Category Archives: Support the Cause

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

by Lorenz M. Worden | May 21, 2012 · 3:22 pm

Silent Ride in Tribute to Cyclists Killed on the Road

ROS State Ed Bldg 5-16-12

Albany’s 6^th Annual Ride of Silence was on Wednesday, May 16 starting at 6:00 PM and 6:30.

Cyclists gathered at Albany’s Corning Preserve/Boat Launch and at West Capital Park/NYS Education Building for a silent tribute to riders killed or injured while cycling on local roads. The 20 riders were accompanied by a bicycle police officer from the University at Albany.

The slow-paced procession left the Corning Preserve/Boat Launch at 6:00 p.m. and then visited Jose Perez’s bicycle on Broadway at Quay St. The 12-mile round-trip route then met up with riders near the NYS Education Building and visited two more fatality sites. We finished up with two flat tires and a refreshing downpour as we cruised in town on Central Ave.

The Ride of Silence, which is held during National Bike Month, reminds us all – cyclists and motorists – to be considerate on the road for the safety of all. The ride also shows respect for those who have been killed or injured while cycling.

The first Ride of Silence was organized in 2003 to honor a Texas cyclist killed by a bus. Events are now held across the nation and in other countries, including Australia, Canada, and Scotland. For a list of locations and more on the history of the event, go to http://www.rideofsilence.org.

Across the nation, more than 600 cyclists are killed on the road every year. Local fatalities for whom there are ghost bikes include the following:

Nicholas Richichi, 53 – Oct. 19, 2007, Fuller Rd., Guilderland
Diva De Loayza, 40 – June 6, 2007, Western Ave., Albany
Alan Robert Fairbanks, 72 – Oct. 29, 2006 (later died), Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail and Route 5S, Rotterdam
Jose Perez, 60 – Aug. 3, 2006, Quay St., Albany
Joel Melnikoff, 49 – July 3, 2006, Rt. 32, Bethlehem
David Ryan, 32 – June 29, 2004, Riverview Rd., Rexford
Robert Zayhowski, 43 – July 16, 2000, Rt. 66, Sand Lake

Ride of Silence 2013 will be on May 15, 2013.

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Filed under Activism, Law, Local Bike Rides, Rides, Support the Cause

by Lorenz M. Worden | May 14, 2012 · 2:18 pm

Bicycle Expo 2012 Most Improved Event of 2012

Bike Expo 2012 – Vendor Area

The organizers of Bicycle Expo 2012 extend a big THANK YOU to all our vendors, co-sponsors, and supporters. We are particularly grateful to the hundreds of visitors who attended the event and supported the vendors.

As we look back over the past four months of preparation, we are pleased with the help from our friends both in the cycling community and in the city government. The mayor, the director of special events, the city clerk, the chief and officers of Albany Police Department, the Department of General Services staff, the Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability, the Albany Common Council, the print news media, and several radio and television stations all supported us in presenting the second annual Bicycle Expo to the Capital Region. Several major sponsors provided the funding and in-kind services to expand promotion throughout the community.

Our auction prize donors provided an invigorating aspect of Bicycle Expo 2012. With our “you-do-not-have-to-be-present-to-win” policy, we had great participation from our guests. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward Albany Bicycle Coalition’s programs in the community.

The Crowd Enjoys Expo

The Albany Bicycle Coalition is proud to have presented such a worthwhile event. This event could be the springboard for advancing bicyclists’ rights, policies, and amenities in Albany. Albany Bicycle Coalition’s objective remains that of having the Capital District declared “Bicycle Friendly.”

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

by Lorenz M. Worden | May 2, 2012 · 9:41 pm

Venders Add to the Energy of Bicycle Expo 2012

When you come to be Bicycle Expo 2012 this coming Sunday, May 6, visit our vendor/sponsors. A partial list includes the following:

Albany Bike Rescue
Albany Office of Energy and Sustainability
Albany Police Department
Ama’zin Ladeez Jewelry
Bettie’s Cakes
Broadway Bicycle Company
Capital Bicycle Racing Team
Capital District Transportation Authority/ipool2
Capital Car Share
Catskill Cycles
Crafts of Egypt by Albert Barsoum
Downtube Bicycle Works
Eastern Mountain Sports
L.L. Bean
Leanna’s Designs
National Intercollegiate Cycling Associations
New York Bicycling Coalition
Pine Hills Neighborhood Association
SIGMA-Germany
Tierra Coffee Roasters
Troy Bike Rescue
Waddell & Reid
WAMC Radio
Windham World Cup

. . . and, of course, the Albany Bicycle Coalition

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Filed under Activism, Events, Fundraising, Local Bike Rides, Rides, Support the Cause

by Lorenz M. Worden | March 7, 2012 · 2:59 pm

Bicycle Expo 2012 – Coming Soon!

The Albany Bicycle Coalition is moving ahead with Bicycle Expo 2012– your opportunity to meet with fellow cyclists, learn about new equipment, and explore sustainable/urban living!

ABC Information/Sign-In Booth – Bike Expo 2011

We now have verbal approval from Albany to use the area in front of the Washington Park Lake House just off Madison Avenue at New Scotland Ave.

Date – Sunday, May 6, 10 AM – 4 PM
Location – Lake House in Washington Park
Rides – An in-city tour of Albany’s bicycle amenities and an in-park ride for novice cyclists and children.
Vendors – We will have bicycle groups, bicycle shops, food vendors, and other organizations related to bicycling and urban living.

With this great, central location, we are hoping to attract cyclists, vendors, exhibitors, and visitors to the park – which will be in full bloom for the Tulip Festival (May 12 and 13). We will have access to the car-free roadways for a family friendly traffic skills ride.

This event will be Albany Bicycle Coalition’s main sponsored effort for 2012 and for Bike Month 2012 – a chance to bring riders and families into contact with each other and with organizations and companies involved with cycling and sustainable living.

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Filed under Activism, Comings and Goings, Events, Local Bike Rides, Rides, Support the Cause

by Lorenz M. Worden | February 4, 2012 · 12:57 pm

Gallery Spin – 1st Friday, February 3, 2012

It was a little chilly, but clear and dry for February’s 1st Friday Gallery Spin bicycle ride. Lark Street was humming with lots of walkers and gawkers and some great exhibits. Albany Bicycle Coalition’s own Bob Anderson was the featured artist at the Upstate Artists Guild gallery with his photography exhibit of rescued puppies and dogs. UAG generously made this a 50/50 benefit split between Out of the Pits and the gallery. Bob had some captivating photos of the dogs and it was great to see his efforts in supporting the cause. If you haven’t had a chance to see the Call of the Wild exhibit at UAG, try to catch it (Thr & Fri – 5:30-8:00, Sat & Sun – 2:00-6:00, 247 Lark St.).