New York Bicycling Coalition

Support the LARBC by Contacting the Rensselaer County Legislature

brkehoe — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:13:34 +0000

Dear Livingston Avenue Bridge Supporters,

Tomorrow night the Rensselaer County Legislator will vote on a resolution, introduced by Legislator Stammel, to support rehabilitation of the Livingston Avenue Bridge Walkway, should the bridge be replaced.

I am writing to urge you to support the reconstruction of this Walkway by contacting representatives of the Rensselaer County Legislature and asking them to support this resolution. Some talking points are below.

A letter, email, phone call, and or attendance of tomorrow’s meeting are all ways you can lend your support.

On a similar note, I have begin working on contacting legislators in Albany County to ask them to pass a similar resolution. Your assistance in getting this ball rolling is also important.

Once we can get both cities and counties on either side of the river to pass supporting resolutions, I will begin gearing up for State Assembly and Senate support.

Thank you.

About the Bridge

The Livingston Avenue Railroad Bridge, between the cities of Albany and Rensselaer, is slated to be completely reconstructed in 2017 as part of New York State’s High Speed Rail initiative. The reconstruction will be overseen by the Federal Rail Administration and the bridge’s replacement is undergoing design by the New York State Department of Transportation. Reconstruction of the bridge’s existing walkway should be a priority for the new design.

The current incarnation of this bridge, dating back to 1901, was constructed as a multi-modal facility. For nearly a century the walkway on the south side of this bridge made it possible for pedestrians and bicyclists to easily and safely cross the Hudson River between Albany and Rensselaer. The walkway, in dire need of repair, was closed in the late 1980s / early 1990s and has been inaccessible ever since.

When the bridge is replaced, the new span should accommodate and address long-standing and well-documented community goals such as improved access to downtown areas, congestion mitigation, and enhanced connection to the Hudson waterfront, and links a growing network of multi-use trails; including the New York State Canalway Trail, the Albany County Rail Trail, and the proposed Rensselaer County Trail. Enhancing walking and biking transportation across the Hudson River will increase the efficiency of the transportation network without impeding rail traffic.

The benefits of a Restored Walkway

Rail with trail is common and mutually beneficial in many communities throughout the country and New York State. Potential conflicts between rail traffic and walkers & bicyclists can be mitigated through the use of fences, gates, barriers, and warning systems that have been employed in movable bridges in other areas of the state; including places as urban as New York City, and rural as the bucolic comminutes along the Erie Canalway Trail. The return on investment for bicycle-pedestrian facilities is very high compared to most other transportation projects, and the added cost of bicycle-pedestrian accommodations on a new bridge would be a small fraction of the entire project cost.

Investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure can provide a wide array of benefits including an increase in physical activity, tourist spending, reduced congestion and travel time, safer streets and neighborhoods, a cleaner environment and reduced dependence upon foreign oil. The Capital Region has demonstrated a lasting commitment to robust mass transit as well as “complete streets” which are safe for travel by all roadway users including bicyclists, walkers, people with disabilities and children. The new LAB can be a cornerstone of our growing multi-modal transportation network by connecting urban centers across the Hudson River.

Support for the Reconstruction

Support for rehabilitation of the LAB is strong on both the Albany and Rensselaer side of the Hudson River. The project was added to the Capital Region’s Transportation Improvement Plan over a decade ago. Reconstruction of the walkway is mentioned in several community plans:

Albany 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2011)
City of Rensselaer Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Update (2011)
Albany Master Bike Plan (2009) (incorporated into the 2030 plan)
Hudson River Crossing Study (2008)
Tech Valley Trails Regional Trails Plan (2007)
Patroon Creek Greenway Plan (2004)
Rensselaer County Trail from the Livingston Ave. Bridge to the Troy-Menands Bridge (2004)
The studies above were the result of a great deal of public input and discussion and reflect a widespread consensus that the Capital Region will benefit greatly from bicycle-pedestrian investments on the new LAB. Each can all be found here.

