by No Comments

#ROCbyBike – ’24-’25 Instagram Roundup

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 time of year to feature guest contributions from Monroe County cyclists. It would be a fun way to celebrate biking in Greater 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. It’s become a neat way for cyclists who bike in different ways for different reasons to find commonality.

The #ROCbyBike series has been a hit! Here are the previous season recaps.

We are proud to present below consolidated stories of our contributors from season 6. We hope it inspires you to get out and ride!

Kerry Foxx

“My hubby and I had bikes for years and they just took up space in the garage. In the last couple of years, we’d started to look for low-to-no-cost ways to spend intentional time together. We were also on a bit of a health kick – healthy eating, regular gym visits, etc. – and biking ticked all those boxes.

Biking has been an awesome way to connect with and learn about the City and surrounding areas. It’s also been fun meeting new people. We discovered Reconnect Rochester and the rest is history! We’ve been biking ever since. The open-invite group ride we attend the most is the Flower City Feeling Good ride series sponsored by DRHS and led by Reconnect Rochester and EE Pathways.”

(five posts Nov 8 to Nov 21, 2024)

Mary Eggers

“I’ve learned that Rochester is a great place for gravel riding. I live near the Lehigh Valley Trail and can do a 50 mile loop connecting to the Greenway, the Erie Canal, and the Auburn Trail with very little road involved! We are so lucky to have this trail system, and if you venture further South there are plenty of places to] ride gravel. On the trails I am surrounded by beauty.

It’s one thing to be with friends, but cycling friends are the ones you can ride 5 hours with and not need to say a word, and know that you have all helped one another through something. Cyclists share a special bond.”

(six posts Nov 22 to Dec 5, 2024)

Adrian Martin

“One day in 2009-ish, I was sitting on an exercise bike in the Downtown Fitness Club, still aggravated after having driven around a few blocks to find a parking place, when I had an epiphany – what if I biked to the gym? Later I had another epiphany – since I can bike downtown to the gym, I could also bike downtown to work. Within 5 years I was a year-round bike commuter.

Biking is my favorite way to get from one place to another. I bike both because I enjoy it and because I dislike driving. When I arrive at a destination having biked there, I’ve gotten some outdoor exercise, I feel better physically and mentally, and I can generally bike right to my destination instead of a large parking lot/garage. And I’ve had fun! And now that I have kids, biking someplace together is a bonding and learning experience totally different from chauffeuring them around town.”

(six posts Dec 6 to Dec 20, 2024)

Hulda Yau

“Bikes have played a huge role in my healing journey, helping me both physically and mentally. Every journey can lead to something beautiful. Get out there, and let your spirit soar!

Fall is the perfect time to explore! Ontario Beach Park and Durand Eastman Beach are perfect spots for a delightful cycling trip! Take in the crisp air and the stunning autumn leaves while you ride. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy nature. So, grab your bike and go!”

(seven posts Dec 21, 2024 to Jan 1, 2025)

Tim Gabriel

“I was that one kid growing up that was always riding his bike. Cycling was freedom, and I began my adventures very early. I agree with Einstein that something magical happens when we ride, and may add that if ever there were a “fountain of youth”: biking is it!

Adventure-type riding is truly the best form of cycling and traveling there is. These days you’ll find me taking photos of my bike against a tree, on local rides near the Zoo, the Greenway, downtown, the Canal, an old railbed, or a nearby park…just trying to stay in shape for my next cycling adventure!”

(seven posts Jan 3 to Jan 16, 2025)

Danielle Harrison

“My reintroduction to biking happened in 2020 when a friend introduced me to a bike group in Brooklyn. Since then, I’ve been hooked! I love the freedom and endless exploration that biking offers. It’s not only a fantastic form of exercise but also a way to connect with the world around me, whether it’s discovering new routes or just feeling the wind on my face. Cycling has truly become a passion.

My favorite places to ride are Turning Point Park and Ontario Beach Park. In terms of regular rides, I ride with Reconnect Rochester on Wednesdays & Black Girls Do Bike on Tuesdays.”

(four posts Jan 18 to Jan 30, 2025)

Gaie Goodness

“My friends and I ride in Mendon Ponds in the winter when the trails are snow covered or muddy. There is less traffic, but a good riding surface. I live a half-mile from the Lehigh Valley Trail, so as soon as the trails are dry enough, I am off!

Riding along the Genesee is always fun. We are so lucky to have the endless Erie Canal to ride in both directions. My friends and I ride this beautiful venue often, as soon as the snow melts. And then there’s the Genesee Valley Greenway, with new improvements over the past few years.

The May and October Light Up The Night Rides organized & led by Reconnect Rochester are among my faves.”

(seven posts Jan 31 to Feb 13, 2025)

Caitlin Meives

“Like a lot of people, I spent my childhood tearing around the neighborhood on my bike, then I took a 15-year break once I had access to a car. I decided to try getting back in the saddle after moving to Rochester and realizing that, in a lot of ways, a bike could afford me more freedom than a car. At first, it felt weird and I was super intimidated by biking in traffic. I started by taking little 15 minute jaunts on residential streets in the neighborhood and gradually worked my way up to more busy streets until I felt comfortable. Within a year, I felt at home on any city street (the ‘burbs are a different story) in any amount of traffic.

When it’s above my threshold biking temp (50°F), I have a rule that I bike or walk to my destination if it’s within a 2-3 mile radius.

I love that biking gives me the chance to take in my environment at a slower pace. You notice things you wouldn’t otherwise see, hear, or smell in your car. Biking is a multi-sensory experience that connects me to the world around me and to my body and gives me a little jolt of fun, especially at the end of a long workday.”

(seven posts Feb 14 to Feb 26, 2025)

Katie Evans

“I’ll admit: I once pulled up to a group ride, saw everyone dressed in lycra, and felt so intimidated that I decided to keep driving. That was a long time ago, and I am living proof that there is a place for everyone in this community. The Rochester cycling community is filled with kind-hearted, welcoming, and like-minded people.

I encourage you to try out a few group rides if you haven’t before. It is a great way to meet people; before you know it, you’ll have new ride buddies to meet up with. Cycling started as a solo activity, but it became a community. I’ve met the kindest, most encouraging people.”

(seven posts Feb 28 to Mar 13, 2025)

Martin Petrella

“Cycling has always been a passion of mine. For a while, it was hard to find people to ride with who had the same mindset. That all changed when I started riding with Just For Giggles Cycling. They ride every Monday night from Three Heads Brewing on Atlantic Ave., rain or shine, 12 months a year. I’ve developed many friendships in the group as well and always look forward to good times on our Monday night rides.

It’s so much fun riding in winter, listening to the snow crunch beneath the tires, and feeling the crisp winter air streak across my face. It’s exhilarating! With the proper gear and attitude, winter riding isn’t as chilling as you might think.”

(five posts Mar 15 to Mar 26, 2025)

TT Fairbanks

“My favorite part about riding my bike is helping the environment! Imagine how fast we could reduce pollution. It was so beautiful learning Rochester through riding my bike. I was nervous to join a group ride because I mostly ride solo but I was SO welcomed by everyone! Reconnect Rochester’s Light Up The Night Ride was so cool! The changes being made for a safer riding environment are incredible.”

(five posts Mar 29 to Apr 8, 2025)

Kel DeShong

“I love this city and my favorite way to explore it is by bike! I’m a huge fan of bike and transit infrastructure and anything car-free.

One underrated perk of bike commuting is recognizing people. I see my neighbor walking his big fluffy dog and Opa the school crossing guard. I cross paths with the cyclist with the blinky helmet light who also rides hand-free along a stretch of the Riverway Trail. For each of them, we give each other a little wave or nod of recognition and continue on our ways! Things like this make me feel more enmeshed in the community and part of something bigger.

Urban group rides make it so much fun to be a cyclist. It’s not just about the ride itself — it’s a good excuse to get outside on a weekday, spend time with fun people who, over time, can become great friends, and explore places and routes I’d never find on my own. We stop at cool spots like High Falls or the MAG outdoor gardens and art installations, taking in the scenery while hanging out. All while getting in some good exercise! These weeknight rides also make a “school night” feel like the weekend. And with the strength in numbers, we can go on roads I’d never bike alone!”

(six posts Apr 11 to Apr 25, 2025)

If you’re interested in sharing your story for our 2025-26 #ROCbyBike series, reach out to Jesse at cycling@reconnectrochester.org.*

*Diversity is important to us. So, it may take a while to fit you in the queue so we can make spots for other voices.

by No Comments

What is NYS Doing to Keep Cyclists Safe on State Roads?

Join Us on Parcel 5, Friday, Aug 22 at 5:30 PM to Find Out!

Join us for a rally on Parcel 5 at 5:30 PM on Friday, Aug 22 to call on New York State to “Keep Cyclists Safe on State Roads!” There’s an optional group ride from Genesee Valley Park Sports Complex (131 Elmwood) that leaves promptly at 5 pm. Pre-registration encouraged!

Register

Some Background:

During Reconnect Rochester’s Ride for the Spine bike rally in 2024, one of our partners at City Hall made a passing remark that left a lasting impression: “It’s great so many cyclists turned out to hear from the Mayor, the County Executive and Congressman Morelle, but where’s New York State? They have authority over so much of this.” 

Of course, they were right: The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)’s decision-making authority over a road project can make or break bike infrastructure choices that any local authority – whether it be the City, Towns, Villages or the County – wants to implement. Projects in our region that are building better bike infrastructure use a combination of federal, state and local funding, and the requirements – and often constraints – imposed by these funding streams dictate what is considered as feasible in the design process. While engineering guides from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), to the AASHTO and NACTO bike guides have made momentous leaps forward, design standards used by traffic engineers at all levels of government take far too much time to adopt and implement that progressive guidance.

NYSDOT’s decision-making authority over a road project can make or break bike infrastructure choices that any local authority wants to implement.

For suburban towns and villages, the hand of NYSDOT is even heavier: state roads built before the interstate highway system designed to move freight or serve as highway alternatives are now the main streets of local communities. Unfortunately, Smart Growth America’s Dangerous by Design report in 2024 cited that across the U.S., nearly two-thirds of traffic deaths in metro areas happen on state-owned roads—often fast-moving arterials that weren’t designed for people walking, biking, catching the bus, or simply crossing the street to enjoy a coffee or get home. The burden of mortality isn’t evenly spread either: Black and Native Americans, older adults, and people walking in low-income communities die at higher rates and face higher levels of risk of becoming victims of road violence when compared to all Americans.

Register

To cite a recent Vision Zero Network analysis, state roads “serve very different purposes today – including local traffic, people walking and biking, school buses and delivery vans – without having been redesigned for these uses.” It is urgent for communities, therefore, that New York State officials, including planners, traffic engineers, municipal public works heads, become more responsive to the way local communities are growing and the ways the roads are used today.

That’s why this year, Reconnect Rochester is asking NYSDOT and other state leaders to speak to us about what they are doing to keep cyclists safe and build the all-ages/all abilities bike infrastructure on all roads, but especially on the state roads that are often the Main Streets of our county’s towns and villages.  We see some glimmers of a culture shift , but it will take much more to turn such a large ship. Good intentions are present throughout the Draft NYSDOT 2050 Strategic Master Plan, signs of newly prioritizing active transportation are present in the agency’s move to update a two-decade old walk/bike plan. Now is the time to reiterate to New York State: safety for your most vulnerable people using the road is safety for everyone, including drivers!

But these intentions aren’t yet fully realized: A recent Brookings Institution analysis concluded that NYSDOT is among the lowest-ranked state DOTs in the United States when measured on evidence that it is shifting its mandate from car-centric infrastructure to building and maintaining multimodal transportation systems that serve all users and responds to environmental change. As articulated in our New York Safe Streets Coalition feedback on the 2050 plan, NYSDOT can show its seriousness about its strategic intentions through more transparency, funding allocations to public and active transportation, and public engagement with local communities.

What’s at stake for Monroe County’s cyclists of all ages and abilities:

Register

To illustrate what’s at stake for cyclists in our community, let’s look at the map. Two years ago, Monroe County hired Toole Design to craft the County’s first Active Transportation Plan. It was very high level  and created a common vision as a starting point for discussion. The question it asked: If there was an ideal countywide bike network someday that connected towns & villages, what lines on a map would make most sense to invest in? The map below is the result.

The red circled roads are owned & maintained by NYSDOT. Thus, if our county is ever going to be bikeable (for more than just the brave and bold), NYSDOT will need to modernize the way they design and maintain roads to prioritize complete streets elements and build with the safety for all users in mind. Monroe County is working on an implementation plan for the CATP (work item 8756) that will make more specific recommendations, and we’ll let you know when there’s a chance to give public input.

Image of Lake Ave

While the City of Rochester has a lot of control over how it designs its roads, NYSDOT owns and operates portions of the most dangerous road in the city and New York State: Lake Avenue. The City has recognized the unacceptable level of road safety problems on Lake Avenue, and has put on the table the idea of reengineering Lake Avenue to be a multimodal corridor equipped with continuous bike infrastructure and bus rapid transit through the ROC Vision Zero initiative. As recent events confirm, NYSDOT’s cooperation on making Lake Avenue a safety corridor is more urgent than ever. 

