Senate Bill S4943B

Signed By Governor

2021-2022 Legislative Session

Requires the metropolitan transportation authority to develop a strategic action plan to improve bicycle and pedestrian access at its bridges and passenger stations

download bill text pdf

Archive: Last Bill Status - Signed by Governor

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

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Date of Action	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Dec 28, 2021	approval memo.153 signed chap.802
Dec 17, 2021	delivered to governor
Jun 10, 2021	returned to senate passed assembly ordered to third reading rules cal.715 substituted for a6235b referred to ways and means delivered to assembly passed senate
Jun 07, 2021	amended on third reading (t) 4943b
May 24, 2021	advanced to third reading
May 20, 2021	2nd report cal.
May 19, 2021	1st report cal.1239
May 04, 2021	print number 4943a
May 04, 2021	amend and recommit to transportation
Feb 18, 2021	referred to transportation

Votes

- Jun 10, 2021 - Floor Vote
  S4943B
  
  Aye
  
  63
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  
  0
  - - Floor Vote: Jun 10, 2021
      
      aye (63)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Akshar
      
      Bailey
      
      Benjamin
      
      Biaggi
      
      Borrello
      
      Boyle
      
      Breslin
      
      Brisport
      
      Brooks
      
      Brouk
      
      Comrie
      
      Cooney
      
      Felder
      
      Gallivan
      
      Gaughran
      
      Gianaris
      
      Gounardes
      
      Griffo
      
      Harckham
      
      Helming
      
      Hinchey
      
      Hoylman-Sigal
      
      Jackson
      
      Jordan
      
      Kaminsky
      
      Kaplan
      
      Kavanagh
      
      Kennedy
      
      Krueger
      
      Lanza
      
      Liu
      
      Mannion
      
      Martucci
      
      Mattera
      
      May
      
      Mayer
      
      Myrie
      
      O'Mara
      
      Oberacker
      
      Ortt
      
      Palumbo
      
      Parker
      
      Persaud
      
      Ramos
      
      Rath III
      
      Reichlin-Melnick
      
      Ritchie
      
      Rivera
      
      Ryan
      
      Salazar
      
      Sanders Jr.
      
      Savino
      
      Sepúlveda
      
      Serino
      
      Serrano
      
      Skoufis
      
      Stavisky
      
      Stec
      
      Stewart-Cousins
      
      Tedisco
      
      Thomas
      
      Weik
  May 19, 2021 - Transportation Committee Vote
  S4943B
  
  Aye
  
  13
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  
  0
  - - Transportation Committee Vote: May 19, 2021
      
      aye (13)
      
      Cooney
      
      Gallivan
      
      Griffo
      
      Kaminsky
      
      Kaplan
      
      Kennedy
      
      Liu
      
      Mattera
      
      Persaud
      
      Ramos
      
      Reichlin-Melnick
      
      Serino
      
      Skoufis

Bill Amendments

Original

B (Active)

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2021-S4943 - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A6235
Law Section:: Public Authorities Law
Laws Affected:: Add §§1269-b, 1266-e, 1266-d & 1204-e, Pub Auth L

2021-S4943 - Summary

Requires the metropolitan transportation authority, in consultation with the Long Island Rail Road Commuter's Council, the Metro-North Rail Commuter's Council and the New York City Transit Authority Advisory Council to develop a strategic action plan to improve bicycle and pedestrian access at its bridges and passenger stations.

2021-S4943 - Sponsor Memo

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S4943

SPONSOR: BIAGGI
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to establishing
a standing advisory committee within the metropolitan transportation
authority to improve bicycle and pedestrian access at its bridges and
passenger stations

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This bill would establish a standing advisory committee to require the
MTA to create a strategic plan to promote cycling access on MTA bridges,
as well as improve access to the MTA subway and commuter rail stations.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends the public authority law by adding new section 1279-m
that establishes a standing advisory committee consisting of 13 members
who shall develop a strategic action plan to improve bicycle and pedes-

trian access at bridges and pedestrian stations.

Section 2 amends the public authority law 1269-b to require the metro-
politan transportation authority to consider the impact any capital
program may have on bicycle and pedestrian access, in consultation with
the established committee.

