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* About Us
* 2023 Annual Report
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* Frequently Asked Questions
* Programs
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* Bus Stop Cubes
* Complete Streets Makeover
* Rochester Street Films
* Resources
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* Monroe County Crash Map
* Maps, Data and Tools
* Public Transportation
* Cycling
* Walking
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* Get Connected
* Bike Scene Overview
* Community Cycling Calendar
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* ROC Easy Bike Map
* GTC’s Interactive Bike Map (2021)
* GTC’s PDF Bike Map (2014)
* Bike Route Assistance
* Bike to School Guide
* 20 Minutes by Bike
* Bike Shops
* Helpful Tips
* Bike Events & Programs
* Bike Week 2024
* Our Weekly Rides
* Local History Bike Tours
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* About Us
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* Complete Streets Makeover
* Rochester Street Films
* Resources
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* Monroe County Crash Map
* Maps, Data and Tools
* Public Transportation
* Cycling
* Walking
* Government
* Transportation and Poverty
* Cycling
* Get Connected
* Bike Scene Overview
* Community Cycling Calendar
* Cycling Resources
* ROC Easy Bike Map
* GTC’s Interactive Bike Map (2021)
* GTC’s PDF Bike Map (2014)
* Bike Route Assistance
* Bike to School Guide
* 20 Minutes by Bike
* Bike Shops
* Helpful Tips
* Bike Events & Programs
* Bike Week 2024
* Our Weekly Rides
* Local History Bike Tours
* The ROC ‘n Roll
* Bike Education Offerings
* On-Bike Smart Cycling Classes
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* About Us
* 2023 Annual Report
* Staff
* Leadership
* Members
* Join Our Team
* Frequently Asked Questions
* Programs
* Bike Education
* Bus Stop Cubes
* Complete Streets Makeover
* Rochester Street Films
* Resources
* Upcoming Street Projects
* Monroe County Crash Map
* Maps, Data and Tools
* Public Transportation
* Cycling
* Walking
* Government
* Transportation and Poverty
* Cycling
* Get Connected
* Bike Scene Overview
* Community Cycling Calendar
* Cycling Resources
* ROC Easy Bike Map
* GTC’s Interactive Bike Map (2021)
* GTC’s PDF Bike Map (2014)
* Bike Route Assistance
* Bike to School Guide
* 20 Minutes by Bike
* Bike Shops
* Helpful Tips
* Bike Events & Programs
* Bike Week 2024
* Our Weekly Rides
* Local History Bike Tours
* The ROC ‘n Roll
* Bike Education Offerings
* On-Bike Smart Cycling Classes
* Take Action
* How You Can Help
* Subscribe
* Events Calendar
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* Donate
We envision a community connected by a robust transportation
network that makes it easy for everyone—regardless of physical or
economic ability—to get around.
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LATEST STORIES
SURPRISINGLY EASY BY BIKE, VOLUME 3
By: Jesse Peers For fun on social media this year, Reconnect Rochester posed the
following question: What’s a destination, that at first glance, would seem quite
difficult & stressful to bike to, but is actually pretty easy *IF* you use a
certain route, probably an unintuitive approach or easily overlooked back way?
(Definitely not the way you’d drive there). Over the course of this series we
hope to inspire and equip more folks to bike to popular destinations, at least
in good weather. Responses have been coming in and we’re excited to share our
next several destinations. Two helpful links […]
Read more
A RECAP OF OUR 2024 ROCHESTER STREET FILM: THE SPRAWL EFFECT
On October 8th, we hosted The Sprawl Effect, the latest edition of Rochester
Street Films. We examined the costs and consequences of our current auto-centric
land use and how we can grow our communities smarter to deliver access, vitality
& upward mobility. It is well worth watching the panel discussion, video clips,
and presentations on our YouTube Channel, but in case you don’t have the time,
or prefer to read about it, we have put together a recap of the evening below.
Film Clips CNBC: How Suburban Sprawl Weighs On The U.S. Economy (Clips shown
1:49-4:20 & 9:48-10:55) In the […]
Read more
WHERE THEY STAND: 2024 CANDIDATES FOR US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NY SENATE, &
NY ASSEMBLY
Reconnect Rochester surveyed general election candidates for US House of
Representatives, NY Senate, and NY Assembly to learn where they stand on issues
related to transportation and mobility. Questions were designed to give the
candidates the opportunity to share their opinions, ideas and vision for a
well-connected and accessible community. We contacted every campaign by email
or mail to request a response. Click on the candidate names below to read their
full, unedited responses. We hope this information will help you make an
informed decision when you head to the polls! Early voting starts Saturday,
October 26th and runs through [...]
Read more
#ROCBYBIKE – A 2022-2023 SEASON RECAP
By: Jesse Peers In our climate, most people ride bikes in the Spring, Summer and
Fall and that’s okay! When the cycling scene slows down in November, our cycling
Instagram account would go almost completely dark for several months. The
thought struck us in 2019 that we could use that season to feature guest
contributions from area cyclists. It would be a fun way to celebrate biking in
Rochester. Contributors could give us a glimpse of their biking lifestyle, what
it means to them, what got them into riding, their favorite places to ride and
groups to ride with, etc. […]
Read more
THE FUTURE OF IRONDEQUOIT BAY PARKS: CONNECTING COMMUNITY, NATURE, AND
PRESERVATION
By: Rob Sliker President, Genesee Regional Off-road Cyclists The Irondequoit Bay
Park System is a natural gem within Monroe County, providing residents access to
some of the region’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. Yet, despite their
value, these parks remain underutilized by many who would benefit most. The
reason? Each park exists in isolation, with fragmented and informal trails that
don’t offer the continuity needed for a comprehensive outdoor experience. We
have the opportunity to advocate for the parks to be interconnected by
professionally constructed trails that provide seamless off-road connectivity to
cyclists for both recreation and active transportation. Imagine […]
Read more
SURPRISINGLY EASY BY BIKE, VOLUME 2
By: Jesse Peers For fun on social media this year, Reconnect Rochester posed the
following question: What’s a destination, that at first glance, would seem quite
difficult & stressful to bike to, but is actually pretty easy *IF* you use a
certain route, probably an unintuitive approach or easily overlooked back way?
(Definitely not the way you’d drive there). Over the course of this series we
hope to inspire and equip more folks to bike to popular destinations, at least
in good weather. Responses have been coming in and we’re excited to share our
next destination: Parcel 5 and downtown, […]
Read more
HOW BIKING & BUSES HELPED MAINTAIN MY INDEPENDENCE
By: Steve Roll For most of my adult life, I got around using the default
transportation mode in America: a car. I didn’t own a bike as an adult and never
thought about using the bus. I was perfectly content to drive my Honda Fit to
wherever I needed to go. Then, in the spring of 2019, I had a seizure while
walking out into a parking lot after a workout. I grew up with epilepsy, but it
was well-controlled and I hadn’t had a seizure in about a decade. As I regained
consciousness and the EMTs began loading me […]
Read more
WELCOMING CHAZ!
Please join us in warmly welcoming Chaz Goodman to the Reconnect Rochester
team! As a super-fan, follower and contributor to our work for many years,
there’s no better person than Chaz to inspire and engage others to join our
cause. As the Marketing & Outreach Manager, he’ll take the reins of our external
communications on social media, our website and blog, as well as support the
rest of the team with communications needs for our programs, events and advocacy
work. You’ll also see Chaz out and about tabling at events, giving presentations
to neighborhood and community groups, and otherwise reaching out and connecting
people […]
Read more
SURPRISINGLY EASY BY BIKE, VOLUME 1
By: Jesse Peers For fun on social media this year, Reconnect Rochester posed the
following question: What’s a destination, that at first glance, would seem quite
difficult & stressful to bike to, but is actually pretty easy *IF* you use a
certain route, probably an unintuitive approach or easily overlooked back way?
(Definitely not the way you’d drive there). Responses have been coming in and
we’re excited to start showing you some of the answers. Hopefully this will
inspire and equip some folks to bike to popular destinations, at least in good
weather. Of course, over time, as the City […]
Read more
WELCOMING HENRY AND LOURDES!
We are so excited to welcome two new staff members to the Reconnect team, Henry
Litsky and Lourdes Sharp. Henry Litsky, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, will
work closely with our Director of Policy and Advocacy, Cody Donahue, to
coordinate Reconnect Rochester’s growing advocacy activities and community
mobilization efforts. This includes tracking legislative policy, maintaining our
Monroe County Crash Map and Upcoming Street Projects Map, and educating
community leaders to boldly advocate for a transportation system that provides
mobility options and resource access for everyone through our Mobility Action
Alerts. Lourdes Sharp, Project Manager, will fill a newly created role at […]
Read more
BIKING MY KIDS AROUND TOWN
By: Chaz Goodman I adore biking. I have always preferred it to driving. I spent
most of my adult life car-free or car-lite until my wife and I had kids. Then I
started driving all the time to take them to daycare because I didn’t feel safe
traveling with my infant on a bicycle. After a few years, they were toddlers and
I finally felt comfortable returning to bicycle commuting. I opted to transport
them in a Burley Bee bike trailer so my kids could sit side by side instead of
adding seats to my bike and potentially putting too […]
Read more
MIND THE GAP, SEASON THREE!
Well the peak biking season is upon us! That means it’s time for our annual Mind
the Gap campaign! The Rochester area has seen an investment in bike
infrastructure over the last dozen years, but often these investments are
piecemeal and disconnected, thus of limited use to the average person on a bike.
Unite the scattered bike lanes. This voting campaign is all about Reconnect
Rochester’s push to connect investments. So we’re once again asking you, our
audience: What obvious gaps in our bike network, if filled, would have the
largest connectivity value for the greatest number of (current and […]
Read more
20 MINUTES BY BIKE BLOG SERIES: CHILI
By: Joe Osgood The Rochester area is famous for its 20-minute commute. For
driving that is. Reconnect Rochester is excited to ask a different question in
this blog series: Where can you get within 20 minutes on a bike? Presenting the
seventh in a series of custom “bike shed maps.” For this next installment, we
chose where Chili Avenue, Paul Road and Chili-Coldwater Road come together in
Chili and are showing how far out in every direction you can get on a bike at a
casual but steady pace of 10 miles per hour. This means that if you live […]
Read more
BICYCLE-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES IN MONROE COUNTY: WOMANTOURS
Bicycle-Friendly Businesses in Monroe County: WomanTours By: Karen Miltner Bikes
are good for businesses and their employees. Through the League of American
Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) program, employers are recognized
for their efforts to encourage a more welcoming atmosphere for bicycling
employees, customers and the community. With the aim of seeing more Monroe
County employers give greater thought towards accommodating bike-riding
employees and patrons, Reconnect Rochester is proud to shine a light on local
businesses who’ve received the distinction of being named a Bicycle-Friendly
Business. First up: WomanTours, a women-only bike tour company headquartered in
the Town of Brighton! […]
Read more
WHY WE’RE SHOWING UP TO RIDE FOR THE SPINE
Why We’re Showing Up to Ride for the Spine By Cody Donahue, Director of Policy
and Advocacy Ride and rally with us on Friday, May 3rd for the Ride for the
Spine, a community ride to support building the Bike Spine Network envisioned in
the City of Rochester and Monroe County Active Transportation Plans. Arrive
between 2 pm and 2:15 pm at Genesee Valley Park Sports Complex to depart
promptly at 2:30 pm and ride to City Hall. Please register so we can have an
accurate count: bit.ly/rideforthespine Confirmed speakers at the rally on the
steps of City Hall at […]
Read more
IN PRAISE OF ROCHESTER’S GROWING BIKE BOULEVARD NETWORK
By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager at Reconnect Rochester Photo Credit: Judy
Lombard from Bits and Peaces Photography As Rochester cyclists know well, when
bike lanes are installed here, they tend to be in isolated stretches, and
disconnected from each other. Hopefully that will change as a result of the
Active Transportation Plan and its envisioned Bike Spine Network. Today, though,
Reconnect Rochester wants to highlight a component of the City’s bike network
that isn’t disjointed and is quite well executed: the growing Bike Boulevard
network. Bike Boulevards are residential streets through neighborhoods that
parallel primary, busy roads (aka, “arterials”). They […]
Read more
ROCHESTER’S BIKE SPINE NETWORK – HABITAT CORRIDORS WHEREIN BIKE RIDERS OF ALL
AGES & ABILITIES CAN THRIVE
By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager at Reconnect Rochester Many people in the
mobility world are probably familiar with Janette Sadik-Khan, Transportation
Commissioner in New York City from 2007-2013. She’s credited in many ways with
starting the 21st Century bike boom in the US, which she chronicles in her
stellar book Street Fight. Last summer, when I heard she was featured on the
Possible podcast to talk about the future of cities, I gave the episode a listen
while riding my bike, scoping out a potential route for our ride series. The
episode was great and you can listen to it […]
Read more
OUR 2024 VIRTUAL TRIP TO ALBANY!
Last week, Reconnect Rochester went on our annual (virtual) trip to champion
public transportation and safe streets for all of Rochester (and New York
State). We spent the day speaking with legislators about the ways we can improve
transportation in our region and across the state. Presenting our best thinking
on safe streets and transportation priorities with legislatures is one of the
biggest ways we influence policy behind the scenes. The meetings were very
productive and we found several ways to advance the priority bills and budget
investments discussed below. One of our biggest pushes of this year has since
[…]
Read more
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM ROCHESTER’S CYCLE TRACKS?
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog If
you’re a cyclist, there is nothing quite like riding on a dedicated bike
right-of-way for the first time. In a world where the car is prioritized, new
trails, dedicated bike lanes and cycle tracks are rare but welcomed community
additives that appeal to those of us who choose or rely on the benefits of
biking for transportation. Over the last several years, my home city of
Rochester has installed a number of cycle tracks in key areas: Having spent a
significant amount of time on these alternative mobility thoroughfares to
commute, […]
Read more
VOICES OF TRANSIT: WILLIAM DICKERSON
Reconnect Rochester presents Voices of Transit, an ethnography profile blog
series that along with the qualitative survey data from over 200 RTS customers,
shows how our current bus system helps (and sometimes hurts) transit-dependent
riders in their daily lives. Read more about the initiative here and to review
the survey results from the Transit Ambassador Pilot Program, click here. Tell
us a little bit about yourself and give us an introduction to your transit
story. I’m from Northern Pennsylvania, near Allegheny County. Before moving to
Rochester, I lived in Denver for a couple years and was looking to move, and a
friend recommended […]
Read more
VOICES OF TRANSIT: LETICIA COSTA SILVA
Reconnect Rochester presents Voices of Transit, an ethnography profile blog
series that along with the qualitative survey data from over 200 RTS customers,
shows how our current bus system helps (and sometimes hurts) transit-dependent
riders in their daily lives. Read more about the initiative here and to review
the survey results from the Transit Ambassador Pilot Program, click here. Tell
us a little bit about yourself and give us an introduction to your transit
story. I’m from Sao Paulo, Brazil and I moved to Rochester in October 2021 to
live with my stepdad. Moving here was a little scary since this was the […]
Read more
TOP 10 THINGS WE’RE MOST PROUD OF IN 2023
2023 was a non-stop busy year at Reconnect Rochester as we worked on many
fronts, both on stage and behind the scenes, to champion better mobility. Check
out below the Top 10 things we’re most proud of accomplishing this year. We
give thanks to all the people and partners who took part in these efforts
by bringing your energy and gifts to this work — whether coming out for a
community bike ride, being part of our latest street makeover project, reaching
out with financial offers of support, or sharing the good word on social media.
All of it counts in this mobility movement we’re building together. Top 10
Things We’re Most Proud of in […]
Read more
VOICES OF TRANSIT: ANTHONY THOMAS
Reconnect Rochester presents Voices of Transit, an ethnography profile blog
series that along with the qualitative survey data from over 200 RTS customers,
shows how our current bus system helps (and sometimes hurts) transit-dependent
riders in their daily lives. Read more about the initiative here and to review
the survey results from the Transit Ambassador Pilot Program, click here. Tell
us a little bit about yourself and give us an introduction to your transit
story. I’m originally from Atlanta, GA, but my mom moved here when I was an
infant so I grew up in Rochester. I’ve been riding RTS for years, before […]
Read more
VOICES OF TRANSIT: ANTONIO CRUZ ZAVALETA
Reconnect Rochester presents Voices of Transit, an ethnography profile blog
series that along with the qualitative survey data from over 200 RTS customers,
shows how our current bus system helps (and sometimes hurts) transit-dependent
riders in their daily lives. Read more about the initiative here and to review
the survey results from the Transit Ambassador Pilot Program, click here. Tell
us a little bit about yourself and give us an introduction to your transit
story. Before I moved to Rochester, I lived in NYC and walked and biked
everywhere. I have a brain injury and have been disabled for the […]
Read more
BETTER ZONING FOR BETTER MOBILITY: WHAT MOBILITY ADVOCATES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
THE ROCHESTER ZAP
By Cody Donahue, Director of Advocacy and Policy The Rochester ZAP Draft came
out September 20th with an aim to update the City of Rochester’s zoning code to
align with the Rochester 2034 comprehensive plan and provide a blueprint for
growth over the next 15 years. A new zoning code should enable the comprehensive
plan’s goal of investing in quality infrastructure for walking, biking, rolling
and public transportation. While others are providing valuable analysis about
housing, Reconnect Rochester has taken a deep look at the proposed plan’s impact
on multimodal transportation and the ways this plan can lead Rochester to […]
Read more
INTRODUCING: VOICES OF TRANSIT
Reconnect Rochester presents Voices of Transit, an ethnography profile blog
series that dives into the deeper stories of five transit-dependent RTS riders
who vulnerably and authentically detail how our bus system helps (and sometimes
hurts) them in their daily lives. These profiles were gathered during our
Transit Ambassador pilot program which launched in July 2023 and wrapped up at
the end of September. Over 10 weeks, two Reconnect Rochester Transit Ambassadors
conducted 2-3 minute surveys, capturing the experiences of over 200 RTS riders
at 40 different locations. We learned alot about what’s on the minds of RTS
riders and their […]
Read more
#ROCBYBIKE – A 2019-2022 SEASON RECAP
By: Jesse Peers In our climate, most people ride bikes in the Spring, Summer and
Fall and that’s okay! When the cycling scene slows down in November, our cycling
Instagram account would go almost completely dark for several months. The
thought struck us in 2019 that we could use that season to feature guest
contributions from area cyclists. It would be a fun way to celebrate biking in
Rochester. Contributors could give us a glimpse of their biking lifestyle, what
it means to them, what got them into riding, their favorite places to ride and
groups to ride with, etc. […]
Read more
WHERE THEY STAND: 2023 CANDIDATES FOR MONROE COUNTY GENERAL ELECTION
Reconnect Rochester surveyed general election candidates for Monroe County
Legislature and Executive to learn where they stand on issues related to
transportation and mobility. Questions were designed to give the candidates the
opportunity to share their opinions, ideas and vision for a well-connected and
accessible community. We hope this information will help you make an informed
decision when you head to the polls on November 7th or Early Voting starting on
October 28th (more info on early voting here). We contacted every candidate in
writing and conducted several follow-ups in an attempt to obtain responses from
every candidate on the [...]
Read more
WELCOMING CODY DONAHUE!
Please join us in warmly welcoming Cody Donahue, who joined the growing
Reconnect Rochester staff this month as the Director of Policy and Advocacy.
Cody brings tremendous professional skills and experience and a personal passion
for our cause. We feel very lucky to have found someone with “all the right
stuff” to round out our dynamic staff team working day-in and day-out to boldly
advocate for a transportation system that provides mobility options and resource
access for everyone. Cody will play an integral role in driving (bad pun) the
policy and advocacy action that will advance Reconnect Rochester’s mission.
He’ll […]
Read more
IT’S TIME FOR A MINIMUM GRID
By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager at Reconnect Rochester As many readers and
advocates know, Rochester’s first Bike Master Plan was created in 2011. After
more than a decade of investment with that plan as a guide, we’ve made
significant progress. We’ve “leveled up” in the League of American Bicyclists’
quadrennial assessment from Honorable Mention to Bronze. Since most cities that
are intentionally making progress in terms of bikeability get awarded Bronze,
Rochester is in good company (i.e., we’re “average” / “decent”). After the first
initial decade of investment, the City of Rochester recognized it was time to
take a step […]
Read more
MAKING ROCHESTER STREETS SAFER FOR ALL: THE 2023 COMPLETE STREETS MAKEOVER OF
ARNETT & WARWICK
On June 10, Reconnect Rochester and an amazing team of partners came together to
transform the intersection of Arnett Boulevard and Warwick Avenue in the 19th
Ward. This project was our fourth Complete Streets Makeover, completing our
‘quadfecta’ of a project in every quadrant of the city. Before we dive into how
we made the magic happen, let’s remember why this program is central to our work
and mission at Reconnect Rochester. Why We Need “Complete Streets” Across the
U.S., we are seeing a spike in pedestrian injuries and fatalities, and Monroe
County has been no exception to that. Our […]
Read more
SHIFTING MY PERSPECTIVE ON SPACE
Shifting My Perspective on Space By: Robert Picciotti “I number it among my
blessings that my father had no car, while yet most of my friends had, and
sometimes took me for a drive. This meant that all these distant objects could
be visited just enough to clothe them with memories and not impossible desires,
while yet they remained ordinarily as inaccessible as the Moon. The deadly power
of rushing about wherever I pleased had not been given me. I measured distances
by the standard of man, man walking on his two feet, not by the standard of the
internal […]
Read more
DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR ON TWO WHEELS VS. FOUR WHEELS
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog “I
saw this guy on a bike today, weaving in and out of cars waiting for a light to
change. I thought, man, that person is ruining it for all bike riders. That kind
of thing must drive you crazy right?” “Not as much as a Ford F-150 doing the
same thing,” I replied. The statement recently made by a friend of mine was
classically indicative of people close to me who really try to understand my
take on cars, trucks and SUVs, but are still under the spell of the
automobile-first […]
Read more
WHERE THEY STAND: 2023 CANDIDATES FOR ROCHESTER CITY COUNCIL AND MONROE COUNTY
LEGISLATURE PRIMARY ELECTION
Reconnect Rochester surveyed all primary candidates for Rochester City Council
and Monroe County Legislature to learn where they stand on issues related to
transportation and mobility. Questions were designed to give the candidates the
opportunity to share their opinions, ideas and vision for a well-connected and
accessible community. We hope this information will help you make an informed
decision when you head to the polls on June 27th. We did our best to make
contact with all of the candidates. Click on the candidate names below to read
their full, unedited responses. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
**This list [...]
Read more
THREE YEARS CAR LITE IN ROCHESTER
Three Years Car Lite in Rochester By: Yamini Karandikar In May 2020, my husband
and I moved from Saint Paul, MN to Rochester, NY. We owned two sedans, but as
we had heard so many stories about the abundant snowfall experienced in Western
NY, my husband and I decided to sell the Toyota Yaris since it did not have
anti-lock braking (terrifying!) and it had a recent airbag recall (even more
terrifying!). Once the pandemic ended, we figured we would buy an SUV with
all-wheel-drive so that we could fearlessly drive through the snow. We chose the
beautiful Neighborhood of […]
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MIND THE GAP, SEASON TWO!
Last Spring, in an effort to get leaders to think about the biggest impediment
to bikeability in our community – the lack of connectivity and coherence in our
bike network – we organized our first annual Mind the Gap vote campaign. We took
a look at the bike network and identified ten obvious gaps that, if filled,
would have huge connectivity benefits for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
2022’s clear winner was #10: Elmwood Avenue from the City line to 12 Corners in
Brighton. We presented Monroe County DOT with the following certificate and
copied in County Legislators, State […]
Read more
AN OPEN LETTER TO GREATER ROCHESTER MEDIA: WHY LANGUAGE MATTERS WHEN REPORTING
ON PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST CRASHES
Dear Members of the Local Media, The media plays a critical, leading role in
educating and engaging the public. We appreciate the hard, nonstop work
required to provide this essential community service. As you know, our community
struggles with violence, and that violence often leads the news. Yet a
particular violence crisis is flying under the radar of the local media and the
community – road violence. Tremendous harm is being inflicted on our community
as a result of the wildly increasing number of pedestrian and bicycle injuries
and deaths on our streets, which disproportionately affects our neighbors of
color. […]
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HEY ALBANY! 2023
Reconnect’s Virtual Trip to Albany – 2023 Last week, Reconnect Rochester went on
a (virtual) trip to Albany to champion public transit and safe streets for
Rochester residents (and all New Yorkers). We spent the day meeting with state
legislators and their staff and having great conversations about what needs to
be done to move towards our vision of a robust and equitable transportation
network. We’re fortunate to have many allies in our State delegation to push for
better multi-modal transportation across New York. We’d like to shout out
Reconnect Rochester Board members Victor Sanchez, Bill Collins, Jason Partyka,
Erick […]
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WELCOMING LINDSAY CRANDALL!
We are thrilled to welcome Lindsay Crandall, Fundraising and Development
Manager, and newest member of a growing staff team at Reconnect Rochester! We’re
so glad that Lindsay has joined our dynamic staff team that works day-in and
day-out to improve mobility in our community. In her role, Lindsay will play an
integral role in our efforts by helping to attract the financial and in-kind
resources that fuel Reconnect Rochester’s work in the community. Find out how
Lindsay landed here and what inspires her to advocate for mobility in the
message below. It is an honor for me to join Reconnect Rochester as […]
Read more
THE BIKE GUY WALKS!
By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager at Reconnect Rochester One of the things I love
about Rochester is its size. Joseph Floreano said it well: “New York City was
too big. Binghamton was too small. Rochester was just right.” Partly because of
Rochester’s size, and partly because I’m very intentional about it, I have quite
a small radius, or orbit, in everyday life. I rarely have to bike outside the
space below. My workplace is 1.4 miles away. The stellar Public Market and
Wegmans are less than 2 miles away. We’re 3 miles from our church and from
downtown. This makes […]
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A JOURNEY THROUGH MY MULTIMODAL WEEK IN ROCHESTER
By Jahasia Esgdaille, Community Engagement Manager at Reconnect Rochester
Author’s note: “Happy New Year! In Fall 2022, I decided to log what a
multi-modal week looks like for me and, not so surprisingly, I rely A LOT less
on my car than I thought. What does a multi-modal week look like for you?” –
Jahasia Throughout the week I try to leave my car at home as much as possible
and use other options of getting around the Flower City, so this was quite a fun
experiment to see that I actually rely much less on my car than I […]
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TOP TEN THINGS WE’RE MOST PROUD OF IN 2022
At Reconnect Rochester, 2022 brought renewed hope and activity as the world
fully opened up and we could get back to what we love doing best — getting
together and working alongside people and organizations in the community who
share our passion for improved mobility. This has also been a year of dramatic
organizational growth that’s allowed us to do even more to pursue our hopes and
dreams for mobility in Monroe County. Check out below the Top 10 things we’re
most proud of accomplishing in 2022. The list gets more action-packed each year!
TOP 10 THINGS WE’RE MOST PROUD OF IN 2022(In no particular order of importance.)
#10 […]
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THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY: UTICA’S GENESEE STREET TRANSFORMATION
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog
For 6 years, I’ve been dreaming of the day when Genesee street in downtown
Utica, NY might be reduced from four lanes to two with a turning lane and bike
lanes. To be perfectly frank, this was a reality I feared would never
materialize. Despite the fact that countless cities and towns across the country
have successfully executed a “road diet,” thus making a street safer for
pedestrians, cyclists AND drivers with zero-to-minimal impact on travel time, so
many Uticans had abrasively rejected my vision every time I brought it up.
Thanks to the vision of […]
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WINTER CYCLING
By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager at Reconnect Rochester Before we get too far, we
have to put a plug in for one of our upcoming events: a free Winter Cycling
Class on Saturday, December 10! Join us at 11am in the CDCR’s Gallery (1115 E
Main Street, Door 3B) to learn more about biking in the snowy season (hot cocoa
provided). ____________________ Transportation parity in Rochester, New York
can’t ignore winter. It’s not good enough or equitable to have a multitude of
transportation options in the spring, summer and fall, and to have to resort to
driving a car of […]
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CAR LITE ROCHESTER: FROM CAR-FREE TO CAR-LITE, THREE YEARS LATER
Car Lite Rochester is a blog series that highlights the stories of Rochesterians
living a car-lite lifestyle. The term “car lite” encompasses a variety of
multimodal transportation lifestyles, featuring little dependence (but not NO
dependence) on a car. It typically looks like sharing one car within a
household or only using a car when absolutely necessary. So, we hope you’ll
continue to follow along. Maybe you will be inspired to join our bloggers in
living a car-lite lifestyle! Wanna rep it? Check out the t-shirt in our online
shop. Car Lite Rochester: From Car-Free to Car-Lite, Three Years Later By:
Calvin […]
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CAR LITE ROCHESTER: SMALL DECISIONS BECOME CORE VALUES
Car Lite Rochester is a blog series that highlights the stories of Rochesterians
living a car-lite lifestyle. The term “car lite” encompasses a variety of
multimodal transportation lifestyles, featuring little dependence (but not NO
dependence) on a car. It typically looks like sharing one car within a
household or only using a car when absolutely necessary. So, we hope you’ll
continue to follow along. Maybe you will be inspired to join our bloggers in
living a car-lite lifestyle! Wanna rep it? Check out our newest t-shirt in our
online shop. Car Lite Rochester: Small Decisions Become Core Values By: Tracey
Austin […]
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CAR LITE ROCHESTER: FAMILY STYLE
Car Lite Rochester is a blog series that highlights the stories of Rochesterians
living a car-lite lifestyle. The term “car lite” encompasses a variety of
multimodal transportation lifestyles, featuring little dependence (but not NO
dependence) on a car. It typically looks like sharing one car within a
household or only using a car when absolutely necessary. So, we hope you’ll
continue to follow along. Maybe you will be inspired to join our bloggers in
living a car-lite lifestyle! Wanna rep it? Check out our newest t-shirt in our
online shop. Car Lite Rochester: Family Style By: Doug Kelley It was early […]
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WELCOMING JAHASIA ESGDAILLE!
Reconnect Rochester is excited to announce the hiring of Jahasia Esgdaille,
Community Engagement Manager! We’re so glad that Jahasia has joined our dynamic
and growing staff team that works day-in and day-out to improve mobility in our
community. In her role, she will act as Reconnect’s conduit to the community by
developing strong relationships with people and organizational partners, and by
conducting on-the-ground outreach. Get to know Jahasia and find out what drove
(no pun intended) her to this work in the message below. P.S. You may recognize
Jahasia from one of our Car Lite Rochester blogs… Hello friends and fellow
advocates! […]
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CAR LITE ROCHESTER: A LIFETIME OF MULTIMODAL MEMORIES
Car Lite Rochester is a blog series that highlights the stories of Rochesterians
living a car-lite lifestyle. The term “car lite” encompasses a variety of
multimodal transportation lifestyles, featuring little dependence (but not NO
dependence) on a car. It typically looks like sharing one car within a
household or only using a car when absolutely necessary. So, we hope you’ll
continue to follow along. Maybe you will be inspired to join our bloggers in
living a car-lite lifestyle! Wanna rep it? Check out our newest t-shirt in our
online shop. Car Lite Rochester: A Lifetime of Multimodal Memories By: M. André
[…]
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CAR LITE ROCHESTER: FROM BIG TO MIDSIZE CITY
Car Lite Rochester is a blog series that highlights the stories of Rochesterians
living a car-lite lifestyle. The term “car lite” encompasses a variety of
multimodal transportation lifestyles, featuring little dependence (but not NO
dependence) on a car. It typically looks like sharing one car within a
household or only using a car when absolutely necessary. So, we hope you’ll
continue to follow along. Maybe you will be inspired to join our bloggers in
living a car-lite lifestyle! Wanna rep it? Check out our newest t-shirt in our
online shop. Car Lite Rochester: From Big to Midsize City By: Chaz […]
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MAKING ROCHESTER STREETS SAFER FOR ALL: THE 2022 COMPLETE STREETS MAKEOVER OF
ORANGE & ORCHARD
As we report out on the third successful Complete Streets Makeover project,
let’s remember why we do this. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities have
skyrocketed, increasing by 59% from 2009-2020. According to the latest
“Dangerous By Design” report, between 2009-2020, drivers struck and killed
64,073 pedestrians in this country. Here in Monroe County, from 2012-2021, over
5,000 crashes involved bicyclists and pedestrians, and ten people die on our
local streets every year as a result of these crashes. Responding to this
growing epidemic was the impetus behind our Complete Streets Makeover project,
created to bring attention to street design as […]
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STUCK IN A BUS RUT, BUT WE STILL BELIEVE
Reconnect Rochester meets with the team at RTS on a regular basis. We listen and
ask questions. We share feedback from transit riders and offer ideas. We seek to
understand and strive to be a good community partner. Many of you might be
wondering what’s going on with all the service changes over the last few years.
We want to share our latest understanding with the general riding public, and
anyone else who cares about having reliable public transportation in our
community. Read on for our take on what happened, what’s happening, and what to
expect. As an advocacy organization, […]
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CAR LITE ROCHESTER: AN URBANIST’S PERSPECTIVE
Car Lite Rochester is a blog series that highlights the stories of Rochesterians
living a car-lite lifestyle. The term “car lite” encompasses a variety of
multimodal transportation lifestyles, featuring little dependence (but not NO
dependence) on a car. It typically looks like sharing one car within a
household or only using a car when absolutely necessary. So, we hope you’ll
continue to follow along. Maybe you will be inspired to join our bloggers in
living a car-lite lifestyle! Wanna rep it? Check out our newest t-shirt in our
online shop. Car Lite Rochester: An Urbanist’s Perspective By: Arian Horbovetz,
Creator […]
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SIDEWALK CYCLING EXPLAINED
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog As
early summer finally begins to grace the Northeast, residents of Upstate New
York begin their annual euphoric embrace of life without snow, ice, and bitter
cold for the first time in 5 months. Like a pauper who suddenly becomes a
millionaire, hearty populations of places like Rochester immediately start
thinking about what to do with the newfound possibilities created by sunshine
and warmth. For me, this is often the time when people reach out for
recommendations on cycling, and specifically, tips on how to commute to work or
run errands by […]
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BIKE ACCESS TO NATURE
By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager at Reconnect Rochester I say this on my history
bike tours a lot: If I could temporarily time travel back to one decade, it’d be
the 1890s. In this decade, the up ‘til then economy-minded City of Rochester
started a massive investment in the public realm: it developed its world-class
park system and with the electrification and extension of the trolleys,
residents could hop on a streetcar and visit our parks and beaches at their
leisure. The 1890s is also renowned as the greatest bike boom in history and
automobiles hadn’t yet dominated our streets. […]
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A RESIDENT’S PROPOSAL FOR A NEW MIXED-USE TRAIL IN IRONDEQUOIT
If you’ve ever navigated the world without a car (whether that be for necessity
or recreation), you’ve probably had a, “Why can’t I get over there from here?”
moment. Guest blogger, Jack Rinaldo, had so many of these “moments” that he
actually wrote up a proposal for a new mixed-use trail in Irondequoit, which
would connect the eastern edges of Norton Street and Ridge Road. Curious? Read
on for the nitty-gritty details in his own words. Guest Blog by Jack Rinaldo If
you want to walk or bike to or from Southeast Irondequoit, you need to cross
104. There are […]
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INTRODUCING: CAR LITE ROC BLOG SERIES
Think about the last trip you took in a personal vehicle. Could you have taken
it another way? Maybe not. But what about the last two, three, four trips?
Probably! The truth is, having access to a car makes it really easy to get
behind the wheel for all your short trips that could be completed via public
transit, bike, scooter, etc. It’s no secret that we live in a car-centric
culture that is focused on everything happening NOW. Losing a few minutes to
travel seems like a big deal with our busy schedules. Inclement weather
sometimes makes opting for […]
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HOW SHOULD WE GROW ROCHESTER’S BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE? LET’S ASK THE DATA.
Guest blog by Nate August (Data Scientist & Graduate, University of Rochester)
and Doug Kelley (Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Rochester) The year 2022 could be a watershed for active transportation in the
Rochester region. The City of Rochester is writing a new Active Transportation
Plan to update and extend its existing Bicycle Master Plan (completed in 2011).
Meanwhile, Monroe County is writing its first-ever Countywide Active
Transportation Plan. Both documents will lay out a vision and set priorities to
guide transportation policy for years or decades. Their recommendations will
literally be made concrete in communities’ sidewalks, bike […]
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BIKE WEEK 2022
The cycling season in Rochester continues with Bike Week 2022, spanning two
consecutive weekends from May 13 to 22 and offering cycling events for all ages
and levels of expertise. The purpose is to celebrate biking in Rochester and
expand the use of bikes as practical, daily transportation. With many people
taking up biking during the pandemic, Bike Week welcomes new riders and
demonstrates the great community and infrastructure available to cyclists in
Rochester. Bike Week is put together by Reconnect Rochester but is truly a
grassroots effort in that each event is organized individually. Information for
the rides is below, along […]
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FLOSHARE: “EVENING” THE PLAYING FIELD
Guest blog by Bree-Ana Dukes, Floshare Program Manager at Mobility Development
Operations & Board Member at Reconnect Rochester According to the 2018
Transportation and Poverty in Monroe County commissioned by Reconnect Rochester,
“most households (88%) in Monroe County have access to a vehicle (74% in
Rochester). This leaves 12% of households in the county (35,000 households), and
26% of households in the city (22,000 households) without access to a vehicle,”
about a third of all city of Rochester households. Flower City Carshare
(Floshare) is a partnership between Mobility Development Operations (MDO) and
the City of Rochester and is the first […]
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HEY ROC, MIND THE GAP!
In Rochester, bike riders have a lot to be grateful for: world-class trails, an
average commute of 4.1-miles across mostly flat terrain, and a vibrant bike
community. Something we need to work on, however, is the lack of connectivity in
our bike network. Too often, road projects are done in a piecemeal fashion and
little attention is paid to overall connectivity. The new regional bike map from
the Genesee Transportation Council shows just how fragmented our local bike
network is. (Note: the map doesn’t consider sharrows on arterials as bike
infrastructure). Reconnect Rochester wants to see continuous, non-interrupted,
low-stress bicycle […]
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THIS IS WHY: HOW A MULTIMODAL LIFESTYLE MAKES YOU IMMUNE TO RISING GAS PRICES
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog I
didn’t start biking to work because gas was too expensive. I did it because I
had this evolving sense of the world based around the central premise that the
mode of transport I had spent my whole life worshiping was the very thing that
was in conflict with everything I loved. When I was 18, my friends and I made a
stupid little club called “The Anti-Carpoolers Of America.” I made and printed
badges on my computer, featuring a minivan with a slash through it, which we all
taped to our […]
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40 YEARS CAR-FREE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE ARTS
By Joseph Struble In 1975 I bought my first (and last) car: a gold/tan Mazda
RX-3 with white bucket seats and that intoxicating “new-car smell.” I also
bought a pair of prescription sunglasses, aviator style, and I thought I was so
cool driving back and forth to Graduate School in Richmond, VA, windows open in
summer and blasting “Country Roads, Take Me Home” on the radio. In 1979 I was
back home in Rochester and newly wary of my car. It had an unwelcome trick of
suddenly losing power, slowing down and coming to a stop, no matter where I […]
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HEY ALBANY!
Last week, Reconnect Rochester went on a “Virtual Trip to Albany” to champion
public transit and safe streets for Rochester residents (and all New Yorkers).
We spent the day meeting with state legislators and their staff and having great
conversations about what needs to be done to move towards our vision of a robust
and equitable transportation network. We’re fortunate to have many allies in our
State delegation to push for better multi-modal transportation across New York.
We’d like to shout out Reconnect Rochester Board members Victor Sanchez, Bill
Collins, and Jason Partyka for devoting their time to the effort, […]
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DECONSTRUCTING THE INTRACTABLE ISSUE OF SNOWED-IN BUS STOPS
By Arian Horbovetz (The Urban Phoenix) It’s a sound only heard on the coldest
mornings. The thunderous crunch with every step in my massive boots was
deafening as I stumbled over the freshly plowed sidewalk snow. Over a foot of
newly-fallen snow glistened in the streetlight. I peered through the steam from
my latest breath and saw the bus stop in front of me. But as I stumbled closer,
I discovered that any chance of relief from the biting breeze was going to be a
challenge. The drifting snow, combined with the wall of white stuff created by
sidewalk plowing […]
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WELCOMING NEW ENERGY ON OUR STAFF & BOARD
Reconnect Rochester kicked off the new year by ushering in new leadership and
energy onto our staff team and Board of Directors. James Dietz joined our
dynamic and growing staff team that works day-in and day-out to improve mobility
in our community. He’ll be spearheading our advocacy activities, expanding our
community outreach, and running the Complete Streets Makeover and Rochester
Street Films programs. Find out how James landed here and what inspires him in
the message below. At our Annual Meeting in January, Victor Sanchez was elected
our new Board President, taking over from Renée Stetzer who will stay on […]
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BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE AND BIKE EDUCATION: WHY IT TAKES BOTH TO MAKE A
BIKE-FRIENDLY CITY.
By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager at Reconnect Rochester Let’s be honest: there
are few cities out there that attract a whole lot of bike ridership without
protected bike infrastructure. Whether it’s bollards or curbs or planters that
are used, it’s understandable that cyclists want something between them and car
traffic besides a thin stripe of paint. When protected bike infrastructure is
implemented and it connects people to destinations in a low-stress manner,
people use it! It is true that “If you build it, they will come”. It’s also
critically important to fill gaps in the bike network so it’s more […]
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TOP 10 THINGS WE’RE MOST PROUD OF IN 2021
2021 is coming to a close. In the realm of transportation, this year brought a
mix of positive progress and setbacks. At Reconnect Rochester, we strive to be
innovative and to pivot fast when we see input opportunities to capitalize
on, or mobility issues that need attention. Despite the uncertainty and
challenges of our times, we moved our mission forward with intensity. Below
is “Top 10” list of accomplishments we’re most proud of this year. TOP 10 THINGS
WE’RE MOST PROUD OF IN 2021(In no particular order of importance.) #10
Legislative Advocacy In March, we made a virtual trip to Albany to champion
public transit and […]
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IN PRAISE OF THE IMPROVED AUBURN TRAIL
By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager at Reconnect Rochester A Major Upgrade Perhaps
no place in the Rochester area epitomizes post World War II car-oriented
development and suburban sprawl like Pittsford Plaza. Though Monroe Avenue is on
a bus line, it’s always been a difficult, time-consuming or intimidating
destination to get to without a car. Several years ago I biked on the Auburn
Trail to Pittsford Plaza and it was rough! The trail, a former rail corridor,
was just too bumpy for most bikes. But with the recent improvements to the
Auburn Trail, the plaza, its restaurants, shops, movie theatre, and […]
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HIGH FALLS GREENWAY: A CREATIVE CONCEPT FOR THE INNER LOOP NORTH PROJECT AREA
Filling in the northern section of Rochester’s Inner Loop presents a rare
opportunity to re-knit the fabric of a neighborhood that was unjustly damaged by
the era of highway construction. And if we do it right, a newly designed
landscape will bring new economic opportunity, better connectivity and
accessibility, and improved quality of life for the people who live there. As
the planning process for Inner Loop North heats up, now is the time for all of
us to be most active, engaged and vocal about what we want to see. We encourage
you to attend one of the public […]
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ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF THE 2021-22 COMPLETE STREETS MAKEOVER
(Drumroll please…) Announcing the Winners of the 2021-2022 Complete Streets
Makeover In July, we asked you to help identify the intersections and
trouble-spots in your daily travels where you don’t feel comfortable walking or
biking, and that could be designed to be safer for everyone. The community
response was tremendous, and we thank all those who took the time to submit
nominations! We received a total of 76 nominations for 68 locations in Monroe
County. The Steering Committee had a tough task to choose from so many quality
submissions and deserving locations! A set of established judging criteria
helped guide […]
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WHY DON’T CROSSWALKS HAVE STOP SIGNS?
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog A
few nights ago I was riding my Onewheel through the residential streets of
Rochester’s South Wedge neighborhood. I slowed as I approached a lightly
traveled 4-way stop sign controlled intersection, where a car stopped and
yielded the right of way to me as I had reached the intersection first. A few
minutes later, I tried to cross Rochester’s South Ave. while carrying my device
across a crosswalk. And while the signage clearly states that pedestrians in the
crosswalk have the right of way, 8 cars blew through said crosswalk before a […]
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WHERE THEY STAND: 2021 CANDIDATES FOR ROCHESTER MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
Reconnect Rochester surveyed all candidates for Rochester Mayor and City Council
to learn where they stand on issues related to transportation and mobility.
Questions were designed to give the candidates the opportunity to share their
opinions, ideas and vision for a well-connected and accessible community. We
hope this information will help you make an informed decision when you head to
the polls on November 2 (or early, October 23-31). We did our best to make
contact with all of the candidates. Click on the candidate names below to read
their full, unedited responses. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
NOTE: [...]
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“FLOWER CITY FEELING GOOD” SUMMER GROUP RIDES: BUILDING COMMUNITY & LEARNING
ROAD LESSONS ALONG THE WAY
By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager at Reconnect Rochester After taking a bike class
in 2013 which made me much more comfortable biking around, in 2014 I adopted the
bike as my primary mode of transportation. Since biking short distances was easy
and fun, it wasn’t long before I wanted to ride with other people. In May 2015 I
took our son and we went on our first group ride: a tour of public art as part
of RoCo’s Ride It exhibit. Riding in such a large group was euphoric! I knew I
wanted more. That summer I started attending the […]
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20 MINUTES BY BIKE BLOG SERIES: UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
The Rochester area is famous for its 20-minute commute. For driving that is.
Reconnect Rochester and the Rochester Cycling Alliance are excited to ask a
different question in this blog series: Where can you get within 20 minutes on a
bike? Presenting the sixth in a series of custom “bike shed maps.” For this next
installment, we chose the University of Rochester Medical Center on Elmwood
Avenue and are showing how far out in every direction you can get on a bike at a
casual but steady pace of 10 miles per hour. This means that if you live
anywhere […]
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LAKE AVENUE IS NOT BUILT FOR EVERYONE
Guest blog by Rachel Barnhart, who represents District 21 on the Monroe County
Legislature and has been a longtime advocate for safer streets. A driver struck
and killed a woman walking on Lake Ave on September 17. She was at least the
90th pedestrian or cyclist injured or killed on Lake Ave in the mile-long
stretch between Driving Park Ave and Lyell Ave over the last decade. That’s an
average of nine people hurt every year in a distance we can walk in less than 20
minutes. It’s time to make Lake Ave safe for everyone, particularly the people
who live […]
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IS IT A SIDEWALK? IS IT A PATH?
