1. Public Comments Needed For Ocean Parkway Bike Path By Sept 12th [link]
2. Development of Hudson-Helderberg Rail Corridor & Patroon Creek Trail Offers Increased Commuting and Recreational Opportunities for Bicyclists & Pedestrians [link]
3. WCC's Golden Apple Ride 9/14 Supports Statewide Bicycle Advocacy Efforts [link]
4. New Stage Race in the Catskills Earns Praise from Pros and Amateurs Alike [link]
5. Upcoming Public Workshops for the 2010 – 2035 Regional Transportation Plan [link]
6. Implementing a Walking School Bus--FREE Statewide Webinar [link]
7. LAB Road I Class to be held in Albany 9/19-9/20 [link]
8. New York to Boost Bicycle Parking for Municipal Staff [link]
9. World-Renowned Bicycle Revolutionary to Visit Troy 9/15 [link]
10. Inspirational Cross-Country Bicycle Ride To Encourage Safer Roads Journeys to NY’s Capital 9/27 [link]
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1. Public Comments Needed For Ocean Parkway Bike Path By Sept 12th

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) announced that a public comment period for the proposed 14.4 mile Ocean Parkway Bike Path will held until Sept 12, 2008. Residents, businesses, and all interested parties are encouraged to provide input on this proposal that seeks to provide a safe and environmentally sensitive bike path on the north side of Ocean Parkway connecting Jones Beach with Captree Beach.

"The provision of facilities to encourage non-motorized transportation is an important part of NYSDOT’s Smart Growth Policy," Regional Director Chakraborti said. "Ocean Parkway is one of Long Island’s most scenic roadways, yet it is only accessible by automobile. NYSDOT initiated this project to provide safe, enhanced access to recreational and employment opportunities for bicyclists, pedestrians and joggers and to help transform some motorized traffic into non-motorized transportation."

The proposed 14.4 mile, approximately $12.6 million Ocean Parkway Bike Path would be built entirely on State property between the existing Wantagh State Parkway Path and Captree State Park, just east of Robert Moses Causeway. The path, which would be approximately 13 feet wide, would be buffered from and would not provide direct access to the local Ocean Parkway residential communities. Environmental and economical enhancements, such as new bird nesting boxes, plantings and wetland protections are important proposed project features. All construction materials and designs would be sensitive to the historic character of Jones Beach State Park and in accordance with current historical architectural guidelines.

ACTION ALERT:
There is growing opposition to this plan by the local residents and we need your supporting comments. Bike path supporters should mail their comments to:

The Ocean Parkway Shared-Use Path Project Team
NYS Department of Transportation
250 Veterans Memorial Highway Room 5A-10
Hauppauge, New York 11788
Att: Ocean Parkway Bike Path Project Team

This public information request is part of the DOT’s continuing efforts to actively seek and encourage the public’s input in the development of transportation projects in order to ensure that the completed project meets the DOT’s transportation improvement and safety goals as well as the needs of the local bicycling community.

Download an official comment form at: http://www.climbon line.org/pdf/dotOceanParkwaysCommentForm.pdf

Talking points:

I support the new bike path for Ocean Parkway that will connect the Wantagh Parkway Bike Path to Jones Beach and Captree Beach.
There is currently no way to ride your bike from the Wantagh Parkway Bike Path to Jones Beach. It is illegal to ride your bike all the way to the beach. I would like to have public bike access to Jones Beach's boardwalk as well as TOBAY, GILGO, CEDAR and CAPTREE beaches.
The Ocean Parkway Bike Path will allow families to participate in a positive recreational activity and allow economic opportunities for local concession stands during the off season.
Look to the existing bike paths along the Bethpage Parkway and other areas for examples of cleanliness, environmental sustainability and lack of crime.
The bike path will be constructed alongside the existing Ocean Parkway roadway, which is already a disturbed zone and therefore should not cause additional impact by slower moving and quieter bicycles.
Long Island needs this infrastructure to accommodate bicycles in a safe fashion, we need alternatives to fossil fuels and reduce our dependency on foreign oil importation.
By burning calories and not carbon, we can increase our fitness (reducing health care costs) while also increasing the quality of our air. It's a win-win.
Something has to be done to decrease traffic and promote safe bicycle travel. We need bike paths along all our parkways across the island. Let's start here, let's start now.



