Category Archives: Rides

Articles pertaining to rides.

by Lorenz M. Worden | May 10, 2023 · 11:46 am

Ride of Silence 2023

Notes on Deceased Cyclists Whose Ghost Bike Will Be Stopping Points in the 2023 Ride of Silence.

5/17/23 – Ride of Silence – Wed, 5:30 PM. Albany Bicycle Coalition will hold its annual Ride of Silence to commemorate cyclists that have been killed or seriously injured. The ride will leave Corning Preserve Boat Launch in Albany at 5:30 PM. Persons wanting to join the ride later may meet the group when it passes by the Boat Launch again between 6:15pm and 6:30pm. There is no cost for the ride and anyone with a bicycle and a helmet may join. The ride will be approximately 17.5 miles and include stops at sites where persons died while cycling in downtown Albany, Watervliet and Troy.

Jose Perez – 8/3/06 (age 60) Bicyclist killed by SUV, Broadway at Quay St., Albany. Jose Perez was remembered Friday as a man who enjoyed a good debate over the state of the world. Jose did not own a car and used his bicycle to get around, often taking rides at the Corning Preserve bike path along the Hudson River. A friend said, “He went all over on that bike.” Dusk was falling at about 8:30 PM when Perez crossed into traffic near Quay St. and Broadway. A sport utility vehicle heading north could not stop and struck the cyclist head-on. Perez was pronounced dead at the scene. His friend explained “He was probably coming back from the preserve and was a little late. It probably didn’t help that he wasn’t wearing a helmet.” Jose’s sister later left this note on his ghost bike, the first installed in the City of Albany: “Attention: I greatly appreciate those who made this memorial in remembrance of my brother José Perez (Ray) I would very much like for you to contact me. Thank you.” The driver, who passed a sobriety test at the scene, will not be ticketed, police said. [SOURCE: Times Union, Section: Capital Region, Page: B4, Saturday, August 5, 2006]

Edston J. Kirnon – 7/22/17 (age 42) Bicyclist collided with side of CDTA bus, N. Pearl St., Albany a block north of the Palace Theater at the intersection of N. Pearl and Wilson sts. The cyclist was killed instantly. Police said, “He was coming down the hill at a high rate of speed and hit the bus.” He was not wearing a helmet. A neighbor, who heard the crash, said the man was her neighbor’s boyfriend. “He was kind and neighborly. He and his girlfriend had a beautiful relationship. They were always surrounded by family and friends, celebrating and laughing. There was a lot of love there.” A witness said there is a bus stop at the corner, but no one was waiting for the bus or getting off, so the driver didn’t stop. There is no stop sign on North Pearl Street, but there is a stop sign on Wilson Street, which is one-way. The bus driver was given field sobriety test at the scene before she was released. She could be seen crying as she got into a car. [SOURCE: http://www.timesunion.com/7dayarchive/article/Albany-police-on-scene-at-bicycle-vs-bus-accident-11307576.php#photo-13283511]

Joshua T. Santiago – 7/9/14 (age 14) Driver hit and killed cyclist who entered a 4-way intersection going the wrong way on a one-way street without stopping. The incident occurred at 19th St. and 4th Ave. Watervliet at 12:44 AM. Joshua had lived in Cohoes the past nine years and attended Cohoes Middle School. He loved to ride his bicycle and listen to music including Eminem and Hollywood Undead. Joshua is survived by his parents, brother, grandparents, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. [SOURCE: ]

Stephen Nolan 6/6/14 (age 53) Driver killed cyclist, King & Federal Sts., Troy. According to Troy Police, Nolan collided with an automobile on 6/2/14 causing his death. He was hit by a motor vehicle traveling north on King Street. At this point, no charges are expected to be filed against the driver. Stephen was survived by two brothers for whom this message was posted, “I remember Stevie so well from the old neighborhood. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with both of you at this time.”

