November 10, 2025 by No Comments

Bike Law in New York: The Clear, Quirky & Ambiguous

By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager

Reconnect Rochester felt it was time to answer a few frequently asked bike questions and put some disparate information in one place. Some of the rules for bicycle riders in New York are well-reasoned and straightforward; others are nonsensical. The good news: Laws can be and are updated regularly. Be the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. 😉

First off, let’s get this misconception out of the way: There is no statewide ban on sidewalk riding.

From our analysis of crash reports, it’s evident that some law enforcement don’t know this.

As this State DOT FAQ lays out, municipalities can choose to ban sidewalk riding. New York City and Buffalo prohibit it. As do the villages of Brockport and Scottsville locally. As we previously explored, Rochester’s ban on sidewalk riding was taken away in 1958.

Riders in Monroe County, therefore, often have a choice: They can ride in the road following motorists’ rules, or if they don’t feel safe, they have the option of riding on the sidewalk where the law treats them more or less*** as pedestrians. Sidewalk-riding cyclists have to yield to pedestrians. In other words, pedestrians don’t have to get out of cyclists’ way on the sidewalk.

As we’ve stated before, in general: sidewalk-riding isn’t as safe as many assume and riding in the road, on the right side, isn’t as dangerous as many assume. But Reconnect Rochester has nuance: We’ll admit there are circumstances where the sidewalk is the safest place to ride.

Sidewalk riding downtown is discouraged. For many years, it was explicitly prohibited. But in 2019, the City Council updated the code. There’s wiggle room now: A cyclist can ride on downtown sidewalks if they feel imperiled (“if reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions” in the road).

It should be noted that in the City of Rochester, kids under the age of 13 can’t ride in the road unless accompanied by an adult. Experts tell us that peripheral vision and the ability to judge how fast an approaching vehicle will be in your space just isn’t developed in youngsters. So young riders must stick to the sidewalk when riding without an adult. Here are other tips for youngsters.

A sticky point that’s become a contentious issue with law enforcement: When cyclists ride in the roadway, we acknowledge they’re required to ride on the right side with the flow of traffic. Because New York State does not define sidewalks as part of the roadway, cyclists can technically ride in each direction on the sidewalk, just as pedestrians can walk each way on the sidewalk, when sidewalk-riding isn’t prohibited. (Though it’s far safer, bicyclists don’t have to ride on the sidewalk on the right side of the road in their direction of travel).

We’ve seen Police Reports where the Officer reprimands a cyclist for riding on the sidewalk on the left side of the road, even if there is no sidewalk on the right side. Cyclists do have the right, though riding on the left sidewalk opens them up to this common motorist mistake.

Just because riding on the sidewalk is allowed, doesn’t mean it’s beneficial [in every circumstance]. We only recommend it for brief, finite maneuvers when the cyclist can use it to their advantage.

Motorists in New York are legally required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. The “common law” interpretation of this is for motorists to yield to cyclists in crosswalks too (and we occasionally see motorists ticketed for failing to do so), but it’s not explicitly stated. Though cyclists are not legally required to dismount and walk their bike across the crosswalk, doing so protects them more in a legal sense. As Cara Hamann states in this important article, “There is a simple and straightforward fix to the legal loophole in crosswalk laws: change the word ‘pedestrian’ to ‘persons.’” We find it interesting that in the NYS Driver’s Manual, motorists are instructed to yield to pedestrians, in-line skaters and scooters in crosswalks. Bicycles are missing from that directive.

When there’s a dedicated bike facility and it’s usable and unobstructed, it’s state law for the cyclist to use it (except to come out to prepare for a turn). A bicyclist could be ticketed, for example, for riding on Union Street itself rather than the raised cycle track running alongside Union Street.

When it “legalized” e-bikes in 2020, New York State blanketly banned e-bikes (and e-scooters) from sidewalks. But municipalities have the option of allowing them on sidewalks. Rochester was one of the first to do so.

A quirk of New York State’s e-bike law is that e-bikes (and e-scooters) are prohibited on roads with speed limits greater than 30 mph. This more or less only makes e-bikes legal in cities, villages and quieter residential streets. Most riders in the suburbs are unknowingly riding illegally on their primary roadways. There’s a bill in the legislature that would fix this. Prod your Albany reps. 😉

It’s worth noting: One of the reasons that Upstate New York’s Sidepath networks disappeared in the early 1900s was that different rules throughout the state just didn’t make sense. History is repeating itself in that sense with e-bike rules.

There’s a whole book devoted to New York’s weird e-bike laws. Since it’s becoming an issue, we’ll point out that you have to be 16+up to ride an e-bike. Crashes involving riders younger than 16 are spiking up, which could have wider repercussions…

This comes as a surprise to many: Monroe County doesn’t allow bikes on trails or paths in County Parks with the exception of Tryon, Irondequoit Bay West, Genesee Valley Park, the Lehigh Valley Trail, and that short section of Highland Park South (Biekrich Park) where the Highland Crossing Trail is. However, folks can bike on any paved road in the park system that is open to cars.

The following Towns also don’t allow biking on footpaths and trails in their parks:

Brighton
Brockport
Ogden
Penfield
Riga
Webster

Our understanding is that trails throughout New York that are open to bicycles are not automatically open to e-bikes. The entity that has jurisdiction over the trail can choose to allow them. The only local trails that we know allow e-bikes are the Erie Canal and Genesee Riverway Trails. City Trails such as the El Camino Trail are technically not yet open to e-bikes. If you come across any information that contradicts this or any more local trails that allow it, let us know.

New York State law permits cyclists to ride two abreast if sufficient space is available. But the following municipalities require riders to be single file at all times:

Brighton
Ogden
Penfield
Webster
Fairport

Finally, as many riders know, bicycle riding is prohibited on the Erie Canal towpath between the Main Street bridge and the State Street Bridge in the Village of Pittsford, and dismounting of bicycles on the towpath in that area is required.

November 4, 2025 by No Comments

Understanding Bicycle Crashes in Monroe County

By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager

As promised, we wanted to follow up our March blog examining the most common cyclist crash in Monroe County with further analysis. A huge component of safety is knowing what those common crash scenarios are and what we can do to significantly diminish the likelihood of our involvement in them. Though this article focuses more on road user behavior and errors, know up front that Reconnect Rochester spends most of our time focusing on better street design (engineering!) as the best solution.

Quick note: No blog on bike tips is a substitute for our on-bike Smart Cycling class. (Taking this class is what it took for me to get comfortable riding around back in 2013). The class is small, fun and propels students out with know-how and confidence. Stay tuned for 2026 dates or take the League of American Bicyclists’ online version in the meantime.

Kobe Bryant used to say as he analyzed opponents’ games and habits, “If [something is] predictable, it’s preventable.” In his phenomenal book Killed By A Traffic Engineer, Wes Marshall argues that Kobe’s point also goes for traffic: Some of the errors motorists make are so predictable and, therefore, engineers can adjust road designs accordingly.

Because I know the mistakes Monroe County motorists often make and maintain awareness as I ride, there’s times my well-honed Spider-Sense goes off: “Ooo boy, if there was gonna be a crash, it would be precisely this scenario right here…” I slow down, don’t stress, and make sure everyone around me sees me to ensure my safety. We hope you can do the same. Let’s examine the other common crash scenarios in Monroe County involving bicyclists.

Yes, we know not all bike crashes are reported. Even if the info we receive isn’t everything, we’d still contend that what we receive gives us a pretty good glimpse at what’s transpiring out there. The findings are still instructive.

First off. A major takeaway:

Monroe County motorists make a lot of mistakes interacting with sidewalk riders. Riding in the street, following the rules, is safer than many think.

**Most Common CYCLIST Error – running a red light/stop sign or biking through crosswalk during Don’t Walk phase**

Reconnect Rochester annually champions the Idaho Stop in New York State. Passage would allow bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. Many intersection signals don’t detect cyclists’ presence and believe it or not, the statistics say the Idaho Stop is safer for cyclists.

BUT:

It’s not the law right now
The Idaho Stop is safe only when certain conditions are met, as this Santa Cruz advocate says well:

What can cyclists do?

Proceed through an intersection when it’s clear & you know you’re being yielded to. Don’t run red lights or stop signs. Don’t roll through a crosswalk during the Don’t Walk phase. Report traffic signals that don’t detect your presence to Monroe County DOT.

What can motorists do?

Stay alert. Make sure the way is clear in each direction before proceeding. Yield to anyone in the crosswalk.

2nd Most Common MOTORIST Error – turns into cyclists going straight

Note: The Most Common MOTORIST Error was covered in our March blog post

You know Reconnect Rochester: we love bike lanes! The more physical protection and separation from motor vehicle traffic, the better. Bike lanes, without protected intersections however, still present a potential conflict point at intersections. Sometimes motorists coming up behind the cyclist make a right turn into them as the cyclist is proceeding straight. This is called a right hook. Other times, motorists coming from the opposite direction will take a left turn into the straightgoing cyclist. This is known as a left cross.

In both instances, motorists are required by law to yield to that straight traffic and can’t make the turn unless it can be made with safety. We’ll note that illegal motorist turns are more common with sidewalk riders than classic left crosses and right hooks with cyclists in the roadway.

What can cyclists do?

Approaching intersections, come out from the curb (when it’s clear and safe) to be more visible and to limit motorist’s most dangerous choices. “Taking/Controlling the Lane” can sometimes be the wisest thing to do. It’s also prudent to not barrel through intersections at top speed. Proceed with caution until you know the way is clear and you’re being yielded to.

I’m not a big John Forester fan, but I like this line from his book: “When you approach a red light on a bike-laned street, be especially considerate to move out of the bike lane to maintain sufficient room on your right for cars to turn right on red. That is both politeness on your part and self-preservation…”

What can motorists do?

Yield to straight going cyclists before turning right or left. As prescribed in the image above, make right turns close to the curb, yielding to traffic already in the bike lane or shoulder.

2nd Most Common CYCLIST Error – wrong way riding

When cyclists ride in the street, they’re required by law to ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic. As I’m sure you’ve seen, a lot of bicyclists here choose to ride on the left side against the flow of traffic. At first glance, it’s easy to see why: They’d much rather see traffic come at them than not see traffic coming behind them. However, it’s a ticketable offense and we’ve got the data to prove it’s one of the leading causes of crashes here. The laws of physics make this crash especially severe on the cyclist: If you’re biking on the left at 10mph and are hit head on by a car in the opposite direction going 30mph, that’s literally the equivalent of getting hit at 40mph.

You’re not walking away from that crash.

Image taken from NYBC’s Pocket Guide, available as a free PDF here

What can cyclists do?

Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic. This takes getting used to, but you’re more safe, visible and predictable this way. To make it easier, stick to the lines on our ROC Easy Bike map.

What can motorists do?

Look both ways at intersections, driveways and parking lot exits and ensure the way is clear before turning. Stay alert.

3rd Most Common MOTORIST Error – unsafe passing

Every bicyclist’s greatest fear – riding on the right side of the road, doing everything you’re supposed to do, and getting hit from behind by a straightgoing motorist – is not that common; the other crash scenarios we’ve discussed here are much more common.

But getting hit from behind does happen. Chances are higher on arterials when there are no bike lanes present. Getting hit from behind by a straightgoing motorist while in a bike lane is quite rare.

We find it interesting that much of the time when a cyclist does get hit from behind, it either happens at night or in the suburbs. Dedicated bike infrastructure and street lighting are less prevalent outside the City. Speeds are higher there and sometimes there’s not even a shoulder to ride in. The more “road diets” County DOT and NYSDOT can do, the safer suburban cyclists will be.

What can cyclists do?

If riding at night, it’s the law for bicyclists to have a red light in the rear and a white light in the front (reflectors don’t suffice). Of course for their benefit, the cyclist can go beyond satisfying the law to wearing bright reflective material that makes them even more visible. Two stage left turns and riding along the easy bike network make this crash less likely. Advocate for protected bike infrastructure.

What can motorists do?

Slow down and maintain vigilance while driving. It’s New York State law to pass cyclists at a safe distance. In Monroe County, that safe passing distance is at least 3 feet.

3rd Most Common CYCLIST Error – failing to yield to cross traffic

When any vehicle operator comes out of a driveway/parking lot or comes to the end of a minor residential street up to a major street, they must stop (before entering the sidewalk/crosswalk area) whether there is a stop sign or not. They can only proceed straight across or turn onto that busier road when the way is clear and they can proceed with safety. A significant factor in crashes in Rochester is cyclists (and motorists, too, for that matter) coming to the end of a residential side street and proceeding across a major road without yielding to that cross traffic (which has the right of way) and waiting until the way is clear.

Granted, sometimes that cross traffic is busy and/or that cross traffic can be speeding. But they have the right of way. If it’s rush hour, it might be a good idea for the cyclist to head to the nearest signalized intersection via the sidewalk and press the “beg button” to help them cross or turn.

Of course, lower speed limits, speed/red light cameras, traffic calming and more crosswalks would make this crash less common and make it easier to get around by bike.

What can cyclists do?

Don’t cross until the way is clear. If traffic is busy, head to the nearest signalized intersection via the sidewalk and press the “beg button” to help you cross or turn.

What can motorists do?

Slow down. Stay alert.

In sum, when cyclists eliminate these common cyclist mistakes from their repertoire and ride in a way that significantly deters the common mistakes motorists make, their safety skyrockets! Consider taking our bike class in 2026 and get acquainted with our ROC Easy Bike map.

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.

October 24, 2025 by No Comments

Where They Stand: 2025 Monroe County Candidates for Sheriff, Legislature, and Town & Village races

Reconnect Rochester surveyed all candidates for Monroe County Sheriff, Monroe County Legislature, Town Supervisor, and Town Board, 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. Reconnect Rochester also surveyed all candidates running for City of Rochester Mayor, Rochester City Council, and Rochester Commissioner of Schools in the City of Rochester. You can find the responses to the City of Rochester Candidate Questionnaire here: City of Rochester General Election Questionnaire

Click on the candidate names below to read their full, unedited responses. Candidates appear in the order presented on the Monroe County Board of Elections Certification of Candidates list. If you are interested to learn more about how we conduct our candidate questionnaire, feel free to take a look at our methodology dropdown below.

We hope this information will help you make an informed decision when you head to the polls! Early voting for the primary election starts Saturday, October 25th and runs through Sunday, November 2nd. Click here to find early voting sites!

To check if you are registered to vote, confirm your polling location the November 4th general election, and even see a preview of what your ballot will look like: click here.

Our Methodology & Process

Reconnect Rochester has run a campaign questionnaire for several years with the goal of informing our audience where candidates for elected office stand on issues related to transportation and mobility. In the past we have focused on elections in the City of Rochester, Monroe County Legislature, NY Senate & Assembly, and our Congressional District (NY-25). To match our commitment to all municipalities in Monroe County, we have expanded the questionnaire to cover town and village races.

For the general election, we surveyed 109 candidates from across Monroe County. To accomplish this, we first attempted to locate the email addresses and campaigns of the candidates. Candidates with functional campaign webpages and emails received our questionnaire digitally. The hyper local nature of some elections often made finding the email addresses of candidates difficult. Many candidates run campaigns from facebook pages and use their local Democratic or Republican party as their primary digital contact method. For these candidates, we emailed our questionnaire to their local political party and mailed a physical questionnaire to the address the candidate filed with the Monroe County Board of Elections. Candidates who did not have a clear digital contact method independently or through a local political party received the questionnaire twice at the address the candidate filed with the Monroe County Board of Elections. Regardless of the contact method, candidates received at least two communications explaining our questionnaire asking for responses. The majority of our outreaches were sent on the week of September 15th and the first week of October with a deadline of October 20th to give us time to upload the responses to this webpage.

Many elections are unopposed as the “real” election took place in the June Primary or the candidate ran unopposed. In the future, we plan to explore surveying more races in the Primary as we regularly do in City of Rochester races. If you have any questions about our candidate questionnaire, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for taking the time to see where your candidates stand and for voting.

Candidates for Monroe County Sheriff

Todd K Baxter

Political Party: Democratic & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website: https://www.facebook.com/baxterforsheriff/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Monroe County Legislature 3rd District

Marvin Stepherson

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: friendsofstepherson@gmail.com

Website: https://www.marvinstepherson.com/

1. What role will you play as a Monroe County Legislator in addressing our community’s transportation challenges? Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

As a Monroe County Legislator, I will advocate for a transportation system that is safe, reliable, accessible, and connects people to opportunity for all. My focus will be on improving public transit routes, investing in pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, and ensuring our roads are designed with safety and equity in mind. Mobility is more than movement. It’s about access to jobs, education, and healthcare. I will work collaboratively with state, local, and regional partners to modernize our transportation network, expand affordable options, and build safer streets for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Monroe County residents can count on me to lead with vision, accountability, and a deep commitment to making our communities more connected, sustainable, and inclusive.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities – including the City of Rochester – are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach to dramatically reduce or eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. How would you work with the town DPW, County, and State DOTs to improve road safety in your district?

With over 25 years in law enforcement and 23 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, I’ve dedicated my life to protecting lives and promoting safety. As a Monroe County Legislator, I’ll apply that experience to advance **Vision Zero** and the **Safe System Approach**, working with town, county, and state partners to redesign roads, calm traffic, and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, ensuring everyone gets home safely.

3. Roughly 11% of Monroe County Households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. What land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development along existing transportation corridors and traditional main streets?

As a Monroe County Legislator, I will support innovative, inclusive development that connects people to opportunity. That means focusing on existing/new housing, jobs, and small business growth along existing transit corridors and traditional main streets, where infrastructure already supports access. I’ll advocate for mixed-use zoning, affordable housing near bus routes, and incentives for businesses that invest in walkable, transit-friendly areas. By aligning land use and transportation planning, we can strengthen local economies, reduce commutes, and build vibrant, connected communities for all residents.

4. While the Monroe County Legislature does not have control over RTS bus service, the county controls county roadways and a sizable budget. How would you work to expand bus amenities (benches, shelters, etc.) throughout your district to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience across Monroe County?

As a Monroe County Legislator, I will work collaboratively with RTS, local municipalities, and community organizations to improve the rider experience across our bus network. Using county resources and partnerships, I’ll advocate for expanding bus shelters, benches, lighting, and accessibility features, especially along high-use corridors. I’ll also seek innovative funding through grants and public-private partnerships to modernize stops with real-time arrival information and weather protection. By investing in comfort and accessibility, we can make public transit safer, more reliable, and more inviting for everyone.

Scott A Hand

Political Party: Republican

Candidate Email: HandForChili@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Scott-Hand-For-Chili-61576637035511/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Jack A Merritt

Political Party: Conservative

Candidate Email: ElectJackMerritt@gmail.com

Website: http://facebook.com/votejackmerritt/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Monroe County Legislature 12th District

Nazish N Jeffery

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: nazishformcld12@gmail.com

Website: https://www.henriettadems.org/meet-nazish-for-ld-12

As a Monroe County Legislator, I will be a strong advocate for safer, more accessible, and equitable transportation options. I believe that reliable public transit, safe streets, and walkable communities are essential to a thriving and inclusive county. Everyone, regardless of income, ability, or neighborhood, deserves access to the services and opportunities that transportation connects us to.

I will actively support and push for programs that improve mobility, expand transit access, and prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety. Investing in sustainable transportation not only benefits the environment but also strengthens our local economy and public health. Monroe County residents who care about building a connected, fair, and forward-thinking community can count on me to lead with urgency and purpose on these issues.

I will work collaboratively with town DPWs, the County, and NYS DOT to protect all road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists. I support adopting Vision Zero and the Safe System Approach to guide policy and infrastructure decisions. That means pushing for traffic calming, safer crosswalks, protected bike lanes, adding more sidewalks, and data-driven strategies to reduce crashes and save lives. Road safety is not negotiable, it should be a shared responsibility and a priority for all.

I believe revitalizing our main streets and transportation corridors starts with smart, community-driven development. That means repurposing vacant or underused buildings for housing, local businesses, and community services. This approach not only preserves the character of our neighborhoods but also brings life back to areas already connected by public transit.

I would support land use and economic policies that encourage mixed-use development along existing transit routes, and provide incentives for projects that align with community needs. Most importantly, residents must have a seat at the table. Development should reflect the voices of those who live there, not just the developers. By combining thoughtful, data-driven planning with meaningful public input, we can build vibrant and walkable communities where people can live, work, and thrive.

I would advocate for dedicated funding to expand and maintain essential bus stop amenities like benches, shelters, lighting, and safe pedestrian access throughout my district. Riding the bus shouldn’t mean standing in the rain or snow without cover or walking across unsafe streets to reach a stop. I’ll work with community members, RTS, and local planners to identify high-need locations and ensure improvements are made equitably, with a focus on comfort, accessibility, safety, and dignity for all riders.

