People power this movement for more transportation options and a vibrant community – through riding, walking and raising your voice. Your voice can make a difference speaking to your municipal, county, state and federal leaders to get improvements made to your street, bike lanes and sidewalks in your community.
This toolkit is a compilation of everything we’ve found useful and important in understanding different road projects, national trends and local plans to enhance our multimodal transportation network! It contains links to other partner resources that go deep into all aspects of safe road designs for all users – from kids to seniors and every ability in between.
Why is this important to Reconnect?
All of us on staff are residents and advocates. None of us have degrees in urban planning or traffic engineering. We’re self-taught and we have lived experiences riding the bus, a bike, and walking. We all decided at a certain point that this was a topic we wanted to learn more about, and joined with others to identify a project we wanted to fight for.
In advocacy, there’s a ladder of engagement and we want more residents to be engaged, knowledgeable and powerful in advocating for their neighborhood’s needs. That means having access to the same information, resources and frameworks that we have. It’s fine if you want to trust us and copy the talking points from Mobility Action Alerts, but we also think it’s important to share the knowledge and inspiration while we advocate.
We want to hear your perspectives
Whether you spend time with this guide or not, we always want to hear from you about local projects. Send your thoughts and ideas to our email. Our input to the City, County, State and Federal partners should always be grounded in your feedback.
An invitation
Our blog and social media are great ways to share an idea you’ve had for your community. Write up a 300-500 word post with original pictures and share them with Reconnect and we’ll work with you to get your idea out there. We’ve previously featured ideas about High Falls that might get real treatments in upcoming projects, visions of Bus Rapid Transit on Lake Ave, and proposals for a mixed-use trail on the east side of Irondequoit.
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!
Let me start by saying that I’ve never driven a car. I was born with a condition called optic atrophy (an underdeveloped optic nerve) which has rendered my eyesight poor at best. I’m not blind but operating a motor vehicle, plane or anything that moves fast is likely not a good idea. It mostly affects my ability to see things at a distance. Often I can’t read street signs unless they are directly in front of me and, at night, that can be a problem too.
That doesn’t mean that I’m immobile. At 71, I’m an avid bicyclist, love to walk and get deep pleasure navigating mass transit offerings – even when they seem designed to defeat the most intrepid traveller. I take distinct pride in getting places and doing things that sceptics claim should be impossible. I’ve biked from Jerusalem to Eilat in Israel and from Pittsburgh to Easton in Pennsylvania. My inconvenience is lessened by being married to a woman who is an excellent driver. I try my best not to rely on her for all of my travel needs.
My wife and I moved to Brighton several months ago. We had been living in Hoboken, New Jersey; a paradise for the carless (and a massive Vision Zero success story!). For those that have never been, it’s a city that in its one square mile contains every possible service you could need. Great shopping, restaurants, entertainment, schools, medical facilities, churches and synagogues, artist studios and galleries, gyms and lots of green space. Transit was a dream with NJ Transit buses and trains, bikeshare, light rail, even a ferry to New York City in easy striking distance.
So why would we leave for the wilds of western New York? That damn word affordability. In 8 years our rent had risen over 50% and there was no end in sight. Buying a home was not a viable option either as 2 bedroom apartments in our area were starting at $1M. Living In Rochester, we estimated, would bring down our housing costs by 80%. On our visit to scope things out, we found a rich and welcoming environment. So far this has all proven to be true and more.
The transit landscape that we arrived to in Monroe County, though, has been less than paradise-like. We are walking distance to a Tops, a dollar store, Starbucks, the post office and a wonderful Korean fast food spot. We are serviced by the #12 South Clinton bus line, giving us easy access to downtown and with the 50 cent senior fare makes me just want to take it for fun.
We love to walk and in our first weeks, ventured from our home on treks to the Public Market, Neighborhood of the Arts and Highland Park. It was encouraging to be able to navigate the city so easily on foot. We were delighted that every destination that we put into the GPS when we did decide to use the car seemed to be 9 minutes away.
While the temps remained above freezing all was well; even biking was a viable option for me. Then the winter set in for real with icy sidewalks, temps in the teens (and lower who knew?) and snowbanks everywhere.
At the end of December, while out on a walk after a snowfall, my wife slipped and fractured her wrist. Unfortunately, it was her dominant hand. Fortunately, no surgery was required but driving for the next 6 weeks and perhaps longer was not an option. She was hesitant to venture out with her arm in a cast and the sidewalks still snow covered. This created a whole new dimension to our car lite existence
I am fortunate that my employer, an international NGO, allows me to work from home. I travel to NYC once a month for a full day of meetings with my colleagues. Every part of this journey is do-able by public transit except from my home. Sure, RTS offers service but their own trip planner says the trip will take 1 hour and 20 minutes with switching buses at the Transit Center. A rideshare will take 11 minutes. My employer will graciously cover the expense.
In NYC, the transit ecosphere I am most familiar with, It’s a fool’s errand to drive to the airport. There is almost always traffic, the fees to park are more like a ransom and, if you know your way around, mass transit is the smarter choice. Note that this option isn’t widely publicized. There’s an airport bus from Newark for $18 but I can get you to midtown in the same time for $4.50. Just travel light!
On our transit journey in Rochester we’ve needed to become more patient. The cast will soon come off, my wife will regain the confidence to take long walks (and make more frequent use of those crampons) and the temps will eventually rise. In the Scandinavian countries they have a concept called hygge which is translated to a cozy, contented mood that folks adopt during the winter months. They wear warm comfortable clothes, surround themselves with the things they love and hunker down. There are only six more weeks of winter according to the groundhog.
Still, I am out there every day. My neighbors have commented to me that they admire my trekking on foot to the grocery store and my morning runs on frigid days. They have suggested that they will join me when things warm up.
Rochester and its environs are full of places that I’m going to explore; George Eastman House, the Genesee Valley Trail system, the Strong Museum of Play to name a few and I’m determined to do it car free and I’m determined to convince my family and friends to join me. I’ve always felt that I’ve wanted to live my life as an exclamation, not an explanation. I want to model the behavior I expect in others. That’s why you’ll see me at the bus stop, tooling along in my bike when I can find the proper gloves and checking out every walking trail. I’m sure I’ll have company.
At Reconnect, we’re inspired by the stories of people in our community, like Leverett Copeland, Josie McClary, and Jasmine Burley who are passionate about living a car lite or car free lifestyle. If you want to support our work and make it easier for others to go car lite please donate and sign up for Mobility Action Alerts to stay in the loop with opportunities of how to advocate for safer streets and transportation options.
Let us know if you want to share your mobility story! What’s in it for you? The intrinsic reward of knowing you’ve inspired others, and a free t-shirt from our online shop! Contact Chaz to submit your story.
The Advocacy Team has kicked off 2026 with a slate of meetings with our local leaders to advocate for the things you care about: safer streets, more bike infrastructure, and places that feel safe to walk in.
City of Rochester Mayor Evans & New Vision Zero Report
We should lower the speed limit to 25 MPH in the City of Rochester as soon as possible. The Mayor confirmed the City is moving forward with this change, as reflected in the ROC Vision Zero report.
The City can establish more quick-build mechanisms to quickly respond to traffic safety concerns, build confidence in ROC Vision Zero, and try new approaches to multimodal safety.
We are committed to working together with the City’s Vision Zero task force to help bring national examples from Pittsburgh, Portland, Sacramento and even small municipalities like Keyport, NJ to the table.
We also followed up with Mayor Evans about the building of the Intermodal Station Bus Terminal Phase 2, which NYSDOT has funds to build and Amtrak has responsibility to operate. We understand they are working behind the scenes on several issues, but we are also advocating to NYSDOT in Albany to press forward on the design of the station.
Last week, the City also released its first ROC Vision Zero report to the community. It contains a ton of useful information about what the City, partners and community stakeholders, including Reconnect Rochester, have been doing on the initiative over the past year. We’re excited about the year ahead because the report outlines several tangible projects that residents will start to see in their communities, like protected bike lanes, pedestrian enhancements, new bus amenities, and slower speeds. Driver accountability will also take center stage this spring with more public engagement around how drivers who break the law speeding or running red lights should be held accountable.
County Executive Bello Check-In
Monroe County government has been leading the charge to encourage Active Transportation Planning, expanding how community members can report traffic concerns, and to plan for sustainability. During our meeting with CE Bello, we emphasized that now we need to amp up implementation of active transportation. Towns and Villages in Monroe County have some local roads, some county roads and some state roads, and the county maintains 664 centerline miles of roads. The CATP calls for building out a network of bike lanes, but the county budget only envisions 4 miles of bike lanes per year and 10 miles of shoulder widening to make it more suitable for biking and walking per year. At that rate, we won’t have a connected network for a very very long time! Some of the town roads are state roads, which is why we’ve put so much emphasis on building a movement for safer state roads.
For example, upcoming projects like Monroe Avenue in Brighton are state projects, and so we need those to also include active transportation features…speaking of which!
Monroe Avenue Public Meeting and Follow-up
Finally, we mobilized advocates to speak up at the Monroe Avenue project public meeting on Jan. 20th. NYSDOT officials heard from Reconnecters who are Britonians and everyone else who just likes to visit Brighton’s businesses by bike, by bus or on foot. As a follow-up to that meeting, we are calling on our advocates to send Action Network emails to the NYSDOT project managers to keep up the pressure. We have a meeting with the new Regional Director of NYSDOT Region 4 in early February where we’ll keep echoing our call for safer state roads.
Coming up next:
We’re launching Voices of Transit soon with a push for transit equity and state funding to RTS
Currently, the Governor’s budget proposes to allow for-hire Autonomous Vehicle (AV) operation in New York State outside of NYC. The proposal leaves licensing and regulatory decisions to the DMV. A scaled AV deployment could nearly double vehicle miles traveled, reduce transit ridership by three quarters, and hinder emergency response operations. We encourage the legislature to act with caution and ensure the following nuances are clearly addressed:
Allow municipalities a say in managing their streets: The Governor’s proposal requires a demonstration of local support as defined by the commissioner of the DMV. The NYS legislature should define public support to be in the form of a municipal resolution by the local governmental body (Town Board, Village Board, County Legislature, City Council) and these bodies should be explicitly allowed to create incentive zones, exclusion zones, and other regulations tailored to local needs to address transit deserts, congestion, and other specific local issues.
Transparent data collection & public release: The NYS Legislature should require that metrics including but not limited to disengagements, traffic violations, mileage, incidents involving vulnerable road users, all crashes, and video of crashes should be reported to New York State and posted publicly. Transparency will allow lawmakers, advocates, and academics the opportunity to evaluate the AV pilot program and build trust with the public.
Time-limited process which requires reauthorization: We support the NYS Legislature requiring a licensing and reauthorization process which evaluates safety traffic control, traffic enforcement, the local workforce, and emergency services.
AV operators must be held accountable: Law enforcement must be able to issue tickets to AVs which violate vehicle and traffic laws.The Governor’s proposal says vehicles must remain compliant with traffic law but does not provide a framework to incentivize safe operation.
Remote operator oversight: The NYS Legislature should require that remote AV operators working with vehicles driving on New York’s roadways have a driver’s licence valid in New York State. Companies should be required to disclose training procedures and regulators should establish specific requirements to ensure operators have enough remote operators to respond to their fleet in an emergency.
New York should learn from municipalities across the country, and address these issues proactively:
San Francisco has seen a number of dangerous and illegal behaviors by Waymo vehicles including stopping in bus and bike lanes, making illegal u-turns, and recently, the entire fleet stopped working while on the road during a blackout (12/25).
In Atlanta, local police officials have complained that there is no process for citing AVs for behaviors that warrant a citation for a human driver(5/25).
In Austin, Waymo vehicles have repeatedly failed to stop for school buses, putting children in danger (12/25).
In Santa Monica, like in the majority of localities, local officials have officially stated that their hands are completely tied to response to resident requests for policy fixes (6/25).
Help us push for a smarter AV deployment in New York! Use the form below to customize a letter to your representatives!
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!
Embracing Community: 20 Years Car Lite In Rochester
By Leverett “Coach” Copeland:
My family and I arrived in Rochester, NY in the fall of 2005 without a car. We would walk or take RTS to travel around the city and use taxis for groceries. In the 20 years we have resided here in Rochester we only owned a vehicle for 2 years. As a whole we have been car lite most of our Rochester residence.
Having a more comprehensive transportation service like RTS has made it possible to travel to places outside my community and region. Although it is difficult when the weather is either very hot or very cold, because of no shelter or comforts, the transit system in Rochester is very reliable, consistent, and appreciated.
The main reason that we do not use a vehicle is that financially it creates an issue. We could afford the opportunity but with the creation of transportation services like Lyft or Uber, plus stores delivering groceries and food, we enjoy the car lite life. Being car lite helps me familiarize myself with my community and my neighbors. I have the opportunity to build better relationships and my social environment, which improves my health and well being.
Although there are some challenges, such as weather, being car lite has many more positive instances and rewards. Walking through my community, rather than driving, has me more attuned to my neighbors and businesses. I am able to advocate for the community with deeper insight and empathy. It also increases my ability to communicate and represent to those in power what the community desires and needs.
I’m grateful for the Complete Streets Makeover project that Reconnect Rochester did at Avenue D and Hollenbeck last year. It’s good that we worked to make the street safer from reckless driving but also came together to make it happen. I think the biggest thing is that the community feels acknowledged and something was done to meet a need. They have pride in the fact that someone cared enough to try and slow traffic down for their kids and beautify the intersection. We really need it. I think this is the beginning of turning Rochester around – where it’s not as violent but it’s more vibrant
Photo by De’Jon Washington
As for my future being car lite, I believe I will continue and do not see any reason to change. Having a vehicle is nice but for my mental and physical health, as well as community awareness, being car lite is how I will continue. I am able to serve on various committees and boards as well as volunteer and serve in many capacities and being car lite has not diminished my abilities or access.
