In response to the comment from "Realist" (The Mail, January 13): "Realism" is a term with many meanings, but perhaps its most applicable synonym in the realm of public policy would be "pragmatism." 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 living in or visiting that area. Arguably, this comparatively low-cost proposal would have more significant positive impacts on the economy than a money-pit boondoggle like Renaissance Square.
The economic impacts of improved cycling infrastructure go far beyond in an increase in local commerce during a particular event (a bike race, for example). Improvements in overall health, quality of life, downtown accessibility, and sense of pride in the urban core would have measurable, long-lasting impacts on the local and regional economy. The improvements in health alone deserve serious consideration by our local and national politicians if they hope to "bend the health-care curve." Exercise should be an integral part of our daily lifestyle in the city, not something we should have to take indoors or drive out of the city to enjoy.
If you'd like to have a frank discussion about the "irresponsible bike riders in our area," as you state, I'm all for it. I've seen quite a few people riding against traffic, at night, without lights. Many of these people are not fully educated in proper bicycle safety, and engage in dangerous cycling practice out of fear - fear of motorists. This could be mitigated by a rigorous public-safety campaign regarding vehicular-traffic laws, which already exists in most states (including New York), and an improved cycling infrastructure that creates safe, efficient commuter and recreational routes. We currently enjoy the groundwork for a strong recreational infrastructure, one that could no doubt be improved, but we lack any sort of institutionalized commuter cycling infrastructure.
The belief that cyclists do not deserve the right to share our publicly funded roads and highways because some of them break laws is curious. In fact, the most egregious, numerous, and dangerous law-breakers I see on our local roads are other motorists.
As a final note, and to contribute to the increased education of cyclists, here's a link to the applicable New York State laws concerning bicycle traffic on public roadways. I suggest that cyclists and motorists alike brush up.
And the next time you find yourself inconvenienced, annoyed, or otherwise burdened by a cyclist during your daily commute, consider that the small amount of patience it takes to grant that person some leeway (both literally and figuratively) is insignificant compared to the amount of time you'll spend sitting at red lights, filling your gas tank, or finding a parking space.
ERIK REINERT, ROCHESTER
Comments for "ENVIRONMENT: Biking’s benefits â€" realistically" (3)
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HARRY DAVIS said on Feb. 06, 2010 at 11:17pm
Protest the lack of bicycle lanes on the new Broad Street
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2344061033&ref=ts&gid=262162163479#!/event.php?eid=279468064374&index=1
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Rochester City Hall, 30 Church Street, Rochester, NY
Protest the lack of bicycle lanes on the new Broad Street to be built in Rochester to cover the old subway bed.
..............................................................................
Observation: Cars keep a greater distance from bicyclists on average when there are no bike lanes, but that without a bike lane cars would occasionally pass much closer than when the bike lane was there.
Conclusion: Bike lane provides a measure of safety, because with the bike lane cars are more likely to maintain a minimum safe distance from cyclists.
...............................................................................
"The entire length of this project (4,362feet) is a bridge deck carrying Broad Street over the former Rochester Rapid Transit and Industrial Railroad (subway). The original Erie Canal followed the route of what is now known as Broad Street through the City of Rochester between South Avenue and Broad Street. Abandoned in 1918 when the Barge Canal was opened south of the City, the canal bed was deepened and a roof constructed spanning the existing walls of the bed with the Rochester Transit and Industrial Railroad (subway) occupying the lower level and Broad Street on the upper level (surface). The subway opened in 1927 and continued operation until 1956 when it was abandoned. One of the four original mainline tracks continued to be used for freight rail delivery of paper stock to Gannett Rochester Newspapers until 1997 at which time it was abandoned."
"The project limits are from Brown Street to Exchange Boulevard. The portion of the tunnel to be filled extends from Brown Street to approximately 200 feet north of W. Main Street. The remainder of the tunnel from W. Main Street to Exchange Street will be rehabilitated."
"The road improvements over the portion of the tunnel to be filled include: construction of a new pavement section, new granite curbs and concrete sidewalks, traffic signals, new street lighting, and enhanced landscaping features."
"The road improvements over the rehabilitated portion of the tunnel include: milling and resurfacing the existing pavement, select sidewalk replacement and enhanced landscaping features."
(The above was quoted from the City of Rochester presentation "Broad Street Tunnel Improvement Project" a Public Information Meeting at the Rochester Public Library, South Avenue, December 17, 2009.)
NO BIKE LANES!!!
Subway Tunnel To Be Filled. This time they mean it. Probably.
http://www.rochestersubway.com/topics/2009/10/rochester_takes_bids_to_fill_subway_tunnel/
realist said on Feb. 08, 2010 at 2:46am
You say "this comparatively low-cost proposal would have more significant positive impacts on the economy than a money-pit boondoggle like Renaissance Square."
Can you elaborate on how your bike lane will generate the hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars of economic impact that Ren Square was projected to stimulate.
That's a lot of malted milk balls from the Nut House. Isn't this just more fake stats that bike riders like to use. Tell me how many actual bike riders travel from Pittsford to the City each day?
karrie said on Feb. 08, 2010 at 10:09pm
I work in downtown Rochester and many of my coworkers commute by bike from areas such as Pittsford, Penfield, Brighton, etc. Bike lanes would only promote safer bike practices and a more predictable pattern for motorists to respond to. It's confusing to me how these benefits could be anything but welcomed. Better for bikers, better for drivers. It's just plain common sense.
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