The following list presents many of the bicycle/pedestrian terms and concepts used throughout the Bicycle Master Plan, and that are common in bicycle/pedestrian studies and reports. In cases where slightly different definitions were found for the same term, both definitions are provided, with the second beginning with 'Or'.

AADT - Average Annual Daily Traffic Count. The average number of cars per day on a given section of road. Sometimes reported as one number, indicating both lanes of traffic combined; other times reported as two numbers, one for each lane of traffic. In determining appropriateness for bicycling traffics counts are classified as follows: Low = Under 2,000 AADT; Medium = 2,000 to 10,000 AADT; High = Over 10,000 AADT.

Adirondack North Country Association - An independent, not-for-profit organization that engages in a wide range of activities designed to increase business development and to improve quality of life. ANCA encourages public and private sector initiatives through a working relationship with a wide range of individuals, organizations, and business representatives. The ANCA Region encompasses the 14 county northern New York area bounded by Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Mohawk River, and the Canadian border.

Bicycle - A vehicle having two tandem wheels, either of which is more than 16 inches in diameter or having three wheels in contact with the ground any of which is more than 16 inches in diameter, propelled solely by human power, upon which any person or persons may ride (drive).

The New York State Vehicular and Traffic code mandates that "Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to a driver of a vehicle..." The code requires bicycles to be ridden near the right-hand curb or roadway edge, or on a usable right-hand shoulder, to prevent "undue interference" with traffic flow, except when turning left or when conditions make this position unsafe.

Bicycle Facilities - A general term denoting improvements and provisions made by public agencies to accommodate or encourage bicycling, including parking facilities, mapping all bikeways, and shared roadways not specifically designated for bicycle use. ISTEA defines bicycle facilities as "new or improved lanes, path or shoulders for the use of bicyclists, traffic control devices, shelters and parking facilities for bicycles."

Bicycle Institute of America - An international partnership of bicycling organizations, industry corporations, and retailers who have joined together to work for better bicycling conditions.

Bicycle Lane (Bike Lane) - A portion of a roadway which has been designated by striping, signing and pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists. Or, a minimum 5.5 foot wide portion of a roadway which has been designated by striping, signing, and pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use by bicyclists.

Bicycle Path (Bike Path) - A bikeway physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way. Or, a minimum 10-foot wide (if two-way) paved surface physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier. Bike paths are an extension of the highway system provided primarily for recreational purposes or as short connection between sections of the service bikeway system.

Bicycle Route (Bike Route) - A segment of a system of bikeways designated with appropriate directional and informational markers, with or without specific bicycle route number. Or, designating existing roadways as preferential for bicycle use by adding "bike route" signs, without providing other specific bicycle facilities.

Bicyclist - One who is riding a bicycle. Bicycle users are classified as follows:

The "design cyclist" concept has been proposed that recognizes two broad classes of bicyclists: group A riders and group B/C riders (Wilkinson et. al. 1994).

Bikeway - Any road, path, or way which in some manner is specifically designated as being open to bicycle travel, regardless of whether such facilities are designated for the exclusive use of bicycles or are to be shared with other transportation modes.

Capital District Transportation Authority - The public transit authority for the four-county New York Capital District (Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, and Saratoga counties) that operates fixed route bus service and paratransit service.

Capital District Transportation Committee - The designated metropolitan planning organization for the four-county New York Capital District (Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, and Saratoga counties). CDTC is where state and local officials discuss transportation issues and reach consensus on transportation plans and specific programs or projects.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program - A funding program for projects and activities that reduce congestion and improve air quality.

Design Cyclist - see Bicyclist.

Federal Highway Administration - The agency under US Department of Transportation responsible for the approval of transportation projects that affect the defined federal highway system.

Federal Transit Administration - Responsible for public (mass) transit projects.

Great Eastern Rally of the League of American Wheelmen (GEAR) - A three day series of bicycle rides, events, and meetings held in a different part of the East each year. Generally rotates back to the same part of the region every three years. Last held in the Adirondack North Country Region August 7-10, 1992 in Canton, New York. There were 1,378 registered participants for GEAR '92 with an estimated direct economic impact on the local community of $320,000.

Greenway - As part of a wider movement to protect linear features in the landscape, greenways have been created around railroad rights-of-way, canals, ridgelines, waterfronts, and rivers. The concept is to keep the corridor "green" with natural vegetation and a "way" or trail to connect the interesting points along the river and reservoir system. A greenway is created for direct and indirect human benefit and use. For example, a greenway could provide for recreational hiking, wildlife observation, environmental interpretation, stream fishing, and stream bank protection. In the case of the Salmon River in Oswego County, the approach is to protect the natural environment and landscape as well as the open space along the river and reservoir (Dawson 1994).

Highway - A general term denoting a public way for purposes of vehicular travel, including the entire area within the right-of-way.

