Albany Bicycle Coalition

My New Bicycle

Lorenz Worden — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:49:44 +0000

It is always nice to hear that someone is so happy with a new bicycle that she wants to share the news with others. We here have the latest sent in by a young professional who is balancing her two children (one also quite “new”), a career, bicycle advocacy, and, hopefully, some ride time.

So watch for this new purple cruiser and give a wave!

DEAR AUSTRALIAN (FEMALE) ROAD RAGING DRIVER…

Lorenz Worden — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:32:48 +0000

DEAR AUSTRALIAN (FEMALE) ROAD RAGING DRIVER…

Dear Australian driver, who pulled down your windscreen and yelled “Get out of the way!” while I was on my way to work this morning:

I’m just writing to deeply apologize… for giving you the finger. Seriously, that was very immature of me, and I don’t know why I did that…(!)

I’ve been riding this road for several weeks, and no other driver has ever showed bad behavior as you did to me, not even the slightest. Contrary, we all try to do our best in traffic, and it’s been going great so far. It’s an amazingly beautiful commute that I do almost every day. When you and I met this morning, the road was empty of cars and I kept a little to the left, so you could easily overtake me if you wanted. So I was very surprised and chocked of your manners.

After some thinking, I realised you must be one of those people who has a massive aura of negativity around you and get annoyed with things that no one else cares about. Your life must really suck because of this. You might have had a really bad morning – but you seem to be the only one during my commutes so far who takes it out on other people in traffic. You might be one of those people who drives a shiny car, but lacks everything else. Like love and happiness. Which make me feel really sorry for you.

And I figured there must be something severely wrong with you and/or your life, when you didn’t stop at the STOP sign either (STOP means “stop”). I guess that’s what really upset me and made me act like a baby. It scared me that someone like you drive around on our streets without following the simplest of rules. (Perhaps you ignored this important rule as you realised that if you’d stop, I’d end up right next to you. But seriously, I’m not dangerous, and you’re an adult who should be able to stand up for yourself, right?)

Anyhow, despite your illegal, rude and dangerous manners, I shoudn’t have responded the way I did! Giving you the finger probably won’t give back your hope for humanity, and it certainly doesn’t makes you a happier person or a more respectful driver. I guess it is true what they say, that people’s bad energy and behavour is contagious: you really brought out the worst in me. Which is actually quite amazing that you did, because nothing bring me such joy (regarding how my mornings are) as choosing to ride to work by bike. Perhaps you should try it sometime.

Anyhow. Next time you pull down your window and yell at me, I’ll promise that I’ll give you a big smile and a friendly waive, perhaps a lollie too. You if anyone really needs it.

Once again, I’m really sorry.

Kind regards,

Elin xx

(FROM: http://www.putthefunbetweenyourlegs.net/)

Bike Share in NYC and Albanys’ 3rd Annual Bicycle EXPO 2013 + Bicycle Friendly Communities

Lorenz Worden — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:16:33 +0000

Providentially, the Times Union chose Sunday, May 5, the day of Albany’s 3rd Annual Bicycle EXPO 2013 to run an AP story on NYC’s long awaited (and Sandy delayed) bike share program. Scheduled to begin this month, the scheme will feature 6,000 3-speed bicycles and 330 docking stations. Planned growth will be to 10,000 cycles with 600 stations.

According to the report, there are 534 bike share programs worldwide. Follow the link to red more . . .

On the home front at the Bicycle EXPO, Albany’s own Kate Lawrence from the Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability appeared in a Times Union (5/6/13) photo story. Cyclists are shown being briefed on Albany’s Bicycle Master Plan (see Map 1, pg. 5).

The Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability was responsible for applying for and receiving designation in 2012 of Albany as a bicycle friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. While Albany, with an honorable mention, does not appear in LAB’s current bronze-silver-gold-platinum listings, it is still in an elite group as there are only two cities, NYC and Rochester, in the rankings. This leaves NYS as a dismal 43 out of 50 states with only one way to go – up.

Albany Declares May as Bike Month

rcarle — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:02:19 +0000

Led by Common Council member (and avid cyclist) Leah Golby, all 15 members of the City of Albany Common Council sponsored proclaiming MAY 2013 as BIKE MONTH IN THE City of Albany.

