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Getting Around Tomorrow
by Frank J. Regan
A recent poll in Rochester on
high-speed rail (3/20/09
Rochester
Business Journal ) showed
Rochesterians favoring this flashy mode
of travel. Proponents say it will create
jobs, reduced air pollution, and get us
around more quickly. There are other
ideas floating around town as federal
dollars float in, including funds to
develop hydrogen fuel.
Realistically, most if not all that fed
money will be used for fixing and
updating our highway infrastructure.
Road construction and bridge repair are
shovel-ready; already in regional
budgets, and they are going to create
immediate jobs. For the time being,
traveling around Rochester will not leap
suddenly into the breath-taking
fictional world of
The Jetsons.
What will
the future bring? Change will certainly
occur in Rochester’s transportation.
Indigenous peoples walked on well-work
paths, then came horse and carriages,
then ole Clinton’s Folly (which some are
talking of resurrecting through the
city), then train, bicycling, the
automobile, and the airplane. Some modes
make it, some don’t. A helicopter in
every garage did not and probably will
not ever happen.
Forces
other than speed and cost are driving
our future transportation. Back in the
day, when the miracle of the horseless
carriage fulfilled all our dreams of
privacy and accessibility (not to
mention one’s own music sound chamber)
no one thought that the stuff coming out
the tailpipe would question their
viability. Anthropogenic climate change
(get used to it, it’s real) and the
horrendous cost of building and
maintaining the seemingly endless growth
of highways is going to force us to
reconsider the private automobile as the
dominate form of Rochester travel.
Today’s transportation is not
sustainable.
As a species
seemingly at times capable of thinking
and adapting, we can not only speculate
on what getting around will look like in
Rochester’s future, we can be the
driving force of that change. Things
don’t just occur; there is always a
cause. If you want high speed rail in
Rochester, you have to provide the
people who maintain your highways and
bridges the reason for billions of your
dollars to go elsewhere. If you continue
to buy large polluting vehicles to
commute an hour to work and play, your
government will have to put the majority
of public transportation funds in that
pot—until, of course, the gas-guzzling
automobile fails economically and
environmentally. By the way, that is
happening now. FDR supposedly said to
A. Philip Randolph: “I agree with
everything that you've said, including
my capacity to be able to right many of
these wrongs and to use my power and the
bully pulpit. ... But I would ask one
thing of you, Mr. Randolph, and that is
go out and make me do it." We must
demonstrate to our representatives that
we want a sustainable future.
If we want our streets made easier for
walking and bicycling, less money spent
on highways, and more money spent on
public transportation (maybe high-speed
rail), then we must prove it our
representatives. We must walk more, bike
more, and use public transportation. We
must demand that vehicles slow down on
our streets, respect one’s right to
bicycle on our streets, and always give
way to pedestrians. Increase these free
community-empowering modes of
transportation and our representative
will hear you. The biggest and most
profound change we can make in
Rochester’s transportation future is to
change our attitude: Be a community that
accommodates people instead of the car.
FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com
 Critical
Mass: The worldwide web-wheel of the organized coincidence known as
Critical Mass. Critical Mass is a monthly event occurring in hundreds of cities
worldwide. Cyclists ride in a group through the city streets to celebrate
cycling, fossil-fuel-free transportation, redefining of the social space of our
cities and reclaim autonomy in an automobile dominated society. It's loads of
fun too. The revolution is riding a bike! ROCHESTER
CRITICAL MASS BIKE RIDE!! Meet every last Friday of the month at 5:15 to ride at 5:30 at
the Church of
the Annunciation, 962 East Ave. Critical Mass is a monthly bicycle ride assert
cyclists' right to the road. The idea started in San Francisco in September
1992, and quickly spread to cities all over the world. Critical Mass is a
monthly worldwide two-hour (more or less), non-athletic, non-competitive, free
bike ride to educate the auto-bound to the simplicity of travel by bicycle and
to draw attention to the rights of urban cyclists. ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE IS
ENCOURAGED TO COME RIDE WITH US! IT'S FUN, IT'S OUTDOORS - LET'S SHOW
ROCHESTER THAT CYCLISTS ARE EVERYWHERE!