A local sign of culture shift toward accommodating complete streets and active transportation is NYSDOT Region 4’s project on Route 204 – Brooks Avenue in the Town of Gates, which coincides with New York State Bike Route 5. Reconnect Rochester’s input to the project last year highlighted the opportunity to connect the City of Rochester, the Airport, Gates employers and commercial center on 33A with multimodal investments on this corridor. For this project, NYSDOT coordinated with the Town of Gates and local business partners to close sidewalk gaps, and improve bus shelters. Through a combination of shoulder widening and restriping, the project will provide 5’ minimum shoulder width through corridor (with the exception of the railroad underpass area – which is outside of the NYSDOT jurisdiction) and the installation of a refuge island and other enhancements to provide for a crossing of Rt 204 at the Canal Trail. This is the kind of attention to multimodal needs that we’d like to see on every project. 

What can you do?

The most impactful thing you can do this month is to show up to the rally on Friday, Aug 22 at 5:30 PM at Parcel 5! Even if you can’t bike that day, walk down to the Parcel for the rally! You can also sign up for our Mobility Action Alerts to learn about upcoming state advocacy opportunities in 2025-2026!

What can New York State do?

  • Adopt a “complete streets” design policy for all state road projects if the service life of such resurfacing, maintenance or pavement recycling project is at least ten years. 
  • Implement dedicated bike facilities, sidewalks, enhanced pedestrian crossings, traffic calming or road diets (where appropriate) to create safer places for ALL users of the road.
  • Build safe cycling infrastructure on Empire Boulevard (Penfield) and Monroe Avenue and West Henrietta Road (Brighton) during upcoming road projects!
  • Build a safer, multimodal Lake Avenue as part of ROC Vision Zero!
  • Create a fully connected network of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Monroe County working with towns, villages, the City of Rochester, Monroe County and residents. Improve connectivity across municipal boundaries, between neighborhoods, jobs, and safe routes to schools.
  • Allocate more funding to active transportation enhancements on all road projects.
  • Advocate to the federal government to ensure that the surface transportation reauthorization includes bike infrastructure funding explicitly. 
Image of Empire Blvd
Image of Monroe Ave
Image of W Henrietta Rd

NYSDOT has an important strategic choice to make: Do we maintain the roads and bridges we have and add safety for all users, or do we spend our limited resources expanding highway capacity to save drivers a few minutes of time? Reconnect for one would like to see our local roads maintained and more bike lanes, sidewalks and transit stops added. We know that adding lanes induces new demand for car trips at a time when climate action demands we reduce our vehicle miles traveled, especially for short daily trips that are most appropriate for walking, biking or transit. Let’s make it safer for more cyclists to use state roads!

Take Action!

cyclist making a turn in the road
by No Comments

The Three Ways to Make a Left Turn on a Bike

by Cycling Manager Jesse Peers

In terms of bike education, John Forester’s Vehicular Cycling philosophy (drive your bike as if you were operating a car) has dominated in the US. If you can learn those tenets and develop a little bit of courage, that philosophy will absolutely keep you safer when riding. But we’ll readily admit that vehicular cycling philosophy alone doesn’t get a whole lot of people on bikes. That’s why we’re pro-bike education and pro-bike infrastructure at Reconnect Rochester.

As we’ve explored before, sidewalk-bicycling is legal in Rochester. While not as safe as many assume, sidewalk-riding can be used to the cyclist’s advantage – for short term maneuvers while taking precautions. Cyclists, after all, do have it both ways as John Forester himself notes:

Traffic law has two different sets of rules, one for pedestrians and one for drivers. Cyclists are unique because they are the only [roadway] users who have a choice. They can follow drivers’ rules when traveling on the roadway, or pedestrians’ rules if they travel on the sidewalk or crosswalk. It is nearly always more effective to be a driver…Being a pedestrian is the cyclist’s last resort when nothing else works.

One of the many benefits of bicycling around is that we tend to have more options than motorists do. Depending on the municipality, you can resort to using the sidewalk for a bit. Whereas motorists can’t drive in the shoulder or on trails, cyclists can. We can ride two abreast (if space is available). There are of course cut-throughs and shortcuts too small for motor vehicles that our shoulder-width vehicles can fit in. We also have more options for making turns.

Today, let’s examine the three ways cyclists can take a left turn.

1. Turning left as a motorist would

The default way any bike curriculum will teach you to make a left turn is by turning left as a motorist would: often in a dedicated left turn lane. We highly recommend learning and developing this skill. If you can work your way up to this and do it safely, the world opens up to you. We go through the intricacies of this maneuver in our on-bike Smart Cycling classes, which are now free by the way. 😉 Short version:

As you’re riding on the right side of the road, scan over your left shoulder to get a good view of traffic behind you (get in the habit of doing this often; that head turn keeps motorists on their toes and lets them know you might be about to make a move; mirrors don’t have the same effect)

For 2-3 seconds, signal your intention to change lanes (left arm straight out)

Yield to traffic already in the lane

Scan again for good measure

Move carefully, smoothly & deliberately when you have the chance

Repeat for multiple lanes until you’re in the left turn lane

When you’re in the left turn lane, position yourself in the middle of it. Make your turn when you have the green light/arrow and the way is clear.

Of course, not everyone will be comfortable moving out from the side of the road into the middle, where they’re more vulnerable.

2. A two-stage (“Dutch”) turn

Another option, one that doesn’t require as much courage, is making a two-stage turn. These are common in the Netherlands, hence the moniker. In this maneuver, there’s no having to move out from the side of the road into the middle. Just proceed straight along the right side of the road through the intersection. Pull over to the right corner on the other side and reposition yourself to proceed in your new direction when the light turns green the other way.

Reconnect Rochester increasingly advocates for two-stage turn boxes on road projects since they’re more intuitive and easy for people. For an example of such a turn box in Rochester, see the corner of Court Street and Chestnut Street downtown. You don’t need a dedicated green turn box to make this maneuver. Those just help build awareness.

This option is the easiest but can take the most amount of time due to light cycles.

3. Wrapping around the corner via the sidewalk

Since Rochester bicyclists have the option of sidewalk-riding, there’s a third option: moving out earlier, getting on the sidewalk on the left side of the road prior to the intersection and using that sidewalk to wrap around in your new direction. Once the way is clear, you can transition back out into the street.

Example showing the path of a cyclist getting onto the sidewalk early before the intersection and using the sidewalk to wrap around in their new direction. They can transition back out into the street afterwards when the way is clear.

The benefits of this option are that the traffic lights at the intersection don’t affect you and you avoid being exposed in the intersection entirely. This can be useful if the light cycle is very long or there’s a lot of traffic from the other direction coming your way but you get the opportunity to safely transition onto the sidewalk early before that traffic gets to you. As always, go slow on the sidewalk, yield to pedestrians, maintain awareness and watch for turning vehicles. We only advise sidewalk-riding for short stretches like this.

Conclusion

I’m a confident bike rider as a result of many years of experience having the bicycle being my primary way of getting around. I use all three of these options to make left turns. Time of day, visibility conditions, level of traffic, intuition and my general mood are all factors determining which option I use at a particular intersection. It’s nice to have options.

One more plug for our on-bike Smart Cycling class. It’s fun, free and propels students out with confidence and know-how. It’s what made me comfortable back in 2013! A lot of riders would benefit also from our ROC Easy Bike map – the easier ways to bike around Greater Rochester. Have fun riding and stay safe.

by No Comments

Riding Towards Safer Streets at The ROC ‘n Roll

If you have joined one of our weekly rides, you have experienced the community and joy that comes with navigating our streets and trails on two wheels. This feeling is something that everyone deserves to experience safely. This is a big part of why we do the work we do at Reconnect Rochester. On Sunday, June 1st we will host our 4th annual ROC ‘n Roll fundraising bike ride so we can continue to advocate for robust and equitable transportation choices across Monroe County.

There are many incredible bike rides for a multitude of worthy and important causes every year, but we are proud to say that the ROC ‘n Roll is the only ride that directly benefits multimodal advocacy.

This is why we’re inviting you – our community of riders, advocates, and believers in complete streets – to join us on this ride to support this work. If there’s any reason you cannot join, we hope that you can donate to support the cause or attend the after party for riders and non-riders alike!

If you can only make one group ride this year (which we sincerely hope is not the case as we have many wonderful rides planned), we hope you can join us at the ROC ‘n Roll. 

Here is just part of what you are supporting:

  • The ROC Easy Bike Map to help everyday riders feel comfortable
  • Sparking land use conversations via The Sprawl Effect and putting a spotlight on smart land use policies as a key to transit rich communities
  • Customized bike routes for people to reach their destination safely
  • A county-wide crash map to raise awareness and support local advocacy efforts around safe streets
  • Free bike classes to teach you how to safely negotiate traffic
  • Nearly 300 advocacy meetings in 2024 contributing to make gains such as; funding a new intermodal bus station, more 15 minute service routes for RTS, bus stop improvements, building the bike spine, and ROC Vision Zero

These milestones show what’s possible when we work together. The funds we raise can continue our mission to champion transportation choice.

Here’s how you can help:

  1. Sign up to ride with a friend or a group. *Bonus points if you come up with a themed group costume at the ride*
  2. Attend our After Party with live music, games, a raffle, food & drink from Rohrbach’s Brewing Company, and a chance to link up with our county’s mobility advocates.
  3. Send a donation to show your support for our work. Spread the word on why you donated and why this cause is worth supporting. 
  4. Share this blog post with your network!

This work takes all of us. The more we grow, the more we can accomplish. We need your help; not because you’re a great rider or a generous supporter but because you get how important and joyful this work truly is. 

Now let’s ROC ‘n Roll.

If you want a more walkable & bikeable community, get familiar with the recently adopted Active Transportation Plans by the City of Rochester and Monroe County. Press your electeds to implement those recommendations. For those wanting a deep dive on how bike lanes get built and how to be a good advocate, please subscribe to Reconnect Rochester’s Mobility Action Alerts.

by No Comments

Get Ready to Ride! Resources for Bike Month and Beyond

Now that the mayor and county executive have proclaimed May to be Bike month in Monroe County, we here at Reconnect Rochester are ready to serve as a central resource to help you enjoy riding more! For starters, check out our Bike scene overview. Monroe County is blessed with an abundance of bike riding groups. On this webpage, you’ll get the lay of the land and find groups that fit your schedule and riding style.

Bike Week spans two consecutive weekends from May 9th to 18th and offers cycling events for all ages and abilities. The event celebrates bicycling in Monroe County, shows newcomers how welcoming our bike community is, and encourages residents to leave their cars at home for short trips in good weather in favor of two or three wheeled devices. Scope out the evolving schedule and get your bike ready.

Next, take some time exploring our ROC Easy Bike map – the easier ways to bike and scoot around Monroe County. New and young riders would do well sticking as much as they can to those lines. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you can begin to stray outside the lines and the possibilities really open up. A big emphasis of the map is the growing Bike Boulevard network: residential side streets that parallel busy roads. These Bike Boulevards are being traffic-calmed and wayfinding signage is being installed for cyclists.

Monroe County has an abundance of trails that not only serve as great places for quiet and recreation, but as low-stress connections to popular destinations as well. Take some time this year exploring the Erie Canal Trail, Genesee Riverway Trail, Genesee Valley Greenway, Lehigh Valley Trail and Auburn Trail. You’ll be richly rewarded.

Genesee Riverway Trail

In partnership with the City of Rochester and EE Pathways, our free Wednesday Ride Series returns starting May 7. These rides showcase Rochester’s neighborhoods while helping you build confidence on the city’s low-stress bike network. Make sure to take time and review our blog series highlighting common destinations that are easy to bike to such as:

If you’d like a customized low-stress bike route from your neighborhood to your workplace or other regular destination, fill out our Multimodal Monroe form. Our Cycling Manager, Jesse Peers, will email you some bike route options and perhaps even ways that RTS can help for part of your journey.

Want to get more comfortable on your bike? Reconnect Rochester is offering *FREE* on-bike classes this year, using the League of American Bicyclists’ Smart Cycling curriculum. The 2.5-hour class incorporates classroom learning, parking lot handling drills, and a short group ride together. It’s designed to impart confidence and is perfect for adolescents and those interested-but-concerned when it comes to biking.

Our Local History Bike Tour is back for its 4th straight year! This leisurely paced 8-mile guided tour will start from the Pont de Rennes bridge at 10am on the following dates: May 17, June 21, August 16 and September 13. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours. Tickets are $20 each and registration is necessary ahead of time as space is limited.

Make sure to sign up for our Cycling Newsletter to stay on top of all the exciting bicycle programming in Rochester! Read our latest issue here. And don’t miss Jesse’s FREE presentation “Getting Back On Your Bike” at the Central Library on May 29th at 5:30PM!

If you want a more walkable & bikeable community, get familiar with the recently adopted Active Transportation Plans by the City of Rochester and Monroe County. Press your electeds to implement those recommendations. For those wanting a deep dive on how bike lanes get built and how to be a good advocate, please subscribe to Reconnect Rochester’s Mobility Action Alerts.

by No Comments

Mind the Gap, Season Four!

