Capital District Transportation Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Record of Meeting on October 12, 2010

 

Attendance: Don Odell (Albany Bicycling Coalition), Jason Purvis (CDTC), Jen Ceponis (CDTC), Todd Fabozzi (CDRPC), Carrie Ward (CDTA), Nelson Ronsvalle (Town of Halfmoon), Elaine Troy (NYSDOH Healthy Heart), Katie Bronson (City of Albany), Maxwell Figarsky (City of Albany), Mike Lyons (Town of Colonie), Jennifer Hogan (Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee), Ivan Vamos (NYBC), Jim Mearkle (Albany County DPW), Susan Olsen (NSYDOT Reg. 1), Jeff Gritsavage (NSYDOT)

 

1.0   New Business

1.1 Presentation by Rob Leslie, Town of Bethlehem Bike/Ped Project Rating Criteria

Typo – a presentation on the Town’s Bike/Ped Project Rating Criteria was given at the September meeting. 

 

1.2 Capital Coexist

1.2.1 Website – The site has recently encountered some problems but is back up, running and about 90% restored.  If you have any problems finding information or accessing the site contact Jason (BikePed@cdtcmpo.org). 

 

1.2.2 Social Media – Weekly bicycling safety tips are being posted to Twitter and Facebook.   

 

1.2.3 Outreach and displays - Stickers are now available.  If you are interested in obtaining one email info@capitalcoexist.org.  Capital Coexist will be attending GIS & World Town Planning Day at UAlbany on November 8.  If you would like to obtain educational materials or have Capital Coexist present or table at an event contact Jason (BikePed@cdtcmpo.org).   

 

1.3 Livingston Avenue Bridge – NYSDOT is currently in the project scoping process for the replacement/rehab of the Livingston Ave Bridge and has met with stakeholders to initiate discussions.  The stakeholders group meeting was held on Sept. 30 and the group voiced the need for pedestrian facilities on the bridge.  I. Vamos is working on gathering examples of rails with trails with bridges. K. Bronson said Chicago has some examples and J. Gritsavage has observed pedestrians using the bridge in its current state of disrepair.  All letters can be written to Richard Filkins, Project Manager, NYSDOT Region 1, 328 State St., Schenectady NY 12305.

 

1.4 Healthy Communities Meeting E. Troy gave the group an overview on the Healthy Communities committee – they are working to bring people together to build healthy infrastructure i.e. community gardens, playgrounds, etc.  Their next meeting is Dec. 8 and they are always looking for new action items.    

 

1.5 Transportation Equity Forum -   The New York State Transportation Equity Alliance co-sponsored a form with the Capital Region Transit Advocates and the New York State Apollo Alliance at the Albany Public Library Main Branch on September 21.  NYSTEA and the Alliance are looking to expand their advocacy statewide.  If you would like to receive information from NYSTEA please visit their website: www.nystea.net.   

 

1.6 Local Project Updates  

1.6.1 Route 50 Southern Gateway Study – CDTC and NYSDOT are reviewing the final draft.

 

1.6.2 Albany Education District Enhancement Study – The second public meeting was held October 6 at 6:30 pm at St. Rose’s Touhey Forum.  Preliminary recommendations include bicycle and pedestrian improvements throughout the study area, amenities such as benches, trash receptacles and pedestrian-scaled lighting, and design guidelines to make the area more vibrant and safe.   

 

1.6.3 New Scotland Hamlet Master Plan – The final REI draft is being worked on and should go out for bid later this month.

 

1.6.4 CDTA Bike Rack Program – C. Ward is still looking for installed bike racks rewarded in the last round.  Another solicitation is scheduled for Jan. 1 and applications will be due Feb. 1. 

 

1.6 “They just don’t get it….” – A picture from Santa Rosa, CA stating that Bike Extremists are invading their neighborhoods was shared.  To view the picture online visit: http://www.cyclelicio.us/2010/bicycle-extremists/.

 


1.7 Other New Business

1.7.1 J. Mearkle said that the first phase of Albany County’s Fuller Road project is almost finished and the second phase (Washington to Central) will begin next construction season.

 

2.0  Upcoming Events – Next Bike-Ped Meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2010 at 9:00 AM (Note: the Task Force is meeting at a new time)