Leslie Schildt

Political Party: Republican

Candidate Email: LeslieForLeg@gmail.com

Website: https://leslieforleg.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Deborah Campanella

Political Party: Conservative & Westside First

Candidate Email: debbieforleg@gmail.com

Website: http://www.debbiecampanella.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Brighton Town Supervisor:

William W Moehle

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: bill.moehle@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/ElectBillMoehle/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Brighton Town Council:

Christine Corrado

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: christineforbrighton@gmail.com

Website: www.christineforbrighton.org

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

To a certain extent, Brighton is walkable and bikeable, but not universally so. To a lesser extent, the bus is an option for mobility in Brighton. But on balance, our town was developed with the assumption that anyone living in, working in, or visiting Brighton would do so in their own car. That assumption is not inclusive or sustainable—two key values that Brightonians embrace. When our streets are safer and complete—that is, when they are structured to prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable users and accommodate more ways of getting around—we all benefit. More frequent bus service that goes where riders want and need to go; bike lanes and boulevards that make biking instead of driving safe and practical; sidewalks that connect neighborhoods to commercial corridors without gaps that make walking unpleasant; and trails that connect people and places—all of these ways of getting around Brighton are my top priority goals for our community. We’re making progress on all counts, but there’s still more to do in my next term on the town board.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

In my time as councilmember, I have:
• Secured funding for sidewalk construction along state and county roadways, prioritizing filling critical gaps in the network and making walking to school and local businesses safer and more pleasant
• Led the successful drafting and adoption of Brighton’s Complete Streets Policy that requires the town to integrate transit, pedestrian, and bike amenities into all street projects and encourages our county and state department of transportation partners to do the same when working on roadways within the town
• Successfully partnered with the Monroe County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) to reconfigure Elmwood Avenue from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction, a center turn lane, and bike lanes, resulting in reduced vehicle speeds, a more pleasant walking experience, and safer biking along this segment of New York State Bike Route #5
• Successfully partnered with MCDOT and the Town of Henrietta to reconfigure Brighton Henrietta Town Line Road from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction, a center turn lane, and bike lanes along most of the corridor, resulting in reduced vehicle speeds and safer biking especially for students, faculty, and staff of Monroe Community College who choose to ride to campus
• Expanded Brighton’s bike boulevard network by adding a connector from the city line at Highland Avenue and Oakdale through to the Winter Farmers Market on Westfall Road, with a segment that makes biking to the BCSD campus at 12 Corners safer for students within the school walk zone
• Secured the installment of protected, signalized left turns at Winton Road South and Westfall Road
• In collaboration with town engineering staff, successfully created a town crosswalk policy, and with citizen input, identified numerous locations for new crosswalks that include rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) and successfully advocated with the Monroe County DOT to permit their installation

Going forward, we have two once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to collaborate with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) on significant improvements to our two primary commercial corridors in Brighton—Monroe Avenue and West Henrietta Road—as well as an opportunity to collaborate again with MCDOT on a similar project on South Clinton. NYSDOT and MCDOT will be resurfacing these roads in the next 2-7 years. The projects are currently in the design phase, and thanks to good relationships cultivated over the years with both key NYSDOT and MCDOT staff and advocacy organizations like Reconnect Rochester, as well as substantial citizen input into the town’s official guiding documents (especially the 2012 Bike/Walk Brighton Active Transportation Plan and the Envision Brighton 2028 Comprehensive Plan), I have already been at the table to not only provide the feedback on preliminary plans but also ensure that the community’s vision for these important commercial corridors in our town is communicated clearly to the project teams. It is an iterative process, and I am committed to not only being at the table on behalf of our town throughout the process but also ensuring that NYSDOT and MCDOT get substantial public input on the final design.

3. What steps are you taking to fund key active transportation improvement projects outlined in your town planning documents? Do you plan to and take advantage of matching funds such as the Monroe County’s Municipal sidewalk funding?

Thanks to a strong relationship with Senator Jeremy Cooney, chair of the Transportation Committee, I helped to secure both financial and advocacy support for filling sidewalk gaps in Brighton, particularly the critical and complicated gap on East Avenue connecting the recently installed sidewalk on the southeast side to the signalized crosswalk to get walkers—especially grade school students—across the street to Allens Creek School.

As chair of the Public Works Committee, I had maintained a sidewalk “wish list” of locations along county roads where Brightonians have long wanted sidewalks. When Monroe County announced the municipal sidewalk 50/50 funding program, we were able to quickly identify the top priority segments that would yield the greatest impact—locations like Westfall Road within the BCSD walk zone as well as connecting walkers to Buckland Park and the Auburn and Brickyard Trails, a stretch of Edgweood connecting walkers to Monroe Avenue, etc.—and town engineers submitted successful applications for funding eight critical segments throughout the town.

Additionally, we seek opportunities for private development in town to contribute to the expansion of our sidewalk and trail network when those projects come to fruition through incentive zoning. For example, we are at the ready with the recently adopted plan for building out the Multiversity Trail System to connect UR, RIT, and MCC via the Erie Canal Trail and the Lehigh Valley Trail. Based on that plan, an application for incentive zoning approval for a project in West Brighton includes a proposal for funding a significant portion of that project at no cost to Brighton taxpayers.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

4A. While your town [Chili, Gates, Greece, Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Brighton, Henrietta, Pittsford, East Rochester] does not have control over RTS bus service, your town does control considerable parts of the public right-of-way such as town roads and sidewalks. How do you plan to improve bus amenities to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience in your town?

4B. [Ogden, Clarkson, Sweden, Chili, Gates, Greece, Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Brighton, Henrietta, Pittsford] As of sept 1, RGRTA will be launching significant changes to its On Demand service across Monroe County. What steps would you take to advocate for improved service in your community?

4A.
As a frequent bus rider myself, I know there is quite a range in the quality of the experience waiting for and getting off the bus in Brighton. Many of the stops, while relatively conveniently located, are poorly positioned, forcing riders to step on or off from a muddy tree lawn or stretch of roadway with no sidewalk at all. Some stops are mere poles with signs while others are fully-equipped shelters with informational signs and comfortable benches. The conditions at many stops make riding prohibitive for people who use mobility aids, parents pushing strollers, and folks who need the respite of a bench when waiting up to 30 minutes for the next bus to come by.
Knowing this, I keep bus amenities and rider comfort at the forefront when working with the state and county DOT on projects in town. On Monroe Avenue, for example, our feedback to NYSDOT identified each transit stop as optimal locations for protected crosswalks as well as ensuring that the stop location include a sidewalk extension to the curb for safer on- and off-boarding. Similarly, when the extensive Town Hall renovation and campus recreational amenities project wraps up within the next two years, I will be pursuing the installation of bus shelters on both sides of Elmwood Avenue, plus a protected crosswalk at Roby Drive to not only connect pedestrians coming from the south side of Elmwood Avenue to the inbound 97 bus stop but also making access to this high use community destination (library, police department, Town Hall, water features, and playground) safer for walkers and bus riders alike. (Related, I am focused on getting RTS to elevate route 97 service between 12 Corners and URMC from the very limited Commuter level to at least the more practical Crosstown/Suburban level of service, if not Local or Frequent service levels on this critical corridor that connects commercial areas, public amenities, and the largest employer in the region.)

4B.
When RTS was going through its reconfiguration process, Reimagine RTS, I attended nearly every public forum to advocate for 15 minute fixed-route service throughout Brighton with complete access to locations beyond the fixed routes by On Demand service. What Brighton got was 30-minute local service on six fixed routes (11, 12,13, 14, 17, and 41), extremely limited morning and evening service on one fixed route (97), and absolutely zero On Demand service, leaving giant accessibility gaps throughout town. At every opportunity, I continue to press for improvements to both fixed route and On Demand service by raising awareness in the community through such things as engaging in national active transportation campaigns such as the recent Week Without Driving (including a community panel discussion with non-drivers in Brighton) as well as engagement with RTS leadership and our delegation in Albany.

5. Roughly 11% of Monroe County Households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. What land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development along existing transportation corridors and traditional main streets?

Brighton was developed as a car-first suburb in the 20th century. Current zoning code reflects that, particularly in relation to the minimum amount of parking required for commercial properties. We’ve zoned ourselves into a main street dominated by banks, medical offices, salons, and spas—all largely by appointment only. With so much space along our commercial corridors dedicated to car storage rather than to more densely built structures for a wider range of uses, the community loses out on desirable businesses like cafes and retail. By implementing the changes to our zoning code as recommended in the Envision Brighton 2028 Comprehensive Plan, especially eliminating or reducing parking minimums and letting business owners determine the necessary amount of parking, and reducing minimum setbacks to allow (or even require) construction of mixed-use buildings set closer to the sidewalk with parking pushed to the back, Monroe Avenue can evolve into the village-like setting that Brightonians want—a setting that is ultimately more accessible for everyone, whether on foot, by bike, bus, or car. Further, with greater density in the district, greater wealth is generated and retained in the community, thereby reducing the tax burden on homeowners in Brighton.

Clara Sanguinetti

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: clara@claraforbrighton.com

Website: www.claraforbrighton.com

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Brighton’s roads were designed for cars, not people, leaving gaps in sidewalks, very few crossings, and disconnected bike routes. I’ll advocate for complete streets that serve everyone. By supporting mixed-use development on commercial corridors, we can bring homes and shops closer together, reducing car dependence. I’ll collaborate with Reconnect Rochester, and our County and State partners to align projects with Brighton’s Complete Streets and Climate Action goals.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

Improving safety on our streets requires collaboration among the Town, County, and State. I support redesigning roads to prevent crashes. I’ll advocate for traffic calming, new crosswalks, and protected bike lanes. My goal is for zero fatalities and a Brighton where every resident, whether driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, feels safe on our streets.

Most recently I’ve been working with neighbors in east Brighton to advocate for a crosswalk at Penfield Road and Colonial Village, where families have repeatedly shared concerns about safely crossing to either take their kids to school or simply access the only local business in the neighborhood. I’ll continue pushing for projects like this while leveraging Monroe County’s Municipal Sidewalk Program and state grants. Treating pedestrian accessibility as essential infrastructure improves safety, supports local businesses, and enhances quality of life for everyone in Brighton.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

I will work to build relationships with RTS and major employers to advocate for improved service to Brighton. Encouraging mixed-use development along commercial corridors near bus routes will bring jobs, housing, and services closer to transit, making public transportation a practical choice for more residents. This benefits employers by expanding the pool of employees who can reliably commute without a car. Improved transit also supports local businesses by increasing customer access. By reducing traffic and emissions, these changes create a healthier, more efficient community, strengthening Brighton’s economy and quality of life for all residents.

By eliminating parking requirements and promoting mixed-use, walkable development along major commercial corridors, we can boost economic activity while reducing transportation barriers. Thoughtful planning along existing transportation corridors strengthens our economy, lowers emissions, and helps Brighton remain an inclusive, connected community where everyone can get to work, school, and services easily.

Robin R Wilt

Political Party: Working Families

Candidate Email: info@wiltfortownboard.com

Website: https://www.wiltfortownboard.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Chili Town Supervisor:

David J Dunning

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Ursula M Liotta

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Tom Guarino

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: thomas.guarino@rochester.rr.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/votetomguarino/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Gates Town Supervisor:

Cosmo Giunta

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Jeff McCann

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: info@mccann2025.com

Website: https://mccann2025.com/

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

In Greece, our top transportation concern is safety, especially for our children. School bus safety remains a priority, as does making sure families feel secure on our roads and sidewalks. While Greece doesn’t face the same transit challenges as some urban areas, we must ensure our infrastructure supports safe mobility for all residents. I will work to keep safety front and center, while partnering with county and state agencies to explore opportunities for improving walkability and access.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

Keeping residents safe on our roads is a shared responsibility. As Supervisor, I would work closely with Monroe County and NYSDOT to pursue traffic calming measures, better signage, and targeted enforcement around schools and high-traffic areas. I support a data-driven approach like Vision Zero, focusing on reducing fatalities and injuries, and I believe in working collaboratively so Greece can benefit from proven countywide and statewide safety initiatives.

Yes, I believe Greece should take advantage of Monroe County’s sidewalk funding program and other available grants to make critical infrastructure projects more affordable for our taxpayers. Sidewalks and bike-friendly connections are essential for safer, healthier neighborhoods. I will prioritize partnerships with the county and state to leverage outside funding, so Greece can enhance active transportation while being fiscally responsible.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

4A: While the town cannot set bus routes, we can make sure the experience for riders is safe and dignified. That means maintaining sidewalks near bus stops, improving lighting, and exploring opportunities for more shelters. Supporting bus riders is part of supporting all residents, especially those who rely on public transit to get to work, school, or appointments.

4B: Listening to riders and communicating their needs directly to RGRTA will be key. My focus will be on making sure the service is responsive, dependable, and reaches the neighborhoods and corridors where it is most needed.

Greece is fortunate to have strong commercial corridors and historic main streets. As Supervisor, I will promote smart development that supports walkability and access to transit, particularly along Ridge Road and other established hubs. Encouraging businesses to locate in areas served by existing infrastructure not only reduces congestion but also supports residents who depend on walking, biking, and transit. By aligning growth with transportation access, we can strengthen both our economy and our community.

Bill Murphy

Political Party: Republican

Candidate Email: friendsofbillmurphy@gmail.com

Website: https://www.billmurphyforsupervisor.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Greece Town Council Ward 1:

David DiPonzio

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: VoteDiPonzio@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/David-DiPonzio-for-Greece-Town-Board-61572913029020/

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Greece is one of the largest towns in New York, and with that comes the challenge of managing several busy roads that serve thousands of residents and visitors every day. Our priority must be keeping both drivers and cyclists safe — and that means encouraging everyone to follow the rules of the road.

I support continued investment in sidewalks and pedestrian safety so our neighborhoods are more walkable and connected. Greece is fortunate to have a beautiful walking and biking route along the Parkway that links to the river, and I’d like to see more connections like that throughout town. By improving sidewalks, supporting safe cycling, and keeping our roads maintained, we can make Greece safer and more enjoyable for all residents — whether they drive, bike, or walk.

That’s why residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and quality-of-life improvements can count on me to be their advocate on the Town Board.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

Too many lives are lost on our roads, and Greece faces the same challenges with busy streets and growing traffic. I support the Safe System Approach because it focuses on safer roads, safer speeds, and protecting everyone who uses them. That means better sidewalks, safer intersections, and stronger connections to our existing trails. Just as important, we need to make sure drivers slow down and give space when there’s a disabled vehicle or emergency responders on the roadside. I’d also like to explore forming a committee here in Greece to analyze these issues locally and identify where improvements can make the biggest impact utilizing Vision Zero and the Safe System Approach. Working with the Town, County, and State DOT, we can put safety first — for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Active transportation is an important part of keeping Greece safe, connected, and family-friendly. We’ve already been utilizing Monroe County’s Municipal Sidewalk Program, and it’s been a great partnership that shows how government can work for all residents. These matching funds help us stretch taxpayer dollars further while still making real improvements in neighborhoods.

I support continuing to take advantage of programs like this to expand and improve sidewalks, fill in gaps, and make our streets safer for walking and biking. When local, county, and state governments work together, we can deliver cost-effective projects that improve quality of life for everyone in Greece.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

4A.
While we don’t control RTS directly, we do control town roads and sidewalks — and those play a big role in how comfortable and safe it is to ride the bus. I support continuing to invest in sidewalks and crosswalks near bus stops so riders have safe, accessible connections. We can also look at practical improvements like benches, shelters, and lighting in partnership with RTS where possible. For a town as large as Greece, better bus amenities mean more residents can rely on public transit safely and comfortably.

4B.
With RGRTA rolling out its expanded On Demand service, Greece needs to make sure our community is fully included and supported. I’ll advocate for strong coverage in our town so residents — especially seniors, workers, and students — have reliable access to jobs, medical appointments, and shopping. By working closely with RGRTA and listening to rider feedback here in Greece, I’ll push for service that meets our community’s needs and connects residents with opportunity.

With 11% of Monroe County households lacking a car, we need smart growth that connects people to jobs and services without driving. I support encouraging development along existing transportation corridors and main streets where transit and sidewalks already exist, and I believe we should better educate residents about the transportation services available today. This strengthens local business districts, supports workers, and improves mobility for all.

Candidates for Greece Town Council Ward 2:

Jim Leary

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: jimleary2025@gmail.com

Website: https://jimleary2025.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Spencer Bernard

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: spencertbernard@gmail.com

Website: spencerforgreece.com

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Town residents who care about safe streets, better mobility or public transit should vote me for because I’ve delivered results on each. As chief of staff for the town of Pittsford, I helped create our 2019 Active Transportation Plan and since then, have acted on it. I’ve secured millions in grant funding to build new sidewalks, trails and repave deteriorating roads. I’ve worked with the Monroe County Sheriff’s department on targeted traffic enforcement. I’ve worked with Monroe County and NYS DOT on pedestrian safety improvements at crosswalks. I worked with Town Staff and Town Board to pass local legislation to lower the speed limit on all town roads to 25 MPH – the lowest NYS allows. I’ve been involved in the RTS Mobility program. I’ve secured funding for a new senior bus, so Pittsford seniors have a safer way to take day trips and run errands. I’ve secured money to install permanent speed radar signs which have proven to slow drivers down. I have worked with neighbors to install new stop signs, speed humps and signage to deal with speeding and reckless driving problems in neighborhoods. I’ve worked with the school district on safe routes to schools for children. I will bring this experience and knowledge to make Greece streets safer, more access to public transportation.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

The first step is identifying who has jurisdiction over the road in question. If the needed pedestrian safety improvements are on town roads, it’s usually faster and easier to make changes. If it’s a county road, you’ll need to work with the Monroe County Department of Transportation on solutions, who is usually very receptive. For state roads, you can request improvements from New York State, but be aware that NYS is often slow to approve changes – it requires persistence, time, and strong advocacy. Fortunately, the State Senator representing Greece currently chairs the NYS Transportation Committee, which can help move things forward.

Traffic and safety issues exist in every town, so maintaining open communication with officials from other municipalities can foster new ideas and collaborative approaches to improve conditions across the region.

As a member of the Town Board, I would advocate for the Town of Greece to develop an Active Transportation Plan. Having a formal plan greatly increases opportunities for state and federal funding to implement meaningful infrastructure improvements.

In my current role, I’ve secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding to support projects identified through Pittsford’s ATP. I would also encourage Greece to take advantage of Monroe County’s matching sidewalk grant program, which has helped fund two projects I’ve led: the Tobey Road and Barker Road sidewalks. Construction on Barker Road is underway, and work on Tobey Road is set to begin this fall.

Additionally, I’ve been in talks with the Town of Perinton on a joint funding request to complete a sidewalk connection from Thornell Road to Bushnell’s Basin. These are the kinds of collaborative, forward-thinking projects I’d champion in Greece.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

4A: RTS operates independently, so I have little direct control over amenities inside the buses. However, if a constituent raises concerns about cleanliness or safety, I would absolutely reach out to RTS and advocate for improvements. Where I can have more direct impact is at the local level – ensuring that bus stops are safe, clean, and accessible for all riders

4B:Identify where current needs are not being met, understand how proposed changes will impact riders, and work with RTS to find solutions that support those who rely on the service. I was especially encouraged by the advocacy from Greece residents pushing for better transportation options for veterans needing access to the VA. Bottom line is those who rely on public transportation should have easy access to it.

Land use planning must prioritize the needs of the people who will live or work in a given area. For example, affordable housing – especially for working-class residents and low-income seniors – should be located near public transportation and essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies, since many in these groups either don’t drive or rely heavily on transit. In the Town of Greece, the commercial corridor along West Ridge Road presents a significant opportunity. I would encourage repurposing vacant buildings in that area to create new housing and support local businesses.

Candidates for Greece Town Council Ward 3:

Amorette A Miller

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: info@voteamorette.org

Website: https://www.voteamorette.org/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Michael Bloomer

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website:

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Greece Town Council Ward 4:

Rick Antelli, Jr

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: RickAntelliJr@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rick-Antelli-Jr-61570017036692/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Hamlin Town Supervisor:

Steven J Baase

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Stephen Schultz

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: steve@chooseschultz.org

Website: chooseschultz.org

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Lately, our biggest issue is distracted and/or impatient drivers. We have implemented a program with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to try to address this, but there are far more bad drivers than sheriff deputies. With that said, we have been making a dent. We have also built miles of new sidewalks and multi-modal paths to try to get pedestrians and cyclists away from those problem motorists. And we have been working with RTS to install new covered bus stops and to bring sidewalks to them.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

The Town has built miles of new sidewalks and multi-modal paths to try to get pedestrians and cyclists away from problem motorists. Notable additions include the East River Road multi-modal path from Lehigh Station Road north to the RIT campus entrance, as well as the Hylan Road sidewalk from Jefferson Road to Marketplace Drive and then up Marketplace Drive to connect to the bus stops there. We are also in the process of creating bicycle routes through connecting side streets as a safer alternative for cyclists than the main roads.

We were able to obtain $1.25-million in grant funding for new multi-modal paths. We just applied for an additional $850,000 for a new Riverwalk trail. We have created Transportation Development Districts, which tax new commercial development, to improve sidewalks in those commercial areas. And we work with MCDOT to coordinate activities with improvements to County roads, including participating in the Municipal Sidewalk Funding program from Monroe County.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

We are working with RTS to install new covered bus stops at locations where people wait for the bus. We are connecting businesses to those bus stops with new sidewalks, such as on Hylan Drive and Marketplace Drive.

This would not be the first time RTS has reduced service to Henrietta, including no longer providing direct bus service to the RIT campus. I advocated on behalf of our Town and RIT to get bus service back to RIT, or at least to a point where the riders can transfer to on-campus transportation. We have also been working with RTS to keep them informed of businesses and housing projects with significant ridership to make sure service remains or is even added to those locations. RTS adjusted a bus route to make sure it dropped off and picked up near the new T-Mobile call center in Town. As part of that, we built new connecting sidewalks to improve that experience.