At Reconnect, we’re inspired by the stories of people in our community, like Josie McClary, Jasmine Burley, and Karen Nozik who are passionate about living a car-lite or car-free lifestyle. If you want to support our work and make it easier for others to go Car-Lite please donate and sign up for Mobility Action Alerts to stay in the loop with opportunities of how to advocate for safer streets and transportation options.
Let us know if you want to share your mobility story! What’s in it for you? The intrinsic reward of knowing you’ve inspired others, and a free t-shirt from our online shop! Contact Chaz to submit your story.
Cody Donahue didn’t grow up with freedom of movement. His childhood stretched along a thin ribbon of rural highway in Oregon’s Willamette Valley — a Walmart, a decimated downtown, and three miles of empty road between home and anything else. “I didn’t have much transportation freedom in my youth,” he says. Bikes came late. Driving later. Independence arrived only in fragments.
He carried that mindset into adulthood: When work calls, a car is the simpler solution. He believed that for years” with “for years, the car was the only option to get around in rural Oregon.”
Then he moved abroad, first to France for study abroad and then to West Africa to work for a nonprofit.
In Dakar, he discovered a city humming without car dominance. People moved through dense streets by foot, bike, taxis, and informal buses called “Ndiaga Ndiayes”, an ecosystem built on proximity rather than horsepower. “Only the very rich had their own car. You could get anywhere by other means. It was a different way of moving,” he recalls.
That realization reshaped his sense of what mobility could be.
Today, as Co-Executive Director of Reconnect Rochester, Donahue channels that revelation into the city he now calls home. He chains errands, bikes to work, hops the 17 bus when the weather turns. Simplicity is the point. Connection is the ethos.
Rethinking the Urban Core
Ask Donahue what Rochester could look like without political or financial constraints, and he doesn’t leap into fantasy. He points to a real project already unfolding: the Inner Loop North redesign.
“We’re actually getting the opportunity to do this,” he says. “The project will replace a sunken, underutilized highway that disconnects neighborhoods with a neighborhood scale street grid. We’re not advocating to eliminate roads — but to create spaces where people can feel comfortable walking and biking with their families. ”
The plan envisions creating 22 acres of new development parcels in the heart of the city, with calm, tree-lined neighborhood streets, restored parks, integrated walking and cycling infrastructure, and connections to the future High Falls State Park. Each section of the 1.5 mile stretch can be somewhat different, but Donahue is excited about the possibility for mixed-use, dense development, and ground-floor businesses around our transit hubs. “We can build up around our Intermodal Station while also expanding its footprint to be the hub for intercity buses,” said Donahue of a project that has state funding and will run in parallel to the Inner Loop North redevelopment.
“This whole area is going to be a lot more vibrant and connected,” Donahue says. “The uncomfortable truth about the Inner Loop is that it was designed to bring people from the suburbs to work and then back home. It wasn’t built for city residents. This project corrects that.”
The state has already secured $100 million for construction. While timelines may shift, bidding is set for September 2027, construction begins in April 2028, and completion is projected for October 2030. Parcel development will follow over the subsequent years, reshaping not just infrastructure but the way people live and move in Rochester.
The Hidden Curriculum of Movement
“Reconnect Rochester now offers everything from ‘Getting Back on Your Bike’ workshops to school safety lessons, winter cycling training, commuter programs, and hands-on Smart Cycling classes,” Donahue says. As he scales that range — from fifth graders to downtown workers — patterns emerge.
“We’re really invested in bike education because kids should have it,” he says. “When they don’t, they develop unsafe habits and carry them into adulthood. That contributes to crashes.” Nearly half the time, the cyclist triggers the crash — not necessarily because they’re reckless, but because no one ever taught them the proper way to ride.
That lack of training intersects with a fragmented bike map.
“We have cycling infrastructure gaps we’re trying to close. The bike lane map looks like someone threw spaghetti at a wall,” he says. “Our Mind the Gap competition helps identify the highest priority connections for the city and the county to make for a comfortable bike network.”
Residents want comfort, predictability, and physical protection. That requires real design: barriers in the street, well-placed cycle tracks, infrastructure that doesn’t force riders onto sidewalks.
Culture plays a role too. Donahue and his team work with employers to add bike parking, secure racks through the city, or negotiate indoor, secure bike storage with landlords. A new downtown lunchtime learning series reaches commuters who may have never imagined biking to work. They hope to reach downtown companies with lunch and learns next year to show downtown workers just how fast and easy it is to bike to work in the Central Business District of Rochester. In May, Reconnect will again host bike to work day to reach new commuters.
Then, there is the matter of our snowy winters. “The world doesn’t shut down in the winter,” Donahue says. “I drive more, but I also take the bus more. Some fat tire bikes handle snow better. And we continue to push the city to clear main bike routes. The City has committed to studying enhanced winter maintenance, so we’re making progress.”
True cultural change, though, requires leadership.
“We’d like to see more of a culture of property owners taking responsibility for clearing sidewalks,” he says. “Madison, Wisconsin has a great approach. It’s just a different civic culture when it comes to tending to the snow.”
A Concerning Trend and an Urgent Response
The national context is grim. Pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. have risen 75% since 2010. Locally, Monroe County averages 12 walking or biking deaths per year, and 2025 has already exceeded this average at 13 as of December.
“We must do better,” Donahue says. “These are preventable losses.”
To shift that trajectory, on-street demonstration projects matter. In 2025, Reconnect Rochester launched Downtown SmART Streets, inspired by Washington, D.C. ‘s Arts in the Right of Way program. Seasonal curb-extension murals function as both art and traffic-calming infrastructure, beautifying streets while protecting people.
The 25 MPH Shift and the Politics Around It
Rochester has embraced ambitious mobility goals, Vision Zero, safer arterials, expanded bike networks, but serious injuries and deaths continue to rise.
Donahue is clear about the most actionable fix: lower the citywide speed limit to 25 miles per hour.
A municipal lawyer working with Reconnect Rochester produced a comparative analysis: Boston and Seattle implemented the reduction; Providence did not. Even without added enforcement, the cities that lowered the limit saw reductions in speeds, crash rates, and fatalities. Albany is now seeing monthly declines as well.
“The bottom line is that these programs reduce fatalities,” Donahue says. “This is our guiding star. Slower speeds save people walking to the bus, cyclists, kids — everyone.”
He insists that driver accountability must be part of the solution.
“We can stop those who have no regard for people,” he says. New York State is considering legislation to require the worst repeat speeders to drive with speed governors — devices that physically prevent them from exceeding safe limits. “These policies work.”
And the stakes are bigger than traffic engineering. “We’ve backed ourselves into a societal corner where parents don’t feel comfortable letting their kids walk down the street.”
Where Expertise Lives: Complete Streets in Action
The Avenue D & Hollenbeck Complete Streets Makeover crystallized a principle Donahue now calls non-negotiable: lived experience is expertise.
“It was our fifth complete street makeover — what we call the quadfecta, one in each quadrant before returning to the Northeast,” he says. “We sourced nominations citywide. One thing we learned from the Arnett Boulevard project is that some roads are classified by the state to prioritize vehicular traffic. So our makeovers are now looking at the most local road you can get to reduce the restrictions on what we can do.”
The neighborhood’s R-Center staff had been clamoring for improvements. Their knowledge shaped the project’s design: temporary installations, seasonal centerline flex posts, and monitored interventions. “All summer and fall, not one post needed to be replaced due to damage,” Donahue notes. “We’re conducting a traffic study on speed and turning to evaluate the effectiveness. We plan on doing new installations in new locations over the next three years.”
Complementing these interventions is a design rendering prize, offering a professionally engineered visualization to a neighborhood free of charge. Monroe Avenue in Brighton received one in 2019, now actively used in state-level advocacy to enhance safety and create more vibrant public space.
Downtown, the SmART Streets initiative extends this philosophy: seasonal curb-extension murals at East Main and Gibbs, Broad and Fitzhugh, with more to come, reinforcing walkability through public art. The work demonstrates how neighborhood input and tactical design combine to reduce risk and foster a safer, more inviting urban environment.
Influence, Advocacy, and Evolving Beliefs
Donahue’s campaigns- Intermodal Station expansion, suburban walk audits-highlight a key lesson about New York transportation politics: advocacy matters.
“I would point to a common thread: resident voices,” he says. Promoting density and mixed-use development brings daily amenities closer to homes, reducing car dependence and improving safety.
“The NIMBY contingent is usually a vocal minority,” Donahue notes. “We’re trying to promote YIMBY: yes in my backyard. Call your local officials. Tell them you want sidewalks, bike lanes, transit, more mixed use neighborhood amenities.”
A recent candidate questionnaire across several towns showed majority support for safer streets. Those elected embraced these changes. “We want people showing up to public meetings,” Donahue says. “It makes a difference.”
Reflecting on his early advocacy, he admits a lesson learned: “Early in my career, I thought there was one right way to do things. But there isn’t. It’s important to realize we can reach the same conclusions through different methods. Live the experience of the people you’re making policies about. If you’re making bus policies, take the bus for a month. We become extremely fragmented in our lived experiences. It’s not obvious we’ll reach the same conclusion, but you have to identify your values and fight for them.”
A City Rewoven
Donahue’s path arcs from a rural upbringing to a global awakening to a Rochester in transition. Throughout, one conviction anchors him: every person deserves to move safely, freely, and with dignity.
He thinks of Dakar, where movement was communal. He thinks of Highway 20 in Oregon, where mobility required horsepower. And he looks at Rochester — slowly, collaboratively reimagining itself.
Rochester is being reweaved. Not just the roads. The relationships.
And for a city once carved apart to speed commuters, that may be the most transformative redesign of all.
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.
Simplicity and Saving – Two Motivations for Being Car-Lite
By Cody Donahue:
As the holiday season ramps up, I am probably with the majority of Americans when I say that I’d really like to save more money while still fully celebrating our holiday traditions. Over the years, the holidays seem to start earlier and earlier and the expectations of giving and getting keep inflating. As does cost: Bloomberg found that inflation and tariffs are driving up costs for just about every category of holiday giving. Sorry family, it’s socks for everyone!
While many of us are stressed and anxious about the gift and food budget, let’s throw the overwhelming cost of car ownership into the mix. For years, we have reported on the AAA’s cost of car ownership, but I just recently saw USA Today’s report that put car ownership in the perspective of “The American Dream.” To achieve the “American dream” of owning a new car, a dream shared by 72% of Americans, you’ll have to spend $900,346 over your lifetime in 2025, up from $811,440 a year ago. By comparison, a lifetime of homeownership costs $957,594, up from $929,955 in 2024.
Amazingly, car ownership roughly costs the same as raising two children and sending them to college. In a place like Rochester, it’s incredibly hard to have young kids and not drive one or sometimes two cars. And if you can’t afford cars, you probably have no other choice than to use the bus or rely on other people whether those are good options or not.
If you have kids, live in Greece, can’t get to a grocery store without hitting 390, and your place of work is in Henrietta, then car-free rankings and weeks without driving just probably feel out of reach.
Political talk in New York State will continue to emphasize “affordability” throughout the next state election cycle in 2026, and I for one would like to see “affordable” applied to transportation choices differently. Transportation choices that are created from state investments in all modes of transportation can pay off in numerous ways, but let’s start with money first: according to an RMI analysis, NY state could save households an average of $3,750 per year (fuel, maintenance, and depreciation) by putting money into programs that would reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 20% per-capita.
There are lots of ways to reduce VMT, including but not limited to investing in the bus system, adding safe and continuous bike lanes, sidewalks and making land use choices that place daily destinations in neighborhoods. $3,750 is a lot more than any rebate program any politician has talked about or implemented.
Beyond the monetary savings, affordable transportation choices would also create societal savings: by avoiding car crashes, 593 lives on average per year could be saved in the state. By increasing active lifestyles and avoiding bike/ped crashes, you could save 4,294 lives in NY state. Finally, 53 lives could be saved by reducing air pollution on average per year in New York State. Avoiding having to pay for something because it didn’t happen in the first place seems like a great approach to me.
Reconnect Rochester recently challenged folks to try going car-free or car-lite for a week, and we heard a lot of positive feedback if your lifestyle lined up to having a shorter commute (1 bus ride or 1 bike ride) or you lived in a place where getting to the store was as easy as walking. We also heard the feedback from folks for whom this doesn’t work as well – people who have young kids, people who live in one suburb and work in another suburb, people who have no grocery stores in their neighborhood, or people whose bus commute would exceed 45 min when they could drive the same distance alone in their car in 10 min.
A national storage unit company recently published a listicle about the best cities to be car-optional that ranked Rochester as 9th in the country, one place higher than Portland, OR! While I’d be really happy to believe that all of Rochester’s hard work has paid off and we’re a fantastic place to live car-free, I would caution that this is only true for certain people.
If you’re an able-bodied, city resident who enjoys the average 4.1 mile commute, you have a direct bus route, you are a practiced cyclist or you have the time to walk, this probably rings true. If you have kids, live in Greece, can’t get to a grocery store without hitting 390, and your place of work is in Henrietta, then car-free rankings and weeks without driving just probably feel out of reach. But that doesn’t mean those people don’t want more of their life to be car-optional. The point for me is that people should have more options, our policy choices should expand those options, and at the end of the day those options make household life more affordable.
