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DFNYC – Democracy For New York City – Toxic Natural Gas Drilling in NY State?

Why is this relevant?

The Greenway is a positive economic/ecological strategic alternative to Natural Gas extraction.

Lake Ontario and the Genessee River are at the Northern End of a watershed that comes right out the Marcellus Shale zone.

DFNYC – Democracy For New York City – Toxic Natural Gas Drilling in NY State?

Toxic Natural Gas Drilling in NY State?
Written by Bernadette Evangelist
Friday, 09 October 2009

Report from DFNYC member Dan Jacoby:

Across the southern tier of New York, from the Hudson River to Lake Erie – including the New York City watershed – and extending through Pennsylvania, West Virginia and part of Ohio, 7,000 feet underground, is a rock layer called “Marcellus shale.” This rock layer contains enough natural gas in New York alone to meet current U.S. demand for 20 years, and gas drillers want it.

The process drillers use to get the natural gas is called hydraulic fracturing, or “hydrofracing.” They pump huge amounts of water, sand and chemicals into the ground, opening fractures in the rock and pulling the natural gas out. Unfortunately, at best they only reclaim about 70% of the fluid. The rest is left behind – and it gets into the water supply. There is also new information showing that drilling may be putting toxic chemicals into the air.


Report from DFNYC member Dan Jacoby:

Across the southern tier of New York, from the Hudson River to Lake Erie – including the New York City watershed – and extending through Pennsylvania, West Virginia and part of Ohio, 7,000 feet underground, is a rock layer called “Marcellus shale.” This rock layer contains enough natural gas in New York alone to meet current U.S. demand for 20 years, and gas drillers want it.

The process drillers use to get the natural gas is called hydraulic fracturing, or “hydrofracing.” They pump huge amounts of water, sand and chemicals into the ground, opening fractures in the rock and pulling the natural gas out. Unfortunately, at best they only reclaim about 70% of the fluid. The rest is left behind – and it gets into the water supply. There is also new information showing that drilling may be putting toxic chemicals into the air.

In other states where hydrofracing has been used in various rock formations, far less of the fluid is used, and the health of local residents is still permanently damaged. Their symptoms are consistent with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other diseases.

In addition, natural gas also gets into the water supply. Earlier this year, NBC News did a story about a Colorado couple who could literally light their tap water on fire. On New Year’s Day, in Dimock, PA, a water well exploded from natural gas buildup – that natural gas has been traced to drilling in the Marcellus shale layer there.

New York City’s water supply is one of only five nationwide that doesn’t require a filtration plant. Allowing gas drilling in our watershed will change that, will probably cost upward of $20 billion – and still may not adequately protect our water supply.

Earlier this year, Councilmember James Gennaro introduced Resolution 1850, which calls on the state legislature to ban hydrofracing in the New York City watershed. On September 30, Councilmember Tony Avella introduced Resolution 2191, which calls on the state legislature to ban hydrofracing statewide. Co-sponsors to date are: Charles Barron, Gale Brewer, Letitia James, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Rosie Mendez.

As New York moves closer to beginning hydrofracing, Pennsylvania has put a moratorium on the process, due to the environmental ha
zards.

Meanwhile, the NY state Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a draft report on this issue (http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/58440.html ). It’s long, complex – and often avoids the real problems associated with hydrofracing. ProPublica describes it at: http://www.propublica.org/feature/new-york-state-paves-way-for-gas-drilling-with-release-of-review-930

Action Item

DFNYC members may soon be asked to comment on this issue. Meanwhile, feel free to call your council member in support ofResolution 2191. A 60-day comment period is now open on the DEC report at:http://www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/SGEISComments/ . You can also ask for an extension of the comment period: http://www.citizenscampaign.org/action_alerts/alert1009.htm

There are a lot of organizations involved in this issue. We want to provide links that help you find out about this and take action. Here are some of the ones we’ve found, but the fact that we’re providing these links does not mean that we endorse them or their actions. We’re just gathering information. Let us know what you find out as well.