2. Development of Hudson-Helderberg Rail Corridor & Patroon Creek Trail Offers Increased Commuting and Recreational Opportunities for Bicyclists & Pedestrians
On Monday, September 8th, the Albany County Legislature approved measures to purchase an abandoned rail line from the former D&H Rail corridor, creating a 9.3 mile public recreational trail from the Port of Albany to the Village of Voorheesville. Funds to develop the Patroon Creek Trail Project from City of Albany and the Town of Colonie were also approved.

NYBC staff and Board Members, along with representatives from other pro-bike organizations including Parks & Trails NY, the Albany Bicycle Coalition, and local residents and trail advocacy groups addressed the Legislature and gave intelligent and impassioned reasons for supporting these integral parts of the area’s trail linkage system. Once completed, the rail trails will link parks, other recreational trails and municipalities along a safe and accessible pedestrian and bicycle route. The trails will also allow the County to preserve open space in the community, link neighborhoods and promote physical fitness.

ACTION ALERT:
Thank County leaders for their tireless work over the last 12 years and encourages them to support future development of trails and greenways throughout the Capital District Email or call your County Legislator and thank them for support the purchase and development of multi-use trails in Albany County.

To find your county legislator first go to http://www.albanycoun ty.com/uploadedimages/albanycounty.jpg and locate your district, OR, for city of Albany, consult http://www.albanycoun ty.com/uploadedimages/cityoverview.jpg
Find your district legislator: http://www.alb anycounty.com/departments/legislature/legislator.asp
Still not sure what your district is? Call the Clerk of the Legislature: (518) 447-7168
Your correspondence does not need to be long; it only needs to thank them for supporting the D&H Rail Trail & Patroon Creek purchases. Feel free to add why they should continue to support similar projects throughout their district, such as pointing out that the acquisition is timely in light of high fuel prices, economic development, concerns about obesity and other health issues related to inactivity, global climate change and overall quality of life—and how your community will benefit from more trails and multi-use paths like these. Ask others to do likewise.


3. WCC's Golden Apple Ride 9/14 Supports Statewide Bicycle Advocacy Efforts

Come to the 27th annual Golden Apple ride, sponsored by Westchester Cycle Club, on Sunday Sept. 14, with rides of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 miles on lightly-traveled roads in northern Westchester County. The ride starts from the Goldens Bridge train station parking lot, at Exit 6A on I-684. It's also at the Goldens Bridge stop on Metro North's Harlem line. The routes are well marked and food stops along the way will keep you fortified. Registration is $35; ride benefits the New York Bicycling Coalition. For full details, visit: http://westchestercycleclub.org/g oldenapple.php


4. New Stage Race in the Catskills Earns Praise from Pros and Amateurs Alike

A new two-day stage race, the Tour of the Catskills, was held in upstate New York on September 6-7. Centered around the Hunter and Windham Mountain region of Greene County, the pro and amateur event included two single-loop road races: the Saturday Mountaintop Classic, starting and ending in Hunter, and the Sunday Catskill Epic, beginning and ending in Windham.

The event offered races for amateur and professional riders each day. Eight separate races were held on the two courses: 50-60 miles in length for amateurs and 82 miles for elite and professional men.

"The Catskill Mountain Foundation is very pleased to host the 1st Annual Tour of the Catskills Cycling Race," said Peter Barker, Executive Director. "We hope that this becomes an attractive event for regional cyclists and families to participate in for many years to come."

"The Catskill Mountains are a perfect backdrop for an event like this one," said Race Promoter Dieter Drake. "The roads, the people, and the scenery will make this race like no other in the Northeast." Drake also promotes the Tour of the Battenkill in Washington County, New York, which has become the largest professional and amateur race in the United States in its four years.

Partial proceeds of the event benefited local charities, including the Adaptive Sports Foundation. For more information, visit www.tourofthecatskills.com.


5. Upcoming Public Workshops for the 2010 – 2035 Regional Transportation Plan

Billions of federal dollars will be spent over the next 25 years to improve the region’s transportation system, and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) wants your input into how that money should be spent.

NYMTC’s 2010-2035 Regional Transportation Plan will lay out a long-range framework for improving the region’s transportation system – its roads, bridges, freight and mass transit facilities, and its bicycle and pedestrian networks.

Interactive workshops are being held throughout the region to encourage your comments, ideas and suggestions for your community’s transportation future and to discuss the new Plan, including various trends and issues, NYMTC’s shared goals for the region and its proposed development vision, and the regional socio-economic and demographic forecasts that will form its foundation.

