A09543 Summary:

BILL NO    A09543 

SAME AS    Same as S 6149

SPONSOR    Weisenberg

COSPNSR    

MLTSPNSR   

Amd S11, Pub Bldg L

Provides bicycle access to public office buildings for state employees,
contractors and visitors; requires the commissioner of general services to make
an inventory of all existing bicycle parking and storage facilities at all
state office buildings and office buildings in which the state leases or
occupies space.

A09543 Actions:

BILL NO    A09543 

01/13/2010 referred to governmental operations

A09543 Votes:

A09543 Memo:

BILL NUMBER:A9543

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the public buildings law, in relation to
bicycle access to public office buildings

PURPOSE:
To encourage the use of bicycles by establishing a program for the
provision and promotion of safe and secure bicycle parking and storage
facilities at state 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.