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog
Over a year ago, I was excited by the opening of the long-awaited Highland
Crossing Trail, providing a mile-long connective path that is now a section of
my daily bike commute. The path is just a part of a decade-long planning effort
to create a pedestrian and bike trail that connects the Empire State Trail
(formally the Erie Canalway Trail) with the Genesee Riverway Trail via the
Olmstead-designed Highland Park. And while I am thrilled with the collaborative
effort between Rochester and the first-ring suburb of Brighton, there is a
significant piece […]
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RTS SERVICE ROLLBACK. WHAT IT MEANS AND WHAT NOW?
It has been a tough couple of weeks for the most vulnerable in our community.
A crisis with school bus transportation in the City of Rochester threatened our
children’s ability to return to school buildings. RTS stepped up to fill the
gap and ensure secondary students could get to school. Given limited workforce
resources, this required RTS to scale back its regular service. Beginning today,
September 13, seven RTS frequent routes will change from having 15-minute
service to 30-minute service on weekdays. The impacted routes are: Joseph (3),
Hudson (4), Portland (5), East Main (8), Monroe (11), Genesee (16) & Lake (22).
Please help us get the word […]
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20 MINUTES BY BIKE BLOG SERIES: ROCHESTER GENERAL HOSPITAL MAP (+ A BONUS)
The Rochester area is famous for its 20-minute commute. For driving that is.
Reconnect Rochester and the Rochester Cycling Alliance are excited to ask a
different question in this blog series: Where can you get within 20 minutes on a
bike? Presenting the fifth in a series of custom “bike shed maps.” For this next
installment, we chose Rochester General Hospital (RGH) and are showing how far
out in every direction you can get on a bike at a casual but steady pace of 10
miles per hour. This means that if you live anywhere in this green area, you […]
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THE ROAD AHEAD FOR RECONNECT
Big developments are underfoot at Reconnect Rochester: a major gift, a new path
forward, and a leadership announcement. We want to share all the excitement with
you! A Gift of Great Magnitude Many of you know Dr. Scott MacRae as a long-team
leader in the cycling community and champion for active transportation as a key
to community health. As past President of the Rochester Cycling Alliance (RCA),
Dr. MacRae worked for many years alongside Richard DeSarra and others to urge
improvements that have made our region a more bike friendly place. When the RCA
joined forces with Reconnect Rochester in 2019, Dr. MacRae was an enthusiastic
supporter […]
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ROLLING OUT THE CHANGES: A TRANSIT AMBASSADOR’S VIEW ON THE NEW RTS SYSTEM
Guest blog by Nicholas Russo; an RIT graduate, civil engineer, & passionate
urbanist On May 17, 2021, a re-imagined Regional Transit Service kicked off in
Rochester. As a hired Transit Ambassador for the first week of the rollout, I
had a firsthand view of how the new bus routes and infrastructure were set up
and how they functioned, and also got to hear the thoughts and experiences from
transit users. In this post, I’ll recount my time visiting three of the new
Mobility Hubs around the metro area, as well as my car-free week in Rochester! I
am currently living […]
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20 MINUTES BY BIKE BLOG SERIES: BRIGHTON MAP
The Rochester area is famous for its 20-minute commute. For driving that is.
Reconnect Rochester and the Rochester Cycling Alliance are excited to ask a
different question in this blog series: Where can you get within 20 minutes on a
bike? Presenting the fourth in a series of custom “bike shed maps.” For this
next installment, we chose Twelve Corners in Brighton and are showing how far
out in every direction you can get on a bike at a casual but steady pace of 10
miles per hour. This means that if you live anywhere in this green area, you […]
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SHAMOKIN DAM, PA: NO PEDESTRIANS ALLOWED
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog
Last weekend my wife and I enjoyed a quick overnight trip to one of our favorite
cities, Philadelphia, PA. In an effort to avoid toll roads, we took Route 15 for
much of the way through the Keystone State, marveling at the beautiful rolling
hills while skirting the Susquehanna River. But in many places along the way,
Route 15 transitions into Big Box Store Islands. One such place is in Shamokin
Dam, home to massive parking lots servicing Best Buys and AutoZones, featuring
every restaurant chain from McDonalds and Burger King to […]
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COMPLETE STREETS MAKEOVER: PUBLIC CALL FOR NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN THRU JULY 30
Is there an intersection or trouble spot in your daily travels that doesn’t feel
safe to bike or walk? Nominate it for a Complete Street Makeover today! Submit
your nomination by Friday, July 30, 2021. Reconnect Rochester and our team of
partners believe streets are for people (not just cars). No one understands what
it’s like to use our streets better than those who walk, bike, roll and ride
along them everyday. We need your help identifying the intersections and trouble
spots in Monroe County that could be redesigned to make them safer for everyone.
What’s in a Makeover From […]
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20 MINUTES BY BIKE BLOG SERIES: PITTSFORD MAP
The Rochester area is famous for its 20-minute commute. For driving that is.
Reconnect Rochester and the Rochester Cycling Alliance are excited to ask a
different question in this blog series: Where can you get within 20 minutes on a
bike? Presenting the third in a series of custom “bike shed maps.” For this next
installment, we chose Four Corners in Pittsford Village and are showing how far
out in every direction you can get on a bike at a casual but steady pace of 10
miles per hour. This means that if you live anywhere in this green area, […]
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THE EXPECTATION OF SPEED
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog
Hop off the New York State Thruway at Syracuse, head South on the I-81
expressway and you will understand. Cruising above the city’s downtown, you see
the urban streetscape as if you’re flying over it, past it, like it’s something
you want to avoid on your way to another more rural destination. Lost on most
who travel this vehicular express route is the truth that bypassing cities with
above or below-grade highways was a principle element in the demise of American
cities. Indeed, the worst thing that happened to our urban culture […]
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A NATURALIST’S ODE TO URBAN DENSITY
Guest blog by Doug Kelley, Associate Professor at University of Rochester I grew
up doing a lot of hiking and backpacking in the woods of Alabama. Being outside
connected me to a world that seemed more fundamental, more enduring, less
corrupted by the mistakes of humankind. I felt empowered by the ethos of
backpacking especially, that my own two feet could take me through the world
from one beautiful place to another, and when I was gone, I would leave no
trace, so others might enjoy the same beauty. I could forget daily stresses in
favor of long conversations with […]
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20 MINUTES BY BIKE BLOG SERIES: IRONDEQUOIT MAP
The Rochester area is famous for its 20-minute commute. For driving that is.
Reconnect Rochester and the Rochester Cycling Alliance are excited to ask a
different question in this blog series: Where can you get within 20 minutes on a
bike? Presenting the second in a series of custom “bike shed maps.” For this
next installment, we chose Irondequoit’s “central square” – I-Square – and are
showing how far out in every direction you can get on a bike at a casual but
steady pace of 10 miles per hour. This means that if you live anywhere in this
green […]
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THE BOOKS THAT CHANGED ME: TERRA NOVA & GREEN METROPOLIS
by Jesse Peers, Cycling Coordinator at Reconnect Rochester In past blogs, I’ve
mentioned how Reconnect Rochester’s ROC Transit Day inspired me to try getting
to work on a bike for the first time. I’m so grateful to Reconnect for providing
that initial inspiration. I owe further credit to Howard Decker’s blog which
introduced me to Eric Sanderson’s book, Terra Nova: The New World After Oil,
Cars, and Suburbs. If ROC Transit Day got me on a bike for the first time as an
adult, Terra Nova kept me on my bike. When the only car I’ve ever had bit the
[…]
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WHERE THEY STAND: 2021 CANDIDATES FOR ROCHESTER MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL (PRIMARY
EDITION)
*NOTE: This list includes all candidates on the ballot for the June 22nd
Primary.
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BIKE WEEK 2021
The cycling season in Rochester continues with Bike Week 2021, spanning two
consecutive weekends from May 7 to 16 and offering cycling events for all ages
and levels of expertise. The purpose is to celebrate biking in Rochester and
expand the use of bikes as practical, daily transportation. With many people
taking up biking during the pandemic, Bike Week welcomes new riders and
demonstrates the great community and infrastructure available to cyclists in
Rochester. For the second year, Bike Week will present a new themed Ride of the
Day (ROTD), with a suggestion for a destination, group ride, or photo op. This
[…]
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A CLIMATE SOLUTIONS BLIND SPOT: SEEING BEYOND ELECTRIC CARS
Guest blog by Evan Lowenstein, Director of Communications and Membership at the
Climate Solutions Accelerator Remember when you learned how to drive? You
learned about the blind spots to the left and right of your vehicle, those spots
where another car might be, hidden even from all your mirrors. That there might
be things there you aren’t seeing. There’s another blind spot putting us at
risk here in car-centric America: the one that prevents us from thinking beyond
the automobile as we strive for climate solutions and a truly sustainable
society. The rise in concern about climate change in society […]
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20 MINUTES BY BIKE BLOG SERIES KICKOFF: DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER MAP
Rochester is famous for its 20-minute commute. For driving that is. Reconnect
Rochester and the Rochester Cycling Alliance are excited to unveil a blog series
to ask a different question: Where can you get within 20 minutes on a bike? We
chose the 20-minute benchmark for two reasons: Nationally, half of our car trips
are within 3 or fewer miles, which equates to a 20-or-so-minute bike ride at an
easy, casual pace. If we could save our cars for cruddy weather, when the
distances are too long or when we are transporting multiple people ౼ and biked
the rest of […]
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BIG HOUSES AND LONG COMMUTES, NOT SMART PHONES, ERODED COMMUNITY
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog
Not a day goes by that I don’t see someone 35+ on social media feeds gripe about
how the smartphone has ruined the fabric of communication and togetherness in
our country. The irony, of course, is that 95% of these posts are from someone
using a smartphone app. And while mobile technology has certainly changed the
way we engage with information, as well as one another, the catalyst of
disconnection and isolationism in this country began long before cell phones
were a twinkle in someone’s creative eye. As we move farther away from […]
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THE GREAT BIKE BOOM OF 2020
A Behind the Scenes Retrospective As bike advocates in dialogue with federal,
state and local officials about safe spaces to ride, Reconnect Rochester and the
Rochester Cycling Alliance often cite the “bike boom” that took off during the
COVID pandemic, using it as justification for open streets concepts and
investment in top-notch bike infrastructure. But the bike boom that was creating
so much buzz nationally was hard to quantify: Yes, we saw that new bikes were
hard to find (hence the enormous interest in used bike sales) and we heard that
shops had a hard time obtaining common parts like […]
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HEY ALBANY!
Last week, Reconnect Rochester went on a “Virtual Trip to Albany” to champion
public transit and safe streets for Rochester area residents (and all New
Yorkers). We met with legislators and staff to talk about our
transportation-related budgetary and legislative priorities (see our agenda
below). We had some great conversations and found that we have many allies in
our State delegation that support multi-modal transportation, and even share our
passion for it! Shout out to Bill Collins and Jason Partyka from our team for
devoting their days to the effort, and kudos to all the legislative offices that
took time […]
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BIKE SAFETY: IT’S MORE THAN JUST BIKE LANES
Guest blog by Rochester resident, Sarah Gerin I bought my first bike at a local
pawn shop when I was nine, after finding a fresh $100 bill on the floor of a
K-Mart earlier that day. Obviously I “invested” the rest (i.e. putting it in the
Garfield cup in my room that held my fortunes). As a kid, my experience with
biking was minimal, taking short rides around my neighborhood and learning how
to ride “no hands” because I thought it looked cool. I didn’t ride bikes again
until 2018, when I spontaneously decided that I wanted to “get into […]
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A ROCHESTER TRANSPLANT’S PERSPECTIVE: OUR CITY IS A FANTASTIC PLACE TO BIKE
Guest blog by Dan Kamalic As a six year transplant to Rochester, I’ve had some
time now to reflect on my experience cycling here versus other cities, and I’ve
come to a pretty stark conclusion: Rochesterians seem to have no idea how good
we have it here. You see, I travel all over the world with my bike (or at least
I did pre-COVID) for either my day job or night job. For the day job, I do
computer stuff for decent money. For the night job, I sing opera professionally
for not-as-decent money. I’ve gone back up from half-time […]
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AUTOMOBILE EVOLUTION AND SUBURBAN SPRAWL
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog
The first car I recall riding in as a child was my mother’s Chevette Scooter, a
horribly made car for the family on a budget. Poor quality, no comfort, no AC, a
heater that took half an hour to kick in and a crappy radio. The Ford Escort
that followed was honestly not much of an upgrade, and neither was the car that
ended up being my first to drive, the Plymouth Colt (which didn’t even have a
radio). Yes, these were bargain basement rides built for my mother’s extremely
tight self-employed-music-teacher […]
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ROC CYCLING: KNOWING OUR WEAKNESSES, BUILDING ON OUR STRENGTHS
by Jesse Peers, Cycling Coordinator at Reconnect Rochester When I saw the
trailer for Why We Cycle years ago, I instantly knew how special this film was.
Finally someone had made a gorgeous film about the myriad of reasons why people
all over the world choose to traverse their communities by bike. I’m glad we
were able to screen the documentary for a Rochester Street Films event in
September 2020 and use it as a springboard to discuss local values and goals. If
you haven’t seen the film or weren’t able to take part in our panel discussion,
watch them […]
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PAVE AND PLOW: THE NEXT STANDARD FOR AMERICAN TRAILS
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog
I’m pleasantly surprised with the amount of trail creation that is occurring
across the United States. Urban paths, trails from former railroad beds, and
neighborhood connectors… people are hungrier than ever to explore a new
pedestrian or cycling experience. And for those like me, the ever-growing
network of trails that can potentially remove us from the dangers of automobile
encounters is so incredibly vital. But as always, I’m going to challenge our
townships, counties and cities to think bigger. I’m not spitting in the face of
real progress, […]
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TOP TEN THINGS WE’RE MOST PROUD OF IN 2020.
2020 has been a year like no other. Like every non-profit, the pandemic
forced Reconnect Rochester to pivot fast to re-tool our planned programs and
goals for the year. Luckily, we are small (but mighty), and nothing if not
nimble. Despite all the challenges, we managed to move our mission forward with
intensity. Check out (below) the “Top 10” list of accomplishments we’re most
proud of in 2020. We also faced financial uncertainty this year as prospects for
grants and sponsorships dissipated. You know what got us through? The generosity
of supporting members during our last membership
drive, especially our sustaining members whose monthly donations proved to be
extra crucial this year. If you haven’t already, we hope […]
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AMERICAN CONVENIENCE CULTURE AND THE EFFECT OF EXCLUSIVE PERSONAL MOBILITY
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog In
a 2017 piece, I wrote about the impact of “independent automobile
transportation” on our community environments. To take it one step beyond the
idea that we have built a nation around exclusive personal mobility, it’s
important to acknowledge the devastating effects of our “convenience culture”
here in the United States. Let’s begin with the assumption that the most
important lessons we learn, the most transformative journeys we take, and the
most powerful experiences we have are rarely “convenient.” The things that make
us better are usually the […]
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ROCHESTER BICYCLISM: 2020 VISION IN HINDSIGHT.
Guest blog by Jon Schull, Reconnect Rochester Advisor In 2009, I came across an
online article that changed my life. It described an enclosed cycleway
envisioned for a network of cycleways to run above and through Toronto, Canada.
Not only did it promise year-round human-powered access to the entire city, but
because each tunnel was one-way, your ride in each direction would be downwind,
thanks to the breeze created by your fellow travelers. It was (and is) a
beautiful vision, but untested and unlikely to be implemented. It occurred to me
that Rochester, NY could be a great testbed for […]
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THE BUS CUBES HAVE LANDED!
Next time you walk, ride or roll along Parsells, Lyell or Monroe Avenues, you’ll
notice a bright new addition to the streetscape. This month, cubes made from
fiberglass were installed at 5 bus stops along each of these corridors, offering
RTS riders a respectable place to sit while they wait. The City of Rochester and
RTS have been tremendous partners on this project. Thanks especially to DES
Commissioner Norm Jones and City Councilmember Mitch Gruber for championing the
effort, along with City staff across many departments who worked hand-in-hand
with us to see this to fruition. We also couldn’t have […]
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WHEN STREETS WERE EQUITABLE
Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally published on The Urban Phoenix blog.
“Dude, get out of the road,” you yell in an enraged state fueled by someone’s
blatant disregard for the fact that you woke up late and are traveling 10mph
over the speed limit only to encounter a man “jaywalking” across the road in
front of you. Your displaced anger bubbles over as you find yourself
inconvenienced for a whole 9 seconds. We’ve all been there… getting behind a car
that’s traveling 10mph under the speed limit, trying to pass a cyclist with no
shoulder, or yelling at a […]
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ROCHESTER WANTS TO GET MORE RESIDENTS ON BIKES
by Jesse Peers, cycling coordinator at Reconnect Rochester “The bicycle is in
many ways the easiest solution to a multitude of problems.” – Anna Brones in
Hello, Bicycle As a bicycle instructor, I love teaching bike classes and
presentations in our area. (If you want to book a lunch n’ learn presentation
for your workplace, library or community group, let me know at
cycling@reconnectrochester.org). Before going in depth on any subject, I spend a
few slides at the beginning highlighting the benefits of biking. It’s not enough
just to tell people how to bike safely. You have to inspire them […]
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THE AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE AND RACIAL EXCLUSIVITY
The “Pay To Play” cost of the automobile might be the most racially exclusive
component of American society. Written by Arian Horbovetz and originally
published on The Urban Phoenix blog. I saw something today that blew my mind.
The average new road vehicle retails for $37,876. Can we say that again?
Americans are purchasing cars, trucks and SUVs to the tune of $38,000. In a time
when we are asking questions of equity and “pay-to-play” constructs in our
American culture, is there anything more exclusive than the automobile? Most of
our focus in life revolves around three basic things… our […]
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BIKE SHARE WILL RISE AGAIN IN ROC
by Arian Horbovetz, Reconnect Rochester Board Member and author of The Urban
Phoenix blog If you’re like me, a firm believer that public transit, walkability
and bike Infrastructure can make our city better, the last few months have been
grueling. Empty buses, the encouragement of single-passenger automobile
ridership, and the loss of Zagster’s Pace bike share here in Rochester have us
all wondering about the future of multi-dimensional mobility in our city.
Zagster’s abrupt departure from Rochester’s landscape earlier this year was a
shock to many who believed that bike share made The Flower City a better place.
The freedom […]
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RIDING UNITED
by Jesse Peers, Cycling Coordinator at Reconnect Rochester Cyclists are often
lumped together, yet it doesn’t take long to discover that the bicycle community
is a vastly diverse community. There are so many people out there biking for
different reasons. Some ride for casual, fun recreation; others ride because
it’s their only option for getting around. Some really concentrate on the
fitness and efficiency aspects of cycling; others don’t pay attention to their
speed or efficiency. Some get a real high from joining group rides; others view
the bike simply as their preferred way of getting from one place to […]
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RACISM IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS
The brutal murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are the
latest incidents of unending violence perpetuated against black people and other
communities of color in this country. Racism is embedded in the very fabric of
the Greater Rochester region – our justice system, our schools, our housing
policies, and certainly our transportation system. This must change. We also
acknowledge that our organization contributes to this system in certain ways.
Reconnect Rochester was founded more than 10 years ago to champion
transportation choices that enable a more vibrant and equitable community, and
yet our membership, board, staff, and […]
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GET ON THAT BICYCLE AND RIDE
In honor of National Bike Month, we’re sharing this super fun and inspiring
music video made by Rochester Cycling Alliance volunteer Laura Mack, along with
her sister and partner. Maker’s Note by Laura Mack I have found that during this
pandemic, there have been times when I really don’t want to do much of anything.
In the morning, I roll out of bed to my bedside table which I have made into my
makeshift work desk. I spend most of the work day locked in my bedroom to create
a private and HIPPA compliant space so I can talk to […]
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WITH OUR OWN EYES AND LUNGS: THE BENEFITS OF REDUCED MOTOR TRAFFIC
Guest blog by Doug Kelley, Associate Professor, University of Rochester. In my
first few long bike rides this spring, I’ve been bowled over by the beautiful
views. And it’s not like I’m visiting new places. I pedaled these same routes
last summer, when I first came to Copenhagen for a yearlong sabbatical and was
eager to explore. But never were the vistas like this! Now, the hills and
buildings of Sweden, 10 miles across the waters of Øresund, are not just blurry
shapes, but clear and distinct and colorful. Now, looking southwest from the
gorgeous seaside bike path in Naturpark […]
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SOMETHING TO LEARN: CYCLING AS TRANSPORTATION
by Jesse Peers, Cycling Coordinator at Reconnect Rochester Journey from Car
Driver to Bike Educator In 2012, I was just as car-dependent as anybody when
Mike Governale’s Rochester Subway blog and ROC Transit Day caught my attention.
It was Reconnect’s creativity and ROC Transit Day’s great buzz that got me
thinking about getting to work without my car. When my uncle gave me his old
mountain bike around that time, I gave biking to work a shot. I discovered it
was just as quick as driving, but I wasn’t very comfortable and stuck to the
sidewalk. “I wanted to be […]
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CAN PUBLIC TRANSIT SURVIVE COVID-19?
Authored by Arian Horbovetz, Reconnect Rochester Board Member In these suddenly
uncertain times, the urbanist virtues of density and public transit are negated
by the public responsibility of social distancing. The idea that our cities are
cooperative centers of shared innovation, inspiration and collective efficiency
has suddenly given way to the real and justifiable fears of physical proximity
and viral transmission. Suddenly, many of the qualities that make cities
amazing places are the very things that can also promote the spread of the
Coronavirus. Estimates for transit are grim. Transit agencies across the
country are likely seeing an estimated 50%- […]
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BLOCKING WALKING: WHEN PEDESTRIANS ARE FORCED TO FIND ANOTHER WAY
Blog by Arian Horbovetz. Arian is a Reconnect board member and the creator of
The Urban Phoenix, a blog focused on conversations around the elements that
create healthy cities, neighborhoods and communities today. Arian covers
walkability, public transit, financial solvency, bike infrastructure, smart
development, public space, public pride and ownership of our futures. While he
discusses issues of public policy, legislation, statistics and money, The UP
specializes in addressing public perceptions and how they affect the way we see
our cities. Your heart sinks when you see that orange symbol of uncertainty. You
grip the wheel tighter, curse, and check […]
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COPENHAGEN TRANSPORTATION: A DAY IN ONE FAMILY’S LIFE
Guest blog by Doug Kelley. Copenhagen is famous for having the world’s best bike
infrastructure and highest rates of bike transportation. (OK Amsterdam, you’re
not bad, either.) Transit nerds love to extol the engineering details, celebrate
the signage, and explain the traffic patterns in excruciating detail. While I
admit getting excited by those nerd-outs — I’m an engineering professor and a
lifelong cyclist, after all — the real point is the beautiful lifestyle enabled
when communities “Copenhagenize.” So here’s a snapshot, one typical day of the
lifestyle, as lived by my family and me during our sabbatical year away from […]
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RECONNECT BRINGS ON THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS!
We kicked off the new year and decade with our Annual Meeting the first week of
January, where we welcomed three new board members — Victor Sanchez, Jackie
Marchand and Arian Horbovetz. Victor is a long-time volunteer for Reconnect
Rochester, doing a lot of heavy lifting for our major events through the years.
Jackie assisted our Reconnect Rochester/Rochester Cycling Alliance transition
team with the Cycling Coordinator candidate search & interview process, and has
volunteered on our membership committee. Arian has worked with our
communications team to provide content for our blog, as well as provided
invaluable background research on e-scooters […]
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THE GREAT THINGS WE ACCOMPLISHED IN 2019
As we look back on 2019, we’re amazed at what we’ve been able to
accomplish together this year. The highlights below are just a snapshot of all
the good work we’ve been able to do, thanks to the financial support of
Reconnect members, the passionate volunteers that make our programs and
initiatives run, and so many others that engaged in our work in countless
ways. Thanks to each and every one of you. Sponsored a Cornell University Design
Connect project to help the Brighton community create a vision for Monroe Ave.,
with an improved street design and streetscape that is more vibrant and safer
for pedestrians […]
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OPINION: DRIVING’S DEHUMANIZING EFFECT
Guest blog by Arian Horbovetz. Arian is the creator of The Urban Phoenix, a blog
focused on conversations around the elements that create healthy cities,
neighborhoods and communities today. Arian covers walkability, public transit,
financial solvency, bike infrastructure, smart development, public space, public
pride and ownership of our futures. While he discusses issues of public policy,
legislation, statistics and money, The UP specializes in addressing public
perceptions and how they affect the way we see our cities. Not long ago, a
professor at Brockport Central School teacher was struck and killed by a pickup
truck about 25 minutes from my hometown of […]
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ROCHESTER CYCLING ALLIANCE JOINS RECONNECT ROCHESTER
We have exciting news! (It may be the worst kept transportation-related secret
in Rochester, because most of you already know.) Reconnect Rochester and
Rochester Cycling Alliance, two groups that work to promote transportation
alternatives in Monroe County, are combining their operations. We will be
working together as our own little dream team; wonder twins; transportation
alternative superheroes. Together, we will continue striving to create a
transportation network that allows all people — regardless of age, ability,
income and mode of transportation — to get around safely in the Rochester
region. Reconnect Rochester was founded in 2009 by a group of […]
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DON’T KNOW HOW TO USE THE BUS? USE GOOGLE MAPS!
Are you curious about taking the bus, but are unsure about where, when and how
to use it? Google Maps has an option that can make you look like a transit pro!
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ROCHESTER'S UPDATED BIKE ORDINANCES
On September 17th, the Rochester’s City Council approved changes to the city
code in regard to bicycles. The bike ordinances hadn’t been updated since the
1960s! For a full listing, see below. Of particular note is an official
prohibition for cars parking in bike lanes. The city is being very upfront that
enforcement will be soft and gradual and that there must be some efforts towards
changing the culture and educating motorists before the prohibition is strictly
enforced. The RCA and Reconnect Rochester are eager to collaborate with the city
on that educational work. In the meantime, go ahead and […]
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THE HIGHLAND CROSSING TRAIL: CONNECTIVITY AND COLLABORATION
A nearly completed trail connecting Rochester and Brighton is over a decade in
the making
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WHAT I’VE LEARNED ABOUT GOING CAR-FREE (AND WHY I PLAN TO CONTINUE)
Guest blog by Calvin Eaton. Calvin is the founder of 540WMain Communiversity, a
grassroots non-profit community based university. Calvin is a digital content
creator, social entrepreneur, and educator whose area of expertise includes
antiracism, diversity, inclusion, K-12 curriculum writing and teaching, gluten
free plant based living, and higher education. If you’ve followed my journey
over the last couple of years you probably know that I sold my car in June 2018
and became a car-free professional. There are so many reasons why going car-free
was the best decision for me and I want to share a few things I’ve learned […]
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WOMEN AND BIKING
Story By Susan Levin. Susan is a cycling advocate, board member at Reconnect
Rochester and chair of the Rochester Cycling Alliance workgroup. The Rochester
Women’s Bike Festival is back for its second year in Corn Hill! The Festival
will be at Adams Street Recreation Center, 85 Adams St. on Saturday, June 15
from 9 AM to 3 PM. The event is free! Registration is available here. Watch
for updates at facebook.com/rochesterwomenbike Why are we creating a
bicycling-event focused on women? Studies have shown that women will use a
bicycle for everyday transportation if it’s convenient, comfortable, and safe.
When women ride, they teach and encourage […]
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THE SCOOTERS ARE COMING, THE SCOOTERS ARE COMING
Story By Arian Horbovetz. Arian is a Rochester resident and creator of The
Urban Phoenix, a blog that discusses urban and community design and topics as
our cities transition to a better future. The mind conjures the 7-year-old’s
awkward stride as her kid legs push vigorously against the ground to gain speed
as she holds on to the handlebars for dear life. Or maybe it’s the formidable
mustache of Kevin James in the movie “Paul Blart, Mall Cop” as he patrols his
local shopping center on a Segway. The fact is, since the scooter was invented,
it’s been viewed almost […]
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ANNOUNCING THE WINNER AND FINALISTS OF THE 2019 COMPLETE STREETS MAKEOVER
(Drumroll please…) Announcing the Winner and Finalists of the 2019 Complete
Streets Makeover In March, we asked you to help identify the intersections and
trouble-spots where you live, work and play that could be redesigned to make
them safer for everyone. The community response was tremendous, and we thank all
those who took the time to submit nominations! We received a total of 159
nominations for 31 locations in Monroe County. The Steering Committee had a
tough task to choose from so many quality submissions and deserving locations! A
set of established judging criteria helped guide us through the selection […]
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BIKE WEEK 2019 GETS RIDERS OUT IN ROCHESTER
Rochester’s Bike Week 2019 was a huge success! Thanks so much to the ride
leaders and organizers for collaborating with us. Bike Week kicked off Friday,
May 10th with the RCA’s annual Light Up The Night Ride. The weather was a little
chilly but everyone had a good time decorating their bikes with glow sticks and
riding around town. Saturday was area cyclists’ favorite day of the year: the
MVP Twilight Criterium put on by Full Moon Vista. Kecia and Black Girls Do Bike
went on a ROC Urban Slow Ride with announcer Richard Fries. At the same time,
Jesse […]
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UPCOMING: ROCHESTER WOMEN'S BIKE FESTIVAL
Don’t miss this year’s Rochester Women’s Bike Festival on 15 June! Focused on
beginners, the event is overflowing with talks and workshops about how to bike
safely and enjoyably around Rochester. Learn about traffic rules, gear,
maintenance, routes, and more. Breakfast and lunch are included, ASL
interpretation is provided, and daycare is available. Lucky attendees will win
bikes from Yellow Haus, DreamBikes, and a personal donation. Admission is free,
so register now. The event runs 9-4 on 15 June at the Adams Street Recreation
Center, 85 Adams Street.
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RECONNECT ROCHESTER HIRES JESSE PEERS, CYCLING COORDINATOR
We are thrilled to welcome Jesse Peers, Cycling Coordinator and newest member of
a growing staff team at Reconnect Rochester! Jesse is hitting the ground running
(or shall we say hitting the road biking) due to his already deep involvement in
cycling advocacy and education. Learn more about his passion for the work in the
message below. Jesse can be reached by email at jesse@reconnectrochester.org,
and will work out of our Hungerford building office (1115 East Main Street, Door
4) most afternoons. Next time you’re passing through the neighborhood, be sure
to stop by The Hungerford and say hello!
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IN THE NEWS: BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY 2019
Rochester-area media outlets are noticing the growing momentum of bikes in our
communities, if their coverage of Bike to School Day is any indicator. WHAM
aired this segment focusing on the Bike to School Day event at School 23 in
Rochester, and WHEC aired this segment giving an overview of the event. It’s no
accident that Bike to School Day is getting noticed–lots of schools are hosting
events, and lots of community leaders are participating. At Indian Landing
School in Penfield, more than 150 people rode in last Wednesday’s Bike to School
Day event, including Penfield Town Supervisor Tony LaFountain […]
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ROCHESTER BIKE WEEK 2019
It’s Bike Week in Rochester! In fact, Bike Week is so full of great events that
it’s swollen to more than a week, running 10-19 May, 2019. So whether you’re a
seasoned cyclist or a curious new rider, you can get involved in lots of events
to kick off the summer cycling season and explore Rochester on two wheels. All
of these events are on the RCA Calendar, which includes more details (click the
+ at bottom right to get them on your calendar, too). Get a load of them: The
Light up the Night Ride, with glow sticks and […]
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HELP KEEP BIKE SHARE ON HUDSON AVENUE
It’s April in Rochester, so our Pace bikeshare program has returned from
hibernation, and bikes are back on the streets. In fact, I took my first
bikeshare ride of the season yesterday, and it got me from a lunch meeting at U
of R to an afternoon meeting in the East End for just $1, in less than 15
minutes, on a warm and lovely day, when I didn’t have my own bike with me. As
maybe you realize, $1 per ride isn’t enough to support the bikeshare program.
Each of the dozens of Pace docks in Rochester exists because […]
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CANAL TRAIL IN GATES CLOSING UNTIL MEMORIAL DAY, AT LEAST
According to the Democrat and Chronicle, the Canal Trail will be closed near
I-390 in Gates from 22 April until Memorial Day or later. Cyclists are advised
to find an alternate route. You can read more here.
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SUPPORT THE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT
The Rochester Cycling Alliance is co-sponsoring the 2019 Active Transportation
Summit, organized by Common Ground Health. Scheduled for May 23, 8:30-4 at the
Rochester Riverside Hotel, the summit is themed “Ideas into Motion”. It will
feature consultant and activist Mark Fenton as the keynote speaker, New York
State Department of State Director of Smart Growth and Planning Paul Beyer as
the plenary speaker, and sixteen breakout sessions. You can learn more and get
tickets here. And you can support the summit with a donation using the button
below. Hope to see you on 23 May!
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THE POWER OF THE SNECKDOWN
Story By Arian Horbovetz. Arian is a Rochester resident and creator of The
Urban Phoenix, a blog that discusses urban and community design and topics as
our cities transition to a better future. As I write this, the city of Rochester
is passively preparing for yet another battle with a dreaded but familiar foe,
lake effect snow. Winter boots and labored commutes will surely be the
icebreaker (pun intended) conversation starters at the office water cooler
today. But for the Urban Planner, as well as the casual observer, periods of
light snow can be opportunities for great discovery. In that […]
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JOIN OUR TEAM!
Part-time Cycling Coordinator Position Available Do you get excited by the
sight of cycle tracks and trails? Do abruptly ending bike lanes
and hazardous intersections make you crazy? Are you organized, resourceful,
self-motivated and flexible? Your dream job awaits. Reconnect Rochester is
searching for an individual to spearhead all cycling related events, advocacy,
education, and outreach activities for our organization. This person will work
closely with our volunteer Cycling Work Group in running all aspects of our
cycling efforts, and will work out of our office in the Hungerford building on
E. Main St. The job may be part-time, but the benefits are endless. To apply,
email a cover […]
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SPEAK UP FOR CYCLE TRACKS ON MAIN STREET
The City of Rochester is planning work on two sections of Main St.: from St.
Paul St. to State St., and from Goodman St. to Culver Rd. Cycle tracks (bike
lanes separated from motor traffic by a curb) are included in one of the design
options for each section. The Rochester Cycling Alliance supports cycle tracks
for these projects! Cycle tracks promote the highest level of safety for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles including buses. We hope you will
take just a minute, right now, to send letters expressing your support of cycle
tracks. We’ve written this draft letter about […]
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WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED TOGETHER IN 2018
As we look back on 2018, we're pretty darn proud of what we've accomplished
together this year. The highlights below are just a snapshot of all the good
work we've been able to do, thanks to the financial support of Reconnect
members, the passionate volunteers that made our programs and initiatives run,
and so many others that engaged in our work in countless ways. Thanks to each
and every one of you. If you haven't yet made a membership donation, we hope
you'll consider doing so to help fuel our work in 2019! View the membership
levels and gift options here. And don't forget, [...]
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COMPLETE STREETS SERIES (PART 3 OF 3): SAFER ROCHESTER STREETS, AN INTERSECTION
AT A TIME
In this final installment of our Complete Streets Blog Series, guest author
David Riley will highlight a sampling of intersections and trouble spots that
were nominated for the Complete Streets Makeover project, and share his ideas
for how they might be made safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
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COMPLETE STREETS SERIES (PART 2 OF 3): RE-DESIGNING OUR “FINALIST” STREETS FOR
PEOPLE
Back in May, we launched our Complete Streets Makeover project by asking the
general public to help identify the intersections and trouble-spots where you
live, work and play that could be redesigned to make them safer for everyone. We
received over 90 nominations, and after a careful process to examine each and
every submission, we selected the following locations:
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COMPLETE STREETS SERIES (PART 1 OF 3): A NEIGHBORHOOD INTERSECTION TRANSFORMED
In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities have skyrocketed, increasing by 46% from
2009-2016. According to our Crash Map, over 4,000 crashes in Monroe County from
2010-2017 involved bicyclists and pedestrians. Eight people die on our streets
every year as a result of these crashes.
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CANAL PATH + RIVERWAY TRAIL = 10,000 USERS WEEKLY
We posted a few weeks ago about great new data from the Genesee Transportation
Council showing just how much the Riverway Trail gets used–a lot! Now we can
share preliminary data, also from GTC, about usage of the Erie Canal Path.
During the week of 1 September, more than 4000 people used the Canal Path at the
NY-15A bridge. Add that to the Riverway Trail numbers, and you find more than
10,000 users of these great community resources. Let’s make sure they are
supported and expanded! For all you wonks, here’s the data: Sat, Sep 1, 2018:
800 Sun, Sep […]
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TEACHING ENGLISH AND CYCLING IN KAZAN
An update from Karen Lankeshofer, longtime Cycling Alliance member and Henrietta
resident who is teaching in Kazan, Russia: In July 2017, I got an email from a
former ESL student of mine asking me if I wanted to teach English at her
friend’s private school in Kazan, Russia. I jumped at the chance and was here
within 7 weeks. If any of you are soccer fans, you will know that Kazan hosted
many of the World Cup matches during last summer. The city lies about 500 miles
east of Moscow and is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, a […]
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RIVERWAY TRAIL GETTING LOTS OF USE
The Genesee Riverway Trail is getting lots of use, as shown by new data from the
Genesee Transportation Council. Check out the chart: at the Ford Street Bridge,
the east and west branches of the trail together support as many as 6000
pedestrians and cyclists each week! In a city of 210,000, that’s a tremendous
number of people. We at the Rochester Cycling Alliance are cheering that the
Rochester community has these great trails for pedestrians and cyclists, and
we’re cheering that so many are making good use of them. Keep it in mind next
time you talk to elected […]
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PARSELLS AVE. & GREELEY ST. WILL GET A COMPLETE STREETS MAKEOVER
Congratulations to the Beechwood Neighborhood — Parsells Ave. & Greeley St. is
the winner of our Complete Streets Makeover! In May, we asked you to help
identify the intersections and trouble-spots where you live, work and play that
could be redesigned to make them safer for everyone. We received over 90
nominations for roughly 39 City and 11 suburban locations. After a careful
process to examine each and every submission, we selected the following
locations: Parsells Ave & Greeley St. – WINNER Lake Ave. & Phelps St. / block
encompassing Lakeview Tower – FINALIST Monroe Ave., Canterbury Rd. & Dartmouth
[…]
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WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT REIMAGINE RTS PLAN. AND A FEW THINGS WE’D CHANGE.
As you are probably aware, RGRTA is exploring changes to the RTS fixed-route
transit system in an effort to “better meet the evolving needs of the region.”
The project, called Reimagine RTS, aims to improve transit service in Monroe
County, including the City of Rochester. Over 11,000 individuals have
participated in the process by sharing ideas with RTS via an online survey and
many public meetings and the first draft was released last month. [ Read the
Draft Recommendations here. ] After reviewing the draft and hearing input from
many of you, Reconnect Rochester would like to formally share our assessment […]
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OVER 1000 RIDE WITH BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY
Here’s exciting news for those of us who promote bikes and alternative
transportation: more than 1000 people, including many community leaders, rode in
Bike to School Day events at ten different Rochester-area schools on 9 May.
Those events were among thousands nationwide, all held on the same day to
promote biking and walking as great ways to get to school. Biking to school has
lots of benefits. At a time when childhood obesity continues to grow as one of
our country’s greatest health risks, getting kids biking regularly can keep them
in better physical health and form habits for a […]
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OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ROC THE RIVERWAY
The ROC the Riverway Program, jointly supported by the City of Rochester and the
State of New York, will soon bring major changes to Rochester’s riverfront. The
Rochester Cycling Alliance is cheering loud for our community leaders, who made
the right choice when they wrote the Project’s first design principle: “Focus on
design that is oriented to pedestrians, bicyclists, boaters, and recreational
enthusiasts”. That said, the details of the Project haven’t been decided yet,
and for cyclists and pedestrians, some of the draft ideas are better than
others. We at the RCA urge community members to give feedback as planning […]
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REIMAGINE RTS DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS
If you recall, last fall RTS asked for the community’s help to reimagine our
public transit system. Reconnect Rochester shared many of our recommendations
and over 11,000 of you participated by sharing your own ideas with RTS via
online survey or at one of countless public meetings. Well, today we’re dizzy
with excitement as the first “Draft” proposal has finally been revealed…
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ROCHESTER BIKE WEEK 2018
It’s that time of year again: kick off the summer cycling season with Bike Week
2018 in Rochester. The week (plus bonus days) spanning May 11-20 is jam-packed
with bike events, and it’s a great time to get involved. You can find out about
biking at the Public Market or at the Red Wings game, learn bike repair skills
or just borrow a stand and some tools, watch professional racers at the Twilight
Criterium, ride to honor injured cyclists, ride for racial reconciliation, ride
to Rochester’s abolitionist and suffragette landmarks, ride with kids, ride with
churches, ride in seersucker, or […]
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BE PREPARED TO STOP
The American Society of Civil Engineers grades the condition and performance of
America’s transportation infrastructure as a ‘D’ or worse. Our roads and bridges
are crumbling; Over 35,000 people are killed on our highways every year; Our
transit systems are unable to keep up with demand. And the U.S. lags behind the
rest of the developed world in infrastructure investment. This week Reconnect
Rochester hosted a screening of Be Prepared To Stop, a documentary film that
talks about these challenges from the perspective of the freight transportation
industry. We asked a panel of local experts in infrastructure policy and
sustainability [...]
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SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL: HOW ARE WE DOING IN MONROE COUNTY?
Story by: David Riley A Rochester resident and a former journalist, David is
completing a master’s degree in urban planning at the University at Buffalo… For
tens of thousands of Monroe County residents, a sidewalk isn’t just a
convenience. It’s a vital connection to the world. Nearly 12,000 people here
walk to their jobs, U.S. Census data shows. Another 13,000 walk to and from bus
stops in order to take public transportation to work, including as many as 1 in
3 workers in some city neighborhoods. Many people also rely on sidewalks to get
to and from school, medical appointments or […]
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COPENHAGEN, VANGUARD OF BIKE TRANSPORTATION
What’s revolutionary about Copenhagen is how absolutely normal it all seems. In
this, the world’s most bike-friendly city, bikes are just not a big deal,
because bikes are everywhere. Copenhageners take it for granted that every
street has a cycle track, up the curb from cars and separated from sidewalks.
Copenhageners think nothing of seeing a street carrying more bikes than cars,
because it’s almost impossible to find any street that isn’t. None of the two
million residents of the Danish capital notice that school buses are totally
absent, because kids pedal to school, or ride in a parent’s cargo […]
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TALKING ABOUT ROAD DIETS ON CONNECTIONS WITH EVAN DAWSON
Cycling Alliance President Scott MacRae joined Brighton Town Board member Robin
Wilt and Heather O’Donnell of the Rochester People’s Climate Coalition to talk
about road diets on Connections with Evan Dawson. A road diet means narrowing or
eliminating lanes from roads with excess car capacity–leaving more room for
bikes, pedestrians, and human-scale transportation. A section of East Avenue in
Brighton and Pittsford is scheduled for a road diet this year and will be
reconfigured to have one travel lane in each direction along with a central turn
lane, instead of two travel lanes in each direction. The question is whether […]
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REPORT FROM THE WINTER CYCLING CONFERENCE
by Karen Lankeshofer It’s my good fortune to be teaching in Kazan, Russia this
year because it afforded me the opportunity to attend the Winter Cycling
Congress in Moscow. The 4-day conference was held from Thursday, February 7
until Sunday, February 11. It wasn’t just about cycling when it snows, it was
about making cities more livable. (Copenhagen removes snow from the sidewalks
and bike paths first and only then cleans the streets. The snow is then dumped
in parking lots. Motorists understand that they are not the top priority. Ya
gotta love it!) From all the sessions I attended, […]
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THE CITY OF ROCHESTER PUBLIC MARKET: AN IMPORTANT EXAMPLE AND EXPERIMENT IN OUR
COMMUNITY
Guest essay submitted by: Evan Lowenstein, Reconnect Rochester Member and
Assistant Market Supervisor for Communications and Special Events/Projects, City
of Rochester Public Market… The City of Rochester Public Market is an
endearing, fascinating example of the many things planners value and work for:
successful public places and spaces; sense of place; mixed use; real and
working diversity; pedestrian-focused; linkage of city, suburbs, and rural
areas; supportive of the local economy. While the Market has made strides in
multi-modal transportation access by creating a pedestrian, bicycle, and
transit-friendly Market, there is a lot of work to do. The Market can and should
[…]
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WHAT SHOULD TRANSIT-SUPPORTIVE DEVELOPMENT LOOK LIKE IN ROCHESTER?
As part of its new Comprehensive Plan, Rochester 2034, the City of Rochester is
studying which major streets have the best potential for “transit supportive
development” in Rochester. Transit supportive development encourages a mix of
complementary activities and destinations (e.g., housing, work, shopping,
services, and entertainment) along major streets and centers. This kind of
development helps create compact, vibrant communities where it’s easier for
people to walk, bike, and use public transit to get around.
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HOW TO BIKE IN WINTER… WITH MONA SEGHATOLESLAMI
For Rochester Street Films this year we asked local filmmakers and ordinary
citizens to share their perspective on what it’s like to get around Rochester
without a car. No rules; No restrictions; No filter. Rochester NY in February.
It's 19ºF and the ground is slick with snow and ice. But Mona Seghatoleslami,
host of WXXI Classical 91.5 FM will brave the cold attempting to ride her bike
from her home in Brighton to her job in downtown Rochester (about 4 miles).
Afterwards, Mona heads to Tryon Bike shop to find out what type of gear she'll
need for serious winter [...]
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TOP 10 THINGS WE’RE MOST PROUD OF IN 2017
If you’ve recently made a contribution to Reconnect Rochester thank you for
reaffirming your commitment to our mission. But even if you haven’t contributed
dollars, we want to take a moment to thank you for all you’ve given this year in
other ways. Maybe you’ve given to one of our programs or another similar cause.