Section 3 sets forth the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Bicycling has been the fastest growing mode of transportation in New
York City during the past decade. According to the New York City Depart-
ment of Transportation, almost 900,000 New Yorkers ride a bicycle regu-
larly, and at least a third of New Yorkers have ridden one in the past
year.' But unlike every other major transportation agency in New York
City, the MTA bans bicycle use on its bridges, and has put little effort
into improving bicycle and pedestrian access.

The MTA also does very little to facilitate secure bicycle access to and
from its transit hubs and stations, even though local bike access to
transit stations can encourage residents to use public transportation
options instead of driving.

In contrast to the MTA, the New York City Department of Transportation,
the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State
Thruway Association, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey,
have all incorporated bicycle and pedestrian access in reconstruction
designs.

The current MTA five year capital program is projected to spend approxi-
mately 3.3 billion dollars on bridges and tunnels, but designates no
money to improve walking, cycling, or allow bicycle use on bridges,
despite the growing need to do so. This bill would establish a standing
advisory committee tasked with developing a strategic plan for improving
cycling and pedestrian access.


Furthermore, this bill would require the MTA to assess the impact of its
current capital plan on bicycle and pedestrian access, as well as
consider bicycle and pedestrian access in all future capital planning.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

Undetermined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act will take effect immediately.
(1) https://wwwl .nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/ cyclingintheci-
ty.shtml

2021-S4943 - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   4943
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             February 18, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen.  BIAGGI -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
 
 AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to  establishing
   a  standing  advisory committee within the metropolitan transportation
   authority to improve bicycle and pedestrian access at its bridges  and
   passenger stations
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. The public authorities law  is  amended  by  adding  a  new
 section 1279-m to read as follows:
   §  1279-M.  PERMANENT  ADVISORY  COMMITTEE  ON  BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN
 ACCESS. 1. THERE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED A  PERMANENT  ADVISORY  COMMITTEE
 WITHIN THE AUTHORITY TO STUDY, INVESTIGATE, MONITOR AND MAKE RECOMMENDA-
 TIONS  WITH  RESPECT  TO  THE MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF BICYCLE AND
 PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AT ALL BRIDGES AND PASSENGER STATIONS OPERATED BY  THE
 AUTHORITY.
   2.  SUCH  COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIST OF THIRTEEN MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE
 GOVERNOR, OF WHOM TWO SHALL BE APPOINTED UPON NOMINATION BY  THE  TEMPO-
 RARY  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, TWO UPON NOMINATION BY THE SPEAKER OF THE
 ASSEMBLY, ONE UPON NOMINATION BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE  SENATE  AND
 ONE  UPON NOMINATION BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY. ALL MEMBERS
 SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF THREE YEARS, EXCEPT THAT, OF THE  TWO  MEMBERS
 FIRST  APPOINTED  UPON  NOMINATION  BY  THE  TEMPORARY  PRESIDENT OF THE
 SENATE, ONE SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS AND ONE SHALL SERVE  FOR
 A  TERM  OF ONE YEAR; OF THE TWO MEMBERS FIRST APPOINTED UPON NOMINATION
 BY THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, ONE SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF TWO  YEARS
 AND  ONE  SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR; AND, OF TWO OF THE MEMBERS
 FIRST APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR WITHOUT NOMINATION BY ANY OTHER  PERSON,
 TWO  SHALL  EACH  SERVE FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS AND TWO SHALL EACH SERVE
 FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR. ONE OF THE MEMBERS APPOINTED TO  THE  MANAGEMENT
 ADVISORY  BOARD  DIRECTLY  BY  THE  GOVERNOR  SHALL BE DESIGNATED BY THE
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD09372-03-1

