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Car Lite Rochester: A College Student’s Journey On Two Wheels & Transit

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.

A College Student’s Journey On Two Wheels & Transit

By Una Gogstetter:

As a college student who, like many others my age, doesn’t own my own car, living car lite has been necessary for me. My experience getting around Rochester with limited car access has been both enjoyable and eye-opening. I am a current sophomore at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, with a Statistical and Data Sciences major, Urban Studies minor, and Community Engagement and Social Change concentration. Living without a car while away at college has also broadened my perspective on car lite living in Rochester

Car Lite in Rochester

For the past two summers, I biked or took the bus to my jobs (first at Corn Hill Navigation then at Rochester Area Community Foundation). While this was more by necessity than by conscious choice, I did particularly enjoy my experience biking. I would often listen to music through my earbuds on my way, the bike ride integrated exercise into my daily routine, and I was able to observe various people, houses, and businesses along my route.

Some of my favorite areas to bike have been the Railroad Loop Trail or passing by the lovely old houses on Park Avenue. Furthermore, RTS provided a convenient way for me to get to work in rainy weather—my house, near Cobbs Hill, is located in close proximity to a bus stop. I will likely spend much of this summer in Rochester and I intend to continue frequently commuting by bike or by bus.

The turn onto the Railroad Loop Trail.

The bike commute to my internship last summer involved this lovely section of Harvard Street.

While I’m lucky to have worked at locations I can travel to without a car, I am still cognizant of the ways in which access to transportation in Rochester could be expanded and improved. I have had to be mindful of transportation-related concerns when applying and planning my schedule for jobs and internships in Rochester, as I am unable to access many Rochester area locations without a car. Transportation-related logistics have also been a concern for me outside of work-related contexts.

Excursions ranging from dining out with a friend to purchasing a particular item I need to going on a family hike would be much more challenging without my parents and friends having cars. While it is of course possible to live car-free in many parts of Rochester, having zero access to a car would likely come with unavoidable drawbacks.

Although living car-free in any city comes with challenges, such challenges are greater in the absence of extensive public transportation systems as well as in the absence of comprehensive infrastructure supporting pedestrians and bicyclists.

Similarly to many cities, Rochester’s bike lanes are neither physically separated from car lanes nor consistently present even on busy streets. Therefore, the current arrangements force bicyclists to choose between riding beside automobiles or riding on the sidewalk. Furthermore, if someone is seeking to live a car lite lifestyle, and thus potentially biking rather than driving, their commute will likely coincide with rush hour—an especially dangerous time to bike in the road.

Comparisons with Northampton

Northampton is certainly imperfect regarding friendliness toward non-automobile forms of transportation. Its bike lanes are inconsistent, not physically separated from automobile traffic, and its bus system does not reach all areas of the city. Still the city has greater mindfulness of pedestrians in comparison to Rochester.

Crosswalks at locations other than traffic lights are much more common in Northampton. Pedestrians frequently utilize these crosswalks—the downtown area is often busy with people visiting the shops and farmers’ market. Additionally, drivers tend to be more considerate toward pedestrians. They consistently stop at the many crosswalks and, even outside of designated crossing locations, and display an awareness of pedestrians I wasn’t previously used to.

Overall, my experience living car lite in Rochester highlights the importance of Reconnect Rochester’s mission to “champion transportation choice”. Tangible improvements, such as expanding the public transportation system, implementing safer biking infrastructure, and creating more crosswalks, would be undeniably impactful. Such improvements, though, must perhaps be accompanied by a shift in residents’ attitudes. A high level of mindfulness toward pedestrians could become more normalized, as it is in Northampton. Biking, walking, and riding the bus would start to be seen as feasible alternatives to driving—a mindset shift that would be helped along by infrastructural improvements.

Improvements in the physical infrastructure and the public attitudes around car lite living in Rochester would allow residents with limited or no car access to get around more safely and easily. And any resident, car owner or not, could experience enhanced well-being and a deepened sense of connection to the city and its communities as a result of walking or biking more often.

At Reconnect, we’re inspired by the stories of people in our community, like Karen Nozik, Steve Roll, and Calvin Eaton, who are passionate about living a car-lite or car-free lifestyle.  If you want to support our work and make it easier for others to go Car-Lite please donate and sign up for Mobility Action Alerts to stay in the loop with opportunities of how to advocate for safer streets and transportation options.

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. 

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Lake Avenue Bus Rapid Transit: A Catalyst for Safety and Transit-Oriented Development

In June 2024, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans announced the ROC Vision Zero Initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the city’s streets. Among the 10 priority actions announced was an effort to tackle Lake Avenue, one of Rochester’s most dangerous streets. The plan calls for making Lake Avenue a multimodal safety corridor equipped with a “Bus Rapid Transit” line or BRT for short. What is a BRT and why would a fast-moving bus lane make Lake Avenue a street safer? 🤔

BRT is a high-quality-bus-based transit system that delivers fast, efficient and frequent service along a corridor by implementing dedicated bus-only lanes, signal priority, bus stations with off board fare collection and elevated platforms. The City’s proposal is in early days, so we don’t have anything specific to react to, but we do hope they’ll go for the BRT Gold Standard. Gold standard BRT also includes designing for universal access for people of all abilities and pedestrian access and safety on the street. We should strive for the best and avoid what advocates have termed “BRT Creep”, when elements of good BRT are removed to save on costs and the line becomes unrecognizable from a standard frequent service line. This will take a healthy mix of up-front capital investments (to build out the infrastructure) matched with operational dollars that keep the service running frequently (for more on operating funds, see our February letter to Governor Hochul).

Only a few systems across the US have achieved bronze or better including Albuquerque’s ABQ RIDE (Gold), Clevland’s Healthline (Silver), and Pittsburgh’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway (Bronze). More locally, Albany’s Capital District Transportation Association has upped their BRT game with 3 BRT lines connecting Albany, Schenectady and Troy. Our friend the Urban Phoenix had a lot of good things to say about his experience using the system. Recently, a big step forward for Buffalo’s east side is the proposed Bailey Avenue BRT treatment, a 7.5 mile corridor connecting the City’s south side to north side destinations and the metro rail. 

We could see our BRT line going from the Transit Center all the way to Lake Ontario, about 8 miles. Rochester’s initiative on Lake Avenue wouldn’t just add a BRT line to the existing street. It would redesign the street to enhance and advance multi-modal safety. BRT would be a component in a design that would enhance pedestrian and bicycle facilities while improving access to the transit system. While we don’t have formal designs yet, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) thinks it could look something like this:

Courtesy of NACTO https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/street-design-elements/transit-streets/dedicated-median-bus-lanes/ 

Planners often frame BRT as a potential catalyst transit project and on this one, we agree. BRT can offer Rochester a unique opportunity to connect Edgerton, Maplewood and Downtown with faster and more efficient bus service, and provide opportunities to invest in more transit-oriented development along the corridor. Basically, that means dense, walkable, mixed-use development near the bus stops that adds amenities closer to where people live and use the bus. 

Currently, the City of Rochester is building a transit-oriented development in the Bull’s Head area where West Main St. meets Genesee St., Brown St. and Chili Ave. Local credit union ESL committed to being the first tenant in the redevelopment, bringing back banking services to the 19th Ward for the first time in a decade.

The City of Rochester identified Lake Avenue as a top transit-oriented development (TOD) corridor opportunity in the 2018 Transit Supportive Corridors Study. While improving transportation is a core goal, BRT on Lake Avenue goes beyond simply moving people. It’s a strategic investment with a ripple effect of positive outcomes:

  • Economic Development & Housing: BRT is a proven catalyst for transit-oriented development (TOD). By providing faster, more reliable service, it attracts businesses, housing, and services to the corridor. This is especially promising near underutilized parking areas around Kodak/Eastman Business Park, where BRT could spur valuable development and create a mixed-use hub.
  • Activating a Key Corridor: BRT will amplify Lake Ave’s potential, transforming the corridor into a thriving destination with increased foot traffic and economic activity.
  • Addressing Safety Concerns: The current state of Lake Avenue presents a barrier and many safety risks for residents accessing the Genesee River and other destinations. BRT will prioritize safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, making the corridor safer and more inviting for everyone.
  • A Stepping Stone to the Future: BRT is not an endpoint but a stepping stone. The infrastructure built for BRT can serve as the foundation for future transit options like streetcars or light rail. This approach allows Rochester to incrementally build towards a more robust and interconnected transit network.

Safety, better transit options, economic stimulus. What’s not to like about BRT? Detractors in some places have promulgated fears that adding dedicated bus lines would create car congestion. As with most multimodal improvements, the opposite is shown to happen: Studies have consistently shown that BRT does not worsen traffic; in fact, it often improves traffic flow by prioritizing efficient transit and encouraging more people to leave their cars at home. The current levels of congestion on Lake Avenue is primarily limited to peak commute hours, and BRT will help alleviate this by providing a reliable alternative for commuters.

What’s it going to take to launch the BRT planning process? Well, RTS has gotten things off to a good start by announcing last September that the 22 Lake Ave line is getting restored to 15 minute service as was envisioned in Reimagine RTS. The next step is to get a study underway to scope the project. Lake Avenue BRT represents a transformative opportunity for Rochester. It’s a chance to create a more connected, equitable, and sustainable city – one where everyone has access to opportunity and a vibrant public realm.

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. 

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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:

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Voices of Transit 2025

Reconnect Rochester presents Voices of Transit, an ethnography profile blog series that shows how our current bus system helps (and sometimes hurts) transit-dependent riders in their daily lives. In the winter of 2024-2025 we interviewed RTS riders to hear about their experiences firsthand. Read more about how the initiative began in 2023 here.

Click on a name below to hear that rider’s story. You can also watch some of their interviews on YouTube!

Sasha

 

1. Are you a Rochester native? If not, what brought you to Rochester?

I came to Rochester in 2008. My friend lived here and she invited me to visit and I am still here.

 

2. Are there any big differences you’ve noticed between RTS and other public transportation infrastructure?

I grew up in New York City and Rochester was quite an adjustment. But both transportation systems have improved a lot.

In NYC the buses are a lot more frequent. There are more routes. There are more points of connection so there are lots of ways to get where you want to go regardless of where you cut through. And I think that’s the biggest difference I saw.

 

3. Do you use the RTS OnDemand service?

I have recently started using the RTS OnDemand service. For the most part it’s worked. But I have had some times where they did not have enough buses and so a couple of times they had to call and cancel at the last minute.

I think it’s a great service and it really saved me a lot of money. Before OnDemand I had to find alternate means like Lyft to get places like Pittsford which gets very expensive.

The app can be tricky booking a round trip if I’m not going to the same destination that I left but there’s a support number that you can call in and have the people at RTS book the trip for me. It’s good knowing that service does exist for people who need it.

 

4. Do you own a car?

I don’t own a vehicle. Even thinking about the cost and everything else, RTS is just better for my life.

 

5. What do you like about RTS? What works for you?

The operators are great. They are very kind and helpful.

I also love the Transit app where you can track the buses in real time. That works really great. Then I only have to wait a couple minutes before the bus gets there so I’m not waiting in the cold during the winter. I like paying with the app so you’re not scrambling looking for change.

I’ve traveled to quite a few places and this is the most affordable transportation I’ve ever seen. In NYC it’s more than 3 times the cost.

 

6. What don’t you like about RTS? What doesn’t work for you? What would you change?

Culver is one of the major streets that runs through Rochester. Why isn’t there a direct route up and down Culver? My one hour commute would be cut to 20 minutes if that was the case.

I would love more frequent services. I think it’s kinda tricky because unless you get more people, you can’t really pay for it. But unless you do it you’re not gonna get more people.

Or instead of adding an additional bus per hour, they should try to work out the schedules so that the connections are better. So when I’m transferring from one bus to another I’m not waiting half an hour for the next bus.

 

7. How has riding RTS impacted your life?

How we go grocery shopping and when we do it is based on the scheduling is determined by the transportation that’s available. It also determines where we go out or exercise because if there’s not an accessible route to the gym you have to find somewhere else.

For jobs I’ve had to think, am I going to work there? Is it worth it? Is it going to be worth it at the end of the day paying for a personal vehicle?

