This document will review CDTC’s accomplishments in improving the bicycle and pedestrian travel environment throughout the region and identify any shortfalls. It will propose new goals, with a focus on improving the health and increasing economic activity in the region related to bicycling and walking. The document also includes an implementation plan to help CDTC prioritize bicycle and pedestrian programs, projects and initiatives to have the greatest regional impact and achieve the most goals. This updated document has been renamed the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan.
by Capital District Transportation Committee
Bicycling and walking are viable modes of transportation and mobility for many people in the Capital District. Everyone has their own transportation preferences but at some point in everyone’s trip they become a pedestrian. In fact, Webster’s Dictionary includes the word “pedestrian” in its full meaning of traffic: “the movement (as of vehicles or pedestrians) through an area or along a route.” Bicyclists, formerly known as “wheelmen,” joined together across the United States in the late 1800s to advocate for paved roads. At the time, the roads were rutted and made of gravel and dirt and bicyclists faced antagonism from horsemen, wagon drivers, and pedestrians. The success of this advocacy effort ultimately led to our national highway system.
Rates of bicycling and walking are on the rise nationwide, and not just for recreation. Bicycling and walking help reduce emissions, improve health and have a positive impact on economic development. Safe walking and biking is a quality of life measure, and is proving to be a sought-after amenity for house shoppers. Long term trends also show that fatality rates for bicyclists and pedestrians are on the decline.
Numerous communities in the four-County region have adopted Complete Streets ordinances or policies, seeking to more equally consider the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as transit riders, freight, and automobiles.
The Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Albany-Schenectady-Troy and Saratoga Springs metropolitan areas.
Envisioning a Statewide Connection Mass Central Rail Trail Benefits Study
posted Jun 14, 2023
Study shows completion of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail System would bring significant health and economic benefits to the commonwealth.
posted May 15, 2023
Mountain Bike Trail Development: Guidelines for Successfully Managing the Process,” a 242-page “how to” manual covers modern trail development from trail types, to landscape analysis and design, to environmental and construction considerations, cost implications and more.
The Beerline Trail Equitable Implementation Plan – 2019
posted Sep 21, 2021
The Beerline Trail Neighborhood Development Project was created to ensure the next phases of trail development serve the needs of the community.
Planning and Managing Environmentally Friendly Mountain Bike Trails
posted Dec 22, 2020
This guidebook can be used to assist in successfully planning, designing, and constructing mountain bike trail systems, while keeping in mind that user issues must be addressed at every stage of development.