State Rail Plan "The plan, entitled
NEW YORK STATE RAIL PLAN 2009 -
Strategies for a New Age, was developed
in cooperation with New York’s freight
railroads, Amtrak, commuter railroads,
transportation planners, and New York
residents. The State Rail Plan was
prepared based on extensive public
comments, including four public
information workshops, regarding a draft
State Rail Plan report released in June
2008." --from
NYSDOT Home
Feel safe and ride your bike as a
transportation options with the experts
over at
rochesterbicyclingclub.org
RocBike.com "I started RocBike.com to
chronicle my adventures as a cyclist and bike commuter in Rochester, NY, a
mid-sized city on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. My idea was to write about
the rides, the idiots, the joys, the brushes with death, and the daily challenge
that is being a bicycle rider. After just a few days, though, I started to see
more potential for the site. Now I’m interested in making it a gathering place
for bike advocacy and shared experience here in the Flower City. RocBike.com can
be an online zocalo (town square) for cycling and bike activism in Rochester,
from Critical Mass to citywide bike tours to the everyday experiences of
cyclists just like me."
Get to here to there quickly from other who know the best way --by bike:
Bike Trails, Paths & Routes From Over 40
Countries at Bikely.com "Put very simply, Bikely helps cyclists share
knowledge of good bicycle routes. It can be quite tricky traversing a car
dominated city by bicycle, particularly when you need to travel an unknown route
to a new destination. But the chances are, someone has cycled that way before
you. Bikely makes it easy for him or her to show you the best way."
NYSDOT | Smart-Planning
The New York State Department of Transportation seeks to enrich the State's many
communities by investing in transportation improvements that promote sustainable
economic growth and contribute to their overall quality of life. These
objectives are pursued through a statewide program integrating land-use and
transportation planning, including the provision of training, educational
materials and hands-on planning assistance.
NYSDOT Home
Commuting by bike is
great for the environment,
Transportation, and great for your health. But, it's a change and
if you are considering it, bone up on some recommendations. Here's a site
that will help Commute by Bike | Tips,
Hints, Reviews and Safety for Bike Commuters Especially, check out
Commuting 101 | Commute by
Bike
Second Life Bikes' (SLB)
(page from
bikeRochester)
mission is to provide bikes and bike services free to children of low
income families. We take in bikes that are no longer being used or are
thrown away and give them a second life, but SLB does not accept monetary
donation at this time.
Bicycle Commuting -
E-Files - Sierra Club Almost everyone thinks that it would be nice to ride a
bike to work, and the health benefits to both the rider and the environment are
undeniable. Unfortunately, many people find the logistics (especially dealing
with traffic) daunting or downright frightening. Here's how to make riding to
work less nerve-racking and more enjoyable.
How safe is it to cross
the streets in New York State?:
Mean Streets 2003 -Pedestrian
Safety, Health and Federal Transportation Spending -STPP's
"Mean Streets 2002" report is the latest study in a series that looks at the
perils facing pedestrians, why where you live matters, and how states aren't
spending enough to fix the problem. The new study ranks per capita deaths and
spending by metro area for the first time, and finds children, the elderly and
African-Americans at particularly high risk.
Need exercise? Want
to help reduce pollution?
Let loose, de-stress, bike to work Try commuting by bicycle.--from
Democrat and Chronicle
Sharing
the Road New York State Bicycle and Pedestrian Laws --from NYS
DOT Adults and children are bicycling and
walking in increasing numbers in New York State for transportation and
recreation. To be as safe as possible, all motorists, bicyclists, and
pedestrians should be familiar with the sections of the New York State Vehicle
and Traffic Law that apply to them. These are the laws that apply to bicyclists
and pedestrians on public highways and paths. Motorists also are reminded to
obey the law, and to respect bicyclists, pedestrians and other motorists. Unless
otherwise indicated, the section numbers in parentheses are from the New York
State Vehicle and Traffic Law. All referenced sections of the law are printed in
the back of this booklet.