The Town applied for a BRICKS Grant and a Pro-Housing Infrastructure Grant to extend Fair Avenue from Calkins Road south and east to East Henrietta Road, opening that area up for new apartments. Included in that, if we are able to obtain the BRICKS Grant, would be two new affordable housing projects built around the Dome Arena, which the Town would acquire via the grant and make into a Community Center. This could add over 500 new units in the center of Town within walking distance to the Library, Rec Center, Town Hall, and Veterans Memorial Park, as well as to Wegmans, drug stores, restaurants, and other retail. In addition, it is on one of the main bus routes through Town.

Corey Brown

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: corey.e.brown2025@gmail.com

Website: https://coreybrown2025.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Henrietta Town Council:

Millie Sefranek

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: millie.sefranek@gmail.com

Website: https://www.henriettadems.org/

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

– First is the issue of high-speed traffic. I have long advocated for traffic calming measures. In my prior time on the board, I voted in favor of a Special Attention Detail to help address unsafe drivers with a special focus on school zones. In addition, I advocated for the purchase of speed zone signs that inform drivers what speed they are going. These modern signs, coupled with the flashing police color lights when people drive too fast can be fairly effective. We implemented “Speed Tables” in the area around the Sherman school and have been looking at more and creative ways to calm traffic. One higher tech method that I am very interested in is the use of red lights that adjust based on the speed of oncoming traffic. I am also interested in ALL way stops at certain dangerous cross walks, most notably in our shopping district areas.

– Sidewalks and shoulder improvements to allow for better bike and pedestrian safety. For the past several years, in my roles on Planning Boards at the Town and County level, I have advocated for more sidewalks. I will continue to advocate for including sidewalks wherever new construction goes in.

– Advocacy for improved RTS routes. At the moment, it can be very challenging to take a bus to where you need to go in Henrietta. This is an ongoing challenge because while I believe there is a need, the demand remains low. Without demand, the bus company continues to cut routes making the buses very unreliable. Since they are so unreliable, people will not take them. I believe there is room to partner with our colleges and businesses to create more reliable bus routes.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

I have long advocated for reducing speeds on all roads in residential areas in Henrietta. As we have grown and developed, our driving structure has not adapted. A road that was once rural, is now highly developed with many homes. NYS DOT has been slow to respond to our Town’s requests for increased safety measures including reduced speeds, traffic lights at dangerous pedestrian crossings and wider shoulders. I have worked with other municipalities to begin to form a united front when approaching the state. I will continue to work with Reconnect Rochester and other advocacy organizations to move the needle for safer streets.

Yes, where appropriate we utilize a range of funding and grants including Monroe County’s Municipal Sidewalk Funding. The largest funders are developers. We insist on investing in sidewalks with each new development (or redevelopment) in the Town. This is a bipartisan issue and I have worked across the aisle.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

– We have utilized funding for new, enclosed bus stops and benches. Whenever applicable, I have always advocated for something that will help shield riders from the elements.

– I have been told by RTS that there is not a lot of demand for buses and they would like to continue to cut routes. I have been told by residents that there is a huge demand, but it is generally at apartment complexes. I have been advocating with developers to ask RTS for bus service to their apartment complexes. I will continue to advocate directly, but adding the voices of business members and investors I hope will influence RTS to continue services.

Currently we utilize multi-use overlay districts to incentivize growth in the denser areas while at the same time increasing our protections for farmland and open space. The combination of incentives for denser areas and the strictures on more rural development will, hopefully, encourage controlled growth.

Kristina J Owens

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email:

Website:

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Patrick Herman

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: Proscapeny@hotmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/patrickhermanforhenriettatownboard/

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Lack of sidewalks and bike Lanes on Towne county and state roads that are main roads. Also RTS eliminated a lot of the bus stops that we used to have in Henrietta making it more difficult for residents etc to get to their employer.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

I would encourage State and county leaders to invest and add bike Lanes or sidewalks as well on their roadways. I would look for funding through grants to help them out with this issue that’s going on currently.

I would definitely look into grant money. And overlook the budget tightly to see what funding we can provide as well.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

One thing is to make sure our sidewalks are clear and accessible during the winter months for residents to get to the bus stops. On town roads. Also to encourage RTS to bring back the bus stops that they have removed. Making it easier for residents to get to jobs without have to use another source of transportation because their bus only went so far.

Encourage development near RTS bus routes and transit hubs so that new jobs, housing, and services are accessible to residents without cars.

Use zoning and permitting to support mixed-use nodes (housing + retail + office) along major transportation corridors, rather than spreading development into areas with no transit.

Timothy Ochs

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website:

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Irondequoit Town Supervisor:

John Perticone

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: jp@electjohnperticone.com

Website: https://chrysalis-vanilla-pzsw.squarespace.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Anthony Costanza

Political Party: Republican

Candidate Email: anthony@irondequoit1st.com

Website: https://www.irondequoit1st.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Irondequoit Town Council:

Ann E Cunningham

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: voteanncunningham@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ann-Cunningham-Irondequoit-Town-Board/61556693916118/?_rdr

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Irondequoit is a vibrant community, but like many towns, we face transportation challenges that affect daily life — unsafe streets, limited public transit, and traffic congestion. As a Town Board member, I’m committed to safer, more accessible mobility for all. This includes:

Safer Streets: Advocating for traffic calming, crosswalks, and complete streets. This year, we added stop signs on Seneca Road and will be adding new crosswalk striping.
Better Transit: Partnering with RTS to expand bus service, especially for underserved residents.
Volunteer Transportation: I am spearheading a collaboration with the Irondequoit Recreation Department and Lifespan to launch a volunteer driver program.
Smart Infrastructure: Supporting projects that reduce congestion and promote walkability.

A town that’s easier and safer to get around is a stronger, more connected Irondequoit.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

As a member of the Irondequoit Town Board, I will make road safety a top priority by:

Advocating for a Vision Zero commitment : An achievable goal to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, grounded in data and equity.
Embracing the Safe System Approach: Recognizes our transportation system must be designed with safer roads, safer speeds, safer vehicles, and post-crash care.
Working closely with the County and State DOTs : Identify and fund critical safety improvements, which could include redesigned intersections, better lighting, protected bike lanes, and traffic-calming measures in high-risk areas.
Supporting Safe Routes to School programs: Every child should be able to walk or bike safely.

Absolutely. One of my top priorities is making sure Irondequoit follows through on the active transportation goals already outlined in our planning documents, including safer sidewalks, bike infrastructure, and more connected neighborhoods.
Identify and prioritize projects from existing town plans that improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, especially near schools, parks, and major corridors.
Actively pursue matching funds from programs like Monroe County’s Municipal Sidewalk Program and state/federal grants. These opportunities are critical to stretching our local dollars further and getting projects off the ground.
Work with town staff to ensure we’re grant ready with solid cost estimates, community input, and project designs that meet funding criteria.
Collaborate with County and State partners to align our goals with regional plans and ensure Irondequoit is a strong candidate for infrastructure investment.
Make active transportation a regular part of the budgeting process, not just a nice-to-have, but a core component of how we plan for growth, safety, and quality of life.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

A. As a Town Board member, I’ll work to:
Improve sidewalks and crosswalks to bus stops so riders don’t have to walk in the street or risk their safety.
Partner with RTS on upgrades like benches, shelters, lighting, and signage — especially at stops serving older adults, workers, and students.
Ensure ADA compliance and better access for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers. (We’ve already submitted a grant through the Genesee Transportation Council to support this.)
Build transit-friendly design into future road and development projects.
Listen to transit riders-their experiences should guide our decisions.

B. Here’s how I would advocate for improved RTS On Demand service in Irondequoit:
Listen and Gather Data: I’ll host community listening sessions to identify gaps in coverage, hours, and destinations and share the information with the RGRTA.
Improve Access and Rider Experience: I’ll push for safer, well-lit pickup spots, better signage, real-time tracking, and clear marketing so residents know how to use the service. I’ll also advocate for evening and weekend hours and stronger connections to fixed routes.

Here’s how I’d approach it:
Focus growth near transit. Support zoning updates for mixed-use, higher-density development along key corridors like East Ridge, Titus, and Hudson to connect jobs, housing, and services to RTS routes.
Revitalize walkable Main Steets: Improve sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike access in traditional business districts like Titus and Ridge to make them safer and more inviting for everyone.
Plan with equity in mind. Everyone deserves safe, affordable, and connected communities—whether or not they own a car.

Peter R Wehner

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: councilmanwehner@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/CouncilmanWehner

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Our town’s greatest transportation challenges are about connectivity and fairness. Many of our roads were designed decades ago, prioritizing cars while leaving pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users with fewer safe options. Sidewalk gaps, limited bus shelters, traffic safety concerns, and congestion in key corridors all make it harder for residents to move around efficiently and safely. Seniors, families with children, and those without cars are often the most impacted.

Why vote for me? As an Architect and Councilperson, I have a proven record of tackling issues like this by combining smart planning with community input. I believe safer streets, better mobility, and reliable public transit are not luxuries—they’re essential to a thriving community. I will push for investments in infrastructure that prioritize safety for all users, expand mobility choices, and partner with regional transit agencies to make service more responsive to Irondequoit residents’ needs.

Supporting me means supporting a town government that will innovate, empower residents, and help our community thrive—on safer streets, in stronger neighborhoods, and with a transportation system that works for everyone.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

Road safety is one of the most urgent public safety issues of our time. Nationally, motorist fatalities remain far higher than peer nations, and pedestrian deaths have surged 75% since 2010. Here in Monroe County, we lose an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians each year, with thousands more injured. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent friends, neighbors, and family members whose lives were cut short or forever changed.

That is why I support moving toward Vision Zero and the Safe System Approach—strategies that recognize human error is inevitable, but serious injuries and deaths are preventable.

To put this into action locally, I will: Work with fellow Town officials to update our local codes and capital plans to prioritize traffic calming, sidewalks, crosswalks, and safe bike infrastructure.

Partner with Monroe County DOT to bring Complete Streets principles to our arterial roads, ensuring designs serve all users, not just cars.

Advocate with NYS DOT for targeted safety improvements on State highways that run through our town—such as improved crossings, lower design speeds, and better lighting.

Engage residents directly so that safety improvements reflect real community needs, especially in neighborhoods where crashes have been concentrated.

By collaborating across all levels of government, we can make our streets safer for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users alike—and ensure that no family has to suffer a preventable loss on our roads.

“Next term, I will make active transportation a top priority. Our planning documents already identify the missing sidewalks, safer crossings, and bike connections that our residents need. What we must do now is act.

In my next term, I will:

Pursue grants and matching funds like Monroe County’s Municipal Sidewalk Program so that every local dollar goes further.

Align our capital budgets with safety, making sidewalks, bike facilities, and crosswalks central to every road project.

Tap State and Federal programs such as Complete Streets and TAP grants to accelerate improvements.

Require private development projects to contribute to building out the town’s active transportation network.

By taking these steps, I’ll ensure we’re not just planning for safer, more connected neighborhoods—we’re building them.”

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

4A. While the Town doesn’t run RTS, we do control the sidewalks, crosswalks, and local roads that connect people to transit. Next term, I will push to improve bus stop amenities—like safer crossings, better lighting, benches, and sidewalk connections—so riders have a safer, more comfortable trip. We can also coordinate with RTS to identify the busiest stops in Irondequoit and make them more accessible to seniors, students, and those with mobility challenges.

4B. As of September 1, RGRTA is rolling out big changes to On Demand service across Monroe County. I will advocate to ensure Irondequoit residents benefit—by pushing for expanded coverage zones, shorter wait times, and fairer scheduling that actually meets demand. I’ll work with County officials, RGRTA, and community members to keep feedback flowing and make sure this service is reliable and equitable for our town.

You are correct, about 11% of Monroe County households don’t own a car, and many more want real choices in how they get around. In Irondequoit, our town is already largely developed, which means the future lies in retrofitting our existing major corridors and traditional main streets.

Next term, I will:

Work closely with Monroe County and NYS DOT to improve state and county roads running through Irondequoit—adding safer sidewalks, crossings, lighting, and bike facilities while calming traffic.

Encourage reinvestment in existing centers like Titus Avenue, Hudson Avenue, and Ridge Road, to keep them vibrant and accessible for businesses and residents.

Ensure neighborhood benefits by advocating for traffic safety, reduced speeding, and better access to local services along these corridors.

Coordinate planning with RTS service so transit corridors become safer, stronger anchors for mobility and economic activity.

By collaborating with County and State partners, we can retrofit Irondequoit’s roads to be safer, more connected, and more vibrant—while respecting the character of our neighborhoods.

Lisa Barrett

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: lisa@irondequoit1st.com

Website: https://www.irondequoit1st.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Michael Voigt

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: michael@irondequoit1st.com

Website: https://www.irondequoit1st.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Mendon Town Supervisor:

Joe Alati

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: FutureOfMendon@gmail.com

Website: futureofmendon.org

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Mendon is a town with one of the largest geographic areas in Monroe County. The population is less than 10,000. We don’t really have transportation challenges other than being able to connect to the city from Mendon for anyone without a vehicle. There was a bus service back and forth at one time. I believe that service no longer exists. I am not sure that transportation in Mendon is a problem for our community. On a larger scale, I am perplexed that small countries in Europe, the size of one of our states, can provide amazing efficient and fast transport while the US cannot seem to get that done.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

I think we need a bike path that utilizes the Lehigh Valley Trail and connects it to make a complete circle from the village off Honeoye Falls to the Hamlet of Mendon. The proposed path should not be in the road. This path can be used for walking, exercising and bicycles. We do not experience many motorist fatalities here in Mendon but one is too many. Planning and safety programs would be welcome and a good thing for our town to offer. Learning about these resources you mention. is a good start as well as meeting with other town officials to learn what they have done in this area.

I believe out town is taking advantage of the matching funds for sidewalks but many more are needed.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

N/A

I would need to know how many of that 11% is true for my town of Mendon. I would think that 9-10% of that 11 is in the city of Rochester. I would love to see a bus service to and from Mendon but there is a reason that RTS cut that service to Mendon. I am sure it is economics; not enough customers.

Brent Rosiek

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: broziek97@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Brent-Rosiek-for-Mendon-Supervisor-61572962224459/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Mendon Town Council:

Tanner A Cheek

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: Tcheek503@yahoo.com

Website: www.MendonsFuture.com

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Mendon faces real transportation challenges, including road safety concerns, limited sidewalks and bike paths, and virtually no public transit options. High traffic volumes and speeding on state and county roads, especially at intersections with poor visibility, create hazards for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. In the Village and surrounding areas, aging sidewalks and tight turns leave little buffer for pedestrians, making it difficult for families to feel safe walking or biking. Outside of the Village and Hamlet, walkability is minimal, and residents in apartments or households without cars have few alternatives for daily mobility. RTS does not serve Mendon, leaving seniors, young people, and families with limited access to transit.
As a candidate for Town Board, I will make safer streets and better mobility a priority. I will advocate for targeted safety improvements, expand sidewalk and bike infrastructure, and explore partnerships with Monroe County, New York State, and transit providers to expand mobility options. I will also ensure new development is matched with thoughtful infrastructure planning so growth does not outpace community needs. Residents who want safer roads, connected neighborhoods, and equitable access to transportation should support my candidacy because I am committed to building a Mendon where everyone can move safely and confidently.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

Mendon is not immune to the national trend of rising pedestrian and cyclist fatalities. One example close to home is the intersection at Clover and Stoney Lonesome. It is in a difficult location with poor visibility, no traffic controls, and a history of accidents. Drivers are forced to make turns or cross a high speed state road with limited visibility from terrain and vegetation. This is exactly the type of situation where we need to step up safety measures.

More broadly, we can improve safety with expanded sidewalks, greater separation between pedestrians and traffic, and dedicated bike lanes where possible. As a Town Board member, I will work with our Board, Monroe County, and the New York State DOT to bring Vision Zero and the Safe System Approach to Mendon. That means slowing traffic in areas where people live and walk, improving crosswalks and lighting, adding protected bike lanes where feasible, and addressing the most dangerous curves and intersections. We must also ensure school zones and park crossings are clearly marked and consistently enforced. By working together across all levels of government, we can make Mendon’s roads safer for everyone.

Mendon’s comprehensive plan already highlights the need for safer roads and expanded sidewalk access. As a Town Board candidate, I believe we must take a proactive approach by identifying shovel ready projects and positioning Mendon to compete successfully for outside funding. That means not waiting for opportunities to come to us, but actively working with County, State, and Federal partners to secure the resources needed to move projects forward.
I strongly support pursuing programs such as Monroe County’s municipal sidewalk funding to leverage outside dollars and stretch every local tax dollar. This approach minimizes local spending while investing in safety and strengthening connections between neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and recreation areas. I am committed to ensuring Mendon never leaves available resources on the table.
I also believe we should set aside money for smaller improvements that bring immediate benefits. High visibility crosswalks, clear visual obstructors from intersections, fixing poor sight lines, and adding flashing beacons at trail and school crossings are relatively low cost but can save lives. Combined with pursuing larger funding opportunities such as federal Safe Streets for All grants and state transportation programs, this strategy allows us to deliver both quick wins now and the larger long term projects that will shape Mendon’s future.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

N/A

In Mendon, we do not have RTS bus service the way larger towns do. Residents are almost entirely dependent on cars, bikes, or walking. For those without a car, the limited alternatives like rideshare or taxis are costly and often unreliable. This lack of mobility limits access to jobs, shops, and essential services.

I support zoning and economic development that bring jobs, shops, and services back to our main streets and hamlet centers where people can reach them by foot or bike. Filling the empty storefronts in the Hamlet of Mendon should be a priority, and one way to achieve this is by creating partnerships with local organizations and hosting pop-up retail or farmers markets in vacant spaces. Temporary uses bring life back to main streets, attract foot traffic, and often lead to long-term tenants once businesses establish a local customer base.

I will also push for stronger connections to existing county transit corridors through safe bike and pedestrian routes to Honeoye Falls and Pittsford. These connections would allow residents without cars to access jobs, schools, and services, while supporting local businesses and ensuring Mendon grows in a balanced, accessible way.

Finally, I believe we should revisit earlier reports, such as the 2009 report to expand walking and biking options through the LeHigh valley Trail. Creating safe, car free corridors through population centers could increase accessibility, support economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Rebecca L Kreuzer

Political Party:Democratic

Candidate Email:

Website:

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Danielle Liberatore

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website: https://mendongop.com/2025/05/danielle-liberatore-2025/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Dave Ciufo

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Kevin D Berry

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: kdberry64@gmail.com

Website: unitedpenfield.org

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Penfield faces several significant transportation challenges. Chief among them is the safety of our roads and intersections.
Several roads pose particular concern, including Empire Boulevard, Route 441, Atlantic/Browncroft, Route 250, Five Mile Line, Jackson, Whalen, and Plank Roads. The intersection of Routes 441 and 250 is especially alarming, with a crash rate five to six times higher than the state average for similar intersections. These dangers affect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. Infrastructure upgrades such as safer crosswalks, filling sidewalk gaps, and prioritizing safe routes to schools are urgently needed.

Beyond safety, Penfield also faces pressing issues around public transit, connectivity, and electrification. Bus service is infrequent and often inconvenient, with long transfer times that disproportionately impact residents facing financial barriers. Sidewalk and trail gaps limit active transportation options like walking and cycling. Meanwhile, our electric grid and charging infrastructure must be upgraded to support electric vehicles, whether personal cars, school buses, or public fleets.

As Town Supervisor, I will bring a fresh approach to these challenges. I will work closely with County and State leaders to deliver solutions for Penfield residents. I will collaborate with RTS, RG&E, and other partners to improve service and infrastructure. Most importantly, I will listen to residents and address their concerns. I will listen to the Town staff and identify systemic barriers that may prevent us from securing the resources we need.

Penfield residents who care about transportation should vote for me because I will follow through on transportation issues with a new approach to government that collaborates with State representatives and with all stakeholders to solve the serious transportation challenges Penfield faces.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

At the Town level, I will propose and pass a Safety First resolution, affirming the principles of Vision Zero and the Safe System Approach. I will look to ensure that new development includes safe sidewalk connections, traffic calming, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities whenever feasible. I will work with Town staff to and prepare project designs for high-risk intersections in advance so that Penfield is ready to apply as soon as grant funding becomes available. I will also partner with neighboring towns to coordinate with County and State officials on shared safety concerns.

At the County level, I will focus on corridors of greatest concern, such as Atlantic Avenue and Five Mile Line Road. I will propose regular meetings with the County DOT to review safety data, set priorities, and implement solutions. In addition, I will work with Town staff to pursue grants that fund increased speed enforcement in Penfield by Sheriff’s deputies.

At the State level, I will prioritize advocacy for our most dangerous roadways such as Routes 441, 250, and 286. I will push for traffic calming studies, ensure Penfield projects are included in the State DOT Five Year Plan, and partner with NYSDOT to pursue grant funding through programs such as TAP and Safe Streets for All.

This multi-tiered strategy combines vision with action: strengthening partnerships, leading advocacy, and securing funding to make Penfield’s roads safer for everyone.

Penfield already takes advantage of Monroe County’s Municipal Sidewalk matching funds, and with me as Supervisor, we will seize every opportunity to utilize state, county, and federal matching funds.

