Category Archives: Article

by | February 2, 2025 · 1:38 pm

Ordinance 24.81.24 Amending Vehicles/Traffic and Parks and Recreation Codes

Ordinance 24.81.24 – Active Transportation – A proposal to update Albany’s bicycle ordinance and expand it to encompass other types of active transportation will be discussed at the City Council Law Committee Meeting on Thursday, February 6, 5:30 PM in Common Council chambers. Submit your comments well before the meeting. You may also register to speak at the meeting. Do both at the Common Council website.

l Members Farrell and Zamer introduced the following:

ORDINANCE 24.81.24

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 359 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) AND CHAPTER 251 (PARKS AND RECREATION) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION TO THE OPERATION OF ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY OF ALBANY

            The City of Albany, in Common Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:

            Section 1. Article I (Bicycles and Motor Vehicles) of Chapter 359 (Vehicles and Traffic) of Part II (General Legislation) of the Code of the City of Albany is hereby amended to read as follows:

Article I

Bicycles and All Motor Vehicles

§ 359-1 Alarm bells for bicycles. Definitions

All persons riding or propelling with the feet a bicycle, tricycle, velocipede or other vehicle of propulsion on the public streets or avenues or in the parks of this City shall attach to and carry on such vehicle an alarm bell, which said bell the persons shall ring or sound on approaching and within 30 feet of the intersection of any street or avenue proposed to be crossed. For purposes of this Article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Bicycle

A two or three wheeled device upon which a person or persons may ride, propelled by human power through a belt, a chain or gears, with such wheels in a tandem or tricycle, except that it shall not include such a device having solid tires and intended for use only on a sidewalk by pre-teenage children. Bicycles with Electric Assist are not bicycles for purposes of this Chapter.

Bicycle with Electric Assist

A bicycle as defined in § 102-c of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

Electric Scooter

A device weighing less than one hundred pounds that (a) has handlebars, a floorboard or a seat that can be stood or sat upon by the operator, and an electric motor, (b) can be powered by the electric motor and/or human power, and (c) has a maximum speed of no more than twenty miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by the electric motor. Wheelchairs or other mobility aids used to provide transportation for a disabled person, whether or not powered by electricity, are not electric scooters for purposes of this Chapter.

Light Electric Vehicle

Any small and lightweight electric vehicles, not exceeding 100 pounds, such as electric bikes, electric scooters, and electric skateboards.

Other Human Propelled Device

Any human powered device not included in the definitions of “Bicycle” or “Pedestrian” herein, including, but not limited to, skateboards, roller skates, unicycles, and similar devices.

Pedestrian

Any individual walking or traveling in a wheelchair or other mobility aid used to provide transportation for a disabled person.

Unregistered Motorized Device

Any vehicle that cannot be registered or operated on New York State sidewalks, streets or highways. This definition does not include light electric vehicles and bicycles as defined in this Chapter, and it does not include wheelchairs and other mobility aids used to provide transportation for a disabled person.

§ 359-2 Speed limit for bicycles. Public Roadways

No person using a bicycle, tricycle, velocipede or other vehicle of propulsion on the public streets or avenues or parks of this City shall propel such vehicle at a rate of speed greater than eight miles an hour, and all such persons shall observe the law of the road.   Light Electric Vehicles,Bicycles, Electric Scooters, Bicycles with electric assist, and other Human Powered Devices may be operated upon the public roadways of this City consistent with New York State Vehicle Traffic Law Article 34.

§ 359-3 Number abreast limited. All Terrain Vehicles

No greater number of persons than two abreast shall parade or ride in the streets or avenues or parks of this City at any time on such bicycles, tricycles, velocipedes or other vehicles of propulsion. Nothing herein shall permit the use of All Terrain Vehicles, as defined in chapter 357 of the Code of the City of Albany, to operate on the streets, sidewalks, paths, or public property of the City of Albany.

§ 359-4 Riding on sidewalks prohibited; exceptions.

No person shall ride any bicycle, tricycle, velocipede or other vehicle of propulsion on or over any footpath in any of the parks, or on or over any of the sidewalks of any of the streets or avenues in this City, except if it is to go into a yard, lot or building; provided, however, that the foregoing provision of this section shall not apply to children under 10 years of age; and provided further that this section shall not be so construed as to prohibit the riding of any bicycle, tricycle or similar vehicle upon or over the unpaved portion of the sidewalk of any such street or streets outside of the thickly settled part of the City as shall be designated in writing by the Mayor. Every designation so made as aforesaid shall be filed with the Chief of Police and may be revoked by the Mayor at any time in his discretion.