The problem isn’t that Rochester is failing to build bike infrastructure. It’s been building bike lanes steadily for almost 15 years. The problem is that our bike lanes don’t connect and that bike infrastructure outside the city is rare. We don’t have a network yet. No community on the planet grows ridership with scattered, disconnected bike lanes. Reconnect Rochester’s radical idea: Let’s connect what we’ve got.

Welcome to Reconnect Rochester’s fourth annual Mind the Gap campaign, wherein we ask you what the most important bike network gap is to fill. Each year, we go to the winning entity with evidence in hand that they’re in position for a huge win next time they do work on this segment of road. 

Past winners include:

  • Elmwood Ave, which got a road diet and bike lanes in 2023
  • Empire Boulevard around Irondequoit Bay, which NYSDOT is currently doing a study for
  • Culver Rd traversing 104, which County DOT is doing work on this year, but it appears their designs won’t fix the gap under 104  – we’ll keep advocating for it! 

Without further ado, we present to you the nominees for the 2025 Mind the Gap award:

VOTE NOW

1. Main Street through downtown

Our audience knows well by now: Reconnect Rochester’s highest bike aspiration in the near term is for the City to attain a “minimum grid” of protected bikeways in and through downtown from all four directions. If Rochester does receive the federal SS4A funding for protected bike infrastructure on Chili Ave and East Main (between Union & Goodman), that only leaves downtown for the grid’s east-west axis! The stretch from Union Street to West Broad/490 is 1.5-miles and will require some serious political will.

Jurisdiction: City of Rochester

2. St Paul from downtown to Middle Falls (Brewer Street)

Via ROC The Riverway, the Genesee Riverway Trail is being extended gradually through downtown. There’s also a study underway this year to determine the best way to fill the Trail’s gap north of downtown to where it resumes at Middle Falls (Brewer Street). To us, the most straightforward way of filling the Trail’s gap would simply be installing protected bike lanes on St Paul Street. Our dream would be a two-way protected bike lane along the west side of St. Paul. Rochester’s never done this before but the time is ripe and this is the perfect location.

Note: an added benefit of two-way protected bike lanes like this is that a F-150 can fit in it for plowing. No special equipment needed!

Additional note: How awesome would it be for the two-way protected bike lane to go from the Skate Park all the way up to Lower Falls?

Jurisdiction: City of Rochester

Screenshot

3. Eastman Trail extension through Eastman Business Park

If you haven’t checked them out yet, ride the new(ish) Eastman Trail and extension for the 390 Trail along Ridgeway and Latona Roads respectively. There always was a phase 2 envisioned for the Eastman Trail through or alongside Eastman Business Park. If this gap was filled, residents would have a wonderful 17-mile-rectangle of trails to enjoy. We raised this gap to Eastman Business Park management earlier this year, and we’re still waiting to hear back. 

Jurisdiction: City of Rochester/ Eastman Business Park

4. Irondequoit Bay Outlet

For five months of the year, motorists and cyclists can cross the Irondequoit Bay Outlet Bridge (IBOB). But the rest of the year (April 1st to October 31st), the bridge is taken away and road users have no choice but to veer around south. While motorists get to use 104, bike riders must go around the entire Bay and use Empire Blvd (our 2023 Mind the Gap winner). This voting campaign is about quicker, cheaper solutions and a bike/ped bridge is a heavy lift (this one in Alabama came in at $24 million). But there are cheaper solutions in the meantime. How about a bike/ped ferry? Other creative options below for fun. 😋

Jurisdiction: Monroe County and the United States Coast Guard

5. Connecting Buckland Park to Senator Keating Blvd

Brighton residents understandably want easy bike access to the Erie Canal. 590, of course, stands in the way. Great Bike Boulevards and the Brickyard Trail get riders to Westfall and Buckland Park. Riding on Westfall could be avoided if there was access, if only for cyclists & pedestrians, to Buckland Park from Senator Keating Boulevard, which is very low traffic. It’s just a short hop on South Clinton (use the sidewalk if you want) to the Canal.

Jurisdiction: Town of Brighton

6. Lehigh Valley Trail north branch

We are big fans of the Lehigh Valley Trail’s north branch. It’s a bicycle superhighway between U of R and RIT. Once past Jefferson Rd in Henrietta, there is a nice “side path” alongside John Street that protects you from traffic all the way down to Bailey Road. Once there, on-street traffic negotiating is required along Bailey, West Henrietta Road (yikes!), and Calkins until the trail resumes. Though manageable by bolder, more experienced cyclists, this 2.4-mile stretch of road riding should be made as comfortable as possible.

Jurisdiction: NYSDOT (W Henrietta Rd) and Monroe County DOT (Bailey and Calkins)

7. Lee Road connecting Erie Canal Trail to 390 Trail

Rochester’s west side is bereft of comfortable biking connections. It’s crucial that the 390 Trail and Erie Canal Trail be connected. A great start was made in 2022 with the new 390 Trail extension and Eastman Trail. Unfortunately, a NYSDOT project to construct a trail along Lee Rd from Ridgeway Ave to Trolley Blvd fell through. In the not too distant future, hopefully County DOT can give Lee Road a road diet and protect cyclists from that intimidating semi truck traffic. This stretch is 1.4 miles.

Jurisdiction: Monroe County DOT

8. South Clinton

In the City, South Clinton has one travel lane & a shoulder in each direction – a tight squeeze for cyclists with all the parked cars. But once you get into Brighton, the roadway expands. Each direction gets two lanes for motor vehicles and the shoulders are very skinny, quite unusable for cyclists. The wide road and travel lanes just invite speeding. In 2027, County DOT is resurfacing South Clinton from the city line down to Westfall, which offers the opportunity to reallocate road space. How about a road diet, or as we like to call it, a Road Buffet, since it gives residents more options? This stretch is 1.5 miles.

Jurisdiction: Monroe County DOT

9. Scio from downtown up to the Public Market

The Union Street cycle track, which was part of the Inner Loop East project, ends abruptly and awkwardly at University. Many folks want the cycle track to extend on Union north of Main Street to the Public Market. We’d love to see that too! The problem is that Union Street is quite skinny north of Main. The houses are positioned quite close to the road and there are beautiful front yard gardens that would disappear to make way for bicycle facilities. Scio, however, is more realistic. How about protected bike lanes on Scio from downtown to the Public Market trail?

10. Chili Ave from Westfield to Hinchey

The 19th Ward has a great network of traffic-calmed Bike Boulevards. But the farthest west those will take you is Westfield Street. At that point, cyclists have no choice but to use Chili Ave going further west into Gates and Chili. Hinchey Road, which is quite bikeable and can get you to Tinseltown, Home Depot and Tops, is only a half-mile away from Westfield. But this half-mile stretch isn’t friendly for riders of all ages and abilities. Eastbound, towards the City, it’s not bad for many folks. But westbound, navigating the turn-off and exit for 390 is uncomfortable. This gateway could be much more pleasant.

So, what do you think?

VOTE NOW

by No Comments

Advocacy Team Key Updates – First Quarter, 2025

We’ve been busy at Reconnect Rochester since the start of the year pursuing our 2025 Plans and Priorities. Below are a few key updates on what’s been going on in advocacy, especially those projects or events we asked you to mobilize around, and what to look forward to in the next few months:

Growing Our Movement:

Our biggest goal as an advocacy team this year is to grow our base of active, informed and engaged advocates throughout Monroe County. We’re always looking for more people to join the movement – get in touch if you are interested! We have opportunities to support multimodal transportation from taking surveys to speaking to elected officials or writing letters. The easiest way to learn about opportunities is to sign up for Mobility Action Alerts and we will send actions and events you can join.

Annual Executive Meetings:

Back in January, we held our annual meetings with Rochester Mayor Evans (City Hopes & Asks) and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello (County Hopes & Asks), setting the stage for our advocacy throughout the year, including budget advocacy that will be ramping up in the City soon. See our 2025 Budget Input submitted to the City.

ROC Vision Zero:

The Beacon’s ROC Vision Zero forum was well attended with a keynote by Mayor Evans, and an expert panel we helped assemble. Reconnect Rochester is serving on the ROC Vision Zero task force and will be participating in committees on education and community traffic safety champions in March and April.

Public Input to Street Projects:

We submitted street project input on the Bull’s Head Street Project Meeting, N. Clinton Project, and Dewey/Emerson this quarter. North Clinton merits a shout-out for being an exemplary design according to the principles outlined by the City Active Transportation Plan. This project is the first design presented of the streets identified in the Federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant that was announced last year, but as we’ll elaborate more below, we’re concerned this funding could be at risk under current White House-driven reviews of projects.

Transportation Equity and Improving RTS Rider Experience:

Transit has been a big focus. We rallied support for public transit and transportation equity on Rosa Parks’ birthday, Feb. 4, sharing riders’ voices and lobbying with RTS riders in Albany. In addition, we met with RTS Leadership in late February to deliver our 2025 Hopes and Asks of RTS, specifically to urge faster progress on frequent service and address OnDemand service shortcomings in the suburbs. We hope to learn more about the results of the OnDemand survey RTS ran last month. We are also very actively inputting to the Bus Stop Improvement project that aims to put bus stop amenities at most stops in the City. Sign up for the New Yorkers for Transportation Equity local forum on 4/10 to join local advocates!

Zoning and Land Use:

We don’t know when the next version of the Rochester Zoning Alignment Project code will drop, but we have continued our focus on promoting transit-supportive land use that we had last year in our ZAP comments and Sprawl Effect Rochester Street Films Event. We’re continuing our focus on land use in the Transportation Impact Collective and partnering with Our Local History, Empire Justice Center, RMAPI, and the Climate Solutions Accelerator to deliver informational presentations to pro-housing advocates countywide.

Media Engagement:

Through our daily media monitoring, we are identifying problematic news articles covering crashes and sharing timely feedback using our Crash Reporting Toolkit as a guide.

Federal Uncertainty:

Last but certainly not least on our minds (and likely yours too) is the chaos and uncertainty set off by President Trump’s Executive Orders. Throughout the last two months, we have stayed in close contact with national advocacy groups such as the League of American Bicyclists, America Walks, and the National Campaign for Transit Justice. Focusing on just Monroe County, we analyzed USDOT memos and Trump Executive Orders and identified about $150 million of discretionary funding aimed at bike, pedestrian, transit and safer streets projects, already appropriated by Congress, announced, and some already under contract, potentially at risk through these orders. We have shared this information with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressman Joe Morelle, who will be meeting with Rochester cyclists in Washington during the National Bike Summit next week. Currently, we believe White House-mandated review outcomes will be announced in April 2025. We will continue to fight for resources that were appropriated by Congress and awarded to our community to fund multimodal transportation projects.

Save the Dates!

We’re excited about several things coming up:

by No Comments

Fighting for Safer Streets on the Federal Level

March 11-13 2025 was the National Bike Summit put on by the League of American Bicyclists. We explored DC’s impressive Capitol Hill bicycle network, heard from Killed By A Traffic Engineer Author Wes Marshall & NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, and engaged directly with policymakers.

The protected bike lanes surrounding DC’s iconic landmarks highlight the importance of multimodal infrastructure for attracting residents and enhancing livability. Between the three bike share programs, metro trains, and a bus system, DC provides a multitude of options for those looking to get around without a personal vehicle. Pedestrian islands provide refuge for those crossing the street on foot while also providing space for turning bikers. Bus stop islands and shared bus stops allow riders to step out of the flow of traffic while maintaining awareness of cyclists.

We were struck by the decisive action of DDOT and their leadership prioritizing proven safety measures over means-testing and hesitation. Washington DC’s mayor has pushed to add 20 miles of protected bike lanes over three years to meet the demand for bicycle infrastructure for all ages and abilities without worrying about miniscule delays for drivers. Rochester could take inspiration from this approach by installing infrastructure such as two-way protected bike lanes. While this would require coordination with the county and some new traffic signal configurations, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

We also had the chance to see DC’s Curb Extension Murals (the inspiration for Downtown SmART Streets) up close. As we prepare to break ground on this new program and review artist submissions (due March 22nd) we were eager to take notes on what has worked (and what hasn’t) for these traffic calming elements.

The Asks

The most critical part of the summit was taking our advocacy to Capitol Hill. Thank you to the League of American Bicyclists for the herculean task of organizing these meetings on a national scale. Our first ask? Fighting for Safe Streets for All grant funding—money that has already been approved by Congress but is now threatened in an unprecedented move from the Executive Branch. 

The local projects funded by this grant are designed to meet the needs of each community, understanding that local governments know their streets best. In our meetings with Congressional Representative Joe Morelle, staff from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s office, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s legislative aide, we pressed them to recognize the importance of projects such as completing Rochester’s Bike Spine Network or expanding our Downtown SmART Streets program. These projects will make the streets safer for everyone—cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike. Canceling their funding will also harm our communities through the loss of local construction jobs from the projects and the long-term economic benefits these amenities bring.

As traffic dangers increase for everyone on our roads, improving safety isn’t a political issue; it’s a necessity.