I definitely change how I commute in the winter. I don’t necessarily have to go to the RTS Transit Center but in the middle of the winter I’m definitely going to there because I’m not waiting outside in 10 degrees for the next bus.

 

8. What are your thoughts on bus amenities? 

They have varieties of bus shelters. Downtown they have stops with multiple seats and they are enclosed with heating. I would love to see more of that. At least more of the overhead shelters like they have in Brighton. If I’m waiting 20-30 minutes in between buses I would like something to account for the elements. Some type of shelter even if it’s not heated would be helpful.

 

9. What is your hope for the future for public transportation in Rochester?

Public transit has been a good service to me. My hope would be that we develop it to a place where people who want to do so can take public transportation. Especially if it’s economically convenient. I thought it was an opportunity when we had those super high gas prices. I was really hoping we would jump on that. There are people who it was a pain point for them and there are people who would have definitely given public transportation a try if they saw it as a benefit. But even then I don’t think numbers went up because I don’t believe that people saw it as convenient. It’s not just about cost, it’s about what works for their lives. So my hope is that we develop a system where the people who want to, are able to use the public transportation system that we have.

Trudy

 

1. Are you a Rochester native? If not, what brought you to Rochester?

I was born in Geneva, but raised in Canandaigua. I moved to Rochester in 2023 because of the people and the community. I’ve met some wonderful people here.

 

2. Are there any big differences you’ve noticed between Rochester’s and other public transportation infrastructure?

Canandaigua needs help. Their buses stop really early so if you’re out at night you could not get any transportation and living in the country you need transportation.

 

3. Do you use the RTS OnDemand service?

Yes. It’s a good system. One good thing about that is they check up on you. You call, you make the appointment and they call to verify it and then when you’re actually waiting for the bus, they let you know how close it is so you don’t miss it.

I’m grateful that they have it because that’s how I get to Canandaigua. I go to St John Fisher, and from St J Fisher I take an RTS OnDemand bus to Eastview mall. From there I take a bus to the race track. And from the race track I take another bus to Canandaigua.

I just wish we had more of them where we could accommodate more people. I know a lot of people who take them for work. So sometimes you may have to go to work an hour earlier because they can’t schedule you in. They also need more OnDemand buses to help with the people out in the suburbs. I have a lot of trouble getting to my church in West Henrietta.

 

4. How do you pay for RTS? Cash? Transit App? RTS Go Card?

I like the RTS Go Card. You don’t have to worry about fumbling around with money; I download money on my card and that way I can monitor how many rides I have and what I’m doing so I can budget it out for the month. I’m also glad that they have discounts for senior citizens.

I don’t use the Transit app. I’m not very good with doing stuff on the internet and stuff like that. That’s why I always call the RTS Customer Service when I have questions.

 

5. Do you own a car?

I did but I gave it to my daughter who lives in Farmington, NY when she had to walk home 13 miles from work one day. I don’t miss it because Rochester has reliable transportation. I can depend on RTS.

 

6. Did you grow up riding public transportation? Or did you start riding transit as an adult?

Growing up in Canandaigua I always just rode in cars or a taxi. After that I lived in NYC for years so I am used to public transportation. It has been a major part of my adult life. Even though I’ve owned vehicles, I am definitely used to relying on transit.

 

7. What do you like about RTS? What works for you?

Those people on University, bus number 9, are very good on that route. Most RTS routes they are. I can depend on the #9, so once I start working again I know I can get to work on time. I love that you can call and they will tell you when the bus is coming.

Overall, we have some really good bus operators. Most of them are very nice, courteous.

I’m glad that RTS does run really late. I used to work at Rochester Regional, at Unity, and I could get to work at 6-7 am and I could get home at 11-12 at night. RTS has a really good system.

 

8. What don’t you like about RTS? What doesn’t work for you? What would you change?

It’s really tough taking the bus on the weekend. If you miss that one bus, or if the bus is running late, you lose your connection. You’re sitting down for an hour or an hour and a half. Same with holidays.
We need more Customer Service people because sometimes while you’re waiting to find out where your bus is, you miss the bus! I also think they should have somebody working Customer Service at night. They leave about 5-6pm so if you’re there about 8-9pm and you don’t know where you’re going, you have to talk with a supervisor or security guard. Sometimes the security guards don’t know what they’re doing. One time they gave me the wrong gate and I had to sprint to the right spot.
They need more buses out to the suburbs like that one bus going to St John Fisher. I believe that more people in the suburbs would take the bus if it were convenient. Most commute with their cars. Who wants to drive in traffic all the time when you could take the bus?

 

9. What are your thoughts on bus amenities? Does your bus stop have seating? A Shelter? What would make you more comfortable?

We need more shelters. Or at least a bench. I like the shelter in front of the Walmart on Hudson. That’s really nice.
On East Ave they’ve got a couple benches where you can sit down. But I think every stop should have a bench especially for the elderly. And in the winter time. If they have an option where people could donate a bench in honor of a loved one or something that would be great.

 

10.What is your hope for the future for public transportation in Rochester?

As you get more people in the City, you’re going to need more routes or more frequent times. I love the 15 or every 30 minutes, it’s nice, but if we could cut it down that would be good. I think shorter waiting times for the buses, especially in the winter time would be wonderful.

Octavio

 

1. Are you a Rochester native? If not, what brought you to Rochester?

I was born in Mexico City. I came to the US for my job. First I was in Miami then they promoted me to Director and I had to move to the headquarters here in Rochester.

 

2. Are there any big differences you’ve noticed between RTS and other public transportation infrastructure?

Rochester is the smallest city I’ve lived in. Mexico City has buses and a subway. They also have these peseros which are basically like a car or a taxi where they charge you a small fee. In Rochester they only have the bus but they do seem to work here.

 

3. Do you own a car?

Yes I do have a car but right now it’s in the shop.

 

4. What do you like about RTS? What works for you?

RTS is very punctual. If you look at the schedules you can rely on the time table. Sometimes they are earlier which is unusual but I usually try to be there 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time. I don’t remember waiting more than 15 minutes for a bus.

The bus operators are very helpful.

 

5. What don’t you like about RTS? What doesn’t work for you?

There are some places that are not covered by the RTS so I have to take a bus to the closest bus stop and then walk for a mile or more or I’ll just use a different transportation method. There is a new U of R building-I can’t remember the name of it – but there are no buses there so I have to walk all the way through the hospital or just take Uber or Lyft. I would like to be able to take a bus there directly.

In general the buses are clean but in the winter it’s more difficult to maintain. Sometimes you cannot see through the window through the combination of salt and snow.

 

6. What are your thoughts on bus amenities? 

One of the things that I admire is that they have facilities in the bus for people who use a wheelchair. They have the ramps to the buses, they have an assistant to lift up the seats and give space to the people to secure for safety reasons. I like that. They don’t have that in a lot of other cities.

 

7.What is your hope for the future for RTS?

More routes. As we’re becoming a bigger city we will have more traffic issues with all the cars. It should be easier to ride the bus.

Jillo

 

1. Are you a Rochester native? If not, what brought you to Rochester?

I am from South Sudan in Africa. But I’ve been here long enough to where I pretty much am a Rochester native.

 

2. Are there any big differences you’ve noticed between RTS and other public transportation infrastructure?

RTS is much easier because of the schedules. There is a time frame so I know when the bus is coming. Buffalo only has a bus running every hour and it’s difficult to rely on.

 

3. Do you use the RTS OnDemand service?

Yes. I used the RTS OnDemand service when I used to work out of Brockport. Before I knew about the RTS OnDemand app it took me a lot longer to get there so it helped a lot.

One challenge is that it runs until 10 pm but there isn’t anyone working at the RTS customer service past 7 pm. It would be nice to have someone working in that time frame in case they’re running late or if you have a question or something.

I would also love to see them use customer data from the app so they can figure out who is using RTS OnDemand the most and where they are going. Then they can prioritize regular users who depend on it and keep the service running.

 

4. Do you own a car?

Yes I do own a car. Unfortunately I can’t drive it right now that’s why I’m relying heavily on RTS.

 

5. Did you grow up riding public transportation? Or did you start riding transit as an adult?

I grew up riding RTS to get to school in the city. It’s very beneficial because it teaches these young adults how to learn different routes vs a yellow school bus with designated routes.

 

6. What do you like about RTS? What works for you?

They do a great job keeping up with the Transit app and giving you the information in the palm of your hands. Plus if you ever have any questions you can call the operating number or you can keep track of where your bus is at the exact time and the exact moment. I like that.

When you take the same route each day you see the same faces every now and then and just starting conversations with them makes the ride that much better. You’re getting some in person interaction which we all need from time to time. And we’re missing out on it these days. I’ve built some genuine friendships on RTS.

I’ve also been able to network on the bus. I met another male model and I don’t remember how the conversation started but he was able to give me a few pointers. He was excited to run into someone who was in the same field that he was.

 

7. How has riding RTS impacted your life?

It affects my schedule big time. I’m someone who likes to get to work on time. If I were to miss one bus then that would throw my whole schedule off now because now everything is pushed up 15 or 20 minutes longer than when I expected.

 

8. What are your thoughts on bus amenities?

The majority of my bus stops do have seating. I wouldn’t want them to go out of their way to build a shelter unless it’s a more popular spot where a lot of people would need it. I do like those cubes they have so if they can’t build a shelter the cubes are good.

Faye

 

1. Are you a Rochester native? If not, what brought you to Rochester?

Born and raised in Rochester, NY.

 

2. Do you own a car?

I don’t own a car but my significant other does and I have insurance so I do have the ability to use the car as needed. I only usually do that when I’m going places that RTS does not go.

When I stay in the city it’s a lot easier without a car. When you’re going out towards the suburbs that’s where things get more difficult. If my significant other needs to work but I need to go to a doctor’s appointment (because I have a lot of appointments due to my heart condition), I’ll bus over to his job which up til now has been in the city. I’ll take the car, do what I need to do then I’ll pick him up later. That will be much harder now because his new job is going to be in Henrietta.

 

3. Did you grow up riding public transportation? Or did you start riding transit as an adult?

I grew up using RTS buses in high school at Rochester City Schools. I started using actual RTS transit when I was 16. I had a car in college but have relied on RTS for the last 5 years.

 

4. What do you like about RTS? What works for you?

I like that you meet a lot of people that you see all the time. When you’re waiting for the bus or at the transit center or you’re riding the bus with them. Some of them know me by name. They’ll say “Hey! You’re crocheting! What are you making this time?!” so there is some sense of community there.

 

5. What don’t you like about RTS? What doesn’t work for you? What would you change?

The 13 just utilizes a standard bus when there’s way too many people for a standard bus it really should be a double bus.

I think a lot of buses need to be turned into double buses. Because there’s a lot of crowding on certain lines like the South Ave bus. I know that the Marketplace bus tends to be a double bus. That’s a good one. People think if you’re going to a really popular space, like the mall, tons of people are gonna go and you’ll need a bigger bus. But those smaller places, even the 3 that I take on Clinton Avenue, get crowded too. Everyone in that area is using public transportation. It’s not just like peak times, it’s all day.

The Transit app is great but when they make changes to the route they should put a notification on the app. They’ll post in the RTS Transit Center or at bus stops but those are things that people can take down and not everybody goes to the transit center. I was having issues with the Park Ave bus because there was a huge delay and rerouting from construction. It would come through then turn from Goodman at East Ave and then onto Park Ave. But it wouldn’t do that on the return ride and there wasn’t any signage indicating that it wasn’t picking people up on Park. People were missing the bus and it’s a 5-10 minute walk to get to the other stop depending on one’s physical ability to get there.

They only have one primary line that goes to Henrietta. They used to have more stops but they got rid of them. Henrietta’s not as bus accessible as I think it should be given how many businesses are out there.

Or if I have a doctor’s appointment in Greece or need to go to Unity Hospital it’s hard. There’s a line out there but if it’s one of those random buildings to the side it would take you like 45 minutes to walk there.

 

6. How does relying on RTS impact your life?

I don’t mind walking but I have a heart condition which makes it difficult. I seem perfectly able bodied but there are days when I can’t do as much as I could other days. Having bus access to get places in 2 minutes that would otherwise be a 20 minute walk is important for me. Because I don’t like being dependent on other people. RTS is an important tool for people who don’t have access to personal private vehicles.