 S. 4943                             2
 
 GOVERNOR TO SERVE AS ITS CHAIRMAN. VACANCIES OCCURRING IN THE MEMBERSHIP
 OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER AS ORIGINAL APPOINT-
 MENTS.
   3.  THE  ADVISORY  COMMITTEE  SHALL DEVELOP A STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN IN
 CONSULTATION WITH THE AUTHORITY TO IMPROVE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
 AT BRIDGES, STATIONS AND OTHER FACILITIES OPERATED BY THE AUTHORITY. ONE
 COMPONENT OF THE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN SHALL BE TO DEVELOP  AND  MONITOR
 CAPITAL PROJECTS TO ALLOW FOR AND/OR EXPAND BICYCLE ACCESS ON ALL BRIDG-
 ES  OPERATED  BY  THE  AUTHORITY  AND PROVIDE FOR BICYCLE PARKING AT ALL
 PASSENGER STATIONS OPERATED BY THE AUTHORITY. THE STRATEGIC ACTION  PLAN
 SHALL  ALSO INCLUDE A REVIEW OF THE AUTHORITY'S CAPITAL PROGRAM PLANS IN
 EFFECT ON AND AFTER JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, TO DETERMINE THE
 IMPACT OF SUCH PROJECTS ON  BICYCLE  AND  PEDESTRIAN  ACCESS  AND  SHALL
 INCLUDE  ANY  PROPOSED  AMENDMENTS  AND  MODIFICATIONS  TO  SUCH CAPITAL
 PROGRAM PLANS THAT THE  COMMITTEE  DEEMS  NECESSARY  TO  ACCOMPLISH  THE
 PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION.
   4.  THE  COMMITTEE  SHALL  HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING NO LATER THAN NINETY
 DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, AND AT SUCH  OTHER  TIMES
 AS A MAJORITY OF ITS MEMBERS DEEM NECESSARY, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE
 COMMITTEE SHALL MEET NO FEWER THAN SIX TIMES ANNUALLY.
   5.  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  COMMITTEE SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR
 THEIR SERVICES BUT SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR EXPENSES  ACTUALLY  AND
 NECESSARILY INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES HEREUNDER.
   6.  THE  COMMITTEE  MAY REQUEST AND SHALL RECEIVE FROM ANY DEPARTMENT,
 DIVISION, BOARD, BUREAU, COMMISSION, AGENCY,  PUBLIC  AUTHORITY  OF  THE
 STATE  OR  ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION THEREOF SUCH ASSISTANCE AND DATA AS
 WILL ENABLE IT PROPERLY TO CARRY OUT ITS ACTIVITIES HEREUNDER AND EFFEC-
 TUATE THE PURPOSES SET FORTH HEREIN.
   § 2. Section 1269-b of the public authorities law is amended by adding
 a new subdivision 11 to read as follows:
   11. IN FORMULATING ITS CAPITAL  PROGRAM  PLANS,  THE  AUTHORITY  SHALL
 CONSIDER  THE  IMPACT  OF  ANY  PROPOSED PLAN, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
 SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION ON BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESSIBIL-
 ITY. SUCH CONSIDERATION SHALL BE MADE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE  ADVISORY
 COMMITTEE  ON  BICYCLE  AND  PEDESTRIAN  ACCESS  ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO
 SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED SEVENTY-NINE-M OF THIS TITLE.
   § 3. This act shall take effect immediately.

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2021-S4943A - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A6235
Law Section:: Public Authorities Law
Laws Affected:: Add §§1269-b, 1266-e, 1266-d & 1204-e, Pub Auth L

2021-S4943A - Summary

2021-S4943A - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S4943A

SPONSOR: BIAGGI
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to establishing
a standing advisory committee within the metropolitan transportation
authority to improve bicycle and pedestrian access at its bridges and
passenger stations

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This bill would establish a standing advisory committee to require the
MTA to create a strategic plan to promote cycling access on MTA bridges,
as well as improve access to the MTA subway and commuter rail stations.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends the public authority law by adding new section 1279-m
that establishes a standing advisory committee consisting of 13 members
who shall develop a strategic action plan to improve bicycle and pedes-
trian access at bridges, pedestrian stations, and onboard MTA vehicles.

Section 2 amends the public authority law 1269-b to require the metro-
politan transportation authority to consider the impact any capital
program may have on bicycle and pedestrian access, in consultation with
the established committee.

Section 3 sets forth the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Bicycling has been the fastest growing mode of transportation in New
York City during the past decade. According to the New York City Depart-
ment of Transportation, almost 900,000 New Yorkers ride a bicycle regu-
larly, and at least a third of New Yorkers have ridden one in the past
year.(1) But unlike every other major transportation agency in New York
City, the MTA bans bicycles use on its bridges, and has put little
effort into improving bicycle and pedestrian access.

The MTA also does very little to facilitate secure bicycle access to and
from its transit hubs and stations, even though local bike access to
transit stations can encourage residents to use public transportation
options instead of driving.

In contrast to the MTA, the New York City Department of Transportation,
the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State
Thruway Association, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey,
have all incorporated bicycle and pedestrian access in reconstruction
designs.

