January 12, 2012
(Albany, NY) – The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and the Capital District Transportation Committee are partnering for the third consecutive year to offer free bike racks to public, and non-profit businesses and organizations from across the Capital Region. The program offers up to a $1,000 subsidy through Travel Demand Management grants for approved applicants. The private sector is also eligible for a 50% cost-share of bike racks. Applications are available at www.cdta.org and must be completed and received by Thursday, February 17, 2012, by 5:00pm for eligibility review.
The provision of appropriate bicycling amenities, such as safe parking, encourages residents to bike and adds convenience for the entire cycling community: businesses, commuters, shoppers, and students.
“The success of this program and dramatic increase in usage of bike racks on buses demonstrates the growing support of environmentally-friendly modes of transportation,” said CDTA Chairwoman Denise Figueroa. “All of CDTA’s 200+ regular route fleet are equipped with double bicycle racks to promote intermodal travel. Bike rack usage is up nearly 60% since the program launched in 2008 and is on pace to increase more than 10% from last year with 55,000 + uses.”
“We are pleased to collaborate with CDTA on this very important effort that will greatly benefit the cycling travel environment by providing safe bicycle parking options throughout the region,” said Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) Staff Director John Poorman. “The Program is consistent with the Region’s Long Range Transportation Plan—New Visions and its principles, strategies and actions.”
A total of 54 organizations and businesses applied to the 2011 Capital Region Bike Rack Program, which added 241 bike racks and 529 secure bike parking spaces in the Capital Region, totaling more than 1,400 Bike rack installations since the program began two years ago.
Applicants can choose from over 70 designs, ranging from traditional hoop or hitch racks to animals, sports or food-related designs. Bicycle rack installations can earn a business LEED credits to be used toward LEED certification by the Green Building Council.
Program applications are due by Thursday, February 17, 2012 by 5:00pm and must be approved using the criteria based on travel demand management goals underscored by the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program offered through the Federal Transit Administration. Bike racks will be made available to successful applicants in the spring. Recipients will be responsible for installation, obtaining all necessary permits and any additional costs beyond the cost limit.
Travel demand management programs are designed to improve quality of life by encouraging travel options other than single occupancy vehicle commutes, including buses, carpooling, walking and biking, all of which improve personal health reduce single occupant vehicle (SOV) travel, fuel consumption, air pollution and parking demand.
To learn more about CDTA’s bike rack program, obtain a program application, visit www.cdta.org or www.cdtcmpo.org. Applicants can also email: bikerackprogram@cdta.org, call CDTA at (518) 437-6865 or CDTC at (518) 458-2161.