A.        Pedestrians shall have right of way on all sidewalks in the City of Albany.

B.        While passing pedestrians on a sidewalk, users of bicycles or other human propelled devices as defined in this Article shall not:

(1) Exceed 5 miles per hour

(2) Operate a bicycle or other human propelled device within four feet of a pedestrian.

C.        When the operation of bicycles and other human propelled devices cannot be exercised with due care, users shall stop and dismount until operation with due care is possible.

D.        Light electric vehicles, and motor vehicles may not be operated on any sidewalk in the City of Albany except if it is to go into a yard, lot, or building.

§ 359-5 Operation of motor vehicles generally.

A.        It is required that all motor vehicles operated within the City of Albany be in good and safe operating condition, and each shall be operated only:

1.         While having a valid New York State Certificate of Inspection affixed on the vehicle in the proper location.

2.         While in full compliance with Article 9 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York, as amended, which article is fully incorporated herein by reference.

3.         While in full compliance with Article 10 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York, as amended, which article is fully incorporated herein by reference.

4.         While in full compliance with Article 2 of the Transportation Law of the State of New York, as amended, which article is fully incorporated herein by reference.

5.         While in full compliance with Article 6 of the Transportation Law of the State of New York, as amended, which article is fully incorporated herein by reference.

6.         While in full compliance with Article 21 of the Tax Law of the State of New York, as amended, which article is fully incorporated herein by reference.

7.         While in full compliance with Article 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as amended, which article is fully incorporated herein by reference.

8.         While registered in accordance with Article 14 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York, as amended, which article is fully incorporated herein by reference.

B.        No motor vehicle may operate within the City of Albany if that vehicle has been determined to be in an unsafe condition by a certified New York State inspector or by a person certified by the State of New York to conduct such inspections.

C.        No motor vehicle may operate within the City of Albany if it has been determined that the vehicle should be put out of service by a New York State Department of Transportation inspector.

§ 359-6 Driver restrictions.

No person shall operate or drive a motor vehicle nor permit another person to operate or drive a motor vehicle unless the person driving or operating the motor vehicle is duly and properly licensed with a license for the class of vehicle being operated which is in full force and effect and valid pursuant to Articles 19 and 20 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York, as amended, which articles are fully incorporated herein by reference.

§ 359-7 Motorized scooters Unregistered Motorized Devices.

A.        Definition of “motorized scooter.” For purposes of this section, the term “motorized scooter” shall mean any wheeled device that is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, is powered by an electric motor or by a gasoline motor that is capable of propelling the device without human power, is less than 24 inches in height and is not capable of being registered with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. For the purposes of this section, the term “motorized scooter” shall not include wheelchairs or other mobility aids designed for use by disabled persons, electric- or gas-powered devices not capable of exceeding 15 miles per hour or “electric personal assistive mobility devices” defined as self-balancing, two-non-tandem-wheeled devices designed to transport one person by means of an electric propulsion system.

B.        No person shall operate an motorized scooter unregistered motorized device on public streets or roadways in the City of Albany pursuant to the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

CB.      Any person who violates Subsection B of this section may be liable for a civil penalty in the amount of no more than $1,000. Authorized employees of the Police Department shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this section. In addition, such violation shall be a traffic infraction and shall be punishable in accordance with § 1800 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

DC.     Any motorized scooter unregistered motorized device that has been used or is being used in violation of the provisions of this section may be impounded and shall not be released until any and all removal charges and storage fees and the applicable fines have been paid or a bond has been posted in an amount satisfactory to the Chief of Police.

ED.      No person shall sell, lease or rent an motorized scooter unregistered motorized device to another person in the City of Albany without informing such buyer, leaser or renter, in writing, that the motorized scooters unregistered motorized device as defined in this section chapter are illegal to be driven on public streets or roadways pursuant to the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. Further, anyone selling, leasing or renting motorized scooters unregistered motorized device shall, at his or her place of business, post a sign not less than 8 1/2 inches by 14 inches stating their illegal use on public streets and roadways pursuant to the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

FE.      Any person who violates Subsection D of this section may be liable for a civil penalty of no more than $1,000 for each violation. Each sale, lease or rental of a motorized scooter in violation of Subsection D shall be deemed a separate violation. Authorized employees of the Department, the Police Department, and of any other agency designated by the Mayor shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this section.

