Cycling

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Ask any passionate biker what happiness means and they’ll probably say, “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a bike and that is close enough.”

If you’re interested in using a bike to get around Rochester, see below for a collection of local cycling tools & resources.

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Regular cycling can cut your risk of heart attack in half.

Just one hour on a bike can burn well over 500 calories (depending on incline and how quickly you’re pedaling). It’s an excellent way to get your heart rate up and can actually help slow the decline of cardiovascular health1—possibly even cutting your risk of heart disease by up to 82%.2

And not only can your bike make you physically fit, it may also make you smarter. Biking, along with other types of aerobic exercise, has been shown to increase the hippocampus, the part of your brain related to memory and learning.3

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Bikes can fit within the space of 1 car.

In addition to the health & social benefits of the bicycle, there are economic perks to consider as well. For individuals, cycling can greatly reduce the costs of transportation and health care.4

While cyclists tend to spend less per shopping trip than drivers, they also tend to make more trips, pumping more total money into the local economy over time. Multiply that by the additional number of bikes that can fit within a single car parking space, and that could mean a big boost for local businesses.5

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Miles of bike paths in Rochester
(including 60.4 lane miles on-street)

Here in Rochester we have some of the most attractive trails in New York State, including the Genesee Riverway Trail and Erie Canalway Trail.

Within our metro area there are over 230 miles of multi-use trails, 60.4 miles of on-street bike facilities, and more being added every year.4

With the rise in popularity of bicycling, this trail network offers significant social and economic benefits to adjacent communities. In fact, simply having access to bike paths can increase your home value by 11%.5

Helpful Tips

Rules of the Road

How to Ride Your Bicycle in Traffic

How to Prevent Bike Theft

RTS: Using the bike rack

TIP #1: Follow the Law

Your safety and image of bicyclists depend on you. You have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.

TIP #2: Be Predictable

Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.

TIP #3: Be Conspicuous

Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing. Use a front white light, red rear light and reflectors when visibility is poor. Make eye contact with others and don’t ride on sidewalks.

TIP #4: Think Ahead

Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other people on bikes will do next. Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.

TIP #5: Ride Ready

Check that your tires are sufficiently inflated, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly, and quick release levers are closed. Carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride. Wear a helmet.

For more cycling tips and resources visit BikeLeague.org.

  1. The Huffington Post: Why Riding Your Bike Makes You A Better Person (According To Science)
  2. British Medical Association (1992). Cycling Towards Health and Safety. Oxford University Press.
  3. Shape: The Brain Science of Biking
  4. Rochester Area Bike Sharing Program Study – NYSERDA
  5. Streetsblog: Why Bicyclists Are Better Customers Than Drivers for Local Business
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