The current MTA five year capital program is projected to spend approxi-
mately 3.3 billion dollars on bridges and tunnels, but designates no
money to improve walking, cycling, or allow bicycle use on bridges,
despite the growing need to do so. This bill would establish a standing
advisory committee tasked with developing a strategic plan for improving
cycling and pedestrian access.  Furthermore, this bill would require the
MTA to assess the impact of its current capital plan on bicycle and

pedestrian access, as well as consider bicycle and pedestrian access in
all future capital planning.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

Undetermined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act will take effect immediately.
1 https://wwwl.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/cyclinginthecity.shtml
bicycle use on its bridges, and has put little effort into improving
bicycle and pedestrian access.

2021-S4943A - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  4943--A
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             February 18, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens.  BIAGGI,  ADDABBO,  GIANARIS,  GOUNARDES, JACKSON,
   MYRIE, RAMOS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be
   committed to the Committee on Transportation -- committee  discharged,
   bill  amended,  ordered  reprinted  as amended and recommitted to said
   committee

 AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to  establishing
   a  standing  advisory committee within the metropolitan transportation
   authority to improve bicycle and pedestrian access at its bridges  and
   passenger stations
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. The public authorities law  is  amended  by  adding  a  new
 section 1279-m to read as follows:
   §  1279-M.  PERMANENT  ADVISORY  COMMITTEE  ON  BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN
 ACCESS. 1. THERE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED A  PERMANENT  ADVISORY  COMMITTEE
 WITHIN THE AUTHORITY TO STUDY, INVESTIGATE, MONITOR AND MAKE RECOMMENDA-
 TIONS  WITH  RESPECT  TO  THE MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF BICYCLE AND
 PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AT ALL BRIDGES AND PASSENGER STATIONS OPERATED BY  THE
 AUTHORITY AND TRIBOROUGH BRIDGE AND TUNNEL AUTHORITY.
   2. SUCH COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIST OF THIRTEEN MEMBERS WHO SHALL BE BICY-
 CLISTS  AND PEDESTRIANS WHO REGULARLY USE THE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OF
 SUCH AUTHORITIES. FIVE MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY  THE  GOVERNOR  AND
 SHALL RESIDE IN DIFFERENT COUNTIES OR CITY BOROUGHS WITHIN THE METROPOL-
 ITAN  COMMUTER  TRANSPORTATION  DISTRICT AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, TWO
 MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY  OF  NEW  YORK,  TWO
 MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED UPON NOMINATION BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF
 THE SENATE, TWO UPON NOMINATION BY THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, ONE UPON
 NOMINATION  BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE AND ONE UPON NOMINATION
 BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY. ALL MEMBERS SHALL  SERVE  FOR  A
 TERM  OF  THREE  YEARS,  EXCEPT THAT, OF THE TWO MEMBERS FIRST APPOINTED
 UPON NOMINATION BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT  OF  THE  SENATE,  ONE  SHALL
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD09372-08-1

