Enacts the New York State bicycle tourism promotion act

1 Co-sponsor

• Liz Krueger

BILL NUMBER:S1031

Title of bill

An act to amend the economic development law, in relation to creating the New York State bicycle tourism promotion act

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to create the New York Bicycle Tourism Promotion Act, which will allow for the establishment of bicycle kiosks in local communities designed for rental to tourists.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill creates the New York Tourism promotion Act as a new Article 21 in the Economic Development Law as follows:

§500 titles the act the New York Bicycle Tourism Promotion Act;

§501 provides for the legislative intent;

§502 defines the term "bicycle tourism kiosk";

§503 provides for the administration of the program by the Department of Economic Development, and allows the Department to contract with a statewide not-for-profit for the purposes of identifying and establishing bicycle kiosks;

§504 provides for grants to open and operate bicycle kiosk, up to $20,000; and,

§505 requires that the Department of Economic Development shall review the program six months after awarding grants.

Section 2 of the bill provide for an immediate effective date.

Justification

Bicycle tourism continues to increase in New York State on an annual basis. Initiatives such as the annual bike trek along the Erie Canal have grown to capacity in the past five years. As more and more travelers seek to actively participate in their vacations, and localized heritage tourism destinations increase, the need to accommodate these travelers is essential.

This legislation will provide a mechanism for the State to collaborate with local tourism entities and local governments in order to facilitate bicycle tourism.

Legislative history

2005-06: A.7419 Morelle 2008: S.8141 Serrano - Referred to Tourism, Recreation, and Sports Development 2009-10: Senate Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation 2011-12: S.2702A Senate - Referred to Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business

Fiscal implications

Up to fifteen kiosks at $20,000 totaling $300,000 may be funded from existing or future appropriations.

Effective date

Immediately.