Category Archives: Activisim

by Lorenz M. Worden | January 28, 2015 · 5:58 pm

“The Joy of Bicycle Travel”

This was one of the main points by Jim Sayer, ED of Adventure Cycling, during his talk in Saratoga Springs on 1/26/15. As is his custom, Jim was taking a swing through part of the US to drum up bicycle touring but also, of course, to promote Adventure Cycling as the lead bicycle touring organization in the US and as an international leader. He highlighted the many different types of tours offered ranging from van supported, inn-to-inn, family fun, and self contained.

Jim covered the Adventure Cycling program and urged attendees to support their local advocacy group – League of American Bicyclists, New York Bicycling Coalition, Albany Bicycle Coalition, Parks & Trails New York, Bike Toga, and so on. He made a big push for the United States Bike Route System which, when realized, will be the world’s largest. An audience of about 50-60, including at least 6 ABC members, also heard about touring initiatives and routes around the world and in Canada.

One of the major points raised – and of interest to local advocates for the Erie Canalway Trail “close the gap” push, the Madison Avenue Traffic Calming/Protected Bicycle Lanes initiative, and the multi-sponsor South End Bikeway Link was the many economic impact studies that demonstrate how bicycle tourism generates BILLIONS in states like Oregon, Montana, Michigan, and Arizona.

Jim’s enthusiastic presentation and the programs he described were quite inspirational. We were all grateful to Bike Toga for hosting the event including a nice spread of beverages, fruits, and snacks.

Leave a comment

Filed under Activisim, protected bicycle lanes, Rides, Riding in Albany, Support the Cause

Tagged as Erie Canal, events bicycle, touring

by Lorenz M. Worden | January 10, 2015 · 1:59 pm

Rally for Albany’s South End Bikeway Link – Urgency and Benefits

Rally For Albany’s South End Bikeway Link – Urgency and Benefits

Wednesday, January 21, 2015
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Albany Public Library – Main Branch
161 Washington Ave.
Parking lot in rear of library on Elk Street and on the street (street meters go “off” at 6 PM).

Join other stakeholders to discuss the recreational and economic benefits “the link” offers to connect local residents and neighboring communities. Together, our voices can be heard to build a safer path to the Hudson River/downtown Albany.

Advocates and stakeholders will meet on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, 6-8 pm, Albany Public Library Main Branch, Auditorium, 161 Washington Ave., Albany.

By mid October, the 128-year-old Albany Susquehanna coal hauling rail line re-opens as a multi-use path for people on bicycles, walking, or running. It will stretch 9.3 scenic miles from Albany’s Port at Rt. 32/South Pearl St through Delmar to the Village of Voorheesville. While from Western New York, the 360-mile Erie Canalway/Mohawk-Hudson Bike Hike Trail abruptly stops at Albany’s waterfront Corning Preserve. Between the trails lay a 1.5-mile gap — one that forces cyclists onto rushing car commuters on Route 32 and neighborhood streets that are lacking any facilities for people on bicycles except for a few shared lane markings on S. Pearl St.

Leave a comment

Filed under Activisim, Bike Lanes, City Review, Meetings, protected bicycle lanes

Tagged as City Review, complete streets, Erie Canal, protected bicycle lanes, Riding in Albany

by Lorenz M. Worden | November 4, 2014 · 10:28 am

Race to the Bottom . . . More Car Parking in ‘Toga

In the 11/4/14 Times Union Ian Klepetar, “Mr. Bicycle Benefits,” bemoaned the public funding of more parking for people in cars in downtown Saratoga – not only is it more parking but 5 ugly stories of it.

Sadly this is in a community with one of the few walkable downtowns in the area with plenty of on-street parking nearby . . . a city that depends on people walking for its business vitality, that experiences most of its parking demand during walkable/rideable weather, and that hosts a vibrant bicycle advocacy group – Bikeatoga.

It’s too bad that a fraction of what a parking garage will cost cannot be pumped into facilities for people on bicycles and on foot. As always, every new bicycle on the road is one more parking place, one fewer car at the red light, one less chance to get killed, and a ton less crap in the air.

Leave a comment

Filed under Activisim, City Review

Tagged as Bicycle Bozo, City Review

by Lorenz M. Worden | September 27, 2014 · 3:58 pm

PreRamble II ~ or ~ “I’m Movin’ to Troy!”

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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Activisim, City Review, protected bicycle lanes

Tagged as protected bicycle lanes

by Lorenz M. Worden | May 22, 2014 · 10:44 am

Albany Ride of Silence – 5/21/14

A group of 18 riders toured the sites of the local ghost bikes to commemorate the 2014 Ride of Silence.

We visited Jose Perez (August 3, 2006 – age 60; killed by SUV, Broadway at Quay St., Albany), Diva De Loayza (June 6, 2007 – age 40; killed by car, Western Ave. at Homestead, Albany), Nicholas Richichi (October 19, 2007 – age 53, killed by motor coach, Fuller Rd., Colonie), and Paul J. Merges, Jr. (November 24, 2012 – age 45, killed by pickup truck/drunk driver, Manning and Roosevelt, Albany). The placement of decorations at each site is depicted in the photos (with the lead photo being Paul and Diva’s ghost bikes that accompanied the ride).