            Section 2. Section 359-24 (Vehicle Use on Areas Designated for Bicycles) of Article II (Regulations) of Chapter 359 (Vehicles and Traffic) of Part II (General Legislation) of the Code of the City of Albany is hereby amended to read as follows:

§ 359-24 Motor Vvehicle use on areas designated for bicycles.

Except as provided in § 359-23 above and § 25.05 of the Parks and Recreation Law, no motor vehicle shall be operated on a path, lane, shoulder or portion of a slope that has been designated for the use of bicycles.

            Section 3. Section 359-112 (Drivers to exercise due care) of Article XII (Vehicle and Traffic Controls) of Chapter 359 (Vehicles and Traffic) of Part II (General Legislation) of the Code of the City of Albany is hereby amended to read as follows:

§ 359-112 Drivers to exercise due care.

A.        Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicyclist, pedestrian or domestic animal upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary. For the purpose of this section, the term “domestic animal” shall mean domesticated sheep, cattle and goats which are under the supervision and control of a pedestrian.

B.        Approaching h Horses.

(1)        Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, eEvery driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any horse being ridden or led along a public highway.

(2)        Every driver of a vehicle shall, at a reasonable and prudent speed, approach a horse being ridden or led along a public highway so as to avoid frightening such horse and shall pass the horse at a reasonable distance.

(3)        No driver of a vehicle shall sound the horn when approaching or passing any bicycle, light electric vehicle,other human powered vehicle, pedestrian, or domestic animal being ridden or led horse on a public highway.

            Section 3. Section 251-7 (Use of bicycles, tricycles, and vehicles in Washington Park and Beaver Park) of Article I (Public Grounds Designated as Parks; Government and Care of Parks and Parkways) of Chapter 251 (Parks and Recreation) of Part II (General Legislation) of the Code of the City of Albany is hereby amended to read as follows:

§ 251-7 Use of bicycles, tricycles and vVehicles in Washington Park and Beaver City Parks.

A.        No animals, bicycles, tricycles or motors or vehicles shall be permitted to either stand, congregate or loiter upon the driveways of these parks or in any other parts thereof to the obstruction of the way or to the inconvenience of or interference with travel therein, except on such occasions as may be specially designated by the Superintendent Commissioner of Parks Recreation.

B.        Neither shall bicycles, tricycles, motors or vehicles go together in numbers or abreast, except in pairs, to the inconvenience, obstruction or interference with the driving public.

C.        No part of such Washington or Lincoln parks shall be used for a place of instruction in the use or management of any vehicle. including bicycles, tricycles and motors, and drivers or wheelmen must turn to the right hand in passing, and in all cases bicycles, tricycles and motors must carry lighted lamps after dark.

D.        No vehicle drawn by horses, or propelled in any other way, including bicycles, tricycles and motors, shall travel or use the park roads at a greater rate of speed than eight miles an hour, and on short curves four miles an hour.

E.         The use of bicycles, tricycles or vehicles of any kind is not permitted on the paths or walks of these parks.

FD.      The Commissioner of Parks and Recreation shall regulate the parking of motor vehicles within and upon the roadways of Washington Park city parks in connection with special events and theatrical events held therein and may establish and collect fees to offset the expense thereof.

E.         The Commissioner of Recreation shall, in coordination with the Active Transportation Planning Commission, designate times and days where park traffic is expected to be low to permit instruction in the use of non-motor vehicles in Washington and Lincoln Parks.

            Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after enactment.

APPROVED AS TO FORM THIS

26TH DAY OF JULY, 2022

_____________________________

Corporation Counsel

To:          Shaniqua Jackson, City Clerk
From:   Jake Eisland, Research Counsel
Re:        Common Council Legislation
               Supporting Memorandum
Date:   May 23, 2024
Sponsor:  Council Members Farrell and Zamer

ORDINANCE 24.81.24

TITLE

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 359 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) AND CHAPTER 251 (PARKS AND RECREATION) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION TO THE OPERATION OF ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY OF ALBANY

GENERAL PURPOSE OF LEGISLATION

To improve the safety and easy of using Active Transportation on the streets and in the parks of the City of Albany.