Our next ask to the US House of Representatives was to support HR 1668, The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act. In 2022, Sarah Lagenkamp was killed while riding her bike after dropping off her son at daycare. Her husband Daniel made it his mission to make our streets safer. 

As the League of American Bicyclists say, this bill highlights the need to fill gaps in biking and walking networks and makes it easier for states and local governments to use Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) dollars as a “local match” to build safe bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure. 

We were proud to have a strong Rochester contingent to mingle with our fellow advocates across the country. If you want to get more involved in our incredible local bicycle community here at home, please make sure you are signed up for our Mobility Action Alerts for weekly emails with local advocacy opportunities for safer, multimodal streets. 

Two immediate actions you can take to support our cause:

  1. Contact your federal representative and senators to make sure they know about the importance of our asks listed above. 
  2. With federal funding for bike lanes and many important transportation projects in danger of being cut off by USDOT we urgently need your support to show the importance of these projects for the entire community. The League of American Bicyclists have put together a petition to show how many people oppose cutting this funding. Please take a moment to sign and send it to 5 of your friends Getting as many signatures as possible is critical to the success of our upcoming projects.
Sign the petition
by No Comments

Monroe County’s Most Common Crash Involving Bicyclists

On Rochester’s last Report Card from the League of American Bicyclists, we were urged to collect and track bike crash data. With that in mind, Reconnect Rochester started requesting crash reports involving cyclists in 2021 under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). We started small by just collecting and analyzing city crashes but soon branched out to crashes in the suburbs too.

Today we’ll explore what is consistently the most common cyclist crash in Monroe County. We want all road users to be aware and take appropriate safety measures, both for themselves and for the safety of others. In separate blog posts, we’ll parse out other findings from these reports.

First, some necessary background

In the early days of bicycling, roads weren’t suitable for riding. They weren’t paved and were thus dusty, muddy and full of horse poop. The only smooth, hard rideable surface was the sidewalk network. When too many Rochester cyclists started using the sidewalks, pedestrians were inconvenienced and the local law was changed. In 1896, Rochester cyclists were banned from riding on sidewalks, much to their consternation. That ultimately led to (short lived) bike infrastructure, and longer term to paved public roads, which became a normal expectation of government henceforward.

Meanwhile, the automobile gradually took over our cities and bicycling, for a variety of reasons, dwindled for decades to primarily become a childrens’ activity. (It was the 1970s oil crisis and better built bikes and new gearing which gradually started bringing adult bicycling back). Sadly, a spate of fatal crashes involving Rochester children in the 1950s woke the community up to the need for changing laws once again.

The City Code was changed in 1958 to allow sidewalk riding here. Bicyclists in Rochester, therefore have it both ways. They can choose to ride in the road following most of the rules for motor vehicle drivers OR if they’re not comfortable riding in the road, they can bike or scoot on the sidewalk where they are more or less treated as a higher speed pedestrian.

Because of Rochester’s disparate/piecemeal bike network, the fact that most of those bike lanes aren’t protected from traffic, and the excessive speeds and red light running that have become increasingly common, it’s no wonder why many bike riders in Rochester opt to ride on the sidewalk! Reconnect Rochester’s highest cycling priority is seeing the City’s envisioned Bike Spine Network of protected bike lanes built in the nearterm and the County’s Active Transportation Network longer term.

The Most Common Crash in Monroe County

The most common bike/automobile crash in Monroe County features a motorist failing to yield to a sidewalk-riding cyclist approaching from their right. Just as pedestrians can walk both ways on a sidewalk, cyclists can ride both ways on the sidewalk, though riding on the sidewalk on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic is much safer. (The law requiring cyclists to ride on the right with the flow of traffic applies only when riding in the road itself). When riding on the sidewalk on the left side of the road facing traffic, the trouble for cyclists primarily comes at intersections and parking lot exits.

drivers failing to yield to sidewalk bicycle riders
Great photos courtesy of Pleasanton Weekly

It’s all too common for motorists wanting to turn right at a red light or stop sign to only look to their left, waiting for a break in oncoming traffic before making their turn. Pedestrians or cyclists entering the crosswalk from their right must be yielded to. Therefore motorists must look both ways, ensuring the way is clear and that their turn can be made with safety.

It should be noted that this failure on the motorist’s part is a ticketable offense. On rare occasions, law enforcement in Monroe County will issue motorists tickets for either of the following violations in this scenario:

  • VTL 1146 Every driver shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicyclist or pedestrian…
  • VTL 1151 Drivers shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk… (In their crash reports, it’s very common for Officers to refer to the cyclist in this scenario as a pedestrian – with all their accompanying rights)

What can drivers do to avoid this particular crash?

  • The law requires motorists to come to a stop *before* the stop line/marked crosswalk, if there is one. If not, you must stop *before* you enter the crosswalk area. (Crosswalks exist legally whether or not they are marked).
  • Only after yielding to people walking or rolling in the crosswalk and ensuring the way is clear in *both* directions can motorists creep up gradually to get a better view, waiting for a break in traffic before making their turn with safety.

What can bike riders do to avoid this common crash scenario?

  • Because riding on the sidewalk opens you up to some very common motorist mistakes here, we recommend riding on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic. Yes, this can be scary at first (traffic will be coming up behind you on your left), but you are much more visible and predictable this way. The crash scenario we’re examining today is much more common than cyclists’ greatest fear (getting hit from behind or side-swiped).
  • Take one of Reconnect Rochester’s *free* on-bike classes sometime to become more comfortable getting around on your bike.
  • Constant fear isn’t required when riding a bike, but constant vigilance is. If you choose to ride on the sidewalk, maintain awareness, scan around and behind you on a regular basis, and ride on the sidewalk on the right side with the flow of traffic. As noted above, motorists ahead of you tend to look left in your direction when approaching intersections, so you ought to be more visible to them.
  • Only ride on the lefthand sidewalk for very short stretches where it’s to your advantage to do so.
  • Riding across crosswalks/parking lot exits via the sidewalk, don’t assume the driver sees you and will yield to you. You must negotiate and reach an understanding. This can be hard due to the increase in tinted windows which don’t allow you to interact with the driver in any way. Don’t proceed until you know it’s safe in all directions.
  • Some safety educators would advise you to dismount and walk your bike across crosswalks, particularly at busy intersections.

Crossing intersections on the lefthand sidewalk also puts you in danger of other turning motorists, such as motorists behind you turning left.

What can governments and street engineers do?

  • Ban right on red. This was traffic law for a long time, and it needs to come back.
  • Eliminate slip lanes
  • For municipalities that allow sidewalk-riding, update your code to require motorists to yield to bike & scooter riders in the crosswalk too. This is already the “common law” interpretation, but it helps to get rid of the ambiguity. Clear motorist expectations are important.
  • Seamless corridors of protected bike lanes
  • Protected intersections
  • Educational campaigns about this common error
  • Continual messaging to motorists that cyclists have every right to ride in the street

Do us a favor and spread this finding widely. If Monroe County could eliminate or lessen this crash scenario, we’d see a significant decrease in motorist/cyclist crashes. Stay tuned for more crash analysis…

by No Comments

#ROCbyBike – ’23-’24 Instagram Contributors

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. It’s become a neat way for cyclists who bike in different ways for different reasons to find commonality.

We are proud to present below consolidated stories of our contributors from fall 2023-spring 2024. We hope it inspires you to get out and ride!

Carlo Jereza

“I got into biking primarily for health reasons. I’m in my 50s and my health was starting to decline due to being a couch potato. Biking has become some sort of meditation for me to get away from the world. My favorite places to ride are the Erie Canal Trail and the beaches by Lake Ontario. I’ve found Rochester to be pretty bike friendly.”

(five posts Nov 10-22, 2023)

Gina Cardarelli

“Rochester has natural topographical advantages for a bicycle friendly city: waterways and a mostly flat landscape in the city. The improvements in infrastructure are very encouraging. “Aren’t you afraid of cars?” People ask. The reward still outweighs the risk for me. I can get from A to B while improving my mood, cognition, and fitness. I’ve also learned when pairing a bike with a bus, many of the most troublesome legs of some trips can be eliminated with planning.”

(six posts Nov 24-Dec 7, 2023)

Nick Giordano

“I moved from the suburbs into the city and traded my car for a bike for parking reasons. I quickly fell in love with the joy of biking and have been regularly riding for the last ten years.
My favorite group rides are the Flower Pedal Populaire and the Fall Classic. Dressing up and biking with a big group is so much fun. The Keeping it Classy Cycling Club is great at keeping riders safe. I’ve also done Reconnect Rochester rides and the (now defunct) Coffee and Cogs 585 group. One of my favorite rides is the Genesee Riverway Trail going past the Maplewood Rose Garden, through Turning Point Park and heading down to Abbotts at the Lake. On the way back I like to ride the trail that runs parallel to the @senecaparkzoo and then take the el camino trail back into the city.”

(five posts Dec 8-20, 2023)

Kathryn O’Brien

“I’ve never not had a bike in my life. I’ve always loved biking for its ease and speed. Fast forward to my 20’s and you’d find me barcycling to the Bug Jar, around the corner to Lux so that I didn’t have to walk even one block alone, or riding to friends’ apartments to avoid parallel parking/paying a meter. I try to spread the word about Reconnect Rochester’s on-bike classes to everyone I know. Even though I was already a strong rider, the class just helps you feel more empowered to realize biking is transportation too. Be loud; take up space!”

(five posts Jan 5-18, 2024)

Monique Peterson

“My cousin Karen Rogers at EE Pathways got me into biking. I enjoy riding along the Genesee Riverway Trail. I join the Flower City Feeling Good community bike ride series on Wednesdays with Reconnect Rochester and EE Pathways. Also the Unity Ride and with family. Biking is therapeutic! It helps with arthritis in my knee and is just a lot of fun. Through biking, I hope to live a healthier, better life.”

(five posts Jan 19-31, 2024)

Andrea Parros

“What I like about riding is it’s a meditation – you have to focus your attention and maintain total awareness of your surroundings at all times. I stay active while saving on gas, it’s better for the environment and it helps both my physical and mental health. When I’m riding, I love checking out people’s dogs while they’re out walking, and I think it’s fun to spot the bunnies that live in my neighborhood.”

(seven posts Feb 2-14, 2024)

Scot Makai

“I’ve been riding bikes since I can remember. I now ride my bikes for fun on wooded trails with my friends, on the road between parks or to a restaurant in town.  I volunteer with the Genesee Regional Off-road Cyclists. I ride trails to connect with nature, to have fun with friends, to challenge my technical riding skills, but mostly to decompress from my workday and experience a surprisingly clear and “quiet” mental flow state. Everyone should ride bikes!”

(six posts Feb 16-29, 2024)

Linda Agnello

“My husband and I sold our house, moved to an apartment in Greece, and purchased bikes in 2012. Being one street over from 390 trail was perfect. I can’t begin to tell you how biking has changed my life. Not only am I stronger physically but also mentally. It just gives me such a high and being with nature and places you can’t access with a car are simply outstanding. I am recently retired so everyday is a biking day. I try to balance home with biking, but biking always WINS!”

(six posts Mar 1-14, 2024)

Robin Hill

“I really started biking when I saw bike riders in my neighborhood every Thursday on the Unity Ride. I was so intrigued by the diverse group of people. I wanted to be a part of that! I joined them and have been riding ever since. Biking is freeing from being behind the wheel all the time. It is a kind of meditation for me. Being out and the sights and sounds really relax my mind. I’m always going to ride but we need more safe places to ride so more people can experience the joy of riding.”

(six posts Mar 15-27, 2024)

Lisa Roberts

“We live in one of the most beautiful bikeable places…I can bike commute from my driveway, ride to my local mt bike park via multi-use trails, and get to the Erie Canal trail via rail trails.
Biking isn’t always about the destination. I mix it with other hobbies such as visiting historical places & buildings. There’s lots of cycling groups in Rochester & the surrounding area, try one or all of them! You’ll find there’s more than one you like to ride with.”

(five posts Mar 29-Apr 10, 2024)

Tom Paradise

“I really like to ride on my own but I am a big extrovert and like to plan fun for people. There are great group rides in Rochester, but I wanted to start my own. In 2022 I started Coffee and Cogs 585. I was inspired by coffee.and.bikes for the idea of early morning rides and combining it with coffee. I am a big coffee head and wanted to use this as a way to support the great local coffee scene in Rochester. I love going to group runs with @rocrunningco and wanted to create my own version by bike. We’ve built a great little community.”

(six posts Apr 13-May 8, 2024)

If you’re interested in sharing your story for our 2025-26 #ROCbyBike series, reach out to Jesse at cycling@reconnectrochester.org.*

*Diversity is important to us. So, it may take a while to fit you in the queue so we can make spots for other voices.

by No Comments

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 before we jump in:

  • Our ROC Easy Bike map – the easy ways to bike around the area. Many of the zoomed out maps below couldn’t label every street along the way. You’ll get your answers here.
  • Most of the following maps incorporate the growing Bike Boulevard network. Reading this recent deep dive on the bike boulevards is highly recommended before proceeding.

