After a mandatory stop at the Troy Famers Market for a chocolate croissant and the Daily Grind for a mug of coffee, it was off to see what Troy Bike Rescue and “Transport Troy” were up to with “PreRamble II.”
Like all Troy cycling events, this had a wide range of activities – rides, walking tours, tune-up clinics, food, and entertainment. Always a grand time!
Starting from the repair clinic on River St. and the TBR/Collar City Ramble info table, there was a series of short but inspiring orientation rides on a segment of the proposed “Collar City Ramble,” which, when done, will be an all-access network of multi-use trails, walkways, and bikeways.
During the dark hours the night before, a group of Transport Troy volunteers installed bicycle lanes, shared lanes, and a 12-foot wide protected bicycle lane (cycle track) on city streets going south from Monument Square. Although a short sample route, it clearly showed that (1) the streets used have ample space for the different proposed treatments, (2) shared lane were property used as a connector between bicycle facilities, and (3) installation can be done at reasonable cost without the need for years of planning and deliberation – just the application of some common sense. What a joy to ride! Riding on the two-way cycle track on a two-way street illustrated that what is planned for Madison Ave. in Albany is do-able.
All in all a great day and great testimony to the energy of our colleagues in Troy.
Albany Bicycle Coalition 