The town has been working to fill sidewalk gaps and is to expand trails, including new multi-use trails at Shadow Pines. Just recently, Penfield concluded a community survey toward developing an Active Transportation Plan. As Supervisor, I will use this plan to prioritize projects, likely focusing on high-risk intersections, school routes without sidewalks or bike lanes, and key connectivity gaps.

To fund these improvements, I will explore every available tool: town budget allocations, bonds, public–private partnerships, and grant funding. I will coordinate closely with the Monroe County DOT to ensure Penfield projects are included in county road improvements, and with RTS to align public transit upgrades with local infrastructure.

I will also seek partnerships with our schools to improve safety for students and strengthen grant applications, bundling projects strategically to increase our competitiveness for outside funding.

With this approach, Penfield can build safer, smarter, and more connected transportation options for everyone.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

4a. As Town Supervisor, I would ensure that Penfield seeks state and federal grants for shelters, signage, and sidewalks leading to bus stops. I would also investigate partnering with businesses and schools to co-fund improvements near commercial districts and school zones.
In addition to shelters, sidewalks, and signage, other priorities would be:
• Well-lit stops for safety and accessibility
• ADA-compliant ramps, curb cuts, and seating
• Trash and recycling bins, as well as bike racks
• Safe boarding areas that do not block traffic
• Strong sidewalk and bike lane connections
I would look into Park-and-Ride facilities where feasible
To help residents take full advantage of these improvements, I would promote the convenience, safety, and accessibility of our bus system in town communications to residents.

4b. I would take a structured approach to advocating for improved RGRTA on-demand services in Penfield.
First, I would gather data on current service usage and identify gaps. I would solicit public input with special attention to seniors, people with disabilities, students, and residents with lower incomes who most rely on these services.
With that information, I would propose and pass a Town Board resolution expressing Penfield’s support for enhanced on-demand service.
I would meet with RGRTA as needed to address Penfield’s specific needs and collaborate on targeted solutions, prioritizing the most critical connections first.
In addition, I would work with neighboring towns and county, state, and federal partners to demonstrate regional demand and secure outside funding. I to pursue available grant opportunities to support service improvements.
I would track outcomes and use that data to strengthen funding requests and communications with RGRTA. I would actively communicate results to the community through both traditional and social media, highlighting successes, keeping residents engaged, and continuing advocacy for expanded service.

Penfield’s existing transportation corridors and traditional main streets already benefit from strong infrastructure and high visibility. Yet too many storefronts and commercial spaces remain vacant. Revitalizing these areas offers far greater benefit, especially for residents without cars, than directing new businesses and housing into less accessible locations.

On the land use side, I would explore opportunities for smaller-scale mixed-use development in underperforming areas to create more vibrant, walkable centers. I would look to remove unnecessary barriers and consider or pursue incentives that support the reuse of vacant commercial space and encourage infill development, rather than expansion into open land. Design standards that emphasize pedestrian-friendly, attractive main streets would be central to this effort.

On the economic development side, I would seek to remove unnecessary hurdles for redevelopment projects that reduce vacancies or create jobs. I would pursue state and federal grants for corridor improvements, seek Pro-Housing Community designation to unlock additional funding opportunities, and build partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community organizations. Targeting business sectors that best fit specific locations would help maximize long-term success.
At the same time, I would continue to prioritize investments that make our traditional corridors true destinations: improved sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and community events that bring people together. My dream would be restoring the Four Corners area as a traditional main street setting that is more convenient, walkable, and welcoming.

With thoughtful policy updates and strong partnerships, Penfield can grow jobs, revitalize its key corridors, strengthen the character of the town, and make it more connected and accessible.

Jeffrey N Leenhouts

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: info@penfieldtogether.com

Website: https://www.penfieldtogether.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Penfield Town Council:

Bill Lang

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: wlangjr@gmail.com

Website: unitedpenfield.org

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Penfield is a community that leaned into the car-centric community of the 1970’s-1990’s and never evolved beyond that. Development continues to be non transit oriented and does not take into account pedestrian access. While the town does require sidewalks with new development many times they are sidewalks that lead to nowhere. Crosswalks are many times a dangerous endeavor across a half-dozen lanes of traffic and bike lanes do not exist. The town needs to evaluate it’s comprehensive (master) plan and look at those items above as those that are center to the quality of life of its residents.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

I would, in my current role as the Director of Development in the Town of Irondequoit I have relationships with many of the officials from NYS DOT to Monroe County as well as neighboring town’s. I think collaboration is important as these types of approaches are not in a vacuum and should include as much of our region as possible.

I can only speak to my current role in Irondequoit, where we continue to work with our partners like Walk/Bike Irondequoit to develop bike lanes, bike routes and investigate options that include bike bridges and alternative paths for pedestrian/bikes that allow for safe passage and no vehicle conflicts.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

I will say that it is important to work with RGRTA on continuing to evolve the bus passenger experience as there are many residents who utilize this service. With more than one bus-route in Penfield we need to continue to advocate for our public transit users. The RGRTA on-demand service is also used by many residents and has given them greater access to the overall RTS network. We need to ensure that those residents are represented and work with/partner with RGRTA. I would also say that encouraging transit-oriented development should be a top priority. We have several opportunities along both Empire Blvd and Penfield Rd bus routes that are not being capitalized on.

As mentioned above, transit oriented development is the key to evolving our town. Our area has not embraced this type of development in the same way that many other parts of our country have. Transit oriented development has massive benefits to both the community as well as the developers who invest in it. We have several opportunities in Penfield that I believe need to be looked into further.

Jon P Getz

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: campaign@unitedpenfield.org

Website: unitedpenfield.org

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Traffic safety and connectivity in our community is a significant challenge in Penfield. The town is automobile focused. Many of the main roads in our community are not accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. in some neighborhoods, sidewalks may not exist at all or have gaps in coverage that significantly hinder use. Cycling in many parts of the town is also prohibitive due to narrow or no shoulders and/or adequate biking lanes. Finally, the town has limited bus lines and times for mass transit.

As a cyclist (who was once struck by a vehicle) I have had the opportunity speak with community members to gain ideas as to how to make roads and streets safer. As an attorney, I believe I can work with others to assess and create policies specific to the needs of Penfield, while looking at the issue from a holistic perspective so as to work with adjoining towns, the county and the state to create better infrastructure that accommodates pedestrians and cyclists. I also believe continued review an assessment of mass transit needs should be developed in our town as it grows.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

As a town that experiences these problems on a daily basis, it has been a key focus in our campaign. As the Safe System Approach provides, many of our roadways need to be thoroughly assed to determine how we can mitigate human mistakes that are often due to impatient drivers and flawed traffic designs. To encourage safer behaviors, and to facilitate safe travel by the most vulnerable users, we need to work with local law enforcement to obtain funding for traffic enforcement and prevention. I have had valuable conversations with local law enforcement to discuss ideas.

I have also had the opportunity to speak with state elected officials to discuss ways to work on speed limit concerns and ways to mitigate speed.

Most importantly, is the need to have community engagement to work on having our town take a serious look at options in traffic control that goes beyond traffic lights. Many people have solid ideas that conform with the Safe System approach. We need to work on execution of these ideas.

While I have voiced my support for these projects to the town and other local elected officials, I am only able to do this as a citizen at this point. I am hopeful that I can increase my ability to do more by proactively working on such funding projects.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

4. A- On August 7, 2025, the RGRTA Board of Commissioners approved updates to RTS On Demand Service that went into effect in September of this year. Unfortunately, Penfield was not included as town to be offered this service. Many of the routes in town are limited access by time and have no weather protection for users. While there is RTS Route 50 in town, buses are approximately 2 hours apart. Moreover, the buses do not provide good access to key town resources such as the library and recreation center.

I am hopeful to work with the community to assess needs and work towards improving the infrastructure of the routes. I believe we also need to determine how we can revisit RTS on-demand transportation opportunities in town.

Improvement of mass transit (busing) locations and more frequent route times for the major employment corridors. More specifically, work on opportunities to connect residents of Rochester and nearby towns to more frequent buses with a focus on Empire Boulevard and route 441 east to 250. There is also a need for this in the Panorama trail and Linden Oaks areas.

Candace M Lee

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: info@penfieldtogether.com

Website: https://www.penfieldtogether.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Robert F Ockenden

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: info@penfieldtogether.com

Website: https://www.penfieldtogether.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Perinton Town Supervisor:

Ciaran Hanna

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website: https://www.perintongop.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Jennifer M Townsend

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: jenntownsend7@gmail.com

Website: https://www.votejenntownsend.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Perinton Town Supervisor:

Emily E Mischler

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: fairporttrustee@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/voteEmin/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

David M Masterson

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: davidmasterson2025@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/David-Masterson-for-Perinton-Town-Board-61575406267761/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

David Belaskas

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: dbelaskas@perinton.org

Website: https://www.perintongop.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Mike Cialini

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: mcialini@gmail.com

Website: https://www.perintongop.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Pittsford Town Supervisor:

Cathy Koshykar

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: ckoshykar@gmail.com

Website: https://votecathyk.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

William A Smith, Jr

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: supervisorbillsmith@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/billsmithpittsford

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Pittsford Town Council:

Cha Ron Sattler-Leblanc

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: votecharon@gmail.com

Website: friendsofpittsford.com

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

As someone who works on a college campus, I see a different way forward through a Strong Towns lens. Campuses often wait to see where students naturally walk before putting down permanent paths. Our town can take the same data-driven, people-first approach—working with local experts, state and federal partners, and our own neighbors to design streets and trails where people actually move.

Cars are not the enemy, but they don’t live here—people do. Many young families want to walk or bike. Many students I meet are choosing not to drive. My own adult child will never drive. We need to create more reliable public transportation options and meet residents where they are—go to the public, not just hold public hearings—to make those options real.

I’m also a runner and cyclist who wears a RoadID and has survived two serious crashes, including one on RAGBRAI. I know firsthand that safety is about design, not luck. With thoughtful planning, we can build streets and neighborhoods where everyone—on foot, bike, bus, or car—moves confidently and safely.

That is why residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and stronger public transit can count on me. I will prioritize people-centered design, practical investments, and true public engagement so Pittsford’s transportation network works for everyone.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

The rise in fatalities since 2010 reflects many factors, including digital distraction, but the core issue is how our streets are designed. We built roads for speed and convenience, not for the human reality that people make mistakes and are vulnerable when crashes occur.

I would champion a Safe System / Strong Towns approach with three priorities:

Design for Lower Speeds and Attention
Work with County and State DOTs to retrofit key corridors—narrower lanes, raised crosswalks, protected bike and walkways, and gateway treatments that cue drivers to slow down and look up.

Layered Safety and Shared Responsibility
Apply redundancy—better lighting, clearer sight lines, modern traffic calming—so one failure doesn’t mean tragedy. Coordinate town, county, and state actions so every layer reinforces the others.

Data-Informed, People-First Investments
Start where crashes and near-misses happen. Engage neighbors directly (pop-up demos, walk audits) to guide incremental fixes that add up to lasting change.

Cars aren’t the enemy, but people live here. Designing roads for people—supported by modern enforcement and real public engagement—will save lives.

Pittsford’s Comprehensive Plan already maps key walking and biking connections. As a Town Board member, I will ensure those projects are built into our annual capital plan and budgeted so we can act when matching funds become available.

I strongly support using Monroe County’s Municipal Sidewalk Fund, which covers up to 50 % of construction costs on county roads, and I’ll pursue state and federal matches such as New York State’s Complete Streets and Environmental Protection Fund programs, plus federal Transportation Alternatives (TAP), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), and Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A) grants.

I will also work to educate and engage residents on why these investments matter—why neighbors want safer, people-first streets, why drivers speed on wide, high-speed “stroads,” and how careful design slows traffic and saves money. This information should be easy to find, not scattered across multiple websites. I plan to share it through forums and my Town & Gown Substack so residents can follow every step.

By combining predictable local investment, matching funds, and open communication, Pittsford can build the active transportation network our plans envision—safely, economically, and with strong public support.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

4A. Improving Bus Amenities

Just because we are Pittsford does not mean we do not need RTS. My own son is an adult on the spectrum and will never drive. We are home to two universities, and many young adults are choosing not to drive. Local employers—including assisted living campuses—tell me employees can’t get to work because of transportation gaps.

The town doesn’t operate buses, but we control the public right-of-way where every bus stop lives. I will:

Provide safe, dignified access—crosswalks, curb extensions, year-round snow and ice maintenance, and good lighting.

Add comfort—shelters, benches, and real-time information—by working with RTS and property owners.

Fold these upgrades into capital plans and sidewalk projects, using county, state, and federal matching funds (Monroe County Sidewalk Fund, Complete Streets, TAP, SS4A) to stretch local dollars.

4B. Advocating for Better RTS On Demand

RTS On Demand is not adequate or reliable, even for a privileged, resourced family like ours. Holding “hearings” at Town Board meetings for riders who may never hear about them is counterintuitive and ineffective.

I will flip the process—go where riders actually are (universities, senior centers, job sites), gather real travel data, and share it with RTS so routes and hours reflect need.

My family is a foamer family: we vacation by train (most recently Rochester to Winnipeg), and my partner grew up in Montreal where transit was dependable enough to read on the bus. We know reliable public transit is possible—and Pittsford deserves nothing less.

About 11 % of Monroe County households don’t own a car. Strengthening walkable, transit-ready main streets and transportation corridors is the smartest way to connect people to jobs and keep taxes and housing costs stable.

In Pittsford this means building on what already works. Our historic Village core and canal area already feature two-story, mixed-use buildings with apartments or offices above cafés and shops. Similar small-scale opportunities exist along Monroe Avenue, East Avenue, and in underused commercial plazas, where upper-story housing can be added without changing neighborhood character.

Research shows compact, mixed-use development generates far more tax revenue per acre and costs far less to maintain than car-dependent sprawl. By encouraging housing over shops in these existing centers, we keep services and jobs within walking distance, support local businesses, and make it easier for residents without cars—including students, seniors, and people with disabilities—to thrive.

I will pair incremental zoning updates and design standards with sidewalk, bike, and transit investments so new growth fits the look and feel of Pittsford while strengthening our tax base and creating real mobility choices.

Michael E Arcuri

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: electmichaelarcuri@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Vote.Michael.Arcuri/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Kim K Taylor

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: kimforpittsford@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/kimtaylorforpittsford/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Scott E Wallman

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: hello@pittsfordgop.com

Website: https://www.pittsfordgop.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Riga Town Supervisor:

Brad Obrocta

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Lee Hankins

Political Party: Democratic & Rush Neighbors Together

Candidate Email:

Website:

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Daniel V Woolaver

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Patricia Hayles

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Alex Scialdone

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email:

Website: https://www.alexscialdone.com/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Sean T Hanna

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website: https://www.webstergop.com/home

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Webster Town Council:

Garrett J Wagner

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email:

Website: https://www.alexscialdone.com/copy-of-meet-alex

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Nick Hunter

Political Party: Democratic & Working Families

Candidate Email: hunterforwebster@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Nick-Hunter-for-Webster-Town-Board-61577957339762/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Ginny Nguyen

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website: https://www.webstergop.com/ginny-nguyen

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Chris Brown

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website: https://www.webstergop.com/home

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Wheatland Town Supervisor:

Jim Kirch

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email: jkirch100@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/jim.kirch.52

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Wheatland Town Council:

Steven T Call

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website:

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Timothy Davis

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website:

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for East Rochester Village Trustee:

Nicole Walton

Political Party: Democratic & We Are ER

Candidate Email: nwalton806@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/EastRocDems

1.What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

East Rochester’s biggest transportation challenge is making sure our compact village works for everyone—drivers, walkers, seniors, children, and those who use the bus. I will focus on smart, practical improvements that keep our streets safe and accessible for all residents. Melissa and I share this vision of keeping East Rochester connected, safe, and strong.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

Traffic fatalities are rising nationwide, and even one serious accident in East Rochester is too many. I believe in common-sense steps—slowing traffic near schools and parks, keeping sidewalks continuous and well-maintained, and creating safer crosswalks in high-traffic areas. I will work closely with county and state partners to make sure safety is always a priority. Melissa and I are united in making prevention and protection a top priority for families and seniors.

East Rochester is a small village with limited resources, and I believe we need to be fiscally responsible while still pursuing opportunities. I will seek county matching funds, state grants, and partnerships that bring investment into our community so taxpayers aren’t bearing the full cost. Melissa and I agree that stretching dollars through partnerships is the smartest way to keep ER safe without added burdens.

4. [Please answer this question(s) if your town is in bold. If your town is not in bold please skip this question.]

While East Rochester doesn’t control the RTS bus system, we can improve the areas around bus stops—sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting. I support adding benches or shelters where possible and ensuring snow removal so residents can travel safely year-round. Melissa and I believe accessibility matters, and we are committed to making ER welcoming for all who call it home.

About 11% of Monroe County households don’t own a car, which means planning must include walkability and access to transit. I support development policies that strengthen our traditional main streets, encourage small business growth, and maintain East Rochester’s village character. Melissa and I are committed to growth that creates opportunity while protecting ER’s small-town feel.

Melissa Greco-Lopes

Political Party: Democratic & We Are ER

Candidate Email:

Website: https://www.facebook.com/EastRocDems

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Ted Conners

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/East-Rochester-GOP/100089912714472/

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Kelley L Swagler

Political Party: Republican & Conservative

Candidate Email:

Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/East-Rochester-GOP/100089912714472/

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.

October 9, 2025 by No Comments

Reflecting on the 2025 Week Without Driving

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2025 Week Without Driving! Disability Rights Washington first launched this campaign in 2021 as a way to highlight the barriers faced by those without access to a car. By 2023, the challenge had expanded nationwide, encouraging individuals across the country to rethink their reliance on automobiles.

While we think highlighting barriers is important, we also wanted to inspire Monroe County residents to explore their mobility options beyond the car to see how “one less car trip” can be easier than most people imagine at first. As Simeon Banister mentioned in his reel on our Magic Bus day, the best way to improve our public transit is for people to “use public transit!”

We are thrilled to share that 44 participants logged a stunning 616 non-car trips for a total of 1,970. 41 non-driving miles!

Thank you to EJ Bradford for your photo submissions and detailed reflection of the week! We have included your response along with many of the comments we received from our participants below.

Biking Comments

I biked to the grocery store to get a few things for dinner and wondered why more people didn’t do the same…With the right planning, it’s actually easy, fun, AND it helps you to avoid buying unnecessary impulse purchases because you will only buy what you can carry back on your ride home!

Biked to RIT, the scariest part was being on the road on Monroe Ave in the city. Drivers aren’t cognizant or expecting cyclists on that road and many drive recklessly.

BIG shoutout to panniers. And dressing in layers. And then shedding layers and putting them in your panniers!

Home Depot on Portland Ave. was very tricky, but I managed it!

Traveling with a bike trailer is no joke! Luckily I spent the majority of my trailer laden route on the Genesee river trail. I don’t often have a need to take that trail so it’s nice not to have to feel like your competing with cars especially when carrying cargo.

I’ve decided that 104 is the devil for bikes. The closer you get, the less bike friendly.

Took the Auburn Trail from cobbs hill to Pittsford Plaza. Not my first time on the trail, but first time using it as a way to get to those stores. Always surprises me how close they are.

Walking Comments

Lee Road should at least have a sidewalk north of Lexington to the City line with Greece where the shoulder starts. You can see a dirt path worn in and can see it on Google maps from this year. Lots of shift workers walking to and from work here.

Mixed use buildings are the way to go! Two of the five places I went were such in the same building as another one of my destinations so I didn’t even count miles for the few feet I walked.

I will carry a bookbag next. I carried shoulder bags, and it wore me out.

I love walking to my yoga class as it helps me transition from my work day to a more meditative and expansive mindset. Plus I often run into people I know, which gives me joy!

I had a lot of meetings in the downtown area today. I was surprised how quickly I was able to get there. The tricky part is all the construction going on in the downtown area but still in all a very pleasant walk time today.

Bus Comments

I was so excited to see how easy it was to get a bus to get my errands downtown done! I plan on using the same route to get to The Little this weekend!

Well, went to MCC as usual (6, then the 13 buses). After that, took the 17 the entire route to the library for the transportation hearing (it was pretty decent, though I was the only one along with another participant), then I took a short walk to the center to then take the 6 back home.

Bus service to RIT is hot garbage, but taking the RTS 14 most of the way and biking the rest is surprisingly easy!

I head to MCC in the morning, walking to a nearby bus stop along N. Goodman. I take the 6, then the 13 (this route gets PACKED, I’m shocked it doesn’t run every 15 minutes). After my classes today, since I am NOT waiting almost an hour for the 6 (my class ends before 7 pm), I took the 41, up until the Culver Waring intersection, where I then walked a decent amount home.

Unfortunately the bus routes for me to get to most destinations I frequent are incredibly long and inconvenient because there are no direct routes. You have to go all the way to the transit center first before you can go out to a different destination. Routes need to be added that circle around the city instead of just spokes going out from the center.

I was disappointed that I couldn’t manage to get to and from work without my car. I made a few short trips by walking, and I wanted to try taking the bus to work, but my 10 minute commute would take over an hour on the bus! I realized that if I didn’t have a car, I wouldn’t be able to work at my current job.

