Tag Archives: news

by | June 22, 2017 · 1:07 pm

Livingston Ave. Rail Road Bridge ~ Where Are We?

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Sadly, the 1902 Livingston Ave. Rail Road Bridge – the only east-west passenger RR crossing of the Hudson – seems to be nowhere as far as being replaced. The plan seems to be to let it fall in the river, or, as in the case of the Crown Point NY-Vermont Bridge, have it declared unusable so we can spend scrillions on “emergency” replacement. Then everyone can pat himself or herself on the back for having “saved the day.”

People on bicycles who want a water-level route across the river to access Rensselaer or Albany are counting on Amtrak/Conrail/NYSDOT et al. to reinstall a pedestrian/bicycle patch on the new bridge.

To learn more, go to the Livingston Ave. Rail Road Bridge Coalition site – http://livingstonavebridge.com/home/where-have-you-been/

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by | June 15, 2017 · 9:52 am

NYS 3’ Ride

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Many Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club and Albany Bicycle Coalition members joined a ride to promote changing NYS’s safe passing law. We need to specify a minimum passing distance (e.g., 3 feet) – see: https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/2016/02/22/3-foot-passing-law/ ) Currently, NYS essentially says, “pass safely” which – as any person on a bicycle knows – can mean anything from 4 inches up.

The New York Bicycling Coalition organized the ride as part of its long-standing effort to bring New York State’s law up to date.

Go here for more on the law, go HERE.

Many riders wore special “3-foot jerseys” and then rode the loop around the Capitol once for each foot. We noted the relationship to the proposed “Felony Reckless Driving and Vulnerable Users of the Public Highway (Creto/Kade) Law” – see: https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/2015/11/09/felony-reckless-driving-and-vulnerable-users-of-the-public-highway/

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by | June 1, 2017 · 2:35 pm

Wind-Blox – Cut That Wind Noise

Bothered by the rush of wind through and around you helmet as you zip along on your 10-speed? Wind-Blox claims to be the #1 most effective wind noise blocker. You can test this claim for $17.95 (Feb 2017 price).

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This simple device, composed of long narrow pads that are affixed to the helmet’s forward straps with hook-and-loop closures, closes the gap between your cheeks and the straps thereby cutting the rush of wind along the side of your face.

Do they work? Wind-Blox wisely states, “We recommend occasionally lifting your helmet straps away from your face to experience the difference with and without Wind-Blox.”

While there are competitors on the market, yes, the Wind-Blox – using the above test – does reduce the annoying rush of wind and, at the same time, enhances one’s chances of hearing other sounds such as the howl of the cat you just hit.

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by | April 21, 2017 · 11:37 am

Event Calendar ~ Get on that Bicycle!

Upcoming Key Dates – New/updated entries preceded by “***”

If you have additional events, please send title, day, date, time, concise description (if needed), and email contact and/or URL to – lorenzworden@gmail.com

APRIL

*** Smart Cycling Class – The League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling program can help you get all the benefits of bicycling and stay safe while doing it. Whether you are just returning to riding, getting in shape for a charity ride, or hoping for a “riding skills tune up,” you will find information and advice in the Smart Cycling program. This 9-hour class incorporates classroom, parking lot skill drills, and a group ride. Cost is $25. Bring check/cash to first class. Three Wednesdays, 4/26, 5/3, and 5/10, 6-9 PM. Location: University at Albany, Downtown Campus, Draper Hall, Room 246, Robin St., Albany. Register here: https://goo.gl/forms/R3sZVcERLAt7jQcf2 Contact: Ken Crandall, Education Director, NY Bicycling Coalition, 518-335-3931, ken@nybc.net, www.nybc.net

ABC Meeting – Thr, 4/27, 7:00 PM, LaSalle School, Western Ave. https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/

MAY ~ IS BIKE MONTH!

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PAL Bike Rodeo –– Sat, 5/6. TOAST Elementary School Delaware Ave./Lincoln Park – Pop-up bicycle Protected Bicycle Lanes demo using park roads and a section of Delaware Ave. Details to follow: http://www.capitalroots.org/

*** CDTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee – Tue, 5/9, 9:00 AM. Albany County Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail (not at CDTC office) – exact location TBA. Contact: jceponis@cdtcmpo.org, 458-216. http://www.cdtcmpo.org/

Bike to School – Wed, 5/10. Register at the “Register Here” link on this page: http://capitalmoves.org/b2w518/ Schools only need to register an organizing teacher, tumblr_minvtsPPBr1qaji9ao1_500staff, or parent and may participate the week of the official Bike to School Day, Thr, 5/4, or during Bike to Work Week, ending on 5/19. Trophy for the school with the most participants in each county. http://www.cdtcmpo.org/***