 

7. What are your thoughts on bus amenities? 

I would like to see more shelters every few bus stops along each route. Also lights. I would prefer to have a light source when I’m waiting for a bus at my job that starts at 6AM.

More places to sit at the bus stops would be good and also in the RTS Transit Center. Because they have benches but they don’t have benches for every single terminal. So you find people standing everywhere. Especially when it’s busy. You know the seats that fold up on the bus? They should put some of those in the transit center so people can access them if they need.

 

8. What is your hope for the future for public transportation in Rochester?

If corrections and improvements were made it would be such a great resource for everybody. The stigma would die down. Reaching out to the people who don’t utilize it and finding out why would be a good place to start. Everyone has preconceived ideas of public transportation; that it’s for poor people or it’s not safe. My hope is that it becomes accessible for the rich, for the poor, for the young, the old, the disabled; for everybody.

Denise

 

1. Are you a Rochester native? If not, what brought you to Rochester?

I am not from Rocheser. I moved here eight years ago from the suburbs for the very reason of transportation. Down in the Southern Tier, our bus would run from 6 am to 5 pm which is not adequate when you do not drive and you have to get to grocery stores or other errands. So one of the biggest factors for me to have independence was to move to a bigger city where I had better transportation services.

 

2. Do you use the RTS OnDemand service?

I have never used the RTS OnDemand services – I find it confusing. And most of the time when I need to get anywhere, it’s been on the main bus routes.

 

3. How do you pay for RTS? Cash? Transit App? Go Card?

The Transit app. I love it. It makes life so much easier. It actually shows you right where the bus is so you can plan and know when to leave your house. And you can see how many people are riding now. I love that they are asking for surveys on the app.

 

The only downside I see is that you cannot pay for more than one person through the app at one time. It would be great to have it prompt you to choose if you’re riding with two adults or if you’re riding as an adult with a child. It does have the ability to select if you’re a senior or have a disability. That’s great.

 

4. Do you own a car?

I’ve always used public transportation. At 46 years old I’ve never had a driver’s license and never wanted one. Plus I’ve not been privileged to have enough funds to get a driver’s license or a vehicle. I’ve always depended on bus transportation to get around – for appointments, for fun, shopping, and getting laundry done. It’s very important to have those services.

 

5. What do you like about RTS? What works for you?

The buses are unlimited for $3 a day. That’s huge. You cannot fill your gas tank for $3 a day. For $60 a month you can’t even pay for your insurance on your vehicle for that price or the maintenance but you can get a monthly pass for less than that. I would encourage people to look into riding the buses. Especially during events like the Lilac Festival. Bus 41 goes right to the lilac festival. Why take a car? Now you’re worrying about where you’re going to put it. They go right downtown for the Jazz Festival for Fringe. I would encourage people to look into the option.

I love that they are willing to adapt and make improvements with their schedules. Believe it or not the 41 wasn’t designed to go to Brighton. We used to have to take three buses just to get out to MCC’s Brighton campus but now there is a direct line. Which is huge.

The same thing with Walmart because of the 41 we can go directly to Walmart or Aldi. It really opened a lot of doors.

I don’t have kids but I do have nieces and nephews and when they visit I can take them to the Strong Museum of Play or the Science museum. They love to ride the accordion bus and we get to go out to the movies. It’s great.

 

6. What you like to see changed?

Trying to get to the Public Market on a Saturday is a problem for me. It’s a jewel of the City and more routes should allow us to get there. I have to go from 41 to Bay St, and Bay St all the way up. If you’re two minutes past, the bus is already gone and you’re waiting another hour.

 

7. What are your thoughts on bus amenities? 

My biggest thing is when you’re transferring, not all the bus stops have adequate spaces for seating. I have neuropathy in my feet, so standing for long periods of time is really hard. ADA compliance is needed in our city as far as bus stops go. We also don’t have enough lighting.

 

8. What is your hope for the future for RTS?

During the weekdays you can catch a bus in 20 minutes, a half an hour at most, but on Saturdays and Sundays you’re waiting an hour which is hard. I think we need to do a little better on weekends and holidays. I get that no one wants to work those days but it’s so important.

Reconnect Rochester would like to thank all of the RTS riders for the time and effort they’ve dedicated to our community, and for taking the time to answer our questions. We are proud to elevate these voices and ask for the funding RTS needs to expand service.

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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
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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…

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Announcing the Locations for our new Downtown SmART Streets Project

Announcing the Locations for our new Downtown SmART Streets Project

In November 2024, Reconnect Rochester organized a street walk through downtown Rochester with our Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to select locations for the inaugural year of our Downtown SmART Streets program. There were eight possible locations scheduled which met the criteria of high pedestrian volume, safety concerns, and proximity to busy areas.

From these eight locations, our CAC team looked for the two spots that were good candidates for design improvement potential via curb extension murals. The curb extensions are meant to slow down vehicle turns and shorten crosswalks, ensuring pedestrians spend less time in the road—making every step across the street safer. The murals, inspired by Washington DC’s Arts in the Right of Way program, add a splash of creativity while drawing further focus to pedestrian zones.

Without Further Ado, Our Selections!

East Main Street and Gibbs Street
West Broad Street and Fitzhugh Street

Why East Main & Gibbs?

Due to its immediate proximity to the Eastman School of Music with all its associated student housing, as well as its adjacency to Rochester’s East End neighborhood, not to mention the half mile walk to the RTS Transit Center or Jazz & Fringe festivals, East Main & Gibbs St would certainly qualify as a pedestrian heavy zone. Car speeds and the width of the road itself show strong potential for design improvement for the numerous daily pedestrians. Plus this intersection is no stranger to on-street art installations.

Why West Broad & Fitzhugh?

Just down the road from Blue Cross Arena, the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, the Genesee River, and local government buildings, West Broad and Fitzhugh is a vibrant area of downtown Rochester with heavy pedestrian traffic which would benefit strongly from safer pedestrian infrastructure. This is a large intersection with ample asphalt, offering an opportunity to optimize space for all road users.

Next Steps…

The design team at GPI is creating renderings for E. Main & Gibbs and W. Broad & Fitzhugh featuring curb extensions. Once the plans are ready, Rochester’s Traffic Control Board will conduct a site review to determine if these proposals get the green light.

We’re now accepting local artist submissions in response to our RFQ to design vibrant murals that will breathe life into the curb extensions. Partnering with local artist Shawn Dunwoody, we’ll select mural design concepts and plan for their seamless implementation. After final approvals from both the CAC and the Traffic Control Board, we’ll gather data on vehicle speeds and pedestrian activity to measure the real impact of these changes.

This temporary on-street project will debut this summer. Keep an eye out for updates!

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Co-Leading Reconnect Rochester’s Future

Strong leadership is an essential ingredient to any organization’s success. Today, Reconnect Rochester’s Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of Mary Staropoli and Cody Donahue as the organization’s Co-Executive Directors. This shift to a shared leadership model marks a strategic move toward a bright future for Reconnect Rochester as we continue to champion safer, more equitable transportation solutions across Monroe County.

About Mary & Cody

Mary joined Reconnect Rochester as our first employee in 2016, serving first as Director of Planning & Development and as Executive Director for the past three (or so) years. She has overseen tremendous organizational growth, and an exciting shift from an all-volunteer effort to a staff-driven organization with seven (7) fabulous team members who handle a vast array of programming and advocacy work. 

Mary brought to Reconnect Rochester 20+ years of experience working, volunteering and providing independent consulting services to a wide range of local non-profits and community groups. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College in Human Resources & Organizational Development, and a Master of Public Administration from SUNY Brockport.

Cody has served for the past 18 months as Director of Policy & Advocacy at Reconnect Rochester. During that time, he has driven the mission forward by working with the grasstops and the grassroots throughout Monroe County to build coalitions, partnerships and authentic community engagement, and significantly expanding our statewide advocacy profile. 

Prior to Reconnect Rochester, much of Cody’s professional career was spent at UNICEF and other international NGOs before landing in Rochester where he worked for Planned Parenthood of Central & Western NY. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Oregon State University, and a Master of Arts in Sustainable Development from SIT Graduate Institute.

Why Co-Leadership?

Shared leadership models are trending in the non-profit sector, and that’s because the benefits are numerous at both the organizational and personal levels. Here are some reasons cited in our research and by the folks we talked to with co-leadership experience:

Organizational Benefits:

  • Sustainability, succession planning, continuity of the organization with two people working closely together and sharing strategic decision making
  • Covering the various functions results in more “rational, do-able job”
  • Complementary skills allow different focuses, higher skill level and leadership capacity in more areas
  • Two individuals can be “thought partners” for strategic thinking and everyday decisions, and building organizational culture
  • Coverage when someone is on leave or needs to focus on a project (balls won’t drop)
  • Nimble/respond quickly to opportunities with ability to “pass the ball back and forth”

Personal Benefits:

  • Allows for better work-life balance, lower burnout, ability to take time off
  • Burden of responsibility shared, psychological weight less when it’s “we”
  • Having a confidante to talk through everyday decisions = less feeling “alone at the top”

What Makes It Work?

Rather than rushing headlong into it, we did our research and due diligence to understand the concept of co-leadership. We spent several months meeting and learning from folks who had been in co-leadership roles to understand the benefits, cautions/pitfalls, and we especially wanted to know – what makes it work? Here are some insights we heard:

  • Shared values & perspective, approach to the organization and the work
  • Complementary skill sets & experiences to bring
  • Low ego personalities, competition/power leanings
  • Both competent (so one is not over-functioning)
  • Mutual respect and appreciation, easeful working relationship
  • Both committed/able to have frequent, candid, direct communication

As we  measured ourselves against these characteristics, Mary and Cody found that every box could be checked!

Who’s Handling What?

Something else we learned from exploratory interviews is that a clear delineation of roles and responsibilities is important to offer clarity for both internal staff and external stakeholders.

Mary’s expertise lies in organizational and administrative functions, so she will maintain a more internal focus in the areas of fundraising & development, marketing & communications, human resources, financial management, office administration, and organizational development & planning. She will also continue to lead program development, and oversee Reconnect Rochester’s on-street projects like the Complete Streets Makeover.

Cody’s expertise lies in policy and advocacy work, and his focus will remain on driving the content of our work, and representing us externally in the media and out in the community. Advocacy areas under Cody’s purview are policy & legislative expertise, data & resources, grassroots organizing, and grasstops relationship management. He will pick up oversight of our bike education & programming.

Shared leadership responsibilities will include organizational culture & team building, diversity & inclusion work, strategic planning, staff supervision, and managing “big relationships”.

What’s Next?

We get on with the work! We have built an amazing staff team, and there is so much to do to keep championing mobility and transportation in Monroe County. We’re excited to tackle it from a position of even greater organizational strength!

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Statewide Advocacy Ramps Up

Reconnect Rochester is back in Albany for a new legislative session!

On Jan 28th, we joined the New Yorkers for Safe Streets Coalition, a group of 150 organizations and dignitaries from across the State to advocate for four priority bills.

Reconnect Rochester has taken the lead on Complete Streets Maintenance, a bill that would require NYSDOT to consider complete streets design features on all types of road projects or when they receive both state and federal funding. Complete streets design features on all road projects would allow the necessary design interventions needed to enable safe access for all road users including pedestrians, people using mobility aids, cyclists, and public transit users.

Thank you to the bill sponsors Senator Sean Ryan and Assembly member Jonathan Rivera for meeting with us!

Simply put, state roads are the main streets of many of our towns and villages in Monroe County, and NYSDOT isn’t currently required to consider complete streets on their most common and most frequent types of projects. Even when towns want to improve safety, the state often doesn’t remove barriers to doing so. With NYS not currently meeting its climate law mandates for transportation, this is a cost-effective way to expand safe walking and biking infrastructure through existing maintenance routines. 

With minimal additional investment, design elements can be considered in projects that will take place in a matter of years not decades. This is how most major cities currently expand active transportation infrastructure.