Groups involved in the issue:

1. http://damascuscitizens.org/
2. http://nyh2o.org/index2.html
3. http://catskillmountainkeeper.org/index
4. http://www.riverkeeper.org/
5. http://www.newyorkwater.org/
6. http://www.catskillcitizens.org/news.cfm


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City Newspaper. Rochester: an emerging world-class cycling spot

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CYCLING: Rochester: an emerging world-class cycling spot

By Jeremy Moule on December 16, 2009

Andrew Dollard, Gary Young, and Frank Regan, all members of the Rochester Cycling Alliance. PHOTO BY MATT DETURCK

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Cyclists race through downtown Rochester during the 2007 Twilight Criterium. FILE PHOTO

Rochester Cycling Alliance's Andrew Dollard says that he wants cyclists to have a voice in city planning. PHOTO MATT DETURCK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comments for "CYCLING: Rochester: an emerging world-class cycling spot " (3)

City Newspaper is not responsible for the content of these comments. City Newspaper reserves the right to remove comments at their discretion.

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

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

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groc said on Dec. 16, 2009 at 1:38pm

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

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

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

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

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

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Sent from my iPhone 585-738-6696; pls excuse tyops.

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City Newspaper. Rochester: an emerging world-class cycling spot

Back to News Articles

CYCLING: Rochester: an emerging world-class cycling spot

By Jeremy Moule on December 16, 2009

Andrew Dollard, Gary Young, and Frank Regan, all members of the Rochester Cycling Alliance. PHOTO BY MATT DETURCK

Recommend Article
Total Recommendations (1)

Cyclists race through downtown Rochester during the 2007 Twilight Criterium. FILE PHOTO

Rochester Cycling Alliance's Andrew Dollard says that he wants cyclists to have a voice in city planning. PHOTO MATT DETURCK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comments for "CYCLING: Rochester: an emerging world-class cycling spot " (3)

City Newspaper is not responsible for the content of these comments. City Newspaper reserves the right to remove comments at their discretion.

User Photo

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

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

User Photo

groc said on Dec. 16, 2009 at 1:38pm

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

User Photo

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

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

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

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

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Jon.Schull@rit.edu

Sent from my iPhone 585-738-6696; pls excuse tyops.

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Cities for Cycling

Yesterday, Bicycle Retailer and Industry News (“BRAIN”) reported on a new initiative called Cities for Cycling:

www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/3513.html

According to BRAIN,

Cities for Cycling is a new effort by city governments to promote best practices in urban cycling and to increase the use of bicycles to improve urban mobility, livability and public health while reducing traffic congestion and CO2 emissions.

Bikes Belong and the SRAM Cycling Fund are providing support for Cities for Cycling—a project of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). Cities for Cycling is comprised of transportation and elected officials from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Let’s hope Cities for Cycling will allow smaller cities like Rochester into the fold.
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Cities for Cycling

Yesterday, Bicycle Retailer and Industry News (“BRAIN”) reported on a new initiative called Cities for Cycling:

www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/3513.html

According to BRAIN,

Cities for Cycling is a new effort by city governments to promote best practices in urban cycling and to increase the use of bicycles to improve urban mobility, livability and public health while reducing traffic congestion and CO2 emissions.

Bikes Belong and the SRAM Cycling Fund are providing support for Cities for Cycling—a project of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). Cities for Cycling is comprised of transportation and elected officials from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Let’s hope Cities for Cycling will allow smaller cities like Rochester into the fold.
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Monthly Meeting Tuesday Night!

    When: Tuesday December 15 @ 6:30p.m.; may last until 8:30 p.m.
    Where: RIT Student Innovation Center
        

View RIT Center for Student Innovation in a larger map
 

Proposed Agenda:
  • Welcome/Introductions
  • Update on past month’s bike related activities
  • Discussion of monthly meeting at RIT/UofR
  • Discussion of biweekly (Sunday) meeting at SPOTS Coffee
  • Discussion regarding Sunday group’s management of Events/Social Activities
  • Assignment of leadership roles in following committees:
    • Policy
    • Events/Social Activities
    • Advocacy
    • Communications
  • Closing comments, next steps, next meeting
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    Monthly Meeting Tuesday Night!

      When: Tuesday December 15 @ 6:30p.m.; may last until 8:30 p.m.
      Where: RIT Student Innovation Center
          

    View RIT Center for Student Innovation in a larger map
     

    Proposed Agenda:
    • Welcome/Introductions
    • Update on past month’s bike related activities
    • Discussion of monthly meeting at RIT/UofR
    • Discussion of biweekly (Sunday) meeting at SPOTS Coffee
    • Discussion regarding Sunday group’s management of Events/Social Activities
    • Assignment of leadership roles in following committees:
      • Policy
      • Events/Social Activities
      • Advocacy
      • Communications
  • Closing comments, next steps, next meeting
    • by No Comments

    Brooks development too speedy for some | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle:


    Residents seek a clear plan for river corridor

    Brian Sharp • Staff writer • December 1, 2009
    After more than 20 years spent trying to bring investment to the Rochester’s south river corridor, some neighbors now want things to slow down.
    …
    Historian John Curran gives a tour to Lynnetta Robinson, left, and Katrina Hanson of city property along the Genesee River.