BikeFest at Troy Bike Rescue – Sat, 5/13. Sanctuary for independent Media, 3361 6th Ave. (between Glen Ave. and 101st St.), N. Troy. Fund raising celebration. Games, music, prizes, burritos, beer, and cake. $20 or sliding scale. http://troybikerescue.com/

Bike the Bridge at Hudson Crossing Park! (Near Schuylerville) – Sun, 5/14, 1:00 – 4:00 PM For cyclists of all ages. www.HudsonCrossingPark.org

Spring 2017 Bicycle Count – 5/15 and 5/17, 7:00-9:00 AM and 3:30-5:30 PM. Volunteer by emailing Lauren Alpert at lalpert@albanyny.gov with both your preferred time(s) and location(s). The counts will be at these intersections: Broadway/Clinton, Delaware/Holland/Morton, Lark/Washington, Madison/South Pearl, Madison/New Scotland, Madison/Western/Allen, and Quail/Washington.

Ride of Silence – Wed, 5/17, 6:00 and 6:30 PM. Your participation honors cyclists killed or injured in collisions with automobiles. Our silence during the ride promotes safety awareness and mutual respect on the road. We will visit the ghost bike sites in the City of Albany and Colonie. Two Starting Points – Boat Launch area, Corning Riverfront Park, 6:00 PM and W. Capitol Park & Washington Ave. & State St., 6:30 PDiva with Dog COMPM. Anyone with a bicycle and helmet is welcome to this slow-pace and quiet ride. If you prefer not to ride, please meet at Diva De Loayza’s (photo) ghost bike site at the corner of Western Ave., Homestead, and University Place (near SUNOCO station, the University Plaza, and All Saints Catholic Church. Church).http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php

Unity Ride in Troy – Thr, 5/18. Monthly community ride. Starting point – TBA 5:30 PM, depart at 6:00 PM. http://troybikerescue.com/

Bike to Work Day – Fri, 5/19. Register at the orange tab on the bottom of this link: www.capitalmoves.org/b2w518. Contact: Carrie Ward cward@cdtcmpo.org Your ride counts if it is on any day the week of 5/14-19. For “safety green” T-shirts, see registration for info. http://www.cdtcmpo.org/

Bike to Work

Bike to Retirement Day – Fri, 5/19. https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/

Safe Passing Promotional Ride – 5/19, 12 PM. West Capitol Park, State St., Albany. Join ABC, MHCC, NYBC, representatives from bicycle shops and other organizations, and concerned cyclists for a ride around the State Capitol to support the 3′ Safe Passing Legislation. Wear your 3′ Safe Passing Jersey. Info paul@nybc.net

Cohoes Heritage Day Pop-Up Bike Demo – Sun, 5/21. As part of Cohoes Complete Streets effort, Capital Roots and Albany County Department of Health are working with the City of Cohoes to plan and construct a downtown “pop-up bicycle infrastructure network.” Details to follow: http://www.capitalroots.org/

ABC Meeting – Thr, 5/25, 7:00 PM, LaSalle School, Western Ave. https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/

JUNE and Beyond

Tour de Cure – Saratoga Springs – 6/4. diabetes.org/saratoga

Explore the Erie Canalway Trail Ride – Sat-Sun (9 days), 7/8-16. http://www.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canaldid-you-ride-your-bike-today

*** Unity Ride in Troy – Thr, 6/15. Monthly community ride. Starting point – TBA 5:30 PM, depart at 6:00 PM. :http://troybikerescue.com/

 

ABC Meeting – Thr, 6/29, 7:00 PM, LaSalle School, Western Ave. https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/

Bike Travel Weekend – Fri – Sun, 6/2-4. Go on a bike overnight to your favorite campground, B&B, or friend’s house during Bike Travel Weekend. Experience the joy of bicycle travel with thousands of other cyclists throughout the world on the same OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAweekend. Sign up for a chance to win a bike. https://www.adventurecycling.org/about-us/calendar-of-events-adventure-cycling-association/bike-travel-weekend/

Creative Crosswalks Installation – Mon, 7/17. Pine Hills Elementary School., Allen St., Details, graphics, and recruitment in May. Details to follow: http://www.capitalroots.org/

*** Unity Rides in Troy – Thr, 7/20. Monthly community ride. Starting point – TBA 5:30 PM, depart at 6:00 PM. :http://troybikerescue.com/

ABC Meeting – Thr, 7/27, 7:00 PM, LaSalle School, Western Ave. https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/

Daily Grind-to-Daily Grind Sponsored Ride – 10th Annual – Sat, 8/12, 10 AM, Albany Daily Grind Café, 204 Lark St. ABC Meeting – Thr, 7/27, 7:00 PM, LaSalle School, Western Ave. https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/

