Capital
District Transportation Committee
Bicycle
and Pedestrian Task Force
Record of
Meeting on June 10, 2008
Attendance: Ross Farrell (CDTA), Jim Levy
(Consultant/Colonie Resident), Jim Mearkle (Albany County DPW), Don Odell (ABC),
Elaine Troy (NYSDOH Healthy Heart Program), Michael Williams (CDTA), Jennifer Ceponis (CDTC), Teresa LaSalle (CDTC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)
1.0 NEW BUSINESS
1.1 Transportation
Enhancement Program: J. Purvis reminded attendees that applications are for
TEP projects are due June 27th
2008.
1.2 NYS MPO
Conference: J. Purvis noted that the NYS
MPO Annual Conference will be held June 12th and 13th in Niagara Falls, NY. Included in the agenda are two Bike/Ped
relevant sessions: a Complete Streets session and am Innovative Bike/Ped
Projects, Programs, and Funding session.
The overall theme of the conference is “MPO’s in the Future”.
1.3 MHBHT Map Update: T. LaSalle noted that although the map update
is behind schedule it is still moving forward.
An effort to enhance the existing map as much as possible in this update
as well as other responsibilities is causing delays. The Mohawk-Hudson Trail and other area trails
that will be shown on the map have been adjusted within the GIS to align with
aerial photography. This will enhance
the accuracy of the map. A student
intern will also be completing an off-road trail signage inventory using GPS,
which will verify the existing signed on-road portions.
1.4 Set-asides for TIP: J. Purvis reported that CDTC’s Planning
Committee will be making programming decisions regarding these projects in
July. Some of the fund sources have
more funds allocated to them than projects submitted. Due to this, all project categories will be
programmed together as some projects fit in multiple categories.
1.5 Local Project Updates:
1.51 Linkage Studies
J.
Purvis noted that the draft scope of work is currently being developed for the
Albany City Bicycling Master Plan and that four proposals have been received
for the Village of Altamont Bicycle Master
Plan. The
proposals are currently being reviewed and a consultant selection meeting will
be held at the end of June.
1.6 Spot Improvement
Program:
J. Purvis reported that CDTC is working with NYSDOT to update the application
paperwork. Solicitation is expected in
July or August.
1.7 Articles “They just DO
get it….”: : J. Purvis circulated
an article by Art Clayman of the Schenectady Gazette regarding the Ride of
Silence, in which Art participated in
1.8 Other New Business:
J.
Purvis noted that the NYS Office of Parks and Recreation is currently
conducting a Trail Survey along the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail. CDTC was given an opportunity to review the
survey content and found that there is some overlap of the 2006 Trail Survey
undertaken by CDTC. However, the results
of the current survey will be shared with CDTC for comparison with CDTC’s 2006
survey.
J.
Purvis noted that the FHWA website contains a downloadable report “Pedestrian
Safety Guide to Transit”.
R.
Farrell noted that Michael Williams has joined CDTA as a summer intern and will
be collecting and analyzing data for CDTA’s bike racks on buses usage.
E.
Troy reported that Mark Fenton, a nationally
recognized Bike/Ped advocate has bee hired by the Healthy Heart program to
assist with Safe Routes to Schools. There will be a panel discussion
about the benefits of having children walk to school.
D.
Odell noted that the Albany Bicycling Coalition is focusing on two urban
bicycling issues: Safe storage and parking of bicycles within the City of Albany and promoting the
“Share the Road” policy, educating both drivers and bicyclists to be
responsible in their behaviors. The ABC
is embracing the notion that separated bike paths are not feasible in the urban
environment and therefore are focusing on a behavioral approach to Sharing the
Road.
J.
Mearkle mentioned that he recently participated in a Road Safety Audit training
course at NYSDOT. As a result of this, Albany County has an interest in
working with local communities on Road Safety Audits. He noted that the Safety Audits can be geared
toward bike/ped safety issues.
3.0 UPCOMING EVENTS
The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian
Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, 2008 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.