Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee originally formed in March 2009 (as the PaTHs 4 Bethlehem Committee) with a primary focus on addressing bicycle and pedestrian mobility in the Town. The committee's mission is to advise the Town, educate the community, and advocate for opportunities to improve mobility and connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians in Bethlehem.

View the committee's vision, mission, and goals.

Regular Meetings

Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of the month (with a couple exceptions - see dates below) at 6:30 pm in Town Hall in Room 101.  Remote attendance is available for committee members and the public via Zoom but in-person attendance is strongly preferred.  Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend and a public comment opportunity is provided at the beginning of each meeting.  If you would like to attend an upcoming Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee meeting via Zoom, please contact Nate Owens at nowens@townofbethlehem.org for a link to join the meeting.
  • Upcoming Meetings
    • 2023
      • January 24
      • February 28
      • March 28
      • April 25
      • May 23
      • June 27
      • August 22 CANCELLED
      • September 26
      • October 24 *RESCHEDULED* Monday October 30
      • December 12

Agendas & Minutes

The most recent agenda is posted in advance of each meeting. Minutes are available following approval.

Most Recent Agenda | View Archived Meeting Summaries

Members
  • Jeff Baker
  • Lynelle Bosworth
  • Nicole Cheplowitz, P.E.
  • Robert Ellis
  • Dee Fisher-Golden
  • Oliver Holmes, Chair
  • Jennifer Livingston
  • Steve Redler
  • Erin Rightmyer
  • Peter Thomas
  • Dr. Elizabeth Vásquez

The committee rotates the chair and recorder positions on a monthly basis to share workload. The following table lists the chair and recorder responsibilities for the current year:  Committee Chair and Recorder schedule/table

Town Representatives

  • Nate Owens, AICP, Senior Planner
  • Sergeant Roy Swann Jr., Bethlehem Police Department
  • Marc Dorsey, Highway Superintendent

Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Network Map

The Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Network Map identifies roadways in town where pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is desired and appropriate.  The bicycle and pedestrian priority network segments on this map were discussed and approved by the Town Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee.  The map is used when Town staff and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee evaluate and prioritize potential infrastructure projects and is considered by the Town Planning Board when rendering decisions on development applications.

At the end of 2021, the Committee updated the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Network Map with Town staff assistance.  The priority network has expanded to include new segments, some segments have changed classification, and contextual information has been added to the map, including: building footprints, impervious surfaces, existing sidewalks, crosswalks, signs, bus stops, stop lights, and designated bike routes.

New/Updated Priority Segments

  • Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail (Bicycle and Pedestrian)
  • Kenaware (Bicycle and Pedestrian)
  • Gardner Terrace (Bicycle and Pedestrian)
  • Salisbury (Bicycle and Pedestrian)
  • Route 9W (Bicycle and Pedestrian)
  • Dover, Salem, Hampton, and Corrit (Bicycle and Pedestrian)
  • Wemple Road, east of 9W to Soccer Complex (Bicycle and Pedestrian)
  • East Bayberry and Saybrook (Bicycle and Pedestrian)
  • Portion of Jericho Road (Bicycle and Pedestrian)
  • Henry Hudson Park Loop Roads (Bicycle and Pedestrian)
  • Wheeler, Van Wies Point, and Mosher (Bicycle)
  • North Street & Wright Lane (Bicycle)

Bethlehem Walk and Roll Fest

Each spring the Town and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee holds the Walk and Roll Festival, a family-fun event with activities for everyone, including stations teaching kids essential bike skills, safety awareness activities, exhibitors and local vendors, and more. The Bethlehem Walk and Roll Fest is co-sponsored by the Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department, Bethlehem Police Family Services Unit, and Bethlehem Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee.  The event is typically held the third Saturday in May from 10 am to 1 pm.

2024 Walk and Roll Fest - date to be confirmed

Documents

  1. Roll Model Pledge
  2. Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Network
  3. Complete Streets Resolution
  4. Evaluation Process for New Pathway Investment
  5. Town Board Resolution Establishing Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
  6. Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Support Letter for Delaware Ave Complete Streets Project

For more information, please see the Sidewalks web page, follow the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee on Facebook and Instagram or contact Nate Owens at nowens@townofbethlehem.org.