Photo: John Paul Corona
Is there a way to make car-optional living more attractive for more residents? I recently re-read Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin and in it, he emphasizes that for those of us privileged to have choices, we can choose simpler ways of living that promote personal, community and global sustainability, while also saving money. For example:
While easier said than done in this housing market, choosing a place of work that is accessible by public transit or biking. As Mr. Money Mustache commented over a decade ago, car commuting costs a lot more than gas.
If the option is available, working remotely a few times a week to avoid the time and cost of commuting.
Chaining trips together so you get your groceries, pharmacy and other shopping done together or on the way home from work one day.
Choosing simple or free recreational activities within your local area that involve active lifestyles, greenspace, public libraries, and community building activities.
At Reconnect Rochester we love getting out into the community to talk about our work. This summer we gave presentations, tabled all over Monroe County, and held hundreds of conversations about mobility with supporters, skeptics, and everything in between. Among the skeptics there were a few topics that came up so often we thought it would be helpful to list them out in a blog post along with our perspective.
People on bicycles make everyone less safe.
When a cyclist is riding recklessly they are overwhelmingly just a danger to themselves. Yet the 47 deaths and more than 5,000 injuries that happen on our streets every year in Monroe County always involve cars. It is all of our responsibility to keep each other safe, but drivers have a bigger responsibility given their capacity to do harm to people and property. This is why we advocate for and implement complete streets designs on our roadways to slow down cars.
Bicycle education is a cornerstone of our work at Reconnect Rochester via our On Bike Smart Cycling Classes, Bike Education Programs, and Our Weekly Rides. Many school districts do not provide bike safety classes despite the state requirements. This leads to many kids who don’t learn the safe and legal way to ride. We aim to teach riders how to safely interact with traffic and be predictable in order to make all of us safer. A study found that nearly every road user will admit to breaking the law, though with cyclists it is often to keep themselves safe while drivers will be more likely to break the law to save time.
RTS isn’t safe.
There are millions of RTS bus trips every year in Monroe County. Less than a half percent of reported crimes take place on an RTS bus or at the Transit Center. As Misha Manjuran Oberoi wrote recently for the Democrat and Chronicle, “that’s fewer than the number of crimes reported at both schools, hospitals, bars and more.”
If risk factor is your main concern, you’re much more likely to be involved in one of the 14,000+ vehicle crashes that happen every year than you are to be in danger on the RTS buses. RTS is a great community resource and we encourage everyone to try to incorporate it into their lives when possible. The more of us who use RTS, the more it will be prioritized in transportation funding which will improve frequency and make it a more convenient option.
What about people with disabilities? How are they supposed to get around without a car?
There are many disabilities that make biking or taking the bus challenging or even impossible. At the same time, many people have disabilities that prevent them from driving but still allow them to live independently. We want to ensure that anyone who cannot drive (or anyone who just doesn’t want to) is able to move freely throughout our community. Our board member, Steve Roll, shared a powerful story about this in a blog post. After a seizure left him unable to drive for six months, biking and public transit became essential tools for maintaining his independence.
Furthermore, we have encountered many people in wheelchairs who appreciate our focus on safe streets. Our current car-centric infrastructure that relegates pedestrians to cramped sidewalks with heaved segments and poorly placed curb cuts is challenging for anyone to navigate. It is especially difficult if you are vision impaired, use a walker or rollator, or are in a wheelchair. We actually had someone put one of our Bicycle License Plates on the back of his wheelchair so he could feel safer when he is somewhere without a sidewalk (which, sadly, is true for too many of our roads). And—disabled or not—parents pushing strollers encounter the very same struggles! When we design streets for pedestrians, everyone benefits.
Why can’t you help me get a protected bike lane on my street? It’s just one street!
Many roads fall under different jurisdictions and require approval at the county or even state level to change. We encourage you to sign up for our Mobility Action Alerts to keep you informed on upcoming street projects and receive talking points to advocate for safe streets. We really need support at public meetings! This is where most of the changes happen.
Lastly, while protected bike lanes are great, there isn’t always space for them without drastic redesigns which aren’t always a viable option. Check out our ROC Easy Bike Map and utilize Rochester’s Bicycle Boulevard network when looking for low stress bike routes that minimize your interaction with cars.
You need to control those Veo e-scooters and you need to get them out of the middle of the sidewalk.
We support expanding transportation options for everyone, and Veo is a great choice for short trips around the city. You can grab one, ride to your destination, park it, and move on with your day unencumbered. More mobility options mean more freedom. We showcase Veo to educate people on their mobility options but we aren’t affiliated with the company and have no ability to modify their system.
Unfortunately we agree there are too many unsafe behaviors on Veo e-scooters, we have been advocating to the city and Veo to require safety education in their onboarding.
We also advise users to follow Veo’s parking rules which means out of pedestrian walkways with the kickstand engaged. We have encouraged Veo to go to a model which prevents users from parking in the middle of the sidewalk.
What’s the point of bike lanes if no one bikes in the winter?
No one is making you drive! Stop trying to make things harder for drivers just trying to get around.
It is worth noting that we are not anti-car. Cars are an effective tool for the right job but not every trip for every individual. Our work is focused on ensuring there are options for Monroe County residents beyond driving. Transportation options mean freedom. Freedom to choose the way you move through your day and shape the life you want to live. We deserve a transportation system with safe, connected bike routes, frequent bus service, AND roads that work for those who choose to drive.
Many people are not aware of the amount of subsidies that go into road construction and maintenance as well as gas prices; not to mention the amount of valuable public space we have ceded to storing private vehicles in the form of ample free parking. Our institutions do a lot to encourage driving and very little to encourage other modes of transportation despite the evidence that it’s cheaper to maintain road infrastructure and can improve congestion.
We are not necessarily trying to make things harder for drivers. We are pushing our leaders to consider options beyond the car when designing our communities going forward. The fact that many neighborhoods don’t have sidewalks, many roads don’t have bike lanes, and our buses only run once an hour on weekends make alternatives to driving very challenging for the 26% of city households and 12% of county households without access to a personal vehicle. When we make it easier to get around without a car, we can remove congestion, reduce collisions, and make travel easier for everyone including drivers.
You only care about bikes. What about us bus riders?
Reconnect Rochester is a multimodal advocacy organization – we have members who ride the bus every day. Transit is a big part of Reconnect’s history, including the ROC Transit Day celebration and a lot of advocacy around Reimagine RTS. We are involved in the city’s bus stop improvement project to improve amenities at hundreds of bus stops around the city. This summer we rallied RTS on-demand riders to push back on the service changes. Regrettably we were largely unsuccessful, but we will continue to advocate for better service and amenities for RTS riders at every opportunity.
A lot of transit advocacy is directed to the state and federal government so that they fund our system. On a state level our Voices of Transit program (email us at info@reconnectrochester.org if you want to participate!) tells the human stories of RTS riders to our legislators to encourage transit funding beyond car infrastructure. We are part of the New Yorkers for Transportation Equity statewide coalition, advocating for increased transit funding to improve RTS bus frequency and coverage.
We hope these answers shed light on any questions you may have about Reconnect Rochester and our work. We welcome community voice and dialogue and it’s important to us that we continue to push for change that benefits all of us! If you like what we do, we encourage you to subscribe to our email list, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Bluesky, attend one of our engagement breakfast events, and donate to support the cause!
Hello Reconnect Advocates! We’re entering December with a renewed energy to start planning our 2026 activities at Reconnect Rochester and reflecting on our 2025 work. We’ve heard from you that you’d like more frequent updates about the issues we asked you to advocate on. Below are some happenings from the summer and early fall around key issues that Reconnect is following:
Rochester Intermodal Station Phase II Project to add bus amenities
It’s been about 18 months since your advocacy led to Rochester being awarded $18 million in the state budget to build the bus station addition to the current train station. The project is somewhat complicated – Amtrak owns the facility, but NYSDOT built it originally and NYSDOT was given the funds. At the same time, the city is undertaking a massive Inner Loop North project across the street from the facility with a lot of changes planned to the road network. We have been in touch with Amtrak & NYSDOT to urge the kickoff of this project and to keep local stakeholders involved in the planning process so we can fully realize the vision of the intermodal station. In the meantime, we are also working with the bus companies to explore ways to improve the experience of waiting for the bus in Rochester. We successfully advocated for the city to install a simmie seat and we’re trying to get additional seating at the stop.
Keep Us Safe on State Roads Campaign
You showed up to ride to Parcel 5 to call on New York State officials to keep us safe on state roads and since then we’ve been busy continuing this advocacy. For those of you who couldn’t attend, the NYS Department of Transportation sent this statement for us to read at the event, which unfortunately didn’t give them the opportunity to see the mass of cyclists who came out to push for safer state roads. Since the event, 311 people signed a letter calling on start officials to invest in safe state road infrastructure for people walking and biking and taking transit! Behind the scenes, we’ve continued to advocate for multimodal changes to Empire Boulevard, Monroe Avenue, West Henrietta Rd. and Lake Avenue. Brighton’s Town Supervisor highlighted the strong prospect that Monroe Avenue would get a road diet, and with the right lane configuration, we could even get 5’ bike lanes on both sides. We need to keep encouraging this kind of thinking for the future.
The broader effort around 25 MPH communities applies to all the suburban towns and villages that are eligible to lower their speed limits to 25 MPH on locally-controlled roads. GTC held a regional traffic safety summit during which we exposed local leaders to the 25 MPH local law and examples in our own region that have made the switch. If you live in a suburban town or village, reach out to your decision makers to tell them you support this!
Federal Headwinds – Transportation Reauthorization
Finally, federal headwinds have continued to be strong all year, but they’re about to heat up for transportation. The surface transportation bill is up for reauthorization and will have a huge impact on local projects. Genesee St, for example, was reconstructed this past year with funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the current transportation bill. Just over the past 3 weeks, we’ve heard reports from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that “walking and biking infrastructure” are not important federal priorities and there was a threat (later backtracked) to zero out public transportation funding. The Chair, Rep. Graves (R-Mo) gave an interview in which he said:
It’s going to be a traditional highway bill. That means building roads and bridges, laying asphalt, pouring concrete. We’re not going to be spending money on murals and train stations or bike paths or walking paths. We’re going to spend money on traditional infrastructure — that’s roads and bridges.
Street project meetings slowed down in the fall. Since August, we’ve submitted inputs on Seneca Ave, Broadway/S. Union, and N. Clinton. We previously submitted comments on Bull’s Head, which is getting finalized soon.
In 2023, 40,990 people died from car crashes in the U.S and more than 2.7 million people went to emergency rooms for injuries. Monroe County alone sees an average of 47 deaths and 5,000 injuries each year. To honor these lives, Reconnect Rochester hosted a local event for the World Day of Remembrance on Sunday, November 16th, 2025 where we called on leaders across Monroe County to set safe speeds on local streets.
Josie McClary is a safe streets advocate, a Reconnect Rochester Board Member, and someone with a personal connection to road violence. She wrote this eulogy to commemorate the event.
Today we come together to honor the lives lost and the families forever changed by road crashes. For many of us, this day is deeply personal.
For me, it’s about my beloved, Ryan Grantham Jr. His life was full of joy and promise- and losing him changed my life and my grandson’s life forever.
That loss became my reason to advocate. It’s my WHY!- I believe our streets should connect us, not endanger us.
Every name we say today represents a story, a future, and a community left to carry their memory. We owe it to them – and to one another- to turn our grief into purpose.
We can do this by designing safer streets, slowing down, and listening to those who have lived with this pain.
Safety should never be a privilege – it should be a promise.
So as we reflect, let’s also commit to act – to speak up, to slow down, and to keep pushing until every person in Rochester can walk, ride, or drive home safely.
To the survivors – your strength matters!
To the families – your love and advocacy matters!
And to those we have lost – your memory guides us forward!
May our reflections lead us to change.
May our voices lead to action
And may our city and county continue to rise – together – in honor of those we lost!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 cyclistsgoing 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.
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.
Thank you to all who joined us for the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday, November 16th. Together we remembered those we have lost, support victims and their families, and discuss ways to act to improve road safety. We also launched an updated Monroe County Crash Map to identify trends regarding bike and pedestrian crashes on our local streets.
The World Day of Remembrance is an international effort to remember, support and act to prevent car crashes, injuries and fatalities. Every year, millions more road victims are added to the current toll of over 50 million killed and hundreds of millions injured since the first road death. As roadway deaths remain at crisis levels, with 40,990 lives lost in U.S. traffic crashes in 2023 and more than 2.7 million people sent to emergency rooms, WDoR offers a powerful chance to raise public awareness and demand real solutions. The U.S. continues to have the highest rate of traffic deaths among 27 high-income countries, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change and a reminder that safer streets are possible.
Our Advocacy Ask for 2025:
Safe Speeds Save Lives and lowering speed limits can, alone without any other intervention, reduce crashes and improve survivability. Therefore we are advocating for the City of Rochester and towns and villages in Monroe County to adopt 25 MPH area speed limits on roads under their control before the end of 2026.
Reconnect Rochester surveyed all candidates for City of Rochester Mayor, Rochester City Council, and Rochester Commissioner of Schools 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 Monroe County Legislature, County Sheriff, Town Supervisor, and Town Board for every town in Monroe County. You can find the countywide questionnaire here: Countywide Questionnaire Link
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.
The majority of candidates responded to our questionnaire during the June Primary. We surveyed candidates who did not respond to our request in June as well as those who have since joined the ballot. You will find the combined answers 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.
1. Why should Rochester residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you, and what would you do to address Rochester’s transportation challenges?
