Capital Bike Week
In celebration of Bike Month, NYBC and the Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club held
Capital Bike Week 2004, May 8th - 14th, which featured events throughout
the week promoting bicycling as a fun, viable means of transportation for Capital
District commuters. We had a great week and owe a hearty thanks to an incredible
group of volunteers, sponsors, and all those commuters who got out of their
cars and on to their bikes!
Events
Tri-County River Ride
The Tri-County River Ride, Saturday May 8th, gathered about 150 riders
for a tour around the Hudson River. Heading north from Albany's Corning Preserve
in 10, 25, and 45 mile roundtrip legs, the tour wound its way through the communities
along the Hudson and included lots of street cycling and sharing of the roads.
 Tri-County
River Ride Flyer
     
Legislative Breakfast
On May 12th, NYBC hosted a forum for NYS Legislators and bicycling advocates
to meet over a breakfast nosh. A Bicycle & Pedestrian Achievement Award
was given to John Egan, former NYS DOT Commissioner and current president of
the Renaissance Corp., for his commitment to bicycle friendly communities. More
Details on Breakfast,
View NYBC's positions on bills before the Legislature
Legislative Ride
After Breakfast a group of riders, including members of the Legislature, got
on their bikes for a mid-morning ride around downtown Albany.
   
Commuter Award Ceremony
Also on May 12th, NYBC, with the help of Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue and
NYS DOT Region 1 Director Thomas Werner, presented four Capital Region Bicycle
Commuters with 2004 "Commuter of the Year" Awards. Lt. Gov. Donohue's Speech, NYS DOT Regional Director Werner's Speech
Youth Commuter of the Year - Matt Hauser
Male Commuter of the Year - Bruce Pomeroy
Female Commuter of the Year - Sara Worden
Super Commuter of the Year - Mark Gaffney
  
Commuter Contest
The Commuter Contest garnered much publicity, as Mark Gaffney, our Super Commuter
raced a bus rider and car driver from downtown Albany to Stuyvesant Plaza, about
4.5 miles away in evening rush hour traffic on Thursday May 13th. Mark clocked
in at 18 minutes, beating the car driver by about a minute. While this contest,
and others like it held during Bike Month, highlight bike riding as faster than
other forms of transportation, we want to focus attention on alternatives to
car commuting. Please join us in this effort by riding your bike, walking, or
taking the bus!
   
Friday Potluck
Wrapping up Bike Week, you found us in the park, eating and schmoozing, with
the more energetic of the pack getting ready for an evening ride or tossing
a frisbee.
 
Poster Contest
A poster contest among Capital Region schools and after-school programs yielded
some fun and thought-provoking artwork. Two major topics: "bike safety"
and "bike of the future" were specified. Samples will be posted soon...
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Thank you!
Wow! A week of events takes a village to make it a success. A grateful note
to our community of volunteers, sponsors, speakers, and especially to Claire
Nolan our Bike Week Coordinator. We couldn't have done it without you!
     
2004 Bike Week Sponsors:
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