NYSDOT is in the midst of updating a wildly out-of-date walk/bike strategic plan (2005 was the last update!). That plan will set the goals, but our bill is the way they can implement it. We understand it may require some process changes within NYSDOT to plan for AT infrastructure on each project and we would urge NYSDOT to show leadership on making it a best practice in the country rather than shying away from these urgently needed changes. 

On Transit Equity Day, we called on lawmakers to let us Get Around New York!

The uncertainties around transit funding, federal aid in doubt, wasteful highway spending, and our state DOT’s position at #49 for cost effectiveness did not dampen the enthusiasm of our New Yorkers for Transportation Equity coalition as we celebrated Transit Equity Day on Feb. 4th in Albany! On the 112th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ birth, we urged state lawmakers to embrace transformational policy change leading to more concrete bus, rail, trail, sidewalk, safety and connectivity improvements within and among New York’s rural, suburban and urban communities. On Friday, February, 21st we sent a formal letter to Governor Hochul’s office pushing her to fully fund public transit in New York State.

Thanks so much to Senator Brouk and Assembly Member Bronson’s teams for meeting with us on February 4th to discuss transit equity issues.

The new federal administration has already attacked funding for transit riders, seniors, immigrants, refugees, low-income and disabled New Yorkers. New York State must dramatically alter how federal funding is spent so as not to waste taxpayer dollars. Highway expansions are ineffective. Highways do not solve long-term traffic problems, they entrench archaic land-use, and they create worse traffic and transportation outcomes long-term.

We urge the State to fix roads and bridges first, reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) 20% by 2050, and invest taxpayer dollars in mass public transit, walkability, and density. 

Thank you to Senator Jeremy Cooney, Chair of the NYS Senate Transportation Committee who said, “Following the legacy of civil rights heroes like Rosa Parks, Transit Equity Day is a time to reflect on the ways public transportation fueled the progress of yesterday, while also working towards a better tomorrow. In this year’s budget I’ll be advocating for more sustainable and reliable initiatives to get New Yorkers from Point A to Point B, pushing for more funding for public transit systems, and continuing to use transportation as a means to combat poverty.”

There are proven strategies that New York can implement this year. Our state can fulfill the goals of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and include the Get Around NY Act (S4044/A4230) in the One-House Budget this year.

Public Transportation Investments

As in past years, Reconnect Rochester met with RTS and the New York Public Transit Association’s lobby team and we support their state budget recommendations, highlighting the particular need for upstate state operating assistance to increase 15% per year. Why is this important? State funding is the largest proportion of the RTS operating budget and increases are needed to make routes run more frequently.

Senator Cooney and Assembly Member Bronson have also been highlighting the connection between transit, economic development and job access. Senator Cooney’s January op-ed appeared in statewide publications calling on the state to establish a Workforce Equity Fund of $5 million to connect workers to job opportunities and combat poverty across the state. We’d add that we should incentivize economic development projects in transit-supportive corridors (See the Sprawl Effect for more on land use). 

Supporting Local Coalitions

In addition to Reconnect Rochester’s state priorities, we’re actively participating in supporting other state coalitions:

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. 

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Welcoming Our New Board Members!

We are thrilled to welcome three incredible new members to the Reconnect Rochester board! Each brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to advancing multimodal transportation choices in Rochester. Their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to making a meaningful impact in our community will strengthen our efforts and broaden our reach. Join us in celebrating and getting to know Katie, Josie, and Steve!

Katie Austin

I have long admired Reconnect Rochester’s work to make our community stronger and more equitable, and am so excited for the opportunity to support Reconnect as a board member.

I grew up riding the New York City subway and walking around Brooklyn in all weather. One of my first experiences of the power of local government to change things for the better was when the city installed traffic lights at a dicey intersection on my route to school. One of my early jobs was also transit-related: the summer before college, I interned with Transportation Alternatives, helping survey parents and other caregivers about street and sidewalk conditions for a “Stroller Report Card.”

When I first moved to Rochester, I enjoyed a daily bus commute. With two kids and a tighter schedule, I am now much more reliant on driving. We have one car, but luckily for me my husband is a runner and is generally content to motor around the city by foot.

In my professional life, I am a criminal defense attorney. Since law school, I have also worked as an immigration attorney, as a civil litigator at a big law firm, and as a law clerk for two federal appeals court judges.

Josie McClary

My name is Josie McClary. I was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Rochester in 1989. Along with my four children and 3 grandchildren we call Rochester home. Growing up in NYC with both my parents we walked and took public transportation everywhere as my parent did not drive. As you can imagine that took a lot of planning ahead to ensure you made it to appointments, events and functions on time.

I have been employed by Monroe County for 29 years and currently work for Monroe County Executive Adam Bello as his Chief Community Engagement Officer. Prior to that I was Adam’s Executive Administrative Assistant.

My passion for community engagement and organizing goes back to my childhood days in Brooklyn where I watched my parents get involved in our community affairs and well-being. Both of my parents were civil servants working for the school system in NYC. They would organize block parties, neighborhood meetings and church events. They understood knowledge and education of the systems, laws, practices and procedures that would mold our lives was very important.

When I was President of the 19th Ward Community Association I was introduced to Reconnect Rochester and their work. I respectfully love the advocacy and community engagement work that they do. Whether it’s a street makeover, showing a film, or hosting a bike event, Reconnect Rochester is a champion in creating better mobility for the City of Rochester and Monroe County.

When my grandson best friend Ryan Gratham Jr. was hit and killed on Thurston Road, June of 2023 once again I was able to see the support Reconnect Rochester gave a grieving community. Farasa Brown and I along with community petitioned to get some traffic safety measures in place at the accident site. Today we have a crosswalk and Rapid Beacon Lights. Still there is much work to do in the area of pedestrian traffic safety.

Steve Roll

For most of my adult life, I only got around by car. I didn’t own a bike and never rode the bus. I grew up with epilepsy, and in 2019, I had a seizure again. This meant I wasn’t allowed to drive for about a year. During that time, I realized firsthand the challenges of living in Rochester without a car. This experience is why I became an active advocate for multimodal transportation with Reconnect Rochester.

Living in Rochester, I rely on bicycling, public transit, and walking to get around and that has given me valuable insights into both the possibilities and current limitations of Rochester’s transportation infrastructure. As a non-driver, I think I bring a unique perspective to discussions about how safe, reliable, and accessible transportation options are important for the 1/4 of Rochester households who don’t have access to a car.

Beyond my transportation advocacy, I’m an actuary and co-owner of Rising Fellow, an actuarial exam prep business, and an active member of Roc City Rotary. I grew up in the Rochester area and moved back here after living eight years in New Hampshire and Colorado because Rochester is a great place to live, and I want to be part of it.

I’m excited about joining the Reconnect Rochester board. I believe my combination of lived experience and professional skills will help advance Reconnect’s mission of making Rochester a more walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly city for ALL its residents.

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Car Lite Rochester: My Walking Life

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.

Car Lite Rochester: My Walking Life

By Karen Nozik:

I leave for work around 7:30 each morning. In winter, that’s when the sun clears the horizon, slicing through the trees and spotlighting treasures like my neighbor’s PEACE sign—a gem I would surely have missed if not for its timely glow as I walked by. Stunningly beautiful!

Today’s scene was no less inspiring. The sky displayed every shade of pink and orange against freshly fallen snow. These are the moments that make life worth living! Had I not been outside walking I most certainly would have missed it.

When I think of my walkable life, the gratitude I feel cannot be contained. While reflecting on why I often choose walking over driving, I realized it’s because walking outdoors is the only time I truly feel free. When I am out walking it is my time—precious stretches between hither and yon where no one can find me. I go at my own pace, look at things that catch my eye, see things about my city that can never be seen from inside a car. It’s a time when I truly live—focusing not on what I have to do, but on what I want to (traffic being the only exception, of course!).

Art Everywhere

Once you break free from the shackles of traffic—with its constant demands and occasional mean-spiritedness—you’ll be amazed to discover art all around you. It’s in the gargoyles perched on buildings, staring down from above, and in the vibrant murals bursting with color on their walls. It’s in the historical markers scattered through parks, offering fresh context and appreciation for the struggles of those who came before us, the vision of past civic leaders, and the progress we’ve made in transforming neighborhoods into more livable spaces. You’ll find it in splendid gardens, cascading fountains, and the intricate beauty of stained-glass windows.

Add Time to Your Day

A lot of people wonder how I can be so prompt if I always arrive on foot. They mistakenly believe that driving is always faster than walking. But I am almost never late. I pride myself on arriving on-time, mindful not to “steal other people’s time.”

The truth is— “trip-chaining” errands– the practice of linking multiple walking trips together in a single outing and combining several tasks into one journey is the most efficient way to travel! It minimizes travel time and distance and reduces repeated car starts and stops. Consider that I never have to waste time looking for parking. Or wait for traffic lights to change. I just keep moving by crossing the street in the other direction to get across and continue on my way. If you feel like you don’t have enough time in your day, try walking where you need to go. I promise it will feel like you are gaining time back from everything that has been conspiring to rob it!

Who Needs a Gym? (Or Pharmaceuticals?)

And forget excuses about not having time to work out. Or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Walking is an antidote to the winter blues. As a bonus, while enjoying surroundings and avoiding road rage, I can also hit my 10,000 steps, listen to music (and even dance along), stay up-to-date on podcasts, reduce stress, breathe fresh air, and reflect on the day’s events. Nothing like a walk through the park to blow off steam, get your Vitamin D on, and forget about work.

Speaking of work, some of the best work meetings happen on a walk. The open air makes it easier to deliver bad news or tackle tough problems head-on. There’s something about walking and talking that sparks creativity, eases tension and builds camaraderie.

It’s All about the Gear (and Planning Ahead!)

Arriving at work after a cold Monday morning walk. Wearing black from head to toe without reflectors isn’t the best idea, but against a snowstorm?! (Take that logic with a grain of salt!)

Of course, walking everywhere sometimes requires a little planning ahead—what shoes will you need once you get there?  (What shoes will you need to walk there?)  It’s all about the right gear to weather the weather and get you where you’re going. The common phrase “use the right tool for the job” fits. I call my closet the convertible wardrobe, because every piece of clothing should do double-time in my walkable life.  Those walking tights pair nicely with my work dress and boots!  

Still, how will you get groceries home? Is it raining? These are trivial obstacles to a walking life, and nothing that a lightweight trusty backpack, sturdy boots, an umbrella, and a warm hat cannot solve.  (My Jan sport is still going strong after 40 years. I wouldn’t call it fashion, but it’s black and fits in anywhere—business meetings, theatrical performances, the public market).  For a middle-aged woman fighting osteoporosis, carrying weight on my back helps keep bones strong and is just what the doctor ordered.   

Get to know your Trees, and your Neighbors

In short, there are dozens of reasons why walking is preferable over driving. Walking offers so much more than just a way to get from point A to point B —it’s a lifestyle choice that enriches every part of my day. It helps to assuage highway anxiety, allows chance meetings with neighbors and friends, and connects me with my community. It supports local businesses, keeps me active and healthy, and allows for notice and appreciation of the art and nature around me. Trees look different 365 days a year, and just by watching them while walking we can learn things. Walking gives back time for simple pleasures while saving money and sparing my car wear and tear. Most importantly, it brings a sense of peace and serenity that driving simply can’t match. That’s why, whenever I can, I choose to walk.  And you can, too.

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 Steve Roll, 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. 

Rochester Complete Streets Makeover 2019
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Announcing the Winners of the 2024-25 Complete Streets Makeover

(Drumroll please…)

Announcing the Winners of the 2024-2025 Complete Streets Makeover

In August, we asked you to help identify the intersections and trouble-spots in your daily travels where you don’t feel comfortable walking or biking, and that could be designed to be safer for everyone.

A big shout out to all those who took the time to submit a nomination! We received a total of 64 nominations for 39 locations in Monroe County.

Click here to view the nomination locations in Google Maps

Met with such esteemed and thought-provoking submissions, the Steering Committee employed the utmost levels of consideration to determine the winners for this year! After establishing criteria for both the Complete Streets Makeover Winner and the Design Rendering Winner, we reviewed each and every submission with painstaking care.

Without Further Ado, Our Winners!

  • COMPLETE STREETS MAKEOVER WINNER: Avenue D & Hollenbeck St in the El Camino neighborhood
  • DESIGN RENDERING WINNER: Webster Ave and Bay St in the Beechwood neighborhood

Why Avenue D & Hollenbeck?