I have launched the city’s first ever vision zero program and which includes a plan for safer streets better mobility and better public transit. I have secured funding to complete our bicycle spine network and we are working to build a multi modal station in Rochester.
2. What role do you see Mayor playing in addressing the transportation challenges that city residents experience?
The Mayor has to be front in center on this topic connecting and conveying organizations like Reconnect Rochester, Government officials, regional transit and stakeholders that can help address these issues. This is what I have done during my first term.
3. 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. In June 2024, the City of Rochester joined over 60 municipalities in adopting a Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. How will you advance Vision Zero as City Council?
I have already started advancing vision zero as Mayor, I appointed a Vision Zero Taskforce and all of our legislation takes vision zero in consideration. We will ensure that our work is guided by the three E’s Engineering, Education and Enforcement as we look to advance our Vision Zero Plan.
4. Across the country, many cities have launched quick build programs to jumpstart the construction of protected bike lane networks such as Rochester’s commitment to build 63 miles of bike spine and to improve safety at dangerous intersections for all users overnight. Many of these initiatives use local dollars, instead of relying on federal infrastructure funding which often limits project scope and increases timelines. These programs help transportation dollars to go further and reduce dependence on federal funding which is especially important since the current administration is threatening cuts. Cleveland, Sacramento, Kalamazoo, and many other cities have quick build projects & programs. Would you be supportive of a similar quick build program in Rochester?
Yes
5. A quarter of Rochester households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. Given that the Zoning Alignment Plan is in the final review process, what land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development to remain in the city core, and better connect people in the city to employment opportunities?
We must continue to advocated and incentivize businesses that locate in neighborhoods in the city of Rochester. I always advocate for jobs to be where they are accessible to our community.
6. While the City of Rochester does not have control over RTS bus service, the city controls the public right-of-way. City DES is currently undertaking a project to improve bus stop amenities across the city and many projects improve amenities as streets are upgraded. How would you continue these efforts to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience?
I implemented these policies as Mayor and will continue them in a 2nd term. The public has been very supportive and pleased with these amenities.
1. Why should Rochester residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you, and what would you do to address Rochester’s transportation challenges?
I am an active cyclist who lives in the city of Rochester. My 20 years of cycling experience in the City of Rochester informs my answers. I ride on the streets of Rochester, not the sidewalks, weekly and have experienced some very obvious shortcomings. Worn out bike lane markings. Bike paths that abruptly end into non marked traffic intersections. These are dangerous. Weaving bike lanes in and out of streets is the most dangerous part of trying to use the created bike paths. (East Main St. and Culver intersection). My actions to address multiple transportation methods would be to improve our separated bike path system. We have the advantage of canal path (East/West), riverway trail (North/South) El Camino Trail. Improve these corridors. For in street, which most cyclists use, make sure they are well marked. Overall, I am impressed with City Of Rochester Drivers they generally do a better job respecting cyclists and Residents have a positive response. Final thing I would do is better education of community on the place a cyclist has on the road. A cyclist is a moving vehicle which has it’s space on the road. This recognition is most important to elevate in our community. Since we rent e-scooters and e-bikes which do not follow any kind of moving vehicle rules. Emphasizing the need for better education to rider as well.
2. What role do you see Mayor playing in addressing the transportation challenges that city residents experience?
The Transportation challenges that I see facing city residents is at will transportation to jobs and shopping. Some things that have improved transportation needs of the city are Gig businesses. (Uber, Lyft, instacart, Amazon) these services give jobs and more granular services to those in need of transportation. These services need to be encouraged by keeping them safe as they provide services.
3. 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. In June 2024, the City of Rochester joined over 60 municipalities in adopting a Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. How will you advance Vision Zero as City Council?
A cyclist is a moving vehicle which has it’s space on the road. This recognition is most important to elevate in our community. Since we rent e-scooters and e-bikes which do not follow any kind of moving vehicle rules this emphasizes the need for better education to rider as well. Many times I see cyclist and one wheelers flying through our streets dressed in dark clothing with no headlights or taillights. So we need to enforce proper visibility on cyclists as well as rental scooters. Making proper space and markings on our streets for alternate transportation is something I would encourage.
4. Across the country, many cities have launched quick build programs to jumpstart the construction of protected bike lane networks such as Rochester’s commitment to build 63 miles of bike spine and to improve safety at dangerous intersections for all users overnight. Many of these initiatives use local dollars, instead of relying on federal infrastructure funding which often limits project scope and increases timelines. These programs help transportation dollars to go further and reduce dependence on federal funding which is especially important since the current administration is threatening cuts. Cleveland, Sacramento, Kalamazoo, and many other cities have quick build projects & programs. Would you be supportive of a similar quick build program in Rochester?
I am aware of specific local funding to support modest improvements. I would support and encourage those parties to expand the local funding efforts.
5. A quarter of Rochester households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. Given that the Zoning Alignment Plan is in the final review process, what land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development to remain in the city core, and better connect people in the city to employment opportunities?
Safety is the most important thing to emphasize for our city. The city population itself doesn’t bring enough buying power to support businesses in the City core. Soft on crime policy scares away customers. I would organize our law enforcement to actively police our streets. Menacing crime also gives Rochester a bad reputation. We cannot afford this reputation. Entrepreneurship needs to be encouraged in any area of the city. Having a business friendly attitude top down in the city administration is of utmost importance. More businesses in the city means expanded job opportunity for our city communities. As far as keeping or expanding business in the core of our city is up to the building owners and their efforts to attract business back downtown. Rochester’s downtown is a dynamic space on the eastside of the river. Expanding this to the west side would be the next step. I will not jeopardize Rochester residents affordable housing by prolonging tax abatements to core downtown properties. This has only meant an increase of residents property taxes to make up the shortfall. Tourism is another area that needs to be emphasized.
6. While the City of Rochester does not have control over RTS bus service, the city controls the public right-of-way. City DES is currently undertaking a project to improve bus stop amenities across the city and many projects improve amenities as streets are upgraded. How would you continue these efforts to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience?
The Transit Center was a big improvement and example of making bus service fit with the traffic flow of the city. I welcome improvements to the bus stops to make them more protective from the weather. This however would need monitoring to keep homeless from taking up residence. Perhaps a Digital readout system that live tracks Bus line status.
1. Why should Rochester residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you, and what would you do to address Rochester’s transportation challenges?
Rochester City residents deserve safer, more affordable and accessible public transit. This includes a system that accommodates resident schedules and one that is easily accessible by location.
I am committed to working with all neighbors and transportation advocates to ensure that Rochester adequately funds reliable, affordable, and accessible public transit including bus lanes and bike paths. As someone who thinks outside of the box, I support funding studies to evaluate other modes of public transit such as trolleys or subways, both of which Rochester has had in the past may be feasible solutions to address Rochester’s transportation challenges. Ultimately, I am here to partner with impacted communities to address our transportation challenges.
2. What role do you see City Council playing in addressing the transportation challenges that city residents experience?
City Council members key role is advancing policies and allocating resources to enact the will of the community. Through that lens, City Council must prioritize investments in safer streets through road design that protects bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers, and traffic safety education.
Additionally, City Council must partner with RTS to ensure that residents in under-resourced communities have access to quality, affordable, reliable transportation.
3. 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. In June 2024, the City of Rochester joined over 60 municipalities in adopting a Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. How will you advance Vision Zero as City Council?
Traffic-related deaths and injuries are not an inevitability, but are tied to public policy and planning. To end traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries, I’ll support and work collaboratively with community organizations, the Department of Environmental Services and key stake holders to prioritize and fund the redesign dangerous roads .I additionally will support reducing speed limits, expanding pedestrian & bike pathways, and improving access to public transit, including constructing a Bus Rapid Transit corridor from the Inner Loop to West Ridge Road.
Additionally, it’s essential that resources are invested in hiring adequate staff to oversee and implement initiatives that keep bicyclists and pedestrians safe.
4. Across the country, many cities have launched quick build programs to jumpstart the construction of protected bike lane networks such as Rochester’s commitment to build 63 miles of bike spine and to improve safety at dangerous intersections for all users overnight. Many of these initiatives use local dollars, instead of relying on federal infrastructure funding which often limits project scope and increases timelines. These programs help transportation dollars to go further and reduce dependence on federal funding which is especially important since the current administration is threatening cuts. Cleveland, Sacramento, Kalamazoo, and many other cities have quick build projects & programs. Would you be supportive of a similar quick build program in Rochester?
I support a quick build program here in Rochester to augment bike paths and improve safety, particularly in low income neighborhoods, as biking tends to be the most affordable means of transportation. Given the dangerous and tumultuous political climate at the federal level, it is imperative we leverage local and state resources to improve access to transportation. Rochester’s projected annual city budget is approximately 680 million dollars; we have the resources to ensure our residents have more reliable, affordable, access to transportation.
5. A quarter of Rochester households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. Given that the Zoning Alignment Plan is in the final review process, what land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development to remain in the city core, and better connect people in the city to employment opportunities?
According to the City of Rochester Transportation Plan, a quarter of Rochester residents do not have access to a car. Amidst the rising cost of living, more residents in Rochester and across the country are turning towards alternative, more affordable means of transportation. We can reduce our dependence on cars by supporting inclusive high density zoning where grocery stores, medical facilities, day care providers, restaurants, parks, and recreation centers are integrated into neighborhoods and within walking distance of residents. In particular, we should evaluate high density zoning in areas already accessible via public transit. I also support zoning policies mandating outdoor and indoor spaces for bicycle parking.
6. While the City of Rochester does not have control over RTS bus service, the city controls the public right-of-way. City DES is currently undertaking a project to improve bus stop amenities across the city and many projects improve amenities as streets are upgraded. How would you continue these efforts to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience?
Improving bus stop amenities can increase participation, enjoyment, and comfort in bus travel. In making improvements, the voices of community members who primarily utilize RTS bus service, should shape improvements. I support the following measures to enhance local bus stops:
Installing additional shelter, seating and lighting
Ending the removal of existing, functional bus shelters
Creating green space around bus stops
Improving cross-walks in close proximity to bus stops
1. Why should Rochester residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you, and what would you do to address Rochester’s transportation challenges?
I fully support the implementation of Roc Vision Zero in the city of Rochester and have invested in significant infrastructure projects that support improving pedestrian and cyclist safety. Dating back to my time before joining City Council, I led a complete streets makeover project on North Clinton Avenue. In my role at Ibero, I was a part of the education and advocacy efforts to pass a complete streets policy locally and also supported adding bus cube infrastructure in NE Rochester in collaboration with Reconnect. As a councilmember, I have engaged in adding new biking infrastructure to include our first protected bike lanes along main street, amongst many other projects identified in our Active Transportation plan. I will continue to support and develop new opportunities to improve safe streets for all with the mission of saving lives.
2. What role do you see City Council playing in addressing the transportation challenges that city residents experience?
First and foremost, council can evaluate and push back on public infrastructure projects that do not meet the needs of residents. We have heard loud and clear that biking and pedestrian safety infrastructure are critically important to residents in the city, and thankfully we have a city team that believes in enhancing our infrastructure. I also believe the council can work in collaboration with RGRTA to continually improve our bus routes and public transit. The struggle to reach job opportunities in a timely manner is ongoing for Rochester residents, and while the service RTS provides is great, continually monitoring how those routes are run is critical to meet the needs of my constituents.
3. 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. In June 2024, the City of Rochester joined over 60 municipalities in adopting a Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. How will you advance Vision Zero as City Council?
First, it has to appear in our strategy and be a part of our architectural & engineering team’s DNA. Every year in budget season, Council is given the opportunity to review the city budget. This year, the Roc Vision Zero strategy is engrained in the department of environmental services’ strategies. I believe I will be able to help enhance the Vision Zero initiative by funding projects that put pedestrians and not cars first. I also believe we need to revisit community conversations around automated enforcement.
The red light camera program was extremely unpopular and I do not believe that is a viable solution. However, I believe we need to look at the speeding issue in our community again as other cities have figured out how to make automated enforcement equitable, at a minimum this should be evaluated. Lowering the speed limit on residential streets can be an impactful way to set a new speed standard in our city and we should consider all options. If you are struck by a vehicle, a difference of 5 mph in speed could be the difference between life or death. A robust prevention strategy is how we ultimately reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
4. Across the country, many cities have launched quick build programs to jumpstart the construction of protected bike lane networks such as Rochester’s commitment to build 63 miles of bike spine and to improve safety at dangerous intersections for all users overnight. Many of these initiatives use local dollars, instead of relying on federal infrastructure funding which often limits project scope and increases timelines. These programs help transportation dollars to go further and reduce dependence on federal funding which is especially important since the current administration is threatening cuts. Cleveland, Sacramento, Kalamazoo, and many other cities have quick build projects & programs. Would you be supportive of a similar quick build program in Rochester?
I am certainly open to understanding the mechanics of how this could functionally work. We are often met with prioritization challenges in our capital improvement plan and would have to work through how a local quick build program could function. As an example, this year the city had to close a $97.5M budget gap in the proposed budget, which delayed a few capital projects. With that being our reality, I would work with Reconnect and others in the community to get a deeper understanding of how the city might expedite infrastructure improvements. Our city has an excellent bond rating, which will aid in advancing projects locally at a lower cost to our residents but I do believe the mechanics of this question need to be explored thoroughly.
5. A quarter of Rochester households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. Given that the Zoning Alignment Plan is in the final review process, what land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development to remain in the city core, and better connect people in the city to employment opportunities?
