Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on March 10, 2009

Attendance: Jason Purvis (CDTC), Nelson Ronsvalle (Town of Halfmoon), Raj Malhotra (NYSDOT Region 1), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH), Jim Levy (WSA/Niskayuna Resident), Don Odell (Albany Bicycling Coalition), Jen Ceponis (CDTC), Katie Bronson (City of Albany), Todd Fabozzi (CDRPC), Robert Leslie (Town of Bethlehem), Fred Mastroianmi (Greenman-Pedersen Inc.), Marsh Cashman (MHCC/LAB), Jim Gaughan (Village of Altamont), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Alan and Marlene Bissell (Champlain Canalway Trail and Hudson Crossings Park)

1.0 New Business

1.1 Bicycle Education – The Planning Committee agreed to move money in the UPWP for the bike education program. Because of the overwhelming support for cycling in the City of Albany, the program will be piloted there. There will be a project initiation meeting in the next couple of weeks to get the ball rolling. Bike advocates, such as the Governors Traffic Safety Committee and the New York Bicycling Coalition will likely be brought in as partners in the project.

1.2 Map Update – The CDTC interns and staff have collected data but some data needs to be confirmed. The trail map needs to be updated and there should be new maps by summer.

I. Vamos informed the Task Force that some changes in the rail use at the Guilford rail line may allow for an at-grade crossing instead of a grade-separated crossing as is currently planned.

1.3 NYS MPO Bike/Ped Coordinator Meeting – summary:

Safe Routes to School – Dwight Cunningham (NYSDOT) talked about potential changes in program for next round, including reaching out to different groups with a range of expertise.

Chapter 17 of the MUTCD – will be released in late 2009/early 2010.

MPO Conference – scheduled for June 4-6 at the Crowne Plaza, Albany.

Upstate APA Conference – scheduled for September 29 – October 2 at the Crowne Plaza, Albany.

1.4 Local Project Updates

1.4.1 Altamont Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan – The Village is prioritizing and exploring funding sources for the recommendations in the final plan. They will continue their relationship with CDTC and reach out to the Bike/Ped Task Force in the process of implementing their plan. The Village will be implementing a bike-friendly policy and the final study document is on CDTC website.

1.4.2 Albany Bicycle Master Plan – The attendance at the first public workshop was about 200 people, along with media coverage by a variety of news channels, the Times Union, Metroland and WAMC. Right now the consultants, CDTC, city and SAC is regrouping and moving forward with the second public workshop and meeting with public officials. Any comments or suggestions can be submitted by email. All documentation and information is on the CDTC website.

1.5 They just don’t get it… - nothing to report.

1.6 Other New Businesses

1.6.1 New Agenda Items or ideas for future meeting discussion/presentation topics should be forwarded to Jason.

M. Cashman – The Copake Bike Meet and Swap is scheduled for XXXXXX.

J. Ceponis – National Trails Day is June 6, 2009.

T. Fabozzi – There will be a presentation on sprawl at Proctor’s Theatre, March 22 and noon.

J. Gaughn – The Village of Altamont and the Altamont Historic Public Library are having their first bike race in September in Altamont.

I. Vamos – The Legislative Breakfast & Ride is scheduled for March 26. The purpose of the breakfast is to promote the Complete Street Legislation/Policy and advocate for its implementation.

E. Troy – May 13 the Glens Falls area is holding the vent, “Drivers Education for Bicyclists” / “Train the Trainer” for physical education teachers and recreation coordinators. It will be held at the Great Escape Water Park and Lodge.

R. Leslie – Albany County has contacted the Town of Bethlehem to begin discussions regarding the rail-trail. A public meeting is scheduled for end of May.

N. Ronsvale – NYSDOT with working with the town of Halfmoon on Routes 4 & 32 to cross the canal and accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. The Mechanicville Rail Yard may be an opportunity to extend and/or connect the Champlain Canal. The Hudson River Valley Greenway (HRVG) recently designated the Champlain trail as a Greenway trail.

M. Bissell – The HRVG designated Locke 5 as part of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trails system therefore giving it a “Legacy Trail” status. The Champlain Canalway Trail Project is moving along and being worked on by Roger Beard.

2.0 Upcoming Events

The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2009 @ 4:30 PM.