 S. 4943--A                          2
 
 SERVE  FOR  A  TERM  OF  TWO YEARS AND ONE SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF ONE
 YEAR; OF THE TWO MEMBERS FIRST APPOINTED UPON NOMINATION BY THE  SPEAKER
 OF  THE  ASSEMBLY, ONE SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS AND ONE SHALL
 SERVE FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR; AND, OF TWO OF THE MEMBERS FIRST APPOINTED
 BY  THE  GOVERNOR WITHOUT NOMINATION BY ANY OTHER PERSON, TWO SHALL EACH
 SERVE FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS AND TWO SHALL EACH SERVE FOR A TERM OF ONE
 YEAR. ONE OF THE MEMBERS APPOINTED  TO  THE  MANAGEMENT  ADVISORY  BOARD
 DIRECTLY  BY  THE GOVERNOR SHALL BE DESIGNATED BY THE COMMITTEE TO SERVE
 AS ITS CHAIRPERSON. VACANCIES OCCURRING IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMIT-
 TEE SHALL BE FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER AS ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS.
   3. THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL DEVELOP A  STRATEGIC  ACTION  PLAN  IN
 CONSULTATION  WITH  THE  AUTHORITY, THE NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT AUTHORITY,
 AND THE TRIBOROUGH BRIDGE AND TUNNEL AUTHORITY TO  IMPROVE  BICYCLE  AND
 PEDESTRIAN  ACCESS AT BRIDGES, STATIONS AND OTHER FACILITIES OPERATED BY
 THE AUTHORITIES. THE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN SHALL  INCLUDE,  BUT  NOT  BE
 LIMITED  TO,  DEVELOPING  AND  MONITORING  CAPITAL PROJECTS TO ALLOW FOR
 AND/OR EXPAND BICYCLE ACCESS ON ALL BRIDGES OPERATED BY THE AUTHORITIES,
 PROVIDING FOR BICYCLE PARKING AT ALL PASSENGER STATIONS OPERATED BY  THE
 AUTHORITIES, AND EXPANDING BICYCLE ACCESS WHERE FEASIBLE ON EQUIPMENT AS
 DEFINED  IN  SUBDIVISION FIVE OF SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-
 ONE OF THIS TITLE.   THE STRATEGIC ACTION  PLAN  SHALL  ALSO  INCLUDE  A
 REVIEW  OF THE AUTHORITIES' CAPITAL PROGRAM PLANS IN EFFECT ON AND AFTER
 JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, TO  DETERMINE  THE  IMPACT  OF  SUCH
 PROJECTS ON BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AND SHALL INCLUDE ANY PROPOSED
 AMENDMENTS  AND  MODIFICATIONS  TO  SUCH  CAPITAL PROGRAM PLANS THAT THE
 COMMITTEE DEEMS NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION.
   4. THE COMMITTEE SHALL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING  NO  LATER  THAN  NINETY
 DAYS  AFTER  THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, AND AT SUCH OTHER TIMES
 AS A MAJORITY OF ITS MEMBERS DEEM NECESSARY, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE
 COMMITTEE SHALL MEET NO FEWER THAN SIX TIMES ANNUALLY.
   5. THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE  SHALL  RECEIVE  NO  COMPENSATION  FOR
 THEIR  SERVICES  BUT SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR EXPENSES ACTUALLY AND
 NECESSARILY INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES HEREUNDER.
   6. THE COMMITTEE MAY REQUEST AND SHALL RECEIVE  FROM  ANY  DEPARTMENT,
 DIVISION,  BOARD,  BUREAU,  COMMISSION,  AGENCY, PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF THE
 STATE OR ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION THEREOF SUCH ASSISTANCE AND  DATA  AS
 WILL ENABLE IT PROPERLY TO CARRY OUT ITS ACTIVITIES HEREUNDER AND EFFEC-
 TUATE THE PURPOSES SET FORTH HEREIN.
   § 2. Section 1269-b of the public authorities law is amended by adding
 a new subdivision 11 to read as follows:
   11.  IN  FORMULATING  ITS  CAPITAL  PROGRAM  PLANS,  THE AUTHORITY, IN
 CONSULTATION WITH THE NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT AUTHORITY AND THE TRIBOROUGH
 BRIDGE AND TUNNEL AUTHORITY, SHALL CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF  ANY  PROPOSED
 PLAN,  AMENDMENT  OR  MODIFICATION SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION ON
 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESSIBILITY. SUCH CONSIDERATION SHALL  BE  MADE
 IN  CONSULTATION  WITH  THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN
 ACCESS ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED SEVENTY-NINE-M  OF
 THIS TITLE.
   § 3. This act shall take effect immediately.

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2021-S4943B (ACTIVE) - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A6235
Law Section:: Public Authorities Law
Laws Affected:: Add §§1269-b, 1266-e, 1266-d & 1204-e, Pub Auth L

2021-S4943B (ACTIVE) - Summary

2021-S4943B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S4943B

SPONSOR: BIAGGI
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring the
metropolitan transportation authority to develop a strategic action plan
to improve bicycle and pedestrian access at its bridges and passenger
stations

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This bill would require the MTA to develop a strategic plan to promote
cycling and pedestrian access on MTA bridges, bike parking at MTA subway
and commuter rail stations, and bike access on board MTA equipment.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:ò

Section 1 amends the public authority law to require the MTA and rele-
vant subsidiaries and authorities to develop a strategic action plan to
improve cycling and pedestrian access on MTA bridges, bike parking at
MTA subway and commuter rail stations, and bike access on board MTA

equipment. The plan must include a review of current capital projects
and how they will impact access. Within one year the MTA must submit a
report to the Governor and Legislature and make it available online.

Section 2 amends the public authority law 1269-b to require the authori-
ties to consider the impact of future capital plans on bicycle and
pedestrian access.

