On May 3, 2024, the “Ride for the Spine” bike rally was held in support of acceleration of the 2023 Active Transportation Plans, (ATPs), adopted by the City of Rochester and Monroe County, that called for a “spine network” of connected bike routes that are safe and accessible for cyclists of all abilities.
Cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists die at higher rates traveling in Rochester than in any other city in New York. One major reason is the piecemeal, disconnected state of today’s bike infrastructure in and around our city. The ride and rally called upon elected officials to harden resolve, to close the gaps in the bike network, and to demonstrate support for their work completing the Bike Spine Network’s basic central axes, in a matter of years — not decades.
The Ride and Rally highlighted these immediate needs:
- Build eight miles of protected bike lanes to complete the minimum grid now.
- Build the seamless, high-comfort bike facility every time. When a road that was envisioned in the ATPs spine is up for repaving or reconstruction, the design must reflect protected bike lanes with connectivity to other parts of the network. Painted lanes only suffice for the envisioned “supporting corridor network” for more experienced riders. Protected bike facilities make all road users safer, including drivers. Low-cost materials are available and widely used nationwide.
- Build resilience in the face of opposition. City and County officials are doing the right thing by implementing complete streets. They make roads safer for everyone and more inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. Protected bike facilities are cost effective, reduce fatalities and injuries, and get more people biking and scooting, which lessens pollution and congestion, saves families money, attracts and retains young people, acts as a social cohesive, gets residents active and healthy, gets kids outside and results in a more equitable and vibrant community. Certainly there are trade-offs – mostly underutilized parking spots and slowing cars down. Often we bicyclists are motorists too and we find these trade-offs acceptable. Safety for vulnerable road users must be our prime directive and override perceived inconveniences for drivers.
City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “Reconnect Rochester and Black Girls Do Bike have been great partners as we developed the City’s new Active Transportation Plan. We’re seeking to expand options for people who don’t have, or want, a car—options that are safer, more accessible, and available to everyone regardless of where they live in the city. Expanding our bicycle-friendly network is a key part of creating a safe and equitable transportation system.”
County Executive Adam D. Bello said, “Having an active transportation network for walking, using mobility devices and biking is essential to the health and safety of our residents. With our community’s help, Monroe County has completed its first ever Active Transportation Plan and our Department of Transportation is working with our partners in the Towns, Villages, and City to build more bike lanes and sidewalks. I support Reconnect Rochester’s mission of improving our infrastructure to make our community more accessible, equitable and inclusive.”
Congressman Joe Morelle said, “Safe and accessible bicycle networks help connect our community, allowing people to cycle comfortably, stay active, and travel in an environmentally friendly way. Reconnect Rochester’s expertise and advocacy has been essential to the ongoing growth and improvement of our city’s bike network. I am grateful for our partnership and look forward to continuing our work together to increase access to safe, sustainable transportation.”
Michelle R. King of Black Girls Do Bike Rochester said, “I often think about something one of America’s great leaders, President John F. Kennedy said: ‘Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.”
Karen Rogers, CEO of EE Pathways said, ”Building and managing a truly inclusive cycling community in Monroe County means involving Black MWBEs at every step of the process It’s not just about creating new bike lanes; it’s about building bridges of opportunity and pathways to better health in historically marginalized communities.”
The Ride for the Spine followed a route from Genesee Valley Park to City Hall and back.
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