Albany Bicycle Coalition

by Lorenz M. Worden | December 21, 2014 · 1:19 pm

A Kick in the Head . . .

While not directly related to bicycles (other than “livable community,” “shop local,” etc.), the New Year 2015 will not be blessed with the best pastry shop in the area – Crisan (197 Lark St., 445-2727). Iggy and Claudia have announced that their business is converting to wholesale/special orders model and will no longer host a street side café.

Crisan has been a busy mainstay on Lark St. for six years. It offered the best pastry in the area, delicious coffee, and gelato in a courteous, welcoming atmosphere. It was common to find all three tables fully occupied and a long line at the counter. In all but the coldest months, the three outside tables were a great spot to “see and be seen” and enjoy the goodness of Crisan.

While this change is a real loss, rest assured that “Crisan Bakery & Edible Art Gallery” will provide you the best (and most attractive) cakes and pastries you can envision.

1 Comment

Filed under City Review, Comings and Goings

by Lorenz M. Worden | December 12, 2014 · 3:40 pm

Raw Talent . . .

This year’s gift idea comes from the talented hands and mind of local artisan, Oliver. You can see and purchase this handsome tree ornament (jacket pull, or necklace) at the Downtube Bicycle Works.

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Filed under Bike Tech, Feature

Tagged as bicycle shops

by Lorenz M. Worden | November 28, 2014 · 10:11 am

Riding In Albany . . . as the weather gets colder

Photos:

1. Just a Sweater

2. Hipsters at Brunch at the Portside

3. Leggings and a Scarf

4. All Bundled Up

5. . . . just kidding

Bicycle Shops Support Push for Protected Bicycle Lanes on Madison Ave.

Two bicycle shops in the City of Albany are using their business goodwill to encourage customer support of Protected Bicycle Lanes as a key element in the Madison Avenue Traffic Calming project.

At the invitation of the owner, the Protected Bicycle Lane Coalition placed a petition “stand” at the Downtube Bicycle Works. The petition reads: “We, the undersigned, urge the City of Albany to include protected bicycle lanes in the upcoming infrastructure and traffic calming improvements on Madison Avenue. Protected Bicycle Lanes will welcome people on bicycles to Madison Avenue. They will make the street safer for all who use it – those in cars, on foot, in buses, and on bicycles.”

The manager of Broadway Bicycle Co. also agreed to host a “stand.”

The Protected Bicycle Lane Coalition appreciates greatly the support of these shops, if you are interested in signing the petition, why not stop in for a visit? At this time of year, you will find a more relaxed pace in the shops giving you an opportunity to assess their wares and get answers to your questions and service needs.

You are also encouraging to “friend” Protected Bicycle Lanes on Madison Ave. on Facebook.

Madison Avenue Traffic Calming is the only major bicycle infrastructure improvement in the city that is funded – it’s going to happen. Your support to make Protected Bicycle Lanes integral to this project is essential to make this critical uptown/downtown link a reality.

Photos

Counter view – Petition Stand at the Downtube Bicycle Works

Close up of Petition Stand at the Downtube Bicycle Works

Counter view of Petition Stand at Broadway Bicycle Co.

Close up of Petition Stand at Broadway Bicycle Co.

Ears Cold? Try These

Here’s a handy way to keep your ears warm(er) and to reduce annoying helmet-head wind noise – Adventure Cycling’s “Cat Ear” Ear Covers. These are simple “polar fleece” triangles with a strip of hook-and-loop on each side to secure the “ear” to your helmet straps. Although the photo borrowed from Adventure Cycling’s “Cycle Source” on-line shop shows red, they come only in black.