Maybe you tried riding your bike or taking the bus to work for the first time
and encouraged your friends to try it too. We know many of you have helped to
educate others by writing, making phone calls, speaking out publicly and even
running for […]
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TELL CITY COUNCIL YOU SUPPORT LOWER SPEED LIMITS
Every year in Rochester, hundreds of people are struck by vehicles while out
walking and biking on our community streets. The top two factors in traffic
fatalities in this country are alcohol and speed. And the percentage of crash
deaths that involve speeding is higher on minor roads (like our neighborhood
streets) than on highways and interstates. How fast we drive on our community
streets impacts that safety and quality of life for those who live, work, play
and shop along those streets. Around the country, cities such as Cambridge, MA,
New York City, and Seattle, are lowering their speed […]
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NOTES FROM NORWAY
I might have expected Trondheim, Norway to have lousy bike infrastructure. After
all, its latitude is just shy of the Arctic Circle, it’s a city of only middling
size, and Norway is a petro-state with a trillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund
earned almost entirely from oil. But I would have been dead wrong. I had the
privilege of visiting Trondheim on a recent business trip and was glad to find a
thriving, lovely haven for bikes as transportation. Anecdotally, there seemed to
be more bikes on the roads than cars. The cycle path in front of my hotel headed
straight to […]
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OUR SUGGESTIONS FOR A REIMAGINED RTS
[ Make your voice heard. Take the Reimagine RTS survey. ] Last week RGRTA
announced a plan to “Reimagine RTS.” Reconnect Rochester believes this is a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community to get mass transportation
right. We all have a stake in the success of our public transportation system
and it is critical that RGRTA and its project team have access to thoughts and
ideas from every demographic and every corner of our community. To help, we have
compiled our ideas and recommendations, and we are asking you all to do the
same. But first, we need to understand how we got here. […]
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“REIMAGINE RTS” – A FRESH START FOR ROCHESTER’S TRANSIT SYSTEM?
Moments ago RGRTA announced plans to study sweeping changes to the RTS (Monroe
County) transit system. The effort is being called Reimagine RTS and the goal is
to develop a set of recommendations to address the community’s mobility needs,
increase transit ridership, and position RTS for long-term financial
sustainability.
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WHERE THEY STAND: 2017 CANDIDATES FOR ROCHESTER
Reconnect Rochester surveyed all candidates for Rochester's Mayor and City
Council to learn where they stand on issues related to transportation and
mobility. Questions were designed to give the candidates the opportunity to
share their opinions, ideas and vision for a well-connected and accessible
community. Surveys were sent to all campaign teams on August 2. We did our best
to make contact with all of the candidates. After several follow up attempts,
the responses we have received are posted below. We hope this information will
help you make an informed decision when you head to the polls this November
– and/or [...]
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ZAGSTER ROLLING STRONG IN ROCHESTER
Seen those white cruiser bikes with blue signs and baskets rolling around
neighborhoods in Rochester? So have I–lots of them! Zagster bike share is off to
a strong start in Rochester, according to the update given by Aviva Manin,
Rochester Account Director at Zagster, at last Thursday’s Rochester Cycling
Alliance meeting. The bike share program was started in Rochester in mid-July as
a public-private partnership coordinated by the City, owned and administered by
Zagster, and supported by a large number of businesses, nonprofits, and
government organizations. Using the program is simple: download the Zagster app
to your smartphone, use it […]
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KIDS TOUR ROCHESTER BY BIKING THROUGH PARKS
On July 25, 18 3rd-6th graders along with nine adults from the Rush-Henrietta
Care Program enjoyed a 12-mile “Bike Your Parks” ride from Conkey Corner Park to
Ontario Beach Park. The trip took the group down El Camino Trail where the
participants admired Wall Therapy art along the way, through Seneca Park
(bathroom break!!), across the Genesee on the pedestrian bridge, along Lake
Avenue on the Riverway Trail where they saw the Kodak Campus and King’s Landing
Cemetery, and finally through Turning Point Park over the boardwalk and on down
to Lake Ontario. There were no flat tires, no breakdowns, […]
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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS OFFERING ROC TRANSIT DAY DEALS, THIS FRIDAY!
Several local attractions are offering discounted admission this Friday, June
16, to celebrate ROC Transit Day. In years past Reconnect Rochester has
organized the event, aimed at encouraging Rochesterians to leave their cars and
instead use public transit for their daily travels. While we have no big
festivities planned for this year, you can still participate in the “car-free
holiday”. Simply leave your car at home this Friday, ride the bus, walk, bike,
enjoy the fresh air – and wish your friends a “Happy ROC Transit Day!” You can
also take advantage of several great deals being offered at local attractions
when you show […]
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ALERT: TRUMP 2018 BUDGET PROPOSAL TAKES AIM AT PUBLIC TRANSIT
The Trump Administration has released its full fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget
proposal and it includes significant cuts to public transportation including…
Eliminating Federal funding for all 15 long-distance passenger rail routes,
including the Lake Shore Limited that stops here in Rochester each day
Eliminating the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Program (New
Starts) that helps cities of all sizes build new transit lines Eliminating the
competitive TIGER grant program which has helped fund previously unattainable
local projects such as Rochester’s new Amtrak station Transportation
professionals and advocates around the country are sounding the alarm…
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ROAD RAGE AGAINST CYCLIST NEARLY TURNS BAD – WHAT CAN WE LEARN?
A local cyclist sent us a video of a road rage incident he experienced last
weekend while riding his bike south on East Henrietta Road near the intersection
at Westfall. Thankfully, no one was hurt – in the end, a good samaritan stepped
in and called RPD. But there are clearly some important lessons to be learned.
First a word of caution; this video contains some graphic language…
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RECKLESS DRIVING CONCERNS HIGHLAND PARK NEIGHBORS
Guest essay submitted by: Michael Tomb & Marcia Zach, Highland Park residents…
Dear Friends, As many of you are aware, because of a crash near the intersection
of Meigs & Linden, in 2009, we created the HPNA Traffic Calming team which
eventually became “The Highland Placemaking Team”. We came up with a plan for
traffic calming in the area of our playground and, although quite a few items
were implemented, many of the safety related traffic calming features were not
because of County resistance, City policy and other things. Our intent was to
avoid something as what JUST happened in my […]
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PACKED SCHEDULE FOR BIKE WEEK 2017
Bike Week 2017 in Rochester officially runs 13-21 May, and the schedule is
packed! The RCA calendar lists it all: You can learn about biking instead of
driving at I pass gas: An event for the bikecurious, find good routes at Route
planning HELP!, and learn maintenance at the Bike repair skill share. You can
take a ride with the kids at Kidical Mass Pittsford, or take a ride with the
ladies at the CycloFemme Mother’s Day ride, and another at the Full Moon Vista
Ladies Ride. You can ride to school as part of any of seven local Bike […]
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BIKE LOCKERS IN CITY GARAGES
Now you can keep your bike safe, secure, and dry in a locker in downtown
Rochester! Fully-enclosed lockers are free to use in the Mortimer Street Garage,
across from the RTS Transit Center. You can also rent a locker in many other
downtown garages: High Falls, Sister Cities, Court Street, South Avenue,
Washington Square, and East End. Rentals are available for the full year, winter
only, or for three seasons. Interested? More information is available on the
City’s bike parking page. And don’t forget that City garages have free-to-use
racks, too! Big thanks go to Bruce Wilbur for bringing lockers […]
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UNDERSTANDING “CAR CULTURE”
For Rochester Street Films this year we asked local filmmakers and ordinary
citizens to share their perspective on what it’s like to get around Rochester
without a car. No rules; No restrictions; No filter. Alex Freeman has previously
made several films about local cyclists. With this project Alex attempts to
understand why the automobile has had such a grip on the hearts and minds of
Rochester commuters – and if there’s any room for understanding… We’d like to
ask for your help getting these films in front of as many people as we can. If
you would like to host […]
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YOU CAN’T SEE THIS IN A CAR
For Rochester Street Films this year we asked local filmmakers and ordinary
citizens to share their perspective on what it’s like to get around Rochester
without a car. No rules; No restrictions; No filter. Nate Butler grew up around
cars. Learning to work on them with his dad as a kid, he just figured that cars
were the only way to get around. Now a student at R.I.T., Nate has taken up
cross-country running and he’s learning something new about his community with
every step… We’d like to ask for your help getting these films in front of as
many […]
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GETTING AROUND WITH A DISABILITY
For Rochester Street Films this year we asked local filmmakers and ordinary
citizens to share their perspective on what it’s like to get around Rochester
without a car. No rules; No restrictions; No filter. Ericka Jones, a Systems
Advocate at Center for Disability Rights, focuses on a segment of our population
often overlooked. For people with disabilities, Ericka shows us how running a
simple errand requires careful planning days in advance. Ironically, even the
streets themselves can become barriers to living a productive life… We’d like to
ask for your help getting these films in front of as many people […]
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ROCHESTER STREET FILMS 2017
We are all very busy. Our days are filled with places we need to go, people we
need to see, things we need to do. Almost like a movie, we bounce between
different scenes of our daily lives. But unlike a movie, we can’t simply edit
out all of the time in between those scenes. We don’t think much about our time
in transit. But the way we use that time may say a lot about who we are. Are you
the type of person who takes time to enjoy the journey? Or is the journey
something you’d rather fast forward through? What […]
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UPDATE FROM THE NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT
by Scott MacRae, MD I attended the League of American Cyclists National Bike
Summit in Washington, DC, again this year, seeing old friends and meeting new
ones with over 400 attendees. If you have never attended, it’s a fantastic
opportunity to get more educated on the issues of our times as well as network
with very sophisticated bike, walking, and transportation experts. This year was
no exception. I attended sessions on fundraising, self driving vehicles, and
other issues, but the best information came from my one-on-one discussions with
participants. First of all, federal funding won’t change remarkably in the near
[…]
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SUCCESS STORIES AT THE SOUTH-CENTRAL PA REGIONAL BIKE SUMMIT
Want to hear about the successes of like-minded promoters of cycling as
transportation? Attend the South-Central PA Regional Bike Summit on Saturday, 18
March. The target audience includes on and off-road riders, bike club members,
bike shop representatives, bicycle advocates, municipal planners, tourism
promoters, health advocates, and more. The Summit will focus on how local
communities were successful in adding bike lanes, trails and other cycling
accommodations and how you can replicate their success in your community. The
keynote speaker is Roy Gothie, PennDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator.
Experts from local, state and national organizations will be serving as
presenters […]
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MAYBE NOT SO UBER FOR EVERYONE
Guest essay submitted by: Ericka Jones, Systems Advocate at Center for
Disability Rights… Imagine you found out Uber was coming to your town. The
typical response is to be really excited and relieved that a lower cost and
convenient ride service was coming to your area. You no longer have to deal with
the stress of how you will get to work on time or if a ride is even available!
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HUDSON AVE. BIKE SHARE STATION IS FULLY FUNDED
In spring 2017, Rochester will get a bike share program, run by Zagster. Our
friends at Reconnect Rochester wanted to make bike share broadly accessible to
city residents, and in particular saw need for a bike share station on Hudson
Ave. in the Upper Falls neighborhood, where no station had otherwise been
planned. But there’s a cost: $9000 for the additional station. That brings us to
the good news. The Crowdrise campaign to raise the money was wildly successful,
and the Hudson Ave. station is now fully funded. More than 140 people donated
(read the full list), more than $1000 […]
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MAIN STREET BIKE LANE: PROGRESS UPDATE
The City of Rochester will soon make substantial updates to Main Street, and RCA
is among a coalition of citizens advocating for dedicated bike lanes on our
new-and-improved Main Street. Read more about the project in the January RCA
meeting minutes, available here.
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REPORT: STREETS NOT DESIGNED TO SERVE EVERYONE IN COMMUNITY
Smart Growth America just released its 2016 Dangerous By Design Report, which
examines pedestrian crash fatalities from 2005 – 2014. Read our synopsis
here and find our how Rochester ranked.
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NOTES FROM MASSBIKE ADVOCACY BOOT CAMP
by Jesse Peers Let me get this out of the way: I’m a relatively recent bicycle
convert. I grew up in a cul-de-sac neighborhood way out in the ‘burbs and had
nowhere to cycle to as a kid. Seventeen years later living in the City, upon
hearing me say it might be nice to have a bike again for some short trips, my
uncle gave me a cheap mountain bike he wasn’t using (thanks Gary!). It wasn’t
until I caught the excitement surrounding ROC Transit Day and took an urban
cycling class at the Rochester Brainery (thanks Tracey!) that I […]
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RCA 2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The coming of a new year gives good opportunity for reflection, and we’re proud
to say that the Rochester Cycling Alliance accomplished quite a lot in 2016 to
promote biking and bike infrastructure in the Rochester area. A list is below
(and in PDF format here). In 2017 we plan to do even more, and we hope you’ll be
involved! Bicycle Friendly City Bronze Award, League of American Bicyclists RCA
assisted Department of Environmental Services, City of Rochester, with the
preparation of the application for this prestigious award. Town & Village
Bicycle-Pedestrian Plans Brighton, Pittsford, Penfield, Perinton, Irondequoit,
and Greece […]
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TRANSPORTATION AND POVERTY (PART 6): WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?
Posted by: Pete Nabozny, Associate Principal at CGR and co-owner of Tru Yoga As
we’ve seen previously in this series of posts on Transportation & Poverty, the
costs associated with transportation for Rochesterians in poverty are
considerable. Low-income workers are faced with a difficult choice – spend a
high portion of their income on a car and associated expenses so that they can
get to work in a reasonable amount of time or lose many hours each week
commuting by public transportation, effectively reducing their hourly pay and
crowding out other productive activities. The ongoing de-concentration of jobs
and housing in […]
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TRANSPORTATION AND POVERTY (PART 5): THE PROBLEM WITH SPRAWL
Posted by: Pete Nabozny, Associate Principal at CGR and co-owner of Tru Yoga So
far, we’ve examined how long commute times limit the ability of low-income
workers who live in high poverty areas in the City to reach jobs through public
transportation. We have also explored how the cost of car ownership is often
prohibitively expensive for these same individuals. This post will assess how
the continuing sprawl of our region has a particularly negative impact on
low-income residents.
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TRANSPORTATION AND POVERTY SERIES (PART 4): THE COST OF CAR OWNERSHIP
Posted by: Pete Nabozny, Associate Principal at CGR and co-owner of Tru Yoga
Last time, we explored the problem of the long commute in Rochester and its
impact on the effective wage of low income workers. Obviously, we are not the
first to point this problem out. You might logically conclude, like many
well-meaning organizations have, that we must provide a program or mechanism
through which low-income folks can receive or buy a reasonably priced car. After
all, that is the mode of transit for an overwhelming majority of our region’s
residents and studies have suggested that access to a vehicle […]
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TRANSPORTATION AND POVERTY (PART 3): THE LONG BUS COMMUTE AND THE VALUE OF TIME
Posted by: Pete Nabozny, Associate Principal at CGR and co-owner of Tru Yoga
Here in Rochester, most middle class households own a car or two and think
nothing of driving to their place of employment. For these individuals,
public transportation needs to be a competitive alternative to driving for them
to ditch their cars. If a bus stops near a person’s home frequently
and reliably, and drops that person off near their place of work within 10
minutes or so of what it would take them to drive, they may opt to commute by
bus.
Read more
TRANSPORTATION AND POVERTY (PART 2): WHAT IS POVERTY?
Posted by: Pete Nabozny, Associate Principal at CGR and co-owner of Tru Yoga
Over the next two weeks, Reconnect Rochester is going to publish a series of
pieces that explore the issue of poverty in our region. These articles will
focus primarily on the intersection of poverty with public transportation,
sprawl, and community planning. But before we start, it is important to have a
firm understanding of what the problem is and why it is so pernicious in our
region.
Read more
INTRODUCTION TO TRANSPORTATION AND POVERTY IN THE ROCHESTER REGION
Posted by: Pete Nabozny, Associate Principal at CGR and co-owner of Tru Yoga
The statistics are overwhelming – 111,000 Monroe County residents live in
poverty, accounting for slightly more than 15% of the region’s total population.
Within the City of Rochester, a full 34% of the City’s population (or over
68,000 people) live below the poverty line, including over 50% of children in
the City. The percentage of City residents in poverty has risen by 30% since
1990, when less than 24% of City residents were impoverished.
Read more
BREAKING THE BUBBLE, 5 DECEMBER 7:30-8:30
Be part of the discussion “Breaking The Bubble: Re-Humanizing Rochester: The
Past, Present, and Future of Rochester’s Transportation System”, 5 December,
7:30-8:30 at Brue Coffee downtown. Reconnect Rochester founder Mike Governale
and City of Rochester Transportation Specialist Erik Frisch will speak about
getting around by bike, light rail, Lyft, Uber, and more. It’s the first in a
series of events soon to include presentations from Joshua Dubler and Mayor
Lovely Warren. Come on out!
Read more
3-FOOT PASSING LAW + JERSEYS!
We at the Rochester Cycling Alliance are working with the New York Bike
Coalition toward a state law requiring motorists to leave a 3-foot space when
passing cyclists on the road. You can read more and help by contacting your
local Assemblyman or local Senator, donating to RCA, and donating to NYBC. You
can also show your support by wearing this jersey to spread the message! Want
one? Contact Maura Gannan at NYBC.
Read more
ROCHESTER AWARDED BRONZE BICYCLE FRIENDLY CITY STATUS
by Harvey Botzman The League of American Bicyclists continues to cite Rochester
for its success as a Bicycle Friendly City. In its most recent Fall, 2016,
rankings, Rochester once again achieved a Bronze rating. More than 140 cities
applied for this prestigious award this year. More than 404 cities throughout
the USA have ranked for their bicycling infrastructure. Of Rochester’s nearest
municipal neighbors, Buffalo is ranked as an Honorable Mention city; Ithaca as a
Bronze city; and Syracuse is unranked. Being ranked as a Bicycle Friendly City
has important tourism ramifications. Not only do leisure bicycle tourists
traveling in the […]
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RTS INTRODUCES NEW ‘TAP & GO‘ CARD, PLUS TEXT & EMAIL ALERTS
This week RTS introduced a new Tap & Go! RTS Fast Pass. The new fare card lets
customers simply tap it on the fare box (on the bulls-eye) when boarding. When
the fare is accepted the fare box will beep or you will hear “fare deducted” to
know you have successfully paid your fare. If customers make use of the new Tap
& Go! cards they should make boarding a lot faster which would be a good thing
for everyone. Currently, riders insert their fare card into a slot and then must
wait a moment for the card to pop back out – […]
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CITY OF ROCHESTER’S PACE CAR PROGRAM ASKS DRIVERS TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
Posted by: Renee Stetzer, Vice President & Pedestrian Safety Committee Chair at
Reconnect Rochester We were proud to be part of today’s launch of the City of
Rochester’s Pace Car program! We joined Mayor Lovely Warren and other community
leaders to introduce the new citywide initiative that asks drivers to be part of
the solution to make our community streets safer for all who use them. Pace Car
drivers sign a pledge to drive within the speed limit, drive courteously, yield
to pedestrians and be mindful of bicyclists and others on the street. Drivers
display the yellow Pace Car sticker […]
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RECONNECT ROCHESTER HIRES MARY STAROPOLI, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
2016 has been an exciting and transformational year for Reconnect Rochester as
an organization. Last month we moved into our first physical location in The
Hungerford Building (1115 East Main Street, Door 4). Sharing a space with the
Community Design Center of Rochester will allow us to build a close working
relationship with another local organization that has been a champion for
walkable neighborhoods and smart urban planning.
Read more
NELSON VAILS VISIT SPONSORED BY CONKEY CRUISERS, 25-27 SEPTEMBER
Conkey Cruisers, founded by RCA board member Theresa Bowick, will host Olympic
medalist and cycling advocate Nelson “Nelly” Vails in Rochester 25-27 September.
You can join him to see Cheetah: The Nelson Vails Story, attend a lunch & learn
panel about the health benefits of legalizing electric bikes, ride with Nelly on
a Slow Roll in Buffalo, hear Nelly on WDKX, see a Celebrity Tricycle Race, and
ride again on a Family Fun Ride. Get more details here!
Read more
CITY TO NATURE RIDE WITH GENESSEE LAND TRUST
As part of the first annual ‘Bike Your Park Day’ happening across the United
States, Genesee Land Trust will be leading a City to Nature ride, happening
Saturday, 24 September at 10:00. We will begin the ride on El Camino at Conkey
Corner Park and ride north to Turning Point Park and Lake Ontario, and back.
After the ride, any and all are welcome to join us at the Genesee Brew House for
a late lunch, as Genesee Land Trust will be the featured charity and 10% of your
bill will go to Genesee Land Trusts mission of preserving open […]
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BRINGING ELECTRIC BIKES TO NEW YORK
This essay by Paul Winkeller, Executive Director of the New York Bicycling
Coalition, originally appeared in the Buffalo News on 6 September 2016. In 2002,
federal law was amended to distinguish bicycles with low-power electric motors
capable of reaching speeds of 20 mph or less, known as electric bicycles, from
motorcycles, mopeds, and motor vehicles. The New York State Legislature never
changed state law to conform to this federal standard. Although it is completely
legal to sell and purchase electric bicycles in New York, it is illegal to
operate them on public roadways. This creates confusion for manufacturers and
consumers […]
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MAKING CONNECTIONS AT THE WOMEN'S SAFE CYCLING SUMMIT
An enthusiastic group participated in the Women’s Safe Cycling Summit organized
by Karen Lankeshofer and held at the Legacy at Erie Station in Henrietta, on
September 10. The participants, with riding skills ranging from novice to
expert, heard keynote speaker Theresa Bowick of Conkey Cruisers explain how she
changed a community through cycling and making healthy choices. Harvey Botzman
of the Rochester Cycling Alliance led a discussion on advocating for better
infrastructure for cyclists and walkers; Maria Furgiuele of R Community Bikes
gave a workshop on basic bike maintenance and repair. Participants discussed how
they could work further to create […]
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ROCHESTER INTERMODAL STATION 2016 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester There
hasn’t been much coverage about the progress on Rochester’s new intermodal
station lately. So we thought we’d do another construction update and let you
know that the project is moving along as scheduled and the new station is
expected to be open and ready for passengers next summer, 2017. Since our last
update, the rickety old 1970s Amtrak station has been demo’d, bridge and tunnel
work has largely been completed, and the new building is rising above the site.
You can find most of these photos and information on […]
Read more
FUN NEW BIKE RACKS IN CULVER-MERCHANTS NEIGHBORHOOD
This past spring NeighborWorks Rochester invited local artists to submit designs
for new bike racks in The Triangle area of North Winton Village. The winning
artists were announced earlier this summer, and the finished racks are now open
and waiting for you to secure your bike…
Read more
ON SPOKES & FOLKS: BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY
On 15 August, the local radio show Spokes & Folks featured Bike to School Day
activities around Rochester as its topic. Host (and RCA board member) Dan Lill
led a discussion with guests Karen Lankeshofer, Glenn Cerosaletti, and Doug
Kelley. Listen here to a great conversation about ways to get our kids more
active and build our communities through cycling! And since that episode, here’s
an example of the way things should be: lots of use of the bike rack for
students at staff at the Rush-Henrietta Central School District’s Good Shepherd
site.
Read more
WHY SMALL THINGS MATTER: ARTISTIC BIKE RACKS IN A TRANSITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD
by Monica Finger, NeighborWorks® Rochester The intersection between healthy,
stable, and prosperous neighborhoods and those neighborhoods that support
infrastructure for alternative transportation is well-documented. Communities
that are walkable and ‘bike-able’ have reduced congestion, pollution, and noise;
they promote interaction and neighborly connectedness at a grassroots level;
they are visually appealing and desirable. Such neighborhoods also may be less
likely to suffer from disinvestment, as the “walkability of an area increases
the per-foot price of commercial and residential spaces” [1]. NeighborWorks®
Rochester, a non-profit community development organization founded in 1979,
provides many services to tenants and homeowners in the Rochester area, […]
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BIKE-IN MOVIE 11 AUGUST AT THE PUBLIC MARKET
Here’s a great way to enjoy summer on two wheels: a bike-in movie! On 11 August,
after Richard Fries’ talk, you can roll over to the Public Market to see the
1983 feature film BMX Bandits. Music and socializing start at 8:00 pm, then the
movie starts at 9:00. The event is jointly sponsored by Rochester Cycling
Alliance and the City of Rochester. Find out more here and sign up for the
Facebook event.
Read more
RICHARD FRIES SPEAKS ABOUT CYCLING & CITY REVITALIZATION 11 AUGUST
Richard Fries, Executive Director of MassBike, will lead a discussion 11 August
about cycling, urban development and revitalization, and attracting and
retaining the millennial generation. Join in! The event will start with a
reception at 5:30, continue with Richard’s presentation at 6:00, and wrap up
with a question and answer session at 7:30, all at the Strong National Museum of
Play. Find more information here, and email Shana at Full Moon Vista if you plan
to attend.
Read more
TWO GREAT EVENTS ON 13 AUGUST
Saturday, 13 August 2016 will be a great day to get involved in cycling! First,
the Eastside YMCA Charity Ride will offer routes of 50, 20, and 10 miles
starting from the Y at 8:00 am, 9:30, and 10:00, respectively. Post-ride
festivities will continue until 1:00, and all proceeds benefit the YMCA.
Register here. Second, the Rochester Twilight Criterium will bring top-ranked
professional cyclists to a fast-paced race through downtown Rochester. The first
of many amateur races starts at 3:15, the pros start at 6:25, and awards will be
presented at 10:15 pm. Expect high-intensity racing, vendors, food trucks, and
[…]
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WHEN IT COMES TO JOBS, LOCATION MATTERS.
Posted by: DeWain Feller, Vice President at Reconnect Rochester Recent articles
have highlighted Rochester’s dependency on parking, and have illustrated how our
over-reliance on parking is limiting downtown development. This is in turn
limiting how many jobs can be located in the city, and many people are beginning
to make the connections between the location of jobs, access to jobs, and our
debilitating poverty problem.
Read more
DO-IT-YOURSELF BUS STOP BENCH
Posted by: Daniel Speciale, volunteer at Reconnect Rochester When the Reconnect
Rochester volunteers were out on Joseph Avenue last month placing the latest set
of bus stop cubes, I noticed this crumbling bit of concrete (above) and thought…
What the hell is it? We kicked around some thoughts; Maybe a base for one of
those traffic signal boxes? Part of an old bus shelter? An old stoop leading to
a long-demolished storefront? An email to my street design guy (yeah, I know a
guy) quickly solved the mystery…
Read more
NEW BIKE LANES ON CRITTENDEN BOULEVARD
There’s great news for the thousands of people who come and go from University
of Rochester Medical Center every day: new bike lanes on Crittenden Boulevard!
The bike lanes run the entire length of Crittenden in both directions, from Mt.
Hope Avenue to Kendrick Road, and are separated from motor traffic by a painted
margin. Do you know of other improvements and upgrades to bike infrastructure
around Rochester? Drop us a line.
Read more
ON THE RADIO: BIKE PLANS IN ROCHESTER AND AT U OF R
Good conversations about bike infrastructure, involving RCA members, have been
on the radio twice this month. First, Evan Dawson recently led a discussion of
the Bicycle Master Plan of the City of Rochester on his show Connections on
WXXI. RCA’s own Scott MacRae, Karen Lankeshofer, John Lam, and Theresa Bowick
were all part of the conversation. You can listen here. Second, Dan Lill
recently led a discussion of bike infrastructure at the University of Rochester
on his show Spokes and Folks on WAYO. Featured guests included Bruce Bashwiner,
Associate Vice President of University Facilities and Services; Hugh Kierig,
Director of […]
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BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY 2016 IN ROC
In third grade, I started biking to school. I usually rode with my brother, up
the hill that seemed so big at the time, winding through the neighborhood,
crossing one busy street — with a crossing guard, of course. Along the way we
passed other kids’ houses, and in time, many of those other kids became our
football teammates and Boy Scout buddies and best friends. There was a bike
lane, and a sidewalk paved between two houses, so that it felt like a secret
passage when it led us across a small bridge and into the back of the […]
Read more
BIKES VS. CARS : 6:30PM, WEDNESDAY AT THE LITTLE
Bikes vs Cars premiers in Rochester this Wednesday kicking off a full line-up of
events for Rochester Bike Week 2016. Starting as a Kickstarter project in
September 2013, this much anticipated film tells of the modern bike revolution
in cities across the world. Reserve your seat with a donation in any amount
(either online or at the door) and you’ll also be entered into a raffle to win a
$25 gift card for Abundance Food Co-op or Towner’s Bike Shop, OR a $20 gift card
for Harts Local Grocers!
Read more
BUS STOP CUBE PROGRAM EXPANDS TO JOSEPH AVENUE
Posted by: Daniel Speciale, volunteer at Reconnect Rochester If you’ve been
hunting for a place to sit down while waiting for your bus to arrive, rejoice.
The CUBES are back! This year our volunteers have already placed 14 of those
colorful little bus stop cube seats and the program is expanding with 5
additional cubes being placed on Joseph Avenue…
Read more
RECONNECT ROCHESTER SURVEY
Reconnect Rochester envisions a community connected by a robust transportation
network that makes it easy for everyone—regardless of physical or economic
ability—to get around. To achieve this vision, it is important for us to
prioritize our goals, and focus on activities that have the greatest potential
to advance those goals in a measurable way. You can help us by answering this
quick survey…
Read more
WESTERN NEW YORK BIKE FESTIVAL
The Western New York Bike Festival will take place 4 & 5 June at Dryer Road Park
in Victor. At least 10 regional bike organizations — including RCA — will be
there, as well as bike shops from the region, with bikes for test rides. The
event is for “celebrating, uniting, and growing the cycling community”, and you
can learn more on the event website.
Read more
CANALWAY TRAIL DETOUR AT WEST HENRIETTA ROAD
Planning to ride the Canalway Trail? Bridge construction will block the trail at
West Henrietta Road for most of 2016, so detour routes are in effect. Heading
east, you’ll leave the canal at West Henrietta and ride Westfall Road, returning
to the canal just before I-390. Heading west, you’ll leave the canal just past
I-390 and ride Westfall Road, returning at Kendrick Road. Here’s a map. Don’t
forget to leave a few extra minutes for your ride!
Read more
ANALYSIS OF NY STATE TRANSIT BUDGET 2016-2017
[ Story via: NYPTA ] New York’s 2016-17 state budget contains increases in
appropriations for transit operating and capital aid, and also includes a
commitment to fund a 5-year capital program for Non-MTA transit systems, the
first multiyear capital program in many years. The final budget provides
significant increases in transit capital and operating aid over last year’s
levels and addresses a number of NYPTA’s priorities…
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CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON ROCHESTER’S FIRST LEGO BUS STOP
What could take the doldrums out of waiting for your bus? How about waiting from
within a giant LEGO® bus shelter? Oh yeah. If you’re traveling from French Road
on the #47 bus this spring, you’ll be able to do just that…
Read more
LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN 2040
Posted by: Daniel Speciale, volunteer with Reconnect Rochester. The Genesee
Transportation Council (GTC) is asking for public input on their Long Range
Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region 2040 (LRTP 2040). The
LRTP identifies the direction for the region’s transportation system and serves
as the framework for future investment in highways, bridges, public
transportation, bicycle and pedestrian projects over the next 25 years. The LRTP
2040 Public Review Document provides an introduction to the LRTP 2040 planning
processes, a summary of customer engagement feedback, a financial analysis with
revenues and costs, and draft recommendations based on regional needs and […]
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TRANSPORTATION & EQUITY: UPCOMING RESHAPING ROCHESTER LECTURE
Posted by: Brenda Massie, Board Member and Secretary, Reconnect Rochester. As
Gridlock Sam Schwartz told us this past Wednesday, Rochester is a city ‘on the
cusp’ and improving its transportation network is critical in keeping the
momentum. The Community Design Center’s upcoming ReShaping Rochester lecture
titled Mobility: Transportation as a Leveler will likely build on that message.
It is exciting to us at Reconnect that these progressive transportation leaders
are making their rounds through Rochester to share experiences and (hopefully)
spark some action! Given Rochester’s appalling poverty rate, ensuring access to
goods, services, jobs and education through public transportation is […]
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“GRIDLOCK” SAM SCHWARTZ COMING TO ROCHESTER, FEBRUARY 24
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester On
Wednesday, February 24, Reconnect Rochester will bring Samuel Schwartz to
Rochester. Sam is the former traffic commissioner for New York City and the man
who literally invented the word “Gridlock.” Gridlock Sam is one of the leading
transportation experts in the United States today. He is currently a columnist
at the New York Daily News. And his firm, Sam Schwartz Engineering, has recently
produced a plan for the redesign of East Main Street here in Rochester…
Read more
SNOW DOWN ON NORTH CLINTON!
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester
Volunteers from Reconnect Rochester and Flower City AmeriCorps are teaming up to
clear snow from bus stops and crosswalks in various Rochester neighborhoods this
winter. We’re calling it The Great Rochester Snow Down and we could use your
help on Saturday 1/23…
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ROCHESTER'S FIRST BIKE BOULEVARD
This fall the City of Rochester established the first of its planned bike
boulevards, routes along city streets that connect cyclists to destinations in
many neighborhoods while avoiding busy intersections and heavy automobile
traffic. This boulevard starts at Monroe Ave. & Canterbury Rd., heading east on
Canterbury and Harvard St. It crosses the throughway via the pedestrian bridge
at School 1, then follows Hillside Ave. across Winton Rd. and south to Highland
Ave. Traffic signals at Culver Rd. and Monroe Ave. have been upgraded to sense
bikes. Check it out for yourself! A few photos are below.
Read more
GRAB YOUR SHOVEL; THE GREAT ROCHESTER SNOW DOWN BEGINS
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester ***
This post is outdated. Click here for the latest Snow Down information. ***
Record cold temperatures and mountains of snow last year made many of our
sidewalks and bus stops inaccessible for weeks at a time. This year, before
winter tightens its icy grip, Reconnect Rochester would like to invite you to
help us defend our streets by taking part in The Great Rochester Snow Down .
Every other Saturday from January 9 – March 6, volunteers from Reconnect
Rochester and Flower City AmeriCorps will gather together along […]
Read more
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: ROCHESTER STREET FILMS
If you weren’t in the audience this past Thursday evening at the first-ever
Rochester Street Films, well, you missed one heck of a good time. Maybe you got
stuck in traffic and had to turn back. We get it, life happens. While we can’t
recreate the energetic live panel discussions, we can at least share a portion
of the event with you here…
Read more
FEATURED CYCLIST: ROBERT HOWLAND (AND ELEANOR)
Today we begin a series of posts featuring cyclists around Rochester,
highlighting common interests and needs as well as the great diversity of ways
cycling is a part of our community. What are you riding? It’s a Trek Soho-S
single speed from R-Community bikes. What’s a typical ride like for you? I bike
with my dog Eleanor Roosevelt, for exercise. We usually go about 5 miles around
Goodman, Park Ave, and South Ave. I really like the High Falls area. Why do you
cycle? Well, I started because my roommate rode all the time. He took me to
R-Community bikes, […]
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BUS CUBE UPDATE
Posted by: Daniel Speciale, volunteer at Reconnect Rochester You may recall
reading some time ago that Reconnect Rochester had come up with a temporary
solution to the lack of seating at Rochester’s bus stops. Here’s an update…
Read more
MONROE COUNTY MILLENNIALS AND ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
In a recent survey by Monroe County, young adults around Rochester listed bike
lanes and walkable communities among the factors keeping them in the area.
Moving forward, they asked for more bike lanes and a bike share program,
pointing to easier non-automotive transit as a key enabler for living downtown.
Those opinions are consistent with the findings of cities across the nation:
bike infrastructure brings young professionals and jobs that can revitalize
urban cores.
Read more
ROCHESTER STREET FILMS 2015 KICKOFF
*** This post is outdated. Click here for the latest Street Films information.
*** Join us at The Little Theatre on November 19, 2015 for the first ever
Rochester Street Films event. Through short film clips and community discussion
moderated by Rachel Barnhart (WROC-TV) we will explore “the future of
transportation” in and around Rochester—in particular, walking, biking, & public
transit. We’ll see how cities around the world are implementing smart
transportation design and policies to create better places to live, work and
play. And we’ll also hear from local experts and everyday Rochesterians about
the current and future state […]
Read more
WHAT’S THE FREQUENCY, RTS?
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester The
map above shows Rochester’s public transit network. Looks impressive with all of
its lines stretching out across Monroe County. From Webster to Chili; Greece to
Penfield; there’s a bus or two to get you there. On the other hand, if our
transit network were really as good as it looks on this map, why are less than
2% of all trips in Rochester made using public transit? Hmmm… Maybe because
parking is cheaper than air here in Rochester? Well, yes. But also, this map
might be overstating the effective […]
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ROCHESTER INTERMODAL STATION 2015 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester Since
ground broke on Rochester’s new intermodal station last October, people have
been asking us, “What’s happening with the new station? …When’s it going to be
finished?!” The grounds surrounding Rochester’s current Amtrak station have been
swarming with construction activity since the springtime. But with any project
of this size and significance, progress may at times appear agonizingly slow.
The bottom line is: work is progressing and rail passengers should be using the
new station by September 2017. You can find all of this information on the
NYSDOT website but […]
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INFRASTRUCTURE IN ROCHESTER: BIKE BOXES
Whatever is happening in Montreal, Rochester has great (and growing) bike
infrastructure, too. Here Erik Frisch, a city Transportation Specialist and guru
of alternative transportation, describes bike boxes, which allow for safer left
turns at busy intersections around town.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/ZrkCgL7TIzY[/youtube]
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MONTREAL'S WORLD-CLASS BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE
Just back from a vacation in Montreal, I’ll volunteer a report about the
infrastructure of that admirably bike-friendly city. Montreal is easier to
traverse by bike than any city I have ever visited, and appears to have more
cyclists on its roads as well. Spending four days there, my wife and I saw
nearly all the major sites, visiting every neighborhood in our guidebook — and
more. We never used a car, or even the Metro, but logged 110 miles on our bikes.
Montreal’s bike infrastructure works for a number of inter-dependent reasons.
First, Montreal has a critical mass of […]
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INTRODUCING “STREETS FOR THE PEOPLE”
Posted by: board member Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at
RocVille.com Regular, everyday citizens rallying together can set in motion
great change in our communities. After all, the people who are most in touch
with what is needed in our neighborhoods are those who live, walk, ride, play,
drive, shop and work in them every day. Reconnect Rochester is happy to announce
a new initiative that is a direct result of everyday citizen action: Streets for
the People…
Read more
MONROE COUNTY CRASH MAP
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester Just
about every day on the local news we hear about a crime that took place
somewhere in our community. And usually after that news you’ll often hear a
traffic report… “An accident at the I-590 split has traffic backed up ALL the
way to 104. You better give yourself some extra time for your commute this
morning!” What we don’t often hear about—or think about—are the lives that were
impacted as a result of that car crash that has inconvenienced our drive. Now
here’s something that might help put […]
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FINAL CALL TO PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON MAIN STREET
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester In
case you’ve missed this story, downtown Rochester has 5 large retro-style bus
shelters dotting Main Street between the Rochester Riverside Convention Center
and East Ave. These shelters are no longer being used by RTS since the opening
of the Transit Center. But before the City tears them down, we thought we would
try to find someone who might be interested in turning them into something new –
such as sidewalk cafes, vendors, newsstands, etc…
Read more
ROC TRANSIT DAY 2015
ROC Transit Day is next week – Thursday, June 18. Rochester will be going
car-free in support of a healthier community and we’ve lined up a fun day to
celebrate… bus rides for you and the family, a street dance competition ,
city-wide treasure hunt , music all afternoon outside Rochester Central Library.
Oh, and did someone say flash mob ? So if you haven’t already, pull together a
team of friends or co-workers and hop a bus on June 18. And if you need fare
cards, contact us now . See the full event schedule…
Read more
CITY OF ROCHESTER NOW SEEKING PROPOSALS FOR MAIN STREET BUS SHELTERS
The City of Rochester has issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) to adaptively
reuse, redevelop, and operate five former bus shelters on Main Street in
downtown Rochester, NY. The deadline to respond is June 26 and successful
proposals are expected to be announced by July 31…
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MAYORS’ CHALLENGE FOR SAFER PEOPLE, SAFER STREETS
Posted by: board member Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at
RocVille.com In January, DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx unveiled the Safer People,
Safer Streets Initiative . The goal is to address “non-motorized safety issues
and help communities create safer, better connected bicycling and walking
networks.” He called it the most comprehensive and forward-thinking initiative
the DOT has ever put together on bike and pedestrian issues. It aims to engage
transportation specialists, safety experts, leadership and the public to make
streets safer for a variety of transportation options. And it recognizes the
vital role biking and walking play in a reliable multimodal […]
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PEOPLE MATTER MOST
Posted by: board member Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at
RocVille.com All over the country, cities are implementing new street design and
traffic calming measures to make neighborhoods safer and more accessible for all
who use them. This is an effort to reverse some of the negative consequences of
policies that for decades have prioritized cars above the people who drive them…
Read more
THINK BIG, ROCHESTER
Posted by: Matthew Denker, Advisory Board Member Pop quiz! How much money does
Monroe County contribute directly to the maintenance and operation of its road
network each year? If you answered $13,000,0001 you are absolutely correct. If
not, guess again. So let’s imagine, for a moment, a future in which only half
this money is spent on roads, and the other half goes towards other ways of
getting around. What could we really get from this?
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MOVING ROCHESTER FORWARD
Posted by: DeWain Feller, Vice President For decades, transportation planners
were focused on moving and storing cars as efficiently as possible. The result
today is that Rochesterians have become dependent on driving for virtually all
trips. Homes, stores, offices, and industry have been moved outside of the
effective reach of public transit. Our downtown’s dependence on parking has
thinned out the core of our community until it has become a shell of its former
self. Today, many young singles (and empty nesters) are opting to do away with
the expense of owning a car, and moving back into city centers. […]
Read more
CONGRESS INTRODUCES SAFE STREETS ACT OF 2015
Posted by: board member Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at
RocVille.com Congress introduced a bill this week that will help streets across
the country become safer for all people, regardless of their mode of
transportation. With bipartisan support, The Safe Streets Act of 2015, was
introduced by Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and David Joyce (R-OH):
Read more
NATIONAL DAY OF ADVOCACY FOCUSES ON TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING
Story via: RTS Today, RTS will join with the Genesee Transportation Council, and
local leaders and transportation partners to participate in the American Public
Transportation Association’s (APTA) nationwide Stand Up 4 Transportation Day.
RTS CEO Bill Carpenter will be joined by Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks,
James D. Hoffman, Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors and Genesee
Transportation Council, and representatives from the Rochester Cycling Alliance,
Reconnect Rochester, and other organizations for a rally at the RTS Transit
Center on Thursday, April 9 at 11 a.m…
Read more
RIDE IT: ART AND BICYCLES IN ROCHESTER
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester
Reconnect Rochester is proud to partner with Rochester Contemporary Art Center
to bring you an exhibit focusing on bicycle history and culture in Rochester!
Ride It: Art and Bicycles in Rochester will open on Friday, April 3…
Read more
FINDING A SOLUTION FOR SIDEWALK CLEARING IN ROCHESTER
Posted by: board member Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at
RocVille.com It’s been a tough winter for anyone having to be outside in
Rochester. Transit riders have to hike over ice encrusted snow drifts and stand
in streets, because their stops are buried. Pedestrians have to wear crampons to
trudge across the uneven icy places where sidewalks once were. Those who are
less steady, have things to carry or have to walk with assistance, have been
forced to use the plowed streets. Cyclists hold on as they brave traffic, since
the bike lanes are no longer there. And […]
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YOU CAN SUPPORT INCREASED TRANSIT FUNDING IN NY STATE
Story via: NYPTA The State Senate and Assembly are in final preparation of their
one house budget bills. If you’d like to see improved public transit service in
NY state, now would be a good time to contact your State Senator and Assembly
member to request that they support increased transit funding in the state
budget…
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AVAILABLE POSITIONS WITH RECONNECT ROCHESTER
Reconnect Rochester is a young organization with lots of ambition and we’re
looking for energetic, self-motivated individuals to help us grow. If you have
strong leadership skills and a desire to give back to your community, drop us a
line and request a meeting…
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FOCUS FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Posted by: Bob Williams, VP of Advocacy We are often asked at Reconnect
Rochester questions regarding who is responsible for prioritizing transportation
projects in our region and the process through which that is accomplished. The
answer leads back to the 1962 National Highway Act which required all urbanized
areas of greater than 50,000 population to form a Metropolitan Planning
Organization, or MPO, for the channeling of federal funding to both individual
projects and transportation programs.
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GRAB YOUR SHOVEL, IT’S TIME TO RECONNECT YOUR SIDEWALK…
Posted by: Brenda Massie, Board Member and Secretary, Reconnect Rochester.
Getting around during winter in Rochester is challenging — no matter what mode
of transportation you choose. Subzero temperatures, snowy sidewalks, and
dangerous street conditions become part of everyday life. As a pedestrian, it is
especially hairy…
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2014 THE SAFEST YEAR TO BE A PEDESTRIAN IN NYC SINCE 1910
Posted by: Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at RocVille.com
This month marks the one year anniversary of New York City’s ambitious Vision
Zero campaign , a plan to eliminate traffic fatalities by the year 2024. As part
of the effort , traffic calming and street design measures were implemented,
bike lanes were expanded, speed cameras were installed in school zones, the
citywide default speed limit was reduced to 25 mph, arterial slow zones were
established, public education and awareness were ramped up and the NYPD
significantly stepped up enforcement and ticketing for traffic violations. It’s
an effort that requires […]
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ART OF CONVERSATION
Let’s gather for the art of conversation!
Read more
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES ADDITIONAL RED LIGHT CAMERA STUDY
Posted by: Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at RocVille.com
Last week, the City Council approved further study of Rochester’s red light
camera program. This isn’t a brand new study, but an expansion of the study that
was released in November. The results of that study indicated a reduction in the
number of accidents at 22 intersections that have red light cameras. Two
intersections had no changes in the collision rates before and after the cameras
were installed. And 8 intersections had an increase in the number of collisions.