I was frustrated because I had a convention center trip, which is easy by bus, but because my wife had to go to a construction site, I had both kids in the AM and I was short on time so even though its just one bus, I could not make it happen. I think I just need to spend more time planning and change the pace of life.

E-Bikes/E-Scooters

I took my e-bike to work today. My son had a soccer game so I left work and headed to his game. Unfortunately, I had to go up Culver and cross over 104 to get to east ridge road. Then I had to take a left on East ridge. That whole area is not bike friendly but good news, I didn’t get yelled at by a car driver that I should be on the sidewalk.

Took an e scooter for the first time today! It was a little scary– they go so fast! But my legs were tired from an earlier bike ride so it was definitely a good alternative!

Reflections from EJ Bradford

Dressing in packable layers and having a way to store them was the biggest “tip” or “trick” I had this week. When the weather was predicted to be a low of 48/50 in the morning and then 75/80 in the afternoon, that was a big challenge for bike commuting. However, that made the bus much more appealing of a solution for me and was great when facing decision fatigue/paralysis with trying to find comfortable outfits to wear for theses commutes in highly variable temperatures.

I’m a fairly confident bike commuter, however I was shocked at how frequently the bike lane and shoulder was completely blocked by cars/construction/and signage this week. I saw plenty of “no parking” signs but it was clearly unenforced. This was both surprising and the trickiest for me this week. My bike commute is about 9.9 miles in one direction, so it’s longer than the average, but I have some very good bike lanes and options to use the Canal and Pittsford Rail Trail- I challenged myself to try new routes this week and was shocked at the lack of infrastructure.

I have walked from my office to the bus-stop that takes me direct to my neighborhood (the 41) it is about a 3 mile walk, mostly on sidewalks and fairly quiet neighborhoods. The amount of “car-centric” drivers who are shocked by this amount of walking saddens me. People are very comfortable walking that amount in parks, walking tracks, even doing laps in the mall. The social stigma of going on an hour long walk to an actual destination with a purpose in mind is a major challenge I have faced as a non-driver.

Thank you again to all of our participants!

Our local Week Without Driving initiative inspired wide local news coverage:

Participants join nationwide campaign to spend a week without driving (Spectrum News 1)
Week Without Driving on Rochester In Focus (WHEC)
Rochester joins national effort to go car-free for a week (Democrat and Chronicle)
Campaign calls for people to try driving less this week (WXXI)
Reconnect Rochester’s Week Without Driving Challenge (Minority Reporter)
Reconnect Rochester challenges people to go a week without driving (WHEC)

August 21, 2025 by No Comments

Making Rochester Streets Safer for All: The 2025 Complete Streets Makeover of Avenue D & Hollenbeck

Our fifth Complete Streets Makeover project at Avenue D & Hollenbeck Street is now complete! Since 2018, we’ve partnered with Rochester neighbors to transform neighborhood intersections in every quadrant of the city. By listening closely to community voices and focusing on safety over speed, we’ve transformed these intersections into spaces where pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers can all move with greater confidence.

The Selection Process

Located smack dab in the middle of the El Camino neighborhood, Avenue D is often treated as a thruway for traffic connecting larger roads such as St Paul St and N Clinton Ave where driver speeds tend to be higher. From Conkey Ave to N Clinton Ave, a one block distance from either side of the intersection, we saw a total of 16 crashes with pedestrians and cyclists between 2014-2023 with a noticeable cluster occurring right at the intersection of Avenue D & Hollenbeck St.

These safety concerns raised red flags for vulnerable road users passing through this intersection. The nomination for this location came from an R-Center staff member who had helped move the needle with traffic safety improvements in this area through organizing R-Center youth to lobby for temporary speed humps as a traffic calming measure along Avenue D.

With the Avenue D R-Center, an attractive third space for neighborhood youth, at one end of the block and senior housing nearby, the Steering Committee saw a need and opportunity to protect vulnerable road users in the area.

Getting Community Input

At a community workshop in February 2025, we sat down with residents of the El Camino neighborhood to hear firsthand what it’s really like to navigate this intersection every day. After walking everyone through the idea of complete streets and how they can make roads safer and friendlier for everyone, we opened the floor. People shared stories, frustrations, and creative ideas, and we listened closely. A visit to School No. 8 added youth voices and ideas to the mix. Then we got to work turning those hopes and concerns into concrete design features—practical changes that reflect the community’s vision for a safer, smarter intersection.

A unique element to Avenue D & Hollenbeck St is that it is an “offset” intersection as opposed to a conventional t-intersection meaning that Hollenbeck St ends at Avenue D and continues again a few feet down on Avenue D. A recurring comment from the community was that drivers cutting diagonally across the intersection when traveling along Hollenbeck St posed a high risk for pedestrians.

Based on community input from this session, the Stantec team drafted a conceptual drawing of street design improvements. Their rendering focused on elements that could be brought to life in the temporary, on-street installation and then translated into permanent improvements. For this project, they proposed flex posts in the center of Avenue D to direct vehicles to turn right, then left, giving drivers more time to watch for pedestrians and making their movements easier for pedestrians to anticipate. Flex posts in the middle of the roadway is the first installation of its kind in Rochester. This project will serve as a pilot of this intervention to improve pedestrian safety at offset intersections.

Making the Magic Happen at Avenue D & Hollenbeck

On Saturday, June 7, the street came alive as neighbors, the school community, and community partners* rolled up their sleeves together—painting a vibrant mural (designed by Artist TaQiyya Burrs), setting flex posts in place, and brightening the block with fence art and flower planters in the adjacent empty lot.

We are continually grateful to Floating Home Films, for documenting the transformation and producing a video of the process.

The Impact

The flex posts have helped to guide drivers on how to safely navigate through the intersection. The butterfly mural helps to reinforce the El Camino neighborhood’s identity while serving as a visible reminder that streets are shared spaces. Pre and post-installation data collection showed that the roadway has seen up to 16% reduction in the average speed off vehicles traveling westbound.

Most importantly, testimonials from neighborhood residents indicated a marked improvement in safe vehicle movement, feelings of safety, and added vibrancy in and around the intersection.

The Complete Streets Makeover of Avenue D & Hollenbeck inspired wide local news coverage:

How a makeover turned a Rochester intersection into something safer and prettier (Democrat & Chronicle)
Community-led upgrades bring safety and art to Rochester intersection (WXXI)
Rochester intersection transformed for safety and community engagement (13 WHAM)
Rochester intersection to receive makeover to beautify El Camino neighborhood (Rochester First)
Rochester’s Avenue D and Hollenbeck Street intersection gets safety upgrade with traffic-calming measures (WHEC)

Looking Ahead

In collaboration with the amazing neighborhood team, we will continue taking action on long-term advocacy opportunities, working with community partners for as long as it takes to achieve permanent changes to further improve pedestrian safety on Avenue D.

If you have a spot where you don’t feel safe, keep an eye out for our next project when we ask for nominations from the community. In the meantime, make sure to let the county know by filling out their Traffic Safety Concern Form.

*Community Partners

The Complete Streets Makeover of Avenue D & Hollenbeck was a collaborative venture with the following community partners:

Reconnect Rochester

The Healthi Kids Coalition, convened by Common Ground Health

El Camino Neighbors

Avenue D R-Center

Northeast Neighborhood Service Center

Stantec

City of Rochester

Father Tracy Advocacy Center – FTAC

Genesee Transportation Council

Rochester Latino Rotary Club

Ibero-American Action League, Inc.

Lincoln Branch Library

Eugenio María de Hostos Charter School – Rochester, NY

Conkey Cruisers

Artist TaQiyya (Ty) Burrs

May 27, 2025 by No Comments

The Three Ways to Make a Left Turn on a Bike

by Cycling Manager Jesse Peers

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

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

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

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

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

1. Turning left as a motorist would

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

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

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

Yield to traffic already in the lane

Scan again for good measure

Move carefully, smoothly & deliberately when you have the chance

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

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

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

2. A two-stage (“Dutch”) turn

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

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

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

3. Wrapping around the corner via the sidewalk

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

I do this for certain red lights that don’t detect my presence.

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

March 19, 2025 by No Comments

Monroe County’s Most Common Crash Involving Bicyclists

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

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

First, some necessary background

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

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

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

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

The Most Common Crash in Monroe County

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

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…

June 4, 2024 by

Upcoming Street Projects

Reconnect Rochester is pleased to host a map featuring all of the major street projects happening in Monroe County and the City of Rochester. We hope that residents will find this resource useful for addressing safe street concerns and identifying opportunities to advocate for road design improvements that ensure everyone’s safety!

This map includes projects listed in the Genesee Transportation Council MPO Transportation Improvement Program, the Monroe County Capital Improvement Plan, and the Monroe County Department of Transportation Highway & Bridge Improvement Program Book.

City of Rochester Projects – Blue

Monroe County Projects – Green

New York State Dept. of Transportation Projects – Red

October 26, 2023 by No Comments

Where They Stand: 2023 Candidates for Monroe County General Election

Reconnect Rochester surveyed general election candidates for Monroe County Legislature and Executive 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 hope this information will help you make an informed decision when you head to the polls on November 7th or Early Voting starting on October 28th (more info on early voting here). We contacted every candidate in writing and conducted several follow-ups in an attempt to obtain responses from every candidate on the ballot.

Click on the candidate names below to read their full, unedited responses. Candidates are listed in order of the district they are running for.

Some candidates previously answered in our Primary Election Questionnaire, so their answered are repeated here.

This list includes only candidate who are running contested races for Monroe County Legislature and Executive on the General Election ballot. To check if you are registered to vote, confirm your polling location, and even see a preview of what your ballot will look like, click here.

Candidates for Monroe County Executive:

Adam Bello

Candidate Email: info@belloformonroe.com

Website: https://belloformonroe.com/

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

Transportation is a challenge to health/safety, access/equity and sustainability that influences both personal and community wide opportunity.

Providing an equitable transportation system for all users is particularly crucial to help facilitate increased economic and social opportunities for populations and geographic areas that lack mobility options. Regardless of physical ability or mode of transportation everyone should also be able to travel safely and securely. The county’s pedestrian, bicycle, and transit networks connect many communities and provide access to places our residents need to go. However, many residents are not located near these networks or are unable to use them. People walking and biking in Monroe County, regardless of age, ability, income, or race/ethnicity, should be able to travel safely and comfortably in and between communities. Ensuring that low income, elderly, disabled, and young people have access is vital to increasing quality of life and offering a brighter economic future for all the County’s residents.

Transportation decisions that support environmental and sustainability goals are critical as the transportation sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Additionally, there is substantial cost associated with building, operating, maintaining, and repairing transportation assets including roads, bridges, culverts, sidewalks, and support facilities. It is important to convene the transportation community to identify federal and state resources to maintain current transportation infrastructure as well as investments in transportation expansion and enhancements.

I am proud that Monroe County is leading the effort to address these transportation challenges. Monroe County just completed the Countywide Active Transportation Plan (CATP), its vision is that people using all modes of transportation and regardless of age, ability, income, or race/ethnicity, will be able to travel safely between transit and active transportation reducing congestion and road maintenance needs. The CATP also emphasizes the importance of active transportation in addressing the climate crisis. Additionally, Monroe County is in the process of developing a climate action plan that is aimed at addressing sustainability, climate crisis issues county wide, and reducing GHG emissions.

2. What role can the Monroe County Executive play in addressing our transportation challenges?

The County Executive is able to lead and convene stakeholders who can help identify community priorities, and work together to develop and implement a plan to address them. When I took office, I made a commitment to develop a Countywide Active Transportation Plan (CATP). Developed over 18 months, the CATP, is the result of a collaborative partnership with Monroe County and the Genesee Transportation Council to engage local, regional, and state agencies, alongside community stakeholders, transportation experts, and the county’s residents. This comprehensive approach serves not only as a roadmap for decision-makers, stakeholders, and community members, ensuring alignment and cohesiveness, but also strengthens the County’s ability to procure funding for transformative projects and initiatives enhancing our transportation infrastructure.

The CATP outlines recommendations and strategies to make walking and cycling safer, more convenient, and more appealing for residents of all ages and abilities. The CATP process combines in-depth data collection with inclusive public engagement to promote health, equity, and community resilience in Monroe County. To begin addressing disparities through the CATP, Monroe County intentionally engaged with stakeholders and identified potential policy and program actions to increase access to transportation networks, and developed a framework for prioritizing investments equitably. Plan recommendations will help shape future transportation improvement projects that enhance safety, connectivity and transit access.

I am proud to report that the completion of the CATP marks a significant step toward a vision for enhancing active transportation infrastructure across the county, building a safer environment for active transportation, reducing congestion, and contributing to a more sustainable future for Monroe County.

3. The transportation sector in the Genesee Finger Lakes region is responsible for 33% of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to poor air quality, poor health outcomes, and overall climate change. Please share your ideas for reducing emissions as it relates to transportation in Monroe County.

When I took office, I made a commitment to address climate change both at the county operations level as well as community wide. Our Climate Action Plan (CAP) fulfills a promise I made to combat the impacts of climate change on our region. The CAP, is a comprehensive, strategic effort to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and related environmental impacts of climate change. The CAP Phase I, developed during my first term and adopted by the County Legislature, established an aggressive goal of 80% reduction in GHG by 2050 for County operations. The sectors within the County operations targeted for GHG reductions include Buildings and Facilities, Transportation Fleets, Expressway Lighting and Signals, Pure Waters, Infrastructure and Solid Waste Facilities. Several priorities established in Phase I are already underway including the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at nine county-owned locations for county and public use. Each location is open to the public and will help support the use of clean vehicle technology across the county. The project is funded with grants from New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation. Each location has multiple charging stations and allows up to four vehicles to charge at a time. By investing in this type of infrastructure, we’re also fulfilling some of the commitments we made as part of the County’s Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project will help expand the clean energy infrastructure that is available for public use in Monroe County. The use of electric vehicles locally contributes to improved air quality. Electric vehicles help achieve the County’s climate initiatives, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles helps pave the way for other forms of clean transportation.

The CAP Phase II, which is currently under development, will establish GHG emission reduction goals for the entire community, including residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal activities. I expect the CAP Phase II will include a more expeditious move towards electrifying buildings and vehicles, establishing opportunities for community wide scraps and organics recycling, exploring affordable green community power, and building more efficient buildings.

I believe that the County must lead by example, but needs community support and engagement to achieve meaningful and lasting GHG emission reductions. The Climate Action Plan is a framework for prioritizing future policies and projects to reduce GHG emissions. An audit of the plan will occur in 2025 and further reviews will occur every five years to measure the county’s progression towards its goals. The results of the audits will be public and will drive decision-making. We have already made great progress in reducing our carbon footprint and becoming more sustainable, but there is still much more work to be done. I remain committed to this important effort so together we can create a healthier, more resilient and equitable community for generations to come.

4. The concept of “Complete Streets” focuses on designing our roads to be safe for everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. How can Monroe County work with local municipalities and New York State toward that vision?

I am committed to a complete streets vision and am already working with local municipalities and NYS to successfully implement that vision.

As I have already referenced, the development and completion of the CATP is the result of a successful collaborative partnership. Developed over 18 months, the CATP, is the result of a collaborative partnership with Monroe County and the Genesee Transportation Council to engage local, regional, and state agencies, alongside community stakeholders, transportation experts, and the county’s residents. The CATP incorporates the vision of complete streets to enable safe access and mobility for all users. Additionally as we move forward to successfully implement this CATP, it is critical that there is continued coordination between county, town and state agencies. Monroe County is committed to this coordination to identify priority projects in support of active transportation infrastructure and plan implementation.

My administration wants to be helping assist with active transportation within our towns, I recently announced a new program that aims to encourage towns to add more sidewalks. This program aligns with our Complete Streets Policy and with our vision of a county that prioritizes the needs of its residents. The program offers towns up to 50% of the cost of sidewalk installations to make these crucial infrastructure improvements more affordable and attainable for our towns. Sidewalks play a pivotal role in creating safe and accessible pedestrian networks to help people of all backgrounds, including those with mobility challenges, to safely travel in Monroe County. The Town of Perinton is the first town to participate in this newly launched sidewalk initiative. I look forward to partnering with additional towns so that there will be sidewalks across our community.

In April, I was proud to announce with Town Supervisor Bill Moehle and County Legislators Susan Hughes-Smith, Linda Hasman, Howard Maffucci and Albert Blankley that bike lanes would be installed along Elmwood Avenue from South Goodman Street to Twelve Corners. The new lanes were a part of a Monroe County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) rehabilitation project to enhance connectivity throughout Brighton, and make it safer for kids, parents and anyone who bikes or walk along Elmwood Avenue. Monroe County worked closely with Supervisor Bill Moehle and his Public Works Department to successfully plan and implement this project that will seek to attract residents, spark economies, ensure transportation equity, promote public health, and address climate change.

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

Before I took office, I was constantly asked “what does County government even do?” Since I have been in office, I am asked, “How can County Government help with this problem?” The difference between now and then is that people now know that County government can and will help. For our community who is concerned about safer streets, better mobility and better transit, the County has spent the past 18 months developing a CATP for safer streets, better mobility and connections to public transit. I made a commitment to convene our community and develop and complete a plan and it is here. I would like to work for you over the next four years to begin to implement it.

Mark Assini

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Candidates for Monroe County Legislature:

Legislature District 3:

Marvin L Stepherson

Candidate Email: Friendsofstepherson@gmail.com

Website: marvinstepherson.com

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

I would believe it is the lack of options: Job searching ability, commuting to a job, affordability, bus pass, car ownership, etc.

2. What role can the Monroe County Legislature play in addressing our transportation challenges?

We must engage the ones most directly impacted by it and take the suggestions to the planning stages to draft the goals in a tangible vision. and then get all stakeholders at the table to commit to the task of addressing the issues

We have to look at creating communities that are proactive in placing resources within the community to help minimize transportation challenges and reduce the practices that play a part in negatively impacting the environment.

The County can invite the local and State representatives to a meeting to discuss the designing of greener spaces that connect towns and Urban Communities. The more stakeholders involved the better planning and the higher quality of input.

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

My resume illustrates the work, and volunteer efforts I have demonstrated through the years, and it is that record I plan to build upon with my continued public service to this County.

Tracy DiFlorio

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Legislature District 5:

Terry Daniele

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Richard Milne

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Legislature District 8:

Michael DiTullio

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Mark Johns

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Legislature District 9:

Mel Callan

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Paul Dondorfer

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Legislature District 10:

Howard Maffucci

Candidate Email: howardmaffucci@gmail.com

Website: howardmaffucci.com

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

The demographics and climate of our region create some challenges. Our region’s population lives in a wide area with a spread out population outside the city. That requires people to drive for work, family, and leisure activities. Our most significant challenge is having a region-wide active transportation plan embracing Complete Streets to make roads more pedestrian and bike-friendly in places that make sense. We must recognize there are times of the year when it is difficult for people to bike and walk. Our regional public transit system needs improvement.

As someone who bikes regularly, we must find ways to slow traffic down in places with dense populations. We must also ensure pedestrians can cross streets safely. I strongly support the active transportation development process.

2. What role can the Monroe County Legislature play in addressing our transportation challenges?

The county must continue to update its Active Transportation Plan and work collaboratively with other governments. As stated above, ensuring road updates in our area address the needs of pedestrians and bikers must be considered in road project planning. The county should also seek and support state and federal grants to assist in implementing Active Transportation Plans.

We should continue to promote the evolution of EV driving. Our family is currently all EV. We own two electric vehicles. We have ‘experimented’ with long trips and have found high-speed charging to continue to improve. Opening the Tesla networks to all other EVs will be a huge benefit.

We should also promote the conversion to heat pumps and solar technology for homes and businesses.

Please see my answer to question 1 and 2.

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

I’ve embraced EV driving and continue to engage with people who doubt the benefits of driving electric. I share my experiences regularly on social media, having been involved since 2013 in the evolution of the emerging electric vehicle technology, as my first three vehicles were hybrids.

Locally, I have assisted in implementing cross-walk improvements in my community and will continue to promote Complete Streets as part of community Active Transportation Plans.

I admit I am not an expert in transportation improvements. I will always listen and work with experts who can assist our region in embracing data-driven solutions to improve traveling as pedestrians, bikers, drivers, and public transportation riders travel in our area.

Nancy Lewis

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Legislature District 13:

Michael Yudelson

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Ethan Greene

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

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

Legislature District 14:

Sue Hughes Smith

Candidate Email: Sue@SueHughesSmith.com

Website: SusanHughesSmith.com

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

The current system is designed around individual, private cars and contributes to the interrelated problem of sprawl and exacerbates inequality. We need to redesign our transportation system to be more equitable, to create access to economic opportunity, and to provide individuals with the freedom to move safely by other modes including public transit, walking and biking.

2. What role can the Monroe County Legislature play in addressing our transportation challenges?

Monroe County has taken a good first step in developing an Active Transportation Plan that focuses on developing a more equitable system. The next task is to begin to implement the plan. The County Executive must direct DOT to review every road project and incorporate the appropriate design features like sidewalks and bike lanes. The County Executive must require DOT to change its complete streets policy from preferring shoulders to preferring bike lanes. The County Legislature can continue to advocate for those needed changes both publicly at committee and full legislature meetings, and privately with staff, and administration. The County Legislature can and should take the step to require a portion of the budget for Monroe County DOT be directed to implementation of the Active Transportation Plan.