I believe in transit oriented development. I think the more we can do to help people move around our city, the better it will be for economic development. We are in a unique time, ripe with opportunity for downtown Rochester. We have expanded the number of people who reside in our center city and those individuals need amenities and they have buying power. Many of our infrastructure projects on Main street focus on all modes of transportation and having our transit center downtown close to Main provides the right infrastructure connections.
We can do more to increase the growth and development of housing, which in turn has an impact on transportation. I am interested in reducing parking requirements for development as I believe we have more parking spaces than we truly need. The city was built for 330,000 people and we currently hover around 210,000. I believe our zoning plan can help us repurpose land, improve street amenities and setbacks, and create opportunity for walkable neighborhoods.
6. While the City of Rochester does not have control over RTS bus service, the city controls the public right-of-way. City DES is currently undertaking a project to improve bus stop amenities across the city and many projects improve amenities as streets are upgraded. How would you continue these efforts to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience?
I have been a champion for this issue and am excited to see new amenities being piloted across the city. I will continue to push that these amenities are updated in new projects, and support the city administration in finding additional dollars to expand on them. I also am a firm believer that neighborhoods deserve bus shelters, equitably. I understand that these shelters may present some challenges with vandalism (i.e. breaking the glass), but I would like to work with Reconnect and other partners to evaluate what other cities are doing to provide residents shelter while waiting for the bus.
1. Why should Rochester residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you, and what would you do to address Rochester’s transportation challenges?
Rochester residents deserve safe, accessible, and reliable transportation—regardless of income, ability, or where they live. As someone who has led neighborhood revitalization efforts in Beechwood and EMMA, I understand how transportation access directly impacts economic mobility, health, and opportunity. I will prioritize infrastructure that centers people over cars, including safer crosswalks, protected bike lanes, and more connected transit routes. I’ll also advocate for investments that close equity gaps—so transportation works for everyone, not just those with a car.
2. What role do you see City Council playing in addressing the transportation challenges that city residents experience?
City Council sets the tone and the budget for what kind of city we want to be. Council can push for more equitable investments in infrastructure, ensure community voices are centered in planning, and hold departments accountable for implementation. We can also work closely with RTS and other partners to advocate for policies that connect people to opportunity—especially those without access to a car. I’ll use my platform to keep transportation equity at the forefront of every policy conversation.
3. 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. In June 2024, the City of Rochester joined over 60 municipalities in adopting a Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. How will you advance Vision Zero as City Council?
I support Vision Zero because I believe no one should lose their life simply trying to cross the street or ride their bike. As a City Councilmember, I will prioritize funding for design-based solutions that make our streets safer—especially in neighborhoods that have experienced the greatest harm. Many traffic injuries and deaths are preventable, and we can address them through smart infrastructure: enhanced speed bumps, raised crosswalks, curb extensions, protected bike lanes, and safer intersections.
I’ll also push for greater community input in the implementation of Vision Zero strategies, making sure residents are involved in shaping solutions for their neighborhoods. And I’ll advocate for stronger data tracking and public education campaigns to change behavior and save lives. Vision Zero must be more than a policy—it has to be a commitment backed by action and investment.
4. Across the country, many cities have launched quick build programs to jumpstart the construction of protected bike lane networks such as Rochester’s commitment to build 63 miles of bike spine and to improve safety at dangerous intersections for all users overnight. Many of these initiatives use local dollars, instead of relying on federal infrastructure funding which often limits project scope and increases timelines. These programs help transportation dollars to go further and reduce dependence on federal funding which is especially important since the current administration is threatening cuts. Cleveland, Sacramento, Kalamazoo, and many other cities have quick build projects & programs. Would you be supportive of a similar quick build program in Rochester?
Yes, I would strongly support a quick build program in Rochester. We need solutions that are fast, flexible, and responsive to real safety concerns—not projects that take years while lives remain at risk. Quick build strategies allow us to make meaningful, cost-effective improvements using local funds, while demonstrating our commitment to safer streets right now.
Through my work with Connected Communities, I’ve partnered with Reconnect Rochester on Complete Streets Makeover projects—temporary street redesigns that show what’s possible when we prioritize safety, accessibility, and community input. I’ve seen firsthand how these efforts can spark long-term change and shift the way residents and policymakers think about public space. As a Councilmember, I would advocate for piloting quick builds in high-need areas and scaling these efforts citywide.
5. A quarter of Rochester households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. Given that the Zoning Alignment Plan is in the final review process, what land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development to remain in the city core, and better connect people in the city to employment opportunities?
We need to align land use with transit access and walkability. I support zoning that encourages mixed-use development and higher density along major transit corridors, making it easier for residents to live near jobs, services, and daily necessities. I also support policies that incentivize employers to locate in the city core—particularly in neighborhoods that have historically been excluded from economic investment.
Additionally, I would prioritize workforce development partnerships that connect residents to jobs accessible by foot, bike, or bus—not just by car. Through my work at Connected Communities, we’ve focused on treating neighborhoods as economic ecosystems—places where people can live, work, and play. I believe the City can and should play a stronger role in shaping land use and development policies that create equitable access to opportunity and build wealth within our communities.
6. While the City of Rochester does not have control over RTS bus service, the city controls the public right-of-way. City DES is currently undertaking a project to improve bus stop amenities across the city and many projects improve amenities as streets are upgraded. How would you continue these efforts to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience?
To make riding the bus more comfortable and accessible, I would advocate for continued investment in infrastructure upgrades—especially in high-ridership and historically underserved areas. That includes adding shelters, benches, improved lighting, trash receptacles, and real-time arrival displays. Design matters, and these upgrades ensure riders feel safe, informed, and respected while waiting.
I also support transit-priority measures—like dedicated lanes and traffic calming—that improve speed and reliability. As RTS On Demand grows, we need to invest in the infrastructure that supports it: including increasing driver availability to meet community needs.
Equally important is improving the safety, experience, and dignity of both riders and drivers, especially at the Transit Center. We must ensure this critical hub is clean, well-staffed, and designed as a welcoming, safe public space for all who pass through it—day and night.
Community input should continue to guide these improvements. By listening to riders, we can build a system that works better for everyone.
1. Why should Rochester residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you, and what would you do to address Rochester’s transportation challenges?
When I think about safer streets and better mobility, I think about the folks I see every day in our neighborhoods—kids walking to school, seniors waiting at bus stops, parents juggling strollers and groceries. I’ve lived these experiences, and I know how hard it can be to get around when the sidewalks are broken or the bus is late.
I’ll fight for safer streets by pushing for better crosswalks, more sidewalks, traffic-calming measures, and street lighting—things that keep everyone safe whether they’re walking, biking, driving, or rolling. I want kids to get to school safely and seniors to walk home without worry.
I’ll work to improve public transit so buses run more frequently, on time, and get people where they need to go. We need a system that connects folks to jobs, school, and healthcare—without long waits or confusing routes.
I also believe in complete streets—roads designed for everyone, not just cars. That means more sidewalks, bike lanes, and accessibility for folks with disabilities.
I know transportation is more than getting from point A to B—it’s about opportunity, dignity, and quality of life. When we invest in better mobility, we’re investing in our community’s future.
Vote for me because I’ll bring the lived experience, community voice, and determination to make Rochester’s streets safer and more accessible for all of us.
2. What role do you see City Council playing in addressing the transportation challenges that city residents experience?
City Council has a huge role to play in making sure everyone can get where they need to go safely and affordably. We’re the ones who approve the budget, oversee policies, and hold city departments accountable. That means we can push for investments in sidewalks, bus shelters, and bike lanes—and make sure those investments actually reach the neighborhoods that need them most.
We can also partner with RTS and community organizations to make sure transit routes connect people to jobs, schools, healthcare, and groceries. Too often, our transit system leaves folks behind—especially in Black and Brown communities. City Council can be the bridge that connects residents’ needs to real solutions.
I see City Council as the people’s voice in City Hall. We’re here to listen, learn, and then act—making sure our transportation system is fair, safe, and works for everyone. That’s how we build a city that leaves no one behind.
3. 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. In June 2024, the City of Rochester joined over 60 municipalities in adopting a Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. How will you advance Vision Zero as City Council?
As a City Councilmember, I’ll work to make sure Vision Zero is real action, not just another plan on a shelf. We need safer crosswalks, better lighting, speed limits that keep people safe, and sidewalks that actually work for everyone—especially in neighborhoods that have been left behind.
I’ll fight to make sure every street redesign puts people before cars—kids, seniors, and folks just trying to get around. And I’ll push city departments to report back on progress so we know it’s working.
Vision Zero is about saving lives, and I’ll bring the urgency and community focus to make that happen.
4. Across the country, many cities have launched quick build programs to jumpstart the construction of protected bike lane networks such as Rochester’s commitment to build 63 miles of bike spine and to improve safety at dangerous intersections for all users overnight. Many of these initiatives use local dollars, instead of relying on federal infrastructure funding which often limits project scope and increases timelines. These programs help transportation dollars to go further and reduce dependence on federal funding which is especially important since the current administration is threatening cuts. Cleveland, Sacramento, Kalamazoo, and many other cities have quick build projects & programs. Would you be supportive of a similar quick build program in Rochester?
Yes! I’m absolutely supportive of quick build programs here in Rochester. We can’t keep waiting years for safer streets—people need protection now. A quick build program would let us get real results faster: safer bike lanes, better crosswalks, and traffic-calming measures that save lives.
I believe we should prioritize local dollars to make these improvements happen—and target the neighborhoods that need them most. Relying only on federal funding takes too long and doesn’t always put our community’s most urgent needs first.
If elected, I’ll fight for a quick build program that uses local dollars to make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone—no matter how you get around.
5. A quarter of Rochester households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. Given that the Zoning Alignment Plan is in the final review process, what land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development to remain in the city core, and better connect people in the city to employment opportunities?
Too many Rochester families depend on buses, bikes, and sidewalks to get to work—and that means we need smart policies that bring jobs closer to where people live and make it easier to get there.
I’d push for zoning and incentives that bring more businesses, grocery stores, and healthcare services into our neighborhoods, so people don’t have to leave the city just to find work. I’d also support mixed-use development that puts housing, retail, and offices together, so folks can live, work, and shop without a car.
We need to invest in reliable, frequent public transit that connects people to jobs—and that includes improving sidewalks and bike lanes so everyone can get to work safely.
I’ll make sure that as we grow Rochester’s economy, we’re building it for everyone—not just for those who can afford a car.
6. While the City of Rochester does not have control over RTS bus service, the city controls the public right-of-way. City DES is currently undertaking a project to improve bus stop amenities across the city and many projects improve amenities as streets are upgraded. How would you continue these efforts to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience?
One of the things I hear the most from residents is how hard it is to wait for a bus without anywhere to sit or any cover from the rain, snow, or hot sun. As City Councilmember, I’ll push to make sure every bus stop has a bench and a shelter to protect riders from the elements.
I’ll work with the Department of Environmental Services to prioritize these improvements—especially in neighborhoods that rely most on public transit—and make sure that every street upgrade includes better bus stops.
A bus ride shouldn’t start with standing in the rain. Everyone deserves dignity and safety when they’re getting to work, school, or just getting around.
1. Why should Rochester residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you, and what would you do to address Rochester’s transportation challenges?
I partnered with Reconnect Rochester to spearhead Roc Vision Zero, which is the most comprehensive plan we have ever had in this community make safer streets.
Moreover, I have focused on the very work that Reconnect does since first getting elected eight years ago. Though there is still lots of work to do, I believe that the culture of City Hall has made a dramatic shift towards being more bike/ped friendly in my tenure.
2. What role do you see City Council playing in addressing the transportation challenges that city residents experience?
City Council must prioritize making our streets safer for everyone that uses them. That is the ethos that underpins Vision Zero.
Additionally, we have to make more transportation options available to residents; options like Veo, FloShare, RTS and more. The City does not create those transportation options ourselves, but we are responsible for creating meaningful partnerships with these types of entities.
3. 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. In June 2024, the City of Rochester joined over 60 municipalities in adopting a Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. How will you advance Vision Zero as City Council?
I am the co-chair of Vision Zero. I have built public awareness around this initiative and will continue to drive it in a new term.
4. Across the country, many cities have launched quick build programs to jumpstart the construction of protected bike lane networks such as Rochester’s commitment to build 63 miles of bike spine and to improve safety at dangerous intersections for all users overnight. Many of these initiatives use local dollars, instead of relying on federal infrastructure funding which often limits project scope and increases timelines. These programs help transportation dollars to go further and reduce dependence on federal funding which is especially important since the current administration is threatening cuts. Cleveland, Sacramento, Kalamazoo, and many other cities have quick build projects & programs. Would you be supportive of a similar quick build program in Rochester?
Yes, and we have an opportunity to get some of these ideas started in short order. I am a big proponent of this work.
5. A quarter of Rochester households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. Given that the Zoning Alignment Plan is in the final review process, what land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development to remain in the city core, and better connect people in the city to employment opportunities?
I am a big believer in transit-oriented development. Though it’s a bit challenging to do TOD effectively in Rochester, there are some steps and strategies we can take as we adopt a new zoning code. Specifically, we should be making it easier as of right to build if it is effectively connected to our public transit system.
6. While the City of Rochester does not have control over RTS bus service, the city controls the public right-of-way. City DES is currently undertaking a project to improve bus stop amenities across the city and many projects improve amenities as streets are upgraded. How would you continue these efforts to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience?
We must strengthen the partnership between City and RTS. I have worked on this for years and am proud to say that I have a very strong relationship with their leadership. We need to leverage these relationships by continuing to work on things together – amenities, plowing near bus stops, targeted interventions, and more. I am currently working with RTS to find new ways to make public market shoppers aware of public transit. These partnerships allow RTS to focus their finite resources in a meaningful way.
