Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on January 8, 2008

Attendance: Jennifer Clunie (NYBC), Ed Franks, David Gehrs (CDTA), Amy Jesaitis (NYSDOH), Rob Leslie (Town of Bethlehem), James Levy (Latham Resident), Raj Malhotra (NYSDOT Region 1 Planning), Kelly Mateja (Town of Colonie), Don Odell (ABC), Henrietta O’Grady (Halfmoon Trails), Joshua Poppel (NYBC), Nelson Ronsvalle (Town of Halfmoon), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH Healthy Heart), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Teresa LaSalle (CDTC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

1.0 NEW BUSINESS

1.1 Safe Routes to School (Program Update): J. Purvis noted that there will be an informational workshop on January 24^th at The Crossings of Colonie at 10 am to discuss the program details. As of the task force meeting, 51 attendees were confirmed.

1.2 GPS Technology and map updates: J. Purvis reported that CDTC’s anticipated budget for trail related mapping for the next two years will be $10,000. The Mohawk – Hudson Bike – Hike Trail Map is due for a reprint this Spring. Please review the existing Mohawk – Hudson Bike – Hike Trail Map and note any known changes to trail alignment, etc. to CDTC as soon as possible. The reprint will not change in format, but will include any relevant changes to the trail that have occurred since the 2004 version.

CDTC is currently looking into purchasing GPS technology to assist in many data collection activities, including trail alignment to increase the accuracy of the trail maps.

1.3 Local Project Updates:

1.31 Linkage Studies

J. Purvis noted that the Cohoes, Van Schaick Island Study is progressing. The study is looking into bicycle connections as well as other transportation improvements. A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 29^th at 6:30 PM at the Van Schaick Elementary School.

J. Purvis and J. Levy reported that the Exit 26 Rotterdam Study is progressing. As part of the project, the trail crossing at Route 5S is being studied for safety improvements. A Public Meeting is expected in February.

J. Levy noted that the Route 9W project in the Town of Bethlehem will be holding a Study Advisory Committee meeting on January 10^th.

T. LaSalle noted that the Menands Route 32/Broadway study is in progress. The second Study Advisory Committee meeting is expected to be held in February.

J. Purvis noted that a Public Meeting will be held for the NY 146/Exit 9 study on January 23^rd at 7:00 PM in the new Town Hall in Halfmoon. This is the first public meeting for this study.

1.4 “They just don’t get it….”:

1.5 Other New Business:

J. Purvis reported that CDTC is currently working on the solicitation process for an upcoming round of CMAQ (Congestion, Mitigation, Air Quality) funds. Most bike/ped projects are eligible for this type of funding. Recreation only projects are not eligible, projects must have a transportation focus. There is a one million dollar set-aside for CDTC’s planning area for bike/ped capital projects, approximately 5 million dollars for Roundabout/Intersection projects, and there will also be some additional set-aside funds for Safety and ITS improvements for local signals. There will be a focus on projects that implement recommendations from Linkage studies and other plans, such as local master plans. As this is a federal funding program, 80/20 march is required. The solicitation will take place in early Spring 2008, but the funds will not be available immediately.

D. Gehrs noted that all of CDTA’s BRT Buses will be equipped with bicycle racks and will be hybrid. Twenty stations are planned along the BRT Route on NY 5 from Albany to Schenectady.

D. Gehrs also noted that CDTA has been collecting data on the use of the bicycle racks on their existing fleet. The count is dependant on drivers entering the data. Survey results indicate the following monthly averages for 2008:

Summer = 2500

Fall = 2000

December = 900

J. Purvis reported that the next solicitation of SPOT Improvement projects will occur in May. Total funding available for small scale capital bike/ped projects is $300,000.

H. O’Grady noted that the Town of Halfmoon now has a grant writer, Nelson Ronsvalle.

E. Franks stated that he is interested in improvements to the Mohawk – Hudson Bike – Hike Trail pavement conditions for rollerblading.

R. Leslie noted that a recent press conference was held regarding the Helderberg Trail Project in Albany County.

D. Odell noted that advocates have been placing white bicycles in locations where bicyclist have lost their lives to represent “ghost bikes” and draw attention to the frequency of these often preventative tragedies.

J. Poppel noted the occurrence of monthly Safe Routes to School conference calls. Strategic planning is the focus of these calls. If anyone is interested in participating, please contact Josh or Jason for more information.

J. Poppel also noted that Be Active NYS and the NYBC can aid applicants with an Education and Encouragement focus for Safe Routes to Schools funds in the application process.

Grants have been received to hold five Safe Routes to School Training sessions throughout the state. One will be held in Clinton. For more information regarding any Safe Routes to School information, please contact Josh or visit NYBC on the web.

3.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 12, 2008 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.