  • Street redesign potential
  • High degree of safety concerns showing need for intervention
  • Strong community support from impassioned residents and community organizations to combat the area’s historical marginalization

We will collaborate with organizations such as the Ave D R-Center, the Northeast Neighborhood Service Center, and Ibero-American Action League to help us capture the spirit of El Camino and transform this intersection in the spring of 2025!

Next Steps…

We’ll hold a Community Workshop in February to gain insight from the residents of the El Camino neighborhood about the enhancements they would like in the intersection. No one understands what it’s like to use our streets better than those who walk, bike, roll, and ride along them everyday.

Our friends in the complete streets design team at Stantec will use community input from the workshop to create conceptual design enhancements of an improved streetscape. We’ll then see these concepts transform into reality through a temporary on-street installation in May. This transformation is only possible through the input and support of neighborhood residents coming out to help with the installation. Keep a look out for updates along the way!

Let’s not forget about our Design Rendering Winner (Webster Ave & Bay St)!

The design team at Stantec will create a conceptual drawing of street design improvements that will be given to the communities surrounding Webster & Bay. The neighborhoods can use these illustrations as a launch pad for community discussion, and a tool to help advocate for changes that would make these streets safer for everyone.

Do you have an intersection where you don’t feel safe? Although our Complete Streets Makeover nominations are closed for the year, you can always fill out the Traffic Safety Concern form from Monroe County to ask for special attention for trouble spots in your daily travels!

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Top 10 Things We’re Most Proud of in 2024

2024 was another non-stop busy year at Reconnect Rochester as we worked on many fronts, both on stage and behind the scenes, to champion better mobility in Monroe County. Check out below the Top 10 things we’re most proud of accomplishing this year. 

We do not do this work alone, and give thanks to all the people and partners who took part in these efforts by bringing your energy and gifts to this work — whether coming out for a community bike ride or rally, showing up to public meeting, partnering with us on a project, or sharing the good word on social media. All of it counts in this mobility movement we’re building together!

Financial support is another way to be part of the movement. We hope you’ll consider making a donation to Reconnect Rochester so we can keep up the good work! 

Top 10 Things We’re Most Proud of in 2024

(In no particular order of importance)

#1

Building Bike Community

Through bike classes, tours, community rides and pit stops, we work to build bike community and educate and inspire more folks to get on bikes, always innovating and finding new ways to reach people. In 2024, we hosted our first mass bike rally at the Ride for the Spine, where over 150 cyclists rode from Genesee Valley Park to meet up with our top public officials on the steps of City Hall. Rochester Bike Week in May keeps getting bigger and better every year and we got great visibility and news coverage to show off our incredible bike community! We also hosted a community conversation about how to start a “bike bus” to school, piloted an after school bike club at RCSD School # 12, and kept churning out great social media and blog content in our #ROCbyBike and Surprisingly Easy by Bike series.

There are so many accomplishments we now have a TOP 10 CYCLING HIGHLIGHTS list our rock star cycling manager, Jesse Peers, put together if you want to check that out!

#2

Securing Funding for Intercity Bus Terminal

Our biggest win of the year came in April with news of $18 million in the NYS budget to fund the Intermodal Station Phase II bus terminal expansion, which means that people traveling to and from our region by bus will at last be provided what they deserve – a comfortable and respectable place to wait. Reconnect Rochester played a pivotal role working for several years behind the scenes to rally support. If you’re one of the 500+ concerned citizens who signed our petition during the final push, thank you for proving that citizen action works!  A big shout out to State Senator Jeremy Cooney for championing this project and the entire NYS Delegation for bringing this funding home to our community.

#3

Adopting ROC Vision Zero

In June, Mayor Evans stepped up to declare a Vision Zero commitment, with the goal of bringing the number of traffic fatalities and severe injuries down to zero, making the City of Rochester became the first city outside of NYC to adopt a Vision Zero commitment. This wouldn’t have been possible without Reconnect Rochester’s persistent advocacy and City Councilmember Mitch Gruber also championing the idea! ROC Vision Zero is a comprehensive set of solutions that includes street design, community outreach and education, policy changes, and driver accountability measures. As we gathered with the families of crash victims on the World Day of Remembrance in November, we were reminded how critical this work is to reducing harm and saving lives.

#4

Expanding Advocacy Efforts in Monroe County

Thanks to our awesome advocacy team, we’ve wildly expanded our efforts in the towns and suburbs of Monroe County this year. Forming a new walk-bike advocate group that now meets quarterly, joining community partners to organize a walk audit on Calkins Road in Henrietta, and laying the groundwork for an advocacy push for improvements on Empire Boulevard, are just a few examples of how we are making inroads (pardon the pun).

#5

Amping Up Statewide Advocacy

In 2024, our advocacy team, led by Cody Donahue, grew our network of statewide partners and we’re doing more than ever to advocate for statewide legislation and budget investments that will support public transit and safer streets. We traveled to Albany in January to share our transportation priorities with lawmakers, and again in May with the Safe Streets Coalition. We’re participating in even more coalition groups, partnering with like-minded folks in coalition groups like New Yorkers for Transportation Equity. With lots of NYS offices on the ballot, our candidate questionnaire informed the electorate about their views on matters of mobility. We have an incredible State Delegation full of champions for mobility, and this year, we celebrated the appointment of Senator Jeremy Cooney as Chair of the NYS Senate Transportation Committee!

#6

Engaging the Community

One of our favorite things is to host quarterly Engagement Breakfasts, open to anyone interested in learning more about our work and plugging in. Every gathering brings a new mix of people, and fruitful connections and conversations. In addition to inviting people in, we are going to where people are, talking up mobility at marches, community meetings and events around the community. The list of subscribers to our Mobility Action Alerts that provide real-time opportunities to take action, has grown to over 300 folks from all over Monroe County who’ve signed up to be part of the mobility movement!

#7

Celebrating Safe Streets Investments

We had lots of thrills this year celebrating major investments that will be made in the coming years to improve safety for people walking and biking in Monroe County. In the first round of Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant funding, the City of Rochester and Genesee Transportation Council were awarded a combined total of $4.9 million for plans to improve sidewalks, bus stops, bike facilities and trails. Later in the year, Senator Schumer announced another $23M investment will be coming to Rochester to implement protective bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Rochester is also receiving $2.5 million in CMAQ funds for traffic calming elements on 15 more miles of designated Bicycle Boulevard routes. We can feel good that our letters of support and vocal advocacy played a part in these wins for better mobility!

#8

Sparking Land Use Conversation

This year, we put a spotlight on smart land use policies as a key ingredient to creating transit rich communities. Over 180 people joined us for The Sprawl Effect edition of Rochester Street Films where we explored the costs and consequences of our auto-centric land use policies, and how we can grow our communities smarter to deliver access, vitality and upward mobility. The focus on this topic came from discussions around the Transportation Impact Collective table. The TIC is a 20-member group that exists to unite local efforts around equitable, systemic solutions to address our region’s transportation challenges, and Reconnect Rochester provides “backbone” support to the group.  

#9

Engaging Local Media

Building on our Open Letter to the Rochester Media blog post last year, this year we invited members of the media to have a deeper conversation about responsible coverage of crash reporting. Our engagement effort has been bearing fruit all year as we’ve seen more informed coverage of crashes, more stories covering mobility topics, increased outreach to Reconnect as a source of expertise and information, and increased interest in covering matters of transportation that affect everyday people. 

#10

Building an All Star Staff Team

In 2024, we bid sad farewells to a few key staff members that moved on to new challenges, but happily welcomed some fantastic new additions to our staff team, including Lourdes Sharp in the newly created role of Project Manager. Human power means more impact, and we are loving all the new and expanded ways we’ve been able to fulfill our promise to pursue hopes and dreams for mobility in Monroe County.

Reconnect Rochester’s organizational growth has been made possible in great part by the continued support of Dr. Scott MacRae, a generous grant from the ESL Charitable Foundation’s Building Strong Neighborhoods initiative, and a growing base of supporting members — folks like you who share ownership for the mission and express that with your dollars. If you like what we do, we hope you will consider making a one-time or monthly donation to join us as a Reconnect member!

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Rethinking Empire Boulevard: A Multimodal Future

On December 15th, 2018, Jean Dietch, age 95 at the time, was meeting good friends for dinner at Mario’s on a typical Sunday afternoon. Her younger son started to make a left turn off Empire into the restaurant. He didn’t see a driver coming down the hill from the east, t-boning the car and killing Jean immediately. Neither of the drivers were harmed.

After a News 8 Investigation found over 800 crashes on Empire Blvd in a five year period, Jean’s other son who lives in the Water’s Edge apartments, Howard Dietch, reached out to News 8 to share his story of turning his mother’s tragedy into action. Howard has spent the last six years advocating for New York State DOT to do something to make Empire Blvd safer, enlisting support from local officials and the County Legislator from Penfield. As of 2024, no changes have been implemented to make Empire Blvd safer, and Howard is hoping that advocates calling for multimodal safety improvements can step in and boost his message.

In 2023, Empire Boulevard was the run-away winner of Reconnect Rochester’s annual “Mind the Gap” campaign. We reached out to Howard who was happy to have community support for his safety efforts. The nomination text read:

Now, after years of Howard’s advocacy, Reconnect Rochester’s campaign, and significant news coverage, NYSDOT has announced that it raised $5 million for engineering work to enhance safety on Empire Boulevard. Now is the time for advocates to build support for a safer and multimodal Empire Boulevard with local residents and town and state officials.

We’re happy to provide an inspirational design rendering of the 2.4 mile stretch of Empire Boulevard to advocates for their advocacy. Click here to access the PDF. As we’ll explain below, there are low-cost changes that can be made that will not only make the space more welcoming to active transportation users, but also help mitigate the risk of more lives being lost on the road.

NYSDOT is increasingly showing openness to these changes, as stated in 13 WHAM’s coverage of safety concerns on Empire:

“Safety is always the priority for the New York State Department of Transportation, and the agency is in the early stages of design for a project to enhance safety along Empire Boulevard in Penfield, Monroe County, which is scheduled to begin in late 2025. DOT looks forward to engaging with our local partners and stakeholders to discuss concerns and areas for potential enhancements prior to the implementation of this project.”

Empire Blvd and the area it serves have a lot of unique features. As NY State Route 404, it spans the Towns of Irondequoit, Penfield and Webster and it hugs the southern end of Irondequoit Bay. Its beautiful setting has attracted new apartment buildings, restaurants and breweries as well as investments to enhance access to Irondequoit Bay via LaSalle’s Landing Park. 

On the other hand, Empire Blvd is not at all unique in its speed and unfriendliness to people outside of fast-moving vehicles. It is typical of state routes where commercial and residential development has progressively been added over many years. What used to be a road whose singular purpose was to connect towns, is now a residential hub, with over 600 new housing units added over the last 10 years.

The latest, Bayview Landing, will add 60 units next to the K2 Brothers Brewing Company, just west of where Jean Dietch was killed. And yet the road design remains configured primarily to move cars and trucks through as quickly and efficiently as possible (it is the designated truck route for the area).

For people walking or biking, getting around Irondequoit Bay is a pain. The Irondequoit Bay Outlet Bridge operates mostly outside of bike season (we’d like to see that run all year around too). While cars have the option of traversing Irondequoit Bay over 104, bikes are limited to Empire or Browncroft Blvd. Browncroft is not an ideal option for cyclists coming from Webster as it would require a longer detour to the south. Even traveling down Browncroft in a car, one would experience higher speeds and similar hills as Empire. While both roads are envisioned for future Monroe County Active Transportation Network consideration, we believe Empire is the better option for investing in bike infrastructure.

Proposed Multimodal Improvements  

We hope our vision inspires you to take action and mobilize support for a safer, multimodal corridor on Empire Blvd.

The first step in our advocacy effort was to hire a Licensed Qualified Engineer (thanks to funding generously provided by long-time cycling advocate Dr. Scott MacRae). We brought on Mode Choice Engineering, a multimodal transportation focused company in the Buffalo-Niagara region, who has experience retrofitting New York State routes for improved multimodal options. 