There are three pieces to solving this situation: (1) Provide fast, reliable, frequent public transit – focus on a few major roads and incentivize future building redevelopment to locate and occur along those lines; (2) Expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to create a safe and more equitable alternative; (3) Facilitate and build more EV charging stations to encourage the electrification of vehicles

Monroe County roads pass through many of our towns and villages providing us with the opportunity to partner with other communities in redesigning our infrastructure. The Legislature approved a 50% matching cost-share program to construct sidewalks along County roads. The County will pay 50% and the Town/Village would pay the other 50%. This is a significant change as previously all sidewalk costs were left to the Town/Village. I hope that communities take advantage of this pilot program and that the Legislature moves to make it a permanent offering.

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

My top concerns include addressing community needs that will improve public health, and the environment in ways that create a more resilient, equitable and prosperous county. One of the best ways to accomplish those goals is to create safer streets with more mobility options. I’m already working on this vision and will continue to advocate for the changes we need.

Pat Reilly

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Legislature District 16:

Dave Long

Candidate Email: LegislatorLong@gmail.com

Website: www.davelongformonroe.com

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

I think the County learned a great deal from the creation of the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and I was very glad to support that effort during my term in office. Challenges with equity, climate change, and funding are the greatest. Perhaps another more overarching challenge is how to leverage the various work-products and studies that have focused on transportation improvements in a way that moves forward in unison.

2. What role can the Monroe County Legislature play in addressing our transportation challenges?

Local jurisdictions are responsible for building and maintaining active transportation infrastructure so the County plays a limited role in the facility selection and design of individual routes (ex. the City of Rochester has its own ATP). Through legislation and funding, I see the County Legislature as playing a pivotal role as a body to help see through the idea of an “active transportation network” that serves as a resource for communities all over Monroe County. Also, the Legislature can help to make sure projects in areas like our Department of Transportation and those contained in our 5-year Capital Improvement Program are adhering to ATP recommendations.

I’ve been proud to be a part of adopting the first Climate Action Plan (CAP) which seeks to reduce the County’s greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 2019 levels by 2050. I am supportive of seeing this work through in my role on the Legislature. Also, I am supportive of CAP phase 2 which is focused on the emissions produced community-wide (outside of the direct control of the County government). I think these initiatives are ongoing/living efforts which will require continued collaboration of our elected officials in order to be successful.

Similar to my response to question two (above), I see the County as best-suited to be a connector and convener of communities to help connect in our area. Also, the County can work to create policy and enact legislation that brings entities together and incentivizes collaborative solutions to improving transportation for all.

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

I’m a husband and father of three who wants Monroe County to be the best place to live, learn, work and, play. I truly believe making our community more easily accessed is better for everyone and for future generations. I want these things for my family and neighbors because I care about our environment and taking actions to address climate change by making it easier to get around via means other than a car. Most of all, the planning done with the Active Transportation Plan and the Climate Action Plan require dedicated law makers to help see them through – I want to be part of the that team.

Joe Carbone

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Legislature District 18:

Lystra McCoy

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Sean Delehanty

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Legislature District 20:

Jaime Erskine-Pettit

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Robert Colby

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Legislature District 21:

Oscar Brewer Jr.

Candidate Email: thepeoplesslate@gmail.com

Website: https://www.peoplesslateroc.com/

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

People need to be able to get where they’re going cheaply. Sometimes that’s not possible or efficient for people who don’t have a car.

2. What role can the Monroe County Legislature play in addressing our transportation challenges?

The county should be investing in public transportation opportunities to help low-income folks in our community. No one should be too poor to get where they need to go. I know first-hand the challenges of transportation in a county that’s built for people driving cars. In the County Legislature, I will be a voice for people who need transportation support.

Public transportation is a must. We need cheap, efficient public transportation options available to reduce reliance on cars. Also, making streets safer for people walking would encourage more people to walk to where they need to go.

We need to put people at the center of what we’re doing at all levels of government. Too often, politicians make decisions to benefit developers and big money interests. If we listen to our neighbors in the community, we’ll be able to prioritize what people need. That includes making sure sidewalks are safe for pedestrians and bike lanes are available for cyclists.

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

I know first-hand what it’s like not to have a car. I strongly believe in public transportation, which lets people live their lives without having to own a vehicle. I’m a man of the people fighting for the people. And that’s exactly what I’ll do in the County Legislature.

Santos Cruz

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Legislature District 27:

Rose Bonnick

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

David Ferris

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

December 20, 2022 by 1 Comment

Top ten things we’re most proud of in 2022

At Reconnect Rochester, 2022 brought renewed hope and activity as the world fully opened up and we could get back to what we love doing best — getting together and working alongside people and organizations in the community who share our passion for improved mobility.

This has also been a year of dramatic organizational growth that’s allowed us to do even more to pursue our hopes and dreams for mobility in Monroe County. Check out below the Top 10 things we’re most proud of accomplishing in 2022. The list gets more action-packed each year!

TOP 10 THINGS WE’RE MOST PROUD OF IN 2022
(In no particular order of importance.)

#10

Inspired People to Get Multi-Modal

Two parents with their child; one parent is on a bike with the child; all wearing helmets

Selfie of a man skateboarding with a helmet and sunglasses on

At Reconnect Rochester, we want to inspire and empower people to use various modes of transportation and discover the joy and freedom of getting around by bus, by rail, on bike or on foot. Our Car-Lite ROC blog series featured the voices and stories of folks around the community who are living a car-lite lifestyle in Rochester and loving it! Catch up on the blog series here and listen to the podcast of some of our guest bloggers on Connections with Evan Dawson.

#9

Expanded Bus Amenities

In August, we held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the installation of 23 more bus stop cubes on Portland, Hudson, Lake, Dewey & St. Paul. Seating at bus stops not only supports the basic needs of people who rely on RTS bus service, it also encourages more people to use public transit by improving the experience. Special thanks to the City of Rochester for being a valued partner on this project, and State Senator Samra Brouk for securing funding to support this round of bus stop cubes.

#8

Transformed an Intersection

We continued our effort to make Rochester streets safer for all with a Complete Street Makeover of the intersection of Orange Street and Orchard Street in the JOSANA neighborhood. In collaboration with many neighborhood and community partners, we implemented temporary street design changes to make the intersection safer for those who use it every day. As a result of our installation, the average speed decreased 20%, the 85th percentile speed declined 28%, and the maximum speed declined 26%.

#7

Used the Power of Film to Educate and Inspire

4 panelists sit in director chairs on a theatre stage; 1 moderator stands at a podium

This year, we produced two Rochester Street Films events at The Little Theatre. In June, we partnered with the Climate Solutions Accelerator to showcase the feature-length documentary Life on Wheels, followed by a discussion about the mindset & policy shifts needed to create a more multimodal community. In October, we brought a set of curated film clips to the screen to explore Why We Bike, and had a panel discussion and Q&A about the rewards for us personally and as a society when more people ride bikes.

#6

Expanded Our Advocacy Efforts

In January, we welcomed James Dietz in the newly created Advocacy Manager position to bolster our volunteer-based advocacy work with staff-based efforts. Our advocacy efforts this year included a virtual trip to Albany to fight for safe streets legislation & public transit funding, supporting the expansion and accessibility of mobility options like HOPR bike & e-scooter share and the launch of Floshare electric car share, and more on-the-ground action like mobilizing a team of staff and volunteers to shovel out bus stop cubes.

#5

Stepped up Communications and Outreach Efforts

Staff member Jahasia stands and smiles behind a Reconnect information table

In August, Jahasia Esgdaille joined our team in another newly created position of Community Engagement Manager. This investment in staff capacity has allowed us to step up our engagement in the community with things like increasing our in-person presence via event tabling, conducting an RTS rider survey, introducing quarterly Engagement Breakfasts, and expanding our social media presence (you can now find us on Instagram!).

#4

Strengthened Partnerships

Indoor Press Conference with County Executive Adam Bello for Drive 2B Better campaign

This year, we made a concerted effort to strengthen our relationships with key entities in the transportation sector and organizations that share our passion for better public transit and safe streets. We’ve established regular meetings with RTS, GTC, the City of Rochester and Monroe County, and work with countless other elected officials and organizations in the course of our day-to-day work. It was collaborative conversations that led to Monroe County’s decision to fund the relaunch of the public awareness campaign Drive 2B Better, developed by a coalition group led by HealthiKids that aims to increase safety for all road users. You can request a D2BB lawn sign for your yard here!

#3

Gave & Encouraged Public Input

Thanks to the work of our Advocacy Committee, Reconnect submitted input on every major street project and community plan in Monroe County, beating the drum to incorporate complete streets policies and a more multimodal community. We gave special attention to providing robust input into the City and County Active Transportation Plans, attended countless public meetings, and served on project advisory committees for Aqueduct Reimagined and the Zoning Alignment Project.

#2

Expanded Cycling Resources & Activities

Group bike ride photo; "we are the change that we seek" mural.

We continued to exponentially expand cycling-focused programs, advocacy, education & outreach, including the creation of a one-stop Community Cycling Calendar and the RocEasy Bike map of recommended low-stress bike routes around Rochester. Plus, we pulled off our first annual ROC ‘n Roll community ride, continued our Flower City Feeling Good bike rides in collaboration with the City of Rochester and Exercise Express, rolled out Local History Bike Tours, and hosted a 2-day workshop by the League of American Bicyclists for local transportation planner’s and advocates. We’re especially proud of our first annual Mind the Gap campaign which asked cyclists where critical bike connections were missing in Monroe County’s bike network.

Check out the CYCLING TOP 10 LIST for even more about bike-related efforts led by our rock star Cycling Manager, Jesse Peers.

#1

Leveled Up Our Staff & Welcomed New Board Leadership

4 Reconnect staff members pose at an outdoor event

If you’ve made it this far, you’ll know there were a few areas where we mentioned increased staff capacity. In 2022, we were able to hire two full-time employees and increase the hours of our part-time employees. More human power means more impact, and we are loving all the new and expanded ways we’ve been able to tackle our mission. This growth was made possible in great part by the continued support of Dr. Scott MacRae and a generous grant from the ESL Charitable Foundation’s Building Strong Neighborhoods initiative.

We also brought on three new board members – Bree-Ana Dukes, Bo Shoemaker & Erick Stephens – who have each used their experience and talent to energize our efforts.

Just imagine what we can do in 2023!

November 22, 2022 by 2 Comments

Car Lite Rochester: From Car-Free to Car-Lite, Three Years Later

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: From Car-Free to Car-Lite, Three Years Later

By: Calvin Eaton

Calvin Eaton is a disabled scholar, author, cultural curator, content creator, and social entrepreneur. He founded the theglutenfreechef brand and website in 2013 and founded 540WMain, Inc. in 2016.

Whew! It’s been a long time since I last checked in! Can you believe it’s been three years since my last blog with Reconnect Rochester? And what a time we’ve had in three years. We’ve survived an incessant global pandemic and I’ve survived two bouts of COVID-19, vaccinations, boosters, masks, and so much more. With so much change you would think we would be closer to realizing neighborhoods and streets that are more universally designed, pedestrian friendly, and less reliant on the all-powerful automobile. This is hardly the case. So much has changed yet when it comes to a culture that is less reliant on cars so much has remained the same. Still it’s not all doom and gloom. There’ve been lots of positive changes in the realm of more bicycle and pedestrian friendly infrastructure in recent years. Before I dive into that let me update you on what’s been happening with me.

New Bike, New Me

I got a new bike in 2021. Actually, a very kind friend gifted me a brand new bike. It was a complete surprise and I am forever grateful. After what seems like decades of lamenting about how I needed to get a bike, I just wasn’t making it a priority. One day in early summer 2021 I reached out to my Facebook community to ask if anyone had recommendations for a decent used bike and next thing I knew I received a brand new bike on my doorstep. What a thoughtful and amazing gift. I was able to test out my new bike just in time for the 2021 edition of the Juneteenth Roc Freedom Ride through Rochester. Tapping into the robust bike community and the dedicated bike trails has been key for me since I still don’t always feel comfortable riding my bike solo on the city streets. Even though fibromyalgia prevents me from cycling as much as I would like, having my new wheels has been amazing.

Calvin with a friend at a community bike ride

Rochester’s affinity based cycling communities have grown throughout the pandemic. These communities are important to me because they break down the stereotypes and bias that Black people don’t bike or can’t bike. Amazing transformative leaders like Rashad Smith and the Roc Freedom Ride initiative are a beautiful homage to the bus desegregation movement of the 1960s and parallel the modern day desegregation of “cycling culture” in Rochester and other cities around the country. Cycling culture in Rochester like most cities looks very homogenous (i.e white) and groups like Roc Freedom Riders, Black Girls Do Bike, Conkey Cruisers, and the Flower City Feeling Good bike rides are some of the initiatives that have grown over the past few years that diversify and bring equity and inclusion to cycling culture in Rochester. This work is priceless. Despite this progress, bike legislation and biased enforcement has led to over policing, racial profiling and pretext stops for Black and brown cyclists. Group bike rides provide a measure of support and safety for those of us that are new to cycling as a regular form of transportation.

Car-Free to Car-Lite

In my last blog I shared my journey to a car-free lifestyle and three years later I’ve migrated from car-free to car-lite. The short story version is that during the pandemic my brother purchased a used car from Geva’s fleet of cars for performers and then gifted the car to me. It all happened very quickly but I do remember needing a week or two to think about the implications of bringing a car back into my life. This was at the top of 2021 and at the time I was teaching as an adjunct at St. John Fisher University and we were migrating back to in-person learning. After three years of being car-free, having access to my own vehicle again didn’t seem like a bad idea.

My final decision came down to convenience. Even with the many improvements to bicycle infrastructure, and the reimagine RTS initiative I would be being disingenuous if I didn’t admit that having a car is simply more convenient in our city. Owning and maintaining a car is a privilege, this I must admit. Getting reacclimated to car life and taking care of the administrative details like registration, insurance, and transferring the title was relatively easy for me to do and I recognize this immense privilege. As someone living with a disability my lifestyle lends itself to far less driving than the average car owner. Due to the disability that I live with, each month my car sits idle in the driveway for multiple consecutive days. More often than not, I don’t have the stamina or energy to drive. The majority of my work happens online and I hold many meetings remotely via zoom. Even on my good days having a car for me isn’t essential. Understanding this privilege I recently was able to loan my car to a car-free friend who was taking a road trip for a couple of days.

For me having a car during the cold winter months is most helpful. And I notice and advocate for improvements in how our streets and sidewalks are plowed during the winter months. Anyone that uses a wheelchair or power chair is figuratively and literally stuck when the snow starts to accumulate, and this is simply unacceptable. There remains much work to be done in this regard.

Transportation Justice is an Ongoing Movement

Despite my return to life with a car, I remain an active and vocal advocate for safe streets, increased and improved bicycle infrastructure, and better accessibility for our roads, public transportation and the built environment for disabled people. My journey has taught me to have more compassion and empathy for everyone’s choice to own a car or not and to spend less time making moral judgements about people’s decisions and more time advocating for a city that includes all perspectives and voices. There have been lots of additions that allow more transportation choice in our City like the HOPR bike and scooter share, bike clubs, electric vehicle sharing, renovations to the RTS station, road diets, improvement along East and West Main streets, and the advocacy and education presented by Reconnect Rochester. Still we have so much work to do to reimagine and redesign our city to be more pedestrian safe and friendly.

October 27, 2022 by 1 Comment

Car Lite Rochester: Small Decisions Become Core Values

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 our newest t-shirt in our online shop.

Car Lite Rochester: Small Decisions Become Core Values

By: Tracey Austin

It’s interesting to think through why your life includes (or excludes) something that most other American families find normal. I would say my family’s car-lite life was born from necessity. We never really made a conscious decision on a particular day to be car-lite, yet it has become one of our values. And it has amazed me how such a seemingly small decision has shaped our life.

After college, my sister and I wanted nothing more than to get an apartment together in the City of Rochester. We shared our college car, and since my job was downtown and closer, I was the one who got to take the bus, ride my bike, and walk. I learned so much about Rochester during that time of my life because I used these multimodal ways of getting around. They weren’t an alternative for me; it was just what I had to do, like most people who don’t have access to a car.

After I got married, there was no question whether we would also live in the city near friends and our jobs. Proximity to work and “life things” has always been a natural priority for us. I love this city. I have spent the past 20+ years exploring some of its best short cuts. Back in the day, my favorite shortcuts were through the old midtown building and the enclosed path you could take from MCC to the other side of Main Street – glory days!

I love bike commuting, and the bus has helped in a pinch. But I prefer to walk most places. If I’m short on time, I bike. But walking is a form of therapy for me, especially before and after work in the winter. It’s always a peaceful way to start and end the day. And when I worked downtown it was always a good excuse to pick up coffee on the way into work without having to wait in a drive thru or park my car. I guess all of my life’s decisions usually come down to coffee access.

For these combined reasons, we have been able to get by with one car (even now with a teenage driver also sharing it!). My husband prefers the bus to biking or will walk sometimes when I need the car. And all of us are now very used to asking friends and co-workers for rides. I wish that was more normalized. I even have close neighbor friends who always anticipate my request for a ride if we are both invited to the same event. Most people don’t mind at all, especially if you help pay for gas or bring them something freshly baked. ☺

We manage, and we manage well. Although I sometimes agree with my youngest son’s wish that “we at least had a newer car,” I don’t frame it as a necessity and I never will. What started as an economic decision continues to be one: I could never stomach paying a car payment on a new car, let alone two. And paying for parking when the job or event is fairly close to my house seems silly. I am happy that my kids prioritize material things less, since the necessity of cars wasn’t modeled for them. And sometimes I make a point to say things like, if we had two cars to pay for we wouldn’t be able to go on this trip or pay this bill. As they get older, I hope they will prioritize adventure and healthy budgeting over something that ties them down.

I suppose my story isn’t going to be a huge revelation to most readers. But my car-lite life has revealed a lot to me—about myself and about my city. I choose to interact with it daily in a more tangible way by how I travel through it, and that in turn helps my bank account and our environment. That makes me happy. So as long I have physical mobility to travel the way I prefer, I will do just that. And I hope I can help some friends to try it along the way.

October 17, 2022 by 2 Comments

Car Lite Rochester: Family Style

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 our newest t-shirt in our online shop.

Car Lite Rochester: Family Style

By: Doug Kelley

Doug Kelly smiles in a helmet next to the Genesee River

It was early 2015 when my transportation lifestyle hit rock-bottom. Rochester’s winter had been especially cold and snowy that year. I was still bitter over the cancellation of the RTS route that had shuttled me, all through the prior winter, directly from my own block to my job at the University of Rochester (anybody else have fond memories of the 52 line?). With my children in elementary school and my wife and I both working new jobs, busy-ness and frustration led me to break my routine by buying a parking pass and commuting in a car all winter. It seemed logical enough, especially since my wife and I happened to own two cars for the first time since our daughters had been babies.

But by March, it was clear that car commuting had been a terrible blunder. I found myself much more grumpy, fussing over traffic and parking and gas prices. I was out of shape and feeling lethargic. Canceling the built-in exercise of walking to the bus or biking to the office, and eliminating the routine that gave me quiet outdoor moments for reflection twice a day, had made me miserable — both physically and emotionally. The writing was on the wall: I crave exercise and the joys of active transportation more than I hate the cold. I swore I’d never buy another winter parking pass, and I never have. We soon got rid of that second car.

Once we did, the benefits piled up. For starters, living a car-lite lifestyle can be a big financial help for a young family. Driving less meant we spent less on gas, of course — and today’s high gas prices would increase the impact. Dropping my parking pass saved us a few hundred bucks a year. (Shout out to the University’s free Occasional Parking Program!) But the real financial payoff came with getting rid of that car altogether: no car payments, no insurance, no oil changes, no brake jobs or belt jobs or worries about what would break next. Our car-lite lifestyle continues to save us thousands of dollars each year.

Cost of a car diagram — Diagram from EPA

Other benefits are less tangible, but for a family, maybe more important. Exercise is one of the best things anybody can do for physical and mental health, so building exercise into daily transportation routines is great for parents and kids alike. Biking and walking make my family and me happier, more focused at school and work, and ready to enjoy time together more fully. Burning less fossil fuel and emitting less carbon make my wife and me feel better about our climate impacts, not only for our own sake but also for our two teenage daughters. After all, they will live through more repercussions of climate change than us, and going car-lite now will empower them to be more adaptable and less dependent on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, strolling and rolling around the neighborhood weaves all of us more tightly into our community. The kids bump into classmates; my wife and I see friends and neighbors.

Maybe the best perk for families who go car-lite is one we hadn’t anticipated back in 2015: it has made parenting easier for us. Teaching our kids to walk to elementary school saved us countless hours idling in carpool traffic jams. More importantly, living car-lite lets children gain freedom and learn responsibility in baby steps, as appropriate for their age. In second grade, our girls were big enough to walk by themselves to the playground across the street. In third grade, they could walk to a friend’s house down the block, or another around the corner. Soon, they could bike to see more friends or walk to music lessons. By the time our daughters reached middle school, we found ourselves living a year in Copenhagen. There, great public transportation, world-beating bike infrastructure, and negligible crime rates meant the girls could go nearly anywhere in the city without setting foot in a car. We didn’t own one there anyway. Back in Rochester, though the infrastructure doesn’t match Copenhagen’s, our daughters have the skills and confidence to go many of the places they need, walking to school and work, biking to the pet store and thrift stores. Restricting their childhood transportation to cars alone would have robbed them of the chance to gain agency and independence, steadily and surely, through all those years. Our older daughter will get her driver’s license this fall, and I shudder to think what would have happened if she’d been handed car keys and set loose to drive two tons of high-speed steel without first having learned how to find her way around the world, independently, on foot and on bikes and on buses and trains.