In December the city of Albany passed a resolution in support of the walkway. In January the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Greenway Conservancy did the same.

The LARBC is a broad-based network of organizations, community leaders, advocates, and stakeholders throughout the Capital Region, working to ensure that the new LAB will provide safe and comfortable access for bicyclists and pedestrians. The coalition is supported by several local, regional, and state-wide organizations including: Parks & Trails New York, The New York State Bicycling Coalition, The Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Empire State Futures, and Capital Region Transportation Advocates.

I look forward to working with you to ensure that the Capital Region’s waterfront is a safe, attractive, and easily accessible place for all Capital Region residents and visitors. Thank you for supporting the Livingston Avenue Bridge Walkway reconstruction.

Join us: Twitter: @LARBC / Facebook: www.facebook.com/LARBC

Find us online: www.ptny.org/advocacy/LivingstonAve — the website includes links to the studies and resolutions I mention above, as well as supporting documentation on the value of trails.

Martin Daley

Update on the anti-bike/ped Transportation Bill

brkehoe — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:51:08 +0000

An Update on the Transportation Bill with information provided by T4America:

Last week the House moved its transportation bill through two key committees – the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and Ways & Means, meaning it is now ready for a vote on the floor. The Senate also passed its bill through the Banking Committee last week, and the Finance Committee is set to pass it tomorrow, which will make the Senate bill ready for a floor vote as well. It looks like leadership in both houses of Congress want to pass their respective bills by Presidents’ Day – meaning the next 2 weeks are critical.
As identified by T4America, “there are a handful of the many problems with the House bill (HR 7):”

Ends dedicated funding for public transportation (supposedly keeps funding at current levels through transfers from the general fund, but these would not be in a secure trust fund so Congress could redirect them at any time).
Completely eliminates the Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to Schools dedicated pedestrian/bicycle programs.
Guts the CMAQ program – states would be allowed to use CMAQ to fund any project that reduces congestion (in the short term), including highway expansions.
Aggressively “streamlines” the environmental review process.
Many groups are also angry about the funding sources – expanded oil drilling in the continental shelves and Alaska.

Future Actions to oppose the bill include:

T4America and other national transportation and environmental groups (and possibly even some conservative groups that oppose the House bill) are organizing a call-in day on Thursday, February 9th which will target House members. You can stand by for T4’s action alert, or write your own.
The Tri-State Transportation Committee is organizing a sign-on letter for the state’s House delegation later this week.

Actions Already Taken

Today, MTA Chairman Joe Lhota, TWU President John Samuelsen, NYCDOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and U.S. Representatives Crowley, Nadler, Maloney, and Rangel held a press conference at Grand Central against the House bill’s transit provisions. I know that the Capital District Transportation Authority has also reached out to the Albany-area members (Tonko and Gibson) and that NYPTA may more broadly mobilize as well.
Mayor Bloomberg also came out against the House bill through the Building America’s Future coalition.
Over 600 organizations across the country have signed on to a T4/APTA letter against the House bill, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AARP, the National Rural Assembly, American Society of Civil Engineers, LOCUS (real estate developers), and the National Association of Counties.

Building for America’s Future - Non-Profit Protesting the Proposed Transportation Bill

NYBC urges concerned citizens to join the opposition and prevent the giant step backward for bike and pedestrian investment in the United States.

Revenge on the Underworld of Stolen Bikes

brkehoe — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:58:05 +0000

Bike theft has become an increasingly pressing issue in the United States. According the National Bike Registry and statistics accumulated by the FBI, somewhere around 1 million bike thefts occur each year totaling some 350 million dollars in lost property. Often under-publicized and not followed through by many police departments, bike theft continues to increase as there is little being done to prevent it. Patrick Symmes, an author staying in New York in 2006, was inspired to catch bike thieves after his bike was stolen in broad daylight in a busy New York City street. Symmes wrote a piece for Outside Magazine entitled “Who Pinched My Ride” which tells his cross-country journey that included “gps trackers, police stakeouts and sting operations” in his quest to understand and publicize the underworld of bike theft across the country. Bike theft is often over looked as many law enforcement agencies aren’t engaged in following through with bike theft cases. Patrick Symmes’ story captures a glaring need in biking: Their Protection.

