Monthly Archives: May 2015

“All Cars All the Time” ~ Albany Bike Count, 5/20/15, 3:30-5:30 PM, Delaware & Morton

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Even though Delaware, Morton, and Holland Avenues all technically have bicycle “accommodations” (shared lanes), 62 percent of the adults riding through the intersection were on the sidewalk and crosswalks. Perhaps here is why (based on the “Bike Count Location Feedback Form” responses):

  • Where there an obstacles/negative conditions effecting bicycle travel? – Absence of any bicycle infrastructure.
  • Were there any incidents or close calls between bicyclists/pedestrians/motorists?
    • Yes, between bicyclists and pedestrians – Due to people on bicycles riding on the sidewalks/crosswalks who were weaving through people walking and waiting for buses.
    • Yes, between bicyclists and motorists – Many people on bicycles had difficulty wending their way through the motor vehicle congestion in the intersection without some quick avoidance maneuvers. This was by those riding the correct way in the roadway. For those riding on the sidewalk/crosswalks, they were the source of their own problem.
  • Were there any cases of bicyclists disobeying traffic laws? – Yes. Adults riding on the sidewalk in conflict with local law – apparently to avoid the heavy motor vehicle traffic on Delaware Ave. and Morton/Holland Aves.
  • Based on your observations (and experiences), do you have any additional feedback regarding bicycling in Albany? – The City of Albany has to get serious about implementing its 2009 Albany Bicycle Master Plan. Since the plan was approved, only two sections (totaling one mile) of bicycle lanes have been installed. There are no Protected Bicycle Lanes.

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Filed under Bike Lanes, City Review, Editorial

Local-Vegan-Organic-Sustainable*

What better way to spend “bike to work day” by not working and sittin’ at The Brakes Coffee House’s sidewalk café on Lark and watching “riding in Albany” scenes.  (By the way and as explained by the owner, “The Brakes” is not a reference to a bicycle component as some have thought but a low-key call to “put the brakes” on our “carbon footprint.”)  Try the “Don’t Have A Cow, Man!” for a tasty lunch-time treat.

Oh, and with a surprise shot of the “US Albany” at the end – who says “Albany is Boring?”

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*Motto of the “Brakes Coffee House and Provisions”

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Filed under Riding in Albany

Ride of Silence 2105 – Wed, 5/20, 6:00 and 6:30 PM

Please attend the annual and national Ride of Silence on this Wednesday, May 20. Your participation honors cyclists killed or injured in collisions with automobiles. Our silence during the ride promotes safety awareness and mutual respect on the road. We will visit the ghost bike sites in the City of Albany and Colonie.

There are two Starting Points – Boat Launch area, Albany Corning Preserve, 6:00 PM and W. Capitol Park & Washington Ave. & State St., 6:30 PM.

Anyone with a bicycle and helmet is welcome to this slow-pace and quiet ride. If you prefer not to ride, please meet at Diva De Loayza’s site at the corner of Western Ave., Homestead, and University Place (near Sunoco station, the Uncommon Grounds plaza, and All Saints RC Church).

Diva with Dog COMPFairbanks 6 (Susan + Patrick Briggs)  5-9-08Please remember your fellow riders:

  • Stephen Nolan – June 2, 2014 (age 53, killed by car, King & Federal Sts., Troy)
  • Brian Bailey – March 11, 2014 (age 37, bicyclist killed by truck, Route 9W, Ravena)
  • Matthew Ratelle – December 20, 2012 (age 40, bicyclist killed by impaired driver, Rt. 22, Petersburg)Matthew Ratelle 10-26-72 -- 12-20-12 C
  • Paul J. Merges, Jr. – November 24, 2012 (age 45, bicyclist killed by pickup truck/drunk driver, Manning and Roosevelt, Albany)

Paul J. Merges Jr 11-24-12

  • Nicholas Richichi – October 19, 2007 (age 53, bicyclist killed by motor coach, Fuller Rd., Colonie)
  • Diva De Loayza – June 6, 2007 (age 40; bicyclist killed by car, Western Ave. at Homestead, Albany)
  • Alan R. Fairbanks – October 29, 2006 (age 72; bicyclist died after being hit by car, Rt. 5-S at bicycle path, Rotterdam)
  • Jose Perez – August 3, 2006 (age 60; bicyclist killed by SUV, Broadway at Quay St., Albany.)
  • Joel Melnikoff – July 3, 2006 (age 49; bicyclist killed by car/drunk, Rt. 32, Bethlehem)
  • David Ryan – June 29, 2004 (age 32; bicyclist killed by car/reckless driver, Riverview Rd., Rexford)
  • Robert F. Zayhowski – July 16, 2000 (age 43; bicyclist killed by SUV/drunk driver, Rt. 66, Sand Lake)

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Filed under Activism, Ride of Silence

Resolutions for People on Bicycles

Resolutions for people on bicycles who want to promote a positive image of cycling are probably best left for when the weather is more conducive for getting out on the streets.tumblr_mt3biqgEoE1qblohxo1_1280

So, here goes –

 I will –

  1.  Obey the law – stop for signs and signals especially when setting an example for people in cars or on foot . . .  and stay off the sidewalks
  2. Lube my chain and check my tires
  3. Check that my brakes work
  4. Be deferential to all pedestrians no matter how crazily they act
  5. Smile and say “good morning,” “good afternoon,” etc. to everyone I meet while riding
  6. Shop locally at locally owned businesses who hire local people and pay a fair wage
  7. Speak out on behalf of people on bicycles in a polite and non-confrontational manner
  8. Signal my stops, scan and signal my turns, and make eye contact with people in cars and on foot
  9. Support my local bike rescue and bicycle shops
  10. Wave and smile to those in cars who are bothered by my presence on a bicycle on my streets (no “one finger waves,” s.v.p.)

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Filed under Activisim, Bike Month, Editorial

Tulips and Tweed Ride – 5/9/2015 – hosted by the Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club

Tulips and Tweed Ride – Hosted by the Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club

Distance: 10 miles, city ride

tweed_ride_2013_20Date:  5/9/2015 

Time:  9:00 am

A civilized early morning ride through Albany’s quiet neighborhoods to Washington Park. Flat bars, fenders, tweed jackets, cardigans, and pearls strongly encouraged. Bring your camera.Tweed

Ride Contact Jonathan Benn albanybenn@aol.com. Day of ride call 577-5943. Rain cancels ride

Location:  North Bethlehem Park, 564 Russell Rd., Albany, near intersection of Krumkill and Russell Rds. and the North Bethlehem Fire Department.

Ride Category:  Really Casual

Pace range: 10-12 mph

Terrain: Generally flat, city streets

See also:  http://www.mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org

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Filed under Bike Month, Events