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO HELP PLAN TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS. YOUR CONCERNS AND ISSUES MATTER!

Two meetings will be held on the same day at each location to include as many people as possible. The September 18 workshops will be webcast live and archived for viewing at your convenience on www.NYMTC.org, where you can also find more information and share your comments, ideas and suggestions through October 31, 2008.

Find the workshop location closest to you and join us:
Brooklyn: 9/15/08, 3-5pm & 7-9pm, Brooklyn Borough Hall, Community Room, 209 Joralemon St.
The Bronx: 9/16/08, 3-5pm & 7-9pm, Bronx Borough President Office, Hearing Room, 198 East 161 Street.
Staten Island: 9/17/08, 3-5pm & 7-9pm, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Board Room, 130 Bay Street.
Manhattan: 9/18/08, 4-6pm & 7-9pm, NYMTC (webcast), 199 Water Street, 22nd Floor
Queens: 9/19/08, 3-5pm & 7-9pm, Queens Borough President Office, Rm 213, 120-55 Queens Boulevard.
Putnam County: 9/22/08, 3-5pm & 7-9pm, County Government Complex, Carmel.
Rockland County; 9/23/08, 3-5pm & 6:30-8:30pm, Palisades Mall 4th floor Community Rm.
Westchester County: 9/24/08, 3-5pm & 6:30-8:30pm, County Center, White Plains.
Suffolk County: 10/6/08, 3-5pm & 7-9pm, Dennison Building Media Room, Hauppauge.
Nassau County: 10/7/08, 3-5pm & 7-9pm, Legislative Chamber, Mineola.

For more information please contact: Jan Khan at 212.383.7251 or jkhan@dot.state.ny.us


6. Implementing a Walking School Bus--FREE Statewide Webinar

The New York Network for the Safe Routes to School National Partnership would like to encourage your school or organization to participate in activities that advance the health, safety and environment of our school-aged youth. They will be hosting a statewide webinar that will allow viewers to learn more about how to participate in Walk to School Day and how to set up a Walking School Bus program. This web training will take place on:

* Wednesday, September 17th from noon - 1:30pm; and then again on
* Friday, September 19th from 8am - 9:30am

You must RSVP for these trainings. If interested please email Justin@saferoutespartnership.org you will in return receive an official invitation from meeting bridge with the access codes and call in number.

Whether it's participating in our poster and writing contests, planning a walking school bus program or developing a safe routes to school initiative these are all great ways to help our children:

* Develop life long safe walking habits;
* Promote the health benefits of walking;
* Realize how much fun walking can be;
* Create safe and more walkable communities;
* Spend healthy, active time with friends, family and the community

Please take advantage of these FREE opportunities.

This program is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a grant from the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.


7. LAB Road I Class to be held in Albany 9/19-9/20

A League of American Bicyclists Road 1 Bicyclist Education Class will be held on Friday, September 19 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM and Saturday, September 20 from 10 am - 4:00 pm (note: this is a two-day, 9-hour certification course).

Per LAB, this course "gives cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques and includes a student manual. Recommended for adults and children above age fourteen, this fast-paced, nine-hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling."

Location: SUNY Albany Downtown Campus, Draper Hall, 135 Washington Avenue (between South Lake and Robin Streets), Room 146.
Fee: $40.00 includes course materials
Open to Anyone - 14 and older with a Bicycle and a Helmet
MHCC members are reimbursed the class fee upon successful completion of the class, a road-test and a written test.

To Register: Call (518) 209-6477 OR (518)221-8693, or e-mail cbnolou@yahoo.com.


8. New York to Boost Bicycle Parking for Municipal Staff

New York City is planning on expanding secure, indoor bicycle parking for municipal employees. City officials say five municipal buildings in lower Manhattan will get additional bike parking later this year.

The emphasis on bike commuting comes as the city cuts the number of free parking permits it gives to municipal employees. City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan says, "the city needs to do more to provide municipal employees a safe, secure place to lock their bikes. The expanded bike parking would bring to 110 from 46 the number of spaces at three existing facilities. The headquarters of a handful of city agencies will also get additional bike parking.