For the full article on NPR.org, Click Here.

For Patrick Symmes ”Who Pinched My Ride” Piece, Click Here.

New Urbanists Complete Principles for Sustainable Street Networks

brkehoe — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:49:32 +0000

At the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting in Washington D.C. this year, the 91st of which has taken place, one of the hot topics is the Congress for New Urbanism’s release of their Principles for Sustainable Street Networks. The aim of the principles defined in their report is to “promote developmental patterns that add value to communities” by incorporating three pieces:

Perform as a transportation thoroughfare (For ALL modes)
Serve as a commercial marketplace
Serve as public space

The report outlines the need for streets to be redesigned to connect to the community and not be dominated by personal automobiles. Cyclists should support these principles as they pursue streets that allow for safe travel for bicyclists, pedestrians and motor-vehicle transportation. Along with the Complete Streets Movement, NYBC supports advocating to improve streets to be safe and enjoyable for all modes, and commend the CNU for providing principles to improve current conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.

To check out the Congress for New Urbanism’s Principles for Sustainable Street Networks, Click Here.

Bicycling is Transportation

brkehoe — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:53:54 +0000

Harvey Botzman’s Testimony at the Joint Legislature Finance Committee’s Hearing

For the past 25 years Harvey Botzman has been actively involved in the local Rochester bicycle club as well as the Coalition. Nineteen years ago he began writing and self-publishing bicycle tour guide books. Four of his seven books detail routes in New York State: ‘Round Lake Ontario: A Bicyclist’s Tour Guide, 3rd Edition, Erie Canal Bicyclist & Hiker Tour Guide, 3rd Edition, Finger Lakes Bicyclist’s Tour Guide, 2nd Edition, and ‘Round Lake Erie: A Bicyclist’s Tour Guide, 2nd Edition. In addition to his bicycling and writing activities, Mr. Botzman is actively involved in attracting tourists to New York State by serving on the Canal New York Marketing and Business Alliance, Inc. Board of Directors and as a member of the organizing committee for the New York State Travel and Vacation Association, Inc. Empire State Tourism Conference Committee.

Youtube Link URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzpwsqW3_p8

Harvey Botzman’s testimony at this Joint Legislature Finance Committee hearing reflects the New York Bicycling Coalition’s position. This testimony has neither been discussed nor approved by either the Canal New York Marketing and Business Alliance, Inc. or the New York State Travel & Vacation Association, Inc. Boards, of Directors.

For the Full Testimony, Click Here

New Tappan Zee Bridge EIS Includes Pathway for Bicyclists and Pedestrians

brkehoe — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:13:23 +0000

NYBC has been supporting the addition of a multi–use path along the newly desgned Tappan Zee Bridge crossing the Hudson River between Westchester and Rockland Counties since the project was first discussed. We served on advisory committees and continue to provide advice today. Our clear support was for this strategic route for non-motorized travel across the River within a thirty-two mile span of dense population centers that now lack of any such bike connectivity. However we also supported a cost effective and practical project that’s in keeping with the anticipated uses and the design standards that should guide such projects.

Review of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the new bridge, released 1 / 23 / 12 by NYS DOT and the Thruway Authority, indicates that the new bicycle and pedestrian crossing will be a part of the replacement bridge that is now being advanced on a “fast tracked” basis. NYBC is especially pleased to note that this facility is included first, and foremost as a part of the “transportation” services provided. The EIS states; “The Replacement Bridge Alternative would include pedestrian and bicycle accommodations which are not available on the existing bridge.” Thus the bike commuters, and those traveling by bikes or other non-motorized modes are served by this transportation link, a link that’s been missing for more than a half century.

