Category Archives: Support the Cause

Articles dealing with bicycle advocacy and what people can do about it.

by Christopher | October 4, 2010 · 2:15 pm

Transportation Forum Highlights

Better late then never, Tuesday the 21st of September there was a forum on transportation hosted by the New York State Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA) which was held at the Albany library main branch. The night started off well because it was catered with food from the Co-op which I don’t have to tell you was delicious. After we sat down, bellies full of good food, the first speaker up was Leah Golby who gave the introduction and laid down a general theme for the night. You may remember Ms. Golby for her support in getting the common council to support the Madison Ave. traffic calming project which passed Monday Sept. 20th unanimously 15-0. After she spoke various people from organizations such as We Act for Environmental Justice, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Empire State Future, and a few others got up and gave their respective presentations about how there organizations are working to improve the transportation problem for not only Albany, but all of New York as well.

All in all it was a good night. Speaking for myself, I enjoyed the entire event because it brought to light many issues that are facing New York as a whole and put everything in prospective. We are definatly living in intresting times.

For more info on NYSTEA and what they are doing visit their website or e-mail them at info@nystea.net.

Written by Chris Belsole

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by Christopher | September 20, 2010 · 7:11 am

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.

Written by Chris Belsole

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by Christopher | September 16, 2010 · 7:29 am

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

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by Christopher | September 1, 2010 · 9:33 am

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.

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by Ken | August 30, 2010 · 5:50 pm

Support the Cause: Help Albany Police Provide Kids Helmets

The Albany Police Department is seeking funds to help provide helmets to Albany children. Their goal is to raise enough to supply 1,000 helmets.

You can contribute by visiting the McDonald’s restaurant located at 391 Central Ave every Tuesday this September. 20% of all sales between 5PM and 8PM on Tuesdays will be donated to the helmet program.

McDonald’s will also be donating a bicycle that will be raffled off in the restaurant. Tickets are $1 each. Winner will be picked on Tuesday, September 28 at 7:00PM.

Directions to the location.

Editor’s Note: We’re currently looking into the best way to donate directly to the program and will update this post shortly.