Capital District Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on March 14, 2006

Attendance: Patrick Carroll (Safety Central Inc.), Denise Cashmere (Safety Central/Schenectady County Traffic Safety),Terry Conway (PTNY), David Gehrs (CDTA), Gina Gillooley (NYSDOH Bureau of Injury Prevention), Jennifer Hogan (GTSC), William Mackesey (Saratoga PLAN/ Clifton Park Open Space), Jim Mearkle, (Albany County DPW), Don Odell (Albany Bicycling Coalition), Henrietta O’Grady (Halfmoon Trails Committee), John Stangle (Town of Colonie), Erin Thomas (City of Cohoes), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH), Michael Alba (CDTC), Shelley Lang (CDTC),Teresa La Salle (CDTC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

1.0 AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES REVIEW

The minutes from February’s meeting were approved without changes.

2.0 NEW BUSINESS

2.1 Presentation – Safety Central: Patrick Carroll gave a presentation on Safety Central; a proposed educational project aimed at reducing traffic related injuries and fatalities among children. The project will expand on the model of “Safety City” in NYC a full-scale street with intersections, real traffic and pedestrian signals, street signs, pavement markings, and street furniture. The facility and programs will be available to elementary schools in seven counties in the region for age appropriate education in Bicycle/Pedestrian safety, in-line and non motorized scooter safety, school bus and school zone safety, railroad crossing safety and stranger awareness. Additionally, a permanent child safety seat fitting station will be available to educate adults regarding the proper installation and use of child safety seats. For further information visit www.Safetycentralinc.com

2.2 Survey materials: J. Purvis distributed the trail user and adjoining residential property owner surveys. He also provided a copy of the REI that is expected to be advertised sometime after April 3^rdon CDTC’s website and in the NYS Contract Reporter. Those that received the draft REI are not eligible for the survey contract.

2.3 Regional Greenway Concept: J. Purvis reminded task force members of the planned upcoming workshop including a facilitated discussion by Jeff Olson on the Regional Greenway Concept. The date and time is yet to be determined. Invitations are expected to go out after April 1^st.

2.4 Updated Regional Bike-Hike Map—Status Report: T. LaSalle noted that the new map will feature detailed views of major trails as well as an overview of the four county planning area. The new design is moving along and at this time a spring or summer print is expected.

2.5 Other New Business

SPOT Improvement Program – J. Purvis noted that solicitation for projects will occur in May and be due in late June. It is anticipated that once again 3 years will be funded at a time; $100,000 a year ($240,000 Federal). The program is reimbursable and municipalities must front the money. Funds are to be used for small scale bicycle and pedestrian capital improvements, not for planning. There will be minor administrative changes to the process. The focus will be on filling gaps and implementing plans form other planning efforts.

NOTE: Planning Committee will decide on solicitation options at its April 5, 2006 meeting. To avoid overlap with the TEP, the Spot solicitation may be delayed until the summer.

Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) – J. Purvis reported that CDTC has received the draft schedule for the next round of enhancements. Solicitation is expected in April 2006. Minimum project cost is $100,000 and maximum project cost including local match is $2.5 Million.

T. Conway of Parks and Trails NY noted that they are currently accepting UTAP Applications. Parks and Trails NY is also working with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation on developing database of organizations that are involved with managing and/or maintaining trails in New York State.

H. O’Grady reported that the Halfmoon Trails Master Plan has been approved.

D. Gehrs noted that CDTC’s entire bus fleet will be equipped with bicycle racks by mid-August 2006.

2.3 Regional Greenway Concept: J. Purvis reminded task force members of the planned upcoming workshop including a facilitated discussion by Jeff Olson on the Regional Greenway Concept. The date and time is yet to be determined. Invitations are expected to go out after April 1^st.

2.4 Updated Regional Bike-Hike Map—Status Report: T. LaSalle noted that the new map will feature detailed views of major trails as well as an overview of the four county planning area. The new design is moving along and at this time a spring or summer print is expected.

2.5 Other New Business

3.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.

2.3 Regional Greenway Concept: J. Purvis reminded task force members of the planned upcoming workshop including a facilitated discussion by Jeff Olson on the Regional Greenway Concept. The date and time is yet to be determined. Invitations are expected to go out after April 1st.

2.4 Updated Regional Bike-Hike Map—Status Report: T. LaSalle noted that the new map will feature detailed views of major trails as well as an overview of the four county planning area. The new design is moving along and at this time a spring or summer print is expected.

2.5 Other New Business

3.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.

2.3 Regional Greenway Concept: J. Purvis reminded task force members of the planned upcoming workshop including a facilitated discussion by Jeff Olson on the Regional Greenway Concept. The date and time is yet to be determined. Invitations are expected to go out after April 1^st.