NECESSITY FOR LEGISLATION AND ANY CHANGE TO EXISTING LAW

Albany’s Code pertaining to vehicles is old and outdated, offering more deference for horses than pedestrians or users of Active Transportation.  This legislation adopts state definitions for various types of vehicles and ensures certain laws only apply to motor vehicles,

Furthermore, bicycles and other human propelled devices are safest when they are in a protected lane separated from motor vehicles. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration suggests minimizing sidewalk riding in order to be visible and predictable to drivers. However, when there is no protected lane, as is too often the case, the sidewalk can be the safest choice when traffic volume or speed is high. Nonetheless, pedestrians always have the right of way on sidewalks and bicycles, and other human propelled devices on the sidewalk are safest when they maintain speeds similar to pedestrians.

FISCAL IMPACT

TBD

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by | September 23, 2024 · 1:56 pm

Week Without Driving

This year, ABC and our partners Capital Streets, WalkableAlbany, VocalNY, VocalAlbany, and WeAreRevolutionary are proud to participate in #WeekWithoutDriving from September 30th to October 6th, a challenge that invites us to experience the everyday realities of those who, by circumstance or choice, do not drive. 

Nearly a quarter of people in the United States, including individuals with disabilities, young people, seniors, and those who cannot afford the costs associated with car ownership navigate their lives without personal vehicles. Their experiences highlight the importance of connected, accessible, reliable public transit and safe, active transportation options for all.

Your participation is easy and can be done with as little as one trip that you would normally take by car and sharing your experience on social media with the campaign tags (#WeekWithoutDriving, #518WeekWithoutDriving). For details see Week Without Driving.

We’re asking you to become an active participant in #WeekWithoutDriving by taking one trip, one day, or even a whole week without the use of a personal vehicle and sharing your experiences on social media. Our goal is to get people to experience different means of transportation as well as to help highlight the specific challenges involved in active transportation.

How to Participate – Participating is easy and can be done with as little as one trip that you would normally take by car. Examples:

  • Take the bus to work.
  • Bike with the kids to school.
  • Walk to the convenience store.
  • Use a bikeshare to get to a doctor’s appointment.

Using Public Transportation – Routes can either be planned using Google Maps and Apple Maps by selecting a destination that you want directions to and then selecting the bus icon to find a route by public transit. You can also plan a route in the CDTA Navigator App or plan the route yourself using the schedule and bus routes on the CDTA Navigator App or website.

Once you have your route planned, you can pay your fare in cash in person ($1.50 for regular bus service, and $2.00 for BUSPLUS), using the navigator app ($1.30), or getting a physical navigator card at any of these retailers.

Biking – You can access CDPHP bikes through the CDPHP Cycle app. There you can find bikes and unlock them for use.

For planning a route, you can use the CapitalNYBikeMap, a free resource created and maintained by Albany Bicycle Coalition.

Sharing Your Experiences

We also ask that you share your experiences on social media if you feel comfortable doing so.

#WeekWithoutDriving #518WeekWithoutDriving #Accessibility #Nondriver #NoDriving #DisabilityRights #Transportation #ActiveTransportation #Walkability #Walking #CarFree #MobilityJustice #PedestrianSafety #EveryTripCounts #MobilityForAll #SafeStreets #PublicTransit #Bicycling #ClimateChange #CitiesForPeople #Urbanism #VisionZero #RoadDesign #TrafficEngineering #ResilientCommunities #Commute #UrbanDesign #InclusiveCommunities #HealthyCommunities

@americawalks @capitalstreets @walkablealbany @vocalny @vocalalbany @wearerevolutionaryny

Want to learn more about #WeekWithoutDriving? Visit WeekWithoutDriving.org

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by | August 18, 2024 · 1:08 pm

Albany City Bicycle Code Changes

The Albany City Council is considering major changes to its age-old City ordinances on bicycles. It is currently before the “Laws, Buildings and Code Enforcement Committee.” 

The Common Council sponsors are Ginnie Farrel and Deborah Zamer.  At the request of Council Person Farrell, ABC reviewed the existing City Code and advocated for many of these changes back in 2022. 

