by | January 24, 2025 · 10:01 am

Our Struggle for Safe Road Space

At least 41 states and the District of Columbia require motorists to give bicycle riders at least 3 feet of space when passing. New York is one of only 9 states that still does not define the distance for (safely) passing a bicyclist.  At last count, the only other states are Alaska, Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, and South Carolina. With recent enactments of 4-foot laws in Massachusetts and Vermont, New York is surrounded by states that that require 3 feet or better for passing.

Last year, the 3-foot bill passed the NY Senate. Local Assembly member Phil Steck has dutifully sponsored this legislation. Year after year this legislation has been held up in the NY Assembly Transportation Committee.  Suffolk and Monroe Counties decided to take care of their citizens by passing their own laws.  With your help Albany County can now do the same.

Albany County Legislators Fein, A. Joyce, Laurilliard and Miller have cosponsored the proposed Local Law T below.  It will go before the Legislature’s Law Committee on January 29, 2025. The proposal follows the Vermont and Massachusetts model of protecting not only bicyclists, but also pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

Please e-mail a letter or message of support by January 28th to cosponsor and cycling friend, Susan Quine-Laurilliard (susan.quine-laurilliard@albanycountyny.gov).

********LOCAL LAW NO. “T” FOR 2024 *********

A LOCAL LAW OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AMENDING CHAPTER 288 OF THE ALBANY COUNTY CODE, ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM PASSING DISTANCE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES

Introduced: 12/2/24

By Fein, Laurilliard, A. Joyce, and Miller:

A local law amending Chapter 288 of the Albany County Code, entitled Vehicles, to create Article IV of such Chapter, entitled Minimum Passing Distance Requirements for Motor Vehicles, to establish a minimum passing distance for motor vehicles passing bicycles.

BE IT ENACTED by the Albany County Legislature as follows:

Section 1. Article Creation.

Chapter 288, Article IV, Minimum Passing Distance Requirements for Motor Vehicles, is hereby created.

Section 2. §288-26, Title.

This local law shall be known as the “Albany County Safe Passing Law.”

Section 3. § 288-27, Legislative Intent.

The Albany County Legislature recognizes that bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users often need to share roadways with motor vehicles out of necessity.

The Legislature also acknowledges that in these situations, vulnerable road users are susceptible to the actions of motor vehicle operators who can pose a threat to their health and safety if passing too closely.

Therefore, this Legislature finds it necessary to establish a minimum passing distance for motor vehicles approaching or passing vulnerable road users.

Section 4. § 288-28, Vulnerable Road User.

“Vulnerable road user” means any pedestrian; person operating a wheelchair or other personal mobility device regardless of motorization; person operating a bicycle or other non-motorized mode of transportation such as roller skates, rollerblades, roller skis, skateboard, longboard, or unicycle; operator of roadway construction, repair, or maintenance equipment; utility worker; construction worker; roadside assistance worker; operator of agricultural equipment; person riding, driving, or herding an animal; law enforcement officer; firefighter; emergency medical technician; or first responder.

Section 5. § 288-29, Minimum Distance Requirements for Motor Vehicles.

The operator of a motor vehicle that is approaching or passing a vulnerable road user shall do so at a distance of at least three feet until safely clear thereof. The three-foot distance requirement shall not apply on roads with clearly-marked bicycle lanes as defined by New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 102-a.

Section 5. § 288-30, Penalties.

1. Any person committing the above-referenced offense shall be guilty of a violation and subject to a fine not to exceed $225 for a first offense, $325 for a second offense and $425 for any third or subsequent offense(s).

2. This section does not preclude a person from being charged with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of law.

Section 6. § 288-31, Applicability.

This local law shall apply to all actions occurring on or after the effective date.

Section 8. § 288-32, Severability.

If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, subdivision, or other part of this local law or its application shall be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional, such order or judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of the local law which shall remain in full force and effect except as limited by such order or judgment.

Section 9. SEQRA Compliance.

This County Legislature determines that this local law constitutes a “Type II action” pursuant to the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), and that no further action under SEQRA is required.

Section 10. Effective Date.

This local law shall take effect immediately following its filing with the Office of the Secretary of State.

