CITY OF SCHENECTADY
NEW YORK
City Hall, 105 Jay Street, Rm 111
Schenectady, N.Y. 12305-1938
Office: (518) 382-5000
Cell: (518) 424-0483
Fax: (518) 382-5272
gmccarthy@schenectadyny.gov

 

Gary R. McCarthy
Mayor
For Release: Immediate
Date: March 24, 2015
Press Release

 

Mayor Gary McCarthy announces Schenectady to Receive $56,250 in Funding for the Creation of an Urban Bike Infrastructure Master Plan

Schenectady, NY –Mayor Gary McCarthy today announced that Schenectady will receive $56,250 in Capital District Transportation Committee federal grant funding for the creation of an Urban Bike Infrastructure Master Plan. The Plan will update and expand upon the City’s 2001 Plan, which was created prior to the significant redevelopment that has taken place in the past decade and contained several recommendations that have been or are in the process of being completed.

“Biking and walk-ability are a critical part of modern cities and urban renewal,” said Mayor Gary McCarthy. “These funds will assist Schenectady in creating a plan to ensure continued smart investment that makes it an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Infrastructure investment for alternative transportation is an important part of sustainable communities and contributes greatly to local quality of life. Health studies have demonstrated that investments in walk-ability and bike infrastructure correlate with lower rates of obesity and other positive health and environmental outcomes including reduced carbon emissions. Accessibility for alternative transportation also has a significant economic impact as it frees up money that is currently spent on travel; particularly important because money spent on travel is more likely to leave the local community and can play a significant factor in the decision process for prospective residents, increasing the neighborhood values and encouraging further investment.

Since the previous plan, significant improvements have been made the completion of the Mohawk Hudson Hike Bike Trail in the City as well as a new trail link that connects Vale Park, Central Park and downtown. Plans are underway to further extend the hike/bike trail through the Mohawk Harbor site.

The new plan will also look at the Bike Share Pilot Program that was recently conducted with CDTC funding within the City of Schenectady and surrounding Capital Region cities. That study brought together many local stakeholders who are looking to work together to continue to promote biking programs.

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