1. Why should Rochester residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you, and what would you do to address Rochester’s transportation challenges?
If you want safer streets, better mobility, and reliable transit, I’m your guy. I’m not here to push big government plans—I’m here to give you real options that fit your life. As a college student scraping by, I know how tough it is to get around when funds are tight and streets feel sketchy. Here’s my plan:
Safer Streets: Safety starts with fixing what’s broken. I’ll push for stronger community policing to deter crime and better street lighting so you can walk without worry. Well-maintained roads and sidewalks will cut down on accidents—no need for fancy overhauls.
Better Mobility: Mobility is about choice. I’ll back private sector ideas like ride-sharing or e-scooters to give you more ways to get around. For drivers, I’ll fight congestion by keeping roads in top shape, ensuring everyone’s needs are met.
Public Transit: RTS needs to work for you, not waste your tax dollars. I’ll push for smarter spending—on-time buses, decent stops—without bloated budgets. Private partnerships could boost service while keeping costs low.
Vote for me, and you’ll get a Council member who listens to you and fights for a Rochester where moving around is safe, easy, and free from government overreach.
2. What role do you see City Council playing in addressing the transportation challenges that city residents experience?
City Council should be your voice, not a megaphone for bureaucrats. Our job is to clear the way for solutions that make life easier, not pile on more rules. Here’s how I’d lead:
Encourage Innovation: Cut red tape so businesses can offer new options—think ride-sharing or private shuttles. More choices mean less reliance on slow city systems.
Spend Wisely: Your tax dollars aren’t endless. I’ll demand transparency on transportation budgets and prioritize fixing potholes and worn-out stops over flashy projects.
Hear You Out: I’ll hold town halls in every neighborhood—especially those often ignored—to learn what you need. Your input, not top-down plans, will drive my votes.
Council should empower Rochesterians to move freely and safely. I’m here to make that happen without growing government’s grip.
I also have a plan for financial incentives for alternative transportation equipment for citizens. (EX. Bikes, E-Scooter, etc)
3. 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. In June 2024, the City of Rochester joined over 60 municipalities in adopting a Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. How will you advance Vision Zero as City Council?
Nobody should lose their life on our streets—period. Vision Zero’s goal of zero traffic deaths is something I can get behind, but I’m not about heavy-handed regulations to get there. Here’s how I’d make Rochester safer:
Smarter Drivers: Reckless and distracted driving cause too many crashes. I’ll push for better driver education—especially for us younger folks—and stricter enforcement of laws like speeding. Responsibility starts with us.
Fix What’s Broken: Potholes, faded signs, and dark streets are dangers. I’ll focus on maintaining our infrastructure before chasing new projects that might not deliver.
Community Input: Nobody knows our streets better than you. I’ll work with neighborhoods to identify trouble spots and find practical fixes, keeping solutions local and effective.
I’ll advance Vision Zero by focusing on what works—practical steps, not government mandates—so we can save lives while keeping Rochester free.
4. Across the country, many cities have launched quick build programs to jumpstart the construction of protected bike lane networks such as Rochester’s commitment to build 63 miles of bike spine and to improve safety at dangerous intersections for all users overnight. Many of these initiatives use local dollars, instead of relying on federal infrastructure funding which often limits project scope and increases timelines. These programs help transportation dollars to go further and reduce dependence on federal funding which is especially important since the current administration is threatening cuts. Cleveland, Sacramento, Kalamazoo, and many other cities have quick build projects & programs. Would you be supportive of a similar quick build program in Rochester?
Quick build bike lanes and intersection upgrades could help, but I’m not writing a blank check. Rochester’s got pressing needs—crime, schools, housing—and I want to make sure we’re spending smart. Here’s my take:
Prove It Works: Show me data that these projects cut accidents without messing up traffic for drivers. I’ll back what delivers results, not just what’s trendy.
Listen to Residents: Any plan needs your buy-in. I’ll push for public forums to hear what Rochesterians think before we commit local dollars.
Balance Everyone’s Needs: Bike lanes are great for some, but most folks drive. I’ll ensure projects work for all—cyclists, drivers, walkers—without prioritizing one group.
I’m open to quick builds if they’re cost-effective, community-supported, and don’t disrupt how Rochester moves. Let’s do this right.
5. A quarter of Rochester households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. Given that the Zoning Alignment Plan is in the final review process, what land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development to remain in the city core, and better connect people in the city to employment opportunities?
With so many Rochesterians relying on buses or their own two feet, we need a city core that’s bursting with jobs and easy to reach. I’m not about government dictating every move—I’m about creating opportunity. Here’s how:
Ease Up on Rules: Slash regulations so businesses can thrive downtown. More shops and offices mean more jobs right where you need them.
Smart Incentives: Offer tax breaks to companies that hire local and stay in the core. A buzzing downtown makes transit a direct line to work.
Train for Jobs: Partner with businesses for apprenticeships and trade programs. Equip folks with skills to grab those jobs.
Flexible Zoning: Support mixed-use zones where you can live, work, and shop nearby. It cuts travel time and makes buses more practical—without boxing anyone in.
I’ll fight for a Rochester where jobs are close, transit’s reliable, and you’re free to build your future.
6. While the City of Rochester does not have control over RTS bus service, the city controls the public right-of-way. City DES is currently undertaking a project to improve bus stop amenities across the city and many projects improve amenities as streets are upgraded. How would you continue these efforts to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience?
Bus stops should be clean, safe, and functional—especially for folks who ride every day. We don’t need a big government project to make that happen. Here’s my plan:
Partner with Businesses: Let companies sponsor stops with ads on shelters or benches. Better amenities, lower costs for taxpayers—win-win.
Prioritize Busy Stops: Upgrade high-traffic stops first with lights, seats, and clear signs. Why spend on empty corners when we can help where it counts?
Ask Riders: I’ll talk to bus users directly—what do you need? More shade? Better info? Your feedback will guide every upgrade.
I’ll keep bus stops welcoming and practical, using smart solutions that respect your tax dollars and your time.
PS Those little boxes are not subtle waiting unites they are dehumanizing & uncomfortable.
1. Why should Rochester residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you, and what would you do to address Rochester’s transportation challenges?
I have been active in the work to build better and safer mobility options for some time, currently serving as Board President of Reconnect Rochester. I am deeply passionate and invested in working to create safer and better mobility options. I would work to expediate the implementation of vision zero by prioritizing a few of the recommendations. Expediting the implementation of the spine network. Working to reduce the speed limit. Setting policies that would ensure protected bike lanes where possible. Solving our public transit challenges is a more difficult task because it requires involvement from RTS which is not a city entity. I would advocate for funding to implement a rapid transit system on Lake Ave. I would continue to partner with RTS to request funding for bus shelters and amenities. I would work to convene key stake holders like universities and business leaders along with RTS so we can figure out solutions to address the challenges RTS is facing.
2. What role do you see City Council playing in addressing the transportation challenges that city residents experience?
City Council, can pass legislation to reduce the speed limit and set policies that can push for safer road design and support the implementation of Vision Zero.
3. 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. In June 2024, the City of Rochester joined over 60 municipalities in adopting a Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. How will you advance Vision Zero as City Council?
Expediting the implementation of the spine network. Working to reduce the speed limit. Setting policies that would ensure protected bike lanes where possible. I would advocate for funding to implement a rapid transit system on Lake Ave. Support funding of positions to ensure snow is cleared of sidewalks/bicycle lanes/ and bus shelters along with supporting the enforcement that business are clearing sidewalks.
4. Across the country, many cities have launched quick build programs to jumpstart the construction of protected bike lane networks such as Rochester’s commitment to build 63 miles of bike spine and to improve safety at dangerous intersections for all users overnight. Many of these initiatives use local dollars, instead of relying on federal infrastructure funding which often limits project scope and increases timelines. These programs help transportation dollars to go further and reduce dependence on federal funding which is especially important since the current administration is threatening cuts. Cleveland, Sacramento, Kalamazoo, and many other cities have quick build projects & programs. Would you be supportive of a similar quick build program in Rochester?
I support quick build programs. These type of program could be a great partnership with organizations like Reconnect Rochester to help with the implementation.
5. A quarter of Rochester households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. Given that the Zoning Alignment Plan is in the final review process, what land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development to remain in the city core, and better connect people in the city to employment opportunities?
I support eliminating car parking requirements, which creates barriers for small business to start. Promote higher density development and support accessory dwelling units. I would support the moratorium on new gas stations, so parcels could be used for better business that promote walkability and use of bicycles.
6. While the City of Rochester does not have control over RTS bus service, the city controls the public right-of-way. City DES is currently undertaking a project to improve bus stop amenities across the city and many projects improve amenities as streets are upgraded. How would you continue these efforts to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience?
I would support the city in their efforts to join RTS in request for grants and additional funding to support buss amenities. I would lobby state and federal leaders for funding and support.
1. Why should Rochester residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you, and what would you do to address Rochester’s transportation challenges?
Transportation impacts everyone. I see that every day in my own life. We live in a multigenerational home with my elder in-laws and adult disabled son. My husband bikes to work year-round, even after being hit twice while riding. I’d love to bike too, but I won’t do it without a protected lane, and I know I’m not alone in that.
We need safer, more accessible streets for everyone: seniors, parents with strollers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. I will push for protected bike lanes, better sidewalk infrastructure, and more reliable and frequent public transit. I also want to work with RTS to improve bus service so it is more frequent, functional, and responsive to the needs of riders. This is not just about mobility. It is about equity, safety, and the freedom to move through our city with dignity.
2. What role do you see City Council playing in addressing the transportation challenges that city residents experience?
City Council plays a key role in shaping our transportation system. We approve budgets, set priorities, and pass policies that determine how safe, connected, and accessible our streets are. That includes funding traffic calming, investing in sidewalk repairs, supporting protected bike lanes, and working with RTS to improve transit service.
Councilmembers also have a responsibility to listen to residents and ensure that planning decisions reflect what people actually need. This means centering safety, access, and equity. Everyone deserves safe, affordable, reliable and greener ways to get around the city.
3. 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. In June 2024, the City of Rochester joined over 60 municipalities in adopting a Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. How will you advance Vision Zero as City Council?
To truly advance Vision Zero, we need to redesign our streets to prioritize safety over speed. That means narrowing lanes, adding raised crosswalks, building protected bike lanes, and using traffic calming tools that prevent crashes before they happen. Road design is the most effective way to reduce harm, especially in communities that have historically been over-policed.
I do not support expanding automated enforcement as a primary solution. Cameras may catch violations, but they do not prevent crashes and often result in fines that disproportionately impact low-income residents. A safer city starts with streets that are built for people, not just for cars.
4. Across the country, many cities have launched quick build programs to jumpstart the construction of protected bike lane networks such as Rochester’s commitment to build 63 miles of bike spine and to improve safety at dangerous intersections for all users overnight. Many of these initiatives use local dollars, instead of relying on federal infrastructure funding which often limits project scope and increases timelines. These programs help transportation dollars to go further and reduce dependence on federal funding which is especially important since the current administration is threatening cuts. Cleveland, Sacramento, Kalamazoo, and many other cities have quick build projects & programs. Would you be supportive of a similar quick build program in Rochester?
Yes.
5. A quarter of Rochester households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. Given that the Zoning Alignment Plan is in the final review process, what land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development to remain in the city core, and better connect people in the city to employment opportunities?
I support policies that make it easier for jobs and small businesses to grow within neighborhoods, like the Flexible Mixed-Use (FMU) zoning district proposed in the Zoning Alignment Project. This allows a blend of residential, commercial, and light industrial uses in the same area, which supports local hiring and revitalizes underused spaces and reduces the need for mechanical transportation. I also support eliminating parking minimums and requiring bike infrastructure, to reduce development costs and improve access for residents who rely on transit, walking, or biking
6. While the City of Rochester does not have control over RTS bus service, the city controls the public right-of-way. City DES is currently undertaking a project to improve bus stop amenities across the city and many projects improve amenities as streets are upgraded. How would you continue these efforts to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience?
I appreciate the work Reconnect Rochester has done to elevate the importance of public transit, but I believe we need to bring back “real benches” at bus stops. Everyone deserves a dignified place to rest while waiting for the bus. The colorful fiberglass boxes may be well-intentioned, but they do not meet the needs of many riders, especially seniors, people with disabilities, or parents with children.
As a city, we should improve amenities at bus stops with seating, and ideally shelter, and lighting. We should also pair those improvements with compassionate policies to address social challenges and avoid potentially hostile architectural solutions.
1. Why should Rochester residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you, and what would you do to address Rochester’s transportation challenges?
I would like to see the City start creating more transportation infrastructure that is independent of County and State control. I know it has been discussed before (and dismissed), but I still think light rail can be developed in our region. I would also like to see more protected bike lanes.
2. What role do you see City Council playing in addressing the transportation challenges that city residents experience?
Lobbying for financial support to increase public transportation options and passing legislation and budgets that make increasing public transportation a priority. Economic development that increases walkability in neighborhoods instead of building more downtown.
3. 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. In June 2024, the City of Rochester joined over 60 municipalities in adopting a Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. How will you advance Vision Zero as City Council?
I think City Government has to do two things. First, create a sense of community in our City. This will help foster better driving as drivers will not want valued community members to be unsafe. But the toughest thing City government needs to do is to build infrastructure that slows down drivers including more raised intersections, roundabouts, and/or speed humps. This will be unpopular, but there are too many individuals who have a disregard for others’ safety. But again, fostering a better sense of community will help people accept such changes.