Recreational uses, community improvement and tourism benefits are also noted in the EIS, with reference to the rich assortment of trails bike routes and destinations that abound at both ends of the Bridge. Additionally NYBC advised the project managers that measurable benefits for air quality, fuel savings, transportation equity, emergency uses and public health will also accrue from the availability of the new trail crossing.

Unfortunately the commitment for a mass transit link across the Bridge, probably by a dedicated express bus – high occupancy vehicle lane is only conceptually treated in the EIS. NYBC continues to support such a mass transit improvement, but also recommends that this mass transit link should also carry bikes on the bus services that facilitate this river crossing.

Public hearings on the EIS are scheduled; Hearings are scheduled on 2 / 28 / 12 in the Palisades Center, West Nyack and on 3 / 1 / 12 at the Westchester Marriott, Terrytown, both at 4 to 9PM with presentations at 5 and 7 PM. Additional information regarding the details associated with the design of the new bicycle – pedestrian crossing will be provided in future NYBC newsletters, based on scheduled and future advisory meetings we are privileged to provide out input.

NYBC partners in NYS Bike-Ped policy formation

brkehoe — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:37:54 +0000

On January 19, 2012, NYBC staff participated in an important statewide meeting of bicycle-pedestrian officials. As the state’s advocate for bicyclists’ rights, NYBC was invited to attend the NYSMPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Staff Meeting.

At this meeting officials from Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and the State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) discussed many issues central to providing safe and equal access to bicyclists. NYBC’s Brian Kehoe participated in order to share NYBC’s role in improving bicycling conditions throughout the state. The statewide Complete Street Law goes into effect in February 2012 and NYBC is working to ensure that this law actually leads to significant improvements in local communities. NYBC asks hard questions about such matters as when NYSDOT will finally release long delayed Transportation Enhancements Program funding and the details of its proposed rumble strip policy.

NYBC is effective because we speak up for bicyclists when important decisions are made. We vigilantly protect your rights as a bicyclist.

Proposed Transportation Bill Threatens to Eliminate Critical Bike and Ped Funding

brkehoe — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:37:40 +0000

Federal funding for bicycle-pedestrian programs continues to face severe threats. In our November 2011 ENews, NYBC reported on the transportation bill being considered in the U.S. Senate. This bill, called MAP-21, would have placed drastic reductions to the programs that have funded a large portion of the nation’s bicycle and pedestrian investments during the past twenty years. Most recently, the newly proposed national Transportation Bill, labeled the ‘American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act’ threatens to cut the already unacceptable 1.6% of federal transportation funding for bike and ped funding even further.

The pie graph above provides evidence that the Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to Schools Program account for over 50 percent of funding towards Bike and Ped Projects - Source US Dept. of Transportation

The bill would utilize taxes placed on from oil and gas drilling fees to fund a five-year, 52 billion dollar a year program that would spend roughly 260 billion dollars in its lifetime. While that seems like a nice chunk of money for transportation projects, two major cyclist programs – the Transportation Enhancement Program and Safe Routes to School would be eliminated. These two programs help to fund bike and pedestrian transportation infrastructure, and without these programs bike funding can be sliced yet again.

Biking and Walking are essential to life for Americans and specifically New Yorkers. We cannot cut funding to bike and pedestrian transportation as it is already such a low piece of the funding pie as it is. Federal funding for bike and walking keeps people safe and provides multi-modal transportation options that currently lack in most regions. We as Americans and New Yorkers deserve better. We have to ensure biking and walking is part of this nation’s future. Advocacy is the key to protecting funding for bicycle-pedestrian programs. Advocates around the nation are pushing for an improved bill that protects funding to the programs that provide so much value for so little investment. NYBC urges its members and allies to contact Members of Congress to educate them about the benefits of core bike-ped funding programs such as Safe Routes to Schools, the Transportation Enhancements Program and the Recreational Trails Program. Take Action! We must defend these key programs – as walkers and bicyclists, as supporters of sound investment in communities and as tax-payers who demand a high return on transportation investments. Consider attending the National Bike Summit, where hundreds of people will be lobbying for sustained funding for bicycling and walking. Executive Director Brian Kehoe will be at the National Summit leading the New York delegation.

