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

High Falls is a stunning natural landmark and attraction in downtown Rochester, but to people bicycling through the city on the Genesee Riverway Trail, there's no clear, marked way to get there. Cyclist Jon Schull says that he takes a different route each time because he doesn't know the best way to go.

"We are already one of the best bicycling destinations in the world, but no one is telling that story," says Schull, a member of the newly formed Rochester Cycling Alliance, an advocacy group. "And if you were going to tell that story, you'd want to take care of a few embarrassments, like what's the right way to ride to High Falls? And how do I get from High Falls back on the trail that will take me up to Seneca Park and Lake Ontario?"

Schull is one of several people trying to hammer home just how close the Rochester region is to becoming a world-class cycling destination.

The region has plenty of scenic and functional trails, unique attractions like the city's Turning Point Park, several thriving cycling cultures, and a top-notch amateur racing circuit. The Rochester cycling scene got a big boost from the professional races in downtown organized by Full Moon Vista owner Scott Page. Racers and spectators packed into downtown for the events. The next step was supposed to be the six-day Tour de New York race, which was originally set to debut this past summer. Page postponed the race a year because of money, but he plans to hold it in 2010.

Representatives of cycling's international governing body met with Page in 2007, the year the Twilight Criterium became an internationally sanctioned race, to talk about ideas for a multi-day tour race in and near Rochester - the Tour de New York. They were extremely interested, Page says, because of New York's international name recognition.

"They knew this terrain incredibly well," Page says, of the Rochester-Finger Lakes-Western New York region. "It's some of the nicest riding on the continent."

The Criterium has been a high-profile event, but the region's high-profile trails can be a draw, too. Each year, the state Canal Corporation measures usage of the Erie Canal Trail. During 2008, the number of people on different sections along the trail between Genesee Valley Park and Perinton Town Park ranged from about 100,000 and 200,000, half of whom were cyclists. Monroe County is one of the more active areas along the canal system, says Carmella Mantello, director of the Canal Corp.

On the tourism side, 500 bicyclists travel the canal trail each year as part of the Cycling the Erie bicycle tour.

But if Rochester wants to be a true cycling destination, it has an obstacle to overcome: government officials and cycling advocates - and even the different cycling groups in the region - haven't worked closely together. That's starting to change. The Rochester Cycling Alliance, which brings together cyclists from different groups and backgrounds, wants to take an active role as city officials develop a Rochester cycling master plan.

"We want to see bicyclists have more of a voice in the city planning process," says Andrew Dollard, a member of the Cycling Alliance.

The city has $250,000 in regional transit funds for bicycle-related improvements, as well as $2.1 million in federal funding over the next four years for projects on or connecting to the Genesee Riverway Trail. The 16 miles of completed trail run between Ontario Beach Park and Genesee Valley Park, though there's a break in the downtown area.

The city plans to form an advisory group with members from transportation agencies, environmental groups, and cycling groups. Among other things, that committee will evaluate trails, determine appropriate locations for bicycle lanes and shared-use lane markings ["sharrows"], and develop policies that encourage bicycle-friendly facilities in new construction projects. The city's ultimate goal is to earn Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists.

The city's in the process of hiring a consultant for the project. City Planning Director Charles Thomas says he expects the contract will take effect at the start of the city's next fiscal year, July 1.

How does a planning document relate to the region's potential as a cycling destination? The same improvements that will make the city more hospitable to the cyclists who live here will also make the city more attractive to visiting cyclists.

Bicycle master plans are also being developed in some Rochester suburbs, which will help the region's cycling appeal, says Richard DeSarra of the Rochester Bicycling Club. Penfield has completed its plan, and Brighton is preparing to start. But the different communities also need to make sure that plans and projects in one place tie into the efforts in another.

Making the Rochester region bicycle friendly and a cycling destination will also require passionate local leaders with clout to push for the necessary policies and projects, Page says.

One way to make the region more bicycle-friendly is for municipalities to make sure they connect existing trails and trail segments. Over the past decade or so there has been progress, DeSarra says.The Erie Canal trail and the Genesee Valley Greenway are examples; they even connect to each other. But there's still work to be done on those trails, such as making more connections or offering better markings.

The Greenway, combined with the Genesee Riverway, provides a straight shot from RIT to downtown, says Jon Schull, an RIT professor who's involved in bicycling-related projects at the school. The Greenway and Riverway are actually the most direct way to get from RIT to downtown. And the University or Rochester is along the way.

Students could live downtown "without having to worry about cars and parking and all of that," Schull says. "So I see that as a real transportation innovation that could make a difference."

The Greenway and the Erie Canal trail are not complete or connected in certain parts, mostly in lesser-populated areas. If they were, those paths could be useful to commuters, Dollard says. They could act as a bicycle highway from outlying areas into the city.

On a broader scale, there's the potential to connect trails from Lake Ontario and the City of Rochester to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, via 230 miles of trails, including the Genesee Riverway Trail and the Genesee Valley Greenway. The only hurdle is a few short gaps and one 20-mile gap that need to be connected, Schull says.