Family of four (two parents, two children) with bikes on a Copenhagen street — The Kelley Family in Copenhagen

Though living car-free in Copenhagen was a breeze, our family has never lived car-free in Rochester. Looking ahead to a time when all four of us will have driver’s licenses, we’re transitioning now from owning just one car to owning two — but certainly not four! The car-lite lifestyle is a pleasure we will continue.

Our chosen lifestyle is made more enjoyable by a few practicalities we’ve figured out along the way. First, we chose to live in a neighborhood with ubiquitous sidewalks and good bike routes to many places, especially our most common destinations, including my workplace, the kids’ schools, grocery stores, gyms, a bank, a pharmacy, a bakery, and a library. If you live near good routes to work and everyday destinations, by bike or bus or walk, transitioning to a car-lite lifestyle could be almost seamless. If you are among the millions working from home nowadays, going car-lite is even easier. If not, and if you’d like to commute by biking or walking, ask whether your employer has a shower. (Pro tip: U of R has many at the medical center, many at the gym, and at least two others on River Campus.) By providing a little extra power, an e-bike can be a key enabler of a pleasurable car-lite lifestyle, especially if you have health or mobility limitations, your commute is a little longer, or you frequently find yourself hauling young children and groceries. Cargo bikes and trailers are wonderful for families, not to mention backpacks and panniers. When children are old enough to pedal themselves but not yet old enough to navigate to school independently, a great solution is a bike train, in which just one or two parents bike along with a group of neighborhood classmates. Carpools are another great way to go car-lite, whether to school or to work. You can find great routes using RTS’s Transit app or browsing Rochester’s Bike Boulevards. When winter weather makes roads and sidewalks slick, you can pull on some microspikes on your way to the nearest bus.

Microspikes make car lite easier — Microspikes are a great way to make walking in the snow less treacherous!

Finally, you can help make a car-lite lifestyle more possible and more pleasurable for your own family and for everybody else by communicating its importance to public officials. A great way to start is by giving input for the City of Rochester’s new Active Transportation Plan and for Monroe County’s new Countywide Active Transportation Plan.

August 4, 2022 by 3 Comments

Making Rochester Streets Safer for All: The 2022 Complete Streets Makeover of Orange & Orchard

Makeover team at Orange & Orchard — *Photo Credit: De’Jon Washington*

As we report out on the third successful Complete Streets Makeover project, let’s remember why we do this.

In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities have skyrocketed, increasing by 59% from 2009-2020. According to the latest “Dangerous By Design” report, between 2009-2020, drivers struck and killed 64,073 pedestrians in this country. Here in Monroe County, from 2012-2021, over 5,000 crashes involved bicyclists and pedestrians, and ten people die on our local streets every year as a result of these crashes.

Monroe County Crash Map — *Reconnect Rochester Crash Map of Monroe County, 2012-2021*

Responding to this growing epidemic was the impetus behind our Complete Streets Makeover project, created to bring attention to street design as one critical factor in the safe streets equation.

The Selection Process

We began this year’s project back in July 2021 by asking you (the people that walk, bike, and roll along our streets every day) to help identify the intersections and trouble spots where you live, work and play that could be redesigned to make them safer for everyone. The community response was tremendous, and we received a total of 76 nominations for 68 locations in Monroe County.

From these submissions, our Steering Committee selected the intersection of Orange Street & Orchard Street in the JOSANA neighborhood for this year’s project.

Complete Streets Makeover Steering Committee — *The Steering Committee hard at work*

The Orange & Orchard location presented the right mix of community support, evidence of safety concerns, and potential for a street redesign that would create real, transformative change for the community through this project. School 17 is located right at this intersection and was a strong advocate for implementing change. Last fall, the Rochester City School District eliminated the Walker-Bus Program that had provided transportation for students living within 1.5 miles of their school, which contributed to the school’s desire to improve safety for its walkers.

Getting Community Input

So what happened next? We connected with representatives of School 17 and the JOSANA neighborhood, and together we planned a community workshop held in February at the school. We invited school families and residents to come share their experiences at this intersection and ideas for how it could be safer. At the workshop, which was facilitated by the Community Design Center of Rochester-CDCR, attendees were first led through the basics of road safety statistics and complete streets. Then, CDCR volunteers helped translate the community’s thoughts and desires into actionable design elements that would improve the intersection.

Complete Streets Makeover Community Workshop — *Community Workshop at School 17 on February 9, 2022*

Complete Streets Makeover Design Rendering

Making Magic at Orange & Orchard

After much planning with the JOSANA neighborhood, over 150 people came out to Orange & Orchard on May 14 to make the magic happen! Attendees were made up of people from the neighborhood, school community, and a team of community partners*. Together, we worked to make the intersection of Orange Street & Orchard Street a more vibrant, safer place for everyone.

Design elements to calm traffic and improve safety included enhanced signage, curb extensions, temporary speed cushions, and a street mural designed by local artist Shawn Dunwoody. The temporary design was created by Stantec, which donates pro bono professional engineering services for the project. Other elements to beautify the space, like fence art and flower planters, were done with help of 2nd graders as part of their class project.

Nothing captures the life of a project better than film. Reconnect Rochester is pleased to share this short film, produced by Floating Home Films, that tells the full story.

We hope you enjoyed watching a beautiful display of community! We will continue supporting the neighborhood in their effort to make these temporary street design improvements permanent.

Working on the makeover — Complete Streets Makeover On-street Installation on May 14, 2022
Photos 1 & 5: Stantec | Photos 2 & 3: Common Ground Health | Photos 4 & 6: Reconnect Rochester

The Impact

But did it make a difference? YES! Data collected before and after the implementation (April and July, respectively) shows a measurable decrease in vehicle speeds along Orchard Street. Let’s get specific.

Since the implementation, the 85th percentile speed (the speed that 85% of vehicles travel at or below) declined 28% and the maximum speed declined 26%. It’s worth noting that the maximum recorded speed in July happened between 1:15am and 1:30am. Other than that outlier, the maximum speed was only 32 mph! Even the average speed dropped 20%, despite there being no school in July. This is particularly notable with the safe assumption that arrival/dismissal congestion suppressed the speed of a great deal of traffic during our April data collection. Finally, the speed data showed only 13 of 1,017 vehicles were traveling over 25 mph.

When it comes to speed, each mile-per-hour a driver is traveling makes a difference for pedestrian and cyclist safety, and can be the difference between life and death or a person sustaining life altering injuries.

Impact of pedestrian collisions graphic — *The impact of vehicle speed in pedestrian collisions (The Healthi Kids Coalition)*

Learn even more about the Complete Streets Makeover of Orange & Orchard

A WXXI Connections show podcast with the School #17 principal, project coordinator and parent as guests
A spectacular photo gallery, courtesy of De’Jon Washington
A recap blog by The Healthi Kids Coalition
Our press release
Media coverage by 13 WHAM

Looking Ahead

Our awesome team is on board to continue our Complete Streets Makeover program in 2023 and beyond! So keep taking note of the intersections and trouble spots you experience in your daily travels that could use a re-design, and keep an eye out for calls for public submissions. Together, we’ll keep advocating to design our streets for people, and we’ll keep making it happen one intersection at a time.

*Community Partners

The Complete Streets Makeover of Orange & Orchard was a collaborative venture with the following community partners:

Reconnect Rochester

The Healthi Kids Coalition, convened by Common Ground Health

Stantec

City of Rochester

Community Design Center of Rochester

Genesee Transportation Council

Coordinated Care Services Inc.

Charles House Neighbors in Action

Enrico Fermi School #17

August 3, 2022 by No Comments

Stuck in a Bus Rut, But We Still Believe

Reconnect Rochester meets with the team at RTS on a regular basis. We listen and ask questions. We share feedback from transit riders and offer ideas. We seek to understand and strive to be a good community partner.

Many of you might be wondering what’s going on with all the service changes over the last few years. We want to share our latest understanding with the general riding public, and anyone else who cares about having reliable public transportation in our community. Read on for our take on what happened, what’s happening, and what to expect.

As an advocacy organization, it’s important for us to collect input and channel it to the ears of RTS leadership so they can better understand the impact of their decisions on transit users. To that end, we’ve constructed a survey to find out from RTS riders how your experience has changed (for better or worse) since the implementation of the Reimagine RTS system redesign last spring. We also want to hear from former RTS riders about why you have stopped riding and what it would take to get you back.

SHARE YOUR RTS EXPERIENCE

We’ll be collecting this input through the month of August online and in-person, and then we’ll collate it and pass it on to RTS leadership. Please help us out by sharing this survey with your friends!

_______________________

What’s the current situation and what can we expect?

We’ll give it to you straight first with no sugar added, and then add a dash of hope and sweetness later.

RTS ridership is still hovering around 65-70% of pre-pandemic levels with no sign of an upturn.

On-demand service in the mobility zones is exceeding demand, resulting in a service denial rate of 30-35%. The service management platform has been problematic. This combination has made service in the towns and suburbs of Monroe County often frustrating and unreliable.

Five (5) of the seven (7) 15-minute frequency routes in the core service area – the big promise of the Reimagine RTS system redesign – reverted back to 30-minute frequency. The result is worse service for some riders than they had before.

RTS doesn’t expect any of this to change or improve until at least January 2023, when new buses and vans arrive, enough drivers are hired, and a new on-demand technology platform is put in place.

Who is impacted most?

The unfulfilled promise of Reimagine RTS of more frequent and robust service is a burden that falls squarely on transit dependent people in our community. It stands to reason that transit dependent folks make up most of the 70% of riders who are still on the bus. Unlike “choice riders” who were able to choose another way to get around, this group of folks don’t have another option than to rely on the bus.

With the system as it is, a commute time that was already long, is made longer. Those who live or need to get to work in the mobility zones are especially hard hit. Because demand is far outpacing service capacity, there is a new unreliability that is arguably worse than the service that existed before. At least then you knew a fixed route bus would be coming along at a set time, even if only every 60 minutes.

How did we get here?

The pandemic took a huge toll on RTS. In June 2020, the long-awaited Reimagine RTS system redesign launch was postponed as RTS focused on pandemic response, health safety on buses, and pitching in to meet emergency transportation needs. Reimagine RTS finally launched almost a year later in May 2021.

A few months later (Sept 2021), a shortage of private contract bus drivers created a crisis with RCSD school bus transportation. RTS stepped in and provided service so that kids could get to school. However, to free up buses and drivers, they rolled back the 15-minute frequent service that had been the hallmark of Reimagine RTS.

For the last year, RTS has been struggling to get the buses and drivers in place so they can add back the frequency in regular service and meet the unexpectedly high demand for on-demand service in the mobility zones. The good folks at RTS want to restore the frequent service as much as anyone and are working overtime to problem-solve the situation.

There are two things standing in the way: 1) Supply chain issues have prevented vans and buses, ordered more than a year ago, from arriving. 2) Steep competition in the labor market has made it more challenging to hire RTS drivers. In April 2022, due to ongoing equipment and staffing shortages, RTS announced service changes that included “pausing” the new Rt 42 crosstown, another rollback of the Reimagine RTS system redesign.

It’s little comfort, but we are not alone in this. Transit ridership is down everywhere in the wake of the pandemic. Equipment and bus driver shortages are plaguing transit systems across the country, and have led to even more severe service cuts in neighboring Buffalo and Syracuse over the past year.

Bus Ridership — *Dec 29 2019 – July 30 2022 National Data (APTA Ridership Trends dashboard)*

Is there any good news?

Yes, there is plenty.

A host of Reimagine RTS service improvements were successfully implemented and have made a big difference for many riders. Things like increased weekend service hours and frequency, the Rt 40 & 41 crosstown routes, newly added 30-minute frequency routes, and two 15-minute frequency routes (E. Main & Dewey Ave) that were reinstated.

This spring, the RGRTA Board approved a new service management platform in the mobility zones to replace the problematic one, so that fix is on its way.

Ridership data collected from the 15-minute routes has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that frequency = increased ridership. Unexpectedly high ridership in the mobility zones shows there’s a strong demand for public transit in the towns and suburbs. What’s the takeaway? When we can restore the promises of Reimagine RTS, we will see huge gains in ridership.

Thanks to advocacy efforts led statewide by NYPTA and locally by Reconnect Rochester, as well as our Albany delegation’s support for public transportation, State Transit Operating Assistance funding for RGRTA will be increased by 15.17%. This removes funding as a barrier to service expansion & restoration (the problem is that money can’t solve the immediate problem of staffing and equipment shortages).

Many would say the Transit App has been a bright spot. Anyone who uses it can attest to the awesome design and functionality to guide transit riders in moving around.

RTS is leading New York State in the conversion to electric buses and also just got State funding to add hydrogen fuel cell buses to its fleet in the coming years. That’s a great thing for the environment and the quality of the air we breathe.

Finally, there’s also hope for expansion of bus amenities to improve the riding experience. Reconnect Rochester just got 23 more bus stop cubes on the ground, bringing the total to 54 bus stops around the city. Even more exciting, the City of Rochester with support from RTS, is applying for a $2M State funding grant to make a sweeping investment in bus stop amenities. This could mean shelters, benches, and bus stop cubes installed at hundreds of stops in the city that currently have no seating. Keep your fingers and toes crossed!

What can RTS do?

We wouldn’t be a very worthwhile advocacy organization if we didn’t point out some ways that RTS can do better even under the current constraints.

We challenge RTS to acknowledge what its customers are really experiencing minus any positive spin. Be transparent and communicate what’s happening. As transit riders, we’d like to know what’s going on. Share ridership statistics and denial rates with the community and explain why. Tell us what you’re doing to resolve the service issues. How many drivers are in the pipeline? How many buses are on order? What’s the timeline for the new user management system for the mobility zones? You get the idea.

What can we/YOU do?

Fill out our survey to share your experience.

Whether you’re a current rider or a former rider that has stopped riding the bus, we want to hear from you. We promise to deliver your thoughts to RTS leadership in the hope that your voice will impact future decision making.

If you ride RTS regularly, keep sending them your feedback.

They might not be able to make major changes happen, but they have been responsive to small improvements when they hear a sensible adjustment that can be made. Positive feedback is important, too. If RTS does something that improves your situation, let them know! Also, driving a bus can be a difficult and stressful job. A friendly greeting to the driver when you enter the bus, and thanking them for getting you to your destination safely can make a difference. You can play a part in driver retention!

Ditch the car and ride RTS whenever it works for your schedule.

Mary at Reconnect talking here. My own personal commute improved significantly thanks to the new Route 41 crosstown, which gets me to the office in 17 minutes door-to-door. In those 17 minutes, I get to enjoy some fresh air and a little exercise, check my inbox, give and take smiles (even if only with the eyes) with fellow passengers, and save gas money leaving the car at home.

Wondering what your bus commute would look like? Visit myrts.com or download the Transit App to find out!

We still believe

Reconnect Rochester has long advocated for a public transit system that delivers frequency. We still believe that the Reimagine RTS plan – when fully implemented – will set us on a path to a more frequent and robust system. There are tradeoffs, yes, but it will be a net positive overall.

At Reconnect Rochester, we look forward to when we will see the full promise of the new system fulfilled, and can truly welcome in a new day for public transportation in Rochester. We look forward to bringing back our Roc Transit Day event to showcase the changes and attract busloads of new choice riders – because choice ridership enriches the whole system, making it better for everyone. We look forward to the day when public transportation can serve as an integrating, rather than segregating, force in our community.

June 9, 2022 by 3 Comments

How should we grow Rochester’s bike infrastructure? Let’s ask the data.

Guest blog by Nate August (Data Scientist & Graduate, University of Rochester) and Doug Kelley (Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester)

The year 2022 could be a watershed for active transportation in the Rochester region. The City of Rochester is writing a new Active Transportation Plan to update and extend its existing Bicycle Master Plan (completed in 2011). Meanwhile, Monroe County is writing its first-ever Countywide Active Transportation Plan. Both documents will lay out a vision and set priorities to guide transportation policy for years or decades. Their recommendations will literally be made concrete in communities’ sidewalks, bike paths, bus stops, and roads. Smart planning can improve equity and sustainability in everybody’s transportation – and can be empowered by data-driven insights.

This spring, our team of graduate students and faculty at the University of Rochester’s Goergen Institute for Data Science, in partnership with the City of Rochester, set out to make data-driven recommendations for one key enabler of active transportation, the City’s bike infrastructure. We drew on a recent scientific study of bike networks in 62 other cities around the world, coauthored by researchers at the University of Rochester and the IT University of Copenhagen. We selected 86 points of interest around the City and calculated many thousands of routes among them, each along existing bikeways and streets, then located the street segments that currently lack bike infrastructure but frequently are part of the calculated routes. Those are places where new infrastructure would carry the most bike traffic and could most quickly improve users’ experiences of Rochester’s bike network. Here are the ten segments most important for bike transportation in Rochester, according to our analysis:

- Monroe Avenue between Culver Road and Howell Street
- Elmwood Avenue between Mount Hope Avenue and S. Goodman Street
- Driving Park Avenue between La Grange Avenue and Saint Paul Street
- Joseph Avenue between Cumberland Avenue and Norton Street
- A connection between North Street and Central Park, either Davis and Scio Streets or Portland Avenue
- State Street between Andrews Street and Smith Street
- Smith Street between Lake Avenue and Saint Paul Street
- South Clinton Avenue between Gregory Street and East Broad Street
- Stone Street between East Broad Street and East Main Street
- Saint Paul Street between East Main Street and Andrews Street

Our data-driven recommendations agree well with intuition and ongoing community conversation. Many of these street segments are also among the ten most obvious gaps in Rochester’s bike network, according to Reconnect Rochester’s Mind the Gap campaign. Many were recommended for upgraded bike infrastructure in the Rochester 2034 blueprint for growth and development, adopted by City Council in 2019. When different people using different methods tackle the same problem and find similar solutions, it’s a good sign that those could be the right solutions for the community – great minds think alike!

To learn more about the results and analysis that led to our recommendations, check out the interactive map below. It shows the data-driven recommendations along with existing bike infrastructure and the points of interest. You can pan, zoom, and toggle the layers. Altogether, these new segments span just eight miles (13 km) – short enough to be built rapidly and at low cost. As the map shows, they would link disjointed parts of Rochester’s existing bike network and connect it to more neighborhoods, bringing transportation equity to more residents.

Once these ten key segments have bike-friendly infrastructure, further construction would bring further improvements, and we used the same sort of analysis to ask what should come next. The animation below shows what the Rochester bike network could look like as infrastructure is added in 12-mile increments up to 60 miles. According to our analysis, communities are best served by prioritizing dense connections in the City center along with selected arterial connections to outlying areas.

There’s more good news when we rate the impacts of these recommendations in terms of directness. If you’re biking from, say, the Public Market to the downtown library, the directness of your route is the ratio of the actual distance you pedal to the distance as the crow flies. A more direct route is quicker and more efficient. By averaging over all the routes among all the points of interest, the directness of a whole bike network can be calculated. The scientific study found, surprisingly, that building new infrastructure during the early part of a bike network’s development can actually make directness worse because new neighborhoods are at first connected only by tortuous routes. But the good news for Rochester is that our strong foundation of roughly 75 miles of existing protected bikeways, bike boulevards and bike paths allows us to achieve steadily increasing directness. Here, bike routes will tend to get straighter and more direct with each new infrastructure project, as long as projects are chosen sensibly.

Our analysis is all about connecting points of interest, so the results depend strongly on how those points are chosen. We started with the City of Rochester Commercial Corridor Business Data, published as part of the 2034 Plan, which tabulates 1800 locations. By looking for clusters of nearby places, we reduced that long list to 86 points of interest, which constitute parks, museums, convenience stores, schools, and other businesses. We checked to be sure that the points didn’t unfairly favor any of the City’s four quadrants or areas with higher median income. In fact, we repeated our analysis with different points of interest, chosen with a preference for serving underprivileged neighborhoods and combined the results for our final recommendations. We’ve worked hard to make recommendations that promote equity and serve all residents.

Of course, recommendations alone aren’t enough. Concrete improvements to Rochester’s bike network will require, well, concrete – as well as public will. You can help make these recommendations reality. Use this interactive map to mark assets, opportunities, and concerns that should be considered in the Countywide Active Transportation Plan. Respond to the community survey for Rochester’s Active Transportation Plan. Encourage your community leaders to prioritize bike and pedestrian infrastructure, especially when they think about big projects like ROC the Riverway and the Inner Loop North Transformation.

You can also dig deeper into our analysis by reading the full report or adapt our tools and methods to other communities by downloading our analysis code. A similar study of Monroe County would be invaluable and would be easier now that we’ve added much of Rochester’s bike infrastructure to OpenStreetMap.

With more data and analytical processing power available now than humankind has ever before known, our society is in a position to devise and execute truly excellent plans for active transportation networks. Let’s make the most of the opportunity.

January 31, 2022 by No Comments

Bike infrastructure and bike education: Why it takes both to make a bike-friendly city.