It cost a
little, but maybe you'll buy a green car:
GreenerCars.com: ACEEE's Green
Book Online Make
a difference -- for your health and the health of the planet -- by using
GreenerCars.com to comparison shop with the environment in mind. Our low-cost
subscriptions will let you look up Green Scores for every car, van, pickup, and
SUV on the market. It's worth spending a little "green" to get the information
you need to make an eco-conscious car choice. Why isn't GreenerCars.com free?
When
biking, take your cellular phone and report road rage against bikers!
Mass Transit & Commuting in
the news
- BikeRochester.com: This site
mainly contains information and links to 'all things' bicycling in the
Genesee Valley Region, the Finger Lakes Region, and Rochester, NY.
-
Rochester Bicycling Club "Rochester’s Recreational Cycling
Source - Dedicated to promote cycling for health and well being."
- Bicycling.com
Major resources for
all things bikes, including magazine.
- Cycle Rochester
-
Welcome
to Rochester Trolley & Rail Formed in early 2003 and incorporated August
2003 as a NYS Railroad Corporation, we're a new company that will develop, own
and operate a heritage rail-based trolley and streetcar system for the Greater
Rochester area. We have an executive team developed, and every day we're
working on developing great community partnerships to move this endeavor
forward. We are targeting an underserved and/or unserved market, creating
jobs, economic development, community revitalization, and leveraging a unique
mode of transportation to run across town.
- Huggers Ski Club Pedal Power:
- The
Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is an operating administration
of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The Bureau is headed by a
Director appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. BTS started
operations in December 1992, and is required by the Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 to improve the knowledge base
for public decision making, and to improve public awareness of the nation's
transportation system and its consequences.
- Rochester Rail Transit Committee
The RRTC is a §501c not-for-profit, grassroots citizen's group
dedicated to exploring and promoting the opportunities of rail transit in the
greater Rochester, NY area. The goals of the Rochester Rail Transit Committee
are to: Inform community leaders about rail transit options and their benefits,
Educate the public about the benefits and possibilities of rail transit
Promote all modes of transit, including bus transit
-
United States
Light Rail Transit System Web Sites Light Rail is
lightweight passenger rail cars operating singly (or in short, usually
two-car, trains) on fixed rails in right-of-way that is not separated from
other traffic for much of the way. Light rail vehicles are driven electrically
with power being drawn from an overhead electric line via a trolley or a
pantograph. Also known as "streetcar," "tramway," "trolley car."
- Special Report: Bicycle
Commuting A Commuting Guide for Employers, from Self-Propelled
City.
- Rochester Bicycling Club Exercise outdoors
without polluting by biking with others. This site has a RBC Events Calendar, newsletter about all their events, and
even an Adopt-A-Highway Program.
Don't forget to check the weather
before you go.
- Sharing the Road with Bicycles
Whether running errands, commuting to work, or exercising, more and more
people are riding bicycles in Connecticut. Under Connecticut General
Statutes, a bicycle is considered a vehicle with the same rights and
responsibilities as cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles that travel on
public roadways. Courtesy, predictability, and visibility are important
factors in “sharing the road” with many types of vehicles.--form
Connecticut Bicycle Coalition, Inc
- New York Bicycling
Coalition Advocacy and Education The Board and staff of NYBC is
committed to staying lean and "on the edge" - which means that we
envision our evolving website to be our main communication and community
building tool. Who needs an office when you can create an effective
interactive website?
- Rochester Rail Transit: The RRTC is a not-for-profit, grassroots
citizen's group dedicated to exploring and promoting the opportunities of
rail transit in the greater Rochester, NY area. The goals of the Rochester
Rail Transit Committee are: Inform community leaders about rail transit
options and their benefits Educate the public about the benefits and
possibilities of rail transit. Promote all modes of transit, including bus
transit.
