If we want protected and/or separated bicycle lanes, we need to push for them. Remember, if you are getting this e-mail, it is likely that you are already interested in cycling or in supporting cycling. However, please recall that protected bicycle lanes may not be for YOU but they are for those who want to ride but who are unaware of this campaign.
Please support your desire for progressive bicycle facilities by writing to the mayor (or the addressee you prefer).
The Honorable Kathy Sheehan
Office of the Mayor
City Hall, Rm. 102
24 Eagle St.
Albany, NY 12207
If you live, work, or do business in the City of Albany, you should feel more than comfortable writing to the mayor. If not, write to your town supervisor or other official instead.
Author a to-the-point letter on why you want safe protected or separated cycling facilities in the City of Albany. Your request could be in general or specifically for both Madison Ave. AND the link connecting the new Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail to the re-built Quay St. protected bicycle lanes at the Albany Corning Preserve.
Use your own arguments or chose from the following Protected Bicycle Lane benefits:
- Protected Bicycle Lanes shield people on bicycles with a physical barrier. They are the safest, most inviting way to ride.
- Local business benefit from Protected Bicycle Lanes.
- Safer for all – 40-50% fewer crashes for people on bicycles, on foot, or in cars.
- Protect people on bicycles with a physical barrier. Ordinary bike lanes not protected from traffic.
- Less pollution and wear and tear on streets.
If you want a sample letter to get you started, go here.
If you want to review and use other points, go here.
Sign and mail your letter.
If you have additional addresses (e.g., town supervisor, Common Council member, NYS Assembly or Senate member, neighborhood association) who you think need to get behind Protected Bicycle Lanes, send then each a similar letter/e-mail.
If you do not feel that protected bicycle lanes are a good fit for part of Albany’s bicycle route system, would you write to support your own ideas for making a better place for people on bicycles? How about: education about on bicycles for people in cars, way finding signage, conventional bicycle lanes, re-engineered roadways and intersections, bike boxes at some intersections, advance green lights for people on bicycles, maintenance of existing bicycle and shared lanes (e.g., Clinton Ave. and Western Ave. in Guilderland), special training for police officers on investigating crashes involving people on bicycles hit by cars, removing pejorative laws that impeded cycling, adding “no bicycles” signage on sidewalks, city-sponsored League of American Bicyclists “smart cycling” classes, or whatever else you think will help.
After you’re done and if you have not done so already, “like” both of these Facebook sites:
Albany Bicycle Coalition 