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by | January 4, 2025 · 11:09 am

How the Grinch Stole Safety

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Safety

[Choir of pedestrians and bicyclists:]

“I’m dreamin’ of a safe Christmas just like the ones I used to . . . (gulp) . . .  (gasp)  . . . YIKES!“

[Grinch:]

“Hey, you bicyclists cut the din, Can’t you see the mood I’m in?

25 miles per hour, Sure turns me sour.

Slow down for schools? Go ahead take my picture – fools.

Pedestrians – talk, talk, talk. Just stay on the #$%^& sidewalk!

I’d rather have lots of grass than those multi-use lanes, Which are pain in the a – -.

There’s now a CRTC, Why? Sure beats the heck out of me.

They want safe roads it’s been said, Just makes me want to hide in bed.

You say you want to cut down on DWI? Makes me laugh so hard I almost cry.

What’s the harm in a little booze, Before I take a wobblily cruise?

The lenient judges are right . . . Even if the perps are way tight.

Evidentiary Bee Aaa Cee ? Get my lawyer, then we’ll see.

Bicycles, bicycles everywhere, Riding around without a care.

I’ll tell you right off the bat, We’ll soon put a stop to that!

No delay for cars is what I say, So get your two wheels out of the way.

E-bikes what a curse,  If I see one more. I’ll need a nurse!

Complain, complain – Oh my head! So what if a few of you are dead?

If it’s too unsafe for you to ride, Then just go over to the side and hide

Oh, you’re such an infernal pain, But I’ll throw in one more shared lane.

Buffered Lanes? Not so fast, How will cars zip past?

Traffic circles they’re all the rage, As you ride through, you’ll certainly age.

Traffic circles and roundabouts, they’re the best. Try to ride ‘em – be my guest.

We design ‘em, you can bet, I haven’t seen one that’s bikeable yet.

Now Burlington it’s the best, Serving as a model for all the rest. RATS!

Four-lane highways they’re the pip, Too bad if you get hit.

No bike lanes? That’s tough, Good old sharrows are more than enough.

Complete streets that’s my scam, I’ll “consider your needs” and then I’ll scram!

Vision zero that’s a joke, Don’t you realize we’re broke?

Broke that is until a new car way,  Causes our minds to sway!

I’ve got my engineering manuals at hand, And they don’t cover your rowdy band.

Gotta problem with Central Ave.? Why that’s the safest road we have!

Pedestrians can’t cross? Oh, too bad, it’s just your loss.

About livable streets you’re free to dream, But rest assured that’s not my scheme.

A ped-bike master plan will calm your fears, Don’t get excited – it’s smoke and mirrors.

Bicycle planning, we do a lot, But our action is mostly “not.”

Many plans on the shelf, Guarded by my elf.

Eco freaks with hearts of Fire?

Well guess what – I’m a denier. Dying from pollution?

Bicycles are not my solution. SUVs now that’s my Style,

I think I’ll go out and cruise awhile. Miles per gallon – not my issue, If you don’t agree, here’s a tissue.

Move all those cars, that’s the need, We let them go at any speed.

Lower the speed limit, Sure… in just a minute.

Bike Lanes with no buffer? Well that’s too bad – you’ll have to suffer

You got doored, Oh so sorry, but I’m just floored.

Cross walk symbols faded away? We’ll do them over . . .  someday.

Here’s a series of Bethlehem shout outs, to all the anti-Delaware Avenue calming louts.

Can’t safely ride to work? Well take the bus – what a jerk!

Hit a cyclist, they’ll throw the book, Just say you didn’t, and you’re off the hook.

Safe passing distance I’ll fight that one, Fight so hard it’ll never get done.

Buffered lanes, now that’s a riot, Don’t hold your breath until I try it.

Are cycle tracks what you want to see? That’s a good laugh for my friends at dee-oh-tee.

Reduce the speed, What’s the need?

Car lane, parking lane, turn lane, more, But for cyclists anything at all is a chore.

You pay your taxes, and we’re glad, But how we spend them will make you mad.

Roads, streets, turns galore, All I say is more, more, more.

Got hit by a car, slammed by a door, Well, that’s too bad – I hope you’re sore.

