Provides bicycle access to public office buildings

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends section 11 of the public buildings law to expand on the existing bicycle parking pilot program at state office buildings in Albany, New York.

Subdivision 1 recognizes the role in which bicycles can serve as valu- able transportation mode with energy conservation, health, physical fitness, and environmental benefits and declares it the official policy of the state to provide for adequate and safe bicycle facilities, including the use of present facilities for safe and secure bicycle parking and storage, be included in the planning, development, construction or re-construction of all state facilities.

Subdivision 2 clarifies the role of the commissioner of general services in undertaking a program for the provision and promotion of safe and secure bicycle parking facilities at state office buildings for state employees and visitors at such buildings. within one year of the effec- tive date, the commissioner must make an inventory of all existing bicy- cle parking and storage facilities at all state office buildings in which the state leases or occupies space and which have over 30 state employees or in which the visitation rate by the general public is an average of over 500 visitors per month.

Subdivision 3 explains that, once the inventory has been completed, the commissioner has 18 months to develop a plan to expand bicycle parking and storage facilities to encourage the use of such facilities by state employees and the general public. To encourage the use of bicycles by state employees and visitors, the plan must contain and address the following elements: (a) the inventory must be ranked from highest to lowest based on existing unfulfilled demand while considering increased future demand; (b) in urban settings, a plan must be developed to secure ample covered and uncovered off street or alternate indoor parking and storage; (c) adequate posting must be provided to encourage utilization of parking and storage facilities; (d) a marketing plan and community outreach effort must be provided; and (e) other elements as the commis- sioner deems appropriate.

Subdivision 4 stipulates the role of the office of general services (OGS) in consulting and cooperating with the NYSDOT regional bicycle coordinator, local bicycle planning groups, and other organizations interested in the study. All other departments, divisions, boards,

bureaus or commissions must help the office carry out its responsibil- ities by providing assistance and data Upon request.

Subdivision 5 lays forth the requirement for bicycle parking or storage space to comply with any applicable building and fire codes.

Subdivision 6 establishes a temporary bicycle commuting task force to examine the development of sheltered bicycle parking in public spaces. The task force shall be comprised of ten members, five of which are appointed by the governor, and the other five by various members of the New York State Legislature. The chairperson of the task force shall be the commissioner of general services; members of the task force shall serve without compensation and meet when deemed necessary by the chair.

Within 18 months of its establishment, the task force shall issue a report to the governor and offer suggestions on expanding the OGS to local, municipal, and private office buildings. The report shall be posted the website of each state agency involved, and the task force shall cease to exist after 3 months after the issuance of its report.

Justification

By building on New York's existing pilot program, the bill expands park- ing and storage facilities to support bicycle commuters and visitors of public office buildings. The measure is intended to improve public health and physical fitness, reduce carbon emissions, provide a cheaper commute and build towards a sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Prior legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately.