Category Archives: Activism

DEAR AUSTRALIAN (FEMALE) ROAD RAGING DRIVER…

Acknowledging Road Rage

DEAR AUSTRALIAN (FEMALE) ROAD RAGING DRIVER…

Dear Australian driver, who pulled down your windscreen and yelled “Get out of the way!” while I was on my way to work this morning:

I’m just writing to deeply apologize… for giving you the finger. Seriously, that was very immature of me, and I don’t know why I did that…(!)

I’ve been riding this road for several weeks, and no other driver has ever showed bad behavior as you did to me, not even the slightest. Contrary, we all try to do our best in traffic, and it’s been going great so far. It’s an amazingly beautiful commute that I do almost every day. When you and I met this morning, the road was empty of cars and I kept a little to the left, so you could easily overtake me if you wanted. So I was very surprised and chocked of your manners.

After some thinking, I realised you must be one of those people who has a massive aura of negativity around you and get annoyed with things that no one else cares about. Your life must really suck because of this. You might have had a really bad morning – but you seem to be the only one during my commutes so far who takes it out on other people in traffic. You might be one of those people who drives a shiny car, but lacks everything else. Like love and happiness. Which make me feel really sorry for you.

And I figured there must be something severely wrong with you and/or your life, when you didn’t stop at the STOP sign either (STOP means “stop”). I guess that’s what really upset me and made me act like a baby. It scared me that someone like you drive around on our streets without following the simplest of rules. (Perhaps you ignored this important rule as you realised that if you’d stop, I’d end up right next to you. But seriously, I’m not dangerous, and you’re an adult who should be able to stand up for yourself, right?)

Anyhow, despite your illegal, rude and dangerous manners, I shoudn’t have responded the way I did! Giving you the finger probably won’t give back your hope for humanity, and it certainly doesn’t makes you a happier person or a more respectful driver. I guess it is true what they say, that people’s bad energy and behavour is contagious: you really brought out the worst in me. Which is actually quite amazing that you did, because nothing bring me such joy (regarding how my mornings are) as choosing to ride to work by bike. Perhaps you should try it sometime.

Anyhow. Next time you pull down your window and yell at me, I’ll promise that I’ll give you a big smile and a friendly waive, perhaps a lollie too. You if anyone really needs it.

Once again, I’m really sorry.

Kind regards,

Elin xx

(FROM: http://www.putthefunbetweenyourlegs.net/)

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Albany Declares May as Bike Month

Led by Common Council member (and avid cyclist) Leah Golby, all 15 members of the City of Albany Common Council sponsored proclaiming MAY 2013 as BIKE MONTH IN THE City of Albany.

Tweed Ride 4-28-13 SOURCE - AOA C The resolution notes the Albany Bicycle Master Plan and the inclusion of the plan in the city’s “2030 Comprehensive Plan.”  There have been 12 miles of bicycle infrastructure developed in the city, as well as 350 bicycle racks and 1,400 bicycle parking spots installed.  The resolution also indentified the several major bicycle events in the city: a family friendly Earth Day ride, an annual Bike EXPO, Ride to Work Week, the Ride of Silence, as well as co-sponsoring bicycle events with the Albany Police.  These actions have earned Albany recognition by the League of American Bicyclists as a “Bicycle Friendly Community.”

The Common Council made note of efforts by the Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability, the Albany Police Department, and other entities to promote cycling as a safe and energy-conscious alternative.

The cycling community appreciates the Council’s consistent unanimous approval of the “bike month resolution” each year and looks forward to engagement with the Common Council as advocates for cycling in Albany and the Capital Region.

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Public Meetings on Madison Ave. Traffic Calming – April 16, 2013

On Tuesday, April 16, 2013. (postponed from March 25) there will be two public meetings to discuss the findings of the Madison Avenue Traffic Study/Road Diet Feasibility Study. 3 25 13 Madison Public Mtg Flyer There will be a meeting at 11:00 AM and another at 6:30 PM. They will be held at the Touhey Forum in the Lally School of Education at the College of Saint Rose, 1009 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY. The content is the same for both meeting times, so please plan on attending only one.

The City of Albany has prepared a draft traffic study that evaluates the feasibility of implementing a road diet along Madison Avenue from Lark Street to South Allen Street and along Western Avenue from South Allen Street to Manning Boulevard. Madison DRAFT Report 2 15 13

Public comments are being solicited, and you are invited to join the City’s study team at either meeting time to hear an overview of the study and to provide your input on the draft findings.

Madison Recc Options Poster_2 28 13

If you have any questions, please contact Bill Trudeau, Coordinator of Traffic Engineering, at (518) 434-5791 or MadisonAveStudy@albany-ny.org

Kate Lawrence, Planner
Department of Development and Planning
City of Albany
21 Lodge Street, Albany, NY 12207
(518) 434-2532 x 17
lawrencek@ci.albany.ny.us

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Filed under Activism, City Review, Meetings, Support the Cause

Ghost Bikes Decorated for Christmas

O OOThe ghost bikes of Paul Merges (11/24/12) and Diva De Loayza (6/6/07) now have augmented decorations.

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Bicycle Palooza in Albany

Bunny on a Bicycle

Bunny on a Bicycle

The featured exhibit at the Upper Madison Street Fair was Albany’s first Exotic Bicycle Exhibit.  The fair’s “low carbon footprint” theme was supported admirably by the various entries.

Three in particular promoted utilitarian use of bicycles – a F. van Buuren & Co. Dutch “city bike,” a Brompton folder, and a set of two “bicycles for a small family” – one fitted with a child seat and the other pulling a tag-along.  Nonetheless, the “people’s choice” awards went to more exotic fair – a Sun Spider AT “fat bike,” a 1930s Schwinn Debutante, and a souped-up Schwinn Stingray.  The fair sponsors provided cash awards for each winning owner.

1st Prize - Sun Spider AT Fat Bike

1st Prize – Sun Spider AT Fat Bike

2nd Prize - Schwinn Debutante 1930s

2nd Prize – Schwinn Debutante 1930s

There were 23 entries including tall bikes, hand-made cargo carriers, recumbents, a folder, a vintage Raleigh, a rare Zeus, and a host of others – many of which had received lavish attention by their builders or owners.  Over 85 percent of the ballots distributed to the fair guests were cast to in selecting the three winners as evidence of the crowd’s enthusiastic support for the exhibit.

3rd Prize - Custom Schwinn Stingray

3rd Prize – Custom Schwinn Stingray

2nd Prize – Schwinn Debutante 1930s

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Filed under Activism, Comings and Goings, Events, Support the Cause