Category Archives: Article

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.

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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.

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Filed under Activisim, City Review, protected bicycle lanes

Tagged as protected bicycle lanes

by Lorenz M. Worden | September 19, 2014 · 11:59 am

Advocacy Day in Albany – August 22

Midmorning, Mayor Sheehan and other dignitaries introduced CarShare in Albany in front of City Hall. The CarShare staff presented the Mayor with an honorary key fob device that allowed her to try out on of the six cars currently available. In her comments, Mayor Sheehan cited the advent if CarShare as one example of “ . . . the beginning of a transformation to a livable, walkable, bikeable Albany. To find out if CarShare is for you, go to Capital Car Share.

Under an ever-increasing rainfall, staff from Parks & Trails New York delivered hundreds of postcards from supporters of PTNY’s “Close the Gap” program. Cards came from riders of this year’s Erie Canalway Trail ride who came from NYS, other states, and several foreign countries. These were augmented by cards from the public – all calling for New York State to complete the entire trail by “closing the gaps” – the 80 some miles that currently are on roads and highways. The wisdom of completing the trail is justified on several levels not the least of which is the economic benefit to communities along the trail

Photos: Mayor Sheehan Tries CarShare, A nice new, red CarShare Ride, Close That Gap!

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Tagged as advocacy, City Review, Erie Canal

by Lorenz M. Worden | August 29, 2014 · 9:17 am

People on Bicycles – Welcome to Albany!

The City of Albany recently installed bicycle lanes on Northern Blvd. at Rt. 377/Van Rensselaer Blvd. This is one of the major entries to the city. The new lanes run from Van Rensselaer Blvd. to the Rt. 9 overpass. The understanding from Albany Police Department’s Division of Traffic Safety is that, at some point, the lanes will be extended on into the city passing Memorial Hospital, a couple charter schools, and the (former) Livingston Middle School (being converted into residences).

A closer look shows 5+ foot paved shoulders, 6 foot bicycle lanes, and 11-12-foot lanes for motor vehicles. Unlike the bicycle lanes on Clinton Ave. and the shared lane symbols elsewhere in the city, these on Northern Blvd. are sprayed “epoxy” paint

Installation of the new lanes comes after a long dry spell since lanes were put in on Clinton Ave. (from Ten Brock to Lexington). The Northern Blvd. area has always been a challenging ride. The presence of the bicycle lanes should calm traffic and encourage more people to commute on bicycles.

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Filed under Bike Lanes, City Review

by Lorenz M. Worden | August 18, 2014 · 3:28 pm

Daily Grind – 7 Years of Bliss

Thanks to our loyal sponsors, the Daily Grind Coffee Shops, we had the 7th Annual Daily Grind Ride was on Saturday, 8/16/14. After a photo op at the Albany café, we cruised down State St. to the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail. Riders

Ali and Adam, Amanda and Derrick, Amy and Ken, David, Indiana and Perry, Jim, Joe, John, Lorenz, Margaret, and Mike paused at the boat launch to meet up with two more riders and for another pic. The weather could not have been better and the path was well use by joggers, people on bicycles, and walkers.

On the way through sunny Watervaliet, Bert joined us and did Rob and Theo later on in Troy. For the first time ever, after leaving the Sovereign and Independent Nation of Green Island, we were stopped by the lift bridge (after which we all felt guilty sliding by the long line of stopped cars).

The Daily Grind staff in Troy rolled out the welcome mat and the food with a generous discount for all who partook. At both the Albany and Troy shops, we presented the staff with a framed picture of the 2013 riders posed in front of the respective café.

After lunch, some went to the Troy Farmers Market while others headed back to Albany by the bike path. Three riders went to the SOBI BikeShare hub in Washington Park. The share bicycles were so popular that only one was there (and it was “grounded”). Nonetheless, one of our number took a short test ride and expressed her satisfaction with the BikeShare bicycle.

Overall, a good time was had by all sixteen who participated with our youngest rider, Indiana, lending her special charm to the event. She was later joined by Theo who helped keep us smiling.

PHOTOS: Albany Café, Boat Launch, “Stop” – the Bridge is “Up,” Troy Café, Après Ride