Author Archives: Christopher

About Christopher

I moved to Albany a few months ago without a car so it was either spend sixty bucks on the bus every month or ride my bike. You can guess what I choose.

Madison Ave. Traffic Calming Results

There was a quiet congratulation last night for everyone involved when the common council voted unanimously to support the Madison Ave. traffic calming effort in which the street would be repainted to include three lanes instead of four. It seemed that there was some opposition to it initially, but once all the votes were counted the naysayers flipped their vote.

Something interesting came out of one of the speeches one of the council members gave before the vote. Apparently one of the council members, I forget which one, and if you were there maybe you can post it in the comments, got a grant to put sixty bike racks all around the Lark St. area. This comes as a welcome respite to the current situation because the only places to chain your bikes on some parts of that street are out of the public eye and therefore a little more risky.

So over all the night was a success. Don’t forget to come tonight to the Capital Region Transportation Forum which will be at the Albany Public Library, Main Branch Auditorium at 161 Washington Avenue at 7:00 pm. I’ll see you there.

Written by Chris Belsole

Leave a comment

Filed under Article, Law

Support the Cause: Madison Ave. Meeting – Mon. Sept. 20th

Dear Cyclists,

The Madison Avenue resolution is in the attached document.  It is 96.92.10R — it is the last piece of legislation in the packet.

This is close to a landmark resolution as it may set the stage for Albany’s forging ahead with a “complete streets”program even without the NYS legislation.

If you are interested in supporting this resolution – and you should be – please come to the meeting (Monday, 7:00 PM, 9-20-10) and speak (5 min limit) during the public comment period.  (You will have to sign up to speak (434-5090 or at the meeting).  You do not have to speak – your presence will speak for you.

Regardless of the outcome, we are indebted to Council Members Golby and Conti for supporting this initiative.

LW

Written by Chris Belsole

Leave a comment

Filed under Support the Cause

Support the Cause: Capital Region Transportation Forum

From the blog Mobilizing the Region:

On September 21, the New York State Transportation Equity Alliance(NYSTEA) will hold a forum in Albany entitled: “Fighting for Greater Transportation Equity in New York State.” The forum will address New York State’s transportation crisis — its eroding infrastructure and struggling transit systems — and what advocates can do about it.

Topics will include state and federal issues and policy opportunities including: President Obama’s recently announced $50 billion infrastructure initiative; New York State legislation initiatives, such asComplete Streets and the recently-passed infrastructure bill; as well as recent impacts of the financial crisis on the Capital District transportation system.

The goal of the meeting is to build and strengthen a statewide coalition that fights for a more sustainable, balanced and equitable transportation system in New York.

The event is co-hosted by Capital Region Transit Advocates and the NY State Apollo Alliance, and will be held at the Albany Public Library, Main Branch Auditorium at 161 Washington Avenue. Light refreshments will be served. Please help to distribute this information using this flyer. For more information, please contact either Tri-State’s Nadine Lemmon, nadine@tstc.org, (917) 767-7698, or Leah Golby of CRTA at leah.golby@gmail.com, (518) 438-1244. RSVP appreciated, but not required. Tri-State Transportation Campaign is a steering committee member of NYSTEA.

Written by Chris Belsole

Leave a comment

Filed under Support the Cause

Support the Cause: Madison Avenue Calming Common Council Meeting – 9/1/10, 6:00 PM, City Hall

Dear Cyclists,

It would be nice if we had some cyclists in the room at tonight presentation by the “Madison Avenue Calming Taskforce.”  You do not have to speak or ask questions.

However, if you do choose to speak, the following are some background points.  Of cause, your wealth of experience as a cyclist and an observer of bicycling would make for the best “testimony.”  Remember, these streets are yours just as much as they are those of motor vehicle operators, pedestrians, etc.  ABC has backed this plan since its inception.

If you e-mail me directyly, I can send you the Power Point we will present tonight.  (Too big to go through listserv.)  It has some info of which you may not be aware and might be helpful to you in your other work promoting bicycling.

LW

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Support the Cause

Support the Cause: Letters for a Complete Street

Dear Cyclists and Wannabes,

S5711B – the stalled Senate bill calling for a “complete streets” approach to road design in New York State needs your help.  The bill has been sitting in the transportation committee since May 2010.  It passed the Assembly.

I hope you will check out the bill at http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S5711A.  Then, write a letter (sample attached) or send an e-mail urging the Senators to (1) get the bill out of committee and (2) approve it on the Senate floor.

Note to PHNA-ers – I wrapped Madison Ave. into the letter, so it’ll be an easy edit for you!  With Complete Streets in law, the MAC will be reinforced as the right way to go!

LW

Info after the jump.

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Support the Cause