    Historian John Curran gives a tour to Lynnetta Robinson, left, and Katrina Hanson of city property along the Genesee River. (SHAWN DOWD staff photographer)

    …

    Brooks Landing currently consists of a Staybridge Suites hotel, a retail/office building and a spin-off Boulder Coffee shop, all at Genesee Street and Brooks Avenue.
    The next phase, to get under way in spring 2010 and open in summer 2011, proposes a six-story building — with a restaurant plus five floors and 85 beds of student housing — plus a drive-thru ATM and a two-story Chabad house, or Jewish community center.
    After all that is completed, developer Ron Christenson is talking about condos.

    Christenson envisions spending another $20 million on Brooks Landing, adding to the $20 million already invested.
    A short distance up South Plymouth Avenue is the 120-unit Riverview Apartments, which opened in fall 2008. The city is studying how best to clean up the old Vacuum Oil site farther north, a riverfront property at the end of Flint Street. Stretching back from the river is seven privately-owned acres, including an old junkyard, that local businessman Thomas Masaschi bought for $660,000 last year. The land is assessed at $208,000.

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    City of Rochester | Highland Park-Canalway Trail Project

    City of Rochester | Highland Park-Canalway Trail Project


    About the Project

    The Highland Park/Canalway Trail Project is a joint venture between the Town of Brighton and the City of Rochester. Fisher Associates and Trowbridge and Wolf Landscape Architects are on hand to assist the City with the project. An engineer's rendition of the off-road portion of the trail.
       
    The trail is intended to:

    1. Connect Highland Park with the Erie Canalway Trail and the Genesee Riverway Trail,
    2. Provide a safe pedestrian and bicycle route to Highland Park,
    3. Build a cost-effective, context-sensitive, community-valued trail, and
    4. Enhance the regional trail system.

    Documents

    Project Timeline

    Project Initiation → January 2009
    Develop Alternatives → May-June 2009
    Public Meeting → July 1, 2009
    Trail Design & Approvals → July-Spring 2010
    Bid & Award Project→ Summer 2010
    Trail Construction → Fall 2010- Spring 2011

    Questions?

    Contact City project manager, Jeff Mroczek, at (585) 428-7124 or email him.

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    'Bullet bike' keeps pace with city traffic | HeraldTribune.com | Sarasota Florida | Southwest Florida's Information Leader

    ‘Bullet bike’ keeps pace with city traffic

    Here’s part of the article. (The argumentative Comments section is worth reading, but all the controversy would go away if the vehicles were on a dedicated transitway.) Thanks for the tip, Rebecca

    The 75-pound, three-wheeled curiosity is known generically as a velomobile, or a bullet bike. Mickevicius fell in love with it several years ago when his son, Ray Jr. of Toronto, began importing them from Europe.

    In March, Popular Science described how Ray Jr. is now manufacturing velomobiles in hopes of creating a North American market.

    The model his father brought to Sarasota this fall is called a Quest, which the elder Mickevicius labels the “sports model” of the industry.

    It can blow away any bicycle on the road and is designed with such aerodynamic economy it deprives tailgaters of drafting opportunities.

    With enough room to accommodate a bag of groceries, the Quest offers some obvious practical applications, Mickevicius says.

    “I’d say a velomobile is for people who are concerned about the environment, and like to stay fit and have a good time.”

    But don’t look for velomobiles to jam the bike lanes anytime soon. The Quest’s $8,000 to $9,000 sticker price guarantees an exclusive clientele.

    Its fully loaded Cab-Bike model, marketed not as a racer but as a muscle-powered green alternative to automobiles, has completely enclosed interiors and runs around $12,000.

    …

    At the Bluevelo factory in Toronto, where just three new hand-crafted vehicles roll out a month, Ray Mickevicius Jr. doesn’t anticipate a transportation revolution.

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    NYC Bike Lane Design

    Here’s an interesting video from the New York City Department of Transportation describing the newest bike lanes and signals there:

    by No Comments

    NYC Bike Lane Design

    Here’s an interesting video from the New York City Department of Transportation describing the newest bike lanes and signals there: