Albany Bicycle Coalition

Troy Bike Rescue – Sanctuary for Independent Media, 3361 6th Ave., Troy, NY 12181

All around celebration and FUNdraiser with

• 3:00 – Tour de Troy ride
• 3:00 – Children’s’ bicycle rodeo
• 5:00 – Doors and cash bar
• 6:00 – Burrito dinner buffet community meal
• 7:00 – Cake auction and raffle
• 8:00 – Bands

(After the City of Albany’s recent public meeting on the Madison Avenue Traffic Calming study, the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association put forth the following statement in support of Traffic Calming.  Some slight editorial changes made by ABC.  This statement seems consistent with opinions expressed by many at the April 16, 2013 presentation.)

 The Pine Hills Neighborhood Association’s strong preference is for Alternative 5, which includes both restriping from 4 to 3 lanes (including a turn lane) AND traffic signal coordination.  The association believes that both components must go together in order to produce a design that has the best chance of being funded.  In terms of options, we also support Option A, which calls for sharrows [shared lane bicycle markings].

We understand that the next stage of this road diet project includes Phase 3 (design phase).  In anticipation of the Albany Common Council’s passing of its Complete Streets legislation, would it not make sense for Phase 3 to include an entire Complete Streets design for Madison Avenue?  Having a fully worked out plan for Madison Ave. will put Albany in a good position to apply for grants that are earmarked for Complete Streets and other public safety transportation funds.

 In anticipation of getting to this point in the process, we approached our NYS representatives a couple of years ago about implementation funds.  Once we have a design, we will remind them of their support and commitment.  We will continue to work with state and federal agencies to advocate for funds necessary to make Madison Avenue safer for all users.

ABC received this nice note from the Upstate Artists Guild treasurer (and Bicycle Expo 2013 Exhibitor for Tour de Cure) as acknowledgement of ABC’s donation of an auction prize for UAG’s 2nd Annual Fund Raising Gala. UAG supports art in the community and other community efforts at its gallery at 247 Lark St. There is a new show opening EVERY 1st Friday. The current exhibit is for youth from K through 12.