by | October 16, 2010 · 7:16 pm

32 New Bicycle Racks in Albany

On a balmy fall day, the Lark St. Business Improvement District (BID), in conjunction with the Aurora Foundation of NorthEast and the Albany’s Office of Energy and Sustainability, announced installation of 32 new bicycle racks on Lark St. from Washington Ave. to Price Chopper on Delaware Ave.  Federal tax dollars paid for the racks through the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and the Capital District Transportation Committee.

Cafe Hollywood, 275 Lark, hosted the ribbon cutting with dignitaries from the Common Council, city, BID, County, and CDTA in attendance reinforced by a elbow-room-only (see photo) crowd of cyclists and onlookers.  Council Members Conti and Konev, enthusiastic supporters of bicycling, presented a resolution (see photo) from the Council to the BID’s executive director, president, and board chairman.  (The un-cut green ribbon is just in front of the Café Hollywood’s door.)

Eric Whalen of the Downtube set up a repair stand to assist cyclists.  The Albany Police Department Community Policing Unit had a table display of related literature as well as information on its bicycle registry.

Written by Ken Burford

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by | October 16, 2010 · 1:00 pm

My Commuted Commute

Here is an interesting video from Oikofugic Productions that talks about the problems with bike lanes in NYC. I must have been lucky because when I was down there last weekend with my folding bike I did not see any of this. Honestly I’d rather have these problems then no bike lanes.

Written by Chris Belsole

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by | October 15, 2010 · 4:46 pm

This Sunday: Ride the Old Erie Canal in Albany County

Sunday, October 17th, 2010

Update from John:

Sundays forecast is for sunny skies and temps near sixty. A perfect day to join ABC and other members of your community for a casual bike ride along the Old Erie Canal. Pack up some snacks and water, and prepare to hit the trail. Stout tires work best for this ride so leave your racing slicks at home. We’re riding along what was once the towpaths of the canal and there is both on road and off road mileage.

Discover what still remains of this legendary waterway. Many truly spectacular and historic sights are to be seen on this ride with a “buy your own lunch” stop in the oldest incorporated village in the state, Waterford. Commentary at selected stops by a local history and Erie Canal buff. So come on out and enjoy the clear autumn air and learn a little local history or share a little of your knowledge with us.

Don’t forget RIDE SAFELY, WEAR A HELMET AND HAVE FUN!

Join John Vendetti and your friendly, fellow cyclists on another exciting history tour.

Where is the Erie canal?  What’s still there? Where was the new, enlarged canal?  Can you really ride your bicycle through a canal lock? How did the canal boats get from Troy to the canal?  How does a lock work?  This and more!

Plus, you’ll find a wonderful, relaxing bicycle route that you can enjoy in the future with family and friends. After the departing from Waterford, we’ll pick up a sandwich and scoot over to Pebbles Island for a “picnic” lunch.

Distance: 30 miles
Weather: Rain or shine
Where: Meet at the Boat Launch at the Corning Preserve
Contact: hardworkinjohn@aol.com (or by phone: 225-4209, or 489-0866)
Directions: http://bit.ly/bvH2Mi
Sponsored by the Albany Bicycle Coalition

Calendar information here.

Written by Ken Burford

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by | October 15, 2010 · 1:00 pm

People For Bikes: If I Ride

Taken from: http://www.peopleforbikes.org/

I just wanted to bring this video to everyone’s attention. It is a heartwarming video of a poem where humanity is better off if there was just one more cyclists on the road. I would like to add one.

If I ride I will be able to see my grandchildren.

How about you?

Written by Chris Belsole

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by | October 14, 2010 · 9:26 am

Bike Rack Kick-Off Event

Bike Rack Kick Off & Ribbon Cutting
Date: Saturday, October 16, 2010
Time: 1pm-3pm, Ribbon Cutting at 1pm
Place: Café Hollywood

Join the Lark Street BID and the Aurora Foundation as they celebrate the placement of 32 new bike racks down Lark Street!

The Lark Street BID, the Aurora Foundation of NorthEast, Inc., and the Mayor’s Office of Energy &Sustainability are pleased to announce the placement of 32 bike racks along the Lark Street BID corridor from Washington Ave to the Price Chopper on Delaware Ave. To celebrate the placement of the bike racks and the designation of the Lark Street as Albany’s first Green Byway, a ribbon cutting & kick off event will be held this Saturday, October 16 from 1-3pm at Café Hollywood, 275 Lark Street.

Representatives from the Albany Police Department will be on hand to register bikes for all attendees.Additionally, minor repairs and tune ups will be made courtesy of Lark Street business, The Downtube. The event is being held at Café Hollywood which has taken on the challenge of becoming a “green” bar. Their dedication to being a more sustainable business includes such initiatives as using products that will reduce waste and aid in recycling and provide healthy minded food options.

These are just a few of the steps that the City of Albany and the Lark Street BID are taking to make Lark Street a more sustainable neighborhood and to encourage other Albany businesses and residents to become more environmentally aware.

Written by Chris Belsole

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