Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of the Meeting on November 13, 2012

Attendance: Linda Von der Heide (Rensselaer County), Mary Harding (NSYDOT SRTS), Carrie Ward (CDTA), Susan Olson (NYSDOT RI), , Don Odell (Albany Bicycling Coalition), Brian Kehoe (NYBC), Gina Gillooley (NYSDOH), Mike Lyons (Town of Colonie), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Ed Tremblay (City of Cohoes), Elaine Troy (NYS DOH), EJ Krans (CDCG), Ric Mackenzie (NYBC), Jim Mearkle (Albany County), Kate Lawrence (City of Albany), Jen Hogan (GTSC), Todd Fabozzi (CDRPC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

1.0 New Business

Todd gave a presentation on a recent Creating Walkable Communities grant in Rensselaer County. Todd highlighted specific issues around the schools in the area, specifically East and North Greenbush and discussed broad development patterns and opportunities for solving and preventing walkability issues. A final document will be on the CDRCP website soon. This item was not listed on the November agenda.

1.1 Enforcement Training

Jason discussed the recent enforcement training held at the NYS Police Academy building on the Harriman Campus. There were 23 participants from nearly 10 agencies. The enforcement training discussion led to talks about cycling around the airport. Ivan pointed out that there are a lot of disjointed trails near British American Blvd and the airport. It was felt that when these become connected, the airport will be a better destination for cyclists.

1.2 Safe Routes to School

M. Harding shared that the Safe Routes to School applications are currently being reviewed. There are regional review committees for the infrastructure projects and a statewide review committee for non-infrastructure only applications. Expected announcements for funding are expected in December 2012.

1.3 CMAQ Solicitation

There were a lot of discussions related to CMAQ funding. It is expected that in 2014, the Capital Region will become an attainment area and may no longer be eligible to receive CMAQ funds. Jason indicated that there are some un-programmed CMAQ funds from existing set-asides. There may be additional funds from projects that cannot progress before October 1, 2014 (FFY 2015). A limited solicitation for CMAQ projects was sent out by CDTC.

1.4 Map Updates

Jason indicated that CDTC has less than a handful of the Regional Bike/Hike Maps available. The last printing was in 2006. CDTC has approximately 1000 Mohawk Hudson maps in stock. There is still some question about what the format of any new map will be. It was suggested to continue having some printed copies as many like to have it physically in their hands when riding.

1.5 Local Project Updates

· E. Tremblay indicated that Cohoes is trying to complete the Heritage Trail system before the end of the construction season. The switchback will be completed in the spring.

o The bids on the Black Bridge came in about 50% higher than the budget. Cohoes has met with NYSDOT and it is anticipated they can get about $75,000 savings on the rail system. Hoping for construction in the spring of 2013.

· D. Odell suggested that the new roundabout on Fuller Road isn’t recommended for casual/recreational cyclists.

· K. Lawrence said there will be a Albany Bike Share/Wayfinding public meeting in December. (Since the November meeting, the public meeting has been postponed until January. Exact date/time TBD.)

· B. Kehoe indicated that NYBC is continuing to work with a larger group to protect federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects. NYBC has met with the Governor’s office and the potential exists for a bike/ped line item in the upcoming budget. There are plenty of opportunities for members to participate. Contact Brian (brian@nybc.net) for more information.

· M. Lyons said that the Town of Colonie’s Safe Routes to School project from Round 1 will be going out for bid in mid-December with construction expected in 2013.

2.0 Upcoming Events

Meetings Open to the Public:

NEXT CDTC BIKE & PED TASK FORCE MEETING: December 11, 2012 9:00 AM