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Filed under Ghost Bikes, Ride of Silence, Rides

by Lorenz M. Worden | August 25, 2021 · 2:55 pm

Arbor Hill-West Hill Slow Roll Ride

**Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence – Underground Railroad House**

On the picture perfect Sunday afternoon, August 15, the Underground Railroad Education Center and the Albany Bicycle Coalition jointly conducted an Arbor Hill/West Hill “Slow Roll” bicycle ride (see stats at end of this post). The fun, safe, low-stress, low-speed bicycle ride took advantage of numerous bicycle lanes, trails, and low congestion streets in the neighborhood. The group stopped at several points where speakers led discussions on the history and future of the neighborhoods. Stops included the Harriet and Stephen Myers Residence, Arbor Hill Park, Tivoli Lake Preserve, Bleeker Stadium/Swinburne Park, and the Arbor Hill Library. The Tivoli Preserve stop highlighted the 9-mile Patroon Creek Greenway Trail currently undergoing study by the City of Albany (see http://albanyny.gov/800/Patroon-Greenway-Feasibility-Study). The new Greenway Trail would connect the Albany Waterfront to the Six Mile Waterworks and points beyond with access from Arbor Hill and West Hill. We also discussed the daylighting of the Patroon Creek and making nearby mountain bike trails more accessible to Tivoli Preserve and its adjoining neighborhoods.

**Paul of the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence at the Start**

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is arbor-hill-ride-8-15-21-4.jpg — **Assembling the Ride**

Our Arbor Park Stop pointed out the nearby site of the original Dudley Observatory. We also noted 1962 Urban Renewal Plans for the area that would have put a school where the historic Harriet and Stephen Myers Residence still stands. The 1964 plans are more representative of the current configuration.

**Arbor Hill Park Was Once Site of the Dudley Observatory and Park**

**Proposed School (See #4) on Site of Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence**

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ed.jpg — **A little history lesson . .** .

**Ride End at the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence Underground Railroad**

RIDE STATS – The ride covered 4.37 miles “door-to-door” and started at 1:15 and ended at 2:45 (1 hour 30 min) with 44 min of actual riding with an average speed of 5.7 mph. The ride thus met its goal of being a “slow roll” that riders of all abilities could enjoy.

**What a Reward! – Ice Cream Sundaes on a Hot Day**

We ended the ride with an “ice cream social” in the shady back yard of the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence.

The Albany Bicycle Coalition will be conducting a “Bike the Branches Slow Roll” in conjunction with the Albany Public Libraries on September 25.

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Filed under City Review, Rides

by Lorenz M. Worden | July 22, 2021 · 7:41 am

Arbor Hill/West Hill Slow Roll Bicycle Ride

Co-Sponsored by the Albany Bicycle Coalition and the Underground Railroad Education Center. Join us for a leisurely tour of Albany’s Arbor and West Hill outdoor treasures. Sunday, 8/15, 1 PM. Start and finish at the Meyer’s Residence/Underground Railroad Education Center, 194 Livingston Ave., Albany.

This will be a 3.5-mile fun, safe, low-stress, low-speed bicycle ride. The ride will take about 60 to 90 minutes. We will take advantage of numerous bicycle lanes, trails, and low congestion streets in the neighborhood. We will visit key sites in Arbor Hill/West Hill including Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence/Underground Railroad Ed Center, Arbor Hill Park, Tivoli Preserve, Bleeker Stadium/Swinburne Park, and the Arbor Hill Library. There will be time to discuss these neighborhood gems as well as a great potential new gem – the 9-mile Patroon Creek Greenway Trail currently undergoing study by the City of Albany. The new Greenway Trail would connect the Albany Waterfront to the Six Mile Waterworks and points beyond with access from Arbor Hill and West Hill.

There is no charge for the ride. The not-for-profit Underground Railroad Education Center and the Albany Bicycle Coalition would welcome your donations to support our respective programs.

Registration not required but if you want to join our ride, please e mail –

albanybicyclecoalition@yahoo.com with your name and the names of any additional riders in your group.

Conditions –

Unvaccinated riders must don masks when riders are stopped and congregating. If government health officials updated COVID-19 guidance, this policy may change.
All riders must be 12 years of age or older.
All riders must wear bicycle helmets.
An adult must accompany riders under age 18.