The goal was to create a design rendering to show improvements that could be made along the 2.4 mile stretch from Winton Rd to Bay Rd that would help make Empire safer and more welcoming to people who want to travel to and through it on foot or on bike.

Together we analyzed current conditions, road design and speed, and vehicular traffic patterns. With support from Genesee Transportation Council, we also conducted independent speed data collection. Results showed that in the 40 MPH speed limit zone, the 85% percentile speed was between 52-56 MPH meaning that most people were going more than 10 MPH over the speed limit. A vehicle traveling eastbound was clocked at a maximum speed of 90 mph. We also looked at crashes from 2017-2023 and found that Empire had a higher rate of crashes during that period than similar roads in NY State. 

The most recent 5 year period saw 770 crashes involving vehicles, 2 involving cyclists and 5 involving pedestrians. 72% of these crashes took place during the day so darkness wasn’t a factor. We estimate the bike and pedestrian number is low because the area is so inhospitable to people outside the car.

With this analysis in hand, we turned to what we can do within the existing “right-of-way”, meaning we wouldn’t have to change the width of the roadway or acquire land that is currently town or private property. Our big picture goal was to improve safety with a short-term/quick build solution, using low-cost materials.

 We could accomplish this in a cost minimized way by:

  • Narrowing the travel lanes to 10 feet
  • Lowering the speed limit to 35 MPH
  • Converting the 8 feet shoulders into protected bike lanes with low-cost flexible bollards

This proposed design solution meets FHWA proven safety countermeasures and was designed by Mode Choice Engineering to be able to be done with in-house engineering from NYSDOT.

Another major improvement to the area would be to install a High Intensity Activated CrossWalK (HAWK) Crossing near LaSalles Landing Park, which would provide a traffic calming effect and safe crossing to and from key destinations.

The City of Rochester has installed similar technology downtown and below is an example of this type of crossing in use in Phoenix.

This multimodal retrofit would provide significant benefits to residents and folks planning to access Irondequoit Bay. For cyclists, it would provide a continuous bike lane eastbound and westbound as well as protection from cars. For pedestrians, it would connect existing sidewalks to shared pedestrian space throughout the corridor and the ability to cross safely midway through the corridor.

We see this design as a stepping stone toward the future where hard curbs with fully continuous sidewalks and some sort of hardened bike lane protection can be added as part of a larger reconstruction project. Our goal in this round was to find cost-optimized ways to add the amenities outside the scope of the often decades-long reconstruction cycle.

Let’s keep up the momentum for positive changes to Empire Blvd!

If you’re inspired by this vision, we’re encouraging you to reach out to share your enthusiasm with state and local officials. And perhaps the most important thing you can do is share this blog with residents, businesses, neighbors and friends who are also concerned about Empire Blvd and ask them to take action with you.

Take Action: 

  1. Write an email or call the office.
  2. Targets:
    1. NYSDOT – let NYSDOT know you support improvements to Empire Blvd and you plan to reach out to Town and state officials to also share your support. Email: Region 4 Director Chris Reeve – Christopher.Reeve@dot.ny.gov or 585-272-3310
    2. Town of Irondequoit – Town Supervisor Andraé Evans supervisor@irondequoit.gov or 585-467-8840
    3. Town of Penfield – Town Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts supervisor@penfield.org or 585-340-8600
    4. Town of Webster – Town Supervisor Tom Flaherty  supervisor@ci.webster.ny.us or 585-872-1000
    5. County Legislators:
      1. Paul Dondorfer: legislatordondorfer@gmail.com
      2. Mark Johns: legislatorjohns@gmail.com
      3. Dave Long: legislatorlong@gmail.com
      4. Rachel Barnhart: rachel@rachbarnhart.com
      5. Yversha Roman, President: yversha.roman@gmail.com
      6. William Burgess, Chair of the Transportation Committee: legislatorburgess@gmail.com 
    6. State Assembly
      1. Assembly Member Sarah Clark represents the western portion of the roadway: clarks@nyassembly.gov or 585-467-0410
      2. Assembly Member Jennifer Lunsford represents the eastern portion of the roadway: lunsfordj@nyassembly.gov or 585-223-9130
    7. State Senate
      1. Senator Samra Brouk represents the area: brouk@nysenate.gov or 585-223-1800
      2. Senator Jeremy Cooney is the Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee: cooney@nysenate.gov or 585-225-3650
  3. What to ask for:
    1. I, resident of [Town of X] and your constituent, support Reconnect Rochester’s proposal to make Empire Blvd/NYS RT-404 a safer, more welcoming place for residents and people walking, biking and taking transit throughout the Winton Rd. to Bay Rd. corridor. I believe that Empire Blvd is an important gap in our cycling network, and the current conditions are preventing residents from all over the county from accessing the beautiful and historic Irondequoit Bay and frequenting the small businesses along the road. We have lost too many people to traffic violence on Empire Blvd and we need to change the way it’s built. I would urge you to support NYSDOT adding protected bike lanes, connecting the sidewalk network, slowing speeds and narrowing the travel lanes on Empire. Thank you.

Note: if you or your family members have been impacted by motor vehicle crashes, the organization New York Families for Safe Streets exists to support you. They can provide one-on-one or group support to individuals and families. Their social worker, Bobby Preti, is available if you’d like to talk to someone and learn more about how they can support you.

Email: bobby@familiesforsafestreets.org

Phone: 646-957-2109

Web: FamiliesforSafeStreets.org

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Reflecting on the 2024 World Day of Remembrance

On Sunday, November 17, Reconnect Rochester hosted a community conversation in honor of “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in the US” to remember victims of traffic violence, support victims and their families, and discuss ways to improve road safety. Reconnect opened its doors to anyone who has been affected by traffic violence, directly or through a friend or family member, to listen and connect. 

The event kicked off with an informational presentation by Director of Policy and Advocacy Cody Donahue and Rochester City Council Member Mitch Gruber about crash statistics, current efforts to reduce traffic crashes such as ROC Vision Zero and the Monroe County Community Traffic Safety Team.

Attendees who felt comfortable shared their stories about loved ones lost on Monroe County roads. 19th Ward community member Farasa Brown recounted the community’s efforts to put in a crosswalk where her 6 year old son Ryan Grantham Jr. was struck and killed on Thurston Rd. in June 2023. Rochester City Council Member Bridget Monroe shared her son’s story of being hit by a driver who fled the scene.

(photo courtesy of the D&C)

According to our Monroe County Crash Map, each year, an average of 13 people are killed on Monroe County streets. Over the last 10 years more than 5,000 vehicle crashes occurred involving people walking or biking with 2,279 of those resulting in an injury or a fatality.  In 2024 so far at least 10 pedestrians and 3 cyclists have died. Additionally we’ve seen some very serious crashes in the last few weeks and are monitoring their conditions.

The World Day of Remembrance is an international effort to remember, support, and act to prevent car crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Every year, millions more road victims are added to the current toll of over 50 million killed and hundreds of millions injured since the first road death. It is an actual pandemic, affecting primarily our vulnerable and our young. In addition to the trauma of injury and bereavement, it also has a devastating economic impact. Therefore, during the Decade of Action 2021-2030 the World Day has an important role of helping to achieve the 50% road casualty reduction target.

The global objectives of World Day of Remembrance 2024 are to provide a platform for road traffic victims and their families to:

  • Remember all people killed and seriously injured on the roads
  • Acknowledge the crucial work of the emergency services
  • Draw attention to the generally trivial legal response to culpable road deaths and injuries to push for an appropriately serious response
  • Advocate for better support for victims and their families
  • Promote evidence-based actions to stop further road traffic deaths and injuries

If you or anyone you love was impacted by a crash, the organization New York Families for Safe Streets exists to support you. They can provide one-on-one or group support to individuals and families. You can directly contact their social worker:

Bobby Preti
Email: bobby@familiesforsafestreets.org
Phone: 646-957-2109
Web: FamiliesforSafeStreets.org

The event ended with a moment of silence for the victims:

On this World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, we gather to remember the victims, support them and their loved ones, and act to prevent future tragedies on our roads. One life is too many. One injury can have lifelong consequences. We stand here to take a moment of silence for all of the crash victims who have been injured or lost their lives this year and in past years in Monroe County. Please join me in observing a moment of silence. Thank you.

If you would like to join our planning committee for the 2025 World Day of Remembrance event, please contact us at info@reconnectrochester.org

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#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.

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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

Split graphic showing dark empty parking lot contrasted with light people heavy image of pedestrians, bicyclists, and trees.
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A Recap of Our 2024 Rochester Street Film: The Sprawl Effect

On October 8th, we hosted The Sprawl Effect, the latest edition of Rochester Street Films. We examined the costs and consequences of our current auto-centric land use and how we can grow our communities smarter to deliver access, vitality & upward mobility.

It is well worth watching the panel discussion, video clips, and presentations on our YouTube Channel, but in case you don’t have the time, or prefer to read about it, we have put together a recap of the evening below.

Film Clips

CNBC: How Suburban Sprawl Weighs On The U.S. Economy

(Clips shown 1:49-4:20 & 9:48-10:55)

In the 1930’s the Federal Housing Administration provided loans to make mortgages more affordable yet the loans came with guidelines to standardize neighborhood design which directly contributed to sprawl and auto-centric infrastructure:

  • No sidewalks (hostile to pedestrians)
  • Minimum lot sizes (homes are more expensive to build and farther apart)
  • Separated land use due to exclusionary zoning (homes far from amenities and difficult to reach without a car)

Not Just Bikes: Suburbia is Subsidized Here’s the Math [ST07]

(Clips shown 0:00-9:18)

When services are built far from homes this contributes to sprawl. It also costs more to subsidize auto-centric neighborhoods due to requirements such as more asphalt to support the parking requirements and more frequent road repairs due to degradation from heavy use. When we build transit oriented developments with a mix of high density residencies (instead of exclusively single family homes), along with commercial, office, and entertainment spaces in the same neighborhood; they financially outperform auto-centric suburbia every single time.

The diagram below from Urban 3 shows that cities are much more profitable and actually subsidize suburbs with their tax dollars. The revenue bars of the dense downtown area vs the expenses associated with sprawl is clear in the visual provided. While this graph is from Lafayette, Louisiana, Urban 3 found this phenomenon is true with every city they studied all over the country.

Presentation on Local Data & Stats

Cody Donahue, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Reconnect Rochester

(6:34-21:10 in our Street Film Video)

Even if you have access to a car and all of the expenses that come with it, losing access to basic amenities in your neighborhood deprives it of its usefulness and its character. Our sprawling land use patterns have a substantial human cost in limiting the ability of too many of us to access what we need. This stands in the way of upward economic mobility.

Thanks to the resource Zoning Atlas, we see that single family homes can be built virtually anywhere in Rochester. Yet building higher density homes such as apartments, ADUs, or even single family homes on small lots is more restricted.

Irondequoit and Penfield data is currently unavailable.

We believe connecting Monroe County with robust transportation options and utilizing less restrictive land use will increase the vibrancy of town centers, reduce harmful air pollution, and allow seniors to age in place without relying on driving. While understanding that we need to build on what we have, before building anything new we recommend considering the following:

  • Using land that is located in town, village and city centers productively by building denser, mixed use buildings along transit corridors & filling in disused parking lots 
  • Choosing development patterns that make the car and car storage optional, not the center of the design
  • Using new transit developments such as bus rapid transit or incentives to stimulate economic growth in areas well served by transit options or walkability

Special Remarks

Simeon Banister, President & CEO of Rochester Area Community Foundation

(22:30-32:18 in our Street Film Video)

Land use decisions are often attributed to organizations instead of people but Homer Hoyt is an actual person who made decisions that brought us many of the problems that we have discussed today. Hoyt was the Chief Land Economist for the Federal Housing Administration who approached his work through the lens of his preconceived biases about people of color and immigrants rather than letting data itself inform his research. He is the architect of redlining which led to zones of deprivation in our community and all across the United States. Hoyt made a choice based on fear, and we can do the same or make a choice for vibrant neighborhoods that embraces smart growth in transit policy.

