Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of the Meeting on February 12, 2013

 

Attendance: Linda Von der Heide (Rensselaer County), Mary Harding (NSYDOT SRTS), Carrie Ward (CDTA), Don Odell (Albany Bicycling Coalition), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Ed Tremblay (City of Cohoes), Elaine Troy (NYS DOH), Kate Lawrence (City of Albany), Todd Fabozzi (CDRPC), Tom Johnson (TRJohnson Engineering), Paul Russell (Colonie resident), Rob Leslie (Town of Bethlehem), Gina Gillooley (NYS DOH), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

 

1.0  New Business

 

1.1 Safe Routes to School

M. Harding reported that NYSDOT made the announcements for the latest round of SRTS projects on January 4th.  Each DOT region is working on hosting a kick-off meeting for funded sponsors.  Region 1’s meeting was scheduled after the February Task Force meeting for March 28th from 1-4pm at the CDTC offices.

 

 

1.2 Strategic Transportation Enhancement Program (STEP)…not TEP.

Jason shared the NYSDOT solicitation for STEP projects.  The deadline for applications is February 28th.  CDTC and Region 1 are asking for proposals by the 22nd to ensure inclusion in the review process.  Jason tried to answer the questions about the funding as best he could.

 

1.3 Estuary Communities (NYS DEC) & HSIP

Jason shared paper copies of two RFP’s administered by DEC.  They are funding opportunities related to connections to the Hudson River estuaries and environmental justice access.

 

Jason also shared the Highway Safety Infrastructure Program solicitation.  Proposals  are due on March 30th.

           

 

1.4  NYSMPO Bike/Ped Working Group

Jason shared the MPO Working Group work plan and discussed 2 of the major goals.  The first is suggesting questions to DMV for inclusion on the new driver exam.  The second involves surveying past recipients of bike/ped funding to quantify the benefits for use when considering the future use of TA funds.  This group will be meeting in person on March 20th.  Jason will continue to share the outcome with the Task Force.

 

1.5  Local Project Updates

·       E. Tremblay reported that Cohoes is waiting for construction friendly weather to continue work on the trail and black bridge projects.

·       D. Odell reported that the Albany Bicycling Coalition will be hosting a Bike Fair on Sunday May 5th.

·       K. Lawrence reported that the Bike Share/Signage study is coming to a close.  The consultant team is incorporating comments from the final public meeting.  Kate also indicated that there is some interest from the City Common Council to introduce Complete Streets for consideration.  Albany is also participating in a Bike the Hill event in May.

·       E. Troy –inquired about a project on Hamburg Street in Rotterdam.  Jason will look into it and get back to Elaine.

·       G. Gillooley mentioned that a contract has been negotiated with Peter Flucke to provide law enforcement training in Nassau County on March 25th and 26th.  A second training is Syracuse is anticipated in May.

·       I. Vamos reported that Assemblyman Reilly secured funds for a sidewalk connection on Route 9 between Siena College and the Newton Plaza shopping center.

 

Ivan also reported on the bicycle related meeting in Troy.  He indicated that the group which includes the Troy Bike Rescue is very excited in expanding bicycle safety and access in Troy.  The City has received favorable support to pass Complete Streets applications.

 

                                                           

·       R. Leslie reported that the Bethlehem Town Supervisor, in the State of the Town Address, made a push for the Town Board to include sidewalk construction and maintenance in the Town budget.  The Town is going to take a comprehensive look at sidewalk maintenance.  The Town is also in the infancy stages of taking the national Role Model Program and implementing it at the local level.

 

 

1.6  “They Just Don’t Get It”

 

 

2.0 Upcoming Events

Meetings Open to the Public:

NEXT CDTC BIKE & PED TASK FORCE MEETING: March 12, 2013 9:00 AM