Section 3 amends subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 1266-e of the public
authorities law to expand the duties of the Metro-North rail commuter
council to include studying and making recommendations on bicycle and
pedestrian access. The council will have one additional member who must
have a demonstrated expertise or interest in the promotion of bicycling
or pedestrian access.

Section 4 amends subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 1266-d of the public
authorities law to expand the duties of the Long Island railroad commu-
ter council to include studying and making recommendations on bicycle
and pedestrian access. The council will have one additional member who
must have a demonstrated expertise or interest in the promotion of bicy-
cling or pedestrian access.

Section 5 amends subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 1205-e of the public
authorities law to expand the duties of the New York City Transit
Authority Advisory council to include studying and making recommenda-
tions on bicycle and pedestrian access. The council will have three
additional members recommended by the Mayor who must have a demonstrated
expertise or interest in the promotion of bicycling or pedestrian
access.

Section 6 sets forth the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Bicycling has been the fastest growing mode of transportation in New
York City during the past decade. According to the New York City Depart-
ment of Transportation, almost 900,000 New Yorkers ride a bicycle regu-
larly, and at least a third of New Yorkers have ridden one in the past
year.(1) But unlike every other major transportation agency in New York
City, .the MTA bans bicycle use on its bridges, and has put little
effort into improving bicycle and pedestrian access.

The MTA also does very little to facilitate secure bicycle access to and
from its transit hubs and stations, even though local bike access to
transit stations can encourage residents to use public transportation
options instead of driving.

In contrast to the MTA, the New York City Department of Transportation,
the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State
Thruway Association, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey,
have all incorporated bicycle and pedestrian access in reconstruction
designs.

The current MTA five year capital program is projected to spend approxi-
mately 3.3 billion dollars on bridges and tunnels, but designates no
money to improve walking, cycling, or allow bicycle use on bridges,
despite the growing need to do so. This bill would expand the role of
existing pedestrian advisory councils to study and make recommendations
around improving bicycle and pedestrian access.  Furthermore, this bill
would require the MTA to create a strategic action plan to expand bike
and pedestrian access, including assessing the impact of its current
capital plan on bicycle and pedestrian access. This plan must be submit-
ted to the Legislature and made available to the public within one year.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

Undetermined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act will take effect immediately.
(1) https://wwwl.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/cyclinginthecity.shtml

2021-S4943B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  4943--B
     Cal. No. 1239
 
                        2021-2022 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             February 18, 2021
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens.  BIAGGI,  ADDABBO,  GIANARIS,  GOUNARDES, JACKSON,
   MYRIE, RAMOS, SERRANO -- read twice  and  ordered  printed,  and  when
   printed  to be committed to the Committee on Transportation -- commit-
   tee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and  recom-
   mitted  to  said  committee -- reported favorably from said committee,
   ordered to first and  second  report,  ordered  to  a  third  reading,
   amended  and  ordered  reprinted,  retaining its place in the order of
   third reading
 
 AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring the
   metropolitan transportation authority to develop  a  strategic  action
   plan  to  improve  bicycle  and  pedestrian  access at its bridges and
   passenger stations
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1.    The  metropolitan  transportation  authority  shall, in
 consultation with the Long Island  Rail  Road  Commuter's  Council,  the
 Metro-North Rail Commuter Council and the New York City Transit Authori-
 ty  Advisory Council, develop a strategic action plan to improve bicycle
 and pedestrian access at bridges, stations and other facilities operated
 by the authority or its affiliates or subsidiaries. One component of the
 strategic action plan shall be to develop and monitor  capital  projects
 to allow for and/or expand bicycle access on all bridges operated by the
 authority or its affiliates or subsidiaries, provide for bicycle parking
 at all passenger stations operated by the authority or its affiliates or
 subsidiaries, and, where feasible, expand bicycle access on equipment as
 such  term  is  defined  in  paragraph  5  of section 1261 of the public
 authorities law. The strategic action plan shall also include  a  review
 of  the  authority's  and  the  Triborough bridge and tunnel authority's
 capital program plans in effect on and after January first, two thousand
 twenty, to determine the impact of such projects on bicycle  and  pedes-
 trian access and shall include any proposed amendments and modifications
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets

                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD09372-15-1

 S. 4943--B                          2
 
 to  such  capital  program  plans  that the authority deems necessary to
 accomplish the purposes of this section. Within one year of  the  effec-
 tive  date  of this act, the chairperson of the metropolitan transporta-
 tion  authority shall submit a written report to the governor, temporary
 president of the senate, speaker of the assembly and mayor of  the  city
 of  New  York, detailing the strategic action plan conducted pursuant to
 this act. Such report shall be made  available  to  the  public  on  the
 metropolitan transportation authority's website.
   § 2. Section 1269-b of the public authorities law is amended by adding
 a new subdivision 11 to read as follows:
   11.  IN FORMULATING THEIR CAPITAL PROGRAM PLANS, THE AUTHORITY AND ITS
 AFFILIATES AND SUBSIDIARIES SHALL CONSIDER THE IMPACT  OF  ANY  PROPOSED
 PLAN,  AMENDMENT  OR  MODIFICATION SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION ON
 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESSIBILITY. SUCH CONSIDERATION SHALL  BE  MADE
 IN  CONSULTATION  WITH THE LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD COMMUTER'S COUNCIL, THE
 METRO-NORTH RAIL COMMUTER COUNCIL AND THE NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT AUTHORI-
 TY ADVISORY COUNCIL.
   § 3. Subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 1266-e of the public  authorities
 law,  subdivision  1  as  amended by chapter 669 of the laws of 1986 and
 subdivision 2 as amended by chapter 396 of the laws of 1998, are amended
 to read as follows:
   1. There is hereby created the Metro-North rail  commuter  council  to
 study, investigate, monitor and make recommendations with respect to the
 maintenance  and  operation  of  those  portions of, if any, the Hudson,
 Harlem, New Haven, Pascack Valley  and  Port  Jervis  commuter  railroad
 lines   remaining   within   the  metropolitan  commuter  transportation
 district. Such council shall study and investigate all  aspects  of  the
 day  to  day operation of such railroad lines, monitor their performance
 and recommend changes to improve the efficiency of the operation  there-
 of.    SUCH  COUNCIL  SHALL  STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS IN REGARD TO
 IMPROVING BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AT BRIDGES, STATIONS  AND  OTHER
 FACILITIES OPERATED BY SUCH RAILROAD LINES.
   2.  Such council shall consist of [eleven] TWELVE members and shall be
 commuters who regularly use the transportation services of such railroad
 lines. At least five of such members shall be residents of the county of
 Westchester. Of the other [six] SEVEN members,  at  least  one  of  such
 members shall be a resident of each of the counties of Rockland, Putnam,
 Dutchess,  Orange and Bronx, provided that such county has not withdrawn
 from the  metropolitan  commuter  transportation  district  pursuant  to
 section  twelve hundred seventy-nine-b of this [article] TITLE; provided
 further, should only the county of Putnam  remain  in  the  metropolitan
 commuter  transportation  district then membership on such council shall
 consist of [seven] EIGHT members, [five] SIX of whom reside in the coun-
 ty of Westchester and two of  whom  reside  in  the  county  of  Putnam.
 Members  shall be appointed by the governor. In making such appointments
 the governor shall consult with and solicit recommendations  from  local
 officials  and  to the extent possible appoint members who represent the
 ridership of the several commuter  railroad  lines.  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,
 THAT  ONE  MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED WHO HAS A DEMONSTRATED EXPERTISE OR
 INTEREST IN THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF IMPROVED BICYCLE AND PEDES-
 TRIAN ACCESS AT BRIDGES, STATIONS AND OTHER FACILITIES OPERATED  BY  THE
 AUTHORITY  AND  ITS  AFFILIATES AND SUBSIDIARIES. Vacancies occurring in
 the membership of the council shall be filled  in  the  same  manner  as
 original appointments.
   §  4. Subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 1266-d of the public authorities
 law, subdivision 1 as added by chapter 482 of  the  laws  of  1981,  and