According to SmartTrips, "Someone who bikes four miles round-trip to work instead of driving keeps 51 pounds of carbon monoxide out of the air each year and burns 36,000 calories—the equivalent of 10 pounds of fat." The National Bikes Belong Coalition reminds us that "Bicycling is a convenient, healthy, and inexpensive transportation option. Yet only 1% of trips in the U.S. are made by bike. We face soaring gas prices, increasing road congestion, rising pollution, and a global warming crisis that threatens our future. Now is the time to embrace bicycling."


9. World-Renowned Bicycle Revolutionary to Visit Troy 9/15

On September 15, Chris Carlsson - San Franciso-based author, urbanist, and instigator - will be presenting his latest work, Nowtopia, at The Sanctuary for Independent Media. The event is co-sponsored by the New York Bicycling Coalition and Troy Bike Rescue. Event begins at 7 P.M. at The Sanctuary for Independent Media, 3361 6th Avenue, Troy, NY. Admission by donation ($10 suggested, $5 low income). Directions and more information at www.MediaSanctuary.org or by calling 518-272-2390. Valet bike parking will be available.

Carlsson will be discussing his new book, Nowtopia, while sharing the spotlight with local bike enthusiasts, Troy Bike Rescue, and members of Rhizome Collective, of Austin, TX. As the number of cyclists continues to visibly grow, some might hope that this prophet from the bike-city of San Francisco will be bringing the good word of separated bike lanes and proper bike parking to the auto-dominated streets of the Empire State. However, Carlsson's latest writing carry a much broader message - it's an analysis of "work" and a vision of radical new economics that he contends is already taking shape.

Carlsson is perhaps best known in the bicycle community as one of the first motivators of the monthly Critical Mass bike rides that began in the early 90s in San Francisco, and have spread to 5 continents and over 300 cities around the world.

Local organizer and founder of Troy Bike Rescue, Andrew Lynn, remarks: "Making true social change and moving society towards sustainable future is not just about 'going green'; it's about building sustainable social and technical infrastructure. This will require new levels of cooperation and innovation."


10. Inspirational Cross-Country Bicycle Ride To Encourage Safer Roads Journeys to NY’s Capital Saturday, September 27th

After two years of agonizing recovery from a life altering hit-and-run accident, cyclist Pearson Constantino and his brother Pete are riding across America to make our roads safer and inspire more bicycling. A documentary film, THE LONG BIKE BACK, is being made about Pearson’s inspirational comeback and the brothers’ epic ride.

On a beautiful morning in late June 2006, lifelong cyclist Pearson Constantino was riding on a suburban road when he was struck from behind by an SUV. He suffered multiple severe injuries including a shattered hip, a crushed lumbar vertebra and severe head trauma; his helmet saved his life. In what is an all too common phenomenon, the driver fled the scene. Pearson was one of 44,000 cyclists to be injured by a motor vehicle in the United States in 2006; an additional 68,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes.

Although Pearson is still plagued by constant pain in his back and hip and lingering memory loss, he has returned to his bicycle and is riding across America to encourage road safety and inspire others to cycle. On August 12th, brothers Pearson and Pete set out from Newport, Oregon, and will continue their cross-continental journey all the way to Cape Cod, Massachusetts along US Route 20, Main Street America.

Support NYBC’s Share the Road Campaign and join members “The Long Bike Back” as they ride through NYS’s Capital.

Saturday, September 27th:
4:00pm: Pearson & Pete have invited cyclists, advocates and friends to accompany them the last 15 miles on their route to Washington Park, downtown Albany. Meet at the corner of Dunnesville Rd. & Route 20 (Western Ave), Dunnesville, NY, ready to ride (Please note: all riders must wear helmets--a rider will not be allowed on a ride if he/she does not have a helmet. Riders are expected and required to follow all traffic rules and regulations.)

5:00PM: arrival in Washington Park, downtown Albany.

5:30pm-6:30pm: “The Long Bike Back” Reception/Preview Screening at the Upstate Artists Guild Gallery, 247 Lark Street Albany NY 12210, co-sponsored by NYBC and the Upstate Artists Guild. Join us for a warm welcoming reception and early preview screening of a segment of “The Long Bike Back,” after which our featured guests will speak briefly about their journey, including Pearson’s recovery, and the need for motorists to be aware of vulnerable road-users. $10 donation ($5 student/low-income); proceeds for the event would benefit NYBC’s Share the Road campaign to increase bicycle safety awareness. For more information, please contact NYBC at nybc@nybc.net or (518) 436-0889. We hope you can join us for this event!