Those 8 intersections are the subject of the expanded study, […]
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PARKING SUMMIT THIS WEDNESDAY
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester This
Wednesday, 5:30 – 7:00pm at the Penthouse (1 East Avenue – 11th Floor) you are
invited to attend a Downtown Parking Summit hosted by the City of Rochester. But
this is not a meeting to discuss how we create more parking. We’ve tried that
before, and it nearly killed our city. Reconnect Rochester recognizes the
importance of having an adequate supply of downtown parking. However, we believe
parking should be one component to a much larger, diverse plan to improve access
to downtown…
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JOIN ROC IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY & RECONNECT ROCHESTER AT SCOTLAND YARD PUB (1/27)
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester On
Tuesday, January 27 at 6:30pm, Reconnect Rochester will get together with the
Rochester Improvement Society for food, drinks and thoughtful conversation at
Scotland Yard Pub. We’d love to see YOU there! For $5 you’ll get pasta/pizza, a
free beer, and entry into an awesome raffle drawing. Raffle prizes include a
Hart’s Grocers gift card, a Rochester T-shirt package, framed poster/prints from
RochesterSubway.com, and tickets to Landmark Society’s 2015 Inside Downtown
Tour. See the prizes here. You can pay at the door, however, we have less than
50 spots remaining. […]
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HELP NEEDED THIS WEEK ON RESTORING THE TRANSIT COMMUTER BENEFIT
Via: National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates (NAPTA) The Commuter
Tax Benefit program allows commuters the opportunity to pay for a portion of
their commuting expenses with pre-tax dollars. As of January 2014, federal tax
law allows commuters to set aside $250 for qualified parking expenses (an
increase over the previous year). But workers who use public transit saw their
monthly limit shrink from $245 to $130 per month. This imbalance in the tax code
means that transit users could pay as much as $565 in higher taxes annually,
while creating a perverse favoritism in the tax code for automobile […]
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BUS STOP CUBES ARE WINNING COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester Last
month we unveiled an idea to put seating at area bus stops. Our little CUBE
seats have since garnered local and national attention, and we’ve also been
approached by The Harley School, Rochester Community Design Center, and The
Strong National Museum of Play about partnering to make this idea a reality!
Today, Rochester Transit Service (RTS) official threw their support behind the
cubes as well…
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WELCOME MS. RACHEL BARNHART
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester
Reconnect Rochester has some terrific news to share. Made official last week
with a unanimous vote, Ms. Rachel Barnhart has become the newest member of our
Board of Directors!
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MIKE GOVERNALE NOMINATED FOR STRASENBURGH ACTIVISM AWARD
Posted by: Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at RocVille.com
The Rochester Community Design Center hosted the fourth annual Reshaping
Rochester Awards luncheon this week and we had a table full of Reconnect
Rochester board members there to support one of our own – Mike Governale. Mike
was among the nominees for the Betty Strasenburgh Award for Activism . He did
not win the award, but I’ll get to that in a moment…
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CITY OF ROCHESTER NEIGHBORHOOD PETITION FOR SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION
Added to our Cycling Resources page is a PDF containing the City of Rochester
Neighborhood Petition for Speed Limit Reduction. Download Form – Send completed
form to Erik Frisch frische@cityofrochester.gov or mail to: Erik Frisch, Dept.
of Environment Services, City of Rochester, 30 Church Street, Rochester NY,
14614
Read more
BUS STOP CUBES: A PLACE TO REST WHILE YOU WAIT
Posted by: Mike Governale, president and co-founder of Reconnect Rochester
Anyone who has ever used public transportation in Rochester is painfully aware
of two things: At some point will have to wait for your bus, and when you do,
you will probably be standing. But now, Reconnect Rochester is aiming to come up
with a solution…
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NEW BOARD MEMBERS: WELCOME RENEE STETZER AND PHILLIP BORRELLI
We are super excited to announce the addition of Renee Stetzer and Phillip
Borrelli to the Reconnect Rochester Board of Directors! • • • Renee Stetzer
Renee Stetzer will serve as head of Reconnect Rochester’s Pedestrian Safety &
Complete Streets committee and has already begun to lead community efforts on
this front. Renee is a public relations and branding professional with over 15
years experience in the communications industry. She started her career as an
analyst and holds a Masters Degree in Strategic Intelligence from the Joint
Military Intelligence College. She worked for Fleishman-Hillard International
Communications in Washington DC for many […]
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ROCHESTER EXTENDS RED LIGHT CAMERA PROGRAM
Posted by: Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at RocVille.com
Last night the City Council approved the extension of Rochester’s red light
camera program until December 2019. The 6 to 3 vote was originally scheduled for
September, but postponed when the results of the red light camera study were not
yet available. The official report was released last week…
Read more
HELP MOVE US INTO 2015
Posted by: Mike Governale, President, Reconnect Rochester Have you been
following Reconnect Rochester over the past few years? Do you like the idea of
increased transit options and walkable, more vibrant neighborhoods? If so,
please consider making a year-end contribution and keep us rolling into 2015…
Read more
NEW CITYWIDE 25MPH SPEED LIMIT IN NYC
Posted by: Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at RocVille.com
New York City’s new lower citywide speed limit goes into effect today. In June
the NY State legislature passed a bill that allowed NYC to lower its default
speed limit to 25mph . Part of the city’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate traffic
fatalities, the new lower default speed limit was approved by the City Council
in October and signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio last week. And the new 25mph signs
are going up today…
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CITY COUNCIL TO VOTE TO EXTEND RED LIGHT CAMERA PROGRAM
Posted by: Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at RocVille.com
The City Council will vote to extend the red light camera program on October
14th. Rochester began its program in 2010 and there are currently cameras
installed at over 30 intersections. The city recently completed its second study
on the impact the cameras have on traffic accidents at intersections with
cameras. Although the official report is not yet available to the public, some
draft findings were shared at a City Council meeting in August. Here are a few…
Read more
RTS UNVEILS BUS STOP CHANGES
RTS on Thursday announced several changes to its bus routes and stops. Changes
to routes and route numbers will be made in conjunction with the opening of the
RTS Transit Center on November 28, 2014. In addition, new bus stop signage will
be installed system wide in 2015. Here’s what you’ll need to know…
Read more
DEAD END: SUBURBAN SPRAWL AND THE REBIRTH OF AMERICAN URBANISM
On Monday, September 29, Reconnect Rochester will host a discussion with author
and transit advocate Benjamin Ross. Mr. Ross will be at the Public Library on
Monroe Ave. at 6:30 p.m. to talk about his new book, Dead End: Suburban Sprawl
and the Rebirth of American Urbanism . Afterwards, follow us across the street
to Aladdin’s for more conversation with Ross, and enjoy some free munchies
courtesy of Reconnect Rochester. Please join this free event on Facebook and
bring a friend or two. We hope to see you there!
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DEAR CONGRESS… PLEASE PASS A LONG-TERM TRANSPORTATION BILL NOW
On July 31st, Congress approved legislation to avert the insolvency of the
federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF), which provides funding for federal transit and
highway programs. This short-term or “patch” bill provides approximately $10.8
billion in revenues to the HTF and extends the authorizations for federal
transit and highway programs funded from the HTF through the end of May 31,
2015. This means that Congress still needs to develop and pass a long-term
authorization and funding bill before the short-term bill expires next May. In
the meantime, your help is needed to keep the pressure on Congress to pass a […]
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CUOMO APPROVES RED LIGHT CAMERAS THROUGH 2019
Posted by: Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at RocVille.com
Last week Governor Andrew Cuomo granted permission for several cities and
counties in New York, including Rochester, to begin or continue red light camera
programs until 2019. Red light camera programs remain a controversial topic, but
cities all over the country are choosing to continue their programs as they
strive to make their streets safer for all who traverse them. New York City
Mayor de Blasio is leading the charge in our state with his Vision Zero plan, a
multi-faceted approach to reducing traffic fatalities – and red light […]
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CAN LOWER CITY SPEED LIMITS MAKE STREETS SAFER?
Posted by: Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at RocVille.com
All across the country, state legislatures are raising speed limits on roadways
. I think the highest I’ve read about is a tollway in Texas, which is taking on
the Autobahn with an 85 mph limit. Highways are getting faster it seems. New
York City, however, has been pushing for the authority to lower speed limits on
its streets. And in June, the New York State legislature passed a bill to let
NYC lower its default limit to 25mph (from the default of 30 mph). Lowering
default speed limits […]
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ROC TRANSIT DAY REFLECTION: BIRDING BY BUS
Posted by: Brenda Massie, Board Member and Secretary, Reconnect Rochester. As
July winds down, I find myself thinking about how summers in Rochester fly
by. Already, one month has passed since our annual ROC Transit Day. This year
brought new merchants and vendors, new fun events like the swing dance and
treasure hunt; but more importantly, a new wave of enthusiasm for public
transit. As the Secretary of Reconnect, I sometimes find myself trying to
convince people that using public transit can be an enjoyable and even fun way
to get around. I tell them if you ride the bus you […]
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RTS WILL PROPOSE SUBURBAN PARK & RIDE ROUTE CHANGES
Customers and community are invited to weigh-in about proposed improvements at
Information Sessions and Public Hearing. RTS is proposing changes to all
Suburban Park & Ride routes and is inviting the public to ask questions and
provide feedback at two Information Sessions and a Public Hearing…
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DO RED LIGHT CAMERAS MAKE ROCHESTER STREETS SAFER?
Posted by: Renee Stetzer, pedestrian safety advocate and blogger at RocVille.com
The City of Rochester began installing red light cameras in 2010. There are
currently over 30 intersections equipped with red light cameras (see the full
list and a map here ) The cameras are active 24/7 and get still photos and video
anytime a vehicle runs a red light. Registered owners of vehicles that are
“captured” running red lights in those intersections are sent a Notice of
Liability in the mail. Many drivers, of course, do not like the presence of the
cameras. They feel like big brother is […]
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DESIGN-BUILD TEAM SELECTED FOR ROCHESTER’S NEW INTERMODAL STATION
A team of contractors led by The Pike Co. Inc. has been designated to design and
build the new intermodal transportation center in Rochester, N.Y., New York
State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald and U.S.
Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) announced yesterday. In addition to
Rochester-based Pike, design-build team members include LaBella Associates,
Kisan Engineering, Moffat & Nichol Engineering, Foundation Design, Joy Kuebler
Landscape Architect and Atlantic Testing Laboratories. A final contract and cost
will be negotiated this summer, NYSDOT officials said in a press release. The
agreement requires the state attorney general and comptroller’s approval.
Read more
ROCHESTER’S TRANSIT SYSTEM – IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND
A new RTS mobile app is now available for download in the Google Play Store and
Apple iTunes App Store . The app was first introduced to the Rochester Institute
of Technology (RIT) community in February and is now being rolled out to the
full RTS ridership. In a statement sent to Reconnect Rochester, RGRTA said, “We
received great feedback from students at RIT which allowed us to incorporate
additional features to this version of the RTS Where’s My Bus? mobile app.” The
resulting app is a reliable and convenient tool that will make the bus riding
experience easier than […]
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GET FREE ROC TRANSIT DAY FARE CARDS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION
For ROC Transit Day 2013 we gave away nearly 1,000 transit fare cards and asked
Rochesterians to ditch their cars for one day in support of a healthier
community. 30 different forward-thinking organizations (and many intrepid
individuals) pledged to ride public transit that day. This year ROC Transit Day
is Thursday, June 19, 2014. All kinds of free fun and great deals will be
available for anyone who leaves their car at home and uses public transit for
the day. To request FREE all-day fare cards for your organization… Simply use
this form or contact info@ReconnectRochester.org or 585-354-3232. But hurry, […]
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ROC TRANSIT DAY IS IMPORTANT! BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO TAKE MY WORD FOR IT…
The days are getting longer, and (slowly) the air is getting warmer. Soon enough
the sweet scent of Lilac will be in the air. This can only mean one thing… ROC
Transit Day will soon be here! If you drive in your car to work alone each day,
you’re probably asking yourself, “Why would I want to ride public transit when I
can just drive my Nissan Leaf (or whatever)?” Well, I could list all the reasons
why public transportation is healthier for our earth, healthier for our bodies,
and healthier for our community. But that would be boring. Instead, […]
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‘HOW TO RIDE THE BUS’ WORKSHOP, APRIL 29
Getting on a bus for the first time can feel awkward for some. If the last bus
you took was a yellow school bus, you might be due for a refresher course. RTS
has scheduled a “How to Ride the Bus” transit orientation for 10 a.m. to noon,
Tuesday, April 29, at Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority
(RGRTA) John G. Doyle Jr. Administration Building located at 1372 East Main
Street . The orientation is the first of a series designed to help guide
first-time riders of any age or those who might need a brush up. All are free
and […]
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WHAT COULD YOU DO WITH THIS BUS SHELTER?
By this time next year, Rochester’s cool retro-style bus shelters could be
history. When the RTS Transit Center opens in November, RTS buses that currently
wait for passengers along Main Street will instead turn into the new facility on
Mortimer Street. And after 25 years of service, six shelters from the Genesee
River to Chestnut Street will be removed. There is one thing that could save
these iconic structures from the scrap yard: Your creativity.
Read more
PROPOSED SCHEDULE & ROUTE CHANGES FOR RTS
The new RTS Transit Center will be opening on November 28th, 2014. Coinciding
with the transit center opening, RTS is also proposing changes to bus routes and
schedules. This is to accommodate the additional time required to travel through
the Transit Center…
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MOUNT READ BOULEVARD CORRIDOR STUDY: PUBLIC MEETING THIS THURSDAY
The City of Rochester, in partnership with the NY State Department of
Transportation, Monroe County, Town of Greece, and Genesee Transportation
Council, is leading an effort to develop a vision for improving Mount Read
Boulevard from Buffalo Road (NYS Route 33) traffic circle to Stone Road. If you
use this section of Mt Read Blvd, either on foot, bike, car, truck, or public
transit, you are invited to attend a public meeting this Thursday…
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PARKING VS. LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESS: ZONING BOARD MEETING TOMORROW
Three local entrepreneurs want to open small coffee shop in Rochester. But
parking rules may prevent that from happening. John Ebel, Marc Lebeau (co-owners
of Smokestack Cowork) and Brandon Rizzo plan to open Pour Coffee Parlor at 23
Somerton Street in the Park Ave / East Ave area, but the City of Rochester
contends that there is not enough parking at the location for the City to grant
proper zoning to open. The location has 4 parking spots, and the partners have
leased 6 more spots from a neighboring business to reach the quota, but that may
not be enough…
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ROCHESTER BICYCLE BOULEVARDS PUBLIC MEETING
Rochester is planning a network of bicycle boulevards to connect destinations
throughout the city and give residents a safer bike commute. The plan is being
developed by the City of Rochester, in partnership with the New York State
Department of Transportation, Monroe County, Rochester Cycling Alliance, and
Genesee Transportation Council. If you’d like to hear more about this project
and provide input, please attend the first public meeting tomorrow: Tuesday,
Feb. 11 @ 6pm Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County NY Kate Gleason
Auditorium 115 South Avenue
Read more
RCA JOINS NYBC
The Rochester Cycling Alliance is now a member organization of the New York
Bicycling Coalition. The NYBC advocates for pro-bicycle policies at the local,
New York state and federal levels. They educate New Yorkers about the benefits
of bicycling and walking, offer technical and training resources, assist bicycle
advocates and government entities, and promote safe riding.
Read more
JOIN THE CALL FOR SAFER STREETS IN ROCHESTER
Last week the City of Rochester decided it would not move ahead with a planned
road diet along Lake Avenue that many had hoped would improve safety for
drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and those who depend on bus service in the area.
The Lake Avenue Improvement Project would have replaced two automobile lanes
with a center turning lane and bike lanes. Due to pressure from the Charlotte
neighborhood and merchants associations, city engineers will be sent back to the
drawing board, ordered to keep all four auto lanes…
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ROUTE 52 – RTS’ NEW CROSSTOWN CONNECTION
Immediately after Labor Day, RGRTA CEO Bill Carpenter was on hand for the
inaugural voyage of the newest addition to RTS’ stable of bus routes. A route
planned with the University of Rochester Medical Center’s parking situation in
mind, Route 52 crosses through the heart of the vibrant Monroe and Park Avenue
communities before terminating at the brand new East Avenue Wegman’s store. This
new alignment, which follows a rigid 30 minute departure schedule from 6-10AM
and 2:30-7PM (with a single midday trip), has had us at Reconnect excited for
some time. We’ve finally crunched the numbers to bring the […]
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HELP KEEP US MOVING
As you know, we are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization working to build a
more sustainable transportation network for our community. This isn’t easy. To
be effective, we need to bring together smart, dedicated people to think up new
and creative ways to put these issues in the public spotlight. And we also need
money to be able to operate and execute these ideas. I hope you will consider
making a year-end contribution to Reconnect Rochester so that we can continue
this important work together. You can make a tax-deductible donation in any
amount via PayPal or check. And we’ve also […]
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MONROE COUNTY HAD 2,679 VEHICLE COLLISIONS INVOLVING PEDESTRIANS & CYCLISTS OVER
LAST 4 YEARS REPORT SHOWS
Yet, New York State plans to spend fewer dollars on pedestrian and bicycling
infrastructure; advocates call on the Governor to allocate more resources.
According to state data, there were 2,679 vehicle collisions with pedestrians or
bicyclists in Monroe County over a four-year period from January 1, 2009 through
December 31, 2012. Using the New York State Department of Transportation’s
Accident Data Files, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a non-profit
transportation policy watchdog organization, found that pedestrians were
involved in 1,479 of these collisions and 1,200 involved bicyclists.1
Thirty-three of these collisions were fatal (28 pedestrian collisions and 5
bicyclist collisions). The City […]
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RCA BIKE CORRAL AT GREENTOPIA
RCA Bike Corral at Greentopia Sept 14-15, 2013 By Harvey Botzman Once again the
Rochester Cycling Alliance performed a valuable service to the entire bicycling
community. At the Greentopia Festival, Sept. 14-15, 2013, we maintained a bike
corral for the secure parking of bicycles using the City of Rochester’s portable
bike racks. Bicycle safety brochures and materials (e. g., the “Share the Road”
bumper sticker; kid’s “use your helmet stickers”) were available to the public,
bicyclists and non-bicyclists, on the display table.
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A BETTER BUS SCHEDULE FOR ROCHESTER
If you’ve been following along, you know RTS has been trying to apply a little
design for the betterment of our transit system. RGRTA is currently studying the
idea of new bus stop signs. And they’ve already introduced a better bus pass.
But wait, there’s more! RGRTA recently asked for our help redesigning one of the
most important transit tools of all; those big, bad, bus schedules…
Read more
FEDERAL FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR INNER LOOP PROJECT
ROCHESTER, NY – Today, Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY) and Mayor Tom
Richards (D) announced a $17.7 million Transportation Investment Generating
Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to bring the Eastern section of the Inner Loop
to grade, a project that Rep. Slaughter and the Mayor have spearheaded for many
years. The grant – the third largest TIGER grant in the nation – will be used to
“bridge the moat” between the city center and communities like the Neighborhood
of the Arts, Park Avenue, and the South Wedge that have been separated by
Rochester’s Inner Loop since the 1950s…
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LATEST INNER LOOP PLAN: A WINNER IN OUR BOOK
Posted by: Bob Williams, VP of Advocacy After tasting some success during the
last round of the USDOT’s TIGER grant program ($15 Million was awarded for
Rochester’s intermodal station), the city has jumped back into the aptly named
moat with another application that we at Reconnect Rochester are extremely
excited about. There is a very conscious effort afoot on the part of city staff
to rid us once and for all of a sizable portion of the Inner Loop, that
underutilized sunken ring road and choker of downtown connectivity. While the
Intermodal Station took precedence in the 2012 fight for […]
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2013 ROCHESTER’S SPOKES & INK BIKE & POSTER FESTIVAL
Spokes & Ink Bike & Poster Festival Monroe Center for the Arts & Education
August 18, 2013 By Harvey Botzman The Rochester Cycling Alliance did it again!
We were at Rochester’s Spokes & Ink Bike & Poster Festival, on Sunday, August
18, 2013. Spokes & Ink is a festival produced by the Genesee Center for the Arts
& Education, 713 Monroe Avenue. If you don’t know where Center is just look
across Monroe Avenue from where Oxford Street ends and there, just to the south
(left) of Dog Town Hots is an old firehouse emblazoned with the Center’s name.
[…]
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AMTRAK UNBOXED BICYCLE CARRIAGE DEMONSTRATION
Amtrak Unboxed Bicycle Carriage Demonstration Empire Service, Adirondack, Maple
Leaf, and Ethan Allen Trains July 17-31, 2013. By Harvey Botzman Amtrak has been
demonstrating the use of bicycle racks for the carriage of unboxed bicycles in
passenger cars on its Empire Service (including the Maple Leaf and Adirondack
trains) and Ethan Allen routes in New York State and Vermont. For over 35 years
I, other bicyclists, the New York Bicycling Coalition, and tourism promotion
agencies have been advocating for Amtrak to allow unboxed bicycles to be
transported in the passenger cars of trains traversing New York State. In the
1950s […]
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SHIFTING GEARS: PROMOTING ROCHESTER'S TWO-WHEELED REVOLUTION
Introducing the most amazing final publication from the Genesee School 6th
graders. Shifting Gears: Promoting Rochester’s Two-Wheeled Revolution! A Project
of the Genesee Community Charter School Sixth Grade Class of 2013 Read the
entire report here, find out how these students disprove the 11 myths of
bicycling in Rochester, and most importantly join in on promoting Rochester’s
Two-Wheeled Revolution!
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ROC TRANSIT DAY 2013 PHOTOS!
The numbers are in, and out of 950 free fare cards we gave out, 172 were used.
That may not seem like a big number, but to us it represents 172 new transit
users, on top of tens of thousands of Rochesterians who already choose to go
car-free every day. Of course, we think Rochester can do better. And now we’ve
got a number to beat next year.a If you were one of those people who
participated, thank you! We can’t explain how much fun we had. You’ll just have
to check out the photos below. Special thanks goes to […]
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ROC TRANSIT DAY IS TOMORROW!
The 2nd annual ROC Transit Day is tomorrow. This little grassroots event has
exploded. We’ve handed out 950 transit fare cards. 93 businesses & organizations
have chosen to participate. 56 of them are offering fun deals to transit riders.
34 have pledged to ditch their cars and ride transit. We’ve prepared over 70
prizes from our generous sponsors to give away to random bus riders. REX the
Rhino has planned his morning bus ride. 8 music buskers are getting ready to
play on Main Street (4:30-6:30pm). And happy hour is on at Murphy’s Law
(5:30pm). [ Use this map to […]
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1 WEEK AND 300 FARE CARDS LEFT TO GIVE AWAY
ROC Transit Day is just a week away. About 85 local businesses and organizations
have signed up to participate on June 20 – either encouraging their employees &
members to leave their cars home, or by offering exclusive deals to transit
riders . Rex the Rhino is planning his bus ride as we speak. Music buskers are
tuning up for their performances during the evening rush hour on Main Street.
Murphy’s Law on East Avenue is priming the kegs for our happy hour celebration
(RSVP here ). And our volunteers are wrapping up HUNDREDS of prizes to deliver
to random […]
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ROCHESTER IS GETTING ON BOARD ROC TRANSIT DAY
A few short weeks ago I told you about ROC Transit Day 2013 . The idea is
simple… pedestrians make for a vibrant city. The more people Rochester has
walking the streets instead of driving, the stronger our community will be; and
the stronger our local economy will be. ROC Transit Day is a holiday from our
cars. It’s a day to celebrate local businesses. And it’s a day to cast a
symbolic vote for a stronger transit system…
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ROC TRANSIT DAY: LOSE YOUR CAR KEYS ON JUNE 20
A year and half ago I managed to convince RGRTA to try something new. I said,
“let me give away free bus rides for one day.” I imagined most people would say
“no thanks, the bus isn’t for me.” But I also knew my mom was right when she
said, “try it, you might like it.” That year I think maybe 200 people
participated and left their cars at home for the day. What began as a fun little
experiment, has turned into ROC Transit Day – a full blown Rochester holiday
from our cars. This year ROC Transit Day […]
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CREATIVE STREET DESIGN REUNITES A VILLAGE DIVIDED
The village of Poynton in the U.K. was a community in decline, divided by
decades of anti-social traffic engineering. Where the intersection of two busy
highways once dominated the town center, a bit of creative street design has
revitalized local businesses, made life a little easier for the townspeople, and
pleasantly surprised motorists and skeptics as well. The concept has been dubbed
“shared space” and we want to know if it could work here in Rochester, NY. Watch
this video, and give us your thoughts…
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PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILING FINAL PLANS FOR ROCHESTER INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION
CENTER
March 4, 2013. At a press conference announcing the receipt of proposals for the
final design and construction of the Rochester Intermodal Transportation Center
Congresswoman Slaughter spoke with RCA VP Bill Collins and RCA Director Harvey
Botzman. The Congresswoman reiterated her advocacy of including safe, secure
short and long term bicycle parking, a bicycle assembly area, and other
bicycle/bicyclist facilities in the design and construction of the new
Transportation Center. She was very receptive to comments made by Harvey and
Bill in regard to bicycle facilities at the Transportation Center. Read the full
press conference report here As a bicycling […]
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GENESEE-FINGER LAKES ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 from 8am – 5pm! Click here to register! We envision a
future in which every community has transportation options that are healthy,
fun, safe, and environmentally friendly. The purpose of the Genesee-Finger Lakes
Active Transportation Summit (G-FLATS) is to help educate, inspire, and mobilize
our nine-county region to achieve that vision by making walking, biking, and
transit easier, safer, and more available to all. Join us for an exciting
full-day program: To view the current working agenda, click here. – Innovative
and influential speakers – Dynamic morning educational sessions – Networking
with national and local leaders […]
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SAVE THE DATE! GENESEE-FINGER LAKES ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT TUESDAY, APRIL
30TH
Save the Date! Genesee-Finger Lakes Active Transportation Summit Tuesday, April
30th We envision a future in which every community has transportation options
that are healthy, fun, safe, and environmentally friendly. The purpose of the
Genesee-Finger Lakes Active Transportation Summit is to help educate, inspire,
and mobilize our 9-county region to achieve that vision by making walking,
biking, and transit easier, safer, and more available to all. Join us for an
exciting day-long program that includes: • Innovative and influential speakers •
Dynamic educational sessions • Networking with national and local leaders •
Working groups to share best practices and mobilize […]
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ROCHESTER CYCLING ALLIANCE NEW YEAR'S UPDATE
We don’t often send mail to all of our friends and followers (in fact, never
before). But in honor of the new year and several exciting announcements, we
thought we’d provide this factsheet and the attached photo(s), explained below.
Our Facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/rochestercyclingalliance. it’s
the usual Facebook “moshpit”, and a good way to communicate with the community
You can subscribe to our email list by writing to
info@rochestercyclingalliance.org This is how our active activists communicate
with each other. Our website is at http://www.rochestercyclingalliance.org. It
includes lots of announcements (including this one) a list of our some of […]
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TRANSPORTATION CHOICES AND THE IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITY
Posted by: Mike Governale Greetings. I’m Mike Governale, founder of Reconnect
Rochester. I’m a graphic designer, originally from the NYC area and I now live
in Rochester, NY. I have a deep fascination and love of cities – how they are
formed over time and the way they continue to evolve. Dense urban places have
proven themselves, over tens of thousands of years, to be arguably the most
sustainable form of human habitation. But over the past 70 years many
cities—especially those in the U.S.—have lost this edge. I write a blog,
RochesterSubway.com , that explores Rochester, “America’s first boom-town,” […]
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FINGER LAKES HEALTH SYSTEMS AGENCY HIRES ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST
It is a great pleasure to announce that Elizabeth Murphy has joined our Healthi
Kids Team – effective Monday, January 28th. Elizabeth assumes the position of
Active Transportation Specialist funded by our community’s H.E.A.R.T. Grant (CDC
Community Transformation Grant). This position focuses on engaging, organizing,
and educating the community to achieve public-policy and practice changes that
promote active transportation in Monroe County. Ms. Murphy will serve as project
manager, focusing on four key areas to best attain systems changes: 1. Increase
decision-maker’s awareness of the benefits of active transportation by
facilitating educational and informational public workshops, meetings, including
an Active […]
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WINTER BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC COUNT – BRR!
The next counts for the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project
are scheduled for January 8th, 9th, and 10th. If you’re interested in helping
out, please see this site: http://trails.zgroks.com/index.html which lets you
view all of the sites and easily sign up, if you wish. Several of the sites are
identified as “priority sites” because they need more counts to be made before
they’ll be statistically useful (for extrapolation). I realize the weather could
be a challenge for the winter count, but I wanted to offer the opportunity to
assist with the counts nonetheless. Data from the previously-taken counts can
[…]
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REAL-TIME BUS TRACKING COMES TO ROCHESTER
Posted by: Bob Williams RGRTA recently unveiled the latest and most visually
interactive tool to their ‘Where’s My Bus?’ technology suite . The SmartTraveler
Plus platform by ACS allows the transit rider to track RTS bus locations (in
real-time) along their route of interest.
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FULL SPEED AHEAD FOR ROCHESTER’S INTERMODAL STATION
Notes by: Howard Decker Where: AMTRAK Station When: 10:30am, 12.10.12 Who:
Congresswoman Lousie Slaughter, NYSDOT Commissioner Joan McDonald, AMTRAK
representative Bill Hollister, Mayor Richards, Councilman Miller What: Bill
Hollister, Principal Officer Policy & Development at Amtrak: AMTRAK will be
owner, operator, and maintainer of the new station. This is a bit of a deviation
from our policies nationally, but we have been convinced this is the correct
course of action in Rochester. National annual ridership is currently at 31.2
million, 11.5 million (one third of all national traffic) in NYS, 1.8 million on
the Empire line, and 145,00 passengers per […]
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NYS DOT' DRAFT CAPITAL PLAN IGNORES BICYCLING & WALKING AS TRANSPORTATION MODES
NYBC Press Release Objects to NYS DOT draft Capital Plan Posted on November 29,
2012 by brkehoe Media Release: NYS Dept. of Transportation’s Draft Capital Plan
misses 1/4 of traffic deaths/injuries Complete Streets Law mandates also ignored
in draft Plan Upon careful review of the recently released New York State
Department of Transportation’s (NYSDOT) Two-year Capital Plan, the New York
Bicycling Coalition (NYBC) is dismayed to report that this critical planning
document entirely excludes walkers and bicyclists. In fact, while all other
transportation modes (automobile, transit, plane, etc.) are accounted for
throughout the draft Plan, bicycling and walking are never […]
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SUPPORT THE GCCS'S SIXTH GRADE CLASS BICYCLING RESEARCH PROJECT
The Genesee Community Charter School’s 6th graders are raising funds to help
support their travel to learn directly about four great bicycing cities in the
USA. The four cities selected are, Austin TX, Portland OR, Boulder CO and
Madison/Milwaukee WI. The class will split up into four groups. Each group will
travel to one of the selected cities to study their bicycling infrastructure.
The class will present their findings to the Rochester Community at a public
meeting in 2013. Several members of the RCA are advisers for the year-long class
project. To support the fund raising effort, anyone shopping at […]
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RTS TOWN HALL MEETING, 11/8/2012
RGRTA holds bi-monthly Town Hall meetings to answer customer questions and
comments and to keep the public updated the latest Rochester Transit Service
news. Reconnect Rochester tries to send at least one representative to every
meeting to take notes and to bring questions from those who can’t make the
meeting. Below are the notes from last week’s meeting and answers to two
questions raised on our Facebook page, about solutions to overcrowding and
shrink-wrapped buses…
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WINTER BIKING TIPS
A query came into the website asking help on biking through the winter. Gary’s
answer would seem to have value to a lot of our riders especially considering
the time of year, so we’ve posted it for everyone’s convenience. Any readers who
have their own suggestions or experiences are urged to leave them in the
comments section. I highly recommend studded tires. When I was younger and more
reckless, I used to ride in the winter without them, but would occasionally take
a spill on ice. I feel much more confident with studs. The downsides are that
the tires are […]
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ADVOCACY ADVANCE ACTION 2020 WORKSHOP
On October 17, the RCA-sponsored Advocacy Advance Action 2020 Workshop
helped over 40 advocates, agency staff and elected officials to brainstorm local
strategies for increasing bicycle and pedestrian programs and projects in the
region. Many thanks to Brighid O’Keane, of the Alliance for Biking & Walking
and to Darren Flusche of the League of American Bicyclists who provided such
wonderful guidance. The following note comes to us from them. Now it’s our
turn to carry the momentum forward! There were two exciting announcements at the
workshop. First, Rochester was awarded Bronze-level status from the League of
American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community program – the only city in the
state other […]
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THE FINGER LAKES HEALTH SYSTEMS AGENCY JOB POSTING: TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST
The Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency Job Posting: Transportation Specialist
This position focuses on engaging, organizing, and educating the community to
achieve public-policy and practice changes that promote active transportation in
Monroe County. Active transportation describes human-powered methods of
transportation, like walking and cycling. http://www.flhsa.org/Employment.html
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ENJOY A BEVERAGE WITH RECONNECT ROCHESTER
Reconnect Rochester will be hosting an informal happy hour event with the
Rochester Improvement Society . Come hang out with us on Wednesday, October 24th
from 5:30 to 7:30 at Abilene Bar & Lounge (153 Liberty Pole Way ). If you get
there early enough, the first round will be on us! Reconnect Rochester supports
the expansion of transit services including pedestrian, bike, bus and rail
facilities, into a truly multimodal transportation network. Our volunteers work
hard to support Rochester’s existing public transit system, shape regional
policies to enhance it, and reconnect our community in ways that improve
personal mobility, […]
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GREENTOPIA AND BIKE CORRAL: BIG HIT!
We hit a new plateau of public service last week with the RCA Bike Corral at
Greentopia. Many scores of cyclists visited, parked their bikes, and had their
pictures taken (and their bikes memorialized for security purposes) and got to
enjoy Greentopia confident that their bikes were in good company. We met many
people, and have already begun enjoying the consequences. For example, one
visitor was pointed to some city officials and within days a rough patch of
trail was improved. More to come….
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HELP SUPPORT ROCHESTER’S INTERMODAL STATION
Posted by: DeWain Feller Rochester’s new Intermodal Transportation Center is on
the drafting table but that does not mean this much needed project is a done
deal. [Learn more about the project ] The station and site costs are estimated
to be $27.3 million, and track and signal upgrades are approximately $10.4
million, bringing the estimated project cost to $37.7 million. A portion of the
funding has been identified, but not all.
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HELP UPDATE THE GREATER ROCHESTER AREA BICYCLING MAP
Several years ago, members of the Rochester Bicycling Club (RBC) helped to rate
selected roads in the City of Rochester, surrounding Monroe County, and nearby
towns in Wayne, Ontario, and Livingston Counties. These road ratings were used
by the Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) to develop the 2009 Edition of the
Greater Rochester Area Bicycling Map. 20,000 copies of the map were printed by
the GTC and distributed throughout the bicycling community by members of the RBC
and others.
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GREENTOPIA TIME!
Posted by: Mike Governale Reconnect Rochester loves September. The weather is
typically gorgeous making it the perfect alternative transportation time of
year! And now, with Greentopia coming up (September 10-16) it’s feeling like
holiday time for us. Maybe you saw how we celebrated at Greentopia last year?
How about a giant recyclable flying saucer ? Heck yes. Now THAT’S a party.
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BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC COUNT
We need your help for the next round of Bicycle and Pedestrian Traffic Count On
September 11, September 12, and September 13, 2012, members of the Rochester
Cycling Alliance, the Active Transportation Working Group, and other interested
parties are invited to participate in the National Bicycle and Pedestrian
Documentation Project counts for the Rochester Area. This will be the second
series of counts for the region (the first was completed in May of this year).
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BICYCLE BENEFITS IS IN ROCHESTER
Summer is here in Rochester, and with this summer there is a noticeable change
in our community. As I ride my bicycle around town, I see hundreds of people
enjoying our city’s new bicycle paths, bike lanes, and shared roadways. We
cannot yet compare to Amsterdam, or even to Portland, but Rochester is quickly
becoming a bicycle town! The Rochester Cycling Alliance would like to invite you
to join a new bicycling incentive being started in our community called Bicycle
Benefits (http://www.bicyclebenefits.org). Bicycle Benefits forges links between
bicycle-friendly businesses and cycling customers, promoting safe bicycle
transportation by offering incentives to […]
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RCA MEETING NOTICE
RCA Meeting Notice Date: Thursday July 19 Time: 7:00 – 9p.m. Location: U of R
Map Link: www.rochester.edu/maps/ (River Campus) (Goergen Hall, Room 110)
(Intercampus Drive & Trustee Road) Think Bicycling as Transportation
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FINDING YOUR FUTURE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
PublicAdministration.net was created as an online informational resource for
individuals looking to pursue public administration-related education and
careers. It is an independent project funded only by the small group of
individuals contributing to it. We have found that the public sector is an
untapped silo of creativity and innovation and, through the
PublicAdminstration.net project, we endeavor to present the many avenues a
person with a background in public administration can down to have an impact.
Visit PublicAdministration.net to learn more.
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TWO-WAY CONVERSION OF ROCHESTER DOWNTOWN ROADS
Dear Bicycling Enthusiasts: The City of Rochester announced a few days ago to
apply for Federal funds to fast track the two-way conversion of St. Paul St. &
Clinton Ave. north of Main St. to the inner loop at the RR station.
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RCA JUNE 21 MEETING AT RIT
RCA Meeting Agenda Date: Thursday June 21, 2012 Time: 7:00 – 9p.m. Location: RIT
Map Link: http://facilities.rit.edu/campus/maps/general/general.pdf. Room 1100,
Building 87, University Service Center (Parking Lot S) Think Bicycling as
Transportation
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PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE: EXPLORING THE ALTERNATIVES TOWN OF BRIGHTON BICYCLE &
PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN STUDY
Public Meeting Notice: Exploring the Alternatives Town of Brighton Bicycle &
Pedestrian Master Plan Study Brighton residents and non-Brighton residents
invited. Thursday, June 28 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 P.M. Brighton Town Hall Auditorium
www.BikeWalkBrighton.org
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IT'S BIKE WEEK!
Bike Week is upon us, and RochesterBikeWeek.blogspot.com is here to tell you all
about it. As of this writing, here’s the event schedule. But check there for
updates! For more information on Rochester’s Bike Week, feel free to contact one
of Bike Week’s coordinators listed in the sidebar. We are happy to help with any
and all bike week questions whether they be event information, promotion,
volunteers, or just helping you get out on your bike this year! Monday, May
14th Active Transportation Expo at the University of Rochester (11am-2:30pm) In
celebration of National Bike Week, the University will host an “Active
Transportation […]
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ROCHESTER INTERMODAL RAIL STATION UPDATE
Posted by: Mike Governale The City of Rochester, NYSDOT, and Federal Railroad
Administration will hold a public meeting to present draft concepts for
Rochester’s new intermodal transportation center (NOTE: This is the
Amtrak/Greyhound/Trailways station, NOT the RTS Bus Terminal). A presentation
will be made at 5:30pm. Some of the key points will be around site selection,
the functional requirements of the station, architectural style, and expanded
site plan. Attend the Public Meeting & Presentation: See which site is being
recommended and comment on the station design, layout, and amenities: 5pm,
Wednesday, 5/30/2012, at Rochester Riverside Convention Center RSVP on Facebook
[…]
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BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN DOCUMENTATION PROJECT (TRAFFIC COUNTS)
Subject: Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project (Traffic Counts) We need
your help. The Active Transportation Working Group, a spin-off the Rochester
Cycling Alliance’s April 2011 Active Transportation Symposium, is searching for
volunteers to conduct bicycle and pedestrian traffic counts in Rochester and
Monroe County during May 2012 as part of the National Bicycle and Pedestrian
Documentation Project, http://bikepeddocumentation.org/. We are planning to
conduct the counts during commute times in the A.M. and P.M. on May 15-17. The
meeting to discuss the program will be held: Thursday April 26, 2012 7 -9 P.M.
Rochester Institute of Technology Center for Student Innovation […]
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RCA MEETING NOTICE
RCA Meeting Date: Tuesday April 17, 2012 Time: 7:00 – 9p.m. Location: RIT Map
Link: http://facilities.rit.edu/campus/maps/general/general.pdf. (Building 87,
University Service Center) (Parking Lot S) Think Bicycling as Transportation
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ROC EASY RIDE, A NEW ONLINE SERVICE TO PLAN YOUR TRIP VIA BICYCLING, PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION, AND OTHER TRAVEL CHOICES
Today the Genesee Transportation Council announces a new online service that
provides information on bicycling, public transportation, and other travel
choices. roceasyride is a free-to-use rideshare solution allowing you to create
a commute profile to find carpool matches and smart commute options specifically
for you. Online tools allow you to track the money you save and the
environmental benefits that result. roceasyride provides information on
bicycling, public transportation, and other travel choices that can help you
save money while improving our environment.
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BIKE WALK BRIGHTON
Bike Walk Brighton Historic charm, renowned schools and expansive parks make the
Town of Brighton one of the finest places in New York to live, work, and raise a
family. Brighton is recognized as one of America’s most attractive residential
towns – home to notable leaders in business, industry, education, government…
The Town of Brighton has launched its Facebook page,
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bike-Walk-Brighton/219553991464496. The objective
of the Brighton Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan is to develop a plan for a
well-connected, safe, and functional active transportation network of sidewalks
and on- and off-road trails to enhance the safety and circulation of
pedestrians, […]
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RCA MEETING TUES. MARCH 20, 7-9 P.M. U OF R
RCA Meeting Date: Tuesday March 20, 2012 Time: 7:00 – 9p.m. Location: U of R,
Goergen Hall, Room 110 Map Link: http://www.rochester.edu/maps/ (River Campus)
(Goergen Hall, Room 110) (Intercampus Drive & Trustee Road) Think Bicycling as
Transportation
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NYBC'S TESTIMONY ON RUMBLE STRIPS IN NYS, HOW THEY WILL HARM THE SAFETY AND
MOBILITY OF NY CYCLISTS.
February 23, 2012 Richard W. Lee, P.E. Acting Director, Office of Design NYS
Department of Transportation Albany, NY 12232 Dear Mr. Lee, We are in receipt of
your letter dated January 27, 2012 by which the Department solicits input from
the New York Bicycling Coalition (NYBC) regarding a draft shoulder rumble strip
policy. We welcome the opportunity to illustrate some of the policy’s negative
impacts upon bicycling. NYBC is New York’s statewide bicycle advocacy
organization, representing bicyclists of all abilities and types. Members of our
staff and board have significant experience in transportation design, planning
and administration. Our recommendations, therefore, […]
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GETTING IT DONE
On Monday, February 27, two mayors of two very different cities will share their
experiences in leading their communities forward to meet 21st century
challenges. Rochester Regional Community Design Center presents “Getting It
Done,” a presentation and discussion with William Fulton, Fmr. Mayor of Ventura
CA., and Mark Mallory, Mayor of Cincinnati, OH. Facing issues similar to
Rochester including public safety, economic development, the environment,
educationand youth employment in an era of reduced funding and resources, both
leaders have been effective and instrumental in making positive changes and
spurring collaborative efforts in their cities, succeeding in producing
nationally recognized results. […]
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AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE WEGMANS ROCHESTER'S TOP BICYCLE FRIENDLY BUSINESS
An Opportunity to Make Wegmans Rochester’s Top Bicycle Friendly Business In 2013
there will be a new Wegmans East Avenue Store. This is a great opportunity to
encourage Wegmans to become a more bicycle friendly business. Wegmans is taking
comments and is open to suggestions. Please send the following three
recommendations and your suggestions to Wegmans. The best way to send suggested
ideas is through the Consumer Affairs Dept. The department will record your
ideas and forward them to the appropriate people. If you want to call the phone
number is 328-2550 or via the web site, www.wegmans.com. There are […]
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URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN; TWO EXCITING EVENTS
Peter J. Park, Director of Planning, Denver On Tuesday, January 31, the
Rochester Regional Community Design Center will present “Transformation: Don’t
be Afraid of It,” a talk by Peter Park, planning director for Denver. Peter Park
will take us through a genesis of the transformative process in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin during the 1990’s where he was a key player in planning and
implementing the creation of the River Walk, a downtown revitalization project ,
for more than a decade.
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LET NYSDOT KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE ACCESS 390 PROJECT THAT COULD CONNECT
UR, RIT, AND MCC WITH THE CITY!
The Rochester Cycling Alliance relocated its January meeting to the site of a
Public Hearing on a proposed $65 million Access390 project. We learned a lot,
and we’re urging our members to weigh in. This is one member’s public comment.
NYSDOT needs to hear from each of us! An Active Transportation Network for the
Rochester Multiversity. Jon Schull, co-founder Rochester Cycling Alliance With
small modifications, a proposed “Access 390” highway project could bind
Rochester’s three major universities with several multi-use trails and bikeways,
and move us toward a future that is more ecological, economical, healthful, and
energy-independent. It […]
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BICYCLE BENEFITS IS NOW HERE IN ROCHESTER
Happy New Year, cyclists! The fantastic nation-wide program Bicycle Benefits is
now here in Rochester. Kick off 2012 by getting your $5 membership helmet
sticker at participating locations, and then ride your bike to other
participating businesses to receive your discount on products and services. The
first local business to join was Park Ave. Bikes (thank you, Andy!); other
recent businesses joining include Java’s, Callan-Harris Physical Therapy, and
the Owl House. You can read more about the program at
http://www.bicyclebenefits.org. Click on “New York” on the left side of the home
page, and then on “Rochester,” and you will find […]
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ACCESS 390: INTERCHANGE 16/ I-390 REHABILITATION AT ROUTES 15 AND 15A
This is a very important NYS DOT project that will have a major impact on
transportation to/from the University of Rochester. The NYS DOT web site for the
project is https://www.dot.ny.gov/access390. Access 390: Interchange 16/ I-390
Rehabilitation at Routes 15 and 15A Project I.D. No. 4390.17 Public Hearing:
Tuesday January 17, 2012 Open house 3 – 5p.m. and 6 – 7:15p.m. Hearing 7:30p.m.
