Provides bicycle access to public office buildings

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 two years of the effective date of this act. The commissioner must make an inventory of all existing bicycle parking and storage facilities at all state office buildings in which the state leases or occupies space and which have over 50 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 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; (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 commissioner 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 responsibilities by providing assistance and data upon request.

Subdivision 5 lays forth the requirement for bicycle parking 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 nine members, five of which are appointed by the governor, and the other four 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.

This bill was amended to up-date some date changes.

Justification

By building on New York's existing pilot program, the bill expands parking 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

2010: S.6149 Reported and Committed to Finance - A.9543, Referred to Governmental Operations, S. 625 of 2012; S. 2265 of 2013/2014 Reported to Finance

Effective date

180 days after, it shall have become law.