 S. 4943--B                          3
 
 subdivision 2 as amended by chapter 396 of the laws of 1998, are amended
 to read as follows:
   1.  There is hereby created the Long Island rail road commuter's coun-
 cil, to  study,  investigate,  monitor  and  make  recommendations  with
 respect  to  the maintenance and operation of the Long Island rail road.
 Such council shall study and investigate all aspects of the day  to  day
 operations  of  such  railroad,  monitor  its  performance and recommend
 changes to improve the efficiency of the operation thereof.  SUCH  COUN-
 CIL  SHALL STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS IN REGARD TO IMPROVING BICYCLE
 AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AT BRIDGES, STATIONS AND OTHER FACILITIES OPERATED
 BY THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD.
   2. Such council shall consist of [twelve] THIRTEEN members  who  shall
 be commuters who regularly use the transportation services of such rail-
 road,  and who shall be residents of Nassau, Suffolk, Queens or Brooklyn
 county.  Members shall be appointed by the governor upon the recommenda-
 tion of the county executive of each  such  county,  provided,  however,
 that  such members shall be chosen from a list of ten names submitted by
 each such county executive and provided further  however  that  no  more
 than six members of such council shall be residents of either such coun-
 ty.  Provided, however, that one member shall be appointed on the recom-
 mendation  of  the  borough  president of Queens and one member shall be
 appointed on the recommendation of the borough  president  of  Brooklyn.
 PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  THAT ONE MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED WHO HAS A DEMON-
 STRATED EXPERTISE OR  INTEREST  IN  THE  PROMOTION  AND  DEVELOPMENT  OF
 IMPROVED  BICYCLE  AND  PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AT BRIDGES, STATIONS AND OTHER
 FACILITIES OPERATED BY THE AUTHORITY  AND  ITS  AFFILIATES  AND  SUBSID-
 IARIES.  Vacancies  occurring  in the membership of the council shall be
 filled in the same manner as original appointments,  provided,  however,
 that  such  vacancy shall be filled from a list of three names submitted
 by each such county executive.
   § 5. Subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 1204-e of the public  authorities
 law,  as  added  by  chapter 483 of the laws of 1981 and such section as
 renumbered by section 2 of part H of chapter 25 of the laws of 2009, are
 amended to read as follows:
   1. There is hereby created the New York city transit  authority  advi-
 sory  council,  to  study, investigate, monitor and make recommendations
 with respect to the maintenance and operation of the New York city tran-
 sit authority, its subsidiaries and  the  Staten  Island  rapid  transit
 operating  authority.  Such  council  shall  study  and  investigate all
 aspects of the day to day operations of such authority, its subsidiaries
 and the Staten Island rapid transit operating authority,  monitor  their
 performance and recommend changes to improve the efficiency of the oper-
 ation  thereof.    SUCH  COUNCIL SHALL STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS IN
 REGARD TO IMPROVING BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ON TRAINS  AND  BUSES,
 AND AT BRIDGES, STATIONS AND OTHER FACILITIES OPERATED BY THE AUTHORITY,
 ITS  AFFILIATES  AND  SUBSIDIARIES  AND  THE STATEN ISLAND RAPID TRANSIT
 OPERATING AUTHORITY.
   2. Such council shall consist of [fifteen] EIGHTEEN members who  shall
 be  commuters  who  regularly  use  the  transportation services of such
 authorities.  [Five] EIGHT of such members shall  be  appointed  by  the
 governor  upon  the recommendation of the mayor of the city of New York;
 five upon the recommendation of the president of the city council of the
 city of New York; and five other members appointed upon the  recommenda-
 tion  one  by each of the borough presidents of the boroughs of the city
 of New York.  PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THREE MEMBERS RECOMMENDED  BY  THE
 MAYOR OF NEW YORK SHALL HAVE A DEMONSTRATED EXPERTISE OR INTEREST IN THE

 S. 4943--B                          4
 
 PROMOTION  AND  DEVELOPMENT OF IMPROVED BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AT
 BRIDGES, STATIONS AND OTHER  FACILITIES  OPERATED  BY  THE  METROPOLITAN
 TRANSPORTATION  AUTHORITY,  AS  CREATED BY SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED SIXTY-
 THREE OF THIS ARTICLE, AND SUCH AUTHORITY'S AFFILIATES AND SUBSIDIARIES.
 The chairman shall be a member selected by the membership of the commit-
 tee.  Each of the members shall serve for a term of two years, provided,
 however, that of the first appointments, two appointed upon  the  recom-
 mendation  of the mayor and two appointed upon the recommendation of the
 president of the city council shall serve for a term of one year. Vacan-
 cies occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled  in  the
 same  manner  as  the original appointments for the balance of the unex-
 pired term.
   § 6. This act shall take effect immediately.

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Senate Bill S4943B

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May 19, 2021 - Transportation Committee Vote

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