Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Recommendations to be Presented at June 8th Public Meeting

May 2005—The Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) will be holding the final scheduled public information meeting to share the recommendations from the recently completed Bicycle and Pedestrian with the public:

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2005 @ 6:00 PM
Onondaga Lake Park, Willow Bay Pavilion, Liverpool, New York

View the meeting flyer (This link opens in a new window.)

The SMTC recently completed its Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for the SMTC Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) area. The SMTC Policy Committee approved the Plan on March 14, 2005. The study area included all of Onondaga County and small portions of Oswego and Madison Counties.

As a policy-level plan, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan puts forth policies and guidelines to shape future bicycle and pedestrian facilities and amenities within the MPO area. The report is non-location specific so that it can be applied in the various municipalities represented within the MPO region. It is the SMTC's desire that municipalities will utilize the Plan's recommendations as a starting point when addressing bicycle and pedestrian planning options within their respective communities. To download the Plan, visit www.smtcmpo.org/bike-ped.

For more information about the June 8th Public Meeting (including directions), view the meeting flyer (this link opens in a new window) or contact Danielle Krol of the SMTC at (315) 422-5716 or via e-mail at dkrol@smtcmpo.org.

Willow Bay Pavilion is handicapped accessible. Please advise the SMTC of specific accommodations required to facilitate your participation in this public meeting.

SMTC Policy Committee Approves Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

April 2005—The Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) recently completed its Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for the SMTC Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) area. The Plan was approved by the SMTC Policy Committee on March 14, 2005. The study area included all of Onondaga County and small portions of Madison and Oswego Counties. The 2005 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was designed as a policy level plan that sought to preserve and enhance the area's bicycling and pedestrian network and to improve the safety, attractiveness, and overall viability of cycling and walking as legitimate transportation alternatives.

As a policy-level plan, the document puts forth policies and guidelines to steer future bicycle and pedestrian facilities and amenities within the MPO area. The report is non-location specific so that it can be applied in the various municipalities represented within the MPO region. Danielle Krol, Project Manager, stated that the SMTC's desire is that municipalities will utilize the Plan's recommendations as a starting point when addressing bicycle and pedestrian planning options within their respective communities. Krol said, "The Plan is a culmination of three years of staff effort combined with member agency and public input to develop a viable bicycle and pedestrian planning resource."

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan includes an Existing Conditions Analysis, the SMTC's Bicycle Suitability Map (completed Spring 2003), Issues, Recommendations, and a Summary of Design Guidelines.

The SMTC will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. at Willow Bay Pavilion in Onondaga Lake Park. The purpose of this meeting is to share the Plan's outcomes and recommendations. The meeting is free and open to the public. The Willow Bay Pavilion is handicapped accessible.

The SMTC's overall expectation is to educate local communities on the diverse options that are available for integrating bicycle and pedestrian planning into their municipalities' plans and projects. View the completed Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan or view  the Bicycle Suitability Map. For further information, contact Ms. Krol at 315-422-5716 or via e-mail at dkrol@smtcmpo.org .

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NYSDOT & NYBC CHALLENGE

Join the NYS Department of Transportation for a ride across New York State in honor of the 10 - Year Anniversary of State Bike Route 5. The 5 is 10 challenge is a 5-day ride that will begin in Niagara Falls on Monday, June 7th and will end in Albany on Friday, June 11th.

View the event flyer.

Sponsored by the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York Bicycling Coalition.

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SMTC Holds Public meeting on Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, May 28, 2003

View the meeting presentation.

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SMTC Promotes National Bike Month with Bicycle and Pedestrian Events Calendar

With the arrival of spring, the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) is teaming up with the League of American Bicyclists and other agencies in support of National Bike Month this May. To help promote National Bike Month and bicycling and walking activities throughout the month of May, the SMTC is pleased to provide a web site calendar of events for public information. A sampling of events listed on the calendar include: Bike-to-Work Week: May 17-21, National Bike-to-Work Day: Friday, May 21, bike rodeos, helmet sales, and much more.

Join millions of Americans who are engaged in bicycle and pedestrian activities every day, and take advantage of this viable, environmentally sound form of transportation.

If your agency or organization would like their bicycle and/or pedestrian related events added to the calendar, please contact the SMTC at (315) 422-5716 or send meeting information via e-mail to Danielle Krol dkrol@smtcmpo.org or Mario Colone mcolone@smtcmpo.org .

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SMTC Holds Public meeting on Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, May 28, 2003

View the meeting presentation.

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SMTC Produces Free Bike Map - Rates Suitability of County and City Roads for Bicycle Commuting

May 1, 2003—In an effort to assist the general public (primarily bicycle commuters) in determining which roads are currently the most suitable for bicycle travel, the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) is proud to announce the availability of the newly published Bicycle Suitability Map. In addition to rating streets (throughout Onondaga County, including the City of Syracuse) as being "Excellent, Good, Average, Fair, Poor" for commuter bicycling, the map includes various educational and safety related panels pertaining to bicycle and pedestrian travel, and the rules of the road.

The Greater Syracuse Metropolitan Area Bike Map is FREE to the public. The map was designed by the SMTC staff and study advisory committee representatives of the SMTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. In addition, many local citizens and organizations, including the Onondaga Cycling Club, and the Syracuse-Onondaga Cycling Coalition, participated in the development of the Bike Map by rating selected road segments based on their suitability for individuals traveling by bicycle.

This map was developed as part of the SMTC's two-year Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan project. The primary goals of this Plan are to preserve and enhance the bicycling and pedestrian network, and to improve the safety, attractiveness, and overall viability of cycling and walking as legitimate transportation alternatives to the transportation system in the Syracuse Metropolitan Area. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Bicycle Suitability Map, contact the SMTC at (315) 422-5716, or via e-mail at dkrol @ smtcmpo.org.

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The Post-Standard Highlights SMTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

The Post-Standard ran an article in its July 10, 2002 issue, focusing on the SMTC's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.  The article points out the  various efforts and activities being conducted as part of the two-year Plan.

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