Panel Discussion

(33:57-1:24:07 in our Street Film Video)

Moderator: Abigail McHugh-Grifa, Executive Director at Climate Solutions Accelerator

Panelists:
Aqua Porter, Executive Director of RMAPI
Kevin Kelley, Office of City Planning Manager
Miguel Velázquez, CEO of RTS

Aqua Porter emphasized that building power, autonomy, dignity, and belonging is key to upward mobility and economic opportunity. Exclusionary zoning and car-dependent infrastructure are costly and restrict residents’ autonomy. By addressing land use and embracing dense, mixed-use neighborhoods, we can offer people more choices in where they live and engage with their communities. This shift can help reduce social isolation, fostering more connected and vibrant neighborhoods compared to the isolating, sprawling suburbs created by single-family zoning.

Kevin Kelley discussed the Rochester 2034 plan and Zoning Alignment Project, which aim to promote density along transit corridors and address land use issues. However, he cautioned that Rochester’s history with a struggling market could present a barrier to building high density projects. He also highlighted the need for more inclusive zoning in suburbs and rural areas, along with increased state and federal funding for public transit. Raising awareness about zoning problems and solutions is key to making progress.

Miguel Velázquez discussed how frequent service is crucial for robust public transit, but RTS has faced decades of underfunding, limiting its effectiveness. He noted that land use plays a role, as many people want to get by without needing a car but are scattered across Greater Rochester. Miguel also emphasized the importance of involving RTS when large companies plan new facilities, as many opt for highway-adjacent locations with big parking lots instead of transit-accessible downtown sites. To address this, the NYS Assembly and Senate are considering bills to fund transit services when companies receive tax incentives for building in the region: S8563/A9225.

Get Involved

We hope that this discussion resonates with you and that you will consider watching the program in its entirety on our YouTube channel. While you’re over there, make sure to subscribe!

  • Stay informed by following Reconnect Rochester on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
  • Sign up to receive our monthly e-news!
  • Want to help more directly? Sign up for our weekly Mobility Action Alerts to stay in the loop with opportunities of how to advocate for safer streets, bicycle infrastructure, and transportation options.
  • Also please consider donating to support our advocacy work building a community connected by a robust transportation network that makes it easy for everyone—regardless of physical or economic ability—to get around.

Got an idea for a blog post about mobility? Contact Chaz to get started. 

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Where They Stand: 2024 Candidates for US House of Representatives, NY Senate, & NY Assembly

Reconnect Rochester surveyed general election candidates for US House of Representatives, NY Senate, and NY Assembly to learn where they stand on issues related to transportation and mobility.

Questions were designed to give the candidates the opportunity to share their opinions, ideas and vision for a well-connected and accessible community.  We contacted every campaign by email or mail to request a response.

Click on the candidate names below to read their full, unedited responses. 

We hope this information will help you make an informed decision when you head to the polls! Early voting starts Saturday, October 26th and runs through Sunday, November 3rd. Click here to find early voting sites!

To check if you are registered to vote, confirm your polling location for November 5th, and even see a preview of what your ballot will look like: click here.

Candidates for US House of Representatives 25th District

Joe Morelle

Candidate Email: info@votemorelle.com

Website: votemorelle.com 

 

1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?

Rochester and Monroe County face several key transportation challenges, including aging infrastructure, limited public transit options, and pedestrian safety concerns. Many of our roads, bridges, and public transit systems need updates and repairs to keep up with modern demands. Furthermore, residents in rural areas have limited access to reliable transit, which restricts their mobility and access to employment and services. And sadly, our streets are often unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists, leading to too many tragic incidents each year. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated, long-term approach to make transportation safer, more reliable, and more equitable for everyone in our community.

2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Rochester recently announced a commitment to “ROC Vision Zero” aiming to eliminate traffic deaths from our streets. If elected, would you support this program and if so, how?

Yes, I am already working closely to support the ROC Vision Zero initiative. This commitment to eliminating traffic deaths is essential for improving public safety and enhancing our quality of life. I recently helped secure $23 million in federal funding for the City of Rochester’s Safe Streets for All initiative, which closely aligns with ROC Vision Zero. Through this type of coordinated collaboration with elected officials, community organizations, and local advocacy leaders, we can create safer streets and save lives.

3.  Recently, the House majority leadership recently released a proposed Transportation budget that included large cuts to transit and safe streets funding that would pull back on the commitments made in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). These cuts appear to halt efforts to repair aging infrastructure, expand transit options, and move towards a cleaner, more equitable transportation system. As THUD appropriations negotiations are continued, how will you ensure that mass transportation and safer streets continue to receive funding?

I am committed to ensuring that Monroe County receives its fair share of funding to support mass transportation and safer streets. We cannot afford to backtrack on the critical progress we’ve made in upgrading infrastructure, improving public transit, and developing sustainable transportation systems. I will continue to utilize my position on the House Appropriations Committee to deliver funding for critical infrastructure projects.

4. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

I have always been a steadfast ally in the effort to make our streets safer and more accessible to everyone. I have been proud to utilize my position to advocate for infrastructure improvements that protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike while prioritizing transportation investments that reconnect our communities and uplift underserved communities. I look forward to the opportunity to continue fighting for the needs of our community and working collaboratively to implement solutions that improve access to transportation and mobility for all.

Gregg Sadwick

Candidate Email: Not available

Website: sadwickforcongress.com 

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Luther Layne

Candidate Email: lutherlebronlayne@outlook.com

Website: lutherlebronlayne.wixsite.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for NY Senate 54th District:

Scott Comegys

Candidate Email: ccomegys42@gmail.com 

Website: electscottcomegys.com

1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?

I would say that the challenges for transportation in Monroe County stem from the disconnectedness it has due to sprawling development. Housing developments continually sprout without thought to access to basic needs like groceries, pharmacies, schools, or healthcare facilities while commercial properties were developed without thought to how communities would access them except by traversing busy roadways. Everything has been developed with the idea that everyone would have access to automobiles. Very little effort was put into past development to ensure that there were good pedestrian and bicycle friendly ways of getting from home to work to basic needs facilities to recreation. This, in turn, has also contributed to communities being cut off from each other as we place senior living in one area away from suburban middle class communities away from lower income affordable housing, resulting in the need for more public transportation systems, many of which are inefficient and expensive in their operation.

The greatest challenge Monroe County has in relation to transportation at this point is creating the connections between communities so that the people can easily go from home to all the places they need to go, whether by foot, pedal, or motor.

2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Rochester recently announced a commitment to “ROC Vision Zero” aiming to eliminate traffic deaths from our streets. If elected, would you support this program and if so, how?

After reviewing the initial proposals I would support this initiative by finding funding resources in the state budget that could support the design and infrastructure costs necessary. Bear in mind that the state cannot fully fund the initiative just for the city, but should create a program to fund these types of initiatives for many different areas around the state. My district is largely a rural district, but has some other urban areas that could benefit from similar programs. Monroe County can be the test subject and success can be beneficial to many areas in the district. I am particularly supportive of the bicycle network idea as that can also create safe ways to connect the city with rural areas. I am leery of the automated traffic enforcement proposal and would have to see what exactly that entails. While I agree that reduced speed also reduces accidents and fatalities, I worry that the automation would not have the intended effect and may cause more expensive legal battles than cause better traffic behaviors.

3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?

This is where building a stronger upstate coalition is necessary with the goal of reminding the State of NY that the Finger Lakes Region, as well as Upstate and Western NY Regions, contribute a great deal to the state and deserve equitable distribution of resources. If, in order to ensure the resources get to our region as well, we need to insist on the congestion pricing being put in place, that is one avenue. However, perhaps the better option is to invest more in our transportation infrastructure and public transportation services so we can better market our areas as places that can provide more of what NYC is famed for and create a shift that brings more people and commerce to our area, ease some of the burden NYC is dealing with, and create a healthier, stronger economy statewide. We have to do better marketing the Finger Lakes as a better region to live, work, do business in, and play to entice people here, and those resources the state can provide will have a better impact if invested here.

4.  Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. What actions by the NYS legislature will you take to support the expansion of rail service and make other improvements to inter-city travel in upstate New York?

Ultimately the answer here has to be more investment in the infrastructure surrounding rail service, ensuring that stations are found in more communities, are easily accessible, and working to ensure that operations are run convenient to the public. What I would really like to see in NYS is a high speed rail system, which I believe will become more of a priority if we are increasing the use of rail in the state as it is, supporting that system with better stations, more convenient ways of accessing the system, and keeping the ticket prices affordable. Naturally, partnering with federal government partners increases the likelihood of this happening, so I would also assist in efforts making the case to those federal colleagues.

5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. To meet our climate goals, personal vehicle trips will have to be reduced. How will you support transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car?

This gets into my first statement with the challenges that Monroe County (and to be honest every county) faces with regards to transportation. To be more environmentally friendly and sustainable, which helps to meet our climate goals, we have to look at redesigning neighborhoods to ensure that resources are within the neighborhoods, that we are not creating so much division between demographics (such as the separation of senior living, affordable housing neighborhoods, and random cul de sacs), that the spaces are walkable and bikeable, have public transportation that can run efficiently and with vehicles that are not powered by fossil fuels.

While we are supporting this redesign we should make more of an effort to increase education about the benefits of connected communities. If any of this is to work we have to have the people supporting the effort, and they won’t so that unless we demonstrate the benefits they will enjoy. Sadly, at this point people need to be convinced that being more connected physically is actually healthier, more affordable, and more secure than having jobs and resources being located 5 or more miles away from home and cars being a necessity for survival.

Lastly, let’s talk about public transportation again in a broader county and district sense. We are aware that we can run buses in a city an they will get regular ridership. The farther out we go the ridership numbers go down both due to fewer people living in concentration as well as the frequency for need of transportation and the increase in distances between homes and access points for public transportation. I will be honest in that I don’t have a real solution for making public transportation accessible in these types of areas, but I believe that if we had a better system of light rail, buses, and on demand public transportation we could reduce the need for everyone to have an automobile. I realize that is an incredibly safe thing to say, but I am willing to commit time and resources to create a good solution.

6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you? 

I am standing up, as an ordinary citizen, to put in the hard work to find the solutions to all of these questions about transportation and every other priority the state has, rather than behave as those who have served this district in the past who have focused on coming up with reasons for why we can’t move forward with solutions. My focus on what we can do and finding ways for how our goals can be accomplished is what we need right now if we want a state that is more affordable, more vibrant, and more secure and fulfills its potential as being a place where everyone can live the life they choose as their genuine self with dignity, prosperity, security, and justice. That is what you are voting for by voting for me.

Pamela Helming

Candidate Email: pamhelming@gmail.com

Website: helmingforny.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for NY Senate 55th District:

Samra Brouk

Candidate Email: info@samraforsenate.com 

Website: samraforsenate.com

1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?

The greatest transportation challenges facing Rochester and Monroe County are equity, justice, and vision. Equity involves ensuring that communities receive the necessary state and federal funding, as well as making investments in transportation that prioritize a multi-modal focus. It also pertains to which communities receive funding, linking directly to the challenge of justice. Justice means addressing the historical wrongs of transportation design and implementation that have left communities scarred and divided. It requires ensuring that new investments do not replicate past harms. Ultimately, we need a vision for transportation that serves everyone and every community—a vision capable of withstanding the climate crisis, healing the wounds of a century of transportation decisions, and empowering our community in every facet.

2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Rochester recently announced a commitment to “ROC Vision Zero” aiming to eliminate traffic deaths from our streets. If elected, would you support this program and if so, how?

I will support ROC Vision Zero. Communities across the United States and around the world have successfully committed to Vision Zero, and it is crucial for Rochester to join them. As an elected official, I will advocate for ROC Vision Zero by ensuring that the state provides the necessary resources to implement policies such as traffic calming measures, equitable investments, and enforcement support.

3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?

Since taking office, I have advocated for an independent and reliable funding source for upstate transportation in each state budget process. Monroe County and the greater upstate transportation network would greatly benefit from a dedicated revenue source. While there are multiple possibilities for this funding, it is essential that we do not impose another tax burden on residents. Instead, we should explore the largely untapped potential of taxing the ultra-wealthy and mega-corporations to finance the transportation improvements we need and contribute as it directly contributes to a more mobile and productive workforce as well.