*** Unity Ride in Troy – Thr, 8/17. Monthly community ride. Starting point – TBA 5:30 PM, depart at 6:00 PM. :http://troybikerescue.com/

ABC Meeting – Thr, 8/31, 7:00 PM, LaSalle School, Western Ave. https://albanybicyclecoalition.com/

NYBC “New York Bike Summit-Albany” – Fri, 9/15. Inaugural New York Bike Summit. One-day event on accelerating progress on bicycle, pedestrian, and active transportation activity. http://www.nybc.net/action/ny-state-bike-summit/?utm_source=NOVEMBER+2016+LIST&utm_campaign=c5deb871ef-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_01_11&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c439bddc4a-c5deb871ef-435991629

Parking Day – Fri., 9/15. People who care about parks and open space take over parking spaces in cities around the world and turn them into temporary public parks and other spaces for people to enjoy. http://parkingday.org/about-parking-day/

BikeShare – Late Summer. Installation planned for BikeShare in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs. http://www.cdta.org/news/bike-share-moves-forward

World Canal Conference – Syracuse, 9/23-28, http://chittenangolanding.com/events/

National Bike Your Park Day – Nationally – Sat, 9/30. Join Parks & Trails New York or the Albany Bicycle Coalition rides on Sun, 10/1  (not 9/30) http://ptny.org/events/bike-your-park-day (see below) or find another ride here: https://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/bike-your-park-day/find-a-ride/Albany

Area Bike Your Park Day – Sun, 10/1 (not 9/30). Join Bike Your Park Day to explore parks and other public lands with thousands of other people. Parks & Trails New York is hosting a Bike Your Park Day event. The ride will go from Albany’s Corning Riverfront Park to Peebles Island State Park (with tour of the Matton Shipyard) (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Matton-Shipyard/193192907359050 ) and return.. http://ptny.org/events/bike-your-park-day

*** ABC Bike Your Park Day – Sun, 10/1 (not 9/30). Time – TBA. The Albany Bicycle Coalition will join the above Parks & Trails New York event. ABC will form up at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Washington Park, Albany and then ride to Albany’s Corning Riverfront Park for the meet up and then to Peebles Peebles Island State Park (with tour of the Matton Shipyard) (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Matton-Shipyard/193192907359050 ) and return. http://ptny.org/events/bike-your-park-day

Bicyclists Bring Business Roundtables and Bike-a-Rounds – October TBA. Parks & Trails New York’s Bicyclists Bring Business Roundtables and Bike-a-Rounds bring participants together in communities along the NYS Canal System to learn more about the cyclists that travel the corridor and how businesses and communities can attract, market to, and profit from cycling tourism. http://ptny.org/

 

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by | April 11, 2017 · 10:26 am

“Hello – Eric at the Downtube!”

How many hundreds of customers were welcomed by this friendly greeting when they called the Downtube Bicycle Works? And now he’s gone from the Downtube – like losing a member of the family.

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After over 30 years in the bicycle industry, both here and in New Hampshire, Eric has decided to pursue a career and an industry change. The Downtube Bicycle Works looks forward to his continued collaboration as his new career allows.

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Eric had the enviable ability to make the person with whom he engaged feel as if he were the only one in the shop. Your problem became Eric’s. In many years of observing him as the “go-to guy” at the Downtube, Eric was always ready with a smile, an encouraging word, a helpful hand, and a bit of advice. He never attempted the hard sell but always laid out the possible solutions in a fair and responsive manner. The most bedraggled youngster with a junker mountain bike or the owner of a gazillion dollar Trek Domane were treated in the same graceful manner.

From the Downtube Bicycle Works website: “Eric Whalen, Manager and Partner … been advising Downtube customers since 1990. Previously, Eric worked in several New Hampshire bicycle stores and also had a Snap-On tool franchise. We are very, very lucky he joined our team. He’s extraordinarily patient and understanding, and a problem solver for all things bicycle. He’s so good Trek insisted on borrowing him for support at the 1995 Tour of Taiwan. Eric became a Downtube part owner in 1997.”

Since the devastating fire in 2015, Eric, as well as all the other DT staff, was fully engaged in getting the shop back on its feet. While there was good insurance, help from Trek, 100 percent commitment by the owners, professional contractor rebuilding, and the loyalty of the DT customers, one can imagine the amount of work that had to be done by staff and the unending disruption to the shop. Two years later, the shop – now accompanied by the 3Fish Café – is back in business, and Eric was a mDT 3-21-15 Bajor player in this success. His colleagues, Adam and Oliver, now joined by Evelyn, Steve and others will continue to contribute to the success of the business. They can now build on the fully remodeled store, the new café, and more staff and programs.

Thanks for a good ride, Eric!

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