Category Archives: Bike Lanes

by Lorenz M. Worden | February 22, 2015 · 3:08 pm

ABC-Sponsored South End Bikeway Link Tour #1 – 3/7/15

The South End Bikeway Link Coalition wants to build interest and support for protected bicycle lanes as key part of the proposed 1.5-mile South End Bikeway Link.

The Albany Bicycle Coalition is joining with other cycling organizations to sponsor monthly rides of the proposed route with stops at points of interest along the route.

Riders are invited to meet at Albany Corning Preserve Boat Launch Area (near Colonie St.) on March 7 at 10:00 AM) for a guided tour of the proposed route. The South End Bikeway Link will connect the new Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail to the Albany Corning Preserve, the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, and the Erie Canalway Trail. There will be a free “Ride Smart” mini class at 9:30 AM led by League Cycling Instructors certified by the League of American Bicyclists.

Rally for Albany’s South End Bikeway Link – Urgency and Benefits

Rally For Albany’s South End Bikeway Link – Urgency and Benefits

Wednesday, January 21, 2015
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Albany Public Library – Main Branch
161 Washington Ave.
Parking lot in rear of library on Elk Street and on the street (street meters go “off” at 6 PM).

Join other stakeholders to discuss the recreational and economic benefits “the link” offers to connect local residents and neighboring communities. Together, our voices can be heard to build a safer path to the Hudson River/downtown Albany.

Advocates and stakeholders will meet on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, 6-8 pm, Albany Public Library Main Branch, Auditorium, 161 Washington Ave., Albany.

By mid October, the 128-year-old Albany Susquehanna coal hauling rail line re-opens as a multi-use path for people on bicycles, walking, or running. It will stretch 9.3 scenic miles from Albany’s Port at Rt. 32/South Pearl St through Delmar to the Village of Voorheesville. While from Western New York, the 360-mile Erie Canalway/Mohawk-Hudson Bike Hike Trail abruptly stops at Albany’s waterfront Corning Preserve. Between the trails lay a 1.5-mile gap — one that forces cyclists onto rushing car commuters on Route 32 and neighborhood streets that are lacking any facilities for people on bicycles except for a few shared lane markings on S. Pearl St.

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.