Albany, Schenectady, Guilderland too, Sorry but we don’t have time for you.

Colonie, Troy, Bethlehem are a riot, Plenty of cars and trucks but no road diet.

But that’s too bad if you want peace, Our disdain for you will never cease.

I hope this tale doesn’t make you sad, But after all, it’s not that bad.

Want to cycle safely on a trip? Well, go to Holland on a ship.

Separated Lanes they’re the best, But not in my plan like all the rest.

We can’t cater to just a hobby, We have to kowtow to the car lobby.

Traffic’s dangerous, that’s a shame, There’s plenty of us to share the blame.

Hey, you guys are really nuts, Get outta here before I kick your butts!

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by | December 2, 2024 · 11:49 am

World Day of Remembrance 2024

Albany Bicycle Coalition helped lead Albany’s 3rd World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Traffic on Friday, November 15th in Albany’s Academy Park. The event was held in cooperation with Walkable Albany, Capital Streets and many individual volunteers. We had our largest turnout ever with about 60 attendees. 

Friends and family of victims helped us understand those lost as living persons and not just statistics. Patty and Skip Sawyer joined us to remember their son Roger who was struck and killed while biking to work by an unlicensed SUV driver on Washington Avenue Extension on October 19, 2017.  Noreen spoke for her friend and neighbor Jason Steinberg from Ohav Shalom. Jason was struck and killed walking on the sidewalk at Bender Avenue and Krumkill Road on October 6, 2024. Sandra Crespo-Leiva was there to remember her daughter Anaisabel – along with about a dozen of Anaisabel’s coworkers and friends. Anaisabel was killed while bicycling to work on 23rd Street in Watervliet by the I-787 ramp on October 3, 2024.

Political leaders that spoke included State Senator Elect Pat Fahy, the Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Alyson Baker, and County Legislators Susan Laurilliard and Sam Fein.  Pat Fahy and Alyson Baker both spoke of steps taken to reduce fatalities and injuries on our roads, including City speed reduction to 25 mph, school-zone speed cameras (sponsored by Fahy), red-light cameras, speed humps and crosswalk “bumpouts.” Both promised to continue to work to end preventable deaths and injuries. Pat Fahy mentioned her continued support for the Idaho Stop (“Stop” treated as a “Yield” for bicycles). The County legislators are co-sponsoring a local law we asked for. It would outlaw passing within three feet of a vulnerable road user. This proposal can be found here.  We encourage all to e-mail their County Legislator to support the bill as well. Email addresses are here: 

We asked the City of Albany to provide administrative and budgetary support for the 2021 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.

We also asked the City for protected bike lanes and pedestrian safety improvements to be part of the keystone Central Avenue Reconstruction Project currently under study for the area between Henry Johnson Blvd and North Allen Street. See: https://www.albanyny.gov/2327/Central-Avenue.  Central Avenue is the deadliest road in the Capital Region. The City’s Central Avenue project is a rare opportunity to show that this epitome of traffic violence in the Capital Region can become a safe, vibrant avenue for all the people who use it. We are also keeping a close eye on the Town of Colonie’s Central Avenue West Project which can be found here. All that wish to end the mayhem on this roadway should visit these websites and submit their comments.

The Day of Remembrance event in Albany was one of about 70 such events held around the US.  See https://wdor-usa.org for information on nationwide efforts. WAMC coverage of the Albany event can be found here. 

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by | December 2, 2024 · 9:26 am

Be thankful for . . .