4. Across the country, many cities have launched quick build programs to jumpstart the construction of protected bike lane networks such as Rochester’s commitment to build 63 miles of bike spine and to improve safety at dangerous intersections for all users overnight. Many of these initiatives use local dollars, instead of relying on federal infrastructure funding which often limits project scope and increases timelines. These programs help transportation dollars to go further and reduce dependence on federal funding which is especially important since the current administration is threatening cuts. Cleveland, Sacramento, Kalamazoo, and many other cities have quick build projects & programs. Would you be supportive of a similar quick build program in Rochester?
Yes.
5. A quarter of Rochester households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. Given that the Zoning Alignment Plan is in the final review process, what land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development to remain in the city core, and better connect people in the city to employment opportunities?
My economic development policy can be found at: https://www.daveforchange.org/economy. I want smaller, more cooperative neighborhood businesses to be fostered. This not only shores up neighborhoods, but increases area of walkability.
6. While the City of Rochester does not have control over RTS bus service, the city controls the public right-of-way. City DES is currently undertaking a project to improve bus stop amenities across the city and many projects improve amenities as streets are upgraded. How would you continue these efforts to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience?
Money for more shelters and a program to make sure snow is cleared from bus stops (and sidewalks in general). But I want money to make sure there is MORE bus service (and other forms of public transit), not just making the experience more comfortable.
1. New York State Law requires schools to teach students bicycle safety. As Commissioner of Schools, how will you work with RCSD to include bicycle safety education?
As a Commissioner of Schools, I will work collaboratively with district leadership to ensure that bicycle safety education is fully integrated into RCSD’s health and physical education curriculum in alignment with New York State requirements. This includes partnering with community organizations, such as local law enforcement and bike advocacy groups, to provide hands-on learning experiences and culturally responsive safety workshops. I will also advocate for necessary resources and training to support educators in delivering this content effectively. Above all, I will prioritize student safety and understanding—ensuring that all instruction not only meets state regulations but equips our students with the knowledge and skills to stay safe while navigating their neighborhoods.
2. The City of Rochester and RCSD are working together to install bus arm cameras to deter drivers from passing stopped school buses. How do you plan to continue this partnership and what other steps do you plan to take to protect children on their way to school?
To continue and strengthen the partnership between the City of Rochester and RCSD, I will fully support the implementation and expansion of bus arm cameras as a critical deterrent against illegal passing of stopped school buses. Beyond this initiative, I will advocate for a comprehensive safety plan that includes increased training for bus drivers, monitors, and crossing guards focused on student safety and proper crossing procedures. Using district data and ongoing community input, I will work with the district to identify high-risk areas and develop targeted strategies to improve safety for all students traveling to and from school. Ensuring every child can travel safely—whether by bus, walking, or biking—is a core responsibility, and I am committed to making this a district-wide priority.
3. Electric school buses offer cleaner air for growing children, a quieter ride, and protect the environment. As of 2027, New York State law requires that all new school bus purchases must be electric, with the entire fleet transitioned to electric by 2035. How will you advance the NYSERDA study to plan for the electrification conversion of RCSD’s bus fleet?
As a Commissioner of Schools, I will ensure the district takes a proactive, collaborative approach to the electrification of RCSD’s bus fleet by leveraging the NYSERDA study as a foundational planning tool. I will advocate for strategic conversations with transportation providers, facilities staff, and community stakeholders to fully understand the operational, financial, and infrastructure needs involved. My priority will be advising the facilitation of a smooth, seamless, and non-intrusive transition that maintains the integrity of school operations while meeting the 2027 and 2035 state mandates. By aligning this work with student health, environmental responsibility, and cost-efficiency goals, we can implement changes that not only comply with the law but improve daily conditions for students and families.
4. How will you work with the city to protect RCSD students walking and biking to school, especially given the City of Rochester’s ROC Vision Zero plan?
I will work closely with the City of Rochester to align RCSD’s efforts with the ROC Vision Zero plan, prioritizing the safety of students who walk and bike to school. This includes identifying high-risk routes using traffic and school data, gathering community input, and advocating for infrastructure improvements such as safer crosswalks, signage, and traffic calming measures near school zones. I will also support the integration of pedestrian and bicycle safety education into the curriculum and ensure crossing guards, staff, and families are part of ongoing safety conversations. Protecting students on their way to school is essential, and I will work to make sure our efforts are coordinated, data-driven, and centered on student well-being.
1. New York State Law requires schools to teach students bicycle safety. As Commissioner of Schools, how will you work with RCSD to include bicycle safety education?
As a Commissioner of Schools, I would ensure RCSD is responsive to New York State requirements by supporting the integration of bicycle safety into health and physical education curriculum. I would also advocate for partnerships with local community-based organizations to provide hands-on learning, such as workshops and proper helmet fittings. These efforts would also promote the importance of bicycle safety and healthy lifestyle choices students.
2. The City of Rochester and RCSD are working together to install bus arm cameras to deter drivers from passing stopped school buses. How do you plan to continue this partnership and what other steps do you plan to take to protect children on their way to school?
In my current role as a School Board Commissioner, I have voted in unison alongside my board colleagues to support the installation of bus arm cameras on school buses. I am also in favor of advocating at the State level for a reduction in the 1.5-mile radius that determines a child’s access to school bus transportation. I believe this needs to be reconsidered to promote student safety, especially for our very young walkers.
3. Electric school buses offer cleaner air for growing children, a quieter ride, and protect the environment. As of 2027, New York State law requires that all new school bus purchases must be electric, with the entire fleet transitioned to electric by 2035. How will you advance the NYSERDA study to plan for the electrification conversion of RCSD’s bus fleet?
To support the electrification of RCSD’s bus fleet, I would remain abreast on the findings of the study and actively collaborate with district leadership and transportation partners to ensure the findings of the NYSERDA are in alignment with expected standards and operationalized by administration.
I would also advocate for securing state and federal funding, including NYSERDA grants and Inflation Reduction Act funds, to offset costs. It’s essential that this transition is equitable, benefits all communities, and includes training for staff and drivers.
I believe this is an opportunity to improve student health, reduce emissions, and demonstrate RCSD’s leadership in sustainability.
4. How will you work with the city to protect RCSD students walking and biking to school, especially given the City of Rochester’s ROC Vision Zero plan?
I have recently advocated at the State level, along with other elected board members, for a reduction in the 1.5-mile radius that determines a child’s access to school bus transportation. I believe this needs to be reconsidered to promote student safety, especially for our very young walkers.
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.
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!
Walking in the City of Rochester has always been more than just a way to get from one place to another for me. It’s how I stay connected to my neighbors, my community, and the city I’ve called home for so many years. But the truth is, being a pedestrian in Rochester isn’t easy. It can be frustrating, unpredictable, and at times, even unsafe. Still, every time I step outside and walk down a block, I’m reminded why walking matters — and how much better this city could be if it were built with people, not just cars, in mind.
Rochester is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own rhythm. Walking through the 19th Ward feels very different from walking on Park Ave or downtown. When you walk as much as I do, you see the city in a way that drivers never will. You notice the cracked sidewalks, the missing curb cuts, and the cars that speed through crosswalks as if pedestrians are invisible. You also notice the beauty — the old homes with character, the trees that somehow manage to push through concrete, the kids walking home from school, laughing and carrying backpacks that look too heavy for their small shoulders. There’s life and community on every block, but getting from one place to the next can feel like an obstacle course.
In certain neighborhoods, walking feels pleasant and safe. But in others, it feels like taking a risk. Some sidewalks just end with no warning, forcing you into the street. Others are so uneven you have to watch every step to avoid tripping. There are intersections where I hold my breath waiting for the light to change, hoping drivers actually stop before turning. And if you’re walking at night, you learn quickly which blocks are well-lit and which ones you should avoid.
The hardest part is that so much of this could be fixed — if local government made it a real priority. Too often, the focus is on roads, parking lots, and traffic flow, not on the people who actually live in the neighborhoods. When snow falls, plows clear the roads, but the sidewalks stay buried for days, sometimes weeks. For seniors, parents pushing strollers, or people with disabilities, that’s not just inconvenient — it’s isolating. It means being stuck inside or risking your safety just to get groceries or make a doctor’s appointment.
Too often, the focus is on roads, parking lots, and traffic flow, not on the people who actually live in the neighborhoods.
As someone who enjoys walking as exercise, I see how much harder it is for people who don’t drive. Bus stops aren’t always easy to reach, and some don’t even have benches or shelters. Imagine waiting for a bus in the rain or in freezing temperatures, with no protection from the wind, and you start to understand the quiet struggle of getting around this city without a car. It’s not that people don’t want to be independent — it’s that the infrastructure makes it difficult.
I’ve had conversations with neighbors who depend on walking and the bus system every single day. Some are older adults who gave up driving for safety reasons. Others are younger people trying to save money or can’t afford a vehicle. For many families, especially in working-class neighborhoods, one car has to serve multiple needs — work, school, errands — and walking fills the gaps. It’s a reality that often goes unseen in city planning conversations.
What’s tricky about walking in Rochester is how much planning it requires. You can’t just step outside and go wherever you need without thinking about safety, timing, or the condition of the route. And yet, despite all of this, I love walking. I love how it slows the world down and gives me space to think. I’ve met some of the kindest people just by walking — a neighbor raking leaves who waves hello, a parent waiting with their child at the bus stop, and residents walking their dog early in the morning. Walking connects me to the pulse of the community in a way that driving never could. But it also reminds me how much work still needs to be done.
The biggest challenge for nondrivers isn’t just cracked sidewalks or poor street design. It’s the feeling of being overlooked. The message that our needs don’t matter as much as those of people behind the wheel. A truly inclusive city would make walking and public transit reliable, dignified, and safe for everyone.
We talk a lot about equity in Rochester — about giving people fair access to jobs, food, and opportunity. But access starts with something as basic as being able to move safely through your neighborhood. If we can’t walk to the store, or get to a bus stop without fear, how can we talk about opportunity?
If we can’t walk to the store, or get to a bus stop without fear, how can we talk about opportunity?
I want a Rochester where walking is easy — where kids can safely walk to school, where seniors can stroll without worry, and where the simple act of walking doesn’t require courage or constant awareness. I want sidewalks that are smooth, wider and well-lit, crosswalks that actually protect pedestrians, and city policies that treat walking as a right, not a luxury.
Until that happens, I’ll keep walking — not out of necessity, but to stay connected to those that don’t have a choice. Walking for me, isn’t just about getting somewhere. It’s about being part of Rochester, one step at a time, even when the path isn’t easy.
As a community advocate, I’ll keep speaking up for those of us who walk — the workers, parents, elders, and young people who move through Rochester every day on foot. Our experiences matter. Our safety matters. And when the city truly begins to plan for pedestrians, it won’t just make walking better — it will make Rochester stronger, more connected, and more humane for everyone.
At Reconnect, we’re inspired by the stories of people in our community, like Jasmine Burley, Karen Nozik, and Steve Roll, who are passionate about living a car-lite or car-free lifestyle. If you want to support our work and make it easier for others to go Car-Lite please donate and sign up for Mobility Action Alerts to stay in the loop with opportunities of how to advocate for safer streets and transportation options.
Let us know if you want to share your mobility story! What’s in it for you? The intrinsic reward of knowing you’ve inspired others, and a free t-shirt from our online shop! Contact Chaz to submit your story.
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:
Whether you’re motivated by saving money, protecting the environment, improving street safety, boosting your health, or building community connections, join the Week Without Driving challenge. Discover the freedom and joy of leaving your car at home!
We are thrilled to share that in 2025, 44 participants logged a stunning 616 non-car trips for a total of 1,970. 41 non-driving miles! Read some of their comments here.
Mark your calendars for the next Week Without Driving which will be Thursday, October 1st to Wednesday, October 7th, 2026. In the meantime, try taking RTS to the grocery store, riding a Veo e-scooter to a midday meeting, walking to meet a friend, or using one of Rochester’s many bicycle boulevards for your commute.
Did you know 40% of car trips are under 2 miles? And that 28% are less than 1 mile? Is there somewhere you go regularly where you’d consider walking instead? If you can’t think of anywhere safe or pleasant to walk, conducting a walk audit of your community is easier than you’d think!
Tuesday – “Magic Bus”
With the cost of car ownership estimated at $12,000 a year (due to maintenance, insurance, gas etc.), the $1 price tag of an RTS trip is a great alternative. Check out the RTS routes to see if you can incorporate a bus into your travels!
Wednesday – “Watching the Wheels”
There is so much to say about bicycling in Monroe County that we have a dedicated newsletter, social media channels, and a webpage just to index our resources. Bicycling connects communities and is great for heart health. Visit our ROC Easy Bike Map and enjoy some of the beautiful trails, bicycle boulevards, and protected lanes offered throughout Monroe County.
Thursday – “Electric Boogie”
E-scooters are a “micro-mobility” transportation option that offer a fun, affordable, convenient way to get from here to there! Try the Veo system to scoot around within their footprint in the city of Rochester.
Friday – Your Choice
Finish off your week with your favorite mode of transportation.
Saturday – Prize Day & Advocacy
Report the number of non-driving miles and trips you have accumulated for a chance to win a prize! We’ll also fill you in on our ways to get started advocating for safer streets and more frequent public transit!
Sunday – Reflection
How do you feel about the Week Without Driving? What did you discover about yourself and your community? Want to write a blog post about it? We’ll ask to hear your thoughts!
