Bicycle Master Plan for the Adirondack North Country Region of New York State

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY

Purpose

Background

Goals and Methodology

Work Products

Summary Of Major Findings And Recommendations

Conclusion

Study Team

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE REGION

III. RE-DISCOVERING BICYCLING AND WALKING

Safely Increasing Participation In Bicycling

Current Levels Of Bicycling And Walking

The Many Benefits of Bicycling

Health And Physical Fitness Benefits

Environmental Benefits

Transportation Benefits

The Many Benefits Of Off-Road Trails

Scenic Byways Enhancement

IV. BICYCLE TOURISM: TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Recent Growth In Outdoor Recreation

Steady Growth In Bicycling

The Positive Economic Impacts of Bicycling

The Economic Potential Of Bicycling in the North Country

The Lodging Industry Survey Results

The Bicyclist Survey Results

Marketing to Bicyclists

Six Key Ingredients For Successful Bicycle Promotion

Local Highway Departments

New York State Agencies

Collaborative Tourism Planning

V. FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPING A BICYCLE FRIENDLY REGION

The 4 E's

Engineering

Education and Safety Training

A 5th "E" for the Adirondack North Country Region: Etiquette

Public Involvement

Types Of Bicyclists

Types Of Bicycle Facilities

Other Possible Improvements

Sidewalks

Traffic Calming

Other Roadway Improvements

Preparing To Select A Facility Treatment

What Types Of Bicyclists Is The Route Most Likely To Serve?

New Construction And Reconstruction Vs. Retrofitting

Which Traffic Operations And Design Factors Help Determine The Appropriate Design Treatment?

Beginning Now To Develop Bicycle And Pedestrian Friendly
Communities

1. Immediate Steps to Improve Existing Bicycle/Pedestrian
Facilities

2. Low-Cost Steps to Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

3. Moderate-Cost Steps to Improve Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

4. New Bicycle/Pedestrian Facility Construction

5. Planning Future Investments in Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

A Vision For Bicycling In The Adirondack North Country

VI. BICYCLING IN THE ADIRONDACK NORTH COUNTRY --
A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

Major Findings

1.The coordinated planning and development of regional
bicycle routes.

2.The development of safe and accessible bicycle routes&

3.An increase in cooperative sub-regional bicycle planning

4.To maximize the economic benefits of bicycle tourism.

New York State Agency Findings

New York State Agency Bicycle Strengths

New York State Agency Bicycle Opportunities and Constraints

The Adirondack North Country Region

Adirondack North Country Region Bicycle Strengths

Adirondack North Country Region Bicycle Opportunities and Constraints

County and Scenic Byways Findings

International Cooperation Among The Region, Quebec, And Ontario

VII. BICYCLING IN THE ADIRONDACK NORTH COUNTRY RECOMMENDATIONS

Primary Recommendations

New York State Agency Recommendations

New York State Bicycle Facilities

New York State Bicycle Planning

New York State Bicycle Promotion

North Country Regional Recommendations

North Country Bicycle Facilities

North Country Bicycle Planning

North Country Bicycle Promotion

COUNTY AND SCENIC BYWAY RECOMMENDATIONS

All North Country Counties

Recommendations On International Bicycle Planning And Promotion Among The Region, Quebec, And Ontario

VIII. IMPLEMENTING THE BICYCLE MASTER PLAN

The Adirondack North Country Regional Bicycle Map

Description Of The Regional Map And Bicycle Database

Developing A Regional GIS System

Approach

New York GIS Contacts

Database Issues, Comments, And Recommendations

Further Database Requirements

Enabling a Vision for an ANCA Traveler Information System

Bicycle Facility Cost Components, Cost Estimates and Funding Sources

Cost Estimates

Cost Components

Program Costs and Benefits

Funding Sources

Federal ISTEA Funding

State Funding

Local Funding

Other Possible Funding Sources For Bicycle Projects

IX. CONCLUSION

GLOSSARY OF BICYCLE TERMS

BICYCLE CONTACT PEOPLE IN THE REGION AND SURROUNDING AREAS, BY COUNTY OR GEOGRAPHIC AREA OF INTEREST

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Bicycle Friendly Community Check List

Appendix B: Bicycle Shops In The Adirondack North Country Region, By County

Appendix C: Bicycle Clubs In The Region And In New York State, Preliminary Listing

Appendix D: Bicycle Events In The Adirondack North Country Region, Preliminary Listing By Date

Appendix E: Bicycle Signage Examples

Appendix F: Lodging Survey Results

Appendix G: Bicyclist Survey Results

Appendix H: Traffic Volume Data For Selected North Country Roads, By County And Average Daily Traffic Count

Appendix I: Five Year Highway Capital And Maintenance Schedule, By County And Date

Appendix J: An ISTEA User's Guide

Appendix K: Map Showing Bicycle Shop Locations In The Adirondack North Country Region

MAPS

MAP 2-1: LOCATION OF THE 14 COUNTY NORTH COUNTRY REGION OF NEW YORK STATE

MAP 2-2: THE 14 COUNTIES COMPRISING THE NORTH COUNTRY REGION

MAP 3-1: THE ADIRONDACK NORTH COUNTRY SCENIC BYWAY ROUTES

Map 8-1: Overview Of Preliminary Regional Bicycle Route Designations

FIGURES

FIGURE 4-1: PARTICIPATION IN BICYCLING IN THE U.S.

FIGURE 4-2: THE U.S. BICYCLE MARKET

TABLES

TABLE 2-1: GEOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY REGION

TABLE 4-1: SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FINDINGS ON BICYCLISTS' EXPENDITURES

TABLE 4-2: AVERAGE BICYCLIST EXPENDITURES BY CATEGORY AND GROUP SIZE

TABLE 4-3: MOST INFLUENTIAL FACTORS ON BICYCLE VACATION DECISION MAKING

TABLE 4-4: RATINGS OF SELECTED ADIRONDACK NORTH COUNTRY BICYCLING ATTRIBUTES

TABLE 8-1: SUMMARY OF GIS DATABASES AND SOURCES CONTACTED FOR THE NORTH NOUNTRY BICYCLE MASTER PLAN PROJECT

TABLE 8-2: NYSDOT UNIT/ITEM COST ESTIMATES FOR PEDESTRAIN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES