Albany Bicycle Coalition

Some interesting things have been happening at ABC lately and I thought I’d bring the most interesting to your attention.

First off we finally have a set of by-laws ratified by the voting members of ABC. Secondly a group of folks stepped up to be the temporary leadership of ABC while we are looking for more permanent people. Here is an excerpt from the news letter:

Bylaws – At ABC’s, 9/29 meeting, we
unanimously approved the bylaws by a voice
(and one e-mail) vote.
Temporary Officers – ABC’s by laws call for
nomination of candidates prior to May each
year, elections in May, and assuming office after
the June meeting. We will follow this procedure
for officers for the 2012-13 year. For the
remainder of 2011-12, the following have agreed
to stand for interim office:
Pres – Lorenz M. Worden
VP – John Vendetti
Treasurer – Toni Cameron
Secretary – Claire Nolan

If you would like to run or vote for the new leadership of ABC all you need to do is become a member which costs $25. Thanks to everyone who stepped up to fill the positions.

Written by Chris Belsole

This one comes from Mary Lou:

“Yesterday APD launched a Pedestrian Safety initiative. I’ve attached their press release. I don’t know if any TV stations picked it up yet, but the All Over Albany website posted something yesterday and there’s some interesting discussion. I think it will be important to have to ABC voices chiming in — and they may already be! Here’s a link to the “All Over Albany” piece: Red Light Stop“

We here at the Albany Bicycle Coalition support any push to make the roads safer for everyone weather they be bike, pedestrian, or yes even motorists. I think we can all agree that running red lights in Albany is a rampant blight on our ability to be safe on the roads. It has gotten to the point where when the light turns green I look both ways to see if there are any cars zooming by because the light was still orange.

Not being a native of Albany when I moved here a little over a year and a half ago I was appalled when I saw how people drove up here. Even my own friends, who I assumed were safe drivers, ran the lights. When questioned they said, “That’s how people drive up here.” When the wrong becomes the norm it is time for a change.

Written by Chris Belsole

Come one, come all to the (first?) Upper Madison Ave. Street Fair this Sunday where we will block off the street between N. Allen and W. Laurence to make room for the most fun you’ve had since the Reagan administration.

Come chat with us and lean about the multitude of things, blog posts to follow, that are happening at the Albany Bicycle Coalition. Next to ABC will be yours truly representing the Albany Bicycle Rescue (ABR) where we will doing minor repairs and giving tutorials on bike repair and safety.

“Silly Pet Tricks (register day of event)

Bouncy Bounce

Bicycle Rodeo (kids’ bike activity)

Albany Bike Tech (free minor bike repairs)

Let’s Drum, hands on fun activity

Vintage Car Display

$1 Massage

5-minute Mini Hairdo Makeover

Bike Polo with NEU Officers

On stage, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Guided Footsteps dance group, Annie and the Hedonists, the Landfill Mountain Boys, Golden Notes a capella group, swing dancers, and Emmaus African and Youth Choirs. Bring a lawn chair to set up in front of the stage.

There will be a host of shopping opportunities as artists, crafters, local farmers and food vendors display their wares. You can even come away a winner from 50-50 raffles and valuable prizes.

Call 518-438-5484 for latest information, including cancellation in case of rain and check Pine Hills NA http://pinehillsna.org and Steamer 10 www.steamer10theatre.org websites for program updates. Also, look for us on facebook (Pine Hills NA and Upper Madison).”

Written by Chris Belsole