We invite your thoughtful comments and we hope you will share your comments with the Common Council. The form for comments to the Common Council is here:

Among the changes the proposal are the following:

  • eliminates the 8-mph speed limit for bicycles
  • recognizes many forms of active transportation besides bicycles while deleting references to velocipedes – a 19th century predecessor of the modern bicycle
  • allows restricted use of bicycles and “human powered devices” on sidewalks, but not e-bikes and e-scooters
  • establishes rules to protect pedestrians and their right of way on sidewalks including a 5-mph sidewalk speed limit for bicycles and human powered devices
  • eliminates prohibitions on bicycling on park paths
  • aligns device definitions with NYS law
  • eliminates requirement that bicyclists ring a bell at every intersection
  • sets fines and allows impoundment of unregistered “motorized devices” when used on City streets – which apparently would apply to electronic unicycles and e-skateboards
  • permits bicyclists to congregate in parks
  • allows teaching how to use a bicycle and other non-motorized vehicles in parks

The proposed ordinance appears below.

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by | January 21, 2024 · 4:09 pm

Central Avenue Fatalities Since 2000

12/20/23

(Map coordinates in parentheses.)

The NHTSA FARS system is not yet available for incidents after 2020. Later data are from the Albany Times Union (TU).

2001

August 20, 2001– Lajuan Jordan, 24, of Central Avenue, passenger in an SUV was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on Central Avenue at Lansing Road, Colonie. (42.76066389 – 73.88201944)

November 26, 2001– Pedestrian Clark A. Gorrow, 37of Rugby Road, Schenectady was killed by a car while crossing Central Avenue at Lombard Street, Colonie. Police said “pedestrian error’ appeared to be the cause of the incident. (42.75857778 – 73.87948889)

2002

March 14, 2002– Pedestrian Robert Bryan, 34, a resident at the Blue Bell Motel on Central Avenue, was killed by a pickup truck making a left turn as he apparently tried to cross the four-lane highway to the Colonie Kmart. There was no marked crosswalk at the intersection. (42.74050833 – 73.8588)

2003

February 14, 2003 – Lisa Keene, 40-year-old mother,who was out celebrating her younger sister’s impending Valentine’s Day wedding was killed as she stood in a pedestrian crosswalk between Lexington Avenue and Robin Street on Central Avenue, Albany when an unlicensed cab driver lost control of his taxi struck and dragged her about 200 feet. (42.6601 – 73.76721111).

September 19, 2003 – An unidentified pedestrian killed on Central Avenue near Tull Drive, Colonie. (42.71811389 – 73.83335556)

October 18, 2003 – Pedestrian Todd Throneburg, 28, of 2194 Central Avenue was killed by a motor vehicle. He had apparently been lying partially in the eastbound lane near Elmwood Avenue, Colonie when struck. (42.76006944 – 73.88135833)

October 26, 2003 – There was an Unidentified fatality of a motor vehicle crash on Central Avenue, Colonie near Tull Drive. (42.71808889 – 73.83333056) 

2004

March 9, 2004 – Cyclist Mary Morgan, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 1:30 PM crash after being struck by a motor vehicle at the Central Avenue intersection with Berwyn Street, Colonie. (42.76193056 – 73.88344722)

April 12, 2004 – A pickup truck struck and killed Frank Tymula, 45, while he was crossing Central Avenue near Karner Road, Colonie. Because of the recent deaths, Colonie Police Chief said that officials are considering some kind of safety awareness campaign aimed at adults. “We do it for kids. We tell kids to look both ways. These are not kids. This gentleman was 45 years old,” said the chief. (42.72978333 – 73.84683889)

June 13, 2004– Unidentified man crossing Central Avenue at night at the intersection with Frederick Avenue, Colonie was killed after a passing car struck him. (42.69671944 – 73.809025)

July 4, 2004 – Vincent Pagano Jr., 24, perished after crashing his ATV into a car on Central Avenue by Manning Blvd, Albany.

2005

February 28, 2005 – Bassist Edward Wells, 38, of Lynn Street, Schenectady and the Band Seed, perished after he was partially ejected from his vehicle after it collided with another and rolled onto its side at the Central Avenue and VanHuesen Street intersection, Colonie

2006

March 19, 2006 – Randy Russell died instantly in a car crash at Henry Johnson Blvd and Central Avenue, Albany after a state trooper chase. An autopsy demonstrated a blood alcohol content over twice the legal limit.