4.  Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. What actions by the NYS legislature will you take to support the expansion of rail service and make other improvements to inter-city travel in upstate New York?

While in Albany, I was proud to help pass train safety legislation through the Senate and pleased to see some of that legislation signed into law. However, this is only the first step in bringing New York’s train infrastructure into the twenty-first century. I will support initiatives that increase state involvement in expanding our rail services in Upstate New York, whether through studies on new routes, additional funding for existing corridors, or partnerships to ensure federal investments reach Upstate New York, where we see firsthand the demand for enhanced rail services.

5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. To meet our climate goals, personal vehicle trips will have to be reduced. How will you support transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car?

Supporting investments, such as the newly funded long-distance bus terminal included in this year’s state budget, will continue to be a priority of mine in every budget cycle. Transportation dollars should not be allocated solely for private vehicles; they must be used in a diverse and multi-modal fashion. By funding a range of transportation options, we can encourage more individuals to forgo driving while simultaneously improving the essential public transit services that many people across the economic spectrum rely on every day. Transportation justice and climate justice go hand in hand, and our actions must reflect this connection.

6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you? 

As a parent, I understand the statistics that highlight the dangers of vehicle-related accidents for children. We owe it to not only the children in our communities but also to everyone who travels by bike, bus, train, on foot, or private vehicle, to create safer streets. Safer streets are essential not only for our climate future but also in our pursuit of justice. Addressing the wrongs of past transportation development and investments requires a committed approach that centers on multi-modal and community-focused design. I am dedicated to making these investments as an elected official.

Luis A. Martinez

Candidate Email: LuisMartinezforNYSenate@gmail.com

Website: luismartinezforsenate.com

 

This candidate declined to return our survey.

Candidates for NY Senate 56th District:

Jeremy Cooney

Candidate Email: cooney@nysenate.gov

Website: jeremycooney.com

1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?

Access to public transportation is one of the region’s greatest transportation challenges. I believe RTS and the RTS drivers do a great job with the resources they have available. However, we can greatly increase ridership, and to do that we must increase route frequency and dependability. The only way RTS can achieve this is with increased STOA funding, and I commit to fighting for a significant STOA increase next year as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Rochester recently announced a commitment to “ROC Vision Zero” aiming to eliminate traffic deaths from our streets. If elected, would you support this program and if so, how?

Increasing pedestrian and bicyclist safety is a priority of mine as Transportation Chairman, and as a Senator for the 56th District. Earlier this year, I secured a state grant for Reconnect Rochester to support their bicyclist safety programs. I stand ready to support the City of Rochester with their ROC Vision Zero program in any way I can be helpful.

3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?

Upstate transit agencies need a dedicated revenue stream. In the 2024 State Budget, I advocated for dedicated revenue to support STOA, such as a tax on rental cars. I will continue this fight with the 2025 budget. Upstate deserves it’s fair share.

4. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. What actions by the NYS legislature will you take to support the expansion of rail service and make other improvements to inter-city travel in upstate New York?

Passenger rail is an issue I care deeply about. I recently met with the NYS Department of Transportation on this subject and expressed my support for increased routes. My staff have also met with Amtrak on several occasions and expressed a need for increased routes. Additionally, I am always pleased to work with the Empire State Passengers Association on improving passenger rail and finally implementing higher speed rail across Upstate.

5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. To meet our climate goals, personal vehicle trips will have to be reduced. How will you support transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car? 

While some aspects of this question are answered above, I would like to focus on the job connection piece of the question. I have had discussions with RTS about developing dedicated routes going from the bus depot to major employers outside the City of Rochester, such as the new T-Mobile Call Center in Henrietta. Unfortunately, many major economic development happens outside areas typically accessible by public transit. Attracting new employers is important, but we must also remember access to public transit in new projects.

6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you? 

Seeing transportation as more than roads and bridges has always been a priority of mine. Last year I was proud to lead the push with Reconnect Rochester for phase two of the Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station. We were successful in this push, securing $18 million to construct a long-distance bus terminal. In May, I was named Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, because of this, Monroe County residents can look forward to many more transportation accomplishments to come.

Jim VanBrederode

Candidate Email: jvb@jimvanbrederode.com 

Website: jimvanbrederode.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for NY Senate 62nd District:

Robert Ortt

Candidate Email: info@robortt.com

Website: robortt.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for NY Assembly 130th District:

Brian Manktelow

Candidate Email: bdwlmank@gmail.com

1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?

  • Non medical appointment transportation for those without vehicles. 
  • Safe and affordable transportation to and from work during off peak hours. 
  • Residential parking, on street.

2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Rochester recently announced a commitment to “ROC Vision Zero” aiming to eliminate traffic deaths from our streets. If elected, would you support this program and if so, how?

Absolutely, bringing the right players to the table and take a hard long look at identifying possible solutions. Also putting a financial component to the solutions, short term and long term goals.

3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?

My first priority has been and will continue to be proper funding for upstate transportation. We must come up with a fair and equitable solution that makes all of our highly populated cities more self sufficient. Leaving our hard earned dollars upstate, thus allowing for local control, not Albany controlled.

4. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. What actions by the NYS legislature will you take to support the expansion of rail service and make other improvements to inter-city travel in upstate New York?

By adding back the third railline adjacent to the current CSX lines. Dedicating that railline to passenger travel. Having travelled by rail in Europe, understanding the possibilities of safe and efficient travel by rail should be considered a possible long term solution. Also looking at the possibilities of powering this line by electric power.

5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. To meet our climate goals, personal vehicle trips will have to be reduced. How will you support transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car? 

We could take a look back at how carpooling was done many years ago to help save energy. We could look at ways of improving our bicycle lanes, making them safer for the rider. Thinking outside the box for other solutions, looking how other states and countries do it.

6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you? 

Having the experience, understanding and the ability to think and look forward to solutions that are both, safe and affordable. Also having the trust and respect from legislators across New York State to sit down and brainstorm with them why Monroe County’s transportation needs are important and necessary for the success of our part of New York.

James Schuler

Website: schuler4nysassembly.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for NY Assembly 133rd District:

Colleen Walsh-Williams

Candidate Email:wwforassembly@gmail.com

Website: walsh-williams.org

1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?

  • We need more public transportation in rural areas
  • Maintaining our infrastructure
  • Making our roads safer and more accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists

2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Rochester recently announced a commitment to “ROC Vision Zero” aiming to eliminate traffic deaths from our streets. If elected, would you support this program and if so, how?

I absolutely support ROC Vision Zero. I would support public awareness, funding for research, and safety improvements. I would sponsor legislation to further this cause.

3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?

I would seek out state and federal grants and network with colleagues at all levels of government to reach every dollar available to us.

4. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. What actions by the NYS legislature will you take to support the expansion of rail service and make other improvements to inter-city travel in upstate New York?

I would advocate for expanding rail service. We need more trains to NYC and more trains to more destinations.

5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. To meet our climate goals, personal vehicle trips will have to be reduced. How will you support transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car? 

I support building the infrastructure we need to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists safely.

6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you? 

I understand the vital role of safe, accessible transportation in our communities. I’m a strong advocate for improvements that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. We will build the neighborhoods our children and grandchildren inherit, and I’ll work hard to make them better, safer, more accessible, and environmentally friendly.

Andrea K. Bailey

Email: abailey4assembly@gmail.com

Website: andreabailey4assembly.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for NY Assembly 134th District:

Josh Jensen

Email: jensenfornewyork@gmail.com

Website: jensenforassembly.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for NY Assembly 135th District:

Jennifer Lunsford

Candidate Email: jen@votejenlunsford.com

Website: votejenlunsford.com

1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?

Our public transportation system is woefully inadequate.  Outside of the city, the bus runs on such an infrequent loop as to be virtually useless for many residents.  The bus that runs from Penfield, through ER and into Fairport is on a 2 hour cycle.  I have tried to use this bus myself on several occasions and could literally walk where I needed to go faster than the bus would take me. You also can’t go north-south in my district, you can only go east-west, into the city and out.  This prevents people from choosing the bus when they have other options. Until our system is robust enough for people to opt-in we won’t have the ridership we need to truly impact our reliance on cars.

2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Rochester recently announced a commitment to “ROC Vision Zero” aiming to eliminate traffic deaths from our streets. If elected, would you support this program and if so, how?

Yes. As a long-time personal injury attorney, I have seen the impact of pedestrian accidents up close.  Deaths aren’t the only issue.  I have represented dozens of people who live with life-long injury and trauma from these accidents. I would provide funding to help the county realize this vision.

3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?

We need to find a dedicated funding stream built upon growing interests to support non-MTA transit so we aren’t dipping from the same bucket every year. The current funding sources for non-MTA transit are long-distance telephone lines and oil interests.  This isn’t sustainable any longer. I support taxing short term rentals and using that funding for local transit. I am open to other ideas as well.

4. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. What actions by the NYS legislature will you take to support the expansion of rail service and make other improvements to inter-city travel in upstate New York?

I would LOVE to be able to take a train to Albany every week, but the trains run at very inconvenient times and take LONGER than driving! As the mother of a young son I need to be able to leave Albany on short notice in case of emergencies.  Our current train schedule doesn’t allow for that. We also need to create a reliable system along the I-90 corridor to support Micron and the boom in semiconductor related jobs we expect to see between Batavia and Clay. A high speed rail connecting the cities and technical schools along this corridor would help alleviate the anticipated work force shortage. Tell me where to put the money and I will fight to get it there!

5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. To meet our climate goals, personal vehicle trips will have to be reduced. How will you support transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car? 

As seen in answers above, we need reliable dedicated funding for non-MTA transit to be able to expand our existing bus service.  We also need safer streets to allow for biking.  People often think of my district as a suburban utopia, but we have a serious sidewalk problem. Between Pines of Perinton (now known as Evergreen East), one of the poorest parts of my district) and the Penfield Target, a major retail zone and bus hub, there is no sidewalk along 250. I regularly watch a blind man with a cane traversing the shoulder of this road on this way to Wegmans. This is wholly unacceptable.  This past year I funded sidewalk improvements in the village of Honeoye Falls, but one-off projects funded member by member aren’t going to make a big enough dent.  We need a serious infrastructure investment to complete our streets.

6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you? 

Over the past 4 years I have been a staunch supporter of public transit, fighting for overall increases in STOA and other lines of funding for non-MTA transit, but also worked hard with my colleagues to secure funding for Monroe County and Rochester City priorities, including the transportation hub and intermodal station, filling in the inner loop, and funding upgrades at RGRTA to support their transition to a ZEV fleet.

Kimberly DeRosa

Email: hello@voteKimberlyDeRosa.com

Website: kim4commonsense.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for NY Assembly 136th District:

Sarah Clark

Website: sarahclarkforassembly.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Orlando Rivera

Email: rivera4stateassembly@gmail.com

The candidate decided to provide the following statement in response to our questionnaire.

Statement on Transportation and mobility

As a candidate for State Assembly, I believe that improving transportation and mobility in Rochester, NY, is essential for fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Our city deserves a transportation infrastructure that is efficient, reliable, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

We must prioritize investments in our roads and bridges to ensure safe travel and reduce congestion, while also advocating for responsible public transportation solutions that respect taxpayer dollars. Encouraging private sector partnerships can lead to innovative transit solutions and improved accessibility for everyone, including our seniors and those with disabilities.

Moreover, promoting policies that support safe biking and walking routes can enhance mobility while reducing our carbon footprint. By focusing on practical, fiscally responsible solutions, we can create a transportation system that works for all Rochesterians and strengthens our community for future generations.

Orlando Rivera

New York State Assembly Candidate 136th District

Candidates for NY Assembly 137th District:

Demond Meeks

Website: votedemondmeeks.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Marcus Williams

Website: marcus4rochester.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for NY Assembly 138th District:

Harry Bronson

Email: bronsonh@nyassembly.gov

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Tracy DiFlorio

Website: votediflorio.com

Email: VoteTracyDiflorio@gmail.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for NY Assembly 139th District:

Stephen Hawley

Website: hawleyforassembly.com

 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Reconnect Rochester would like to thank all of the candidates (and their teams) for the time and effort they’ve dedicated to our community, and for taking the time to answer our questions. We look forward to working with them very soon.

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#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.