ROCHESTER’S CITY-RUN PUBLIC MARKET

Our award winning public market is one of the most popular destinations in the area, especially on Saturday mornings. The parking lots are extremely congested but one doesn’t have to worry about that at all when biking there. There is ample bike parking throughout the complex and as long as you have a way to haul what you buy, biking is probably the easiest and most convenient way to get to and from for nearby residents. The City’s bike boulevard network takes riders to the Market comfortably from all four directions. If you haven’t checked it out, definitely enroll in their bicycle incentive program: “Each time you ride a bike to a regular Market shopping day or free-admission special event, you can enter drawings for Market Gift Tokens!”

EAST AVE WEGMANS

Let’s be very clear: University & East Avenues’ intersections with Winton Road need to be made bike-friendly. In the meantime, many folks have easy access to Wegmans via Harvard Street, Colby Street and the bike/ped bridge over 490. From the north, access is pretty easy via the University (north side) and Winton (west side) sidewalk. Though sidewalk riding is not generally advisable, it tends to be fine in instances like this – short, finite stretches with few conflict points. Bike parking at Wegmans is the best! Right up in the front.

*Remember to use the ROC Easy Bike map for more detail on these routes!

THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS GREATER ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Thanks Doug Kelley for this entry. Unlike so many airports, Rochester’s is quite close to downtown; very bikeable! Brooks Avenue, as it’s currently configured, is uncomfortable to bike on but there’s another way to access the airport by bike. Just take the Genesee Valley Greenway southbound from the Genesee Valley Sports Complex (131 Elmwood Ave). There’s a traffic light that helps you cross Scottsville Road to E Airport Road, which is very low traffic and overall bike-friendly. The main parking garage has multiple bike racks, which many riders have found secure. Whereas car parking is $12 per day, bike parking there is free! Granted, biking to depart for a flight isn’t for everybody, but it can be done, especially if packing lightly. Furthermore, access to the airport isn’t just for airline passengers. The airport is an employment hub and many employees can use this way to bike to work in an easy manner, especially if they live in the 19th Ward, South Wedge or West Brighton.

PITTSFORD PLAZA AND WHOLE FOODS

As we explored in this 2021 blog, the newly improved Auburn Trail makes it super easy (and downright delightful!) to bike to Pittsford Plaza, Whole Foods – heck, even the PGA when they’re in town. Getting there does require biking on Highland Ave for a tiny bit. Most riders can bike on Highland over 590 with no trouble. Once past Clover, there are multiple lights and crosswalks that allow you to cross Monroe to visit destinations such as Barnes & Noble and Trader Joes.

NAZARETH (AND ST JOHN FISHER TOO!)

Thanks Tim Franz for this entry. Similar to the map above, if you go just a bit further along the Auburn Trail past Pittsford Plaza, you’ll come to French Road. A nice sidepath there takes you straight to Nazareth University. St John Fisher is just a short ride along East Avenue, which has shoulders.

That’s all for Volume 3!

Got another destination we can include in the series? Reach out to us at cycling@reconnectrochester.org. Get more details on the ROC Easy Bike map

by No Comments

#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. It’s become a neat way for cyclists who bike in different ways for different reasons to find commonality.

The #ROCbyBike series has been a hit!  To see our recap of the first three seasons, read here.

We are proud to present below consolidated stories of our contributors from season 4. We hope it inspires you to get out and ride!

Ronnie McCrea

“Several years ago, I ran into an old friend who enjoyed bike riding and after several not-too-subtle hints, she convinced me to purchase a bike so we could ride together. The rest is history! I had no idea there were so many trails. Riding my bike allows me to clear my mind. An added benefit is an opportunity to exercise because as I age, I want to be more active. Participating in the Flower City Feeling Good bike rides on Wednesdays with Reconnect Rochester and EE Pathways has introduced me to a great group of people. It amazes me how diverse this group is with young, old, beginners and true cyclists. The best part of riding with the group is riding through the city, kids joining in, and drivers cheering us on by honking their horns. I am so happy I was reintroduced to one of my childhood favorite pastimes – riding my bike.”

(six posts Nov 11-23, 2022)

Lori Burch

“It wasn’t until the arrival of grandchildren that I got back on a bike. Part of cycling is inherently social. Riding with various bike groups since then helped me to improve my skills, to find new places to ride, and led to making so many new friendships! We have so many beautiful, quiet, country roads to ride on in our area, along with many wonderful nature trails.
Riding helps me shed whatever worries and stresses I might be carrying and puts my soul back at peace! Miles in these locations are indeed my meditation!”

-(seven posts Nov 25-Dec 7, 2022)

Barry Cherney

“Spontaneous ride on a hot Summer eve.
I start out aimless, go where I please.
The sun beckons me to get a shot.
So to the bay I pedal, aimless I’m not.
To the point I ride, swift of pedal.
Rubber rolling, gears of metal.
Will I make it in time, the sun is sinking.
Faster I go, faster I’m thinking.
I look over my shoulder to see the sphere.
Lower it gets, miss it I fear.
I make the spot, I beat the sun.
I get the shot, this ride was fun.”

(eight posts Dec 9-22, 2022)

Arlene Sankey

“My parents couldn’t afford to buy a car when they moved to the USA from Taiwan. My mom rode around a lot. I was a super-avid child rider but got back into it as an adult to improve my health. One day, I saw an article in the D&C about the City Recreation Department’s Flower City Feeling Good Bike Rides. This inspired me because I realized how much I had missed all the fun bike rides from my youth. I wanted to go out and have new adventures. To try something different. This is where I first met Richard DeSarra as a bicycle tour guide. Later I decided to form the Deaf Group bike rides for all variety speed levels in ASL (American Sign Language). In doing so, I was able to create a positive and safe environment for not only all Deaf riders but also for our hearing allies as well.”

(eight posts Dec 23, 2022-Jan 5, 2023)

Alexa Harding

“Cycling is my FAVORITE thing in the world to do! I’ve been cycling since 2007 (which is also the year I moved to Rochester) so my love of this city is directly related to my love of cycling in and around the city! I enjoy the multiple mountain bike legal parks within an hour of driving (with 2 being in the city limits), the network of bike paths and rail trails available to us, the numerous bike shops in the area, and the community of cyclists I’ve gotten to know over my past 15 years of living here. It seems that every time I hop on my bike, I run into a friend! I also enjoy biking to the Public Market on occasion, spinning into the city to grab coffee or for an event such as the Twilight Crit, and I’ve been known to ride my bike to the local yarn shop to buy a skein of yarn for my latest knitting project. I even met my boyfriend on a group ride! So it’s safe to say that cycling has infiltrated every aspect of my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

(six posts Jan 6-18, 2023)

Kadie Tower

“I am Deaf with other disabilities including Sacral Agenesis and Klippel-Feil syndrome. I am proud of my rare condition from birth. I loved to ride a bike until I had spine discomfort. In 2022, I got my first handcycle from a grant award. I love it! Handcycling is more arms with the upper body and less pressure on the spine. I love riding on the old Erie Canal Trail. I appreciate its beautiful history. My favorite places to ride are Ontario Beach Park and Turning Point Park.”

(eight posts Jan 20-Feb 2, 2023)

Lee Lejnieks

“I really started riding when I was 8 years old. I had a D&C paper route. Haven’t stopped riding.

Any weather. Everywhere. Ride for fun. Ride for transportation. Ride to work. Ride. Let it rip.

oh — Never trust cars. Ever. Use lights. There are little hidden trails, roads, paths, find them. The canal path, no cars, and it gets you anywhere. Livestrong!!!”

(six posts Feb 3-16, 2023)

Greg Torres

“We are new to the area and just made Rochester our permanent home. What got me into biking as a child was simply the adventure factor. I think being on a bicycle is the closest thing to feeling like you have wings with the freedom to go wherever you want. This is especially true now with my kids: I want them to remember childhood experiences of discovery and freedom that biking gives you. We love riding along the Genesee Riverway Trail to Upper and Lower Falls. What exists below that bridge on Driving Park is amazing. I love how you can loop around and see a rose garden and a waterfall all within a half mile of the trail. Biking is also practical: grocery runs, riding with my daughter to guitar practice, Rochester Red Wings games, the Genesee Brew House, the Lilac Festival, etc.”

(six posts Feb 17-Mar 1, 2023)

Joanna Prescott

“Riding on the roads never felt very comfortable to me but gravel biking looked like fun so I got one and the rest, as they say, is history. I was lucky enough to find the Just For Giggles, Wheel Women of Tryon and @rar.fingerlakes cycling groups. I’m the founder of the Rochester chapter of @the.gravel.collective. The Gravel Collective’s mission is to build a gravel community that centers underrepresented groups that may identify as queer, women, trans, non-binary, indigenous, black, people of color, and para-athletes. Our goal is to make gravel cycling more accessible for all. We have social rides every month and we’d love to see some new faces!
We have a lot of great places to ride in and around the Rochester area. My favorite routes often include the Erie Canalway Trail, Genesee Riverway Trail, the Auburn and Lehigh Valley trails. For road rides, I really enjoy riding around the Finger Lakes and last year I completed the Bike the Finger Lakes 11 Challenge.”

(six posts Mar 3-15, 2023)

James Gilbert

“I was born and raised near 12 corners in Brighton and biked to school from 6th grade through Senior year. That carried right into biking to class at SUNY Oswego. Biking was so integral to my life, I didn’t even get my driver’s license until I turned 20! When I started working at Channel 8, I first lived in Neighborhood of the Arts, then North Winton Village: Just a few miles ride into work. I saved many gallons of gas as I biked to and from the studio everyday. Now in Fairport I put hundreds of miles on my bike riding through Egypt, Mendon, and Perinton. I now bike while towing my son Mason to the playground and along the Canal. He begs to go every time he sees his bike.”

(five posts Mar 17-29, 2023)

Jena Cinanni

“I got into biking in college after meeting people involved in Rochester Bike Kids (RBK). We went on a weekly ride and had amazing bonfires and scavenger hunt events. I also got into some road riding with a local ladies group when I worked at Towpath. I would ride the canal to commute and participate in the breast cancer event. These days I mostly ride the local mountain trails. I like the solace of nature and flowing through the trees. I get to practice technical stuff and try new skills. The way I look at it, any biking is good biking. Becoming a bike kid (RBK), and now bike adult (LOL) has led me to meet some of the best people of my life. I hope everyone finds joy on two wheels.”

(five posts Mar 31-Apr 18, 2023)

Marita Smith

“When I was a teen and into my young adult years, I rode my bike a lot, especially over to the 19th Ward where many friends from school lived. Once I was in my 30s, I gave up regular biking. About 5 years ago, I was listening to the radio and I heard an interview about the organization, @blackgirlsdobike. They mentioned local chapters and I thought “No way does Rochester have a chapter”. I was pleasantly surprised that there is a local chapter and they are active. I finally attended an event and I haven’t looked back since. Not only was my love of biking reignited, I met a new sisterhood and an entire biking community! Through biking, I even reconnected with two friends I haven’t seen since the 8th grade.”

(three posts Apr 21-28, 2023)

If you’re interested in sharing your story for our 2024-25 #ROCbyBike series, reach out to Jesse at cycling@reconnectrochester.org.*

*Diversity is important to us. So, it may take a while to fit you in the queue so we can make spots for other voices.

by 3 Comments

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 a future where everyone—beginners, families, adaptive users with disabilities—can easily access and enjoy these spaces through a well-planned, connected trail network.

This vision extends beyond recreation; it’s about building resilience to climate change by giving people more access to green spaces and sustainable transportation options. The recently adopted Monroe County Community-Wide Climate Action Plan emphasizes the need for climate adaptation, and trails can be a key part of this effort. By enabling people to use trails for transportation between destinations, we reduce carbon emissions while promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle. 

Currently, many trails within the Irondequoit Bay Park System cater primarily to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. However, these trails are often “social trails”—organic paths not designed with accessibility or sustainability in mind. As a result, these parks can feel out of reach for beginners, families, or those with disabilities. To serve the entire community, we need inclusive trails—wider beginner trails, well-maintained and suitable for all, from adaptive bikes to beginner cyclists. In addition, having designated learning areas with gentle grades will allow beginners to explore at their own pace. Accessible facilities like bike parks, lodges, and rest rooms are also key. Imagine adaptive equipment rentals, making it possible for individuals with mobility challenges to experience the full joy of outdoor activities. This level of inclusivity will allow the parks to serve a diverse range of users, turning them into spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Connectivity

Equally important is connectivity. The goal isn’t just more trails but a cohesive, well-designed network linking all the parks. With professional sustainable trail design, we can minimize environmental impact, avoid sensitive habitats, and reduce erosion, all while creating arteries that connect the parks. For example, trails can be carefully routed to avoid wetlands and constructed using eco-friendly materials that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. These trails can do more than provide recreation—they can act as vital corridors that help protect local wildlife by offering less disruptive routes for human activity. This thoughtful approach preserves both the environment and the experience, ensuring that future generations can enjoy these green spaces.

Trail with leaves and trees on both sides

Additionally, these trails can serve as critical connectors within the community, not just between parks but between neighborhoods, schools, and local businesses. By integrating the park system into the fabric of the surrounding area, we can encourage active transportation—walking, biking, and other non-motorized travel. These trails become more than just recreational; they provide safe, scenic routes for daily commuting or local errands, reducing car dependency and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable community.

Implementation

Let’s explore a practical example of what this future vision could look like. Imagine starting from the “Mind the Gap Season 3 Submission #4” trail near Route 104, where users can head south toward Norton Street. From there, the path seamlessly connects into Homewood Road, leading you to Bay Park West. As you continue, the trail links into Tryon Park, offering the option to exit at Tryon Road or continue south. The trails then extend further, reaching Browncroft Boulevard, where users can access Lucien Morin Park. From here, you can either circle back north toward Empire Boulevard or push onward into Ellison Park, with access points at Blossom and Penfield Roads. This interconnected system would transform how residents and visitors explore these green spaces, enhancing accessibility, connectivity, and community engagement.

The vision for the Irondequoit Bay Park System is clear: a future where these parks are accessible to all, thoughtfully designed to protect our environment, and interconnected to maximize their value to the community. But achieving this vision requires your support. Whether participating in the Monroe County trails study, advocating for responsible development, or joining local organizations supporting these changes, you can help make this future a reality.

Together, we can ensure that the Irondequoit Bay Park System thrives as a space where everyone connects with nature, enjoys outdoor recreation, and preserves our green spaces for generations to come.

Make your voice heard and provide your feedback through the Irondequoit Bay Park Trail User Study by Monroe County Parks:

Interactive Map
Survey Monkey

At Reconnect, we’re always working to improve mobility access in our community. Sign up for Mobility Action Alerts for tangible advocacy and volunteer opportunities involving transportation, safe streets, and bike infrastructure. 

by No Comments

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, which are deserving of their own deep dive.

Photo courtesy of Bryan Agnello

Some helpful links before we jump in:

  • The map below around downtown largely incorporates the growing Bike Boulevard network. Reading this recent blog on the bike boulevards is highly recommended before proceeding.
  • Our ROC Easy Bike map shows the easiest ways for newer/younger riders to bike and scoot around the area. Riders who’ve developed their skills aren’t constrained to the lines on that map. Want to increase your biking know-how and confidence? Take one of our classes sometime.

It has to be said: At the moment, the easy ways to access downtown and Parcel 5 by bike are quite limited.

More and more bike lanes are being added to Main Street over time, which is great. However, what’s been installed so far at the time of this writing doesn’t meet the criteria for riders of all ages and abilities. Main Street between Goodman and Union is built like a gun barrel (an inappropriate design for a road in any city’s heart) and the bike lanes there badly need protection.

Westbound as you approach downtown, there’s the stressful turn-off to the Inner Loop cyclists have to navigate, and as you head further into downtown on Main, the bike lanes between University and Scio are routinely blocked by parked cars. There are no westbound bike lanes from Franklin to Plymouth (except for over the Genesee). At present, there are no eastbound bike lanes on Main Street from Scott Alley to Aqueduct Street.

Furthermore, it’s unfortunate that the northeast side is bereft of decently comfortable bike connections to downtown. Crossing Inner Loop North on St Paul, Clinton, Joseph, North St, or Union is uncomfortable for most riders.

But don’t despair! Five transformational projects are in store that will change the game in coming years:

  1. With the removal of Inner Loop North and the restoration of the surface grid, intersections can be reconfigured and hopefully 🤞the Union Street cycle track can wrap around to Innovative Field.
  2. The gradual building of the ideal Bike Spine Network envisioned in the City’s 2023 Active Transportation Plan. As the Plan clearly states, only protected bike lanes will hit the mark: “It is essential that bike lanes be separated from traffic on high-speed streets that carry a lot of traffic” [along this spine network].
  3. The High Falls State Park and its Running Track Bridge connection to the El Camino Trail
  4. ROC The Riverway’s gradual extension of the Genesee Riverway Trail through downtown
  5. The City is looking into ways to close the gap in the Genesee Riverway Trail north of downtown.

So in the future, we have every hope that bike riders of all ages and abilities will be able to access downtown in ways that are obvious, intuitive, direct, safe and comfortable (no secret backways required!).

In the meantime, here is how we think the average bike and scooter rider can access Parcel 5 without too much trouble.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRACY STREET

Boy oh boy. Thank goodness for Tracy Street. It’s the only decently comfortable bike connection from the direction of Park Ave and Brighton. After Tracy Street, cross to the sidewalk on the other side of Alexander when the way is clear. Bike north on the sidewalk just a bit and take Chapman Alley west to Union. Yes, Tracy Street is technically one-way traffic eastbound for a tiny stretch, but you’re probably fine biking westbound along it (bike on the sidewalk for a few seconds if you want a clear conscience). We’re hoping the City makes it both ways for cyclists, like you see in the below New York City example (right).

THE WESTSIDE BIKE/PED BRIDGE OVER 490

This bridge grants pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders easy downtown access from the 19th Ward, Mayor’s Heights and Corn Hill.

THE PORTION OF THE GENESEE RIVERWAY TRAIL ALONG PLYMOUTH

A curious detour of the Genesee Riverway Trail, a vestige of the never-quite completed “Plymouth Avenue Greenway,” runs alongside the Plymouth sidewalk between 490/Utah Alley and Allen Street. More or less a north/south cycletrack, albeit less distinct. While bicycling on downtown sidewalks is generally discouraged, bikes are allowed on this “trail” section of the Plymouth sidewalk.

*Remember to use the ROC Easy Bike map for more detail on these routes!

BROAD STREET

Broad Street doesn’t have dedicated infrastructure along its entirety downtown, but it’s plenty wide, tends to have low traffic volumes and slow speeds, and most folks are capable of biking along it just fine. Take “The Grove at Midtown” cut through below (in between Unwine’d and Dice Versa) to access Parcel 5 from the south. Just go leisurely and be polite, yielding to pedestrians.

THE NORTHWEST BIKE BOULEVARD NETWORK

The Bike Boulevard Network through Maplewood, Edgerton and Brown Square grants very easy bike access from the northwest. This allows riders to bike parallel to Lake Ave without biking on Lake Ave itself (thank goodness!). For the tiny stretch of Plymouth that’s one way northbound (Lyell to Morrie Silver Way), use Verona instead or just hop on the sidewalk briefly.

IN SUM

Whether it’s biking downtown for Fringe or the Jazz Festival, a movie at Parcel 5, a fireworks display, RDDC’s Midday Bash, the Central Library, a hockey or lacrosse game at Blue Cross Arena, or enjoying one of downtown’s many great dining establishments, we hope the routes above get you there relatively stress-free by bike. In the future, because of the many investments being made, you’ll have more direct, obvious and comfortable options. We have a lot to look forward to!

That’s all for Volume 2!

Got another destination we can include in the series? Reach out to us at cycling@reconnectrochester.org. Look out next month for Volume 3! Get more details on the ROC Easy Bike map

by 3 Comments

Car Lite Rochester: How Biking & Buses Helped Maintain My Independence

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.

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 up into the ambulance, my mind quickly focused on one thing: not the ambulance bill I was going to get or the fact that I just had a seizure again, but that I wouldn’t be allowed to drive for at least 6 months.

You see, when someone has a seizure in New York State, they lose their driving privileges for 6-12 months until their neurologist and the DMV Medical Review Board clear them. I had to go through this once before when I was in high school and I remember how frustrating it was to lose my independence suddenly and be reliant on others for rides.

That’s what I was scared of: losing my independence to get around because I relied solely on my car for transportation. That’s why this is called “car dependency.”

I lived alone, so my mind was suddenly flooded with questions like:

  • How will I get to work?
  • How will I get groceries or run errands?
  • How will I see friends and family?

The options seemed to be:

  • Get a bike and a use the bus
  • Depend on friends, family and Uber/Lyft to chauffeur me around
  • Be stuck at home for 6-12 month

I chose to get a bike and a bus pass.

Adapting to Life Without a Car

The Importance of Walkable Neighborhoods
One thing that helped a lot is that I live in a walkable neighborhood in Rochester, the North Winton Village. I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of a walkable neighborhood until I wasn’t allowed to drive.

I live about a mile from Wegmans, walking distance to where I worked at the time (Carlson Cowork), and near plenty of shops, restaurants, and parks. This made a huge difference. Life would’ve been much more challenging if I had lived in the car-dependent suburbs.

Getting around by bike
Soon after the seizure, I went to my local bike shop and bought my first bike as an adult, a Trek FX3, which I still ride today. I also made sure to get a bike rack and a set of panniers so that I could carry cargo like groceries (more on that later).

At first, riding my bike on the road around cars was nerve-racking. However, I was lucky enough to find out about Reconnect Rochester’s On-Bike Smart Cycling Class taught by Jesse Peers where I learned how to ride safely on city streets. After taking the class, I was surprised at how much more confident and comfortable I felt biking through Rochester. I highly recommend it!

Getting around with the bus
Besides my bike, I began using the bus more regularly to get to doctor appointments and other trips that were too far away or inconvenient to bike. Although the bus was not as convenient as a car, it was nice not to have to do the actual driving in traffic and I could sit and read.

It’s also really easy to combine a bike and the bus with the nifty bike rack on the front of the bus. Or you can bring your scooter. This adds a lot more flexibility to using the bus and it extends the range of a bike, especially on corridors where it’s unsafe to ride. For example, I recently had to go BayTowne Plaza from the city. Instead of biking on Empire Boulevard and putting my life at risk next to four lanes of 60 mph traffic, I rode my bike from my house to Empire Boulevard and took the bus the rest of the way.

Managing Challenges

Busy Roads
Early on, I used Google Maps to map out a route to bike on. This would often give me a route that was shortest, but that also included busy roads that were very stressful to ride on, especially with all the giant SUVs and pickups these days.

At the Smart Cycling class, I learned about Reconnect Rochester’s Low-Stress Bike map and the Bike Boulevard Network. These tools helped me plan out a safe, comfortable bike route to get where I needed to go.

For example, riding downtown for me includes a lovely ride down Harvard St.

Groceries
I thought getting groceries would be a big challenge without a car, but I quickly realized that a bike is fully capable of carrying a load of groceries. With a set of panniers, I can carry two fully loaded grocery bags with room on top of the rack for more. It’s also easy to hook up a small trailer to carry more and e cargo bikes are becoming more popular options as well.

When I didn’t ride my bike for groceries, it was easy enough to take the bus. I found the bus more convenient than I expected to get to Wegmans, as long as I didn’t stay too long and miss the bus on the way back!

That’s all to say: Good News Everyone! You don’t need an F-250 to get groceries!

Weather
The weather also wasn’t as much of a challenge as I had expected. I try to avoid riding during a downpour, personally, but if the roads are wet or it’s only raining lightly, bike fenders and some rain gear go a long way.

Even in the winter, the roads are usually snow-free most of the time. Also, cold weather isn’t as bad as you’d think on a bike, as long as you have the right gear, like pogies to keep your hands warm. Even if it’s chilly out, riding a bike naturally warms you up with the exercise.

In the summer, the challenge sometimes is hot, humid weather. Riding at a leisurely pace helps, but it can be a challenge if I need to arrive somewhere and I don’t want to be all sweaty. This is where e-bikes have an advantage over regular bikes.

Bus Routes
A main challenge with taking the bus was that I often needed to make a connection through the Transit Center. This was compounded with the fact that bus headways were often 30 minutes apart or more. Together, this meant that the travel time could be an hour or more by bus instead of a simple 15 minute drive by car. A short errand could take half a day on a bus.

However, if the bus route is convenient, it’s a great way to get to where you need to go. Just use the Transit app to easily see what bus you need to take and buy a bus pass on your phone!

Transitioning to Car-Lite Living and Lessons Learned

Overall, I was able to maintain my independence during those six months thanks to my bike and the bus. After about 6-months, I was cleared to drive again.

These days, I’d say I’m “car-lite.” I get around by bike if I can, but I drive when I need to go somewhere farther away or when the weather is bad and I just don’t feel like biking (that’s OK, too!). In case I have a seizure in the future (a very real possibility), I want to live a lifestyle that’s not dependent on driving everywhere.

[8/29/24 edit: Welp, unfortunately, I did have another seizure last week. Looks like I jinxed myself writing this. In the future, I’ll have to write an update about Car-Free Living Round 2!]

I learned a number of good lessons during this period

1 – The Benefits of Traveling by Bike

First, I realized so many unexpected benefits from riding a bike for transportation, which is why I still ride my bike to get around today. Some key benefits:

  • Being more active and enjoying the health benefits
  • Feeling more connected to the community as I bike through it
  • Improved mental well-being – I always feel better if I get somewhere by bike than by sitting in a car
  • Improved personal finances, since the cost of car ownership now exceeds $10,000 per year
  • For a family, skipping the car drop-off line at school
  • It’s just more fun to get around on a bike

Also, you always get the best parking:

2 – The Importance of Transportation Resilience

A major lesson I learned is how important transportation resilience is. If you’re solely reliant on driving for everything, having a car breakdown, a medical issue leaving you unable to drive, or aging out of driving can be a major life challenge. For this reason alone, I think it’s important, both on a personal level and societal level, to make sure different transportation options are available. Just in case.

3 – The Inadequacy of Rochester’s Transportation System for Non-drivers
24% of Rochester households don’t have access to a car, but Rochester’s transportation system is built around the assumption that everyone has a personal automobile and can drive. This largely ignores the transportation needs of non-drivers; people who also need to get around to live life.

When driving was taken away from me as an option, I realized how difficult our city makes it for non- drivers in our community to get around. The main issues I personally noticed were:

  • Inadequate public transit: too infrequent, lack of connectivity, and lack of amenities like benches and shelters
  • Lack of a safe, connected network of comfortable bike lanes
  • Not enough safe crosswalks and crosswalks spaced too far apart
  • Roads built for moving cars fast at the expense of safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, kids, and other drivers

Signs of Improvement

Despite the challenges for non-drivers, I am excited about the steady progress and improvement I’ve seen in Rochester since 2019.

A (literally) concrete example of this progress is the reconstruction of E. Main between Culver and Goodman, which includes comfortable cycle paths, traffic calming measures, pedestrian islands, and crosswalks. Now, I bike it almost weekly to shop at the Public Market. Yes, bike lanes are good for business!

A few developments I’m most excited about:

Get Involved

Reconnect Rochester has been integral to improving transportation options in Rochester and Monroe County. This work is important so that transportation is less of an obstacle for daily living.

Join Reconnect Rochester in making our city and county more livable by expanding transportation options:

Be part of the change happening in Rochester by getting “multi-modal” yourself and riding a bike,
taking the bus, walking, or rolling for your next trip!

At Reconnect, we’re inspired by the stories of people in our community, like Robert Picciotti, Calvin Eaton and Yamini Karandikar, who are passionate about living a car-lite or car-free lifestyle. 

Let us know if you want to share your mobility story! What’s in it for you? The intrinsic reward of knowing you’ve inspired others, and a free t-shirt from our online shop! Contact Chaz to submit your story. 

by 1 Comment

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 and County’s Active Transportation Plans are implemented, we hope the ways to bike to popular destinations are obvious, intuitive, safe and comfortable for riders of all ages and abilities (no secret backways required!).

Two helpful links before we dive in:

Most of the following maps incorporate the growing Bike Boulevard network. Reading this recent deep dive on the bike boulevards is highly recommended before proceeding.

Our ROC Easy Bike map – the easy ways to bike around the area. Many of the zoomed out maps below couldn’t label every street along the way. You’ll get your answers here.

THE SENECA PARK ZOO

Our wonderful zoo is right beside the Genesee Riverway Trail, El Camino Trail, the beautiful bike/pedestrian bridge connecting Maplewood & Seneca Parks, and delightful neighborhood bikeways in Irondequoit. There is a bike rack at the main entrance. Hopefully someday, the Seneca Trail north of the zoo will lead all the way to Lake Ontario on the east side of the Genesee River.

MONROE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

It’s been a common complaint for years: Monroe Community College, our area’s largest institute of learning, is very uncomfortable to get to by bike. Though bike lanes have been installed on East Henrietta Road from Westfall south to 390, the bridge over 390 can be terrifying. Good news though: The Town of Brighton is developing a Multiversity Plan for an accessible, off-road, and multi-use trail system connecting the campuses of the University of Rochester, MCC, and RIT! In the meantime, there’s an easy, though unintuitive way to approach MCC from the northwest. It incorporates the Lehigh Valley Trail’s north branch, Whipple Park, West Brighton and Corporate Woods.

INNOVATIVE FIELD FOR ROCHESTER RED WINGS GAMES

Biking is the best way to get to a Red Wings game! The Pont de Rennes bridge (scheduled to reopen in November) grants bike/ped access directly from the east. There’s plenty of bike racks at both Innovative Field entrances and security is there during games. When the game ends, you’ll be most of the way home before most attendees get out of the congested parking lots nearby. 

*Remember to use the ROC Easy Bike map for more detail on these routes!

RIT & LOVIN’ CUP

At least from the north, RIT and Lovin’ Cup are easy to bike to thanks to the Lehigh Valley Trail’s north branch – a bicycle superhighway along an old railroad bed.

TINSELTOWN & GATES HOME DEPOT

File this in the “This ride isn’t for everybody, but it’s probably way easier than you think” category. From Corn Hill, Cinemark Tinseltown & the Gates Home Depot are only 6.5 miles away by bike. Bike lanes are coming to West Main Street. In the meantime, there are bike boulevards parallel to West Main that take you to the Canal and under 390, which isn’t too bad compared to many other highway underpasses. Hinchey and Pixley get you the rest of the way there. Tinseltown has a well placed bike rack. Furthermore, if you want, you can take Loderdale and Brooklea, which parallel Hinchey and are a breeze to bike along.

That’s all for Volume 1!

Got another destination we can include in the series? Reach out to us at cycling@reconnectrochester.org. Look out next month for Volume 2! Get more details on the ROC Easy Bike map

by 2 Comments

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 much weight on the bike frame itself. It’s lightweight, user-friendly, and comfortable to use. I did worry about visibility because the trailer is low to the ground so I got two flags to put on the trailer. They are bright orange with high visibility reflective stripes.

I took my kids on a few practice rides and words cannot express the joy I felt sharing the bicycle experience with them. On a sunny day, you don’t need to roll your windows down to enjoy the weather because you’re already outside. We say hi to our neighbors. We hear kids playing. We can observe the flowers and gardens by peoples homes. We are a part of our environment.

The other day I heard my son in the trailer saying, “Happy. Sad. Mad. Mad. Sad. Happy. Sad.” and I realized he was observing the facial expressions of people in their cars. He said sad and mad a lot and it got me thinking about how dehumanizing it is to be stuck in a car. If someone cuts you off, you feel rage. You don’t think about them as a person. You just see the big machines that you both have to operate. You’re angry because you could have easily been hurt. Driving is a very high stakes activity. 

This is especially clear when we see the remnants of car crashes, which are everywhere. Crashes are cleaned up quickly to keep traffic flowing. You don’t really notice the evidence when you drive by but it’s easy to see the bits of broken window and smaller plastic bits when you’re on a bicycle. Being on a bicycle is a constant reminder of how we have normalized road violence with a street design that prioritizes speed above all else. 

With this in mind, I worked out the best route to bike to daycare. Fortunately I could bypass Monroe Avenue (which in Brighton is a high speed, four lane stroad) by cutting through neighborhood streets. From there I went on the sidewalk on Elmwood Avenue. I am thrilled that the town of Brighton added a bike lane to Elmwood Avenue. When I bike on my own, I use it often. I just don’t like it with my little boys in a trailer. Ironically I had spent some time defending this bike lane on NextDoor neighborhood threads. I’m happy we have it, I’m just eager to keep improving bicycle access.

The final part of the journey is the one my wife and I spent the most time discussing and the part of the journey that makes me the most nervous. It is such a small yet very significant part of the journey. Just a couple hundred feet.

It involves crossing South Clinton Avenue at Elmwood. Intersections create a lot of variables. I have had minimal incidents and only two collisions in more than ten years of biking by assuming a driver doesn’t see me until I see eye contact or a signal from them. I have yielded several times despite having the right of way and I’m almost always correct that the driver did not see me. Sometimes they notice at the last second and seem startled or give an “I’m sorry” wave.

I am more annoyed with the road designs than the driver. I would like to see our roads designed with protected bike lanes and traffic calming measures to make it impossible to drive recklessly as opposed to relying on drivers to make the correct choice.

[EDIT: I have since begun avoiding this intersection by using Lac De Ville Blvd and turning on to Rue De Ville before crossing South Clinton. Thanks to Reconnect Rochester’s Easy Bike Map for the tip!]

Still, it has been a transformative experience for me as a parent. My boys love the bike trailer. The first day I dropped my 3 year old off at his classroom a few kids wanted to know why he had a helmet. He proudly told them he got there in a bike trailer. The kids started excitedly talking about their bicycles and their helmets that they have at home. 

I rode him in the rain the next day. The Burley trailer has a great rain cover so he doesn’t get a drop of water on him. I have a good raincoat and I change my pants at work so it’s no big deal for me either. My brother who lives in the Netherlands says the parents there like to say, “Are you made of sugar? Why are you scared of a little water?”

Other parents at the daycare frequently comment on the trailer when we roll in. Some of them say “that loks nice!” or “I wish we could do that!” I’ve even shared bike trailer suggestions and safe route recommendations with other determined parents.

That’s what is so incredible about bicycle activism. I can talk about it for hours (and have!) but it doesn’t often resonate the same way as just witnessing the joy of little kids experiencing their community, or starting your day with an active outdoor experience rather than sitting in an expensive, noisy, isolated metal box. As I’ve seen from the last few months of biking my kids to daycare, the interest is there but most people just don’t think about it.

I firmly believe we should do anything we can to encourage parents to bike their kids to get around. It would even make things more pleasant for drivers since every bicycle is another car off the road thereby reducing traffic.

If we keep developing a comprehensive bicycle network we could reduce road deaths, create a more trusting and open community, reduce our environmental damage and even give parents a break from driving their kids everywhere when they get older and start activities and clubs. Imagine a bicycle network where 8 and 9 year olds could safely bike to and from school without adults. It’s possible and these communities exist. That could be us too. If we want it.

At Reconnect, we’re inspired by the stories of people in our community, like Chaz Goodman, Robert Picciotti and Yamini Karandikar, who are passionate about living a car-lite or car-free lifestyle. 

Let us know if you want to share your mobility story! What’s in it for you? The intrinsic reward of knowing you’ve inspired others, and a free t-shirt from our online shop! Contact Jahasia to submit your story. 

by 3 Comments

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 would-be) riders?

The winning vote-getter in 2022 was Elmwood Avenue, which recently had bike lanes installed – the first for Monroe County DOT! Last year’s winner was Empire Boulevard around the head of Irondequoit Bay. We’re having ongoing conversations with NYSDOT about that stretch of road which needs vast improvement. The gap that receives the most votes this year will be declared the winner! Reconnect Rochester will give this segment special attention in our advocacy efforts. We’ll approach the municipality and the operator of the road (be it City, County or State) with our community support evidence in hand to help make the case that this is a crucial gap to fill.

Without further ado, we present to you the nominees for the 2024 Mind the Gap award:

VOTE NOW

1. SOUTH CLINTON AVENUE OVER THE ERIE CANAL

Okay voters: we hear you! Brighton residents want to be able to bike from the Brickyard Trail and Buckland Park to Meridian Centre Park and the Erie Canal, but 590 stands in the way. Some dream of a bike/ped bridge over 590 (wouldn’t that be cool!), but this voting campaign is about short stretches and low-hanging fruit. Biking along Winton under 590 is way too uncomfortable for most bike riders. South Clinton, however, is more doable. How about protected bike lanes from Senator Keating Blvd to the parking lot beside the Canal? That’s only 4/10 of a mile.

Jurisdiction: Monroe County DOT

2. LEE ROAD CONNECTING ERIE CANAL TRAIL TO 390 TRAIL

Rochester’s west side is bereft of comfortable biking connections. It’s crucial that the 390 Trail and Erie Canal Trail be connected. A great start was made in 2022 with the new 390 Trail extension and Eastman Trail. Unfortunately, a NYSDOT project to construct a trail along Lee Rd from Ridgeway Ave to Trolley Blvd fell through. In the not too distant future, hopefully County DOT can give Lee Road a road diet and protect cyclists from that intimidating semi truck traffic. This stretch is 1.4 miles.

Jurisdiction: Monroe County DOT

3. BUFFALO ROAD BETWEEN HOWARD & TRABOLD

Biking westbound out of the City isn’t easy. The average rider won’t be comfortable biking on Brooks or Chili Ave with their current configurations. The good news however is that once you bike past the Canal & 390, there are some residential streets that get you further west in a low-stress manner. Buffalo Road at least has bike lanes & wide shoulders until you approach Howard. The biggest wall then becomes 490. There’s no other way around it: Buffalo Road needs to be made bike-friendly going under 490. How about protected bike lanes along the half-mile stretch from Wegman Road to Davy Drive? Easy residential cycling then gets you to TSE, the Gates Library and the Amazon Fulfillment Center.

Jurisdiction: NYSDOT

4. CROSSING 104 INTO IRONDEQUOIT

The easiest way to cross Route 104 by bike is via the El Camino Trail. But another low-stress route is needed to the east between Rochester and Irondequoit. Goodman and Culver are not friendly for cyclists. We see two options: Monroe County DOT makes the 104 underpass on Culver more bike-friendly, or the Town of Irondequoit explores this great trail idea put forth by Jack Rinaldo a couple years ago. Such a trail would only need to be half a mile long (!) and it would be transformative.

Jurisdiction: Monroe Co. DOT / Town of Irondequoit

5. TRAIL ALTERNATIVE TO 441

As area cyclists know, biking on 441 is not comfortable at all. Riding a bike from the City to Penfield and southward to East Rochester is quite the challenge. Penfield Road east of 490 isn’t awful. At least there are shoulders to ride in. When those shoulders disappear after Poplar Drive, there’s a sidewalk/market parking lot/sidewalk again on the north side that will get you very close to Panorama Plaza. Behind Panorama Plaza, there is a trail network that gets you all the way to Perinton’s Spring Lake Park. But alas, adults aren’t allowed to ride their bikes on Penfield Trails. Remedying this gap would require the town to update its code. Pedestrians and cyclists can coexist on those trails right?

Jurisdiction: Town of Penfield

6. DRIVING PARK AVENUE BRIDGE

The City is starting a study to find the best way to fill the gap in the Genesee Riverway Trail north of downtown. As it is now, St. Paul Street bike lanes take riders north to Brewer Street, where the trail resumes over Middle Falls. (The Avenue A bike boulevard gets you here from the east as well). Those who don’t want to descend into the gorge only to climb back up to Driving Park Ave can avoid the hills & stay on flat terrain by taking Carthage Drive and biking on the Driving Park Avenue Bridge for a tiny bit. There are bike lanes on the bridge but motorist speeds are very fast and it’s quite an intimidating experience. How about protected bike lanes on this bridge, or a two-way protected cycletrack on the south side that takes you to the crosswalk and newly installed RFFB?

Jurisdiction: City of Rochester

7. HYLAN DRIVE TO MARKETPLACE DRIVE

Parts of Henrietta (residential streets) are somewhat bikeable but 390 severs Henrietta in two. The north branch of the Lehigh Valley Trail is also severed in two. Perhaps someday Bailey Road, West Henrietta Road and Calkins will be made bike-friendly in order to really complete the trail’s north branch. But an easier lift would be giving Hylan Drive a road diet and really taking care to protect cyclists going over 390. Once a northbound cyclist gets to Marketplace Drive, they can veer off west or east for lower-stress biking. Where the trail ends at Calkins to Marketplace Drive is only 7/10 of a mile.

Jurisdiction: Monroe County DOT

8. EAST AVENUE WEGMANS

Biking to the East Avenue Wegmans and locking up your bike next to the front doors is often way more convenient than driving there and searching for a parking space. But Wegmans could certainly be more approachable by bike in each direction. From the southwest, cyclists can ride along the comfortable Norris Drive or Harvard Street bike boulevards to Colby. There are new bike lanes on East Ave but unfortunately they don’t get you all the way to Wegmans. Surely something can be done too to connect the Harvard/Colby bike boulevard to the bike boulevard across from Artisan Works on Marion Street. That bike boulevard parallels Winton and goes up to Tryon Park. Many voters complain of how uncomfortable Winton is going over 490. This whole can of worms area needs attention.

Jurisdiction: NYS DOT (East Avenue) and City of Rochester (Winton and Blossom)

9. THE JOSANA TRAIL

A critical connection the City intends to make someday is between the Colvin Street bike boulevard and the soccer stadium, where the Plymouth bike boulevard continues north all the way to Kodak Park. This is especially important as this area sees a lot of cyclist-motorist collisions. The intended connection is via the abandoned railroad tracks and would be called the JOSANA Trail. Things always get complicated when acquiring CSX right-of-way is involved, but if this gap wins the contest, perhaps it’ll give the City a sense of urgency in acquiring right of way and finding the funding to implement the planning work that’s already done. This segment of the trail is only a half mile.

Jurisdiction: City of Rochester

10. BETTER CONNECTION BETWEEN THE 390 AND LAKE ONTARIO TRAILS

Thanks to the new Eastman Trail and 390 Trail extension, Greece residents can bike along the 390 Trail almost to Mt Read Blvd, though the 390 Trail is in need of some serious maintenance. The 390 Trail goes all the way north to Janes Road, where some traffic negotiating is required. One has to take a left turn onto Island Cottage Road to where the Lake Ontario Trail starts. This little bit of shoulder riding is only half a mile between the two trails. The shoulders are quite wide but some all ages and abilities bike accommodations would be fantastic along that half-mile stretch.

Jurisdiction: Monroe County DOT

So, what do you think?

VOTE NOW
by 4 Comments

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 anywhere in this green area, you can get to that intersection & its stores/workplaces within 20ish minutes on a bike. Thanks again to Brendan Ryan for his help putting this map together for us.

To get us familiar with this green territory in Chili, here’s Joe Osgood sharing his personal travel-by-bike experiences.

In 2022, I started “returning to the office” after a period of working remotely during the pandemic. I already lived a reasonable bike ride from work, so I decided to try bike commuting regularly. I soon found myself investing in some quality panniers – Ortlieb panniers are worth the price – for both work-commuting and getting groceries. 
As time has passed, I’ve evolved from a fair-weather commuter, to a rain-rider, to eventually getting studded bike tires for the winter – which I highly recommend! At this point, I’ve been living “car-lite” – tending to lean towards biking as my transportation choice unless there is some reason not to (such as time/distance or dangerous conditions). There are quite a few destinations around Chili I can reach in about a 20 minute bike ride, and I’m able to find routes that have minimal car traffic. I’ll share some of those routes below.

Chili Center

The Chili Wegmans is here, as well as Aldi and Target, and lots more. If you’re approaching from the east or northeast, the best way to approach Wegmans is to sneak in the Paul Rd entrance. It’s less busy than the Chili-Paul intersection, and you get closer to the bike rack between the pharmacy entrance and the main entrance (by the bottle return).

If you’re approaching from the west, you can take the sidewalk next to the car entrance down into the Target lot. These metal bars by the entrance to Target are probably meant for herding shopping carts inside, but they also make a great object to lock your bike to. Bike “parking spots” are often more convenient than car parking spots!


Or, skip the bike rack altogether and get yourself a folding bike you can take inside with you. I got a Tern Link D8 from Bert’s Bikes a few months ago and it has served me well so far. My Ortlieb panniers work fine with the rear rack. I recently installed the Tern Transit Rack so I can wheel it around while folded – a worthwhile investment.

Rochester Tech Park

The Rochester Tech Park used to be busy back in the day, but now it has very little car traffic and is actually great for biking – inside the Tech Park, that is. Unfortunately, the Tech Park is surrounded by “stroads”: Buffalo, Manitou, Elmgrove, and Rt 531. Rt 531 is a highway that forms a geographical barrier comparable to a river – Elmgrove and Manitou being the only nearby bridges crossing it. 

The best way to get into the Tech Park by bike is to cross the busy “stroads” at a traffic light, particularly the one at Coldwater Rd. While Coldwater Rd has a moderate amount of traffic, it also has a decent-sized shoulder for most of its length.

To get to Coldwater Rd from Chili Center, most cars take Chili Center Coldwater Rd. While this is the shortest way, it’s also the busiest. 

A much better option is to take the Paul Rd exit from Wegmans and immediately turn onto Grenell Dr. Go down Chili Ave briefly before turning into the St Pius X church parking lot, which connects to Chestnut Ridge Rd. Then take Fenton Rd to Westside Dr and finally onto Coldwater. It does make the trip 4 miles instead of 3.5, but it’s well worth it to be on quieter roads.

Buffalo Road Tops

The Buffalo Rd plazas on the other side of 490 have businesses like Tops, Home Depot, and Tinseltown. 

Buffalo Rd here is an archetypical “stroad” – high traffic volume moving at dangerously high speeds. The least-stressful way to approach these plazas is via Pixley Rd. While Pixley Rd has a fair amount of traffic, it only has 3 lanes of car traffic instead of 6. It also has a wide shoulder for biking.

To get to Pixley, you could take Chili Ave. An alternative is to go through the parking lot of St Pius X church, as described above, and use Fenton to get to Westside Dr. Westside Dr has less car traffic than Chili Ave. Going the Westside Dr route adds an extra half mile to the trip (4.3 miles vs 3.9 miles).

Chili Walmart

The obvious way to get to Walmart from Chili Center is to take Chili Ave. As mentioned above, Chili Ave is okay for biking – at least between Grenell Dr and the intersection with Westside Dr. You could choose to take Fenton Rd and Westside Dr here, but that will add an extra half mile to the trip (4 miles vs 3.6). 

Whichever way you go, you will eventually have to take Chili Ave east of the Westside Dr intersection. East of this intersection, Chili Ave becomes a much busier “stroad”. The sidewalks are the best option when biking this stretch of Chili Ave.

At some point, you will want to get to the sidewalk on the north side of the road. There is a sidewalk branching off this one that goes to Westgate Park, and you can take that sidewalk to avoid some busy intersections. Safely cross Howard Rd at a light, and you’ll arrive at Walmart. 

Note: Last I checked, Walmart’s bike rack was rusted out and not trustworthy. Ensure you lock your bike to a secure object. I usually use the fence by the garden center.

City of Rochester

While outside of the 20-minute range, I will occasionally do longer rides into the city or across town. Usually such a route involves getting to the Erie Canal trail. Here’s two lower-stress routes to get there.

One option would be Chili Ave to Pixley to Hinchey. This route avoids the more stressful stretch of Chili Ave between Westside Dr and the Canal. Use caution on the last ¼ of a mile of this route when you are back on Chili Ave, as there are multiple slip lanes and busy intersections to cross. Once you get on the Canal trail, you can easily head east towards Genesee Valley Park and take a bike trail from there.

Another option is to take Paul Rd to the airport and then pick up the bike trail that parallels Scottsville Rd. Between Chili Center and the airport, Paul Rd is fairly quiet. It’s a little busier around the southern tip of the airport. The crosswalk at Paul Rd and Scottsville Rd was recently improved for better pedestrian safety. And the bike trail along Scottsville Rd is very pleasant to ride, between the river and trees (and the fire safety training grounds!).

Happy cycling!

by No Comments

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!

Although WomanTours has been in the bicycle touring business since 1995, it wasn’t until 2020 that our company applied for and earned recognition as a Gold Bicycle Friendly Business from the League of American Bicyclists, the advocacy organization that helps cyclists in the United States enjoy the benefits and opportunities of safe bicycling.

We were the first business in Monroe County to garner this distinction. And of course, we were thrilled to receive the Gold designation right out of the gate. Since then, three other businesses have received either Silver or Bronze Bicycle Friendly Business status. We hope there will be more. It’s also encouraging to know that several area colleges and universities, including University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology and Monroe Community College, are also on board.

WomanTours take our pledge to encourage a more welcoming atmosphere for bicycling employees, customers and the community seriously. Some of the resources that have helped us to achieve this:

  • We proactively selected an office with close access to the Erie Canalway, a major traffic-free bicycle commuting corridor. Then we worked with our landlord to install a bike rack and a shower.
  • Work dress code is always casual, making it easier to commute by bike.
  • There are plenty of bike pumps and tools on hand in case commuter bikes need a quick tune-up.
  • Safety is always our first priority when taking customers on tour, so our pre-tour literature and first-day orientation always prioritize defensive riding. In addition, our tour guides offer mechanical tutorials to our customers, teaching them how to change a flat and handle minor bike repairs.

Our company also likes to give back to the local and global bicycling community.

  • Each year, WomanTours donates proceeds from its Tanzania tour to globalbike, an organization that works to make bicycles accessible to women in rural Tanzania in order to improve their health and well-being. The company has so far donated more than $57,600 to globalbike.
  • Thanks to our annual Angel Fund Scholarship (supported by an anonymous benefactor), we have been able to offer dozens of women a chance to travel on select tours for free. Candidates are chosen based on need and suitability to the tours.
  • WomanTours donates older used bikes to R Community Bikes in Rochester, a service that refurbishes bikes for those who could otherwise not afford them. WomanTours also contributed old bikes to Dreambikes, a service that sells used bikes and trains youth to become bike mechanics. (DreamBikes no longer operates in Rochester).

Two of our five staff members in our Rochester office live close enough to commute regularly by bike into the office. One of them is President Jackie Marchand, who also serves as treasurer of Reconnect Rochester. But even those of us who live too far away to commute to work daily take advantage of WomanTours’ bike-friendly resources.

I, for example, live in Geneva, about 55 miles away (an hour by car, four hours by bike). Thanks to our flexible schedules, I work two consecutive days a week in the office, staying overnight in town so I can save a couple hours of driving (and more importantly, two hours of fuel and wear/tear on my car). The other three days of the week, I work from home and telecommute.

I am also able to keep a bicycle on premise. This enables me to ride to and from my overnight lodging. And if I need to run an errand during the work day, I will do so by bike whenever possible. Often, I take a ride during my lunch break or after my work day is over. All three options give me some much needed fresh air and exercise and are a huge reason why my stress levels don’t get out of whack. I know this perk makes me a much happier and more productive employee.

While WomanTours is in the business of providing cycling trips for women of all ages and capabilities, we know our impact goes far beyond a fun outdoor vacation. Our customers tell that our tours coax them to ride more year-round, not just for recreation and fitness, but also for errands, commuting and general well-being. They also let us know that our tours have made them better bike mechanics and safer riders. Lastly, a WomanTours experience has turned many of our customers into bicycling advocates and ambassadors, inspiring their friends, family and neighbors to hop on a bike and enjoy the ride.

Watch Our 2023 Bike To Work Day!

###

WomanTours is a woman-owned and women-operated company that offers domestic and international bicycle tours for women. It is based in Rochester. For more information, go to www.womantours.com.