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Filed under Activisim, Rides

by Lorenz M. Worden | October 31, 2020 · 8:15 am

Get Out and Ride While the Leaves are Falling

While COVID-19 has eliminated or moderated several bicycle-related activities, the fine early fall weather provided plenty of opportunities for social distanced rides. Looking ahead, there is some nice riding in late fall and winter whether for recreation/exercise or errands/work. Here are a few riding tips to encourage your riding and to keep you safe:

Check your lights front and rear. “Too many lights” are just about right in the low light, fall and winter conditions. Your lights are to make you visible (both day and night), but also to avoid those hidden ruts, potholes, and bumps in the street. Road debris at night is another hazard which good front lighting will help you avoid.
Add a helmet or head-mounted lamp to help see those potholes, debris, etc. at night. While a front light in blink mode makes people more aware of your presence, the headlamp helps you see obstacles. The advantage of a headlamp is that when you move your head, the light goes with you. When on trails with little or no street lighting, both the headlamp and front light (in steady mode) will light the path.

Replace the batteries. Keep your re-chargeables charged.
Have someone view your bicycle from behind in the dark with the lights “on.” Ensure that your gear or clothing does not block the light beams (front and rear) and that the rear light(s) aim toward following vehicles.
Spoke lights or spoke reflectors are both fun and provide visibility from the side.
Watch other people on bicycles and judge their visibility index as a guide to improving your own.
Add an extra “blinky light” front and rear and use them both as nighttime supplements and as “daytime running lights.”
Use a helmet-mounted rear-facing light.

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You will probably ride safer and smarter if you are comfortable – so plan your riding gear accordingly. Think layers.
As you bundle up, look at your outer layer. If it is dark in color, either choose something that is not or pick up a reflective vest from your locally owned hardware or big box home center.

Wet leaves and snow are slippery so anticipate your stops and turns.
Pay special attention to puddles of water or clumps of leaves as they can mask the plentiful potholes, ruts, utility caps, and craters in the paved surface.
Recall that some pavement markings can also be slippery when wet or extra slippery when covered with wet leaves, snow, or ice.
Keep your chain clean and lubricated (especially after riding in melted slush).
You might want to inspect your tires for wear. You might swap the front to the rear (since the rear takes the most weight and wears quicker). If planning to ride in snow, you might invest in wider, knobby tires for better traction (if your bike accepts them).
Consider reducing tire pressures from max by 5 to 10 psi for better grip.
Sunglasses are very important this time of year as well. With the days getting shorter, there is a greater chance you will finishing or starting a ride in low light conditions. Switch your tinted lenses to a rose or clear lens for better visibility in low light conditions.
When riding into that low fall sun, remember that the people in cars behind may not see you, as they also will be blinded.
Plan your braking and turns to avoid a spill.
Be mindful of slippery metal surfaces (such as utility covers and grates).
Fall and winter is a good time to get ready for next year’s riding with a tune up from one of our local bicycle shops. This is a good time to support your local shop and to help them over the slower winter season. November through March is good time to get that special attention from your bicycle mechanic. Find out where at – https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/resources/

Other winter riding tips –

To enjoy low stress, safe cycling, plan your route with the free, interactive CapitalNYBikeMap – https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/albany_bike_map/

To find more bicycle-related events, go to – https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/upcoming-events/

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Filed under COVID-19, Lighting, Local Bike Rides, Rides, Winter Cycling

by Lorenz M. Worden | October 13, 2019 · 2:41 pm

Explore the Wonders of Troy

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Once again, Troy’s Transport Troy advocacy group hosted a wonderful Collar City Ramble as part of the Hudson Valley Ramble. It was a beautiful day in the city with the famous Saturday Farmers’ market adding energy to the whole downtown.

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Entering the city from the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail and the “serpentine” at the Rt. 378 Bridge. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Part of the Collar City Ramble – in addition to walks and bicycle rides – is free kayak rides on the Hudson from Troy’s new boat launch. (It’s so new that it’s still “under construction” on Google Maps.) Here’s Pam, a Transport Troy and Albany Bicycle Coalition member, acting as “Harbor Master” along with some volunteers (kayaks in the background).