And that doesn't even touch on the cycling opportunities that are available in the Finger Lakes region, east of the Greenway. Bike-based scenic tours and wine country tours are already popular.

DeSarra sees potential for bicycle-based heritage tourism. A visitor could bike into Rochester on the Erie Canal trail, hop on to other local trails and visit sites related to Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, or the Underground Railroad, then continue on to Canandaigua, Seneca Falls, or Auburn.

"We've got some great cultural things that would bring them in," DeSarra says.

Comments for "CYCLING: Rochester: an emerging world-class cycling spot " (12)

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it is unfortunate said on Dec. 16, 2009 at 10:41am

It is unfortunate that so many irresponsible bike riders ruin the reputation of bicyclists for those who are responsible, law-abiding riders.

groc said on Dec. 16, 2009 at 1:38pm

Rochester is a great location for all forms of cycling, Allot of towns are starting to look at making long term decisions making the roads and creating connectivity to make a more bike friendly community. Victor is a good example. Lets not forget about the trails off-road as well as the on road routes

rochester99 said on Dec. 16, 2009 at 2:51pm

Biking on and off road in the Metro region of Rochester has to be among the best in the country. As an avid off-road/mountain biker who has experienced the best in urban bike trails (Toronto, Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Austin…), I can easily state that Rochester has many outstanding biking assets…but like many other valuable assets in our region…we tend to ignore or underfund them.

The region is dotted with many great segments of biking but because they lack proper signage, amenities and continuity…they loss their potential impact. I have often taken my mountain bike along both sides of the Genesee River…from the Erie canal north to Lake Ontario ….passing many outstanding sites…upper falls, lower falls, the massive pedestrian bridge crossing the river near Seneca park, Seneca park zoo and the lower swan lake, the recently completed one mile long raised bridge over the west side of the River near turning point Park, several active marinas, the Lighthouse at Charlotte and ending at the Pier at Charlotte Harbor. Most of the trip does not cross any roads…at times you think you are in the middle of Letchworth state Park.
Other impressive stretches of bikeways exist along Lake Ontario at Durand Eastman Park and of course the Erie canal towpath….and still many more others that are sprinkled throughout the region.

But until we take this asset serious and willing to accelerate funding/investing in these trails, we will just have a “potential” asset rather than an outstanding/valuable asset.

John Campbell said on Dec. 17, 2009 at 7:56am

I sat briefly with the Canandaigua planning group which developed a comprehensive bike plan for their city. I hope that the Alliance considers linking with the Finger Lakes/ Bristol Hills region. Road races and the Highlander Bike Tour would complement the Alliance goals as add some elevation for more advanced riders.....

George said on Dec. 21, 2009 at 2:38pm

One thing I have noticed in Rochester is that people are really not used to having pedestrians around. After coming from a "big" East Coast city, I was somewhat surprised how people in cars here really don't stop for you. A little worse, they often get mad at you for crossing the street. I've been yelled at by people sitting in their warm cars while I am walking in snow to try to cross a busy street. I bring this up because I wonder with these attitudes how it is for bikers. I wish them success because I would also like to see a broader "share the road" mindset grow with Rochester drivers. It's not only green, it is positive for crime and quality of life to have people walking and biking on our city streets.

Harry Davis said on Dec. 23, 2009 at 12:15am

NO BICYCLE LANES!

I am sorry to say but on Dec 17, last Thursday, the "Broad Street Tunnel Improvement Project" held another one of the "open, public discussions" ala ren square style with no real discussion, only a "This Is The Way It Is" presentation to tell us how the tunnel will be filled in. What is completely inappropriate is that they are building a new road WITHOUT informed planning, only engineers & construction people! A whole new road is being built!

When audience members asked if a bicycle lane will be included on the road that will connect to Main Street downtown, the answer was "NO"!

No bicycle lanes for a new road in Rochester.

I asked Mayor Duffy to hire me so that this type of situation can be avoided. We have been having meetings since the election and more will be heard from our group in January

btw, I ride my bicycle every day.

Mike Leary said on Dec. 23, 2009 at 9:42pm

Harry Davis makes a great point.

As someone who's been commuting to and from work (11 miles each way) regularly, if not exclusively, for three years, I can say that we have a solid basis for a bicycle-friendly city. The canal trail and the river trail constitute 9.5 miles of my 11 mile commute, keeping me off the roads and away from the vagaries of traffic. But as I've discovered this winter (the first that I've tried commuting in ice and snow), these trails are nearly useless for commuting once the snow accumulates, melts and re-freezes. I'm using studded snow tires to handle the ice, but the unplowed canal and river trails just become a long stretch of frozen footprints punctuated with tire ruts. It's treacherous and very slow (about 40% slower than a typical commute on a clear path).

This has forced me to use roads to make my way between home and downtown. It's astonishing just how bike-unfriendly the major routes between these end points are. Monroe Ave. and East Ave. seem dedicated to keeping bicycles off of them, what with their curbs and nonexistent shoulders. "Taking the lane" on these roads looks to be a shortcut to the ED. It is possible to pick one's way through less-traveled streets and almost avoid the main arterials, but some travel on them is necessary, conflicting with the health benefits of making bicycling part of one's daily routine.