- League of American Bicyclists:
The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and
transportation and works through advocacy and education for a
bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of the
nation's 42 million cyclists. With a current membership of 300,000
affiliated cyclists, including 40,000 individuals and 600 affiliated
organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling to your community.
- BikeToWork.com
BikeToWork.com is a web page devoted to bicycle commuting.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Information
Center: In June of 1999, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC)
was established with funding from the US Department of Transportation to
connect communities with the information and resources they need to create
safe places for walking and bicycling. The Center is a program of the
University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center in cooperation
with the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals.
- National Center for Bicycling and
Walking: This site is designed to support the activities and initiatives
of people working across the country, in their professional work and private
lives, to make America a better place to walk and to bicycle. We present
informational resources, and outline actions government agencies,
non-governmental organization and individuals can take to improve the
environment for bicycling and walking. The site focuses on issues of public
health, including physical activity promotion, chronic disease prevention
and environmental health, as well as transportation, land use, public safety
and injury prevention.
- New York State Department of Transportation.
Included on their web site is information and laws pertaining to
Bicycle
and Pedestrian
-
Adventure Cycling Association -
Inspiring People to Travel by Bike.
-
League of American Bicyclists: The
League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and
transportation and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly
America. The League represents the interests of the nation's 42 million
cyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including
40,000 individuals and 600 affiliated organizations, the League works to bring
better bicycling to your community.
-
PPOLNEWS Is Your Free Press Release
Distribution Center for news and information related to the cycling Industry
"The purpose of this site is to act as a place where businesses, individuals
and clubs can post news and press releases related to the Bicycle Trade, and
Bicycle Activities. We then distribute your news to the media, the public,
search engines and other Web sites on your behalf. This will then increase
the public's awareness of your message."
-
The Way To Bike:
Since the gas crisis, many have
decided not to use their gas
guzzlers so much and to bike more
often. So, have you discovered the
best routes to bike friendly? If
not, check out this amazing biking
service/idea online. If so, tell
the world the best routes to bike
around Rochester. What a great
idea, using technology, ingenuity,
and a sense of environmental
responsibility this:
Bike Trails, Paths & Routes From
Over 40 Countries at Bikely.com
Put very simply, Bikely helps
cyclists share knowledge of good
bicycle routes. It can be quite
tricky traversing a car dominated
city by bicycle, particularly when
you need to travel an unknown route
to a new destination. But the
chances are, someone has cycled that
way before you. Bikely makes it easy
for him or her to show you the best
way. Check out some biking routes
for Rochester--Find
Bike Trails at Bikely.com
-
City of Toronto: Cycling in Toronto,
Bicycle Friendly Business Awards
"Nominations are now being accepted
for the 2008 Bicycle Friendly
Business Awards. Consider honouring
your local business or organization
by recognizing their efforts to
encourage cycling by customers
and/or employees. The 2008 Bicycle
Friendly Business Awards will be
presented at a special ceremony in
January 2009, in partnership with
the Toronto Cyclists Union. " --from
http://www.toronto.ca/favicon.ico
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Find out about fixing our
transportation infrastructure:
Transportation For America
Transportation for America
has formed a broad coalition
of housing, environmental, public
health, urban planning,
transportation, equitable
development, and other
organizations. We’re all seeking to
align our national, state, and local
transportation policies with an
array of issues like economic
opportunity, climate change, energy
security, health, housing and
community development.
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FEDERAL RAILROAD
ADMINISTRATION : The
Federal Railroad Administration
(FRA) was created by the Department
of Transportation Act of 1966 (49
U.S.C. 103, Section 3(e)(1)). The
purpose of FRA is to: promulgate and
enforce rail safety regulations;
administer railroad assistance
programs; conduct research and
development in support of improved
railroad safety and national rail
transportation policy; provide for
the rehabilitation of Northeast
Corridor rail passenger service; and
consolidate government support of
rail transportation activities.
Today, the FRA is one of ten
agencies within the U.S. Department
of Transportation concerned with
intermodal transportation. It
operates through seven divisions
under the offices of the
Administrator and Deputy
Administrator.
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