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.