Back to Harry's point, if Rochester and environs (OK, the environs will probably need to be dragged kicking and screaming into this) want to obtain bicycle-friendly status, barriers to bicycle use must be removed. We need bike lanes and appropriate signage on the arterials in order to foster more and safer use of the roads by people on bicycles. The canal and river trails are great, but if we want to foster the bicycle as a healthy alternative to pervasive reliance on automobiles, the roads need to change. Use of bicycles for transportation can't be built on trails alone.

hiwayman17 said on Dec. 25, 2009 at 8:39am

Monroe County and the city of Rochester should make an effort to lead in the area of bicycling as a form of commuter transportation. The future is coming and transportation and the environment in this area both deserve Ren Square/fast ferry-type funding.

In my small hometown I was an avid walker. I grew up always walking to school and college and then later to work. Moving to Rochester, with greater distances between places, walking become much less practical and biking seemed like a good alternative. However, in the town of Gates I learn a valuable lesson. When I lived without a car and walked to work, I realized how dangerous the roads were for pedestrians and cyclists. My path to work in Gates had no sidewalks so I was walking on the shoulder of the road. Drivers are too selfish to even consider the fact that walkers and cyclists exist let alone give them the courtesy of being careful around them.

Monroe County is blessed with some great recreational biking venues, such as the canal path, that also serve as a great starting point for a bike commuter network. However, when bicycles needs to share an area with automobiles, something more is needed to make me feel safe. I want to bike in a designated area that is separated from cars by a curb--a tall curb not easily jumped over by a car or truck.

In recent years, bike lanes have been added during road reconstruction projects. Most notable this year is on East Henrietta Road. It's a visible nod to bikers that they are at least being thought about, but have you seen any bikers in those lanes? Instead I see stupid drivers who attempt to create yet another lane for their cars in the space meant for bicycles.

Bogota, Columbia is the best foreign example of a city that made a network of bicycle lanes. Organizations such as Complete Streets aim to put information out there about what's going on in other areas in terms of bike paths and road construction. I would love to see Monroe County/Rochester lead in this area. Let's do something innovative. Let's address the issue of biking in the winter with covered paths or even tunnels. Laugh if you want to, but it could be done. We could be the greenest, cleanest city with healthy people because they commute to work by bike.

http://www.completestreets.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogot%C3%A1%27s_Bike_Paths_Network

Ben said on Dec. 25, 2009 at 11:17am

Mike -

I totally agree. East Ave seems to have been designated as a "highway". Not only are there no bike lanes, it is REALLY hard to cross as a pedestrian. In some places you have to walk 4 or more blocks to get to a safe crossing point. And the pedestrian button at East and Berkeley is broken. So you wait 6 or more minutes to cross. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it is - especially in winter. And this crossing point is for people going to church or picking up day-care kids.

The cars race down East Ave as if it is their right to use it as a highway. Why? 490 doesn't have traffic jams. If anyone complains that "it is quicker to use East Ave then 490" they seriously need to get some perspective. Goto NYC, Boston, Chicago or DC for 1 day during rush hour and you will understand how crazy that is. 490 is excellent for fast city access by any serious criteria.

Why bother? Cities with healthy bicycle and pedestrian activity are safer and perceived as friendlier. We have an amazing city center filled with culture and history. And what have we done with it? We've turned it into a burned-out midtown where nobody wants to go (thanks Maggie Brooks for killing our only recent hope) and we've made the once-majestic roads into town so unsafe for bicycles and pedestrians that they are deserted.

Help us out Mayor. How about a few cross-walk signs and lines and some speed enforcement on East Ave? Give the bikers a lane on East Ave also. Studies show that narrower streets lead to slower speeds. Notice that speed is not a problem on Park Ave. Why? (Hint - It's 2 lanes, not 4). Put the commuter - suburban traffic on the highway where it should be so people can enjoy their city.

If people start to complain about traffic getting into the city from the suburbs, tell them to move in. We want a green, walkable, enjoyable urban community, not a place where our kids will get run over.

Harry Davis said on Dec. 25, 2009 at 1:14pm

Listen to Harry Davis speak on the Bob Smith Show, 1370 Connection, about the lack of bicyle lanes on the new Broad Street in Rochester.
http://www.harry2009.com/node/517

Alfred said on Mar. 17, 2010 at 3:53pm

I guess the bikers hibernate for the winter. This thread seems to have gone dead. Perhaps now that the nice weather is here we will start hearing more from these dudes again. I certainly hope so. I'd like to see the city be more bike and walker friendly.

Automotive Tools said on Jul. 18, 2010 at 3:10am

A little worse, they often get mad at you for crossing the street. I've been yelled at by people sitting in their warm cars while I am walking in snow to try to cross a busy street. I bring this up because I wonder with these attitudes how it is for bikers. I wish them success because I would also like to see a broader "share the road" mindset grow with Rochester drivers.

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