The resolution notes the Albany Bicycle Master Plan and the inclusion of the plan in the city’s “2030 Comprehensive Plan.” There have been 12 miles of bicycle infrastructure developed in the city, as well as 350 bicycle racks and 1,400 bicycle parking spots installed. The resolution also indentified the several major bicycle events in the city: a family friendly Earth Day ride, an annual Bike EXPO, Ride to Work Week, the Ride of Silence, as well as co-sponsoring bicycle events with the Albany Police. These actions have earned Albany recognition by the League of American Bicyclists as a “Bicycle Friendly Community.”

The Common Council made note of efforts by the Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability, the Albany Police Department, and other entities to promote cycling as a safe and energy-conscious alternative.

The cycling community appreciates the Council’s consistent unanimous approval of the “bike month resolution” each year and looks forward to engagement with the Common Council as advocates for cycling in Albany and the Capital Region.

Downtube Bicycle Works Again Promotes Bicycle EXPO 2013

Lorenz Worden — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:34:37 +0000

For a second year running, the Downtube Bicycle Works has sponsored a nice big Bicycle EXPO ad in the 5/2/13 Metroland. In addition to ad sponsorship, the Downtube will celebrate its third year at the EXPO with a booth featuring its products and maintenance services.

Come to Bicycle EXPO 2013 in Washington Park on Sunday, 5/5/13 from 10-4 to visit with the Downtube and the 30+ other vendors.

Promoting Bicycle EXPO 2013 –or- On the Road with Jim Bob

Lorenz Worden — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:26:31 +0000

The tireless core of Albany Bicycle Coalition never rests, using every opportunity to promote the upcoming (5/5, Sunday, 10-4) Bicycle EXPO 2013. Here’s the hard working staff posting mini-posters on the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail.

BIKE FEST – Sat, May 18, 3:00 – 11:00 PM

Lorenz Worden — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:55:17 +0000

Troy Bike Rescue – Sanctuary for Independent Media, 3361 6th Ave., Troy, NY 12181

All around celebration and FUNdraiser with

3:00 – Tour de Troy ride
3:00 – Children’s’ bicycle rodeo
5:00 – Doors and cash bar
6:00 – Burrito dinner buffet community meal
7:00 – Cake auction and raffle
8:00 – Bands

Pine Hills Embraces Option 5A

Lorenz Worden — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:57:29 +0000

(After the City of Albany’s recent public meeting on the Madison Avenue Traffic Calming study, the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association put forth the following statement in support of Traffic Calming. Some slight editorial changes made by ABC. This statement seems consistent with opinions expressed by many at the April 16, 2013 presentation.)

The Pine Hills Neighborhood Association’s strong preference is for Alternative 5, which includes both restriping from 4 to 3 lanes (including a turn lane) AND traffic signal coordination. The association believes that both components must go together in order to produce a design that has the best chance of being funded. In terms of options, we also support Option A, which calls for sharrows [shared lane bicycle markings].

We understand that the next stage of this road diet project includes Phase 3 (design phase). In anticipation of the Albany Common Council’s passing of its Complete Streets legislation, would it not make sense for Phase 3 to include an entire Complete Streets design for Madison Avenue? Having a fully worked out plan for Madison Ave. will put Albany in a good position to apply for grants that are earmarked for Complete Streets and other public safety transportation funds.

In anticipation of getting to this point in the process, we approached our NYS representatives a couple of years ago about implementation funds. Once we have a design, we will remind them of their support and commitment. We will continue to work with state and federal agencies to advocate for funds necessary to make Madison Avenue safer for all users.

Meet Under the Tree – on May 5

Lorenz Worden — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 20:08:43 +0000

The City of Albany designated the area in Washington Park just east of the Lake House as the “official sponsored site” for Bicycle Expo 2013. With just three weeks remaining before the BIG EVENT, the site planning committee “met under the tree” on a chilly day to map out vendor sites.

“Headquarters” will be just to the right of the bicycle in the photo (check the mirror) with prime spots around the tree going to lead sponsors.

BE-13 guests will be mindful of the pictured sign on the Lake House by not taking their bicycles (or dogs) into the rest rooms.

UAG Thanks ABC

Lorenz Worden — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:01:19 +0000

ABC received this nice note from the Upstate Artists Guild treasurer (and Bicycle Expo 2013 Exhibitor for Tour de Cure) as acknowledgement of ABC’s donation of an auction prize for UAG’s 2nd Annual Fund Raising Gala. UAG supports art in the community and other community efforts at its gallery at 247 Lark St. There is a new show opening EVERY 1st Friday. The current exhibit is for youth from K through 12.