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 & Hollenbeckinspired wide local news coverage:
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:
During Reconnect Rochester’s Ride for the Spine bike rally in 2024, one of our partners at City Hall made a passing remark that left a lasting impression: “It’s great so many cyclists turned out to hear from the Mayor, the County Executive and Congressman Morelle, but where’s New York State? They have authority over so much of this.”
Of course, they were right: The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)’s decision-making authority over a road project can make or break bike infrastructure choices that any local authority – whether it be the City, Towns, Villages or the County – wants to implement. Projects in our region that are building better bike infrastructure use a combination of federal, state and local funding, and the requirements – and often constraints – imposed by these funding streams dictate what is considered as feasible in the design process. While engineering guides from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), to the AASHTO and NACTO bike guides have made momentous leaps forward, design standards used by traffic engineers at all levels of government take far too much time to adopt and implement that progressive guidance.
NYSDOT’s decision-making authority over a road project can make or break bike infrastructure choices that any local authority wants to implement.
For suburban towns and villages, the hand of NYSDOT is even heavier: state roads built before the interstate highway system designed to move freight or serve as highway alternatives are now the main streets of local communities. Unfortunately, Smart Growth America’s Dangerous by Design report in 2024 cited that across the U.S., nearly two-thirds of traffic deaths in metro areas happen on state-owned roads—often fast-moving arterials that weren’t designed for people walking, biking, catching the bus, or simply crossing the street to enjoy a coffee or get home. The burden of mortality isn’t evenly spread either: Black and Native Americans, older adults, and people walking in low-income communities die at higher rates and face higher levels of risk of becoming victims of road violence when compared to all Americans.
To cite a recent Vision Zero Network analysis, state roads “serve very different purposes today – including local traffic, people walking and biking, school buses and delivery vans – without having been redesigned for these uses.” It is urgent for communities, therefore, that New York State officials, including planners, traffic engineers, municipal public works heads, become more responsive to the way local communities are growing and the ways the roads are used today.
That’s why this year, Reconnect Rochester is asking NYSDOT and other state leaders to speak to us about what they are doing to keep cyclists safe and build the all-ages/all abilities bike infrastructure on all roads, but especially on the state roads that are often the Main Streets of our county’s towns and villages. We see some glimmers of a culture shift , but it will take much more to turn such a large ship. Good intentions are present throughout the Draft NYSDOT 2050 Strategic Master Plan, signs of newly prioritizing active transportation are present in the agency’s move to update a two-decade old walk/bike plan. Now is the time to reiterate to New York State: safety for your most vulnerable people using the road is safety for everyone, including drivers!
But these intentions aren’t yet fully realized: A recent Brookings Institution analysis concluded that NYSDOT is among the lowest-ranked state DOTs in the United States when measured on evidence that it is shifting its mandate from car-centric infrastructure to building and maintaining multimodal transportation systems that serve all users and responds to environmental change. As articulated in our New York Safe Streets Coalition feedback on the 2050 plan, NYSDOT can show its seriousness about its strategic intentions through more transparency, funding allocations to public and active transportation, and public engagement with local communities.
What’s at stake for Monroe County’s cyclists of all ages and abilities:
To illustrate what’s at stake for cyclists in our community, let’s look at the map. Two years ago, Monroe County hired Toole Design to craft the County’s first Active Transportation Plan. It was very high level and created a common vision as a starting point for discussion. The question it asked: If there was an ideal countywide bike network someday that connected towns & villages, what lines on a map would make most sense to invest in? The map below is the result.
The red circled roads are owned & maintained by NYSDOT. Thus, if our county is ever going to be bikeable (for more than just the brave and bold), NYSDOT will need to modernize the way they design and maintain roads to prioritize complete streets elements and build with the safety for all users in mind. Monroe County is working on an implementation plan for the CATP (work item 8756) that will make more specific recommendations, and we’ll let you know when there’s a chance to give public input.
While the City of Rochester has a lot of control over how it designs its roads, NYSDOT owns and operates portions of the most dangerous road in the city and New York State: Lake Avenue. The City has recognized the unacceptable level of road safety problems on Lake Avenue, and has put on the table the idea of reengineering Lake Avenue to be a multimodal corridor equipped with continuous bike infrastructure and bus rapid transit through the ROC Vision Zero initiative. As recent events confirm, NYSDOT’s cooperation on making Lake Avenue a safety corridor is more urgent than ever.
A local sign of culture shift toward accommodating complete streets and active transportation is NYSDOT Region 4’s project on Route 204 – Brooks Avenue in the Town of Gates, which coincides with New York State Bike Route 5. Reconnect Rochester’s input to the project last year highlighted the opportunity to connect the City of Rochester, the Airport, Gates employers and commercial center on 33A with multimodal investments on this corridor. For this project, NYSDOT coordinated with the Town of Gates and local business partners to close sidewalk gaps, and improve bus shelters. Through a combination of shoulder widening and restriping, the project will provide 5’ minimum shoulder width through corridor (with the exception of the railroad underpass area – which is outside of the NYSDOT jurisdiction) and the installation of a refuge island and other enhancements to provide for a crossing of Rt 204 at the Canal Trail. This is the kind of attention to multimodal needs that we’d like to see on every project.
Implement dedicated bike facilities, sidewalks, enhanced pedestrian crossings, traffic calming or road diets (where appropriate) to create safer places for ALL users of the road.
Build safe cycling infrastructure on Empire Boulevard (Penfield) and Monroe Avenue and West Henrietta Road (Brighton) during upcoming road projects!
Build a safer, multimodal Lake Avenue as part of ROC Vision Zero!
Create a fully connected network of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Monroe County working with towns, villages, the City of Rochester, Monroe County and residents. Improve connectivity across municipal boundaries, between neighborhoods, jobs, and safe routes to schools.
Allocate more funding to active transportation enhancements on all road projects.
NYSDOT has an important strategic choice to make: Do we maintain the roads and bridges we have and add safety for all users, or do we spend our limited resources expanding highway capacity to save drivers a few minutes of time? Reconnect for one would like to see our local roads maintained and more bike lanes, sidewalks and transit stops added. We know that adding lanes induces new demand for car trips at a time when climate action demands we reduce our vehicle miles traveled, especially for short daily trips that are most appropriate for walking, biking or transit. Let’s make it safer for more cyclists to use state roads!
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!
That’s usually the reaction I get when I tell people I try to rely on public transit and carpooling as much as possible in Rochester. It’s as if I just announced I forage for food in my backyard. But my journey to going car-lite wasn’t exactly straightforward. Let me explain.
Last October, I decided to take a trip to Washington, D.C. (before the political madness of 2024 took over). After attending Reconnect Rochester’s Street Films: The Sprawl Effect program, I was determined to make this trip extra memorable by reducing my carbon footprint as possible, so I set a challenge for myself: no cars, no Ubers—just my feet, the Metro, and the occasional bus. I had no idea if my body could handle it. I also had no idea this little experiment would completely change how I look at transportation back home in Rochester.
Because, let’s be honest—Rochester isn’t exactly known for its public transit. And yet, after years of feeling chained to my car, I started wondering: Could I make a car-lite life work here?
Growing Up Car-Lite
Though I was born in Rochester, I spent most of my childhood and teenage years in Tacoma, Washington (state, not D.C.), just south of Seattle. And let me tell you—public transportation there is incredible. Buses ran on predictable schedules and connected not just from suburbs to the city, but between suburbs, too. There’s a light rail system downtown that’s completely free to use and is currently being expanded across cities. Most kids walked or biked to school, and school buses picked up kids in groups rather than stopping at every individual house (I think of this often when I’m stuck behind a school bus in traffic). There weren’t lines of cars idling in front of schools like some kind of chaotic drive-thru. Carpooling was second nature. There were trains that took you north to Seattle and beyond or south to Oregon, even down to California. Recycling and composting were the norm. Community and sustainability were built into daily life.
Then in 2013, I moved back to Rochester, and…well. Let’s just say it was an adjustment. Public transportation here felt like an afterthought. When I mentioned the possibility of taking a bus, I got blank stares, or worse, concerned looks.
“It’s not safe.” “What do you mean, you don’t have a car?!”
It was disheartening, to say the least. But I did what many do here—I got a car. I didn’t have a choice. A 15-minute drive to work would’ve been an hour-long bus ride. And so, like most Rochesterians, I became car-dependent.
My Health Forced a Change
In 2019, life threw me a curveball. I developed a rare autoimmune disease that left me completely paralyzed. Months of therapy helped me relearn how to walk, use silverware, drink out of a cup, even just see straight ahead in front of me. My body was fragile, and at the time, my focus was purely on survival: get to work, pay the bills, and come home.
I wasn’t thinking about how I got to and from places—I was just grateful to be able to go at all. I was given a second chance at life and I wasn’t about to take it for granted. My energy is now limited, so I kissed the opportunity to try to take the bus or walk to work goodbye.
A 15-minute drive to work would’ve been an hour-long bus ride. And so, like most Rochesterians, I became car-dependent.
Testing a Car-Free Life in Washington (D.C. this time)
Fast-forward to 2024. I changed career paths and met Chaz Goodman, who is now the Marketing & Outreach Manager at Reconnect Rochester. He invited me to come to their event “Street Films: The Sprawl Effect”. I was excited to hear how Rochester could be more sustainable with their transportation, so I went with my mother (we carpooled!) and I left feeling ambitious that it could be possible to rely less on a vehicle.
While Rochester’s limited in options, it’s not impossible. I was leaving for a trip soon to Washington D.C., so I made a gameplan: Could I set a no-car challenge during my trip and only rely on public transportation? I was stronger, but still cautious about my limits. I wasn’t sure if my disabled body could handle it. I would be kidding myself if I wasn’t worried.
Walking 20,000 steps a day? It sounded impossible; it was a huge leap from my usual 5,000. But with breaks, I made it work.
And the best part? I felt free.
I wasn’t stressed about parking. I wasn’t sitting in hours-long traffic just to get downtown. I wasn’t paying for gas. I was just…moving. Exploring. Seeing the city in a way you simply can’t from behind a windshield. So, I thought: What if I tried this at home?
The Rochester Experiment
When I got home, I made a goal: To take the bus to work. To put things in perspective, I live in North Greece, and I commute to downtown Rochester for work. I pulled up Google Maps and did some research. I found a possible solution: If I can be dropped off to a bus stop 10 minutes from home, hop on the bus, and walk 10 minutes to work after I got off, it could be doable.
It sounded reasonable. My husband’s car lease was ending, so we were already considering downsizing to one car. This could actually work.
For about 2 solid months, I strictly relied on taking the bus to and from work. Sure, it took a little longer than it would have if I drove (35 minutes instead of 20), but I didn’t mind.
Pros
The morning commute was a breeze. The bus was on time (a minor miracle in public transit).
The extra time it took gave me more free time to read. I listened to music. I looked out the window and actually noticed the neighborhoods I was passing through. Rochester’s really beautiful!
I never felt unsafe. In fact, I felt completely comfortable and felt as if I’ve done this route my whole life.
The ride was comfortable and the people were pleasant.
It was only $1 to ride the bus. UM, HELLO?! That’s way better than filling up a tank of gas 2-3x a month and paying a few hundred dollars a month towards a car payment.
The 10–15-minute walk to work? Surprisingly lovely. Fresh air, a little movement—it was an easy way to get steps in without even thinking about it.
The RTS Transit Center downtown? Super clean and well-designed—it felt like I was in a mini airport. (To put it in perspective, the transit centers back in Washington state were all outdoor, so I wasn’t used to this.)
Every Pros list has a cons list, so here are some of my not-so-favorite things about Rochester’s public transit:
Cons
The evening commute? A whole different story. The Transit Center was chaotic. I got lost trying to find my bus a few times, and by the time I spotted it, I had to sprint to catch it (not exactly ideal for someone with mobility concerns.)
The bus was PACKED in the evenings. Unlike the mornings, it was almost difficult for me to find a spot, and sometimes I was close to having to stand the whole way home.
The stops felt endless. A 35-minute morning commute turned into 50+ minutes going home.
The biggest issue? Frequency. But what would we expect differently if the bus only comes every 30 minutes? If it ran every 15 minutes, it would’ve been a game-changer. There’d be less people as we’d be spread out more.
I recognize my blessings in having the ability to be dropped off at my bus stop, which is about a 10-minute drive from my house. What if I didn’t have that option? Then, I’d have to walk to my stop, which could take hours given my disabled body. That’s not feasible.
Where I Landed: A Car-Lite Life
I did my bus experiment for about 2 months before my body started to push back. The morning ride was fine, but running through downtown and the Transit Center in the evening and scrambling for a seat? Not sustainable as much for someone like me.
But in the end, this experiment had a lasting impact—My family officially downsized to one car. Now, my husband and I carpool to work. Some weeks, I drive just one day to work. I’m still car- lite—just in a different way. And I still take the bus here and there, but I make sure to give myself enough lead-time to catch the evening bus so I’m not running to catch it.
And honestly? It feels great. I spend WAY less on gas. I walk more than I used to. I feel more connected to my city. And I still dream of the day that Rochester invests in public transit the way Tacoma, Seattle, and D.C. have. Until then, I’ll keep doing what I can—one less car ride at a time.
At Reconnect, we’re inspired by the stories of people in our community, like Karen Nozik, Steve Roll, and Calvin Eaton, who are passionate about living a car-lite or car-free lifestyle. If you want to support our work and make it easier for others to go Car-Lite please donate and sign up for Mobility Action Alerts to stay in the loop with opportunities of how to advocate for safer streets and transportation options.
Let us know if you want to share your mobility story! What’s in it for you? The intrinsic reward of knowing you’ve inspired others, and a free t-shirt from our online shop! Contact Chaz to submit your story.
