TheNYSDOT continues to make progress on the proposed Active Transportation Plan and will be hosting a series of public information meetings, including a meeting Friday.
There will be four 90-minute sessions that will feature presentations from NYSDOT staff and advisors. Following the presentation, participants will be invited to provide feedback. A virtual meeting will be held on Friday, Sept. 4, for residents unable to attend in person.
Time: Noon-1:30 p.m.
Location:https://vhb.zoom.us/j/83539982166?pwd=WLYBl8ss7GFUiQFwUaL8DmKKXZKkbg.1
Throughout the presentation, the DOT asked attendees a series of questions. Residents voted on the Top 3 partnerships they would like the DOT to prioritize:
- 33% for local governments and transportation agencies
- 25% for community organizations and advocacy groups
- 22% for residents and community members
When asked what success would look like for residents over
the next two to three years, the top answers included:
- Demonstrated community feedback influencing transportation decisions
- More opportunities to provide input on walking and biking projects
- Easier access to information about projects and programs
Residents were asked how NYSDOT can facilitate enhanced data collection and data sharing across the entire transportation network, and most agreed on developing a centralized shared database for asset and count information.
Regarding preferences on communication about new policies, tools, and guidance, the top three preferences among residents include:
- Online training and information portal
- In-person workshops or training sessions
- Project specific guidance and technical assistance
The drafted plan will update NYSDOT’s current 1997 Pedestrian and Bike Plan. A final plan is expected to be released this fall.
NYSDOT launched the Active Transportation Strategic Plan in 2023 with an assessment of existing processes and programs. This assessment helped with the development of a strategic plan to improve accommodation for walking, bicycling, micro-mobility and wheelchair use throughout New York State.
The NYSDOT's ATSP will also build on the vision proposed in theNew York State Transportation Master Plan 2050.
NYSDOT proposes an Active Transportation Strategic Plan
According to the NYSDOT, Active Transportation is a combination of both human-powered modes of transportation and small-scale electric vehicles, also known as “micromobility."
Director of the NYSDOT Statewide Planning Bureau Kim Lorenz looks forward to collaborating with local stakeholders to improve conditions for pedestrians. "We are seeing an increase in biking and walking," Lorenz said. "My husband and I just started walking more for our health. It's just nice to have these other facilities and choices."
The DOT is currently working with a team of consultants made up of statewide stakeholders. Some of their collaborators include VHB, Toole Design, a design company that helped with Rochester’s Citywide bike plan and planning for Monroe County; Verity Engineering, a civil engineering firm based in Troy; and GoBike Buffalo.
Facilities owned by NYSDOT will adhere to the policies developed in this plan. Other goals outlined by the DOT include:
- Develop a unified vision for integrating active transportation
- Provide policy guidance on managing programs that impact active transportation facilities
- Provide recommendations for planning, design, construction and maintenance procedures
DOT officials highlight the ATSP will not be required on a state and federal level. The plan does not apply to systems not owned by the NYSDOT, it can provide guidance for local agencies.
Goals for NYSDOT Active Transportation Plan
A statement from the DOT shares their goals for the ATSP. “ Through collaboration and engagement, NYSDOT will provide a connected and accessible active transportation network, offering all users access to travel CHOICES by Creating Healthy Options to Improve Community Experience and Safety,” the statement said.
The DOT plans to implement their goals through four strategies:
- Enhance and Leverage Partnerships (Internal & External)
- Engage with Communities and the Public
- Establish Data Driven Approaches
- Update and Implement Policies and Guidance
Each strategy has action plans that have either been completed, currently in progress, or planned for the future. Completed actions highlighted by the DOT include:
- Enhance internal NYSDOT coordination and cross-department collaboration
- Initiate and active transportation assets data collection program
- Conduct multi-criteria active transportation needs assessment: safety, connectivity, stress-level, trip-generation potential
- Develop data-supported decision tool for active transportation project prioritization
Visitnysdotwalkbikeplan.com to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NYSDOT seeks public input on walking and biking plan
