding Segway’s being treated as bicycles. NYSDOT was asked to comment and they strongly oppose the legislation.

3.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.