Monroe Community Hospital Auditorium 435 E. Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14620
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RCA CYCLING FORUM WITH CHIEF SHEPPARD OF THE ROCHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT
RCA Cycling Forum With Chief Sheppard of the Rochester Police Department Monday,
December 12, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Bausch and Lomb Library Kate Gleason Auditorium
This is an opportunity for members of the Rochester cycling community to ask the
Chief questions about cycling topics such as: -Bike Theft -RPD response to
bike/car crashes -RPD officer training in bicycle law
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USING PASSENGER RAIL TO CREATE A NEW ECONOMIC ZONE
Posted by: Carlos Mercado Rochester, NY has about 1,035,000 population in its
metro area; Buffalo is slightly larger with 1,124,000; and Syracuse has about
646,000. The combined metro population for the three major cities along the old
New York Central Water Level Route is 2,804,000. In terms of rank, Buffalo is
50th, Rochester is 51st, and Syracuse is 81st. As a combined area, we would
become 19th largest, edging out Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, FL and just
behind St. Louis. Nice, eh?
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THE BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE IS GROWING IN THE CITY OF ROCHESTER
The City of Rochester Bicycle Master Plan was completed in January 2011. The
plan’s recommendations serve as a framework for the city’s future investment in
bicycle infrastructure;
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589943115. And here is a list of
the bicycle infrastructure that has been implemented since the plan was
completed in January 2011. Sharrows, a Share the Road Symbol, painted on
roadways–approximately 5 lane miles Bicycle Shelter – Court Street Bicycle Lanes
– approximately 6 lane miles Bicycle Work Station – Sisters Cities Parking
Garage, Fitzhugh St. Bicycle Parking Racks – more added throughout the City
Portable Bicycle Parking Racks – used at Greentopia […]
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ROCHESTER’S INNER LOOP OFFERS A NEW SHOT AT TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Posted by: Bob Williams Imagine a Rochester without an noose-like expressway
dividing downtown-adjacent neighborhoods on the north and east sides. An
obstacle to true connectivity for over 50 years, imagine the loop and its ramps
filled in to grade instantaneously at the snap of your fingers. Naturally the
next question arrives in our minds immediately, ‘How will we utilize this
reclaimed real estate?’ If the goals are to reconnect severed neighborhood
conduits, promote commerce, reduce car dependence, ensure ease of navigation,
and foster a dynamic and vibrant streetscape, the answer lies not in a grandiose
vision of the future, but […]
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CRITICAL MASS TRANSIT DAY THURSDAY! POST YOUR PICS TO RGRTA FACEBOOK PAGE…
Reconnect Rochester volunteers will be at Main and Clinton from 6-7:30am and
5-5:30pm Thursday to assist new transit riders and to help make transfers. Look
us near the Main St. bus shelters wearing this logo… Riders with a “UFO” pin
will be able to ride local buses for free all day on October 20, the first
Critical Mass Transit Day. The UFO promotion is part of an ongoing campaign to
raise awareness of the $1.5 million in gasoline money that is ‘abducted’ from
our local economy every day. Critical Mass Transit Day is a joint effort by
Regional Transit Service […]
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BICYCLIST ASSAULTED ON ERIE CANAL TRAIL NEAR CLOVER ST. FRIDAY OCTOBER 7, 2011
The D&C reported that Douglas Brown was assaulted and left unconscious. This is
the text from the D&C: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an
attack on the Erie Canal path in Pittsford on Monday. Douglas Brown, 58, of
Rochester was riding his bicycle on the path near Clover Street around 12:30
p.m. when another man on a bicycle kicked Brown’s tire, which caused him to
fall.The suspect then kicked and punched Brown in the head and caused him to
lose consciousness, said Cpl. John Helfer.Brown was taken to a hospital for
treatment. Update 10/14/2011 Suspect apprehended
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RIDE RTS FREE ON ‘CRITICAL MASS TRANSIT DAY’ — OCTOBER 20
Reconnect Rochester, RTS Partner to Stop the Exodus of $1.5 Million Vanishing
from the Local Economy Daily Riders with a “UFO” pin will be able to ride local
buses for free all day on October 20, the first Critical Mass Transit Day. The
UFO promotion is part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the $1.5
million in gasoline money that is ‘abducted’ from our local economy every day.
Reconnect Rochester will be handing out UFO pins at local farmer’s markets
throughout October: Brighton Farmer’s Market, Sunday Oct 9 & 16, 9am-1pm Monroe
Village Farmer’s Market, Wednesday Oct 5 […]
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CRITICAL MASS TRANSIT DAY OCTOBER 20, 2011
RIDE THE BUS FOR FREE ON CRITICAL MASS TRANSIT DAY (OCT. 20) Reconnect
Rochester, RTS Partner to Stop the Exodus of $1.5 Million Vanishing from the
Local Economy Daily Riders with a “UFO” pin, available at local retailers and by
mail, will be able to ride local buses for free all day on October 20, the first
Critical Mass Transit Day. The UFO promotion is part of an ongoing effort to
raise awareness of the $1.5 million in gasoline money that is abducted from
local economy every day. Critical Mass Transit is a joint effort by RTS and
Reconnect Rochester, […]
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BICYCLE LANE OPEN ON ST. PAUL ST.
The striping is completed on the repaving project on St. Paul St. from Lowell
St. to Riverbank Pl ( two blocks south of Driving Park Ave.). Some sections have
a parking lane added.
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URBAN TRAIL LINKAGES PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING NOTICE – TIME 6 – 8 P.M.
10/4/2011
Urban Trail Linkages Public Informational Meeting Notice Tuesday, October 4,
2011 TIME OF MEETING IS 6 – 8P.M.
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URBAN TRAIL LINKAGES PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING NOTICE
Urban Trail Linkages Public Informational Meeting Notice Tuesday, October 4,
2011 210 Maplewood Drive City’s Maplewood Training Center – use entrance on
Bridge View Drive Rochester, NY Proposed Eastman Park Trail – Kings Landing
Cemetery to NYS Route 390 Genesee Riverway Trail (GRT) – Relining the GRT from
Kings Landing Cemetery to Turning Point Park For details of the project:
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/UrbanTrailLinkages/
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UFO SIGHTINGS EXPLAINED… ABDUCTIONS CONTINUE…
Sorry if we caused a mass panic last week with all of the reports of UFO’s and
abductions. We staged the whole UFO thing. But we can’t apologize for the
adbuctions. As it turns out, every dollar we spend on gasoline, over $1.5
MILLION each day*, leaves the local economy never to be seen again. Vanished!
The numbers are real. The UFO’s are not. We can do something about the vanishing
resources. Did you know every $1 invested in public transportation generates
approximately $4 in economic returns. It’s true. Households that use public
transportation and live with one less car […]
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RCA MEETING TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20 AT U OF R
RCA Meeting – All welcome Date: Tuesday September 20, 2011 Time: 7:00 – 9p.m.
Location: U of R Meliora Hall, Room 209 (new location) Map Link:
http://www.rochester.edu/maps/ (River Campus) Think Bicycling as Transportation
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GETTING READY FOR GREENTOPIA
The Greentopia Festival is getting ready to kick off this weekend. Check out the
photo above, snapped earlier today on Commercial Street. Ain’t that something?!
The two-day, interactive fest in historic High Falls will reveal what the region
is doing to help the environment – and envision a greener Rochester of the
future. The volunteers at Reconnect Rochester are VERY excited to have a booth
at this brand new event to help promote the green movement and alternate forms
of transportation. I won’t give away the surprise, but we’ll be featuring an
out-of-this-world exhibit highlighting some “green” benefits of transit […]
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BICYCLE LANE ON ATLANTIC AVE.
Today the bicycle lane on Atlantic Ave. from Russel St. to east of the CSX RR
underpass is done.
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THE RCA GREENTOPIA BIKE THE BRIDGES RIDE SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17
On Saturday September 17 the RCA is organizing a self-guided Bike the Bridges
ride to the Greentopia Festival site at High Falls from Genesee Valley Park
(GVP), six miles one-way. Meet at GVP anytime between 9:00 -10:30 A.M. and join
other cyclists riding to the festival. Print ride maps off the web site and sign
the ride waiver on- line, www.greentopiafestival.com/highlights/bike. The
Rochester Cycling Alliance (RCA) will have a table at the Greentopia Festival on
September 17 & 18, 10:00a .m. – 6:00 p.m. Admission to the festival is free. Go
to www.greentopiafestival.com for more information.
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HELP PROTECT FUNDING FOR THE ‘PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES’
The U.S. House of Representatives just stripped funding for the federal
Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The Senate will consider funding for
the Partnership next Thursday. NOW is the time to tell your Senators to maintain
funding for this important program. These are tough economic times, which makes
it even more important to keep the innovative programs that put federal dollars
to good use rebuilding our local economies, strengthening our communities, and
creating necessary jobs. Earlier this year when the Partnership was under
threat, your voices made a real difference and funding was preserved. Now we
need your voices to be […]
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W. BROAD ST. SHARROW
The first ‘sharrow’ to appear in the downtown area is on W. Board St. near Main
St. The ‘sharrow’ is a road sharing symbol that will be mainly used where there
is no room to strip a bicycle lane. 2011 is the first year this new symbol is
being used by the County DOT & the City DOT. In time motorists will get used to
this new sharing the lane symbol which will hopefully increase the safety of
cyclists. The chevron arrow of the symbol is to remind cyclists the direction of
travel which will hopefully decrease wrong way cycling, […]
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REPORTING DAMAGE CATCH BASINS
Report damaged catch basins to Rochester Pure Waters District, 585.753.7600 x1.
Reference an address to help pinpoint the location.
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RCA AT GREENTOPIA
The Rochester Cycling Alliance (RCA) will have a presence at the Greentopia
Festival on September 17 & 18, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Admission to the festival
is free. Go to www.greentopiafestival.com for more information. On Saturday
the 17th, the RCA is organizing a self-guided Bike-the-Bridges ride to the
festival fromGeneseeValleyParktoHighFalls(six miles one way). Meet there
anytime between 9:00 -10:30 a.m. and join other cyclists riding to the event.
Free bicycle parking is available at the event. Print ride maps off the web
site and sign the ride waiver on- line;
www.greentopiafestival.com/highlights/bike. The RCA will also have […]
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BIKE LANES MARKED ON TWO MAJOR LOCAL NEW YORK STATE ROADS
Bike Lanes now marked on two major local New York State roads. The recently
completed Jefferson Road project, Route 390 to Hylan Drive, now has an
approximate four foot shoulder and marked with the bicycle lane logo. Monroe
Ave. from Clover St. to French road was recently repaved. The shoulder was
increased from four to five feet and marked as a bicycle lane. Both are
challenging roads to cycle mainly due to a very high volume of motor vehicle
traffic. I have seen many experienced cyclist riding on both roads during
commute time periods. For those less experienced or fearful […]
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GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS “COMPLETE STREETS”
Earlier this year, Reconnect Rochester teamed up with Tri-State Transportation
Campaign and other transportation advocacy groups from around New York state in
an effort to mobilize support for, and urge Governor Cuomo to sign New York’s
first Complete Streets law. Thousands of you and other New Yorkers signed
petitions and wrote and called your representatives. It made all the difference,
helping to get this issue onto the agendas of elected officials and making sure
it passed during a busy legislative session. Earlier this week Governor Andrew
Cuomo signed the bill that will make streets safer for everyone. The law will
[…]
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MAPNIFICENT, MEET ROCHESTER.
Posted by: John Lam Scoop one for Reconnect Rochester! Several days ago we
noticed Mapnificent.net (a new site for visualizing transit reachability) hadn’t
included Rochester among its cities. Clicking into its support forum led me to a
post also seeking support for Rochester. A quick search told us our bus company
had just announced the public availability of their General Transit Feed
Specification, so in response we posted the location of this feed and within an
hour Rochester debuted in Mapnificent.
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BICYCLE DAY AT THE BRIGHTON FARMERS MARKET SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2011
R_Community_Bikes_Photo Bicycle Day at the Brighton Farmers Market
(www.brightonfarmersmarket.org/) Sunday August 21, 2011 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Brighton High School parking lot 1150 Winton Road South Rochester, NY 14618. R.
Community Bikes will be collecting used bicycles at the Brighton Farmers Market.
Bike donations are tax deductible. Please bring your used bicycle to the market
to donate to a wonderful community organization. 10:00 a.m. – Brighton Police
Dept. bicycle safety talk. Free helmets kids donated by Brighton Police
Patrolman’s Association.
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BROOKS, ROCHESTER GENERAL HOSPITAL HOST WHEEL SPORT SAFETY CONTEST CEREMONY
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, in collaboration with the Office of
Traffic Safety, the Rochester General Hospital Association and the Twigs
organization, hosted the 23rd annual Wheel Sport Safety Awareness Contest Awards
Ceremony. The event, which took place at Greece Ridge Mall, honored local
schoolchildren for their participation in a coloring and writing contest. “This
annual contest is a great opportunity for our children to be advocates and raise
awareness of the dangers of riding a bicycle, rollerblading, or skateboarding
without proper protection,” said Brooks. “By educating the public on safe wheel
sport practices, we will certainly prevent countless injuries […]
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NYC BIKING IS UP 14 PERCENT FROM 2010; OVERALL SUPPORT RISES
By Andrea Bernstein | July 28, 2011 – 12:31 pm The Prospect Park West bike lane
in Brooklyn (photo by Kate Hinds) Biking is up in New York City by 14 percent
from last spring. The NYC Department of Transportation says it recorded 18,809
cyclists per day, up from 16,463 in spring 2010. Word of the increase in
cycling comes the same day a poll shows a widening number of New Yorkers support
bike lanes. Read the story.
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CITY OF ROCHESTER HAS PORTABLE EVENT RACKS FOR LOAN
Event Rack Move it and stack it The Event Rack is an innovative design that
addresses the needs of any game, festival, or event requiring temporary and
secure bike parking. It is easily moveable, stackable and requires no assembly.
When your event is over, stack the Event Racks in a pick-up, van, or trailer,
and store in a minimal amount of space. User friendly, too The Event Rack is the
first rack of its kind that is completely user-friendly: it’s fully U-lock
compatible and supports the bike frame in two places. This means that volunteer
staffing and tickets are not […]
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UPDATED WALK SCORES
New Walk Scores are just out. How did Rochester rank? Below is a list of cities
equal or greater in population and Rochester’s Walk Score puts us in the #18
slot. Not too shabby – on the surface. But…
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SHARED LANE PAVEMENT MARKINGS – NOW APPEARING IN ROCHESTER
Sharrow marking on Latta Road off Lake Ave. in Charlotte The point on the arrow
if 4 feet from the curb. If there is a parking lane then it will be 4 feet from
the left edge of the parking lane.
Read more
RCA MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY JULY 19, 2011
RCA Meeting Date: Tuesday July 19, 2011 Time: 7:00 – 9p.m. Location: U of R,
Georgen Hall Room 110 Map Link: http://www.rochester.edu/maps/ (River Campus)
Think Bicycling as Transportation
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CITY OF ROCHESTER'S FIRST INSTALLED BICYCLE SHELTER
Riverway Trail’s Court Street Trailhead behind the Blue Cross Arena
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HELP STOP DEVASTATING TRANSPORTATION CUTS
Yesterday morning House Transportation & Infrastructure Chairman John Mica
unveiled his proposal [PDF, 3.6mb] for t-bill authorization, which amounts to a
33-35% cut to federal transportation spending. Below is a quick thumbnail sketch
of his proposal, responses/reactions from other lawmakers & advocacy groups, and
three things YOU can do to help stop this train wreck…
Read more
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ATTITUDES IN ROCHESTER, NY
There is a transformation occurring on active transportation (mostly walking and
bicycling) attitudes in the Rochester, NY region, but we’re still waiting for
the tipping point. The tipping point will occur when both vehicle drivers and
active transportation folks actually share the road, and obtain ‘complete
streets’: “Instituting a complete streets policy ensures that transportation
planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with
all users in mind – including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and
riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.” Complete Streets Many in our
region want active transportation to happen: Riding into the future: […]
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RIDING INTO THE FUTURE: BICYCLE MASTER PLANS ENCOURAGE TWO-WHEELED TRAVEL AROUND
ROCHESTER
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20110623/NEWS01/106230330/Master-plans-encourage-bicycling-around-Rochester?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Home|p
See the article in Thursday June 23, 2011 D & C Newspaper online. This year
several City of Rochester streets will be stripped and signed to designate bike
lanes. Also, the use of the cycling road sharing symbol, sharrow, will begin to
appear. What does the Bicycle Master Plan do? – Cycling accommodations should be
included in all future City road projects.
Read more
D&C BIKE ARTICLE THURSDAY & COMPLETE STREETS LEGISLATION APPROVED IN BOTH NY
HOUSES
The legislation is expected to be signed by Governor Coumo. On another note,
there will be a D&C article on bike commuting that will run this Thursday. Patty
Singer from the D&C interviewed Erik Frisch, Bill Collins and others for the
article. Check it out. Scott
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RECONNECT ROCHESTER SPEAKS WITH MCC FACULTY
This past weekend the Department of Chemistry and Geosciences at Monroe
Community College (MCC) held its annual Professional Development Field trip for
faculty members. This year’s theme was “Seeking a Greener Rochester” and
Reconnect Rochester was invited to give a brief history lesson on Rochester’s
transit history and a perspective on the future. The weather was absolutely
gorgeous this Saturday as we all gathered outside on the Court Street bridge.
This was a fitting location as the very spot where the Genesee River, Erie
Canal, the old subway, two extinct railroads and Interstate 490 all meet. And
the story we […]
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R2K11.12 IS SATURDAY JUNE 25
The Rochester Area Recumbent Enthusiasts (RARE) and the Rochester Bicycling Club
(RBC) will host the 12th Annual RARE Recumbent Rally, “The R2K11.12”. Join us
for a fun ride starting at Hamlin Beach Park at 8:00A.M. or Ontario Beach Park
at approximately 10:00A.M. Maps, Cues Sheets & details at
http://home.roadrunner.com/~rare/r2k_11_12.html Uprights and Recumbents Unite!
Read more
TAKE ACTION – COMPLETE STREETS NYS, CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE TODAY!
Great News, Assembly bill A.8366 (Complete Streets) was introduced yesterday.
However, we only have a couple of days left to get the Assembly to pass it.
Please call Assemblyman Gantt and ask him to move this legislation through the
Transportation Committee and help bring it to the Assembly floor for a vote. His
local district office number is 454-3670. Also call the other members of the
Assembly in the area and let them know that A.8366 has been introduced and we
would like it brought to the assembly floor for a vote before session ends. Dan
Burling – 585-786-0180 Sean […]
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RCA MEETING: TUESDAY JUNE 21 AT 7:00 P.M.
Rochester Cycling Alliance Meeting: Tuesday June 21 at 7:00 P.M. Location: RIT
Center for Student Innovation, Room 1100 Map Link:
http://facilities.rit.edu/campus/maps/general/general.pdf. Guest Speaker: Chris
Doran, Director of Business Development, Rochester Genesee Regional
Transportation Authority
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‘DUMP THE PUMP’ THIS THURSDAY
On Thursday, June 16 Reconnect Rochester and the people of Rochester NY, will
join the rest of the country for National Dump the Pump Day. We will leave our
cars in the driveway and instead use public transit. Share this on Facebook and
let your family, friends, co-workers, and employers know. Useful Information:
Use Google Transit to plan your trip. Find RTS schedules & route maps . RTS
Fares: Adults : $1.00 All-Day Unlimited Freedom Pass : $3.00 Adult 5–Day
Unlimited Freedom Pass : $14.00 Adult 31-Day Unlimited Freedom Pass : $56
Children age 6-11 : $0.50 Children age 5 […]
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THE LEHIGH VALLEY TRAIL CONNECTION
The last few days have seen quite a few emails bandied about concerning the
strip of land between the University of Rochester and East River Road. This land
is of particular interest because it happens to be the most direct connection
between the existing Lehigh Valley Trail that runs south to RIT and the Erie
Canal Trail, University of Rochester, and the Genesee Riverway Trail. The map
below show a tax map of the land in question that indicates that it is in the
Town of Brighton and owned by the University of Rochester. The bridges are
permanent easements owned […]
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A BICYCLIST GETTING A TICKET FOR NOT RIDING IN THE BIKE LANE, ONLY IN NYC!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzE-IMaegzQ&feature=channel_video_title
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BIKE WEEK 2011 BEGINS FRIDAY, MAY 20TH!
Rochester Bike Week (May 20-27, 2011) Bicycling Events to Promote: “A Community
in Motion” PRESENTED BY: the Rochester Cycling Alliance (RCA) EMAIL:
bikeweek@rochestercyclingalliance.org DETAILS: The Rochester Cycling Alliance
(RCA) will present their second annual Rochester Bike Week from May 20th through
May 27th, 2011. Complete list of events at: www.rochestercyclingalliance.org May
is Bike Month! As a nationally recognized week, The League of American
Bicyclists (www.bikeleague.org) sponsors Bike Week each year to “…promote
bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation…” in communities all across the
United States. As such, the RCA will host their second annual Bike Week in
Rochester, NY. Rochester’s […]
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CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCESS ON CLOVER ST. PITTSFORD, NY A CONCERN TO CYCLISTS
Public Meeting on Monday, May 23, 7:30 P.M. The subject – Traffic review to
allow commercial vehicles access to a construction site for a residential
development south of Lehigh Station Road and off Clover St. Town of Pittsford
Planning Board Town of Pittsford Hall (lower level) The issue – Clover St. is
designated a bicycle route. Bicycle safety along Clover St. is of great concern
to cyclists. Clover St., being a 55 mph thoroughfare and relatively narrow, that
cyclists will be placed into danger by large construction vehicles trafficking
on that road. You are encouraged to attend the meeting and […]
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A NEW INTERMODAL STATION FOR ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.
Larger View | Order a Print If you haven’t heard, the City of Rochester is
requesting proposals for a new combined Amtrak/Greyhound/Trailways station. We
don’t know about you, but we’re giddy with excitement. Rochester has had more
than its share of great transit stations – sadly, many have been lost to
history. Now, finally we have an opportunity to build a respectable gateway to
Rochester that will serve our region well and become a landmark for many many
generations. Reconnect Rochester is not standing idly by. You know what they say
about idle hands. Well these hands have been busy […]
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ROCHESTER TAKES BIG STEP TOWARD NEW INTERMODAL STATION…
The City of Rochester is requesting proposals for a scoping project . The
project will inventory and analyze the site and corresponding buildings used by
Amtrak, Trailways and Greyhound. The end product will be a Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA) and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)
compliant scoping document that lays the foundation for final design, build-out,
and occupancy of a new Intermodal Transportation Center. Reconnect Rochester is
proud to be a stakeholder of this project. And BOY OH BOY do we have ideas we
want to share. Here’s a summary of what the City is asking from bidders:
Read more
LILAC FESTIVAL BIKE VALET
Heading to the Lilac Festival this weekend? R Community Bikes is providing a
Bike Valet service for festivalgoers at Mindful Body Pilates & Yoga – just $2!
Read more
RCA MEETING AGENDA
RCA Meeting Agenda Date: May 17, 2011 Time: 7:00 – 9p.m. Location: U of R
Georgen Hall Room 108 Map Link: http://www.rochester.edu/maps/ (River Campus)
Think Bicycling as Transportation Sign in Welcome and Introductions Standing
Committee Reports: Communications Events & Rides Advocacy Education Public
Meetings Reports: City- 5/16 University Ave Special Projects: Symposium 4/27 –
Interest forms on SanDisk Announcements: Bike Week 5/20-27 Ride of Silence 5/18
We have a checking a/c New Business: Next Steps: Symposium – All Greentopia 9/17
& 18 (Bridges Ride) – ? Wegmans East Ave Store Passport – Richard 501(c) (3)
filing – Richard Join LAB […]
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RIDE OF SILENCE
May 18, 2011 Meet: 6:30 p.m. Start Time: 7:00 p.m. throughout North America
Start Location: Town of Penfield Highway Dept. on Jackson Road Cyclists will
ride in a slow, 10 mile silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed
or injured while cycling on public roads. Ride of Silence is sponsored by the
Rochester Bicycling Club. It is a North American event now in its seventh year.
The ride will be escorted by Karwowski Escort Service. The Monroe County Sheriff
Zone A will be present at the start. Contact: Andrew R Stewart
mine48565@mypacks.net 585 729-7008 cell
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ROCHESTER BIKE WEEK NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Rochester Cycling Alliance is promoting another Rochester Bike Week May 20th –
May 27th with the theme “A Community in Motion.” This year we are advocating for
the Rochester Cycling Community at large to develop and promote their own events
during Bike Week. If you are interested, click on this link (CLICK HERE) and
fill out the form. Once the form has been completed and reviewed we will contact
you for any further details and then post your event on our website. PLEASE
NOTE: each ride organizer will be solely responsible for his/her event,
including the development and logistics of […]
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THIS WEDNESDAY: THE FIRST GREATER ROCHESTER ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYMPOSIUM
Walk, Bike, Smile, Thrive Jon Schull Scott Macrae Walking and biking is good for
your health, good for your state of mind, good for Rochester. And its about
to get better. Less than a year after the newly-formed Rochester Cycling
Alliance began advocating for comprehensive bike-friendly planning and
development, the City of Rochester has developed and released a Bicycle Master
Plan that will encourage better bike lanes, neighborhood greenways, and urban
trails, and stimulate similar developments in neighboring municipalities. The
Town of Brighton has just received a planning grant from the federally-funded
Genesee Transportation Council to develop a plan […]
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NYS BIKE SUMMIT
APRIL 28, 2011 9-11 AM West Capital Park, Albany (next to the State Capitol
Building) NOTICE: Each year the NYS Bike Summit brings together bicycle
advocates, coalition partners and allies to gather in the State Capital. We
demonstrate that bicycling is important for human health, for the environment
for our economy and our communities! We want investments to enable people of
all ages and skill levels to ride safely on the road. We will recognize Bike
Champions – legislators and others. We will be calling for passage of the
crucial “Complete Streets Bill”. If it rains we will gather […]
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CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH RECONNECT ROCHESTER AND THE SIERRA CLUB
This Thursday evening Reconnect Rochester will be at the Sierra Club’s 13th
Annual Environmental Forum, “Sustainable Production: Rochester’s Cutting Edge”.
Come out and see us at our table and hear two nationally recognized leaders on
sustainable production and manufacturing. Happy Earth Day!
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U.S. CONGRESSIONAL TRANSPORTATION TOUR COMING TO ROCHESTER
House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chair John Mica will visit
Rochester and Cortland on Thursday as part of the field hearings and listening
sessions being held around the country by the Committee on the next federal
transportation bill. While the hearings are open to the public, testimony is via
invitation only. Members of the public will be allowed to bring written
testimony to share with staff at the hearing, or mail in their testimony
directly to the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. The Rochester
hearing was originally scheduled for February; local advocates held their own
transportation town hall to get […]
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ROCHESTER'S BICYCLE MASTER PLAN
Rochester’s Bicycle Master Plan Project The City of Rochester wants to make it
easier for you to get around on your bicycle. The Bicycle Master Plan project
was completed in January 2011. The plan’s recommendations will serve as a
framework for the city’s future investment in bicycle infrastructure. Thank you
to everyone who provided comments, attended public meetings, and got excited
about bicycling in Rochester! About the Project The City developed a long-term
master plan for bicycling infrastructure and services. Sprinkle Consulting (with
SRF & Associates and EDR as sub-consultants) was selected through a request for
proposal process and produced a plan that: […]
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HAPPIEST CITIES ARE BIKING CITIES
National Geography sponsored author Dan Buettner recently studied the happiest
communities worldwide and profiled several of them in his book “Trive”. He
looked at them with regard to an extensive study of economics, sociology and
individual interviews with experts in the field as well as residents. He found
that two of the four cities he profiled were very strong bicycling and walking
communities. What cities did he find were the happiest? Copenhagen, despite
their weather and long winters, and St. Luis Obispo. St. Luis Obispo has a
strong culture of individual entrepreneurialism, and civic involvement. The were
the first city […]
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CANDIDATES SQUARE OFF ON ROCHESTER’S FUTURE
This past Tuesday evening Reconnect Rochester co-sponsored a Mayoral forum on
issues related to land use, neighborhood urban planning, transportation,
development and revitalization. Bill Johnson, Tom Richards, and Alex White went
toe to toe and Rachel Barnhart (WHAM 13 News) moderated. In all, well over 200
people turned out and submitted questions ranging from planning to poverty. The
event was the first extended, in-depth forum of Rochester’s mayoral campaign and
was covered by several local news outlets including YNN, WROC, and the D&C. Now,
in the famous words of sportscaster Warner Wolf, “Let’s go to the video tape!”
And let […]
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DENDEKKER WITHDRAWS STATEWIDE BIKE LICENSING BILL
DenDekker Withdraws Statewide Bike Licensing Bill March 3, 2011 Today,
NYS bicyclists showed their rising political clout, and NYBC and its members
were right there in the fight! Only a few days ago, New York State’s bicyclists
first heard about a proposal to require that every bicycle in the State have a
license. This bill had many problems; in a time of severe fiscal constraint it
would have added a costly layer of bureaucracy. Also, contrary to its stated
intent, the required licenses would have done nothing to stop bicycle theft.
Improving safety for bicyclists, motorists and other road users is […]
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ERIE LACKAWANNA RAILS-TO-TRAILS PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ON THE GENESEE RIVERWAY TRAIL
The City’s efforts to improve and develop new shared use walking and
biking trails, especially along the Genesee River, include plans to convert the
abandoned historic Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Bridge over the Genesee River into a
Rails-to-Trails pedestrian bridge. About the Project The converted
Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Bridge over the Genesee River will connect the east and
west bank Genesee Riverway Trails. The Genesee Riverway Trail is an urban
multi-use trail adjacent to the Genesee River, used primarily by bicyclists,
pedestrians, and cross-country skiers. This project will further the effort to
connect the trail to various neighborhoods and business districts by linking the
University […]
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LICENSING BICYCLES IN NEW YORK STATE
Licensing Bicycles in New York State If you are interested in reading this very
short bill here is the link.
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A05429%09%09&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y
You will notice that it doesn’t provide for any real benefits to the cycling
community.
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ROCHESTER TRANSPORTATION MEETING GETS NATIONAL ATTENTION, AND JON GETS HIS
PICTURE TAKEN!
Rochester Transportation meeting gets national attention, and Jon gets his
picture taken!
http://blog.tstc.org/2011/02/23/the-public-speaks-at-federal-transportation-town-hall-in-rochester/
The meeting was also mentioned with an entry in “Streetsblog”, the national
grassroots transpo blog:
http://streetsblog.net/2011/02/24/rochester-residents-left-out-of-transpo-bill-hearing-create-their-own/
Read more
MAYORAL CANDIDATES TO DISCUSS ROCHESTER’S FUTURE
While Rochester searches for its next mayor to take office and begin the arduous
task of planning the City’s future, Reconnect Rochester is taking the issues to
the candidates and the candidates to the people. Mayoral Candidates Discuss
Rochester’s Future Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 7:00pm 1000 University Ave.
Rochester Gleason Works Auditorium
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MAYORAL CANDIDATES TO DISCUSS ROCHESTER’S FUTURE
While Rochester searches for its next mayor to take office and begin the arduous
task of planning the City’s future, Reconnect Rochester is taking the issues to
the candidates and the candidates to the people.
Read more
HOW TRANSIT OPTIONS MAKE FOR A COOL PLACE TO LIVE… EVEN JERSEY
By now you’ve probably have heard of this thing called transit-oriented
development (T.O.D.) . If you haven’t you might be living in a cave. Or you
might live in Rochester. Sorry—cheap shot. No worries, let’s get you up to speed
with this quick video from the Streetfilms crew. It shows how investment in
public transit, along with some zoning changes, has made the New Jersey Hudson
River waterfront a new boomtown. The area has attracted some $5 billion in
residential development since light rail came in. According to Robert Cotter,
director of city planning for Jersey City, “That’s a testament […]
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NEXT BIKE WEEK MEETING
Rochester Bike Week 2011 is coming soon! If you are interested in participating,
our next scheduled Volunteer meeting is at RIT’s Innovation Center (Google Map
Directions)on Sunday, February 20th from 4pm – 5pm Please come to this meeting
with a list of all the local bike shops, bike clubs, and local Rochester
businesses you have connections with or are willing to reach out to. FYI: Your
connections/list will be the foundation for our outreach campaign. We look
forward to seeing you at the next volunteer meeting! RCA Bike Week 2011,
Director
Read more
CONGRESSIONAL FIELD HEARING IN ROCHESTER ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
Rep. John Mica, Chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee will hold a Field Hearing in Rochester on February 18, 2011 regarding
reauthorization of The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient ransportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), enacted August 10, 2005. SAFETEA-LU
authorized $286.4 billion for Federal surface transportation programs for
highways, transit, and bicycles and pedestrians for the 5-year period,
2005-2009. The latest continuing resolution for extending funding will expire on
March 3, 2011. Transportation Equity Town Hall Presentation and Roundtable with
members of:Tri-State Transportation CampaignUPROSEEmpire State FutureWE ACT for
Environmental Justice February 17th, 2011Rochester Central LibraryKate […]
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ERIE LACKAWANNA BRIDGE PROJECT MEETING
A potential threat to the preservation of rights-of-way for a light rail line
between downtown Rochester and the University of Rochester is the City of
Rochester’s plan to convert the bridge into a bike/ped-only bridge. It’s
important to note that creation of the bike/pedestrian link itself will not
preclude transit; on the other hand it is important that the project be treated
as a rails-with-trails project rather than a rails-to-trails conversion. This
will ensure preservation of the right-of-way for possible future transit. A
rails-to-trails conversion will make a later conversion to rail transit
difficult, whereas a rails-with-trails project specifies that […]
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TRANSPORTATION EQUITY TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 17TH
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITE TO ATTEND… A Transportation Equity Town Hall with the
New York State Transportation Equity Alliance, Reconnect Rochester, and Empire
State Future on February 17th from 6 to 8 PM in the Kate Gleason Auditorium at
the Rochester Central Library. New Yorkers’ transportation needs are changing,
but our transportation policies are stuck in the past. Come join New York State
Transportation Equity Alliance for a forum on how federal and state
transportation policy impacts New York. Learn how we can shape these federal and
state policies to create faster, cleaner, safer, healthier and more equitable
transportation choices […]
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A NEW FUTURE FOR TRANSIT IN ROCHESTER: OUR MAYORAL POLICY STATEMENT
Reconnect Rochester is a group of transportation advocates calling for the
creation of a fully integrated multi-modal transportation network for our
region. We believe the next Mayor has the opportunity to champion a dramatic
shift in our transportation infrastructure. The transit system this city and
region needs will require dedication of time, staff and resources. We urge all
candidates to pledge their commitment to this vision as part of their platform
for candidacy. Read what each candidate had to say about this document and the
future of Rochester’s transit system below. What follows is our reasoning and
recommendations for the […]
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RTS TRANSIT CENTER DESIGN CHECKLIST… TAKE ONE!
On Thursday, February 10, 2011, RGRTA will be hosting its Second Public Design
Review Workshop inviting members of the community to review and react to design
options for the RTS Transit Center . This public review will take place at the
Radisson Inn Riverside and the doors will be open to everyone from 6:00-7:30 pm.
Ideas and comments on the initial designs were taken by RGRTA at the RTS Transit
Center Public Design Review Workshop (September 15, 2010) and the Rochester City
Council Public Forums (April 27, and May 5th, 2010). The volunteers at Reconnect
Rochester have compiled this handy […]
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R COMMUNITY BIKES NEEDS BICYCLE DONATIONS
R Community Bikes Inc. (RCB) is a 501c3 charitable organization which provides
refurbished bicycles to needy children and adults in our community. This service
is provided free of charge but RCB depends on the generosity of individuals who
donate bikes. If you have an old bike in your garage or basement please consider
donating it to RCB. Last year RCB provided 2,474 bikes to our brothers and
sisters of Rochester. For R Community Bikes to continue this ministry, more
bikes are needed. Visit www.rcommunitybikes.net, email to rcombikes@yahoo.com or
call 865-9872 for more information. Thank you.
Read more
2011 ROCHESTER BIKE WEEK VOLUNTEER MEETING
Rochester Cycling Alliance Advocates… If you missed the volunteer meeting last
Sunday you still have an opportunity to find-out more and participate in 2011.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 7th at 7pm – LOCATION: RIT
Center for Student Innovation RM: 1100. RIT Center for Student Innovation.
Google Map Directions available at:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=217907132599489201628.00046c64b3d338283858d&t=h&source=embed&ll=43.085564,-77.679884&spn=0.008259,0.022724&z=16&iwloc=00046c652a700dba32e55
In line with our objectives for the 2011 Bike Week our volunteer needs will
follow three main tracks: Meeting details below. Bike Week 2011 planning is upon
us once again! As the Rochester Bicycle Master Plan Project
(http://www.cityofrochester.gov/bikeplan/) takes shape, the RCA is looking […]
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BIKE WEEK 2011 VOLUNTEER MEETING
It may only be January, but the Rochester Cycling Alliance is already thinking
ahead to Bike Week 2011, May 20-27. We want to build on the successes of last
year’s Bike Week by expanding the event and bringing in more community partners
to get the message out that bikes belong on Rochester’s streets. But we can’t do
it alone! We have several volunteer positions that need to be filled to make
sure that Bike Week 2011 is a success. We’re holding a volunteer meeting this
Sunday at 7 pm for anyone interested in helping out. Join us at the RIT […]
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GRATS MAP: NEWEST AND IMPROVEDEST!
With endorsement from Monroe County Legislature! pdf
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MONROE COUNTY LEGISLATURE ENDORSES GRATS!
Monroe County Legislature endorses the Greater Rochester Active Transportation
System pdf
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BICYCLE SHARING SYSTEMS
Alta Planning & Design, http://www.altaplanning.com/ announces its sister
company Alta Bicycle Sharing, Inc. (ABS) launches bike sharing systems in
Melbourne, Australia and Washington, D.C. There’s no question that the success
of bike share programs rests upon not just great technology, as provided by
companies like Bixi, but on top-notch operations management, as provided by ABS.
Read more
GREATER ROCHESTER AREA BICYCLING MAP @ GOOGLE MAPS
Greater Rochester Area Bicycling MapGenesee Transportation Council — 2010 These
ratings represent the opinions of experienced bicyclists on the rideability of
major roads based on existing road conditions and features such as pavement
width and quality, traffic volumes, presence and type of shoulders, and posted
speed limits. Please be aware that road conditions may change and bicyclists
must always be aware of vehicular traffic, potholes, and other road hazards.
Further information is available at:
http://www.gtcmpo.org/Bike_Map/BikeMapInfo.htm
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=https:%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fsite%2Fgreaterrochesterareabikemap%2Fmap%2Fv2GreaterRochesterAreaBicyclingMap.kml%3Ft%3Dp&sll=43.14183,-77.570686&sspn=0.067137,0.219383&ie=UTF8&t=p&lci=bike&ll=43.157297,-77.606306&spn=0.073381,0.181789&z=13
Read more
GREATER ROCHESTER AREA BICYCLING MAP @ GOOGLE MAPS
Greater Rochester Area Bicycling MapGenesee Transportation Council — 2010 These
ratings represent the opinions of experienced bicyclists on the rideability of
major roads based on existing road conditions and features such as pavement
width and quality, traffic volumes, presence and type of shoulders, and posted
speed limits. Please be aware that road conditions may change and bicyclists
must always be aware of vehicular traffic, potholes, and other road hazards.
Further information is available at:
http://www.gtcmpo.org/Bike_Map/BikeMapInfo.htm
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=https:%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fsite%2Fgreaterrochesterareabikemap%2Fmap%2Fv2GreaterRochesterAreaBicyclingMap.kml%3Ft%3Dp&sll=43.14183,-77.570686&sspn=0.067137,0.219383&ie=UTF8&t=p&lci=bike&ll=43.157297,-77.606306&spn=0.073381,0.181789&z=13
Read more
A NEW STUDY OF DATA FROM LYON’S BIKE-SHARE SYSTEM COULD HELP PLANNERS
Grist by Sarah Goodyear 1 Dec 2010 10:24 AM
http://www.grist.org/article/2010-12-01-a-new-study-shows-that-bike-share-users-beat-average-car-speeds-
A couple of weeks ago, Elly Blue wrote here about the need for better data about
bicycling here in the United States. In Lyon, France, the hugely popular Velo’v
bike-share system is providing a source for at least some of types of bicycling
numbers, having to do with travel times and routes. The Lyon study looked at
11.6 million trips taken on the city’s bikes between May 2005 and December 2007.
It shows, among other things, that . From an item on the Physics arXiv Blog of
MIT’s Technology Review: […]
Read more
PRESENTATION OF FINAL ROCHESTER BICYCLE MASTER PLAN 6PM-8PM MONDAY, DEC 13
The final resentation of the Rochester Bicycle Master Plan will take place on
Monday, 12/13, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Kate Gleason Auditorium of the Rochester
Central Library – Bausch & Lomb Building (116 South Ave). Your attendence and
input will be most welcome. The final version of the report will be available on
the Web approximately one week prior to the meeting on the Rochester Bicycle
Master Plan Website: http://www.cityofrochester.gov/bikeplan/ I hope to see you
there. Scott
Read more
ITHACA BIKE SYMPOSIUM AND BIKE BOULEVARDS
With the Rochester Bicycle Master Plan almost completed, one of the options for
providing access is bike boulevards as noted below. Summary Jon Schull and Scott
MacRae’s Trip to Ithaca Bike Symposium 11- 19 &20, 2010 We were fortunate to
attend the Ithaca Bike Symposium. Unable to make the afternoon sessions, we
joined the Bike & Beer Gathering Friday Night. We met some Ithaca bike advocates
and were introduced as the “Rochester Brothers” because Jon and I both put
Rochester after our first names. The next morning Mia Burke, Alta Planning,
former bike coordinator for Portland, Oregon 1993-1999 who now […]
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UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER BICYCLE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION FORUM, MONDAY NOV. 15,
5:30PM SMH, FLAUM ATRIUM CASE METHOD ROOM
University of Rochester Bicycling – Active Transportation Symposium – Workshop
5:30 pm, Monday, November 15th, Case Method Room # 9576, 1st floor Adjacent
Flaum Atrium off the Mezzanine The University of Rochester Center For Community
Health and the Rochester Cycling Alliance are sponsoring a forum on bicycling
and active transportation with a specific focus on educating the audience on the
successes of Northern cities like Minneapolis, Minnesota and Madison, Wisconsin
as well as opportunities for Rochester.Dr. Brad Berk Strong Health Systems CEO,
will be introducing a symposium on bicycling and active transportation. The City
of Rochester is in the final […]
Read more
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER BICYCLE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION FORUM, MONDAY NOV. 15,
5:30PM SMH, FLAUM ATRIUM CASE METHOD ROOM
University of Rochester Bicycling – Active Transportation Symposium – Workshop
5:30 pm, Monday, November 15th, Case Method Room # 9576, 1st floor Adjacent
Flaum Atrium off the Mezzanine The University of Rochester Center For Community
Health and the Rochester Cycling Alliance are sponsoring a forum on bicycling
and active transportation with a specific focus on educating the audience on the
successes of Northern cities like Minneapolis, Minnesota and Madison, Wisconsin
as well as opportunities for Rochester.Dr. Brad Berk Strong Health Systems CEO,
will be introducing a symposium on bicycling and active transportation. The City
of Rochester is in the final […]
Read more
ROCHESTER’S (INSPIRING) OLD RAILROAD STATIONS
*Cross Posted by RochesterSubway.com Lots of news has been brewing lately over
the future of Rochester’s beat-up, 32-year-old Amtrak station on Central Avenue.
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter recently announced that a $1.5 million federal
stimulus grant has been awarded to New York state to plan for a new multi-modal
station on the site. A $2.5 million appropriation to pay for the station design
is expected to pass Congress next month. And Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo has
just made it abundantly clear that New York will take whatever federal money is
left on the table by newly elected GOP governors in Ohio and Wisconsin. […]
Read more
DON'T BE RIDICULOUS! HOW ONE SWEDISH CITY GETS PEOPLE TO TRADE SILLY CAR TRIPS
FOR BIKES
Here is a Swedish video about how to motivate, cajole and humerously encourage
people to use active transportation, biking and walking, rather than hopping
into the car for short trips. They’ve used some non conventional techniques for
social marketing. Scott
http://www.grist.org/article/2010-09-29-how-one-swedish-city-gets-people-to-trade-silly-car-trips-for-bi/
Read more
DUTCH CYCLISTS SHUN HELMETS – WALL STREET JOURNAL ARTICLE
Dutch cyclist are fighting the recommendaton by health professionals to wearing
helmets. This is a familiar controversy where some cycling advocates are wary of
encouraging helmets because it sends a message that cycling can be dangerous.
The other side argues that not wearing a helmet is risky behavior. I think we’ve
heard this argument before but which ever side you are on you can read about it
below in the motherland of cycling in Europe. I personaly perfer to maintain as
many brain cells as I can. Link below: Scott
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304248704575574250616160146.html?mod=ITP_TEST
Read more
DON'T BE RIDICULOUS! HOW ONE SWEDISH CITY GETS PEOPLE TO TRADE SILLY CAR TRIPS
FOR BIKES
Here is a Swedish video about how to motivate, cajole and humerously encourage
people to use active transportation, biking and walking, rather than hopping
into the car for short trips. They’ve used some non conventional techniques for
social marketing. Scott
http://www.grist.org/article/2010-09-29-how-one-swedish-city-gets-people-to-trade-silly-car-trips-for-bi/
Read more
DUTCH CYCLISTS SHUN HELMETS – WALL STREET JOURNAL ARTICLE
Dutch cyclist are fighting the recommendaton by health professionals to wearing
helmets. This is a familiar controversy where some cycling advocates are wary of
encouraging helmets because it sends a message that cycling can be dangerous.