NY ranks at the bottom of the 2012 Bicycling and Walking Benchmark Report

brkehoe — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:35:21 +0000

The Alliance for Biking and Walking just put out its Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2012 Benchmarking Report. The statistics don’t lie and as of the latest report biking and walking make up just 12 percent of all mode trips, while representing 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, yet only receive 1.6 percent of federal transportation funding, shown in the diagram to the right.

The numbers give a sense of the disparity of federal transportation funding that’s dedicated to bike and pedestrian improvements. As a nation, we must improve the amount of transportation trips taken by bike or by walking. With the current reality that only 12 percent of all transportation trips are by bike or walking, yet represent 14 percent of all transportation-related deaths there absolutely needs to be an improvement. With recent threats in the way of government policy that may cut bike and pedestrian funding even further by possibly eliminating resources such as the transportation enhancements and the safe routes to school program, the time to act is now.

Specifically in New York State, the statistics are quite alarming, shown in the diagram below: (Click to Enlarge)

In looking at the diagram, some alarming realities exist for New York. First off, both New York State and New York City rank highest for state and cities nation-wide by having the highest percent of transportation fatalities that are pedestrians. New York State as a whole had 23.6 percent of transportation fatalities as pedestrian, and New York City had a staggering 53.9 percent.
New York Sate also ranked the lowest in the nation, along with Nevada, as contributing the lowest percent of federal transportation dollars to biking and walking at just 0.1%.
New York City ranked the lowest in the nation in providing per-capita funding to biking and walking at just $0.03, while the national average is $2.17

These realities should be alarming to New York State citizens. We must improve our bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and in turn improve our cycling safety. New York currently ranks at the bottom in economic support to biking and walking, which inevitably leads to ranking as one of the most dangerous for both activities. These harsh realities must serve as a catalyst to get New York State to dedicate funding and support to improving bike and pedestrian facilities, state-wide.

Local advocates push for implementation of the New York Work Fund for bike infrastructure improvements

brkehoe — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:33:07 +0000

In the recent state of state address for 2012, Governor Cuomo called for the establishment of a new plan entitled the “New York Works Fund” that would be used for improving infrastructure across New York State. For many New York towns, cities and communities bike infrastructure can be vastly improved using the potential new fund and should be included when thinking about any infrastructure improvements. Even as the potential new funding source for infrastructure improvement is still in the talking stages, NYBC and cyclist advocates support the implementation of the proposed plan and potential use for bicycling improvements in many needed communities.

Full Story

One example of a cycling advocacy group taking action on this proposal is captured by the Warren County Safe & Quality Biking Organization. The Warren County based organization advocates and educates with overarching goals of both achieving safe and quality biking in their community as well as strong efforts to make their scenic Lake George based community a strong attraction for bike tourism. The WCSQBO got pro-active and facilitated communication with town, county and state DPW representatives to stress roads in the county that were in need of immediate care. Two state routes that were identified as deteriorating by heavy use of both automobiles and bike traffic were both 9L and 9N. Both roads were full of pot holes in both the roadway and shoulder, making for unsafe conditions for automobiles and cyclists alike. Both roads offer some of the most scenic views of Lake George, and as the WCSQBO seeks to “Make Warren County a Destination for Bicyclists,” they value the importance of improved roadways. The organization has been working to put out bike maps of the area, but refrain from including both routes 9L and 9N due to the lack of infrastructure. Citing NY Parks and Trails “Bicyclists Bring Business,” the first way to improve a community’s bicycle friendliness is to “maintain safe and quality road routes and bicycle paths.” The WCSQBO recognizes the value of infrastructure improvements for their scenic bike trail potential, and has been actively advocating for support for the plan with local, county and state representatives. NYBC commends the WCSQBO for their effort in gaining support for the proposal and valuing the need for infrastructure improvements to include bicycling. Advocating and gaining support for influential plans such as the “New York Works Fund” can be