By Jesse Peers, Cycling Manager at Reconnect Rochester

Let’s be honest: there are few cities out there that attract a whole lot of bike ridership without protected bike infrastructure. Whether it’s bollards or curbs or planters that are used, it’s understandable that cyclists want something between them and car traffic besides a thin stripe of paint. When protected bike infrastructure is implemented and it connects people to destinations in a low-stress manner, people use it! It is true that “If you build it, they will come”.

*This protected bike lane in Portland, Maine gets residents to their Minor League team’s ballpark. Wouldn’t it be great to bike to Frontier Field like this?*

It’s also critically important to fill gaps in the bike network so it’s more usable for the average rider. As Brent Toderian notes, there’s a consensus emerging in the bike world that it’s more about quality of bike infrastructure than quantity (how many miles of bike lanes doesn’t matter as much as how safe & stress-free those miles are). The new regional bike map from the Genesee Transportation Council shows the gaps in our local bike network that lack real bike infrastructure (notice shared use lanes or “sharrows” are not counted as such) Where Rochester tends to score weakest in our regular assessments is in bike network analysis. Reconnect Rochester wants to see some continuous, non-interrupted bike routes as we approach 2034, the City’s bicentennial.

*Rochester’s fragmented, piecemeal approach to bike infrastructure installation results in a disjointed “network”*

Another key to creating safe roads for riding is messaging to motorists that cyclists have a right to the road. Obviously, drivers harassing cyclists, telling them to “get off the street” doesn’t lead to a very bike-friendly city! We’d love to see every municipality use Bike Month and Bike Week in May not just to tokenly celebrate biking, but a time to get mayors and supervisors in front of cameras and tell motorists this important message: “Cyclists have every right to the street. We want more residents on bikes. More trips by bike helps us meet our goals. Pass them safely and courteously.”

*Order a free lawn sign* *from the Drive2bBetter campaign today!*

So we’ve established that protected bike lanes are essential to a bike friendly city, and we’ll keep advocating loudly for them. But there’s no need to keep your bike in your garage gathering dust as you wait for Rochester to become the Copenhagen of North America. You don’t have to wait for some future version of Rochester to appear, and here are some reasons why:

Rochester isn’t a cruddy city to bike in. Many local riders concur and Dan Kamalic wrote a great blog last year observing how pleasant he finds Rochester to bike in compared to other cities he’s lived in. Rochester was rated a Bronze level Bicycle-Friendly Community in 2016 and 2020 (after making honorable mention in 2012), which means we’re a good/decent biking city already. Bronze is nothing to sneeze at; it’s a result of over a decade of intentional investment. We’ve made progress since the City made its first Bike Master Plan in 2011.

There’s absolutely room to improve (we’re not content to remain at Bronze) but cruddy cities to bike in don’t get ranked and recognized. Besides, there are parts of our report cards that Rochester scores very well in such as riding groups and bike events. We’ve got a great cycling community here! Plus we have some of the best trails in the country.

Painted, unprotected bike lanes are still very safe (even though they can be uncomfortable or obstructed at times). Most cyclists’ greatest fear, which is understandable, is getting hit from behind as they bike along the right side of the road. One would assume that with a city of bike lanes without physical separation from motor traffic, that cyclists getting hit in bike lanes would be a common crash scenario. Fortunately, such crashes are extremely rare, here and elsewhere.

Though some bike lanes could certainly be upgraded, protected bike lanes aren’t necessarily required everywhere. It’s a good bet that our city of the future, like many cities, will feature a mix of protected bike lanes, cycletracks, unprotected bike lanes, bike boulevards and trails working together to form a network. Some highly respected figures in the bike planning world only insist on hard separation from motorized vehicles when speeds hit 30mph. Therefore reducing speed limits and keeping drivers accountable to that speed limit is a great, proven way to make cyclists safer and grow ridership.

In 2021, the City greatly expanded its Bike Boulevard network. There is now a usable low-stress bike network in Rochester that enables you to get around much of the City without the need to bike on busy arterials. The Bike Boulevards primarily stick to residential side streets that have been traffic calmed and connect to existing trails.

Protected bike lanes are awesome but they aren’t a substitute for some basic traffic negotiating skills on your bike. No quality level or amount of bike infrastructure will ever alleviate the need to follow the law, maintain traffic awareness, and abide by some best practices when riding. Even if protected bike lanes proliferate, there will never be protected bike lanes or trails all the way to your destination. You will have to mix it up with traffic some of the time.

That’s where our bike education classes come in. Cycling doesn’t have to feel like swimming with sharks! In our fun classes, you can get the knowledge and confidence to enjoy cycling more. And a big part of being less stressed as you ride is learning to ride in such a way that limits motorists’ most dangerous choices. You can take drivers’ most dangerous cards off the table much of the time. It took taking a class for me to get comfortable biking and I suspect that’s probably true for most people.

You don’t need an encyclopedia’s worth of knowledge to bike; just a handful of tips that really change road dynamics and interactions. I don’t believe a day will ever come when cyclist education isn’t necessary because the bike infrastructure is so awesome. The most bike-friendly cities and countries in the world do a great job of educating cyclists and it starts when they’re very young.

Another reason you should not wait for a city filled with bike lanes: Protected bike lanes and cycletracks aren’t necessarily cure-alls since they can still leave you vulnerable at intersections (where most crashes occur) and at driveways/parking lots. Again, this means that some traffic negotiating skills and awareness are still/always needed. We’ll explore at another time that there are ways to construct intersections much safer for cyclists, and we hope Rochester will pursue these kinds of bold design solutions in the future.

*One future possibility for Rochester’s West Main Street: a protected intersection!*

So when it comes to bringing about a better biking city, which is ultimately what my job is about, I’m a both/and guy. I’m both pro-protected bike infrastructure and pro-education. It takes both to move the needle and create a bike-friendly city. So get your bike out this spring, and I hope to see you at a great community ride or event. If you want to take one of our classes in 2022 to get more comfortable, reach out and let me know. We encourage you as the City of Rochester and Monroe County create their first Active Transportation Plans this year, to be engaged in the public input process and advocate for better bike infrastructure.

December 27, 2021 by No Comments

Top 10 Things We’re Most Proud of in 2021

2021 is coming to a close. In the realm of transportation, this year brought a mix of positive progress and setbacks. At Reconnect Rochester, we strive to be innovative and to pivot fast when we see input opportunities to capitalize on, or mobility issues that need attention.

Despite the uncertainty and challenges of our times, we moved our mission forward with intensity. Below is “Top 10” list of accomplishments we’re most proud of this year.

TOP 10 THINGS WE’RE MOST PROUD OF IN 2021
(In no particular order of importance.)

#10

Legislative Advocacy

In March, we made a virtual trip to Albany to champion public transit and safe streets for Rochester area residents (and all New Yorkers). In April & May, we made the rounds to meet with our federal legislators. Among other things, we asked for Phase 2 funding to build the station that long-distance bus riders deserve. Here’s our team meeting with staff from Senator Gillibrand’s office.

#9

More Cubes on the Ground

Thanks to the City of Rochester and many other people and partners (you know who you are), we installed 16 more fiberglass bus stop cubes in the 19th Ward & La Marketa neighborhoods. That brings the total to 31 bus stops where RTS riders now have a respectable place to sit while they wait. Here’s a birds eye view from the balcony of Teen Empowerment on Genesee Street.

#8

Weighing In on Projects & Plans

Through our Advocacy Committee, we submitted written input, attended public meetings and served on advisory committees on countless infrastructure projects and community plans. We urge planners and decision makers to create a connected community with streets and spaces designed for people. This kind of hyper-active advocacy work results in big wins, like the cycle track you see emerging here on E. Main Street, a project we weighed in on in 2019.

#7

Supporting Public Transit

We continued to play an active role in what’s happening with public transit in our community. We partner with RTS to advocate for increased funding that will allow them to make service improvements and expand bus stop amenities. We support mechanisms that will give riders visibility and voice around decision making tables. When there was an unexpected rollback in service in September, we made a strong statement and tried to keep the community informed.

#6

Spotlight on Pedestrian Safety

At our November edition of Rochester Street Films, we brought together our safe streets community partners, victims of road violence, community leaders and concerned citizens to have a community conversation about the silent epidemic of pedestrian injuries and fatalities on our streets. In case you missed it, watch the recording to catch up on the conversation!

#5

Informing the Electorate

Leading up to election days in June & November, we surveyed all candidates for Rochester Mayor and City Council to learn where they stand on issues related to transportation and mobility. Questions were designed to learn about their opinions, ideas and vision for a well-connected and accessible community.

#4

Making Monroe County Bike Friendlier

We continued to exponentially expand cycling-focused programs, advocacy, education and outreach. In fact, there are so many accomplishments that we had to create a CYCLING TOP 10 LIST. These efforts are led by Cycling Manager Jesse Peers with support from countless passionate people and partners working to make our community a safer and more bike friendly place.

#3

Supporting New Mobility Options

We helped educate the community and promote HOPR’s first season in our area, and we celebrated the installation of 8 new HOPR stations to expand bike & e-scooter access in Rochester’s underserved neighborhoods. We also spread the word about the launch of Floshare, an electric carshare pilot that offers an option for low income residents that can’t afford to own a personal vehicle.

#2

Blog Content That Inspires

We amped up content on our blog and enlisted guest blog writers to help us provoke thought and community engagement about things like transportation climate solutions, urban density, and designing streets for people. We’re especially proud of our 20 Minutes by Bike blog series.

#1

Strengthening Our Organization

Reconnect Rochester took some big leaps forward in 2021. We completed a 3-year strategic plan that charts our path ahead, announced a transformative investment by Dr. Scott MacRae (pictured above) that will enable us to expand our staff capacity, and appointed Mary Staropoli as Interim Executive Director to lead us through this period of growth and transition. In case you missed it, you can catch up on all the excitement here.

Just imagine what we can do in 2022!

December 29, 2020 by 1 Comment

ROC Cycling: Knowing Our Weaknesses, Building On Our Strengths

by Jesse Peers, Cycling Coordinator at Reconnect Rochester

When I saw the trailer for Why We Cycle years ago, I instantly knew how special this film was. Finally someone had made a gorgeous film about the myriad of reasons why people all over the world choose to traverse their communities by bike. I’m glad we were able to screen the documentary for a Rochester Street Films event in September 2020 and use it as a springboard to discuss local values and goals.

If you haven’t seen the film or weren’t able to take part in our panel discussion, watch them here.

Rent (or buy) the film

Watch our panel discussion

As our moderator, Mona Seghatoleslami, wrapped up the great discussion that evening, she said, rightly so, that “this is just the beginning of a lot of things.” Let’s examine several takeaways from the film itself, the chat amongst viewers, and our panel discussion, and where we go from here.

Culture at Large

Some participants felt our screening of this Dutch film was too lofty and dreamy. In terms of culture-at-large, we agree. Comparing the Netherlands and ROC is apples to oranges. Dutch culture is indeed vastly different! The Netherlands prides itself on having an egalitarian society, in which they strive for everyone to be shown respect. If you haven’t noticed, the U.S. has much room to improve in this regard to say the least. But that doesn’t mean we have to overturn societal values before we can become a more equitable community in terms of mobility, though that won’t keep us from trying. Other cities of all sizes surpassing Rochester in the national bike rankings proves this.

Being Vigilant and Showing Up

Our panelists made clear that to attain better bike infrastructure, it takes being involved in the process, showing up at meetings (even virtual ones these days) and organizing ourselves. As the old adage goes, “if you don’t do politics, politics will do you.” If the bike community was under the impression that after the adoption of the 2034 Plan, which encourages implementation of “complete streets” designs that accommodate ALL modes of travel, that this would happen overnight with no need for continued advocacy, we were mistaken (see State Street).

One of the words that was spoken over and over during our panel discussion, particularly from Brighton’s Robin Wilt, was “demand.” Just as the Dutch rose up in the 1970s to demand safer road conditions and greater accountability, the active mobility community is going to have to demand safer streets that are designed for all modes of travel, not just cars. We have to keep our leaders accountable to the 2034 Plan, remind them of their values and goals, and when opportunities arise, vote for leaders who stand behind this progressive, multimodal vision.

The Rochester Cycling Alliance (RCA) does our best to get the word out about public input sessions and other advocacy opportunities. Please make sure you’re on our mailing list and take those opportunities to provide input.

Rochester’s not a bad biking city!

There were varying opinions held by viewers about Rochester’s bikeability — some negative, some positive. Let’s look at the bright side first and identify some of Rochester’s advantages participants took note of in the chat: We are blessed to have the Genesee Riverway Trail, Erie Canal Trail, and an abundance of water and stellar public parks in our community. People pay a lot of money to come from all over the world to Cycle the Erie and we have free access nearby! Overall Rochester is pretty flat, which makes getting somewhere by bike less arduous. And the average city resident has a 4.1-mile commute to work, a journey that can be done by bike at a casual pace in less than 25 minutes.

As several people pointed out in the chat, Rochester has an impressive bike culture for a city of our size. There’s a wide variety of groups with different riding styles, and open-invite group rides take place most evenings during the riding season.

Rochester was awarded a bronze level status as a Bike-Friendly City by the League of American Bicyclists in 2012, 2016 and 2020. That’s not bad! A bronze status means we’re on the right track. Yes, there is a lot to be improved if we want to reach silver or gold, but we are a decent biking city already. In fact, I firmly believe Rochester could become the best biking city in the Great Lakes. It’s more within reach for us than other cities due to the advantages noted above. I know many people who are already of the opinion that Rochester is one of the #BikeLife’s greatest secrets. There are affordable neighborhoods within a 15-minute ride of downtown where car-free living is absolutely attainable. If biking on busy, main thoroughfares isn’t your thing (we don’t blame you!), often there are parallel side streets through residential neighborhoods that will get you to your destination in a timely, less stressful way. If you want to get more comfortable on your bike, consider signing up for one of our on-bike classes sometime.

Our Biggest Weakness: Not Zooming Out

Yes, Rochester is making progress in expanding our bike infrastructure. But there was a consensus on participants in the chat that the current process doesn’t work. As it is now, bike infrastructure is installed “where possible” along small, segment-by-segment stretches. Each self-contained project is overseen by a different design firm and it’s apparent there is no overall network vision guiding this process along predetermined priority routes. Because of this, we get a piecemeal, patchwork result where you can bike on one street for several miles and encounter bike lanes, sharrows or nothing at all.

Even the gorgeous cycletrack along Union Street got knocked pretty hard during our chat: It sure is pretty, but what’s it supposed to do? It doesn’t go anywhere and, as bidirectional cycletracks on one side of the street often do, it creates awkward transitions for those on bike.

“There’s a consensus emerging in the bike world that it’s more about quality of bike infrastructure than quantity (how many miles of bike lanes doesn’t matter as much as how safe & stress-free those miles are).” ~Brent Toderian

Furthermore, though the City is chipping away at its Bike Master Plan, albeit in small, often disconnected pieces, the suburbs for the most part have yet to get on board. Cyclists might be somewhat comfortable on some city streets with bike infrastructure and lower speed limits, but once they cross the city line into surrounding towns, that infrastructure disappears too much of the time.

Instead of a city full of bike lanes which are uncomfortable for most residents, we need to focus on less mileage but higher quality (protected!) bike lanes along strategic routes. Rochester and Monroe County could also use a more top-down “let it be!” approach when it comes to a usable bike network.

“The fast implementation of projects proved to be far more effective than the traditional model of attempting to achieve near unanimity on projects even when you already have consensus that the status quo doesn’t work. Efforts to reach an idealized consensus have resulted in years of indecision, inaction, and paralysis-by-analysis.” ~Streetfight (Sadik-Khan and Solomonow)

Getting local leaders out of their cars

This next topic brought up by participants is probably unrealistic, but holy moly would it move the needle like nothing else! (And it was discussed on September 12th): Getting elected officials, engineers and planners out of their cars. I suspect that many people in our governments and design firms who design and approve bike infrastructure, may never use that bike infrastructure themselves. If officials had to bike solo in rush hour through every segment of infrastructure they approved, we’d likely see very different bike infrastructure.

“In my perfect world, anyone working on bicycle infrastructure or planning should be handed a bicycle and told to ride it in their city for a month…That would certainly force the issue in the minds of the inexperienced or skeptical. We have been thinking car-first for decades, and that worked out pretty well for motorists and the engineers who cater to them. Now it’s time to switch it up.” ~Copenhagenize (Colville-Andersen)

More than a quarter of Rochesterians don’t drive everywhere, either by need or by choice. How incredible would it be for elected officials to show solidarity with their constituents and get around town a quarter of the time without their cars?

“When I look around the world at the growing list of cities that are once again taking the bicycle seriously, I can identify one primary factor: political leadership. Advocates and activists continue to do their part, pushing from the bottom upward. At the end of the day, though, it seems that policymakers exercising top-down leadership are the catalysts for real change…Politicians may notice…a personal brand boost when they take matters to the next level.” ~Copenhagenize (Colville-Andersen)

Representing All

Finally, panelist Mitch Gruber urged Rochester’s active mobility and bike community to do a better job of outreach to neighborhoods that don’t look like us – of listening to people who use their bikes in different ways than we do. This is something Reconnect Rochester is committed to working on. Our recent signing of the Greater Rochester Black Agenda Group’s statement that Racism is a Public Health Crisis was only a start.

Going into 2021, join us in being vocal about the benefits of biking to elected officials, stay tuned for advocacy opportunities, and join us for one of our workshops and cyclist gatherings in 2021.

Want to join the RCA email list to stay abreast of these opportunities? Drop me a note at jesse@reconnectrochester.org and request to be added!

December 11, 2020 by No Comments

Top ten things we’re most proud of in 2020.

2020 has been a year like no other.

Like every non-profit, the pandemic forced Reconnect Rochester to pivot fast to re-tool our planned programs and goals for the year. Luckily, we are small (but mighty), and nothing if not nimble. Despite all the challenges, we managed to move our mission forward with intensity. Check out (below) the “Top 10” list of accomplishments we’re most proud of in 2020.

We also faced financial uncertainty this year as prospects for grants and sponsorships dissipated. You know what got us through? The generosity of supporting members during our last membership drive, especially our sustaining members whose monthly donations proved to be extra crucial this year.

If you haven’t already, we hope you’ll take a look at the membership levels and gift options and make a donation toward our 2021 Membership Drive so we can hit the ground rolling in 2021!

Make a One-Time or Monthly Donation

TOP 10 THINGS WE’RE MOST PROUD OF IN 2020
(In no particular order of importance.)

#10

Releasing a new original short film titled Think Transit First to highlight transportation as a systemic equity issue in our community, and the innovative ways some local organizations are meeting transportation needs. The film premiered at our Nov 12 Rochester Street Films event, which also included a presentation of local statistics and a panel discussion. Please watch and share this important film!

#9

Installing 15 fiberglass bus stop cubes on Parsells, Lyell & Monroe Avenues to give RTS riders a respectable place to sit while they wait, and celebrated at a ribbon cutting event with City officials and project partners. Check out the Channel 8 news story and more photos of the ribbon cutting event.

#8

Hosting a 3-hour virtual Complete Streets Training attended by 60 local public officials, planners, engineers and advocates. Justin Booth of GObike Buffalo led a discussion about the benefits of active mobility and complete streets, and how we can make our roads safe for people of all ages and abilities.

#7

Rolling out a set of bike education offerings to encourage more people in our community to experience the health and financial benefits of biking to get around, and deliver the information they need to do so safely and comfortably.
p.s. Find out more about classes & presentations you can bring to your workplace, campus, community library or schools.

#6

Joining forces with Rochester Cycling Alliance to weigh in on an untold number of transportation plans and projects, like the Priority Bicycle Boulevards plan, GTC’s Long Range Transportation Plan, and infrastructure projects all over the City and County. Our favorite win this year was a final design for E. Main Street that includes dedicated bike lanes, a result of working alongside neighborhood partners to advocate for a street design that accommodates ALL users.

#5

Publicly expressing our solidarity with the movement toward racial justice in our community by signing on to the community statement that Racism is a Public Health Crisis. We also committed to reflect and actively work on holding ourselves accountable for living up to our professed values of equity and inclusion, and centering anti-racism in our work.

#4

Exponentially expanding cycling focused programs and outreach led by the Rochester Cycling Alliance during the first full year of our organizations coming together. A film screening and panel discussion of the Dutch film Why We Cycle, a virtual update on the City’s bike infrastructure, on-bike classes at the Rochester Public market, a bike law refresher video for Rochester Police Department officers, and many more accomplishments too numerous to name.

#3

Getting our Monroe County Crash Map (which had crashed) updated on our website with a fresh new design! The map is a resource for looking up crashes that involve pedestrians and cyclists, and serves as a tool for local advocacy efforts around safe streets in our community.

#2

Adding new multi-modal themed products and designs to our online shop. All sales and proceeds are reinvested to support our work in the community.
p.s. Several new products are available as membership gifts!

#1

Traveling to Albany to meet with local legislators and advocate for a legislative platform to improve transportation in our region, developed in partnership with Our Streets Transit Coalition member organizations.

…and that doesn’t even count the ways we spark community engagement and conversation every day through social media shares and blog posts about things like the survival of public transit, the benefits of reduced motor traffic, or the automobile and racial exclusivity.

We think that’s a pretty darn good Top 10 list for a disrupted kind of year.

Just imagine what we can do in 2021!