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New York Bicycling Coalition Commends State Legislature, Governor On Enactment Of Safe Passing Law

(August 16, 2010) ALBANY — The New York Bicycling Coalition congratulates the state legislature and Governor David Paterson for enacting a law mandating that drivers pass cyclists at a safe distance when traveling on New York’s roads. Although the law does not set a specific distance, the text of the law states that three feet is considered a safe distance, and that sometimes an even greater passing distance is necessitated by road conditions.

From the New York Senate site:

Each year while riding on the right side of the road, bicyclists are hurt or killed because they are hit by drivers in vehicles that pass too closely to them. For this reason, seventeen states have enacted safe passing laws. Several states, including Connecticut, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Utah, have specified that when passing a person riding a bicycle going in the same direction, a distance of no less than three feet must be maintained between the vehicle and the bicyclist. A minimum of three feet is considered a safe distance in most circumstances. There are, however, occasions when a distance greater than three feet is necessary in order to pass at a safe distance. For example, the adverse impact of wind blast and debris kicked up from vehicles passing too closely to bicyclists may cause a bicyclist to swerve and crash. A safe buffer between the motorist and the cyclist is needed in such common circumstances as when a cyclist needs to maneuver around cracks, potholes, or the hazard of an opening door from a parked car. Another way to help ensure the safety of bicyclists who ride on the state highways would be to create marked bicycle lanes. However, many highways throughout the state are too narrow to accommodate bicycle lanes, and the cost of constructing such lanes would be prohibitive. By mandating passing at “a safe distance,” this legislation will serve to educate the public about the need for motor vehicles and bicyclists to share our roads safely. A violation will result in a traffic infraction, deterring vehicles from passing at a distance that may harm or kill bicyclists.

The governor signed the bill on August 13 and announced the move on August 15. For more information on the new law, which takes effect Nov. 1, 2010, visit the New York State Senate’s page for the bill: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S7897.

NYBC Board Member Stars In Video About Bikeable Buses

(July 13) — Our own Claire Nolan is the star of a new video produced by the Capital District Transportation Authority. The video is about the bike racks installed on CDTA buses. To see Claire in action, visit the NYBC blog. Way to go, Claire!

Photos From Albany’s Traffic Skills 101 Class

(July 1) — Enjoy some photos from the current session of Traffic Skills 101 being offered in Albany, NY. Click here to see the photos. Want to join in the fun and learn some valuable cycling skills? The course is being taught this summer in Cooperstown, too. Visit our Programs page for details.

NYBC Is Now On Facebook And Twitter

(June 3, 2010) — The New York Bicycling Coalition is now on Facebook and Twitter. Please “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

• NYBC’s Facebook page
• NYBC’s Twitter page

Champlain Bridge Update

(June 3, 2010) — As previous NYBC newsletters reported, the Lake Chaplain Bridge between Crown Point and Vermont was demolished in December 2009 because of dangerously deteriorated abutments. A beautiful design — including 5-foot-wide shoulders for bicycling as well as two 5-foot-wide sidewalks — was approved, and on May 27, 2010 an the project was awarded to the Flatiron Construction Corporation. Up-to-date information on the bridge, as well as renderings of the design can be seen on https://www.nysdot.gov/lakechamplainbridge/current-schedule.

A free ferry is temporarily running to serve this location, accommodating bicycles, pedestrians and other vehicles. NYBC and Vermont bicyclists are proud of their advisory role in helping the New York State Department of Transportation and the Vermont Agency of Transportation adopt a design that will greatly improve bicycle and pedestrian safety at this strategic location.

More Than 50 Cornellians Roll With Tour De Cornell

(June 2, 2010) — To celebrate National Bike to Work Day, more than 50 students, faculty and staff participated in the first Tour de Cornell bike ride across campus May 21, sponsored by Transportation Services and the Cornell Wellness Program. The event was designed to show how biking can be a viable and enjoyable way to get around campus. Read the article.

Traffic Skills 101 Course Offered In Albany In June

(June 1, 2010) — Summer is here and for many people that means riding your bicycle. If you’d like to learn how to ride more safely, NYBC is offering the League of American Bicyclists’ Traffic Skills 101 course. This nine-hour course is the only nationally recognized bicycle training program with certified instructors. The course offers on-the-road training with an emphasis on learning to ride safely and effectively in all road and traffic conditions. You must register by June 20. For information, visit our programs page.

NYBC Names New Executive Director

(June 1, 2010) – The New York Bicycling Coalition (NYBC), a statewide advocacy organization, has named Jason Crane as its new executive director, effective June 1.

Crane comes to the coalition with a background in nonprofit management, community organizing and cycling advocacy. He previously worked as station manager of a community jazz station in Rochester, NY; organizing director of an upstate New York labor union; and is also the founder of RocBike.com, a Web site geared toward cyclists across the state. Crane previously served on the board of NYBC.

“We’re thrilled to add Jason’s experience to our organization,” said Richard de Sarra, acting president of the board of NYBC. “I’ve seen first-hand the positive changes Jason has made in other organizations in which he’s been involved, and I’m expecting the same leadership from him with NYBC.”

Crane said his early work will include expanding awareness of the organization and looking for additional funding sources.

“NYBC has done an incredible amount of good for all kinds of cyclists in New York State,” Crane said. “More people need to know about what we do so we can inspire them to get involved with us and to become active in their own local communities.”

Formed in 1992, the New York Bicycling Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a coherent, credible voice for the interests of all bicyclists in the state, on- or off-road, recreational or racer. The organization works with existing cycling clubs, interested individuals and local cycling advocacy organizations.

“For nearly 20 years, NYBC has been making New York State a better place for cyclists, and we’ve also been helping to get the word out about bicycling events,” Crane said. “The organization is in solid financial shape and has a good membership base. Now, as more people are turning to bicycling for transportation and fitness, NYBC is poised to grow into an even more influential organization. It’s a very exciting time for us.”

For more information about NYBC, please contact (518) 436-0889 or jason@nybc.net, or visit http://nybc.net.