Intermodal - Involving a variety of transportation alternatives, including bicycling, walking, and public transportation, as well as the private automobile, and addressing the interconnections among them.

ISTEA - Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 - Federal legislation that restructured transportation funding programs. Key concepts in the six-year, $155 billion program are: greater flexibility at the local level for transportation expenditures; intermodalism focusing on bicycling, walking, and public transportation; efficiency based on repair and maintenance rather than construction; planning that includes social and environmental concerns; and, increased public involvement.

League of American Wheelmen - The oldest, and largest bicycle advocacy organization in the United States. The group changed its name to the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) in 1994.

Long Range Plan - Every state and MPO must develop a long range plan (LRP) for transportation improvements, including a bicycle and pedestrian element. The LRP usually looks 20 years ahead and is revised every five or six years.

Metropolitan Planning Organization - A federally required body for all metropolitan areas with greater than 50,000 population. The MPO is responsible for the RTP and the TIP which are necessary prerequisites for the receipt of federal transportation funding. There are two MPOs in the North Country Region: Glens Falls and Utica.

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices - The rule book on signage and other facilities related to the road system.

National Highway System - An interconnected system of roads that connect major travel destinations and cities, military installations, and are designed for long-distance travel. Eligible projects include highway construction and rehabilitation, operational and safety improvements, transit, and bicycle or pedestrian projects in a NHS corridor.

Northern Forest Lands Study - A multi-state study of forest lands and forestry issues that completed its work in 1994. The project resulted in a GIS database of cultural and physical features that encompasses the majority of the Adirondack North Country Region.

New York Ride Across The State (NYRATS) - An annual ride across New York with 25 to 60 riders participating. In 1994, the ride traveled through the North Country region for the first time in a number of years, with overnight stops in Oswego, Watertown, Star Lake, Paul Smiths, and Saratoga Springs.

Pedestrian - One who walks or journeys on foot; a walker.

Regional Transportation Plan - A comprehensive long range (25 year) plan for the metropolitan transportation system produced by the CDTC. The RTP includes goals, objectives, and policies, as well as recommendations for specific transportation improvements.

Right-of-way - A general term denoting land, property, or interest therein, usually in a strip, acquired for or devoted to transportation purposes. Or, the right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in a lawful manner in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian.

Roadway - The portion of the highway, including shoulders, for vehicle use.

Scenic Byways - The Adirondack North Country Scenic Auto Trail System is referred to in the Bicycle Master Plan as the Adirondack North Country Scenic Byway routes. The eleven designated routes each provide a unique theme encompassing the historic sites, cultural activities, natural wonders, and recreational events that occur along the route. The Scenic Byway routes follow many of the major highway routes through the region, and are named as follows: Military Trail, Seaway Trail, Olympic Trail, Central Adirondack Trail, Revolutionary Trail, Champlain Trail, Lake George-Lake Placid Trail, Adirondack Trail, Black River Trail, Dude Ranch Trail, and, Roosevelt-Marcy Memorial Highway.

Shared Roadway - Any roadway upon which a bicycle lane is not designated and which may be legally used by bicycles regardless of whether such facility is specifically designated as a bikeway.

Shared Traffic Lanes - Any roadway upon which a bike lane is not designated and which may be legally used by bicycles regardless of whether such facility is specifically designated as a bike route. Shared traffic lanes need at least 14 feet of usable pavement (not including the gutter, drainage grates, and other obstructions).

Shoulder - The portion of the roadway contiguous with the traveled way for accommodation of stopped vehicles, for emergency use, and for lateral support of the subbase, base, and surface courses. Shoulders are recognized by AASHTO and many states as the best way to accommodate bicyclists, especially in rural areas. Shoulders should be a minimum of 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide when designed to accommodate bicycle travel. Shoulder widths of 6 feet are more desirable as traffic speeds increase, traffic mix includes trucks, and traffic volume rises.

Sidewalk - The portion of a highway or roadway designed for preferential or exclusive use by pedestrians. Sidewalks are generally not acceptable for adult bicyclists, as they put the bicyclist in conflict with motorists using driveways, and with pedestrians, utility poles, and signposts. Bicyclists on sidewalks are also not as visible to motorists, creating hazardous conditions at intersections.

Sidewalk-Bike Path - When a sidewalk has been expanded and equipped with ramps to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. A sidewalk should not be posted as a bikeway.

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program - A statewide compilation of local, regional, MPO, and rural TIPs as required by federal regulation.

Surface Transportation Program - A major federal funding program that is flexible for highways, transit, intermodal, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities.

Transportation Improvement Program - A spending plan for the region's expected federal funding from all sources for transportation projects of all types. The TIP officially covers a five-year period - commitments beyond five years may be noted.

Transportation Enhancement - Ten percent of STP funds are reserved for transportation enhancement activities. Ten specific activities listed in ISTEA include bicycling and walking facilities, including the development of trails along abandoned railroad corridors.