The Alliance for Biking and Walking has issued a new “benchmarking” report, the results of a nationwide survey of bicycling and walking practices, policies, and implications.

As this report shows, where bicycling and walking levels are higher, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes levels are lower. Higher levels of bicycling and walking also coincide with increased bicycle and pedestrian safety and higher levels of physical activity. Increasing bicycling and walking can help solve many of the largest problems facing our nation. As this report indicates, many states and cities are making progress toward promoting safe access for bicyclists and pedestrians, but much more remains to be done.

Check out the report on their website: Benchmarking

Yikes! it’s May already and we need to make plans for the bike month, bike week, and bike-to-work day! A couple years ago, Bikeithaca.org kicked off with a quickly-organized plan. We had groups of people sign up to ride together to common destinations on Bike to Work Day. This was the most successful city-wide event of the kind that we’ve had, so we should try to improve on it this year. I’ll try to get the supporting stuff — maps, chat pages, etc., — ready in a few days so that we can turn to recruiting people and matching them up for the ride.

Recently there was a “leaked” report that the New York State DOT is about to revise its policy regarding the installation of rumble strips along state roads — whereas previously rumblestrips were an option to be considered, henceforth rumble strips will be default, to be added to every road project unless otherwise specified.

I found it a really disturbing prospect and expected cyclists around me to rise in protest. But no such protest seems to be materializing; most people I’ve talked to have said it’s not a big deal; if there is sufficient space left Read the rest of this entry »

Dave Nutter, a very-long-term cycling advocate and member of Ithaca’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council, has introduced a resolution to be passed by BPAC. It fulfills the committee’s mandate to advocate on behalf of cyclists and pedestrians. The text of the resolution is below Dave’s remarks.

Riders don’t just fall on the East Clinton Street bridge.  They are maimed. It has happened repeatedly, but because no tickets are issued there is seldom a record.  As IPD has indicated, and as we now see, there is a real and ongoing hazard.  Read the rest of this entry »

This particular story has been simmering since last spring, when the youngster in Saratoga was told it was forbidden to ride a bike to school. Or, to walk to school either. In September, the furor recommenced and presumably the Powers of the school are now debating how they might modify the policy. By the sound of it, they’re not going to repeal it — only permit certain exceptions to the prohibition.

Read about it in the Albany Times Union

And, if you have a mind to, you might contact Maple Avenue Middle School Principal Stuart F. Byrne at: s_byrne@saratogaschools.org

This came to me via the facebook group, “I bet I can find 1 million families who want big beautiful bike paths.” Maybe you want to join it.

UPDATE: The Common Council approved the phase-2 plan, voting to let the state proceed with acquiring the right of way.

City Administration and Budget Committee to Discuss CWT Phase 2 Right-of-Way Acquisition, Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00pm Read the rest of this entry »