Monthly Archives: November 2010

Meeting Notes
ABC, Inc. Monthly Meeting – 11/18/10
Attending – Claire (new news), John V. (new event), Ken (new bicycle, new event), Bill (new energy), Chris B. (new facemask), Don (new bridge), Bob (newly famous with new postcards), Maria (new logo), J.P. (new member), and Lorenz (nothing new).

Old Business –

– New Business Card – (Bob) – Awaiting pick up.
– New Logo – Maria presented three great designs. The consensus was the model involving one rider highlighted in front of the ESP profile surrounded by a chain ring with Albany Bicycle Coalition spelled out. Maria will make minor alterations and send out for final “sign off.”
– NYSTEA Membership – We will join. Lorenz will investigate.
– Bike month 2011 – See attached proposed calendar.
– Fuller Road/Washington Avenue Reconstruction Project – We noted that there are ped-friendly accommodations on Fuller (sidewalks) but no apparent bicycle accommodations. We had an animated discussion about Fuller Rd. and the three intersections. We do not have a consensus on the treatment for the Fuller-Washington intersection other than that it be bicycle/pedestrian friendly. Lorenz circulated a rough draft of a proposed letter we will send to Albany’s mayor, county exec, Colonie Town supervisor, et al. The outcomes are: (1) Chris will supply the planning document citation that called for bicycle/pedestrian accommodations and (2) we will send a letter(s) to call for a design that includes (unspecified) bicycle/pedestrian accommodations. Attendees were urged to make their own thoughts known to the county and other officials.
– CDTC Bicycle/Pedestrian Task Force (http://www.cdtcmpo.org/bkpedtf.htm ) – Don reported on CSX’s desire to divest itself of the Livingston Ave. railroad swing bridge. We need to advocate for a bicycle/pedestrian pathway on either a rehabilitated or a replacement bridge. Don will author letter and send to Lorenz. (The remaining 2010 meeting is as follows (9 AM, CDTC Office, One Park Place, Albany (off Wolf Rd): 12/14.
– Albany Bike Rescue – (Mary Lou) – No Report.
– Madison Traffic Calming Implementation Plan (MAC) – ABC made its contribution. MAC staff is soliciting funds for the needed traffic study.
– Pre-Licensing Driver’s Ed Course – Claire will investigate on what ABC should do about this issue (e.g., letter/contact campaign to raise awareness of the need to include “bicycle issues” in driver training courses/tests.
– “Bicycle Manual” (http://bikeunion.to/) – Tabled. (Could get some $ to print out own. Simplicity of wording. Doctor up one for ABC.)
– albanybicyclecoalition.org – Working smoothly. We complimented Chris and Ken for their efforts, especially the constant flow of BLOG posts.
– Year-End Donation to LaSalle School – We “broke the thermometer” by $3 toward our goal of $100. Lorenz will transmit funds to the LaSalle development director with our thanks for the school’s hospitality.
– Bicycle Month 2011 – We reviewed the new proposed calendar that includes the Bike Expo (see below). We added NYBC’s annual Commuter Contest (Thr, 5/19/11).

New Business –

– Bike Expo 2011 – John introduced the concept of kicking off Bicycle Month 2011 with a gala one-day “Bike Expo 2011” (Sat, 4/30 or Sun, 5/1). Three rides will form the nucleus of the event supported by other events and presentations. We will need sponsorship in terms of both funding and involvement. We discussed sources of the needed event insurance. We emphasized that success depends on board-based involvement by ABC members. We all supported this idea with enthusiasm. We added the NYCross, Honest Weight COOP, Sigma, and CK Cycles as potential supporters. The first step is for John and Lorenz to confer with the city’s “special Events” coordinator to explore the best way to proceed.
– Rt. 378- H-M Bike/Hike Train Interchange – J.P. reported on this now-completed project involving a re-built north sidewalk on the Menands Bridge and the serpentine path to the Bike-Hike Trail. However, J.P. stated that the maintenance of the new sidewalk is lacking. He will draft a letter to the Troy Mayor complimenting him on the new and valued connection and asking that it he insure its maintenance. We had a related discussion on the need to connect to Rt. 378/Osborne Rd. (which now involves riding into Watervliet and then backtracking on Broadway to Rt. 378).
– Delaware Enhancement Plan (Bethlehem) – Bethlehem planning office completed its study for redevelopment of the area bordered by Elsmere Ave. to Adams St. We welcomed this initiative by Bethlehem to support bicycle access/safety. We reviewed and approved a proposed letter to the Director of Planning expressing both our support and concerns.
– Cranksgiving Alley Cat Food Ride – Bob reported on this annual ride to benefit the homeless action program. Ride will be – Saturday, 11/20, 8:30 PM, meet at the monument. Lights, helmet, and carrying device recommended.
– Ride Through the Park (Holiday Lights in the Park) – Claire will investigate MHCC’s hosting the 2010 ride and announce it.
– Gateways to Albany – We reviewed a proposal for investigating, designing, and advocating for enhancements to the entrances to Albany. We agreed that is it feasible for ABC to be a vocal and aggressive advocate for “gateways” that welcome cyclists to the city and alert motor vehicle operators to “expect bicycles to be present.” We will continue to develop this project.
– NYBC Report– Claire reported that Executive Director Position is again vacant. Search to begin.
– Alliance for Bicycle and Walking – Chris is in contact with this national organization and will investigate our joining on 11/23. He will report at the next meeting.
– Family Friendly Bicycle Route/Cruise – Ken suggested the need for an uptown-downtown route that those who are less comfortable riding on city streets could use. Use of such a low traffic route would provide ‘on-the-street experience and might encourage these “novice” riders to explore further. This led to a discussion of our sponsoring a “family friendly” ride (e.g., “Discover Albany on Your Bicycle”), perhaps as a component of Bicycle Month 2011. (Ed: Such a ride now appears in the BM spreadsheet.) (Ken will see if the ABC map is still available on the www.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS –

– Road Hazard (pothole, tree limb, etc.) – call 434-CITY to report. In addition, “Fix It Map” at http://blog.timesunion.com/gettingthere/fix-it-map/ Members encouraged trying this approach.
– Next Meeting – Thr, 12/30/11.
– Next Rides – Cranksgiving Alley Cat Food Ride – Sat, 11/20, 8:30 PM; Critical Mass – Fri., 11/26, 5:15; 1st Friday Ride – Fri 12/3, 6:00.
– LCI Road l Classes/Savvy Cyclist – Contact – John (hardworkinjohn@aol.com, 225-4209) or Claire (cbnolou@yahoo.com, 209-6477) for dates, times, and locations.