September 8, 2006 – Pedestrian Tomas A. Aguirre of Watervliet was killed by a car just as he stepped from the curb crossing Central Avenue at Reber Street, Colonie

August 22, 2006 – Pedestrian Roxanne Chaney, 40 was chatting with her neighbors at the Best Value Inn, including a man who was showing pictures of his wife, who had been struck and killed by a car. “Roxanne says, `Man, that’s a horrible way to go,’ ” a neighbor recalled. Chaney, 40, then stepped out into a dark section of the road and was hit herself, becoming the ninth person killed on Central Avenue,Colonie in 10 years, the fourth on a section west of Route 155 alone, according to police. The nearest crosswalks – a mile apart – are 8- and 10-minute-walks away on a stretch of road that is easily becoming one of the deadliest for pedestrians in the region. (42.73789167 -73.85600278)

2009

January 19, 2009– Westley H. Williams, 61, perished after he was hit by a car on the road’s median, apparently trying to cross the busy stretch near Reynolds Street, Colonie. (42.69191389 -73.80361944)

April 7, 2009 – Segundo G. Zamora, 32, from Ecuador died from his injuries after being struck by a vehicle in front of Appletini’s Café, Colonie. (42.69016389 – 73.80158056)

2010

December 18, 2010 – Rebecca Murton, 22, 8 months pregnant with her third child, died as a passenger in a motor vehicle that crashed into a utility pole on Central Avenue at Mountain View Avenue, Colonie.

2011

November 21, 2011 – Pedestrian Kerry Irwin, 63 of Delmar was struck by a motor vehicle just east of Reber Street, Colonie and later died from his injuries. Police said the driver was not likely to face charges, as Irwin was wearing dark clothing and was not crossing the road at a crosswalk. (42.73415833 – 73.85171944)

September 5, 2011 – Pedestrian John Gesner, 57, of Ravena, who was staying at the Super 8 Motel, was struck by a car while crossing Central Avenue near Lincoln Avenue, Colonie around 11:10 pm.  He was pronounced dead at the scene. (42.71605556 – 73.83104444)

May 12, 2011 – David L. Cook, 33of Middle Grovewas riding a Harley Davidson he had just purchased off the lot at Spitzie’s Motorcycle Center on Central Avenue by Campbell Drive, Colonie when his bike veered out of control and across traffic and collided with a truck. (42.74072778 -73.85929444)

2012

May 21, 2012 – Pedestrian Randall Hayes, 57, a resident of the Blue Bell Hotel in Colonie was struck by a vehicle in a hit and run crash at 9:05 pm in the eastbound lane of Central Avenue in front of a Burger King, just west of the intersection with New Karner Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Colonie Police Officer Pero said it was highly unlikely that whoever struck the victim was not aware he hit someone. “It was not a glancing blow,” Pero said. (142.73313056 – 73.850475)

2013

February 21, 2013 – Katherine Parker, 28,of Albany died from injuries after being struck by a minivan while she was crossing Central Avenue at King Avenue just East of the (now closed) ShopRite, Albany. During a vigil for Parker, another pedestrian was hurt just two streets up from Thursday’s crash, police said.

March 2, 2013 – William Jennings, 28,of Schenectady, was killed instantly by an eastbound U.S. Postal Service tractor-trailer around 3:30 AM Saturday on Central Avenue near Lombard Street, Colonie.

2014

July 3, 2014 – Pedestrian Kyle Canabush, 29, was crossing Central Avenue at about 8:50 PM, near Kraft Avenue, Colonie when a motor vehicle struck him. He died later from his injuries.

2015

February 2, 2015 – A pedestrian, 4-year-old Ashiqur Rahman was struck and killed by a waste truck in a Central Avenue crosswalk at Quail Street, Albany while holding his mother’s hand. Mother and son had a green light to cross, police said.

March 3, 2015 – An unidentified pedestrian was killed on Central Avenue and Wilber Avenue, Colonie.

April 13, 2015 – Pedestrian Renee Bruneau, a 54-year-old mother was killed by a hit-and-run driver between Madison and Hudson Avenues, Albany in front of Ralph’s Restaurant

September 19, 2015 – An unidentified motor vehicle fatality involving drunk driving at Central Avenue and Grounds Place, Colonie

December 6, 2015 – There was an unidentified pedestrian fatality at Central Avenue and Osborne Road, Colonie. 

