Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on May 8, 2007

 

 

Attendance: Jim Levy (Latham resident), Raj Malhotra (NYSDOT Region One Planning), Don Odell (Albany Bicycling Coalition), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH Healthy Heart), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Jason Purvis (CDTC)

 

1.0 AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES REVIEW

 

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

 

2.0 NEW BUSINESS

 

2.1 New Visions 2030: J. Purvis reviewed the New Visions 2030 schedule and explained that Planning Committee approved the new pieces that are required for SAFETEA-LU compliance.  The Planning Committee will meet again on May 23, 2007 to act on the remaining New Visions pieces.  

 

2.2 Toolbox Document:  The document was approved by the Planning Committee at the May 2, 2007 meeting.  The updated Toolbox will serve as the bicycle and pedestrian component for New Visions 2030.  CDTC’s Policy Board will take action on New Visions 2030 at its June 7, 2007 meeting.  If approved, there will be an initial 60 day public review period.  Additional comments on the Toolbox will be accepted and incorporated (if appropriate) before final approval in September.    

 

2.3 Creating Walkable Communities Conference in Corning, NY: Those in attendance commented on what a great conference it was.  ITSMR deserves special recognition for the great planning and coordination of the conference.

 

2.4 Scheduling of Future Meetings:  J. Purvis noted that meeting notices, agendas, and meeting notes will be posted to CDTC’s website and will no longer be mailed.  Anyone that does not have access to the web should contact Jason for hardcopies of materials.  Future meeting dates were scheduled for:

 

July 17, 2007

August 14, 2007

September 11, 2007

October 16, 2007

November 13, 2007

December 11, 2007

 

 

2.5 Other New Business: 

 

J. Purvis noted that CDTC is looking into updating the Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail Map and possibly printing more copies of the Regional Bike-Hike Map.

 

J. Purvis noted that CDTC is working with CDRPC to finalize the Trail Survey document.  Jason will be presenting the preliminary findings at DOT Region 1 on June 20th.

 

I Vamos discussed the NYBC Legislative Breakfast on Tuesday May 15th at 9am in Room 211A of the Legislative Office Building.  After the breakfast, NYBC will hold its annual Legislative Ride from 10:15-11:00am.  Please contact Ivan Vamos or Joshua Poppel for more information (www.nybc.net). 

 

On Wednesday May 16th there will be a Ride of Silence to remember cyclists killed on roadways.  The ride will begin at 6:30pm at St. James Square in Niskayuna.  Please contact Susan Troll at 782-4982 for more information.

 

D. Odell reported on the activities of the Albany Bicycling Coalition.  These include lobbying the Albany City Council to pass a resolution creating a comprehensive plan committee which will better serve the residents of Albany.  The intent is to make Albany more Walkable, bikeable, and bus friendly.  This effort has been combined with neighborhood groups and advocacy groups.

 

The Albany Bicycling Coalition is still working on a “Proposed Bike Route Pilot Project in the City of Albany” with the focus of developing a major street route for experienced cyclists and a side street route for less experienced cyclists connecting uptown with downtown.  The issues are funding and how it relates to other projects in the City and Region. 

 

3.0 UPCOMING EVENTS

The next CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 12, 2007 4:30 p.m. at the CDTC Offices.