The other side argues that not wearing a helmet is risky behavior. I think we’ve
heard this argument before but which ever side you are on you can read about it
below in the motherland of cycling in Europe. I personaly perfer to maintain as
many brain cells as I can. Link below: Scott
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304248704575574250616160146.html?mod=ITP_TEST
Read more
REDESIGNING THE R.T.S. TERMINAL FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Last month RGRTA hosted a pubic workshop to invite ideas and comments from the
public on our new RTS Transit Center . Reconnect Rochester was there and we
offered our best critique. After all, the success or failure of this project
will impact us all for decades to come. The following is the result of a
collaborative effort by Reconnect Rochester members to contribute to, or try to
improve upon RGRTA’s preliminary proposal (PDF, 5.7mb). The ideas and visuals
outlined below are by no means a finished product; but just enough to convey our
ideas. As always, we welcome your […]
Read more
BICYCLING MASTER PLAN MEETING # 3
Things are getting interesting and exciting! The Rochester Bicycling Master Plan
had it’s third meeting on Thursday, Oct. 21nd with the Master Planning Advisory
Committee and the Rochester Cycling Alliance members, Bill Collins and Scott
MacRae participated. Sprinkle, the national consulting group gave a summary of
the Draft Recommendations and Prioritization on Street Changes with weighting
based on a customary fomulae along with the public & committee’s suggestions.The
target “Level of Service” for this project is to get roads up to a “C” level
although we’d all love to get most of the roads up to a C or better. […]
Read more
IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE BY CHANGING STREET USE
Read more
RIT ALUMNI JASON BERRY
Jason Berry is an RIT Alumni and film professional who has just completed a
feature film on the Tour De France. The film depicts the history of the Tour De
France and follows the tour team High Road and sprinter, Mark Cavendish as they
journey through France. The filming and soundtrack is terrific! Due to an
outpouring of requests and with the help of the RIT Alumni Association we are
having another screening of “Chasing Legends” in the Rochester area. Wednesday,
October 6th at 8pm, Webb Auditorium on the RIT campus. Please help us spread the
word and I hope […]
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RIT ALUMNI FILMAKER JASON BERRY ENCORES BICYCLING TOUR DE FRANCE FILM "CHASING
LEGENDS
Read more
RIT ALUMNI JASON BERRY
Jason Berry is an RIT Alumni and film professional who has just completed a
feature film on the Tour De France. The film depicts the history of the Tour De
France and follows the tour team High Road and sprinter, Mark Cavendish as they
journey through France. The filming and soundtrack is terrific! Due to an
outpouring of requests and with the help of the RIT Alumni Association we are
having another screening of “Chasing Legends” in the Rochester area. Wednesday,
October 6th at 8pm, Webb Auditorium on the RIT campus. Please help us spread the
word and I hope […]
Read more
RIT ALUMNI FILMAKER JASON BERRY ENCORES BICYCLING TOUR DE FRANCE FILM "CHASING
LEGENDS
Read more
For cyclists interested in cycling adventure stories, the “Books Sandwiched In”
series at Rundel is having a discussion of the book “The Lost Cyclist” on
September 28- hosted by the owner of Full Moon Vista bike shop. I’ll be out of
town that day, but it looks fun!
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589944052
Read more
RAILS WITH TRAILS? ADVANTAGE TO RAILROADS
from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy www.RailstoTrails.orgThey should see their
rates go down. Sometimes people will walk onthe track as a shortcut, then don’t
hear the train in time and gethit. This is eliminated by having a multi use path
next to it.
http://www.railstotrails.org/ourwork/trailbuilding/toolbox/informationsummaries/rails-with-trails.html
Read more
ROCHESTER BICYCLE MASTER PLAN, BRIGHTON, WEGMANS AND 360/365 MOVIE FESTIVAL
The last 2 weeks have been very productive for Rochester Cycling Advocacy. Two
weeks ago RCA members Jon Schull, Scott MacRae and Tom Robinson (EDR) met with
Brighton Town Surpervisor Sandra Frankel to discuss ways to make Brighton more
bike friendly. She agreed to initiate creating a Brighton Bike Advisory group
and with the help of RIT’s Center For Student Innovation perhaps create a
Brighton Bicycle Master Plan which would integrate Rochester’s Plan as well.
GROC also had a major victory getting their County Parks programs approved.
Congratulations GROC. Last Wed. the Rochester Bicycle Master Plan Group met
which included […]
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THIS IS IT! BICYCLE MASTER PLAN PUBLIC MEETINGS WEDESDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT 6PM
AUG. 25-26
Dear Cyclists,Here is a repeat listing of the Rochester Bicycle Master Plan
Rochester Quadrant Citizens Meetings if you have not seen the listing already.
We are welcoming all citizens and cyclist to attend. The meetings will be
facilitated by Bruce Landis and his team of bicycle design consultants from
Sprinkle Inc., who are nationally recognized for their expertise on urban
bicycle master plans. The information gathered here will be combined with the
other information already gathered through an extensive street by street
analysis of the bicycle friendliness of existing conditions. A prioritization of
streets with recommendations on next steps will […]
Read more
THIS IS IT! BICYCLE MASTER PLAN PUBLIC MEETINGS WEDESDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT 6PM
AUG. 25-26
Dear Cyclists,Here is a repeat listing of the Rochester Bicycle Master Plan
Rochester Quadrant Citizens Meetings if you have not seen the listing already.
We are welcoming all citizens and cyclist to attend. The meetings will be
facilitated by Bruce Landis and his team of bicycle design consultants from
Sprinkle Inc., who are nationally recognized for their expertise on urban
bicycle master plans. The information gathered here will be combined with the
other information already gathered through an extensive street by street
analysis of the bicycle friendliness of existing conditions. A prioritization of
streets with recommendations on next steps will […]
Read more
SAVE RECISSION $$$ FOR BIKES!
Protect vital bicycle funding programs- demand proportionality in rescissions!
Take Action! The Jobs Bill passed by Congress last week contains a $2.2 billion
rescission of transportation funds from state Departments of Transportation. In
many states, the DOT will likely target bike funding programs for the money to
send back to the federal government – unless local advocates speak up and make
sure that doesn’t happen. States must report which program funds are affected by
August 25th- so action is needed this week! Unlike previous rescissions there is
no proportionality requirement calling for equal distribution of funding program
cuts. Instead, the […]
Read more
SAVE RECISSION $$$ FOR BIKES!
Protect vital bicycle funding programs- demand proportionality in rescissions!
Take Action! The Jobs Bill passed by Congress last week contains a $2.2 billion
rescission of transportation funds from state Departments of Transportation. In
many states, the DOT will likely target bike funding programs for the money to
send back to the federal government – unless local advocates speak up and make
sure that doesn’t happen. States must report which program funds are affected by
August 25th- so action is needed this week! Unlike previous rescissions there is
no proportionality requirement calling for equal distribution of funding program
cuts. Instead, the […]
Read more
GETTING THE WORD OUT
Mostly, I just wanted to hightlight the GRATS idea with the article below that I
have posted in various venues–and to mention that I hope the next meeting of the
RCA includes some time devoted to communications–getting the word out about
RCA’s mission alternative transporation as a real option in our area. So, here’s
the article: Rochester bike commuting, the tipping point Remember when you were
a kid and used to watch water drops form? You’d stare at a point where a water
drop was building, then after a while a tipping point would be reached and the
drop would, […]
Read more
GETTING THE WORD OUT
Mostly, I just wanted to hightlight the GRATS idea with the article below that I
have posted in various venues–and to mention that I hope the next meeting of the
RCA includes some time devoted to communications–getting the word out about
RCA’s mission alternative transporation as a real option in our area. So, here’s
the article: Rochester bike commuting, the tipping point Remember when you were
a kid and used to watch water drops form? You’d stare at a point where a water
drop was building, then after a while a tipping point would be reached and the
drop would, […]
Read more
Comrades- they’re on to us! “Colorado Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan
Maes knows you might think bicycles and bicycle riding are harmless, but beware:
“That’s exactly the attitude they want you to have.” The Denver Post reports
that Maes, a Tea Party friendly candidate facing former Rep. Scott McInnis in
the August 10 Republican primary, has come out against a public bicycle program
run by the city of Denver. Denver’s mayor, John Hickenlooper, is the presumptive
Democratic nominee, and a cycling supporter. “This is all very well-disguised,
but it will be exposed,” Maes said at a small campaign rally last week, […]
Read more
DANGEROUS PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS PBS SPECIAL
Dear Group, Here is a nice link to a PBS treatise on dangerous pedestrian road
crossings which has plenty of relevance to our travials trying to get safe bike
lane design in challenging places like Monroe Ave around Pittsford Plaza. During
the presentation they mention that the current trend is unsustainable and very
bad for the evolving demographics, ie more older people who won’t be able to
drive and are stuck in their suburban houses locked in by 6&7 lane roads. I had
a discussion a few weeks ago with Rich Perrin, head of Genesee Transportation
Council who made the […]
Read more
GRATS MAP: NEWER AND IMPROVEDER!
Click for the newest and improvest PDF
Read more
GREATER ROCHESTER ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM BROCHURE
Click on images for a printable PDF. Spread the word! Now seeking endorsements
and logos from allied organizations.
Read more
GREATER ROCHESTER ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM BROCHURE
Click on images for a printable PDF. Spread the word! Now seeking endorsements
and logos from allied organizations.
Read more
GREATER ROCHESTER ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Click on images for a printable PDF. Spread the word! Now seeking endorsements
and logos from allied organizations.
Read more
GRATS SCHEMATIC V2
Read more
GRATS SCHEMATIC V2
Read more
DARK FORCES ARE WAITING FOR US TO LET DOWN OUR GUARD
Electronics companies try to start a pro-distracted driving lobby, but backtrack
quickly when the Secretary of Transportation raises a fuss.
http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=205706&type=newswires -Bill Collins
Read more
DARK FORCES ARE WAITING FOR US TO LET DOWN OUR GUARD
Electronics companies try to start a pro-distracted driving lobby, but backtrack
quickly when the Secretary of Transportation raises a fuss.
http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=205706&type=newswires -Bill Collins
Read more
U.S. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY RAY LAHOOD ANNOUNCES $293 MILLION FOR NEW TRANSIT
SOLUTIONS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NATIONWIDE
Project Selections Will Expand Obama Administration’s Livability Initiative
Agenda, Fuel Economic Recovery for Local Communities A $293 million investment
announced today by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood means that residents
in dozens of communities nationwide will soon enjoy major transit improvements,
including new streetcars, buses, and transit facilities. The nearly $300 million
investment is part of the Obama Administration’s livability initiative to better
coordinate transportation, housing and commercial development investments to
serve the people living in those communities. It is being made through two
competitive grant programs, the Urban Circulator Grant Program and the Bus and
Bus Livability Grant Program.
Read more
GRATS BROCHURE V1
(click for full size images)
Read more
RIVER MEADOW CROSSING
Allen Kerkeslager helped me find an even better link to connect the RITtweenway
with the Genesee Valley Greenway, and Jay Jackson pointed out that a bike ferry
could be a way cool and relatively easy way to get the job done. Here is the
site we are talking about in google maps. On the east side of the crossing, the
land is reportedly owned by developers planning to create a pond and preserve in
the big open areas, and on the west side some unused NYState owned property
seems to be waiting for our new lease on life. The crossing […]
Read more
GREATER ROCHESTER ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Work in progress….
Read more
U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM – FAQS – ADVENTURE CYCLING ASSOCIATION
U.S. Bicycle Route System – FAQs – Adventure Cycling Association: “USBRS –
Frequently Asked Questions1. What is the U.S. Bicycle Route System?2. What are
the advantages of having a U.S. Bicycle Route?3. Is there demand?4. Who is
funding this initiative?5. Are there any existing routes?6. How are routes
decided upon?7. Who oversees/maintains the U.S. Bicycle Route System?8. What
does designation mean?9. What stipulations are there for developing U.S. Bicycle
Routes?10. What if the best route or an important connection is not on a road
managed by the State Department of Transportation?11. What is AASHTO?12. What is
the Adventure Cycling Association? […]
Read more
"SAFE PASSING" LAW PASSES NYS LEGISLATURE
A bill that mandates cars to pass a bicyclist at a “safe distance” passed the
Legislature
yesterday:http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100630006
Thanks to Richard, Harvey, and all the other NYS cyclist advocates that worked
hard to get this bill passed! Hopefully the governor will sign, but it appeared
to pass both houses with more than 2/3 vote, so an override shouldn’t be
difficult, if it comes to that. -Bill Collins
Read more
"SAFE PASSING" LAW PASSES NYS LEGISLATURE
A bill that mandates cars to pass a bicyclist at a “safe distance” passed the
Legislature
yesterday:http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100630006
Thanks to Richard, Harvey, and all the other NYS cyclist advocates that worked
hard to get this bill passed! Hopefully the governor will sign, but it appeared
to pass both houses with more than 2/3 vote, so an override shouldn’t be
difficult, if it comes to that. -Bill Collins
Read more
AND ANOTHER CITY BIKE TOUR
This one focuses on Artwalk and Cobbs Hill area, July 20th:
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589943294 -Bill Collins
Read more
GUIDED BIKE RIDE
Free guided bike tour of Marketview Heights and the Arts District, sponsored by
the City of Rochester and MVP, July 6th:
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589943292 -Bill Collins
Read more
AND ANOTHER CITY BIKE TOUR
This one focuses on Artwalk and Cobbs Hill area, July 20th:
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589943294 -Bill Collins
Read more
GUIDED BIKE RIDE
Free guided bike tour of Marketview Heights and the Arts District, sponsored by
the City of Rochester and MVP, July 6th:
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589943292 -Bill Collins
Read more
BEYOND THE MOTOR CITY… IN CASE YOU MISSED IT AT THE DRYDEN
Tonight’s screening of Beyond the Motor City at the Dryden Theater was, in my
opinion, a phenomenal event for Rochester. After the film, seven panelists
discussed local transportation issues and took questions on the subject from the
nearly full audience. Of course, in the allotted timeframe we were only able to
scratch the surface, but this is a conversation that we will carry on in the
months, and years ahead. If you’re not already, now would be a good time to make
sure you’re following Reconnect Rochester on Facebook . And, in case you missed
tonight’s event, here is Beyond […]
Read more
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE VIA GOOGLE STREET VIEW ON VIMEO
Golden Gate Bridge via Google Street View on Vimeo I want this tool. Golden Gate
Bridge via Google Street View from Nathan de Vries on Vimeo.
Read more
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE VIA GOOGLE STREET VIEW ON VIMEO
Golden Gate Bridge via Google Street View on Vimeo I want this tool. Golden Gate
Bridge via Google Street View from Nathan de Vries on Vimeo.
Read more
A group of cyclists in Canada gets impatient with government inaction regarding
cycling infrastructure and takes measures into its own hands. -Bill Collins
Read more
A group of cyclists in Canada gets impatient with government inaction regarding
cycling infrastructure and takes measures into its own hands. -Bill Collins
Read more
BEYOND THE MOTOR CITY SCREENING MONDAY, JUNE 28TH DRYDEN THEATER GEORGE EASTMAN
HOUSE 7PM OPEN TO PUBLIC
Below please find info about a free documentary screening at the George Eastman
House’s Dryden Theater on Monday, June 28. This film and the panel discussion
that follows will address issues pivotal to the future of our region. This is a
film about the past and future of transportation. Info requests to RRCDC phone
271 0520. We hope you can attend the screening and panel discussion on June 28.
Please forward and post to your Facebooks, Twitters, etc. etc. etc.! Evan
LowensteinEmpire State Future (www.empirestatefuture.org)
Read more
BEYOND THE MOTOR CITY SCREENING MONDAY, JUNE 28TH DRYDEN THEATER GEORGE EASTMAN
HOUSE 7PM OPEN TO PUBLIC
Below please find info about a free documentary screening at the George Eastman
House’s Dryden Theater on Monday, June 28. This film and the panel discussion
that follows will address issues pivotal to the future of our region. This is a
film about the past and future of transportation. Info requests to RRCDC phone
271 0520. We hope you can attend the screening and panel discussion on June 28.
Please forward and post to your Facebooks, Twitters, etc. etc. etc.! Evan
LowensteinEmpire State Future (www.empirestatefuture.org)
Read more
RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY FEATURES URBAN TRAILS
Urban Pathways News and Updates Portland, Ore. – Community Cycling Center
Director Alison Gravespresented the Understanding Barriers to Bicycling project
at a seminar at Portland State University. As part of the project, the center
conducted workshops and focus groups with various communities of color,
providing insight on how best to tailor programming. Minneapolis, Minn. –
Streetfilms produced a video highlighting the city’s bike-friendly improvements,
including trail network construction and trail programming such as the Midtown
Greenway Trail Watch. Greenville, S.C. – In a newspaper article about safety on
the Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail, trail planners Ty Houck
[…]
Read more
STATE OF THE CITY
State of the City – 2010 **Trevor Flynn Lecture at MAG: June 17, 7pm:
Re-Envisioning PARK(ing) Day: Idea Generation Workshop at RoCo: Saturday June 26
@ 1pm Exhibition Runs: August 6 – Sep 19, 2010 Opening Reception: August 6,
6-10pm Artists’ Talk: August 8, 1pm State of the City is a group exhibition
featuring Trevor Flynn, Amy Casey and Spectres of Liberty. State of the City
2010 engages artists, creative professionals and the public in considering and
envisioning the history and PARK(ing) Day – September 17th @ RoCo Originally
created by Rebar, San Francisco art and design collective, PARK(ing) Day […]
Read more
ROCHESTERGREENWAY NOW ON GOOGLE MAPS
I discovered today that the RochesterGreenway (aka Lehigh Valley North Trail) is
now showing up on the Google maps bike layer. I also scoped out a nice bicycle
boulevard route inspired by Richard deSarra’s Monroe Bicycle Boulevard Ride. It
goes from Cobbs Creek to Hinsdale to Pinnacle to Crossman to Field to Westerloe
to Lac de Ville. At which point you can jog to Clinton (traffic alert!) to
get to the Canal. I dub this route the Pinnacle -Lac deVille route. It comes
tantalizingly close to Brighton Park, however. and so I’ve marked an area for
future exploration. […]
Read more
BEYOND THE MOTOR CITY — AT THE DRYDEN THEATER, JUNE 28. BRING YOUR PALS—IT’S ON
US!
To view this site, you need to have Flash Player 9 or later installed. Click
here to get the latest Flash player. On Monday June 28 at 7:00pm you are invited
to a FREE screening of PBS’s eye-opening film, BLUEPRINT AMERICA: BEYOND THE
MOTOR CITY at the Dryden Theater. The documentary is touring cities across
America to raise questions—and seek answers—about the future of transportation
in America. Can we build the “infrastructure of tomorrow” today? Can the
cash-strapped and car-dependent cities of the so-called Rust Belt become new
models for fast, clean, public transit? The links and similarities between
Rochester […]
Read more
BIKE MASTER PLAN WEBSITE NOW UP
The City of Rochester has launched the website for the Bicycle Master Plan
currently being developed. It’s pretty limited right now, but more information
will be added as the project progresses. Check it out!
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/bikeplan/
Read more
BIKE MASTER PLAN WEBSITE NOW UP
The City of Rochester has launched the website for the Bicycle Master Plan
currently being developed. It’s pretty limited right now, but more information
will be added as the project progresses. Check it out!
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/bikeplan/
Read more
NO KIDDING!!! BUSINESS WEEK: LOS ANGELES PLANS TO SPEND $230 MILLION ON 1,700
MILES OF BICYCLE PATHS
SPECIAL REPORT June 3, 2010, 3:09PM ESTFighting Carbon Emissions: Cities Take
the LeadFrom Los Angeles to Amsterdam, city hall is becoming the best hope for
climate actionBy Mark Scott and Jeremy van LoonLos Angeles: city of freeways,
smog, and…bike lanes? That’s where Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wants to take his
town. In one of the less likelytransformations in the global effort to cut
carbon dioxide emissions, Los Angeles plans to spend $230 million on 1,700 miles
of bicycle paths. Most of theprogram will be completed by 2015 and includes
changing rooms, showers, and bike storage areas operated by the city and […]
Read more
NO KIDDING!!! BUSINESS WEEK: LOS ANGELES PLANS TO SPEND $230 MILLION ON 1,700
MILES OF BICYCLE PATHS
SPECIAL REPORT June 3, 2010, 3:09PM ESTFighting Carbon Emissions: Cities Take
the LeadFrom Los Angeles to Amsterdam, city hall is becoming the best hope for
climate actionBy Mark Scott and Jeremy van LoonLos Angeles: city of freeways,
smog, and…bike lanes? That’s where Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wants to take his
town. In one of the less likelytransformations in the global effort to cut
carbon dioxide emissions, Los Angeles plans to spend $230 million on 1,700 miles
of bicycle paths. Most of theprogram will be completed by 2015 and includes
changing rooms, showers, and bike storage areas operated by the city and […]
Read more
A NYC VIEW ON OUR UPSTATE SPRAWL
A very interesting essay from a resident of NYC, who feels that they are paying
the price for upstate sprawl:
http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/06/04/why-nyc-residents-should-care-about-the-upstate-sprawl-bomb/#more-222391
-Bill Collins
Read more
A NYC VIEW ON OUR UPSTATE SPRAWL
A very interesting essay from a resident of NYC, who feels that they are paying
the price for upstate sprawl:
http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/06/04/why-nyc-residents-should-care-about-the-upstate-sprawl-bomb/#more-222391
-Bill Collins
Read more
ROCHESTER BICYCLE BOULEVARD RIDE A SUCCESS
On Sunday, May 23 at 1 PM in Cobbs Hill Park, over forty bicyclists began a
bicycle boulevard demonstration ride through the Upper Monroe neighborhood in
Rochester, New York. They were not racers, or members of a single bicycling
club, or recruits for a charity ride. They were just ordinary folks finding out
what a bicycle boulevard would look and feel like in our area. Maybe it is a
harbinger of things to come. Portland, Oregon’s next generation bicycle
boulevards is already achieving what we are attempting here: “A low traffic
volume and low traffic speed street where bicycles, pedestrians […]
Read more
ROCHESTER BICYCLE BOULEVARD RIDE A SUCCESS
On Sunday, May 23 at 1 PM in Cobbs Hill Park, over forty bicyclists began a
bicycle boulevard demonstration ride through the Upper Monroe neighborhood in
Rochester, New York. They were not racers, or members of a single bicycling
club, or recruits for a charity ride. They were just ordinary folks finding out
what a bicycle boulevard would look and feel like in our area. Maybe it is a
harbinger of things to come. Portland, Oregon’s next generation bicycle
boulevards is already achieving what we are attempting here: “A low traffic
volume and low traffic speed street where bicycles, pedestrians […]
Read more
BIKE 4 BREAKFAST
Bike 4 Breakfast (a Bike Week event) took place on Sunday, May 23rd from 8:00am
– 11:00am. The ride started at Eastern Mountain Sports in Pittsford Plaza and
followed the Canal Path to the Genesee River Path in route to the South Wedge
Diner (located in Rochester’s South Wedge neighborhood). The people, weather and
ride were all great! The total number of riders that participated was 14. Great
event – look forward to offering it again sometime this summer.Thanks to
Chintana for helping out.
Read more
BIKE 4 BREAKFAST
Bike 4 Breakfast (a Bike Week event) took place on Sunday, May 23rd from 8:00am
– 11:00am. The ride started at Eastern Mountain Sports in Pittsford Plaza and
followed the Canal Path to the Genesee River Path in route to the South Wedge
Diner (located in Rochester’s South Wedge neighborhood). The people, weather and
ride were all great! The total number of riders that participated was 14. Great
event – look forward to offering it again sometime this summer.Thanks to
Chintana for helping out.
Read more
GET THAT POTHOLE FILLED!
For motorists, potholes are an annoyance, but they can be extremely dangerous
for cyclists! If you encounter potholes in the City of Rochester, you can use
this on-line form to report them to the City for repair:
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/app.aspx?id=8589937206 In my experience, the City
fills the pothole within a couple of days.
Read more
GET THAT POTHOLE FILLED!
For motorists, potholes are an annoyance, but they can be extremely dangerous
for cyclists! If you encounter potholes in the City of Rochester, you can use
this on-line form to report them to the City for repair:
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/app.aspx?id=8589937206 In my experience, the City
fills the pothole within a couple of days.
Read more
Rochester Cycling Alliance / Bike Week Commuter Race just finished – cyclist won
after a close race. Times will be updated later and possibly a video too! Thanks
to everyone who helped out with the race. Great way to start out Bike Week.
Don’t miss the Light-up the River Ride tonight at 9:00PM. Visit:
www.rochestercyclingalliance.org for details.
Read more
Rochester Cycling Alliance / Bike Week Commuter Race just finished – cyclist won
after a close race. Times will be updated later and possibly a video too! Thanks
to everyone who helped out with the race. Great way to start out Bike Week.
Don’t miss the Light-up the River Ride tonight at 9:00PM. Visit:
www.rochestercyclingalliance.org for details.
Read more
RUSH HOUR.
Here’s a time-lapse video of rush hour in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Dream big,
folks.
Read more
FRIDAY, MAY 21ST – COMMUTER RACE (FIRST BIKE WEEK EVENT)
Rochester’s Bike Week starts tomorrow! Tomorrow is also National Bike to Work
Day – BIKE TO WORK! Come support the Bike Week Commuter Race at 7:00am
(Bicyclists vs. car vs. bus). Race will begin at Starbucks (Corner of Winton and
Monroe) at 7:00am and terminates in front of the museum on Monroe Ave (just
before Manhattan Sq Pk).
Read more
RUSH HOUR.
Here’s a time-lapse video of rush hour in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Dream big,
folks.
Read more
FRIDAY, MAY 21ST – COMMUTER RACE (FIRST BIKE WEEK EVENT)
Rochester’s Bike Week starts tomorrow! Tomorrow is also National Bike to Work
Day – BIKE TO WORK! Come support the Bike Week Commuter Race at 7:00am
(Bicyclists vs. car vs. bus). Race will begin at Starbucks (Corner of Winton and
Monroe) at 7:00am and terminates in front of the museum on Monroe Ave (just
before Manhattan Sq Pk).
Read more
CITY NEWSPAPER COVERS RCA BIKE WEEK
Click City Newspaper to see coverage of RCA Bike Week.
Read more
CITY NEWSPAPER COVERS RCA BIKE WEEK
Click City Newspaper to see coverage of RCA Bike Week.
Read more
JOHN ROBERT SMITH IN ROCHESTER
*Cross Posted by the Moderate Urban Champion Members of Reconnect Rochester had
a unique opportunity Monday afternoon. We were invited to sit in and
participate in a roundtable discussion featuring representation of the Genesee
Transportation Council, the Empire State Passengers Association, the Rochester
Rail Transit Committee, and the keynote speaker of that evening’s lecture, John
Robert Smith. Not all of the biggest statements came from Smith himself, but his
insight into federal agencies and funding acquisition from said agencies was
very valuable to our coalition. Also heartening was the recognition by all
parties of potential energy realities. This acceptance set the […]
Read more
RCA T-SHIRT ORDERS
Anyone interested in a limited edition RCA T-shirt please email uswith your
name, T-shirt size, phone number, and email. T-shirt costwill be $20 per shirt.
This cost is based on buying 12 T-shirts to start. The more people who buy them
the cheaper they will be. We need orders by 10AM tomorrow (5/11) in order to get
the shirts by this Friday. Please pass this message along and let all RCA’ers
know about the shirts. Shirts will be Red 50/50 cotton shirts with a white RCA
Chain ring /Cityscape logo on the front and white “ROCHESTER CYCLING ALLIANCE”
lettering on […]
Read more
RCA T-SHIRT ORDERS
Anyone interested in a limited edition RCA T-shirt please email uswith your
name, T-shirt size, phone number, and email. T-shirt costwill be $20 per shirt.
This cost is based on buying 12 T-shirts to start. The more people who buy them
the cheaper they will be. We need orders by 10AM tomorrow (5/11) in order to get
the shirts by this Friday. Please pass this message along and let all RCA’ers
know about the shirts. Shirts will be Red 50/50 cotton shirts with a white RCA
Chain ring /Cityscape logo on the front and white “ROCHESTER CYCLING ALLIANCE”
lettering on […]
Read more
ONE MORE BRIDGE TO CROSS, ON FOOT OR BIKE | 520 – AN ENVIRONMENTAL BLOG |
ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
One more bridge to cross, on foot or bike | 520 – An Environmental Blog |
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Erie Lackawanna railroad bridge! POSTED BY SORR
• APRIL 29, 2010 • 11:14 AM Read Comments(1) Recommend(1) The city of Rochester
is now soliciting proposals for design of a new walking-biking trail on a bridge
over the Genesee River near the University of Rochester. The 1,600-foot-long
stretch of trail would use the old Erie-Lackawanna Railroad bridge that crosses
the river from the Plymouth-Exchange neighborhood to the university’s River
Campus. It would connect with the excellent trails, much used by runners, […]
Read more
TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
ATTENTION all RCA members with a Facebook page! If you have been looking for a
way to help and support the RCA and Bike Week, but have been too busy to make it
to meetings, etc. you can help-out by letting your friends know about the event
through Facebook or email. If you have a Facebook page please cut and paste the
following message into your status: Rochester Bike Week is May 21st thru 28th.
For a list of events visit: http://www.rochestercyclingalliance.org/ If you do
not have facebook, but have an email account.. then simply send the above
message to […]
Read more
TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
ATTENTION all RCA members with a Facebook page! If you have been looking for a
way to help and support the RCA and Bike Week, but have been too busy to make it
to meetings, etc. you can help-out by letting your friends know about the event
through Facebook or email. If you have a Facebook page please cut and paste the
following message into your status: Rochester Bike Week is May 21st thru 28th.
For a list of events visit: http://www.rochestercyclingalliance.org/ If you do
not have facebook, but have an email account.. then simply send the above
message to […]
Read more
LAST ROCHESTER BIKE WEEK VOLUNTEER MEETING
ATTN: All RCA Members and Volunteers… We will be having the last volunteer
meeting at Spot Coffee on Tuesday, May 11th from 7-8PM. At this meeting we will
cover: upcoming confirmed events, distribute fliers to volunteer (for later
distribution), discuss where fliers have been distributed thus far (bike shops,
etc.), schedule volunteers for flier distribution at the Lilac Fest, determine
the number of Bike Week shirts to purchase, and implement Social Media
strategies and get our network of volunteers involved with spreading the word
via FB, Twitter, Blogs, etc. Please come to see how you can help support the
event. […]
Read more
LAST ROCHESTER BIKE WEEK VOLUNTEER MEETING
ATTN: All RCA Members and Volunteers… We will be having the last volunteer
meeting at Spot Coffee on Tuesday, May 11th from 7-8PM. At this meeting we will
cover: upcoming confirmed events, distribute fliers to volunteer (for later
distribution), discuss where fliers have been distributed thus far (bike shops,
etc.), schedule volunteers for flier distribution at the Lilac Fest, determine
the number of Bike Week shirts to purchase, and implement Social Media
strategies and get our network of volunteers involved with spreading the word
via FB, Twitter, Blogs, etc. Please come to see how you can help support the
event. […]
Read more
MAPLEWOOD BIKE RODEO NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
The Maplewood Library is having a bike rodeo for kids next Saturday (May 15) at
10:00, and needs additional volunteers, preferably people who have some
experience with minor bike and helmet adjustments/repairs. About 26 kids, all
active users of the Maplewood Library, will be attending. It will take place in
the front parking lot of Aquinas High School. The RPD will be supervising the
actual cone riding course. Volunteers will be needed for the helmet/bike
adjustments and possibly helping kids learn to ride. Please contact me if you
are interested: alamedajunk@yahoo.com . -Bill Collins
Read more
TRANSPORTATION REFORM IS HEALTH REFORM
Via Streetsblog, an article about a CDC report quietly issued last month which
affirms that reforming transportation policy to encourage pedestrian and bicycle
use will improve the health of our country-
http://dc.streetsblog.org/2010/05/06/centers-for-disease-control-transportation-reform-is-health-reform/
This CDC brief should be mentioned every time we advocate for better cycling
facilities.
Read more
MAPLEWOOD BIKE RODEO NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
The Maplewood Library is having a bike rodeo for kids next Saturday (May 15) at
10:00, and needs additional volunteers, preferably people who have some
experience with minor bike and helmet adjustments/repairs. About 26 kids, all
active users of the Maplewood Library, will be attending. It will take place in
the front parking lot of Aquinas High School. The RPD will be supervising the
actual cone riding course. Volunteers will be needed for the helmet/bike
adjustments and possibly helping kids learn to ride. Please contact me if you
are interested: alamedajunk@yahoo.com . -Bill Collins
Read more
TRANSPORTATION REFORM IS HEALTH REFORM
Via Streetsblog, an article about a CDC report quietly issued last month which
affirms that reforming transportation policy to encourage pedestrian and bicycle
use will improve the health of our country-
http://dc.streetsblog.org/2010/05/06/centers-for-disease-control-transportation-reform-is-health-reform/
This CDC brief should be mentioned every time we advocate for better cycling
facilities.
Read more
ROCHESTER RATED 18TH OF US CITIES IN BICYCLE COMMUTING
In 2008 Rochester has the 18th highest of 51 cities over 1 million population
based on US Census Data with a bicycle commute rate of 0.6%. The rate has grow
substantially from it’s 0.2% rate in 2000 based on US Census Data. I’ve been in
contact with Steve Clark, who works for Transit for Livable Communities in
Minneapolis and is highly respected in the Minneapolis cycling community. He
notes that they are seeing an increase in all year bike commuting as well as an
overall increase. One third of Minneapolis bike commuters are now cycling year
round as born out […]
Read more
ROCHESTER RATED 18TH OF US CITIES IN BICYCLE COMMUTING
In 2008 Rochester has the 18th highest of 51 cities over 1 million population
based on US Census Data with a bicycle commute rate of 0.6%. The rate has grow
substantially from it’s 0.2% rate in 2000 based on US Census Data. I’ve been in
contact with Steve Clark, who works for Transit for Livable Communities in
Minneapolis and is highly respected in the Minneapolis cycling community. He
notes that they are seeing an increase in all year bike commuting as well as an
overall increase. One third of Minneapolis bike commuters are now cycling year
round as born out […]
Read more
SUSTAINABILITY MOBILITY FAIR
Sustainability Mobility Fair “Future Transportation Choices for Short Trips”
Admission is free and open to the public. At the May 8th Sustainability Mobility
Fair you can view over 20 full-size alternative vehicles in a casual setting.
WHEN & WHERE: When: Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10:AM – 2 PMWhere: The Center for
Student Innovation at RIT, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr Rochester, NY 14623-5698 Most of
the trips we take are 6.5 miles from our homes. Either traveling to work, to
school, to shop, or just for fun, you will have many transportation choices in
the future. Whether your reasons for […]
Read more
SUSTAINABILITY MOBILITY FAIR
Sustainability Mobility Fair “Future Transportation Choices for Short Trips”
Admission is free and open to the public. At the May 8th Sustainability Mobility
Fair you can view over 20 full-size alternative vehicles in a casual setting.
WHEN & WHERE: When: Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10:AM – 2 PMWhere: The Center for
Student Innovation at RIT, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr Rochester, NY 14623-5698 Most of
the trips we take are 6.5 miles from our homes. Either traveling to work, to
school, to shop, or just for fun, you will have many transportation choices in
the future. Whether your reasons for […]
Read more
3 FOOT PASSING LAW IN NY?
Via Streetsblog, an article about the current status of bills to help keep cars
away from bikes in New York State. David Gantt, a Rochester Assemblyman, is
currently Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, and is mentioned in
the article as being currently opposed to a 3 foot rule, preferring instead a
“safe distance” rule. Any area bicyclist, but especially constituent’s of Mr.
Gantt’s, should contact his office about these bills.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20100502/NEWS02/5020388/-1/ARCHIVE/3-foot%20rule%20proposed%20for%20cyclists+’%20safety
-Bill Collins
Read more
3 FOOT PASSING LAW IN NY?
Via Streetsblog, an article about the current status of bills to help keep cars
away from bikes in New York State. David Gantt, a Rochester Assemblyman, is
currently Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, and is mentioned in
the article as being currently opposed to a 3 foot rule, preferring instead a
“safe distance” rule. Any area bicyclist, but especially constituent’s of Mr.
Gantt’s, should contact his office about these bills.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20100502/NEWS02/5020388/-1/ARCHIVE/3-foot%20rule%20proposed%20for%20cyclists+’%20safety
-Bill Collins
Read more
ROCHESTER BICYCLE MASTER PLAN
Read more
ROCHESTER BICYCLE MASTER PLAN
Read more
ROCHESTER CRITICAL MASS RIDE FRIDAY @ 6PM (LIBERTY POLE)
View Larger Map
Read more
ROCHESTER CRITICAL MASS RIDE FRIDAY @ 6PM (LIBERTY POLE)
View Larger Map
Read more
RCA T-SHIRT DESIGN
Please provide feedback about this t-shirt design (graphic, colors & pricing).
Would you support our efforts and mission by purchasing one of our t-shirts?
Make custom t-shirts at CustomInk.com
Read more
RCA T-SHIRT DESIGN
Please provide feedback about this t-shirt design (graphic, colors & pricing).
Would you support our efforts and mission by purchasing one of our t-shirts?
Make custom t-shirts at CustomInk.com
Read more
TRAILS, CANALS, AND PROJECT GREEN
Rochester’s routes have shaped its history and will determine its destiny. From
its Native American days to the present, Rochester’s historical pathways
continue to shape and affect its vibrancy. We’ve come full circle. Trail. Indian
trails shaped today’s street arrangement. Instead of a simple urban grid we have
Genesee Street, Plymouth Avenue and the trail along the east bank of the Genesee
River.Canal. Our nineteenth-century canal system built on these Native American
routes. The largely-forgotten Genesee Valley Canal followed closely South
Plymouth Avenue and the Feeder Canal paralleled much of today’s Mt. Hope Avenue.
The Erie Canal followed a curving […]
Read more
TRAILS, CANALS, AND PROJECT GREEN
Rochester’s routes have shaped its history and will determine its destiny. From
its Native American days to the present, Rochester’s historical pathways
continue to shape and affect its vibrancy. We’ve come full circle. Trail. Indian
trails shaped today’s street arrangement. Instead of a simple urban grid we have
Genesee Street, Plymouth Avenue and the trail along the east bank of the Genesee
River.Canal. Our nineteenth-century canal system built on these Native American
routes. The largely-forgotten Genesee Valley Canal followed closely South
Plymouth Avenue and the Feeder Canal paralleled much of today’s Mt. Hope Avenue.
The Erie Canal followed a curving […]
Read more
GOOGLE MAPS – BIKES IS WORKING & RESPONDING TO ROUTE RECOMMENDATION
Google maps bikes is now up, working and responding to suggestins. It is in beta
testing so they are continuously refining things and encourage us to critique
thier suggested routes. I’d encourage you to use it and post your favorite
cycling routes to work, schools shopping etc. This can be a powerful tool to
direct cyclists to the safest routes. It automatically takes into consideration
things like hills ect to make it easier for cyclists. Here is my experience as
an example: I checked out a route my wife wanted to take for a bike trip from
Park Ave. to […]
Read more
GOOGLE MAPS – BIKES IS WORKING & RESPONDING TO ROUTE RECOMMENDATION
Google maps bikes is now up, working and responding to suggestins. It is in beta
testing so they are continuously refining things and encourage us to critique
thier suggested routes. I’d encourage you to use it and post your favorite
cycling routes to work, schools shopping etc. This can be a powerful tool to
direct cyclists to the safest routes. It automatically takes into consideration
things like hills ect to make it easier for cyclists. Here is my experience as
an example: I checked out a route my wife wanted to take for a bike trip from
Park Ave. to […]
Read more
LYNCH WOODS PARK IN BRIGHTON
The Lehigh Valley North Trail connects RIT, UofR, and Brighton. Lynch Woods
Park in Brighton spans the area East of the trail from Crittenden Road (to the
North) and Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road (to to the South). The Town of
Brighton is currently planning a variety of trails and boardwalks to increase
usability and access. More info
at http://www.townofbrighton.org/index.aspx?NID=457
Read more
UPPER MONROE BICYCLE BOULEVARD RIDE
Upper Monroe Bicycle Boulevard Ride The Upper Monroe Avenue Neighborhood
Association has stepped up to the plate and become the first neighborhood in our
city to endorse the City of Rochester’s decision to include bicycle boulevards
in its Bicycle Masterplan. Eventually, we want to provide
the Rochester community with an example of bicycle boulevards designed to
connect neighborhoods with the city-wide trail system and to encourage bicycle
use by casual bike riders to nearby destinations. We can support them by riding
on May 23! Please consider riding your bicycle with us on our our first Upper
Monroe bicycling boulevard ride on May 23rd. […]
Read more
UPPER MONROE BICYCLE BOULEVARD RIDE
Upper Monroe Bicycle Boulevard Ride The Upper Monroe Avenue Neighborhood
Association has stepped up to the plate and become the first neighborhood in our
city to endorse the City of Rochester’s decision to include bicycle boulevards
in its Bicycle Masterplan. Eventually, we want to provide
the Rochester community with an example of bicycle boulevards designed to
connect neighborhoods with the city-wide trail system and to encourage bicycle
use by casual bike riders to nearby destinations. We can support them by riding
on May 23! Please consider riding your bicycle with us on our our first Upper
Monroe bicycling boulevard ride on May 23rd. […]
Read more
TOUR DE NEW YORK RETURNS TO ROCHESTER IN AUGUST
http://rocnow.com/article/sports/20104100326 ANNETTE LEIN file photo 2007 This
summer’s five-stage Tour de New York bicycle race in Rochester is expected to
draw 125,000 spectators. … Mayor Robert Duffy has called pro cycling a major
tourism engine for the region. “He’s been my saving grace,” Page said. “He’s
always been supportive and he’s had the vision of where this thing is going.”
While the event is labeled Tour de New York, the race’s long-range intention is
to remain centered on western New York. Unlike the Tour de France or Tour de
California in which riders and their entourages move from location to location,
the […]
Read more
TOUR DE NEW YORK RETURNS TO ROCHESTER IN AUGUST
http://rocnow.com/article/sports/20104100326 ANNETTE LEIN file photo 2007 This
summer’s five-stage Tour de New York bicycle race in Rochester is expected to
draw 125,000 spectators. … Mayor Robert Duffy has called pro cycling a major
tourism engine for the region. “He’s been my saving grace,” Page said. “He’s
always been supportive and he’s had the vision of where this thing is going.”
While the event is labeled Tour de New York, the race’s long-range intention is
to remain centered on western New York. Unlike the Tour de France or Tour de
California in which riders and their entourages move from location to location,
the […]
Read more
WEATHER FACTOR: 5 OF TOP 10 US BIKE CITIES IN COLD SNOWY CLIMATES
Well the word is out as Bill has posted. Cold winters are no longer a good
excuse for cities being hesitant to build bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
If you build it they will come. Incidentally, Rochester bike commuting rate in
0.6% and rates sixteenth highest of US Cities. Minneapolis was given the # 1
Bike City rating and 5 of the top 10 US bike cities are in cold climates. These
include Minneapolis, Boulder, Madison Wisc., NYC and Chicago. Minneapolis has a
4.3 % bicycle commuting rate and an impressive 6.1% walking commuting rate. That
rate grew by 68% between […]
Read more
WEATHER FACTOR: 5 OF TOP 10 US BIKE CITIES IN COLD SNOWY CLIMATES
Well the word is out as Bill has posted. Cold winters are no longer a good
excuse for cities being hesitant to build bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
If you build it they will come. Incidentally, Rochester bike commuting rate in
0.6% and rates sixteenth highest of US Cities. Minneapolis was given the # 1
Bike City rating and 5 of the top 10 US bike cities are in cold climates. These
include Minneapolis, Boulder, Madison Wisc., NYC and Chicago. Minneapolis has a
4.3 % bicycle commuting rate and an impressive 6.1% walking commuting rate. That
rate grew by 68% between […]
Read more
CYCLISTS ARE TRAFFIC! WELCOME TO CAPITAL COEXIST
CAPITAL COEXIST is a localized education campaign geared towards cyclists and
motorists safely coexisting when using the region’s roadways. This project was
developed by the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) in response to
the recently completed Albany Bicycle Master Plan and public requests for
bicycle education and safety information. It is anticipated that the Capital
Coexist website will become the clearinghouse for bicycle education material in
the Capital Region; a one-stop location for bicycle educational material, safety
tips, current bicycle projects and events. http://www.capitalcoexist.org/
Read more
CYCLISTS ARE TRAFFIC! WELCOME TO CAPITAL COEXIST
CAPITAL COEXIST is a localized education campaign geared towards cyclists and
motorists safely coexisting when using the region’s roadways. This project was
developed by the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) in response to
the recently completed Albany Bicycle Master Plan and public requests for
bicycle education and safety information. It is anticipated that the Capital
Coexist website will become the clearinghouse for bicycle education material in
the Capital Region; a one-stop location for bicycle educational material, safety
tips, current bicycle projects and events. http://www.capitalcoexist.org/
Read more
RECENT NEWS ON THE PA SIDE OF THE ROCHESTER-WILLIAMSPORT GREENWAY AND THE
HEADWATERS OF THE GENESEE RIVER
Allen Kerkeslager reports… The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and
Development Commission, has drafted plans for integrating Potter County into a
state-wide program for developing greenways in all 67 counties in
Pennsylvania. Included in their ranking is about 40 miles of rail-trails to
connect the famous Pine Creek Trail to trail systems along the Genesee River
south to the NY/PA state line. This will bring a fresh infusion of PA state,
regional, and local resources to the completion of the Rochester-Williamsport
Greenway. Most notably, regional planning commission officials have identified
the number one priority for trail development in Potter County as the completion
a […]
Read more
RECONNECTING AMERICA: WHAT ROCHESTER CAN LEARN FROM JOHN ROBERT SMITH
Rochester’s dazzling urbanites, development gurus, transit afficionados,
preservation honchos, political luminaries, and architectural stewards are all
very pleased that the Rochester Regional Community Design Center’s final lecture
of the 2009-2010 season brings John Robert Smith to the Memorial Art Gallery on
May 10th at 7PM. This enthuasism will surely spread like wildfire once the
community at large understands what a tremendous impact this man has had in the
realms of community revitalization and improving housing and mobility choices
for citizens in communities with situations similar to Rochester. The future of
this or any community hinges on the following concepts, all […]
Read more
ROCHESTER IS #50!
Rochester NY is listed as #50 on Bicycling magazine’s list of “America’s Best
Bike Cities”. The link to the map of the cities is here:
http://www.bicycling.com/topbikefriendlycities/. Click on the pin for Rochester
to see our slide. The article is in the May 2010 issue. -Bill Collins
Read more
ROCHESTER IS #50!
