Category Archives: Comings and Goings

by | November 13, 2012 · 2:35 pm

Blessing or Curse? – the Washington Ave. Flyover

The Washington Ave. Flyover and Related work is complete.  Two cyclists gave their opposing thoughts on the results.  What are yours?

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From a Daily Washington Ave. Extension Commuter – I am VERY deeply concerned.  I suspect it is going to force me to change my route entirely to avoid it.  I go west on Washington.  If I take the flyover, I have cars and garbage trucks coming onto Washington westbound at 55 mph on my right on the on-ramp from Fuller while I am stuck between them and the other traffic doing 55 mph on my left.  This is almost certain death.  If I get off Washington before the flyover and go down the ramp, around the circle, and back up the ramp, I have to assert my right-of-way over the commuters coming south on Fuller Rd. and into the circle while I’m there.  This also strikes me as a death-defying experience.  I cannot say for sure because I have not tried it yet, but I expect this whole thing is going to be a HUGE disaster for my commute.  I think the design is terrible for cyclists and sets us back instead of moving us forward.  It makes one more place no normal cyclist will ever dare go.

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From an Experienced Road Cyclist – I took a ride . . .  through the university and along Washington Ave. Extension.  I do like the new configuration at Fuller Road.  It was easy to do the traffic circle and then the flyover.  The condition of the road surface at that intersection is much improved, needless to say.  And I do like traffic circles.  I think they are fun and despite what others think, I say safer.  Traffic certainly does need to slow down in order to negotiate and this seems to give equal advantage to the cyclist.  [The result] could be cumulative as numbers of cyclists increase.

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Filed under Comings and Goings, Fuller Rd., Local Bike Rides

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by | October 1, 2012 · 3:17 pm

Bicycle Palooza in Albany

Bunny on a Bicycle

Bunny on a Bicycle

The featured exhibit at the Upper Madison Street Fair was Albany’s first Exotic Bicycle Exhibit.  The fair’s “low carbon footprint” theme was supported admirably by the various entries.

Three in particular promoted utilitarian use of bicycles – a F. van Buuren & Co. Dutch “city bike,” a Brompton folder, and a set of two “bicycles for a small family” – one fitted with a child seat and the other pulling a tag-along.  Nonetheless, the “people’s choice” awards went to more exotic fair – a Sun Spider AT “fat bike,” a 1930s Schwinn Debutante, and a souped-up Schwinn Stingray.  The fair sponsors provided cash awards for each winning owner.

1st Prize - Sun Spider AT Fat Bike

1st Prize – Sun Spider AT Fat Bike

2nd Prize - Schwinn Debutante 1930s

2nd Prize – Schwinn Debutante 1930s

There were 23 entries including tall bikes, hand-made cargo carriers, recumbents, a folder, a vintage Raleigh, a rare Zeus, and a host of others – many of which had received lavish attention by their builders or owners.  Over 85 percent of the ballots distributed to the fair guests were cast to in selecting the three winners as evidence of the crowd’s enthusiastic support for the exhibit.

3rd Prize - Custom Schwinn Stingray

3rd Prize – Custom Schwinn Stingray

2nd Prize – Schwinn Debutante 1930s

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Filed under Activism, Comings and Goings, Events, Support the Cause

by | May 14, 2012 · 2:18 pm

Bicycle Expo 2012 Most Improved Event of 2012

Bike Expo 2012 - Vendor Area

Bike Expo 2012 – Vendor Area

The organizers of Bicycle Expo 2012 extend a big THANK YOU to all our vendors, co-sponsors, and supporters.  We are particularly grateful to the hundreds of visitors who attended the event and supported the vendors.

As we look back over the past four months of preparation, we are pleased with the help from our friends both in the cycling community and in the city government.  The mayor, the director of special events, the city clerk, the chief and officers of Albany Police Department, the Department of General Services staff, the Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability, the Albany Common Council, the print news media, and several radio and television stations all supported us in presenting the second annual Bicycle Expo to the Capital Region.  Several major sponsors provided the funding and in-kind services to expand promotion throughout the community.

Our auction prize donors provided an invigorating aspect of Bicycle Expo 2012.  With our “you-do-not-have-to-be-present-to-win” policy, we had great participation from our guests.  One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward Albany Bicycle Coalition’s programs in the community.

The Crowd Enjoys Expo

The Crowd Enjoys Expo

The Albany Bicycle Coalition is proud to have presented such a worthwhile event. This event could be the springboard for advancing bicyclists’ rights, policies, and amenities in Albany.   Albany Bicycle Coalition’s objective remains that of having the Capital District declared “Bicycle Friendly.”

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Filed under Activism, Comings and Goings, Events, Fundraising, Rides, Support the Cause

by | March 27, 2012 · 6:27 pm

Bicycle Amenities in Burlington, VT

Cruising around the streets of Burlington a few weekends ago, we spotted these interesting city-installed bi

Street Parking Burlington

Street Parking Burlington

cycle amenities:

  •  One of several “take back the streets” bicycle parking racks which occupies the same space as one standard motor vehicle parking place.  As shown, the bicycle is completely sheltered by the rack and is not locked up on the sidewalk.  In a bicycle-heavy, tightly packed city with narrow sidewalks like Burlington, off-the-sidewalk bicycle parking is a real benefit.  (Curiously, a scooter operator took advantage of this rack.)
  • A share- the-road sign that really communicates to both cyclists and motor vehicle operators.

    Share the Rd Burlington

    Share the Rd Burlington

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Filed under City Review, Comings and Goings, Local Bike Rides

by | March 7, 2012 · 2:59 pm

Bicycle Expo 2012 – Coming Soon!

The Albany Bicycle Coalition is moving ahead with Bicycle Expo 2012– your opportunity to meet with fellow cyclists, learn about new equipment, and explore sustainable/urban living!

ABC Information/Sign-In Booth – Bike Expo 2011

ABC Information/Sign-In Booth – Bike Expo 2011

We now have verbal approval from Albany to use the area in front of the Washington Park Lake House just off Madison Avenue at New Scotland Ave.

  • Date – Sunday, May 6, 10 AM – 4 PM
  • Location – Lake House in Washington Park
  • Rides – An in-city tour of Albany’s bicycle amenities and an in-park ride for novice cyclists and children.
  • Vendors – We will have bicycle groups, bicycle shops, food vendors, and other organizations related to bicycling and urban living.

With this great, central location, we are hoping to attract cyclists, vendors, exhibitors, and visitors to the park – which will be in full bloom for the Tulip Festival (May 12 and 13).  We will have access to the car-free roadways for a family friendly traffic skills ride.

This event will be Albany Bicycle Coalition’s main sponsored effort for 2012 and for Bike Month 2012 – a chance to bring riders and families into contact with each other and with organizations and companies involved with cycling and sustainable living.

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Filed under Activism, Comings and Goings, Events, Local Bike Rides, Rides, Support the Cause