2016

May 24, 2016 – Pedestrian, Borziloke Zakolli, 62 of Colonie was struck and killed on impact crossing Central Avenuebetween Tull Drive and Breeman Street, Colonie. “Safety is our top priority there, and we’ve done a lot of work and studying on Central Avenue,” New York State Department of Transportation spokesman Bryan Viggiani said Tuesday, pointing to a Central Avenue Pedestrian Safety Study examining human behaviors and the road’s infrastructure. After publication of the safety study, the state allocated $2 million for road improvements, with 60 percent designated for Albany and Schenectady. The department’s goal, Viggiani said, is for both drivers and pedestrians to understand the rules of the road. (42.71744722 – 73.83268889) 

July 17, 2016 – Akbar Perkins, 17 died after a police pursuit, crashing a stolen van into a utility pole on Central Avenue just west of Route 155, Colonie. (42.73301944 – 73.85040833 )

Jun 2, 2016– There was an unidentified pedestrian fatalitynear the confluence of Central Avenue and Washington Avenue, Albany. (42.6573 -73.763975)

2017

March 16, 2017 – Jajuan L. Williams, 21, died on impact after the car he was driving crashed into a snowbank, became airborne, and hit a utility pole on Central Avenue near Arrow Street, Colonie. (42.76134444 – 73.88262778)

July 3, 2017 – An unidentified pedestrian, a 54 year old woman, died after a pickup truck struck her as she crossed Central Avenue near Vly Road, Colonie.

October 18, 2017 – Pedestrian Garry F. Cognetti, 67died from his injuries after being hit by a car on State Street, Niskayuna east of Mansion Boulevard where Central Avenue becomes State Street as it enters Niskayuna. (42.77281111 – 73.89543611)

2018

December 22, 2018 – An unidentified 78-year-old Schenectady woman died after what witnesses say was a possible medical incident that led to her crashing her car into a tree on Central Avenue between New Karner Road and Reber Street, Colonie. 

February 15, 2018 – An unidentified person died in a head-on motor vehicle collision on Central Avenue by Interstate Avenue, Colonie

2019

December 25, 2019 – Vehicle passenger Lakhraj Premnauth perished after a crashon Central Avenue by Evergreen Memorial Park, Colonie. The sedan they were in slammed into a utility pole with such force that it snapped the car in two. (42.757225 – 42.757225) 

2020

September 6, 2020 – An unidentified motorcyclist died at the scene after crashing into a car near the intersection of Central Avenue and Old Karner Road, Colonie

July 17, 2020 – Driver Naquain Key, 35, and his passenger, Najee Parks, 31, died in a high-speed crash on Central Avenue near Lombard Street, Colonie.

2021

April 15, 2021 – Pedestrian Sa’Nya Blaylock, 16, died when a motor vehicle struck her as she was crossing to the bus stop after her shift at Kentucky Fried Chicken, 1235 Central Avenue, at Frederick Avenue, Colonie.

August 20, 2021 – Christopher Welter, 36,of Medford, MA, died at the scene after his vehicle ran into the back of a tractor trailer that was stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of Central Avenue and Jupiter Lane, Colonie.

September 21, 2021 – Cyclist Jeremy Williams, 39was killed when he was struck by a motor vehicle on Central Avenue, Colonie, near the entrance ramp to southbound I-87.

2022

January 25, 2022 – Pedestrian David Madden, 31, was crossing the street in front of Dollar General, 1935 Central Avenue at Reber Street, Colonie just before 8 PM when a sedan struck him resulting in major trauma. His fate is unknown.

February 16, 2022 – An out-of-control car crashed through several telephone poles on Central Avenue near Lansing Road, Colonie. The unidentified Brooklyn man was in grave condition. His fate is unknown.

July 7, 2022 – Albany police identified Kathleen McBride, 52, of Albany as the pedestrian who was struck and killed by a drunken driver at 10:15 PM on Central Avenue at Robin Street, Albany. Police said officers responded to reports of a serious motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers determined that a pedestrian had been struck by a van that then crashed into a building. McBride sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Driver Jose Guaman-Bunay faces 6 to 18 years in prison.