Rochester NY is listed as #50 on Bicycling magazine’s list of “America’s Best
Bike Cities”. The link to the map of the cities is here:
http://www.bicycling.com/topbikefriendlycities/. Click on the pin for Rochester
to see our slide. The article is in the May 2010 issue. -Bill Collins
Read more
SUSTAINABILITY MOBILITY FAIR – MAY 8TH FREE EXPO
“Sustainability Mobility Fair – Future Transportation Choices for Short Trips”
Admission is free and open to the public. When: Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10:AM
– 2 PM Where: The Center for Student Innovation at RIT, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr
Rochester, NY 14623-5698 Attendees will be exposed to what is new and now
available on the market and able to experience the latest choices in Electric,
Hydrogen, Biodiesel, Natural Gas, Propane, Hybrid, Plug-In, Ethanol, Walking
School Buses, and cycling transportation technologies. All alternative fuel
options will be on display. As more commuters become aware of travel choices, we
expect to […]
Read more
SUSTAINABILITY MOBILITY FAIR – MAY 8TH FREE
“Sustainability Mobility Fair – Future Transportation Choices for Short Trips”
Admission is free and open to the public. When: Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10:AM
– 2 PM Where: The Center for Student Innovation at RIT, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr
Rochester, NY 14623-5698 Attendees will be exposed to what is new and now
available on the market and able to experience the latest choices in Electric,
Hydrogen, Biodiesel, Natural Gas, Propane, Hybrid, Plug-In, Ethanol, Walking
School Buses, and cycling transportation technologies. All alternative fuel
options will be on display. As more commuters become aware of travel choices, we
expect to […]
Read more
SUSTAINABILITY MOBILITY FAIR – MAY 8TH FREE
“Sustainability Mobility Fair – Future Transportation Choices for Short Trips”
Admission is free and open to the public. When: Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10:AM
– 2 PM Where: The Center for Student Innovation at RIT, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr
Rochester, NY 14623-5698 Attendees will be exposed to what is new and now
available on the market and able to experience the latest choices in Electric,
Hydrogen, Biodiesel, Natural Gas, Propane, Hybrid, Plug-In, Ethanol, Walking
School Buses, and cycling transportation technologies. All alternative fuel
options will be on display. As more commuters become aware of travel choices, we
expect to […]
Read more
Safe Routes to Schools, Obesity Issues and RCA The Safe Routes to Schools groups
were at the National Bicycle Alliance Meeting in Washington DC. Through my
contacts there I contacted Kathy Cook a coordinator of Safe Routes to Schools in
Portland, Ore. She told me of their program in Portland and the program that was
funded in New York last year but wasn’t renewed this year. She suggested
identifying parents, teachere, PE, health teachers, and principals who like to
cycle and encouraging them to get involved with the safe routes programs. I’ve
enclosed the Safe Routes Websites which can be […]
Read more
Safe Routes to Schools, Obesity Issues and RCA The Safe Routes to Schools groups
were at the National Bicycle Alliance Meeting in Washington DC. Through my
contacts there I contacted Kathy Cook a coordinator of Safe Routes to Schools in
Portland, Ore. She told me of their program in Portland and the program that was
funded in New York last year but wasn’t renewed this year. She suggested
identifying parents, teachere, PE, health teachers, and principals who like to
cycle and encouraging them to get involved with the safe routes programs. I’ve
enclosed the Safe Routes Websites which can be […]
Read more
COMMUTER RACE
I have been talking with bike advocates in Madison and Minneapolis and getting
some interesting ideas from them. One idea is to have the mayor ride the bike in
the race. The mayor of Minneapolis who is a bicyclist and an strong bike
supporter has won the commuter race against the car and bus every year he has
done it. I think we should invite the mayor to do the race on a bike. We should
do some dry runs prior to the race to make sure the route is safe, passable ect.
and then get him involved. There would […]
Read more
COMMUTER RACE
I have been talking with bike advocates in Madison and Minneapolis and getting
some interesting ideas from them. One idea is to have the mayor ride the bike in
the race. The mayor of Minneapolis who is a bicyclist and an strong bike
supporter has won the commuter race against the car and bus every year he has
done it. I think we should invite the mayor to do the race on a bike. We should
do some dry runs prior to the race to make sure the route is safe, passable ect.
and then get him involved. There would […]
Read more
Read more
Read more
ROCHESTER SHOWS UP
If you were at the Circulator Study Public Meeting tonight, THANK YOU! Turn out
was good. It could’ve been even better… but there were plenty of people there
asking questions and giving input and the room had a constant buzz. Even the
media thought enough to make an appearance. There will be another public meeting
in June/July to share the preliminary findings of the study so stay tuned and
continue to share this story with friends and neighbors. We’ll need even more of
you at the next meeting.
Read more
Bike Share is Happening in the US.I think this has excellent potential on
college campuses in Rochester. Read on. Scott M.Public bike share is gearing up
in MinneapolisBlue Cross to be lead sponsor, bike share equipment featured at
State FairSeptember 2, 2009 (MINNEAPOLIS) – Mayor R.T. Rybak said today that
Minneapolis is on track to launch the first large-scale bike share system of any
city in the country. In May 2010, Nice Ride Minnesota will launch a bike share
system in Minneapolis, similar to systems in Paris, Barcelona, Montreal, and
more than 100 cities across the globe.Nice Ride Minnesota will […]
Read more
Bike Share is Happening in the US.I think this has excellent potential on
college campuses in Rochester. Read on. Scott M.Public bike share is gearing up
in MinneapolisBlue Cross to be lead sponsor, bike share equipment featured at
State FairSeptember 2, 2009 (MINNEAPOLIS) – Mayor R.T. Rybak said today that
Minneapolis is on track to launch the first large-scale bike share system of any
city in the country. In May 2010, Nice Ride Minnesota will launch a bike share
system in Minneapolis, similar to systems in Paris, Barcelona, Montreal, and
more than 100 cities across the globe.Nice Ride Minnesota will […]
Read more
MONDAY 3/22 4-6PM… LET’S SHOW UP ROCHESTER!
The City has partnered with C&S Companies to analyze and make recommendations to
enhance commuting, circulation, and parking in Downtown Rochester. Among the
potential enhancements under consideration is a circulator transit service—a.k.a
shuttle buses or streetcars. Listen carefully Rochester…
Read more
CASE STATEMENT FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION GENESEE – FINGER LAKES REGION, NEW YORK
I had a very productive discussion with Bob Torzynski head of bicycle and
pedestrian affairs at Genesee Tranportation Council (GTC) and got some
background on the proposal discussed by Rich Perrin head of GTC when he visited
us last month. This $50 million proposal is just for the Rochester area and is
part of a bigger proposal. (More details are in Jeff Mapes’s book Pedaling
Revolution on page 59. )After the 2006 elections Rails To Trails started
shopping a plan around the country to give forty communities, $50 million
dollars to increase bicycling and pedestrian use – that’s a total […]
Read more
CASE STATEMENT FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION GENESEE – FINGER LAKES REGION, NEW YORK
I had a very productive discussion with Bob Torzynski head of bicycle and
pedestrian affairs at Genesee Tranportation Council (GTC) and got some
background on the proposal discussed by Rich Perrin head of GTC when he visited
us last month. This $50 million proposal is just for the Rochester area and is
part of a bigger proposal. (More details are in Jeff Mapes’s book Pedaling
Revolution on page 59. )After the 2006 elections Rails To Trails started
shopping a plan around the country to give forty communities, $50 million
dollars to increase bicycling and pedestrian use – that’s a total […]
Read more
ROCHESTER SUBWAY : $510 MILLION NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT
I hope no one is offended, but I’ve lifted this entire article from
RochesterSubway.com. Our friends at GTC are presenting again Wednesday morning.
We should be there. Rochester Subway : $510 Million No One Seems To Care About
$510 Million No One Seems To Care About March 14th, 2010 Comment on this Article
Last Tuesday I attended a public presentation by the Genesee Transportation
Council (GTC) to review their Draft 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program
Project List . It contains over $500 million in new transportation spending for
our region over the next few years. And I don’t mind pointing out […]
Read more
ROCHESTER SUBWAY : $510 MILLION NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT
I hope no one is offended, but I’ve lifted this entire article from
RochesterSubway.com. Our friends at GTC are presenting again Wednesday morning.
We should be there. Rochester Subway : $510 Million No One Seems To Care About
$510 Million No One Seems To Care About March 14th, 2010 Comment on this Article
Last Tuesday I attended a public presentation by the Genesee Transportation
Council (GTC) to review their Draft 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program
Project List . It contains over $500 million in new transportation spending for
our region over the next few years. And I don’t mind pointing out […]
Read more
NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT & ALLIANCE FOR BIKING AND WALKING TOP 10 SUGGESTIONS
Andrew Dollard, Jon Schull and I attend the National Bike Summit on Weds, March
10th and Jon went to advocate on March 11th with members of congress. It was a
terrific conference and we all learned a great deal which will come in very
handy. I attended 3 break out sessions. The first one was held by The Alliance
for Biking and Walking which was intended for advocacy communities that were
just getting started and talked about the grants program ($15 K) they have to
get communities started as well as the regional trainings they have for starting
communities. I’ve […]
Read more
NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT & ALLIANCE FOR BIKING AND WALKING TOP 10 SUGGESTIONS
Andrew Dollard, Jon Schull and I attend the National Bike Summit on Weds, March
10th and Jon went to advocate on March 11th with members of congress. It was a
terrific conference and we all learned a great deal which will come in very
handy. I attended 3 break out sessions. The first one was held by The Alliance
for Biking and Walking which was intended for advocacy communities that were
just getting started and talked about the grants program ($15 K) they have to
get communities started as well as the regional trainings they have for starting
communities. I’ve […]
Read more
WRITING WOMEN BACK INTO BICYCLING – ASSOCIATION OF PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE
PROFESSIONALS
Writing Women Back into Bicycling – Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle
Professionals 3/31/2010 When: Wednesday, March 313:00 to 4:00 p.m. EDT
Registration Information Online registration is available until: 3/31/2010
Register for this event » Details Some say that transportation culture will
change when more women are cycling. What’s the key to making that change happen?
Hear all about it during APBP’s free webinar, Writing Women Back into Bicycling:
Changing Transportation Culture to Encourage More Women to Cycle. This
presentation is linked to the encouragement recommendations of the International
Scan. Consider hosting a site and inviting your colleagues to attend. This […]
Read more
WRITING WOMEN BACK INTO BICYCLING – ASSOCIATION OF PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE
PROFESSIONALS
Writing Women Back into Bicycling – Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle
Professionals 3/31/2010 When: Wednesday, March 313:00 to 4:00 p.m. EDT
Registration Information Online registration is available until: 3/31/2010
Register for this event » Details Some say that transportation culture will
change when more women are cycling. What’s the key to making that change happen?
Hear all about it during APBP’s free webinar, Writing Women Back into Bicycling:
Changing Transportation Culture to Encourage More Women to Cycle. This
presentation is linked to the encouragement recommendations of the International
Scan. Consider hosting a site and inviting your colleagues to attend. This […]
Read more
BIKE WEEK VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The RCA Events Committee will be holding their first
volunteer recruitment meeting at the Genesee Waterways Center today (Wednesday,
March 10th) from 7PM – 9PM. Directions to the site can be found here:
http://geneseewaterways.org/directions_gwc.htm.GWC Boathouse Address:149 Elmwood
AvenueRochester, New York 14611 Please spread the word to all those who may be
interested and post this message to your Facebook and Twitter accounts (if
possible). The meeting will focus on explaining our overall events and
strategies for bike week in order to recruit volunteers. Bike week will help RCA
fulfill its mission to create better cycling infrastructure and a […]
Read more
BIKE WEEK VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The RCA Events Committee will be holding their first
volunteer recruitment meeting at the Genesee Waterways Center today (Wednesday,
March 10th) from 7PM – 9PM. Directions to the site can be found here:
http://geneseewaterways.org/directions_gwc.htm.GWC Boathouse Address:149 Elmwood
AvenueRochester, New York 14611 Please spread the word to all those who may be
interested and post this message to your Facebook and Twitter accounts (if
possible). The meeting will focus on explaining our overall events and
strategies for bike week in order to recruit volunteers. Bike week will help RCA
fulfill its mission to create better cycling infrastructure and a […]
Read more
ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES. LET’S RECONNECT ROCHESTER.
Posted by: Mike Governale, co-founder of Reconnect Rochester. Hopefully by now
you’ve read Rochester’s Case for a Streetcar Line. If you haven’t, go read it.
Go on, I’ll wait. …Okay great, now here’s an update. Since that article, traffic
to RochesterSubway.com has doubled, our Facebook fan club has grown from 100 to
over 400 (and counting), and my inbox hasn’t had a moments rest. This is all
very encouraging and a sure sign that the people of Rochester really want to see
their city thrive. The big question is; do the people of Rochester care enough
to make an effort? […]
Read more
ROCHESTER’S CASE FOR A STREETCAR LINE
The following article was published at RochesterSubway.com on 2010/02/16. Two
weeks later 6 citizens got together and Reconnect Rocheseter was born. America
seems to have taken a renewed interest in mobility. Maybe due to President
Obama’s recent commitment to high speed rail—or perhaps the positive results
seen in towns like Portland and Denver have caught our collective attention.
Whatever the reason, from the top down, people are rethinking our
automobile-oriented culture—and getting excited about the possibilities. There’s
also good reason to focus on transportation as a way of jump-starting economic
development. Industry requires access to people. And people need to […]
Read more
COMMUTER CYCLING IN ICELAND
If they can do it, we can do
it.http://newmobilityagenda.blogspot.com/2010/03/reinventing-wheel-why-cycling-saves.html
Read more
COMMUTER CYCLING IN ICELAND
If they can do it, we can do
it.http://newmobilityagenda.blogspot.com/2010/03/reinventing-wheel-why-cycling-saves.html
Read more
NEW BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
Was anyone able to attend last night’s meeting about the possible new
bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the Genesee? I was not able to attend, but am
interested in what was discussed. Please leave any info in comments below, or
e-mail me at alamedajunk@yahoo.com . Thanks! -Bill Collins
Read more
NEW BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
Was anyone able to attend last night’s meeting about the possible new
bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the Genesee? I was not able to attend, but am
interested in what was discussed. Please leave any info in comments below, or
e-mail me at alamedajunk@yahoo.com . Thanks! -Bill Collins
Read more
ACT NOW TO GET CONGRESS TO ENACT THE ACT ACT
Dear Jon,Read about yesterday’s historic milestone for trails, walking and
bicycling, and take action now! Yesterday, H.R. 4722, the“Active Community
Transportation Act of 2010”was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives!
Now, your voice is needed to ensure that this legislation becomes reality.Please
act now! For years, you have been speaking up for active transportation. Through
both critical victories and short-term setbacks, your phone calls, e-mails, and
support have persisted. And finally, we have the most tangible result yet that
our calls for more active transportation will be answered. Late yesterday, U.S.
Representative Earl Blumenauer (Ore.) introduced H.R. 4722, the “Active […]
Read more
ACT NOW TO GET CONGRESS TO ENACT THE ACT ACT
Dear Jon,Read about yesterday’s historic milestone for trails, walking and
bicycling, and take action now! Yesterday, H.R. 4722, the“Active Community
Transportation Act of 2010”was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives!
Now, your voice is needed to ensure that this legislation becomes reality.Please
act now! For years, you have been speaking up for active transportation. Through
both critical victories and short-term setbacks, your phone calls, e-mails, and
support have persisted. And finally, we have the most tangible result yet that
our calls for more active transportation will be answered. Late yesterday, U.S.
Representative Earl Blumenauer (Ore.) introduced H.R. 4722, the “Active […]
Read more
UPPER MONROE BICYCLE BOULEVARDS
Upper Monroe Bicycle Boulevards In order to adopt a city-wide system of bicycle
boulevards, they must be coordinated across many neighborhoods. UMNA stepped up
to the plate and became the first neighborhood in our city to endorse the City
of Rochester’s decision to include bicycle boulevards in its Bicycle Masterplan.
Eventually, we want to provide the Rochester community with an example of
bicycle boulevards designed to connect neighborhoods with the city-wide trail
system and to encourage bicycle use by casual bike riders to nearby
destinations.
Read more
UPPER MONROE BICYCLE BOULEVARDS
Upper Monroe Bicycle Boulevards In order to adopt a city-wide system of bicycle
boulevards, they must be coordinated across many neighborhoods. UMNA stepped up
to the plate and became the first neighborhood in our city to endorse the City
of Rochester’s decision to include bicycle boulevards in its Bicycle Masterplan.
Eventually, we want to provide the Rochester community with an example of
bicycle boulevards designed to connect neighborhoods with the city-wide trail
system and to encourage bicycle use by casual bike riders to nearby
destinations.
Read more
CITY BICYCLE MASTER PLAN
What the heck- I thought the City wanted to get our input regarding the choice
of contractor for the plan. It looks like they’ve settled on a choice:
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/City-Wants-to-Study-Bicycle-Amenities/HsmyaPZuAEKFJMx7BOJouA.cspx
Read more
DEWEY AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
The City of Rochester engineers will re-present their plan for repaving of Dewey
Avenue at the meeting of the Maplewood Neighborhood Association tomorrow, March
3, at 7:00 PM at the Aquinas HS cafeteria. It’s looking like they feel that bike
lanes are OK from Driving Park to Flower City Park, but want 4 lanes of traffic
from Flower City Park north to Ridge, without bike lanes.
Read more
CITY BICYCLE MASTER PLAN
What the heck- I thought the City wanted to get our input regarding the choice
of contractor for the plan. It looks like they’ve settled on a choice:
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/City-Wants-to-Study-Bicycle-Amenities/HsmyaPZuAEKFJMx7BOJouA.cspx
Read more
DEWEY AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
The City of Rochester engineers will re-present their plan for repaving of Dewey
Avenue at the meeting of the Maplewood Neighborhood Association tomorrow, March
3, at 7:00 PM at the Aquinas HS cafeteria. It’s looking like they feel that bike
lanes are OK from Driving Park to Flower City Park, but want 4 lanes of traffic
from Flower City Park north to Ridge, without bike lanes.
Read more
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
The Rochester Cycling Alliance needs your help! Rochester Bike Week 2010 will be
held from May 21-28, and we’re planning to make a big impact with a week loaded
with events. But we can’t do it alone! We’re looking for volunteers to help us
plan, publicize, and pull off the events we’ve got planned for Bike Week. If you
want to help raise the profile of bike riders in Rochester and encourage public
officials to build a more bike-friendly city, then we want you! In particular,
we’re looking for people to join street teams to publicize Bike Week at events
[…]
Read more
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
The Rochester Cycling Alliance needs your help! Rochester Bike Week 2010 will be
held from May 21-28, and we’re planning to make a big impact with a week loaded
with events. But we can’t do it alone! We’re looking for volunteers to help us
plan, publicize, and pull off the events we’ve got planned for Bike Week. If you
want to help raise the profile of bike riders in Rochester and encourage public
officials to build a more bike-friendly city, then we want you! In particular,
we’re looking for people to join street teams to publicize Bike Week at events
[…]
Read more
TAKE OUR BIKE USE SURVEY!
The RCA is trying to gather some basic information about how cyclists in
Rochester use their bikes and what they think would make Rochester a better
biking city. It’s not very long – please take a minute to fill it out and let us
know what kind of cyclist you are! RCA Bicycle Commuter Survey
Read more
TAKE OUR BIKE USE SURVEY!
The RCA is trying to gather some basic information about how cyclists in
Rochester use their bikes and what they think would make Rochester a better
biking city. It’s not very long – please take a minute to fill it out and let us
know what kind of cyclist you are! RCA Bicycle Commuter Survey
Read more
DEWEY AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
I was stuck at LaGuardia airport last night, and wasn’t able to get to the
public meeting until 8:30. By that time, the meeting had broken up. However, the
one person left was Richard Koss, an engineer with the City of Rochester. He was
very helpful and was nice enough to stay and give me a run-down of the meeting
and the repavement plan. The main part of the plan is to reduce Dewey from 4
lanes to three, while keeping existing on-street parking for the apartment
dwellers and merchants along the street. I noted that on the plan drawings, […]
Read more
DEWEY AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
I was stuck at LaGuardia airport last night, and wasn’t able to get to the
public meeting until 8:30. By that time, the meeting had broken up. However, the
one person left was Richard Koss, an engineer with the City of Rochester. He was
very helpful and was nice enough to stay and give me a run-down of the meeting
and the repavement plan. The main part of the plan is to reduce Dewey from 4
lanes to three, while keeping existing on-street parking for the apartment
dwellers and merchants along the street. I noted that on the plan drawings, […]
Read more
NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT 2010 MARCH 9-11 WASH DC
Jon and I are strongly considering going to the National Bike Summit, March 9-11
in Wash. DC. thanks to Jaesun’s earlier posting. Is anyone else planning to go?
The more the merrier, since there are many sessions we will not be able to
attend since they split them into 2 separate breakout sessions, each with 6
different meetings. We look at this as an opportunity to learn and network. If
anyone has gone to the meeting previously and has tips on how to maximize the
meeting, we’d love to hear it. Better yet, come with us. Scott
Read more
NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT 2010 MARCH 9-11 WASH DC
Jon and I are strongly considering going to the National Bike Summit, March 9-11
in Wash. DC. thanks to Jaesun’s earlier posting. Is anyone else planning to go?
The more the merrier, since there are many sessions we will not be able to
attend since they split them into 2 separate breakout sessions, each with 6
different meetings. We look at this as an opportunity to learn and network. If
anyone has gone to the meeting previously and has tips on how to maximize the
meeting, we’d love to hear it. Better yet, come with us. Scott
Read more
TOUR DE NEW YORK
The Tour is Coming… The Tour de New York is a 6-day professional cycling stage
race that’s coming to Upstate New York in August 2010. The race will explore the
Greater Rochester area and portions of the beautiful Finger Lakes region. The
inaugural 2010 UCI 2.2 Tour de New York will explode onto the international
cycling scene and showcase the beautiful Western New York and Finger Lakes
Regions of upstate New York from August 7th through August 12th. The six-day
stage race will bring world-renowned professional teams to the Rochester
Twilight Criterium on Saturday, August 7th, a 10-mile Individual Time […]
Read more
ROCHESTER-WILLIAMSPORT GREENWAY IN THE WILLIAMSPORT SUN GAZETTE
Sunday, February 21, 2010 Rochester-Williamsport Greenway in the Williamsport
Sun Gazette NY-PA trail blends recreation, conservationBy PATRICK DONLIN
– pdonlin@sungazette.com POSTED: February 21, 2010 Save | Print | Email When
they decided they had a common interest of creating recreational trails, two
professors determined it was time to band together with one another and others
to blaze a 230-mile path connecting Williamsport and Rochester, N.Y. Jon Schull,
Rochester Institute of Technology associate professor of innovation and
invention, said he and Allen Kerkeslager met a couple months ago in
Philadelphia, where Kerkeslager is a professor at St. Joseph’s University. “We
talked about the synergy between his […]
Read more
TOUR DE NEW YORK
The Tour is Coming… The Tour de New York is a 6-day professional cycling stage
race that’s coming to Upstate New York in August 2010. The race will explore the
Greater Rochester area and portions of the beautiful Finger Lakes region. The
inaugural 2010 UCI 2.2 Tour de New York will explode onto the international
cycling scene and showcase the beautiful Western New York and Finger Lakes
Regions of upstate New York from August 7th through August 12th. The six-day
stage race will bring world-renowned professional teams to the Rochester
Twilight Criterium on Saturday, August 7th, a 10-mile Individual Time […]
Read more
ROCHESTER-WILLIAMSPORT GREENWAY IN THE WILLIAMSPORT SUN GAZETTE
Sunday, February 21, 2010 Rochester-Williamsport Greenway in the Williamsport
Sun Gazette NY-PA trail blends recreation, conservationBy PATRICK DONLIN
– pdonlin@sungazette.com POSTED: February 21, 2010 Save | Print | Email When
they decided they had a common interest of creating recreational trails, two
professors determined it was time to band together with one another and others
to blaze a 230-mile path connecting Williamsport and Rochester, N.Y. Jon Schull,
Rochester Institute of Technology associate professor of innovation and
invention, said he and Allen Kerkeslager met a couple months ago in
Philadelphia, where Kerkeslager is a professor at St. Joseph’s University. “We
talked about the synergy between his […]
Read more
ROCHESTER-WILLIAMSPORT GREENWAY IN THE WILLIAMSPORT SUN GAZETTE
NY-PA trail blends recreation, conservationBy PATRICK DONLIN
– pdonlin@sungazette.com POSTED: February 21, 2010 Save | Print | Email When
they decided they had a common interest of creating recreational trails, two
professors determined it was time to band together with one another and others
to blaze a 230-mile path connecting Williamsport and Rochester, N.Y. Jon Schull,
Rochester Institute of Technology associate professor of innovation and
invention, said he and Allen Kerkeslager met a couple months ago in
Philadelphia, where Kerkeslager is a professor at St. Joseph’s University. “We
talked about the synergy between his (Kerkeslager’s) work in the Genesee Wilds
Association and my work which […]
Read more
BRIGHTON MONROE AVENUE CHARETTE
Any Brighton residents who want bike facilities on Monroe Avenue, Brighton is
holding a “charette” (a community-led design process) to specify what the
community wants to see for future Monroe Avenue road projects. This is an
opportunity to get bike improvements into the charette
design:http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100217/NEWS0210/2170353/1003/NEWS01
Brighton councilwoman Sheila Gaddis is overseeing the Monroe Avenue Streetscape
Design Charrette, a $33,000 project that was part of the town’s 2009-10 budget.
It will define a vision for changes along the corridor between Highland Avenue
and Clover Street to make it more attractive for use by shoppers, pedestrians,
bicyclists and transit riders. “If I […]
Read more
BRIGHTON MONROE AVENUE CHARETTE
Any Brighton residents who want bike facilities on Monroe Avenue, Brighton is
holding a “charette” (a community-led design process) to specify what the
community wants to see for future Monroe Avenue road projects. This is an
opportunity to get bike improvements into the charette
design:http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100217/NEWS0210/2170353/1003/NEWS01
Brighton councilwoman Sheila Gaddis is overseeing the Monroe Avenue Streetscape
Design Charrette, a $33,000 project that was part of the town’s 2009-10 budget.
It will define a vision for changes along the corridor between Highland Avenue
and Clover Street to make it more attractive for use by shoppers, pedestrians,
bicyclists and transit riders. “If I […]
Read more
HAL GRADES YOUR BIKE LOCKING
from http://www.streetfilms.org/hal-grades-your-bike-locking/
Read more
HAL GRADES YOUR BIKE LOCKING
from http://www.streetfilms.org/hal-grades-your-bike-locking/
Read more
PORTLAND, ORE. 20 YEAR PLAN
The Portland, Ore. City Council recently approved a 20 year cycling plan which
is very ambitious (site below) . The plan reaches far but has the strong backing
of Mayor Sam Adams (he’s former Head of Portland Transportation) and the city
council with unanamously approved it. The mayor in his recent State of the City
address announced that they want to increase their bicycle commuting rate from
6.5% (the nations highest) to 25% over the next few years. The Daily Journal of
Commerce, the local business newspaper reported on a projection to spend $600
million Yikes! over the next 20 […]
Read more
PORTLAND, ORE. 20 YEAR PLAN
The Portland, Ore. City Council recently approved a 20 year cycling plan which
is very ambitious (site below) . The plan reaches far but has the strong backing
of Mayor Sam Adams (he’s former Head of Portland Transportation) and the city
council with unanamously approved it. The mayor in his recent State of the City
address announced that they want to increase their bicycle commuting rate from
6.5% (the nations highest) to 25% over the next few years. The Daily Journal of
Commerce, the local business newspaper reported on a projection to spend $600
million Yikes! over the next 20 […]
Read more
ROCHESTER CITY'S PROJECT GREEN PLAN'S APPENDIX ON BICYCLE ACCESS STRATEGIES
Who knew? Last year the City, along with our friends at the Rochester Regional
Community Design Center published a most excellent document entitled “Project
Green: From Blight to Bright.” The whole document is available here, but
embedded below is Appendix 1: Bicycle Access Strategy.
RochesterProjectGreenMasterPlan-BicycleAccessStrategy
Read more
ENVIRONMENT: BIKING’S BENEFITS �" REALISTICALLY – LETTERS – ROCHESTER CITY
NEWSPAPER
ENVIRONMENT: Biking’s benefits �” realistically – Letters – Rochester City
Newspaper …A pragmatic approach to improving cycling in a city like Rochester
would include a collaborative effort between non-profit entities, residents,
cycling shops and clubs, city government, and state legislators to consolidate
funds for relatively low-cost solutions like painting bike lanes on arterial
routes and installing bicycle racks at public meeting places. For example, a
bike lane along Monroe Avenue stretching from Cobb’s Hill to downtown (or even
more optimistically, from Pittsford), would have positive impacts on the
businesses lining the route and on the quality of life of people […]
Read more
ROCHESTER CITY'S PROJECT GREEN PLAN'S APPENDIX ON BICYCLE ACCESS STRATEGIES
Who knew? Last year the City, along with our friends at the Rochester Regional
Community Design Center published a most excellent document entitled “Project
Green: From Blight to Bright.” The whole document is available here, but
embedded below is Appendix 1: Bicycle Access Strategy.
RochesterProjectGreenMasterPlan-BicycleAccessStrategy
Read more
ENVIRONMENT: BIKING’S BENEFITS �" REALISTICALLY – LETTERS – ROCHESTER CITY
NEWSPAPER
ENVIRONMENT: Biking’s benefits �” realistically – Letters – Rochester City
Newspaper …A pragmatic approach to improving cycling in a city like Rochester
would include a collaborative effort between non-profit entities, residents,
cycling shops and clubs, city government, and state legislators to consolidate
funds for relatively low-cost solutions like painting bike lanes on arterial
routes and installing bicycle racks at public meeting places. For example, a
bike lane along Monroe Avenue stretching from Cobb’s Hill to downtown (or even
more optimistically, from Pittsford), would have positive impacts on the
businesses lining the route and on the quality of life of people […]
Read more
I just found out that the City will be holding a public meeting regarding the
resurfacing of Dewey Avenue (including restriping) on February 25, at 7:00 PM,
in the Aquinas High School Cafeteria. The project involves resurfacing Dewey
from Driving Park up to Eastman Avenue, which is north of Ridge Road. The
community charrette for this area currently calls for bike lanes along the
entire length, but a charrette is only a plan, and it will be up to the
community to hold the City’s feet to the fire and actually put them in the
project. This is an excellent […]
Read more
I just found out that the City will be holding a public meeting regarding the
resurfacing of Dewey Avenue (including restriping) on February 25, at 7:00 PM,
in the Aquinas High School Cafeteria. The project involves resurfacing Dewey
from Driving Park up to Eastman Avenue, which is north of Ridge Road. The
community charrette for this area currently calls for bike lanes along the
entire length, but a charrette is only a plan, and it will be up to the
community to hold the City’s feet to the fire and actually put them in the
project. This is an excellent […]
Read more
THE MISSING LINK, AKA THE "TWEENWAY SPUR"
We have identified an RGE gas pipeline that runs from a hill on the West Side of
RIT’s campus (just South of the Red Barn) across East River Rd, across the
river, across Scottsville Rd, and through cleared woods to the GVGreenway Trail.
This path has just the trajectory we might want in developing the RIT Tweenway,
and the trees are already cleared. (The path is not surfaced.) View tweenway
Spur in a larger map Here are some panoramasThe view from the hill to the West:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/4309845639_f1e422dcce_o.jpg The view from
Scottsville Rd East to RIT:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4309844619_70c0ddf04f_o.jpg The view at the
[…]
Read more
RTS TOWN MEETING IN CHILI
I can’t attend this meeting, as it conflicts with another meeting that night.
However, it would be great if some west side cyclists could go and advocate for
3-bike racks and covered bike parking at park and ride locations:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=276442592741&ref=mf
Read more
RTS TOWN MEETING IN CHILI
I can’t attend this meeting, as it conflicts with another meeting that night.
However, it would be great if some west side cyclists could go and advocate for
3-bike racks and covered bike parking at park and ride locations:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=276442592741&ref=mf
Read more
NEW ROAD PROJECTS
It’s great that the C of R is now sending us e-mails regarding public meeting
for street improvement projects: ———————————————————–It was brought to my
attention that the Rochester Cycling Alliance would like to be alerted when
public meetings for street improvement projects are announced. I will be
emailing you the notifications going forward. Please let me know if you need
anything else. Oakwood Rd
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589941248 Mt Hope Ave
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589941363 Kara A. Noto City of
Rochester | Dept. of Environmental Services- Commissioner’s Office City Hall |
30 Church Street | Room 300B Rochester, New York 14614
——————————————————————————– I looked at the […]
Read more
NEW ROAD PROJECTS
It’s great that the C of R is now sending us e-mails regarding public meeting
for street improvement projects: ———————————————————–It was brought to my
attention that the Rochester Cycling Alliance would like to be alerted when
public meetings for street improvement projects are announced. I will be
emailing you the notifications going forward. Please let me know if you need
anything else. Oakwood Rd
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589941248 Mt Hope Ave
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589941363 Kara A. Noto City of
Rochester | Dept. of Environmental Services- Commissioner’s Office City Hall |
30 Church Street | Room 300B Rochester, New York 14614
——————————————————————————– I looked at the […]
Read more
INTRODUCING SCOTT MACRAE
Hi group. I finally made onto the blog. Jon and I met for 2 + hours
brainstorming on bringing the U of R and RIT together as well as my Portland
Ore. Experience. Jon posted the Portland Livability Video which is terrific. It
has a great video explanation of Biking Boulevards and a variety of creative
solutions to integrate cycling into their city. It is well worth your time.
Cheers, Scott
Read more
STREETFILMS | PORTLAND: CELEBRATING AMERICA’S MOST LIVABLE CITY
Streetfilms | Portland: Celebrating America’s Most Livable City
Read more
INTRODUCING SCOTT MACRAE
Hi group. I finally made onto the blog. Jon and I met for 2 + hours
brainstorming on bringing the U of R and RIT together as well as my Portland
Ore. Experience. Jon posted the Portland Livability Video which is terrific. It
has a great video explanation of Biking Boulevards and a variety of creative
solutions to integrate cycling into their city. It is well worth your time.
Cheers, Scott
Read more
STREETFILMS | PORTLAND: CELEBRATING AMERICA’S MOST LIVABLE CITY
Streetfilms | Portland: Celebrating America’s Most Livable City
Read more
THE OPEN PLANNING PROJECT
The New York Observer has a profile of Mark Gorton, the founder of The Open
Planning Project (TOPP). Gorton, who made his fortune in the hedge fund
industry, has funded advocacy for livable streets in New York City. In fact, the
Observer bills him as “The Man Who Closed Times Square to Traffic.” According to
the article, TOPP is a cross between a software start-up and a progressive
policy think tank, and is made up of several smaller working groups. One group
customizes and provides tech support for open-source mapping software that
transit agencies use to keep track of their […]
Read more
THE OPEN PLANNING PROJECT
The New York Observer has a profile of Mark Gorton, the founder of The Open
Planning Project (TOPP). Gorton, who made his fortune in the hedge fund
industry, has funded advocacy for livable streets in New York City. In fact, the
Observer bills him as “The Man Who Closed Times Square to Traffic.” According to
the article, TOPP is a cross between a software start-up and a progressive
policy think tank, and is made up of several smaller working groups. One group
customizes and provides tech support for open-source mapping software that
transit agencies use to keep track of their […]
Read more
FIRST INDOOR VELODROME EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI
Bicycle Retailer and Industry News reports that a new indoor velodrome (a banked
track for bicycle racing) will be built in Cleveland. Not exactly our backyard,
but still close enough for a weekend trip. Some details from BRAIN: CLEVELAND,
OH (BRAIN)—Fast Track Cycling, Inc., a Cleveland-based, non-profit 501(c) (3)
organization, has entered into a real estate purchase option agreement with the
city of Cleveland to acquire a nine-acre vacant site formerly occupied by St.
Michaels Hospital in Slavic Village. Fast Track plans to develop and operate an
indoor recreational facility which will include a velodrome—a custom-built,
banked bicycle track—as part […]
Read more
FIRST INDOOR VELODROME EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI
Bicycle Retailer and Industry News reports that a new indoor velodrome (a banked
track for bicycle racing) will be built in Cleveland. Not exactly our backyard,
but still close enough for a weekend trip. Some details from BRAIN: CLEVELAND,
OH (BRAIN)—Fast Track Cycling, Inc., a Cleveland-based, non-profit 501(c) (3)
organization, has entered into a real estate purchase option agreement with the
city of Cleveland to acquire a nine-acre vacant site formerly occupied by St.
Michaels Hospital in Slavic Village. Fast Track plans to develop and operate an
indoor recreational facility which will include a velodrome—a custom-built,
banked bicycle track—as part […]
Read more
TOWPATH TRAIL IDEA REALLY FLOATS
http://picasaweb.google.com/JohnPucher/PortlandOregonSeptOct2007#5117211901939512034Towpath
Trail idea really floats The newest segment of the Towpath Trail in South Akron
includes a floating section that runs nearly a third of a mile along Summit
Lake’s southern shoreline and passes under the Kenmore Boulevard bridge.
http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/ohio_travel/56239382.html——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
And then there’s these:
Read more
ALTA PLANNING & DESIGN – BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, GREENWAY & TRAIL PROJECTS –
PROJECT LINKS & RESOURCES – RESEARCH & STUDY DOCUMENTS
Alta Planning & Design – Bicycle, Pedestrian, Greenway & Trail Projects –
Project Links & Resources – Research & Study Documents Featured Projects
Research & Studies Barriers to Bicycling > Cycle Tracks > Bike Sharing > Bike
Blvd Guidebook > Project Websites Presentations < div
id="ctl00_mainPlaceHolder_ctl00_contentcontrol_RadAjaxPanel1"> Research & Study
Documents Alta is at the forefront of nationally significant bicycle and
pedestrian research to advance the fields of transportation, land-use, planning,
and design. You can learn more about Alta’s research capabilities on ourResearch
service page . Below you’ll find a number of our published studies for download.
Documents unavailable on our […]
Read more
ENVIRONMENT: CYCLING CAN BOOST THE AREA'S RICHES – LETTERS – ROCHESTER CITY
NEWSPAPER
RCA member Scott Macrae wrote a great followup letter to City Newspaper a few
weeks ago, and articulates several insights that we’ve not emphasized
previously. (So they are bolded below) I read the December 16 article on
Rochester’s emerging cycling plans with great interest. We Rochesterians are
fortunate to have a golden opportunity to improve our city and quality of life
by completing the Genesee Valley Trail, participating in the Greater Rochester
Cycling Plan, and continuing to build on our success. Rochester will see the
multiple benefits of this investment in years to come. Cities like Portland,
Oregon; Minneapolis; and […]
Read more
ENVIRONMENT: CYCLING CAN BOOST THE AREA'S RICHES – LETTERS – ROCHESTER CITY
NEWSPAPER
RCA member Scott Macrae wrote a great followup letter to City Newspaper a few
weeks ago, and articulates several insights that we’ve not emphasized
previously. (So they are bolded below) I read the December 16 article on
Rochester’s emerging cycling plans with great interest. We Rochesterians are
fortunate to have a golden opportunity to improve our city and quality of life
by completing the Genesee Valley Trail, participating in the Greater Rochester
Cycling Plan, and continuing to build on our success. Rochester will see the
multiple benefits of this investment in years to come. Cities like Portland,
Oregon; Minneapolis; and […]
Read more
CULVER ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
Public meeting for Culver Road reconstruction design- February 2, 2010, 6:00 PM
at St. Ambrose Church, 25 Empire Blvd. If we can get a cyclist from that area to
advocate for bike lanes it would carry more weight. Anyone from around there
willing to go to this meeting with me? Meeting Notice
Read more
CULVER ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
Public meeting for Culver Road reconstruction design- February 2, 2010, 6:00 PM
at St. Ambrose Church, 25 Empire Blvd. If we can get a cyclist from that area to
advocate for bike lanes it would carry more weight. Anyone from around there
willing to go to this meeting with me? Meeting Notice
Read more
FWD: BIKEIT ORGANIZING COLLECTIVE!
Can anyone help organize a BikeIt contingent? (We’ll put your email address on
the poster below!) I’m trying to have RIT host the Ithaca contingent on their
way to Detroit. More info on this initiative here This from Claire
Stoscheck BikeIt National Coordinator, who visited last week. As promised, I’ve
attached the BikeIt Rochester poster. Please put a local contact in the contact
box in the lower left corner as well, so Rochester folks can start organizing
with each other to go to Detroit! Also attached is a template for an outreach
email that you could use for your various groups/list […]
Read more
FWD: BIKEIT ORGANIZING COLLECTIVE!
Can anyone help organize a BikeIt contingent? (We’ll put your email address on
the poster below!) I’m trying to have RIT host the Ithaca contingent on their
way to Detroit. More info on this initiative here This from Claire
Stoscheck BikeIt National Coordinator, who visited last week. As promised, I’ve
attached the BikeIt Rochester poster. Please put a local contact in the contact
box in the lower left corner as well, so Rochester folks can start organizing
with each other to go to Detroit! Also attached is a template for an outreach
email that you could use for your various groups/list […]
Read more
AMERICA'S 75 WORST COMMUTES, ROCHESTER NY TOPS PORTLAND OR
America‘s 75 Worst Commutes by The Daily Beast Portland, OR may be a better
place for bicyclist but we have an easier commute. Notice the quote;”As anyone
who drives on Interstate 5 or listens to the traffic reports knows, I-5 and most
of the Portland freeway system is already congested at peak hours.” They are the
highways to hell in the country’s most gridlocked cities. The Daily Beast
crunches the numbers to determine your ultimate morning nightmares. How did your
commute in rank?
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-01-19/americas-75-worst-commutes/
#16, I-5, Portland, ORWeekly hours of bottleneck congestion: 238Worst
bottleneck: Northbound, Marine Dr/Exit 307Length of worst […]
Read more
AMERICA'S 75 WORST COMMUTES, ROCHESTER NY TOPS PORTLAND OR
America‘s 75 Worst Commutes by The Daily Beast Portland, OR may be a better
place for bicyclist but we have an easier commute. Notice the quote;”As anyone
who drives on Interstate 5 or listens to the traffic reports knows, I-5 and most
of the Portland freeway system is already congested at peak hours.” They are the
highways to hell in the country’s most gridlocked cities. The Daily Beast
crunches the numbers to determine your ultimate morning nightmares. How did your
commute in rank?
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-01-19/americas-75-worst-commutes/
#16, I-5, Portland, ORWeekly hours of bottleneck congestion: 238Worst
bottleneck: Northbound, Marine Dr/Exit 307Length of worst […]
Read more
NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT 2010
National Bike Summit 2010 March 9-11, 2010Washington, D.C. National Bike Summit
2010 – Building on 10 Years of Progress Bicycling has come a long way in the
last 10 years. Our movement has grown larger and more effective; the number of
people riding is growing in almost every community in the nation. We need more
people on bikes more often, and the reasons just keep on growing. Whether it’s
obesity, health care, climate change, air quality, energy independence, traffic
congestion, economic development or quality of life issues – bicycling has got
to be part of the solution. In 2010, Congress […]
Read more
NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT 2010
National Bike Summit 2010 March 9-11, 2010Washington, D.C. National Bike Summit
2010 – Building on 10 Years of Progress Bicycling has come a long way in the
last 10 years. Our movement has grown larger and more effective; the number of
people riding is growing in almost every community in the nation. We need more
people on bikes more often, and the reasons just keep on growing. Whether it’s
obesity, health care, climate change, air quality, energy independence, traffic
congestion, economic development or quality of life issues – bicycling has got
to be part of the solution. In 2010, Congress […]
Read more
HALE AND HARMFUL: ARE THE HEALTHFUL EFFECTS OF RIDING A BIKE ON CITY STREETS
RUINED BY INHALED POLLUTANTS?: SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
Hale and Harmful: Are the Healthful Effects of Riding a Bike on City Streets
Ruined by Inhaled Pollutants?: Scientific American: Interesting article, and
another reason why the Rochester Greenway could be a pace-setter! “Ironically,
many cities that offer dedicated bike lanes often lay them out right next to
busy bus lanes, unintentionally ensuring that bicyclists breathe in as much
diesel exhaust as possible. “I ride along one of these high-traffic bus routes,”
Housen says, “and…there was between two and five or six times more magnetic fine
particulate matter along the bus route than [on less-busy streets].” Housen
would like to […]
Read more
FUNDING PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE PROJECTS
APBP Webinar: Funding Pedestrian and Bicycle Projects Posted by: “Stephen
Miller” stephen@railstotrails.org stephenmrtc Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:10 am (PST)
Many of you may be interested in this. It uses the example of a trailproject in
Greenville, SC: Webinar: Funding Pedestrian and Bicycle
Projects<http://www.apbp.org/event/jan-10_webinar##> 1/20/2010 When: Wednesday,
January 203:00 to 4:00 p.m. EST Contact: Debra Goeks
(info@apbp.org info@apbp.org> ) Registration Information Online registration is
available until: 1/20/2010 * Register for this event
><http://www.apbp.org/events/event_login.asp?id=89076> Funding Pedestrian and
Bicycle Projects January’s webinar takes a comprehensive look at funding
sources, bothfamiliar and nontraditional. First, we examine how Greenville
County,S.C., leveraged the power of one grant to obtain trail funding […]
Read more
ROUTE 31 PAVEMENT RESURFACING PROJECT
Read more
ROUTE 31 PAVEMENT RESURFACING PROJECT
Read more
RIT’S UNIVERSITY SERVICES CENTER CERTIFIED LEED PLATINUM
RIT’s University Services Center Certified LEED Platinum Photo by A. Sue Weisler
RIT’s University Services Center is only the second facility at a college or
university in New York to be certified LEED Platinum
Read more
RIT’S UNIVERSITY SERVICES CENTER CERTIFIED LEED PLATINUM
RIT’s University Services Center Certified LEED Platinum Photo by A. Sue Weisler
RIT’s University Services Center is only the second facility at a college or
university in New York to be certified LEED Platinum
Read more
AN ON-CAMPUS GREENWAY FOR RIT
RIT is already leading a potential bicycle renaissance in Rochester, with
significant environmental and economic impacts on the city and the region. By
building an on-campus Greenway–a year round walkway/bikeway across campus– RIT
could improve its campus, improve student life, promote innovation, promote
sustainability, and integrate RIT’s industrial-sustainability types with our
ecological-sustainability types. The overall vision is grand. The first step
could be simple. Prototype a covered, bikeable/walkable path over, or parallel
to, the QuarterMile. (RIT students are already spec’ing out structural and
paving options, including heatable floors for ice control).