  • Municipal leaders who try to make our roads safe for pedestrians and bicyclists.
  • The police and other first responders who attend to crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists . . .  and for their investigations which help prosecute perpetrators and develop safer streets.
  • Drivers who slow down and are careful when they are near pedestrians or bicyclists.
  • District attorneys who have the courage and the endurance to prosecute those who cause death or injury on the road.
  • Pedestrians who, no matter how tedious it is, wait until it is safe to cross the street.
  • The Town of Bethlehem for its work on the Blessing Road and Cherry Avenue multi-use paths. 
  • Bicyclists who set the example by riding courteously and within the guidance of the law and to say or wave a “thank you” when shown courtesy by a motor vehicle driver.
  • Departments of public works who are out there every day keeping the roads safe with signage, signalization, plowing, pavement markings, ADA ramps, cleaning, and “pothole” repair.
  • State, county, and municipal elected and appointed officials who are responsive to the unsafe conditions of our roads and who promote laws and programs to improve them. 
  • Those who come to safety awareness-raising events or to other forums to promote roadway safety such as the World Day of Remembrance.
  • Our bicycle shops and bike rescuers who do their best to help us keep our bicycles in a safe and roadworthy condition at a fair price.
  • Those who work many long (unremunerated) hours to organize or continue advocacy organizations.
  • Engineering and transportation specialists who work with municipalities to develop plans for safety-oriented road designs.
  • Albany’s Department of General Services for its efforts in keeping the South End Bikeway free of glass.
  • Motor vehicle drivers who do NOT honk at, tailgate, turn in front of, yell at, or pass too closely to people on bicycles.
  • Trail “ambassadors” who help on our trails by providing guidance, encouragement, and clean up.
  • Print and broadcast media for highlighting roadway safety and reporting and analyzing crashes involving pedestrians and people on bicycles.
  • The Town of Bethlehem for installing and maintaining its network of wayfinding signage for cyclists.

… and, most importantly, to all road users who recognize that, and act as if, the roads are for all to use without fear of injury or death.

Revised 12-5-24

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by | September 23, 2024 · 1:56 pm

Week Without Driving

This year, ABC and our partners Capital Streets, WalkableAlbany, VocalNY, VocalAlbany, and WeAreRevolutionary are proud to participate in #WeekWithoutDriving from September 30th to October 6th, a challenge that invites us to experience the everyday realities of those who, by circumstance or choice, do not drive. 

Nearly a quarter of people in the United States, including individuals with disabilities, young people, seniors, and those who cannot afford the costs associated with car ownership navigate their lives without personal vehicles. Their experiences highlight the importance of connected, accessible, reliable public transit and safe, active transportation options for all.

Your participation is easy and can be done with as little as one trip that you would normally take by car and sharing your experience on social media with the campaign tags (#WeekWithoutDriving, #518WeekWithoutDriving). For details see Week Without Driving.

We’re asking you to become an active participant in #WeekWithoutDriving by taking one trip, one day, or even a whole week without the use of a personal vehicle and sharing your experiences on social media. Our goal is to get people to experience different means of transportation as well as to help highlight the specific challenges involved in active transportation.

How to Participate – Participating is easy and can be done with as little as one trip that you would normally take by car. Examples:

  • Take the bus to work.
  • Bike with the kids to school.
  • Walk to the convenience store.
  • Use a bikeshare to get to a doctor’s appointment.

Using Public Transportation – Routes can either be planned using Google Maps and Apple Maps by selecting a destination that you want directions to and then selecting the bus icon to find a route by public transit. You can also plan a route in the CDTA Navigator App or plan the route yourself using the schedule and bus routes on the CDTA Navigator App or website.

Once you have your route planned, you can pay your fare in cash in person ($1.50 for regular bus service, and $2.00 for BUSPLUS), using the navigator app ($1.30), or getting a physical navigator card at any of these retailers.

Biking – You can access CDPHP bikes through the CDPHP Cycle app. There you can find bikes and unlock them for use.

For planning a route, you can use the CapitalNYBikeMap, a free resource created and maintained by Albany Bicycle Coalition.

Sharing Your Experiences

We also ask that you share your experiences on social media if you feel comfortable doing so.

#WeekWithoutDriving #518WeekWithoutDriving #Accessibility #Nondriver #NoDriving #DisabilityRights #Transportation #ActiveTransportation #Walkability #Walking #CarFree #MobilityJustice #PedestrianSafety #EveryTripCounts #MobilityForAll #SafeStreets #PublicTransit #Bicycling #ClimateChange #CitiesForPeople #Urbanism #VisionZero #RoadDesign #TrafficEngineering #ResilientCommunities #Commute #UrbanDesign #InclusiveCommunities #HealthyCommunities

@americawalks @capitalstreets @walkablealbany @vocalny @vocalalbany @wearerevolutionaryny

Want to learn more about #WeekWithoutDriving? Visit WeekWithoutDriving.org

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