August 22, 2022 – Stacy Benoit, 40, of Albany was hit around 8:35 PM. Witnesses said she was walking in the center turn lane near Fairfield Avenue. Colonie. Police said the driver was traveling west and the woman was walking east. The driver who hit her stopped and was not impaired, officers said. (TU online 8/23/22)

2023

November 11, 2023 – David Herskind, 49, died at the scene of the 11:55 PM, crash near the intersection with Fuller Road. A Ford F-150 was driving westbound on Central Avenue when it hit the pedestrian, said Colonie Police. The driver immediately stopped and called 911. Colonie EMS arrived shortly after, but the victim died at the scene. Police say speed or driver impairment do not appear to be factors in the crash. The pedestrian was in the vehicle lane of travel at the time of the crash.

November 22, 2023 – A 33-year-old motor vehicle driver struck and killed pedestrian Mark Schimmer, 67 at 6:03 PM on Central Avenue at Mountain View Avenue, Colonie. Police said the pedestrian was pushing a shopping cart, was in dark clothing, and not near a crosswalk or traffic signal at the time. Rain and snow may have made visibility poor. The driver maintained that she did not see the pedestrian until after the collision. Police held that speeding and intoxication were not involved and there were no charges made.

November 27, 2023 – Joseph Crandall, 62, was the third person to die after being struck by a car on Central Avenue in the town since November 11. Police said Crandall was riding his bike at 11:30 in the morning near Elmwood Avenue when the truck struck the back of his bicycle. Crandall was knocked off his bicycle and the truck driver, a 55-year-old Glenville man, stopped to call 911, police said. People passing by also tried to help Crandall, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the driver was not impaired and that Crandall was wearing reflective clothing but was not wearing a helmet.” (TU 11/28/23, B2)

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Filed under Central Ave., City Review, Death on the Road, safety

by | December 13, 2023 · 9:14 am

New Scotland Ave. Bike Lane Celebration

At Long Last – Bike Lanes on New Scotland Ave. –

The Ride – Sixteen happy riders departed from Martell’s Restaurant off New Scotland Ave. for an ABC-hosted tour of the new bike lanes running from O’Neill Rd. to Manning Blvd. After starting at Martel’s on a fine late autumn day, the group headed to Washington Park over Albany city streets with and without bike lanes. They then returned to Martel’s for a total distance of 8 miles. Many of the riders adjourned to Martell’s for refreshments following the ride. You can see the complete route on google maps: From Martell’s to Washington Park and Washington Park back to Martell’s

Safety Talk

The Setting – New Scotland Ave. is a major thoroughfare in the City of Albany for both residents and commuters. Heretofore, it had a strange mix of two- and four-lane segments. There were turn lanes for both right and left turns, but the pavement markings had long ago disappeared. The road surface itself was rough and unpleasant for people in cars and dangerous for bicyclists. The street was also characterized by a number of high-speed, no-holds-barred intersections that presented challenges for both people walking and bicycling as well as those driving cars. For bicyclists, it is only one of two paths into the city from Bethlehem. Neither path is particularly good, but the New Scotland holds a bit more promise. STRAVA data show that many riders used this route perhaps as their only option.

Cruising

The Study – In 2019, St Peter’s Hospital funded a traffic study of New Scotland Ave. from Manning Blvd. to the Thruway bridge at Whitehall Rd. St Peter’s is a major generator of motor vehicle traffic for both its patients and staff. The area surrounding the hospital presents challenges to residents for parking, and the amount of vehicular traffic presents challenges for all road users. Creighton Manning Engineering firm, a longtime partner of city government conducted the study. The city held several public meetings and there was good support for bicycle lanes to replace the unused parking lanes that were presently installed. The bicycle lanes would calm motor vehicle traffic. Curiously, when the final plan came out, it called for retaining the parking and not adding bicycle lanes. Fortunately, and with our gratitude, Meghan Keegan, Common Council Member, 9th Ward, supported the return of the lanes, and installation is now complete. They run from Manning Blvd. to O’Neill Rd., the entrance to the municipal golf course.

These new lanes connect to Manning Blvd. which is to have protected bike lanes per the Albany City Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan. Also, the multi-use path on Hackett Blvd. can be accessed from New Scotland Ave. over busy, non-protected streets in just under a mile.

Let’s Ride!

Cyclists can find the new bike lanes, and existing connections, on ABC’s CapitalNYBikeMap.com. Using the map, one can identify “neighborhood routes” to get to favored destinations. The ride might be a bit longer, but the enjoyment will offset that. Nonetheless, the city still needs to create safe connections between these new lanes and existing bicycle infrastructure.

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Filed under Bike Lanes, City Review, Riding in Albany