Read more
RIT AS INTERCHANGE FOR GENESEE VALLEY GREENWAY, LEHIGH VALLEY NORTH TRAIL, AND,
OF COURSE, ROCHESTERGREENWAY
RIT should build a bike bridge across the river and be a bike bridge joining the
Genesee Valley Greenway and the Lehigh Valley North Trail. As previously noted,
Mitch Rosen and I have come to realize that RIT could connect the Genessee
Valley Greenway (just south of Jefferson Rd) and the Lehigh Valley North Trail
(LVNT) up to UR and the City. This might be a strategic linkage. with regard to
RIT, see this post (an on campus Greenway would connect RIT’s two new
extremities Global Village and Park Point) with regard to the RochesterGreenway
(=Lehigh Valley North Trail here) , this would join it to the GVGreenway. with
[…]
Read more
RIT COULD UNIFY THE GENESEE VALLEY GREENWAY AND THE ROCHESTER GREENWAY
Mitch Rosen points out that the Genessee Valley Greenway peters out just west of
RIT’s Red Barn and suggested that a bike bridge (built by our own Civil
Engineering students?) across the River would allow one to bike all the way from
Cuba NY to the City without travelling a major road. We went for a brief drive
and it looked great, as does some further scrutiny via Google Earth! The missing
link The big picture
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WEGMANS UNVEILS PLANS FOR EAST AVENUE STORE | DEMOCRATANDCHRONICLE.COM |
DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Now just suppose this became an anchor location for a bike connection along
University Avenue and Blossom Road that integrated ArtisanWorks, ArtWalk, the
RochesterGreenway…. Wegmans unveils plans for East Avenue store |
democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle THE STORE The East Avenue
Wegmans is the company’s lone remaining store in the city and its smallest in
the region. It first opened in 1962 at just more than half its current size, and
was expanded in 1980. The new store would be more than double in size and
include a Market Café, more prepared foods, a larger pharmacy and an expansion
[…]
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RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY:: TRAIL OF THE MONTH: WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON, NEW
YORK
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy:: Trail of the Month: Walkway Over the Hudson, New
York Built in 1888, the 1.25-mile Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge launched
out across the Hudson River in New York. Considered a technological wonder, the
mammoth structure towered 212 feet above the water and became the longest
railroad bridge in the world. It connected downtown Poughkeepsie on the east
bank and Lloyd on the west, providing an important link for trains carrying
Pennsylvania coal to factories in New England. At its peak, the route serviced
3,500 train cars a day. After a fire severely damaged the tracks in 1974,
though, nearby […]
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RCA MEMBERS AT THE SPOT
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RCA MEMBERS AT THE SPOT
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GREENWAYS 101
Greenways 101 (Pennsylvania is ahead of us!) Greenways 101 What is a Greenway?
The word “greenway” means different things to different people. Since the 19th
century, “greenway” has been used to describe a variety of linear corridors
across the land that conserve natural areas and provide people with recreation
and transportation opportunities. Often greenways are associated with off-road
trails, such as the Appalachian Trail or the Pine Creek Rail-Trail, although not
all greenways include trails. There is a growing national movement to promote
greenways, especially since 1987 when the President’s Commission on American
Outdoors recommended establishing a nationalgreenways network. A […]
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JOHN CURRAN'S VISION
x John Curran (last seen here ) is incorporating the RochesterGreenway into
his vision for network of Biking, Hiking, and Historical Trails in SW Rochester.
He also suggests that the Pedaling History Museum be located in the same
neighborhood (so people could bike to Museum. How cool is that?) Perhaps there
could be a home…in the Susan B. Anthony Preservation District which includes
several vastly underutilized 19th century factory buildings. It’s located on
West Main Street near Nick Tahou’s. I can’t think of a more appropriate location
locally. Some of the buildings in this area were part of the former […]
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ACTUATR | OPEN YOUR DATA TO DEVELOPERS INSTANTLY
Actuatr | Open Your Data To Developers Instantly a model of simplicity Actuatr
Tour from Adeel Ahmad on Vimeo.
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DFNYC – DEMOCRACY FOR NEW YORK CITY – TOXIC NATURAL GAS DRILLING IN NY STATE?
Why is this relevant? The Greenway is a positive economic/ecological strategic
alternative to Natural Gas extraction. Lake Ontario and the Genessee River are
at the Northern End of a watershed that comes right out the Marcellus Shale
zone. DFNYC – Democracy For New York City – Toxic Natural Gas Drilling in NY
State? Toxic Natural Gas Drilling in NY State? Written by Bernadette Evangelist
Friday, 09 October 2009 Report from DFNYC member Dan Jacoby: Across the southern
tier of New York, from the Hudson River to Lake Erie – including the New York
City watershed – and extending through Pennsylvania, […]
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HISTORIC ERIE CANAL AQUEDUCT AND BROAD STREET CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN
Historic Erie Canal Aqueduct and Broad Street Corridor Master Plan Before there
was this… There was this! And eventually ….?
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CITY NEWSPAPER. ROCHESTER: AN EMERGING WORLD-CLASS CYCLING SPOT
Back to News Articles CYCLING: Rochester: an emerging world-class cycling spot
By Jeremy Moule on December 16, 2009 Andrew Dollard, Gary Young, and Frank
Regan, all members of the Rochester Cycling Alliance. PHOTO BY MATT DETURCK
Total Recommendations (1) Leave A Comment Read Comments (3) Cyclists race
through downtown Rochester during the 2007 Twilight Criterium. FILE PHOTO
Rochester Cycling Alliance's Andrew Dollard says that he wants cyclists to have
a voice in city planning. PHOTO MATT DETURCK High Falls is a stunning natural
landmark and attraction in downtown Rochester, but to people bicycling through
the city on the Genesee Riverway Trail, […]
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CITY NEWSPAPER. ROCHESTER: AN EMERGING WORLD-CLASS CYCLING SPOT
Back to News Articles CYCLING: Rochester: an emerging world-class cycling spot
By Jeremy Moule on December 16, 2009 Andrew Dollard, Gary Young, and Frank
Regan, all members of the Rochester Cycling Alliance. PHOTO BY MATT DETURCK
Total Recommendations (1) Leave A Comment Read Comments (3) Cyclists race
through downtown Rochester during the 2007 Twilight Criterium. FILE PHOTO
Rochester Cycling Alliance's Andrew Dollard says that he wants cyclists to have
a voice in city planning. PHOTO MATT DETURCK High Falls is a stunning natural
landmark and attraction in downtown Rochester, but to people bicycling through
the city on the Genesee Riverway Trail, […]
Read more
CITIES FOR CYCLING
Yesterday, Bicycle Retailer and Industry News (“BRAIN”) reported on a new
initiative called Cities for Cycling:
www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/3513.html According to BRAIN, Cities for
Cycling is a new effort by city governments to promote best practices in urban
cycling and to increase the use of bicycles to improve urban mobility,
livability and public health while reducing traffic congestion and CO2
emissions. Bikes Belong and the SRAM Cycling Fund are providing support for
Cities for Cycling—a project of the National Association of City Transportation
Officials (NACTO). Cities for Cycling is comprised of transportation and elected
officials from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, […]
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CITIES FOR CYCLING
Yesterday, Bicycle Retailer and Industry News (“BRAIN”) reported on a new
initiative called Cities for Cycling:
www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/3513.html According to BRAIN, Cities for
Cycling is a new effort by city governments to promote best practices in urban
cycling and to increase the use of bicycles to improve urban mobility,
livability and public health while reducing traffic congestion and CO2
emissions. Bikes Belong and the SRAM Cycling Fund are providing support for
Cities for Cycling—a project of the National Association of City Transportation
Officials (NACTO). Cities for Cycling is comprised of transportation and elected
officials from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, […]
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HOW THEY DO IT IN DENMARK
http://www.streetfilms.org/copenhagen%E2%80%99s-climate-friendly-bike-friendly-streets/
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HOW THEY DO IT IN DENMARK
http://www.streetfilms.org/copenhagen%E2%80%99s-climate-friendly-bike-friendly-streets/
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BICYCLE COMMUTER SUPERHIGHWAYS IN COPENHAGEN
Bicycle Commuter Superhighways in Copenhagen The City of Copenhagen is currently
planning to expand the existing, extensive network of bike lanes to extend
farther out into the suburbs. A network of 13 high-class routes – ‘bicycle
superhighways’ if you will – dedicated to bicycle commuters and aimed at
encouraging more to cycle to work.
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BICYCLE STRATEGY COULD CHANGE OUR CITY
Prepared for the October 24th GreenRide and Bike Summit.(now with improved
audio)
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MONTHLY MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT!
When: Tuesday December 15 @ 6:30p.m.; may last until 8:30 p.m. Where: RIT
Student Innovation Center View RIT Center for Student Innovation in a
larger map Proposed Agenda: Welcome/Introductions Update on past month’s bike
related activities Discussion of monthly meeting at RIT/UofR Discussion of
biweekly (Sunday) meeting at SPOTS Coffee Discussion regarding Sunday group’s
management of Events/Social Activities Assignment of leadership roles in
following committees: Policy Events/Social Activities Advocacy Communications
Closing comments, next steps, next meeting
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MONTHLY MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT!
When: Tuesday December 15 @ 6:30p.m.; may last until 8:30 p.m. Where: RIT
Student Innovation Center View RIT Center for Student Innovation in a
larger map Proposed Agenda: Welcome/Introductions Update on past month’s bike
related activities Discussion of monthly meeting at RIT/UofR Discussion of
biweekly (Sunday) meeting at SPOTS Coffee Discussion regarding Sunday group’s
management of Events/Social Activities Assignment of leadership roles in
following committees: Policy Events/Social Activities Advocacy Communications
Closing comments, next steps, next meeting
Read more
BROOKS DEVELOPMENT TOO SPEEDY FOR SOME | DEMOCRATANDCHRONICLE.COM | DEMOCRAT AND
CHRONICLE:
Residents seek a clear plan for river corridor Brian Sharp • Staff writer •
December 1, 2009 After more than 20 years spent trying to bring investment to
the Rochester’s south river corridor, some neighbors now want things to slow
down. … Historian John Curran gives a tour to Lynnetta Robinson, left, and
Katrina Hanson of city property along the Genesee River. (SHAWN DOWD staff
photographer) … Brooks Landing currently consists of a Staybridge Suites hotel,
a retail/office building and a spin-off Boulder Coffee shop, all at Genesee
Street and Brooks Avenue.The next phase, to get under way in spring […]
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LAKE ONTARIO STATE MULTI-USE TRAIL RIBBON CUTTING
Lake Ontario State Multi-Use Trail Ribbon Cutting from Jon Schull on
Vimeo.Interesting to see who makes this kind of thing happen, and how….
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LAKE ONTARIO STATE MULTI-USE TRAIL RIBBON CUTTING
Lake Ontario State Multi-Use Trail Ribbon Cutting from Jon Schull on
Vimeo.Interesting to see who makes this kind of thing happen, and how….
Read more
CITY OF ROCHESTER | HIGHLAND PARK-CANALWAY TRAIL PROJECT
City of Rochester | Highland Park-Canalway Trail Project About the Project The
Highland Park/Canalway Trail Project is a joint venture between the Town of
Brighton and the City of Rochester. Fisher Associates and Trowbridge and Wolf
Landscape Architects are on hand to assist the City with the
project. The trail is intended to: Connect Highland Park with the Erie
Canalway Trail and the Genesee Riverway Trail, Provide a safe pedestrian and
bicycle route to Highland Park, Build a cost-effective, context-sensitive,
community-valued trail, and Enhance the regional trail system. Documents The
Genesee Transportation Council’s Regional Trails Initiative Final Report and
Action Plan recommended this project as […]
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'BULLET BIKE' KEEPS PACE WITH CITY TRAFFIC | HERALDTRIBUNE.COM | SARASOTA
FLORIDA | SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S INFORMATION LEADER
‘Bullet bike’ keeps pace with city traffic Here’s part of the article. (The
argumentative Comments section is worth reading, but all the controversy would
go away if the vehicles were on a dedicated transitway.) Thanks for the tip,
Rebecca The 75-pound, three-wheeled curiosity is known generically as a
velomobile, or a bullet bike. Mickevicius fell in love with it several years ago
when his son, Ray Jr. of Toronto, began importing them from Europe. In March,
Popular Science described how Ray Jr. is now manufacturing velomobiles in hopes
of creating a North American market. The model his father brought to […]
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COMPLETE STREETS
Complete Streets is a national movement which seeks to ensure that road
construction projects take into account the needs of everyone who uses the
roadways – pedestrians, motorists, the handicapped, children… and, naturally,
cyclists. In New York State, a bill currently making it’s way through the
legislature would require that planning agencies do just that. It’s a major step
in the effort to make sure that transportation planning works for everyone, and
a major asset in pressing for better bike facilities. The bill is sponsored by
Rochester’s own Assemblyman David F. Gantt, representative from the 133th
district which includes the […]
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COMPLETE STREETS
Complete Streets is a national movement which seeks to ensure that road
construction projects take into account the needs of everyone who uses the
roadways – pedestrians, motorists, the handicapped, children… and, naturally,
cyclists. In New York State, a bill currently making it’s way through the
legislature would require that planning agencies do just that. It’s a major step
in the effort to make sure that transportation planning works for everyone, and
a major asset in pressing for better bike facilities. The bill is sponsored by
Rochester’s own Assemblyman David F. Gantt, representative from the 133th
district which includes the […]
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NYC BIKE LANE DESIGN
Here’s an interesting video from the New York City Department of Transportation
describing the newest bike lanes and signals there:
Read more
NYC BIKE LANE DESIGN
Here’s an interesting video from the New York City Department of Transportation
describing the newest bike lanes and signals there:
Read more
REDISCOVERING THE RAMBLING RIVER
From Rochester Democrat and Chronicleand there’s much more!Discovered
via http://www.geneseeriverwilds.org A river rebirth in Rochester What flows
through Rochester today is a Genesee that challenges the public perception and
the observations of Arch Merrill 66 years ago. It is cleaner. It is more
visible. And there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. PHOTO GALLERIES Genesee River
(Rochester) Genesee River (Gold to Shongo) Genesee River (Letchworth to Mount
Morris) Genesee River (Wellsville to Belfast) ABOUT THE PROJECT Some 60 years
after a Democrat and Chronicle reporter Arch Merrill traveled the length of the
Genesee River, Jeff Blackwell and Max Schulte hit the road […]
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FWD: GENESEE RIVER WILDS PROJECT
From: Allen Kerkeslager <akerkesl@sju.edu>Date: Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 11:43
AMSubject: Genesee River Wilds Project (Please Forward as Appropriate)To:
BDSHARP@democratandchronicle.com, Jon.Schull@rit.edu Dear Rochester Area Trail
Advocates, I just noticed some recent news on the Rochester Greenway and I am
glad to see the progress that your groups are making on this. You may find it
helpful to peruse the newsletter of the Genesee River Wilds Project below and
look over the attached documents, especially the project’s “Program Guide.” You
may find it especially helpful to read the opening description of the project’s
main goals and the references to trail systems […]
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RAILROAD BRIDGE COULD BECOME TRAIL WALKWAY
November 14, 2009 Railroad bridge could become trail walkwayBrian SharpStaff
writer From 200 feet above the Genesee River gorge, the abandoned railroad
bridge offers spectacular views and some uncertain footing. The 700-foot span,
just north of Smith Street, came to the city as part of a $1 million-plus land
deal in 2005. he land, nearly 20 acres of abandoned rail line, stretches from
Charlotte to High Falls, and a significant portion will be converted to a
recreational trail next year. The 130-year-old bridge was something of an extra
— and also an unknown. If it turns out to be the […]
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NYSDOT RUMBLE STRIP PROPOSAL. USE EXTREME CAUTION!
The New York State department of transportation is proposing a policy that could
doom one or our region’s most promising growth opportunities: bicycling for
recreation, transportation, and tourism. NYSDOT Proposing Widespread Use of
Rumble Strips on Secondary Highways, Posing New Hazards to Bicyclists Contact
NYSDOT and Your Legislators—Urge NYSDOT Not to Jeopardize the Safety of Its
Roadway Users! CURRENT NYSDOT POLICY: Do not install rumble strips on secondary
roads except in rare instances PROPOSED NYSDOT POLICY: Installation of rumble
strips will be the preferred practice in the design of all secondary roads with
a few exceptionsRumble strips are a well-documented […]
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PANORAMA BY PATTERSON
Panorama by Patterson Posted using ShareThis
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ROCHESTER BICYCLE ECOLOGY AND OPPORTUNITY
Here’s the movie we prepared for the Oct 24 GreenRide and Bike Summit. The sound
is rough, there’s too much of my talking head, but it seems to tell a story
worth telling. Widescreen larger than life viewings available on demand (pretty
much) at RIT’s Center for Student Innovation.
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ANDREW DOLLARD AND THE RCA ADDRESS CITY COUNCIL
Andrew Dollard writes, Greeting fellow pedallers, Here’s an update on recent
goings-on with the Rochester Cycling Alliance: Last night (Monday) the RCA made
its public debut at a meeting of the Rochester City Council, where Chris, Jon,
and I (Andy) all spoke in support of better facilities for cycling. We also
spoke with Alinda Drury, the coordinator of Mayor Duffy’s Green Team, who will
be an important ally. Also – there appears to be a fair amount of interest in my
remarks at the meeting, so I’ve attached them to this email. [And I append them
below–Jon] In addition, we’ve […]
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RCA UPDATE
Here’s an update on recent goings-on with the Rochester Cycling Alliance: At our
regularly scheduled biweekly meeting at Spot Coffee, the group met with Jon
Schull, RIT professor and friend to cyclists everywhere, to coordinate our
efforts with his. Jon’s been working on bicycle issues for a while now, in
particular developing the bike corridor between RIT, UR, and downtown Rochester
(check out his blog: http://jonschull.blogspot.com/). It was a productive and
energizing meeting, with the group finally beginning to coalesce. Last night
(Monday) the RCA made its public debut at a meeting of the Rochester City
Council, where Chris, Jon, […]
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RCA UPDATE
Here’s an update on recent goings-on with the Rochester Cycling Alliance: At our
regularly scheduled biweekly meeting at Spot Coffee, the group met with Jon
Schull, RIT professor and friend to cyclists everywhere, to coordinate our
efforts with his. Jon’s been working on bicycle issues for a while now, in
particular developing the bike corridor between RIT, UR, and downtown Rochester
(check out his blog: http://jonschull.blogspot.com/). It was a productive and
energizing meeting, with the group finally beginning to coalesce. Last night
(Monday) the RCA made its public debut at a meeting of the Rochester City
Council, where Chris, Jon, […]
Read more
A WONDERFUL DAY TO SAVE THE WORLD
Great report in the RIT Reporter by RIT student and CSI Innovation Fellow
Michael Conti! 10.30.2009 » News Published October 29, 2009 A Wonderful Day to
Save the World 2 1 Students and community leaders participate in 350.org’s
International Day of Climate Action. by Michael Conti Steve Pfost Over 60
cyclists rode the distance from the downtown library to the Innovation Center at
RIT on Saturday, October 24. Students and local community members rallied by the
cry of “Climate Change Action Now!” Punctuating the day’s events was a Bicycling
Summit, proposing a series of changes that could radically expand alternative
[…]
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THE LAST FEW DAYS
Sunday afternoon I joined John Curran’s walking tour of the area between Brooks
Landing and the Ford Street Bridge. There’s more to it than I knew! A beautiful
day and new acquaintances, in addition to seeing and learning about the 107 mile
Genessee Valley Canal (which terminated right in Rochester), Camp Fitz-John
Porter the Vacuum Oil factory (oil drums piled five stories high and a football
field wide!) the abolitionist / underground railroad connection the parallel
paths that makes this my preferred riverway route for the Greenway Mr. Curran
himself, who I look forward to working with in the future […]
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LOST VALUES LFLECT
Lost Values LFLECT
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PLEX WALKING TOUR OF BROOKS LANDING TO FORD STREET RUNABOUT. SUNDAY!
“PLEX (Plymouth-Exchange Neighborhood Association) will be holding four
successive walking tours on Sundays in November to build awareness of the
historical attributes along the west riverbank from Brooks Landing to the Ford
Street roundabout (flyer attached). Gather at Boulder Coffee at noon and then
depart at 12:15 pm sharp.” The first tour lasted approximately 2 hours. I’m in!
Read more
ERIE-LACKAWANNA RAILROAD BRIDGE
The Erie-Lackawanna Bridge is going to be refurbished for bicycle and pedestrian
traffic! This is very big news, especially since the Southwest Common Council
has already embraced the notion that a year round RochesterGreenway should go up
the west side of the River (and re-invigorate a part of town much in need of
it). Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Bridge via Rochester Cycling Alliance by Rochester
Cycling Alliance on 10/19/09 David Skinner, a friend of mine who has urged the
city and the University of Rochester to open the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Bridge
to foot and bicycle traffic, passed along some good news on […]
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“ROCHESTER’S 350.ORG COVERAGE”
Judging from the media response around the world, the 350.org event has been a
hit: October 24 Press Release | 350.org “350.org To Stage Largest Day of
Environmental Action in History | 5,242 Simultaneous Events on Climate in 181
Countries.” “Citizens, scientists and world leaders in 181 countries will take
to nearby streets, mountains, parks, and reefs today to demand strong action on
climate change, in what will be the most widespread day of political action in
the planet’s history. 5,242 rallies and creative demonstrations will take place,
all of them centered on the number 350, to draw attention to […]
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OCT 24 GREENRIDE AND BIKE SUMMIT
We did it! New friends, new plans, news coverage…. YNN Coverage of GreenRide /
BikeSummit GreenRide BikeSummit preview on Channel 8 Photos! Made with Slideshow
Embed Tool Click here to view Notes full screen
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ERIE-LACKAWANNA RAILROAD BRIDGE
David Skinner, a friend of mine who has urged the city and the University of
Rochester to open the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Bridge to foot and bicycle
traffic, passed along some good news on Friday. Tom Hack, a Project Engineer
with the city, wrote to him: “I have good news about the ELRR Bridge “Rails to
Trails” Project. We have secured $1.2M from a 50-50 matching State Program. The
State kicks in $600,000 and the City matches this with $600,000. We just
received the agreement from the State, have signed it and it’s back on the
Governor’s desk. The good thing […]
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ERIE-LACKAWANNA RAILROAD BRIDGE
David Skinner, a friend of mine who has urged the city and the University of
Rochester to open the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Bridge to foot and bicycle
traffic, passed along some good news on Friday. Tom Hack, a Project Engineer
with the city, wrote to him: “I have good news about the ELRR Bridge “Rails to
Trails” Project. We have secured $1.2M from a 50-50 matching State Program. The
State kicks in $600,000 and the City matches this with $600,000. We just
received the agreement from the State, have signed it and it’s back on the
Governor’s desk. The good thing […]
Read more
SPEAKING OUT – WHAT ROCHESTER CYCLISTS HAVE TO SAY
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SPEAKING OUT – WHAT ROCHESTER CYCLISTS HAVE TO SAY
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OCT 24 GREENWAY GREENRIDE TO THE ROCHESTER BICYCLE SUMMIT AT RIT
Greetings, I’m writing to alert you to an event that should be of interest to
bicyclists and environmentalists throughout the Greater Rochester area.
Saturday, October 24th will mark 350.org‘s International Day of Climate Action
and the end of a week of climate action teach-ins at RIT. The culminating event
in Rochester will be a mass bike ride along the proposed Rochester Greenway. The
Rochester Greenway goes south from Downtown along the river, past the University
of Rochester, through the Genessee Valley Park, and on down the Lehigh Valley
North Trail to RIT. The draft GreenRide poster sketches the route. Once […]
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ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS ELIGIBLE FOR $650 MILLION AVAILABLE THROUGH NEW
PUBLIC HEALTH GRANTS
RTC TrailBlog » Active transportation programs eligible for $650 million
available through new public health grants Via Safe Routes to School National
Partnership: On September 17, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention announced a new program: Communities Putting Prevention to
Work.Thirty to forty communities will receive a total of $373 million in
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus) dollars through this
competitive grant program to support interventions that reduce obesity (through
improved physical activity and nutrition) and/or reduce tobacco use. Communities
can apply for either focus area or both. This landmark opportunity is aimed at
mobilizing community resources […]
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HOWSTUFFWORKS "WORKING MODELS"
The Hyanide” When the driver turns the steering handle to the left, the front
part of the tread angles to the left. Pushing back the left foot control will
simultaneously turn the back segment of the tread as well, giving the Hyanide a
very sharp turning radius. Meanwhile, the tread is constantly driving in the
direction of the turn, so it always maintains maximum traction. 2008
HowStuffWorksA motorcycle, an ATV and a snowmobile each have very distinct
functions. But what if you could combine them in one vehicle? Enter the Hyanide.
The driver implements the hand-and-foot steering system with two […]
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INNOVATIVE IDEAS FOR THE WHEEL OF LIFE
Innovative ideas for the wheel of life
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PLANNING FOR OCTOBER 24TH. THREE-FIFTY DAY
Here’s what we know. On October 24th, RIT is going to host the 350 Climate
Action Festival, a series of events related to “the most important number on
earth: 350“ (parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere). One of the events will
be a mass bike ride along the path of the future RochesterGreenway with bikers
converging from downtown, U of R, MCC, and other places else, to arrive at the
Sentinel at noon. Another event will be a Rochester Bike Summit, in the Center
for Student Innovation, at 2:00pm. The goal: to discuss a number of emerging and
[…]
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GREENWAYTOHIGHFALLS
GreenwaytoHighFalls There is a most excellent way to ride from the Greenway to
High Falls, over the Clinton Street elevated bikeway (who knew?), to Main and
South, and up to the West Side of High Falls, with some interesting urban sights
along the way. By riding on the over-wide under-used sidewalks, you are never in
traffic. These over-wide under-used sidewalks could easily be turned into
dedicated bike lanes, with dedicated pedestrian walkways on the other side of
each street. These photos were taken with my iphone and a great little app for
making panoramas, called Stitch).
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THE RECUMBENT BLOG � BLOG ARCHIVE � WORLD’S LONGEST BICYCLE TUNNEL OPENS…
The Recumbent Blog Blog Archive World’s Longest Bicycle Tunnel Opens…: WORLD’S
LONGEST BICYCLE TUNNEL OPENS… These folks take bike transportation seriously…
very seriously! Seriously enough to spend $3.7 million dollars to convert a
railway tunnel for cyclists, add security cameras, install a public address
system… As Copenhagenize.com adds: “Amazing that a city of this size is willing
to invest in such remarkable bicycle projects when larger cities elsewhere have
trouble painting bicycle lanes. Spain has hardly enjoyed status as a
bicycle-friendly country in the past” Details and photos at Copenhagenize.com →
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POSSIBLE DESIGNS | MINI-FARTHING
Possible designs | mini-farthing Mini-farthing highways Suspended, covered
mini-farthing highways in cities could allow people to move around quickly and
independently in comfort. Much cheaper than subways and light enough to be
suspended over existing roads and infrastructure. Easy to carry mini-farthing up
or down stairs to get on and off. This may be a solution to the last mile for
sustainable cities that want their citizens to have freedom to have freedom to
move about in a safe, fast and environmentally friendly way.
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TURNING POINT PARK 157-15
Turning Point Park 157-15Originally uploaded by whittikerowens One more picture
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TURNING POINT PARK
Turning Point ParkOriginally uploaded by -dangler Does everyone know about this?
We took an extraordinary ride on an exquisite bike trail at the Northern End of
the Rochester Riverway Trail (Charlotte, north of the Greenway) on the West Side
of the River. How did this gem of a trail and boardwalk come to be built? And
why isn’t it celebrated? It is a world-class marriage of natural beauty and low
impact civil engineering. Who did this? More pictures * here
http://www.pbase.com/joldfield/image/79518178* here
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=rochester%20turning%20point%20park&w=alland
still more by using the embedded google earth tour at
http://RochesterGreenway.org
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BEHOLD THE BIKE!
Few inventions have the efficiency, health benefits, affordability, urban design
potential, safety features and environmental friendliness of the modern bike.
It’s not your grandmother’s bicycle; it’s a revolutionary component in our
future transportation portfolio. There have been bikes. There will be bikes.
Bikes started as glorified hobby horses (the walking machine), then got pedals
(the velocipede or boneshaker), then rose up and sped up (the high wheel
bicycle), then began settling down for speed and safety (the hard-tired safety),
and now they are fast, sleek and efficient. It was a long (and sometime
dangerous) haul; and, if you are quick […]
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MONTREAL EXPORTS ITS BIKE-SHARING PROGRAM – GREEN INC. BLOG – NYTIMES.COM
Montreal Exports Its Bike-Sharing Program AUGUST 13, 2009, 7:31 AM Montreal
Exports Its Bike-Sharing Program By IAN AUSTEN Ian Austen/The New York Times The
bike-sharing system pioneered in Montreal will soon be used in Boston and
London. From the beginning, Montreal officials had ambitions for the new Bixi
bicycle-sharing system that went beyond the borders of that Canadian city. On
Wednesday, Gérald Tremblay, the Montreal’s mayor, announced that the Bixi system
will be implemented in Boston and London. It is not clear at this point if the
roll-out in Boston — where local officials are mounting a push for more […]
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CBSM/FORUMS/INDEX.LASSO
Fostering Sustainable Behavior http://www.cbsm.com/forums/index.lasso?cat=Biking
Installing Bike Parking at Schools and the Impact on Student Behavior June, 08
2009 at 10:52 AM posted by 7 comments » We are looking for fact sheets or
information to share with schools and others about the impact of bike racks that
may be motivational. Such as if you install bike rack/# of bike parking spaces,
you will reduce… Category: Tools: Looking for University Bicycle Stations March,
19 2009 at 06:12 PM posted by Archie Phillips 1 comment » I am seeking
information on Bicycle Centers that have been designed as part of green
buildings […]
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PONOKO BLOG
Ponoko Blog: Ponoko to Distribute Making to Laser Cutters Worldwide! July 2nd,
2009 at 7:36 amThis sounds to be an excellent project especially as this would
expand your successful business model to support access to affordable 3D
fabricating for many of us creatives.Shain Says:July 2nd, 2009 at 5:39 pmI think
this is a brilliant Idea! Makers of the world uniting. Let everyone tap into the
resources once only accessible to the elite. Manufacturing for the masses.I
can’t wait!Ponoko and the Fabrication Network Says:July 15th, 2009 at 3:13 pm[…]
me this is pretty huge news (Fabbaloo found it for me): Ponoko […]
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ROCHESTER BICYCLE ECOLOGY
I’ve created a conceptual map of the Rochester Bicycle Ecology in order to
explore the idea that we need a Rochester Bicycle Alliance. (You can view the
map as a full-sized PDF file for full screen viewing by clicking here) The map
is loaded with hyperlinks and background on local organizations and initiatives,
thus if you mouse around, you’ll read things like… “Rochester could be home to a
number of potentially transformative bike-related initiatives. Even a few of
them, implemented and marketed strategically, could turn the region into a world
capital of cycling. Individually they are long-shots. The Rochester Cyclng […]
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BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL. WHY NOT HERE?
http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com/
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BIKING ROCHESTER
Let the Huffington Post know about biking in Rochester. If the RochesterGreenway
were a reality, I think we’d be number one in this poll. Check it out. –The Top
10 U.S. Cities For Biking Americans overwhelmingly continue to drive alone to
work. With more than nine out of 10 workers favoring driving. But these 10
cities are definitely taking the initiative to change that. Here are the top 10
U.S. cities for bicycling commuters. And remember to send us a photograph of
your favorite biking city.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/05/the-top-10-us-cities-for_n_252092.html
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ANOTHER AFFILIATION
People are talking. Excitement builds. The Rochester Greenway is entering a new
phase: a steering group (maybe, the “The Rochester Greenway Steering Group”) who
will be focusing on moving the project from conceptual stage to something more
concrete—or macadam, or plastic, or a new composite altogether. At this point,
interested groups are offering their time to see this unique concept get funding
through grants, get endorsements from various groups, and provide presentations
of this all-weather, carbon-free transportation system. “I just want to point
out to you that this isn’t just about biking. This is truly about a grander
purpose happening […]
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SALONE SATELLITE 2009: DOTS STUDIO
salone satellite 2009: dots studio
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ROCHESTERGREENWAY.ORG WINS ROCHESTER ENVIRONMENTAL SITE AWARD!
RochesterEnvironment.com The RENewsletter is emailed out each week on Sundays.
On the last Sunday of each month, an Environmental Site Award goes out to the
Rochester-area Environmental Site that best promotes, informs, and offers
solutions to our area’s environmental issues—using the unique powers of the
Internet. This month, it’s RochesterGreenway.org!
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THE ROC CITY PARK – LOCATION & DESIGN
RocCity Park UPDATE The mission of the RocCity Skate Park City-Community
Partnership is to build a skate park in the City of Rochester.This is a
volunteer effort, so 100% of donated money goes directly to the skate park.The
planned location (pending New York State Department of Transportation
approval)is beneath the east side of the iconic and award winning Susan B.
Anthony/Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. This location provides excellent
shelter from often adverse elements of the region. There is plenty of room for
the varied disciplines of skateboarding and BMX. There is also room on either
side of the bridge for […]
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TOWN OF BRIGHTON PROPOSED MULTI-USE TRAIL PUBLIC MEETING JULY 27
Town of Brighton Proposed Multi-Use Trail Public Meeting Tom Low, Town of
Brighton Commissioner of Public Works585.784.5225,
thomas.low@townofbrighton.org. Brighton, NY, July 3, 2009 – The Town of Brighton
will hold a Public Meeting to review the concept of a multi-use trail connecting
Town Hall and the Erie Canal. The meeting will be held on July 27th from 7pm-9pm
at the Brighton Town Hall, 2300 Elmwood Ave. The I-590 Bicycle / Pedestrian
Bypass Trail Feasibility Study is nearing completion, and the Town wishes to
gather additional feedback on the preferred trail alignment identified in the
Draft Report. In its 2000 Comprehensive […]
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CENTERLINES #229
CenterLines #229 -> “Every additional 30 minutes spent in a car each day
translates into a 3 percent greater chance of being obese. People who live in
neighborhoods with a mix of shops and businesses within easy walking distance
are 7 percent less likely to be obese.”— Lawrence Frank, University of British
Columbiahttp://tinyurl.com/ngwhxa
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ABOUT STREETSWIKI – STREETSWIKI – LIVABLE STREETS
About StreetsWiki – Streetswiki treetsWiki . . . What Should You Write on
StreetsWiki? Profile: your street, city, or neighborhood. It doesn’t have to be
famous! Just share what makes it tick (or not) like these articles on Portland,
Oregon and the Cross-Bronx Expressway . Define: Livable Streets design elements,
policies, and people. Like these articles on David Ganttand Bike Bus . Expand:
upon your area of expertise. Like these articles on Quartier Vauban and the 1939
World’s Fair Futurama exhibit. Share: best practices in advocacy and planning
process. Like this article on DOT Appeals Process. is a community-created,
online […]
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CYCLISTS SLOW DOWN TO AVOID CRATER-SIZED 'HOLE' – TELEGRAPH
Cyclists slow down to avoid crater-sized ‘hole’ – Telegraph Cyclists were
encouraged to slow down thanks to this crater-sized “hole” in the middle of a
towpath. Published: 7:00AM BST 18 Jun 2009 A woman looks into the three
dimensional drawing Photo: GETTY But the hole is an optical illusion, a
three-dimensional drawing of a canyon, in an attempt to make careless cyclists
hit the brakes rather than ride dangerously and ignore pedestrians.
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Video: Davis, California, A Platinum Bike City
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5.GIF 872�576 PIXELS
Summary of the Benefits from Bicycling and Walking
http://www.railstotrails.org/resources/images/whatwedo/trailadvocacy/atfa/5.gif
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PRO WALK/PRO BIKE 2008 – SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Pro Walk/Pro Bike 2008 – Seattle, Washington Presentations #2. Federal Funding
for Nonmotorized Transportation and Recreation and the National Trails Training
Partnership (Cascade II)1) RTP Trails Nov 2008:Presentation:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/fundrec_pres.htm2) RTP and TE
Summary: includes both briefs listed below.Recreational Trails Program Brief:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/brief.htmTransportation
Enhancement Activities Brief:http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/brief.htm3)
New Approach for TransportationUSDOT Reform Proposal:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/reauth_reform.htmChristopher
Douwes The (National) Recreational Trails Program–NRTPGreg Lovelady (155Kb
PowerPoint Presentation) #6. Adapting the Bike Sharing Concept to North America
(St. Helens)A Public Bicycle System in Metro Vancouver?Eileen Kadesh and Andrew
Curran (605Kb PDF Format)Bike Sharing in North AmericaEileen Kadesh and Andrew
Curran (968Kb PDF Format)SmartBike DC and How […]
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WE ARE BIXI – BIXI SYSTEM
We Are BIXI – BIXI System: “We are BIXI”
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GENESSEE VALLEY GREENWAY
Genesee Valley Greenway (Coincides with our route from U of R North)
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SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL (SRTS) IS A FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL EFFORT
Overview Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a federal, state and local effort to
enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and
bicycle to school and to make walking and bicycling to school safe and
appealing. In New York, as in other parts of this country, travel to school by
walking and bicycling has declined dramatically over the past several decades.
The adverse impacts of this trend on air quality, traffic congestion and
childhood health are alarming. The goal of New York’s Safe Routes to School
Program is to assist New York communities in developing and implementing […]
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WHAT IS TWIN CITIES STREETS FOR PEOPLE? | TWIN CITIES STREETS FOR PEOPLE
What is Twin Cities Streets for People? | Twin Cities Streets for People Imagine
KC from Arnold Imaging on Vimeo.
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STIMULUS WATCH: KEEPING AN EYE ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY SPENDING
Stimulus Watch: Keeping an Eye on Economic Recovery Spending Projects in
Rochester, New York Below are the “shovel-ready” projects for which this city
submitted in the 2008 U.S. Conference of Mayors report. You can click on a
project to read (and add to) its description. You can also discuss the project
and vote on whether you believe it is critical or not. The total cost of all the
projects submitted by Rochester is $50,946,000 …
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Copenhagenize.com – The Copenhagen Bike Culture Blog: Copenhagen Winter Cycling
Copenhagenize.com – Winter Cycling from Colville Andersen on Vimeo. Scenes from
a cycling life in Copenhagen during the winter. Featuring some of the 400,000
citizens who choose the bicycle throughout the wint COPENHAGENIZE.COM Each and
every day 500,000 people ride their bicycle to work or school in Copenhagen.
This blog highlights who they are, why they do and how it was made possible.
Forty years ago Copenhagen was just as car-clogged as anywhere else but now 55%
of the population choose the bicycle. 37% in the Greater Metropolitan area.
Copenhagenizing […]
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R COMMUNITY BIKES, NEEDS BIKES!
Bikes needed R Community Bikes, a grassroots organization that collects and
repairs used bikes to distribute free of charge to adults and children in need,
will be collecting bicycles on Sat, Sept 19, at Penfield Fitness and Racket
Club, 667 Panorama Trail West, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information:
www.rcommunitybikes.net
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GREETINGS FROM THE FUTURE! WISH YOU WERE HERE.
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10TH ANNUAL RARE ROCHESTER AREA RECUMBENT ENTHUSIASTS RALLY
The R2k09.10: “The Rochester Area Recumbent Enthusiasts and the Rochester
Bicycling Club will host the 10th Annual RARE Recumbent Rally, ‘The
R2K09.10’.The ride is confirmed for June 27th, 2009 RIDES START AT 8amfrom the
main parking lot of Hamlin Beach State Park”
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ARTWALK2 PUBLIC MEETING AND DESIGN WORKSHOP
I’m going. Are you?
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BIKES BELONG
What We Do Bikes Belong works to put more people on bicycles more often. From
helping create safe places to ride to promoting bicycling, we carefully select
projects and partnerships that have the capacity to make a difference. We
concentrate our efforts in four areas: Federal Policy and Funding Lobbying
National Bike Summit BikesPAC Overview of SAFETEA-LU National Partnerships Safe
Routes to School Bicycle Friendly Communities National Groups We Support
Interbike National Conferences Community Grants Learn more about the grants
we’ve awarded in your area by viewing our grants map or searching our grants
database. Learn more about who is […]
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ALLIANCE FOR BIKING AND WALKING ADVOCACY GRANTS
The Alliance for Biking & Walking will award a total of $250,000 in2009.
Advocacy Advance Grants will range from $5,000–$30,000.Approximately $125,000
will be available for Round 1 and another$125,000 in Round 2. Each round will
include a balance of Start-up andInnovation Grants. The Alliance’s ability to
award grants is dependentupon receipt of the support pledged for this program.
Start-up / Capacity Building Grant Funding Priorities These grants are to help
catapult emerging and developing organizationswith matching challenge grants.
Awards of $5,000–$30,000 will matchdollar for dollar new funds raised within six
months. These funds areto help leverage private and public investment […]
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DEADLINES AND OPPORTUNITIES
This blog’s many readers will note that a number of deadlines approach. The
recent posts highlight highly-relevant competitions—Urban Green Expo Garage
Inventors competition deadline July 27th, 2009 WPA 2.0: Whoever rules the sewers
rules the city deadline August 7, 2009 The Kodak American Greenways Program |
The Conservation Fund deadline July 15, 2009 Alliance for Biking and Walking
Advocacy and Startup grants, deadline August 26, 2009BikesBelong Facilities and
Advocacy grants, deadline August 24, 2009 Even more pressing and perhaps more
promsing, Ram Shrivastava of Larsen Engineering points out that the County and
the City will be submitting applications for NYSERDA […]
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THE KODAK AMERICAN GREENWAYS PROGRAM | THE CONSERVATION FUND
The Kodak American Greenways Program | The Conservation Fund a partnership
project of the Eastman Kodak Company, The Conservation Fund, and the National
Geographic Society, provides small grants to stimulate the planning and design
of greenways in communities throughout America. Greenways—corridors of protected
public and private lands—link recreational, cultural, and natural features and
provide multiple public benefits. They provide paths for people and wildlife;
protect forests, wetlands and grasslands; and improve the quality of life for
everyone. Often associated with rivers, stream valleys, mountain ridges,
abandoned railroad corridors, and utility rights-of-way, greenways also can be
built along canals, scenic roads […]
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URBAN GREEN EXPO 2009
Urban Green Expo 2009 ABOUT THE PROGRAM SPONSORS EXHIBITOR INFORMATION REGISTER
NOW TRAVEL CONTACT US GREEN GARAGE INVENTORS COMPETITION NOW ACCEPTING
SUBMISSIONS Submission Deadline: July 27th, 2009 Click Here For The Green Garage
Inventors Competition Call for Submissions The Green Garage Inventors
Competition seeks to foster the creative ingenuity needed to usher in the green
buildings of tomorrow and to retrofit our existing buildings. The competition
will highlight innovative building products that address sustainability in
compelling but practical ways. Winning inventions will be showcased in a
dedicated section on the Urban Green Expo trade show floor on Sept. 22–23 in […]
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WPA 2.0 : WHOEVER RULES THE SEWERS RULES THE CITY.
Competition Competition for Students Objectives and Priorities More About the
Competition Stage 1 Request For Proposals Stage 2 Design Development Register
Jury Awards Schedule Partners and Sponsors Questions and Answers Contact Us
About cityLAB Jury: Stan Allen,Cecil Balmond, Elizabeth Diller, Walter Hood,
Thom Mayne, Marilyn Jordan Taylor WPA 2.0: an open design competition for
working public architecture organized and sponsored by cityLAB cityLAB, an urban
think tank at UCLA’s Department of Architecture and Urban Design, announces a
call for entries to “WPA 2.0: Working Public Architecture.” WPA 2.0 is an open
competition that seeks innovative, implementable proposals to place
infrastructure […]
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GENESSEE LAND TRUST
500 East Ave # 200 Rochester, NY 14607 – (585) 256-2130Directions and more
»www.geneseelandtrust.org I had breakfast last week with Tom Frey and Gay Mills,
head of the Genessee Land Trust. I learned all sorts of things I didn’t know,
but most importantly, the Genessee Valley Land Trust is all about preserving
green places, and connecting them to people and neighborhoods. According to
their newsletter, their new strategic plan outlines five conservation
initiatives Create a ribbon of protected critical habitat and countryside near
the shore of Lake Ontario Link our urban neighborhoods to the natural places of
the City of […]
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THE HIGH LINE: "THAT WOULD BE SO COOL…" IS
Image via Wikipedia The High Line–world’s most innovative urban park (so far)–
opened last week in New York City. Betsy and I visited it today. It’s beautiful,
functional, and inspiring. The High Line was an overgrown and abandoned elevated
railroad line slated for demolition in a decaying neighborhood. A couple of
dreamers with no particular qualifications met at a public hearing and advanced
the idea that it should become a new public park. Ten years later, it is so.
(History, Design Slideshow, my photos) We were impressed by a number of things.
The merging of old and new, industrial and […]
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THOMAS FREY KNOWS HOW IT'S DONE.
I found Thomas Frey of the Genessee Valley Land Trust (and former Monroe County
Executive) watering a tree at a new park on the corner of Clifford and Conkey
Streets. Adjacent to that park (he explained) runs the former track of a CSW
Railroad Spur that went from the Power Plant in High Falls all the way up to the
top of the Genessee River near Charlotte. Tom helped the City of Rochester
obtain a $2 million grant that will turn that trackbed into a bike path in the
next year! Besides offering to help us advance the Rochester Greenway, […]
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FIRST POST OF THE ROCHESTERGREENWAY BLOG (AND CLIPPING SERVICE)
This blog chronicles the progress of the RochesterGreenway project. Presumably
you’ve already been to http://RochesterGreenway.org?If not go there! Then come
back. Today I initiated this blog, where you may find day by day updates on the
project. On the right you’ll find a clipping service, featuring items of
interest (if you’re interested in this kind of thing) from around the web.
Co-editors, apply within!
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ABOUT US
Reconnect Rochester is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization working to build a
more sustainable transportation network for the greater Rochester community.
Learn more »
LATEST NEWS
* Surprisingly Easy By Bike, Volume 3 October 25, 2024
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* Where They Stand: 2024 Candidates for US House of Representatives, NY Senate,
& NY Assembly October 22, 2024
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