Bike Month NYC Updates

I just received the following e-mail from Transportation Alternatives and thought it would be good info to share.


Greetings Bike Month NYC Team!

Transportation Alternatives has been working hard to organize the 2010 Bike Month NYC Campaign, and we thank you for all of your help. This year, we had the pleasure of working with NYC & Co. and the New York City Department of Transportation in developing many of the details. They're great partners. We hope you love what we've done!

The Bike Month NYC calendar is online now, but you can make last minute changes, so if your event's details are sketchy, be sure make your changes soon. Or if you forgot to add your event, please take this moment to register at BikeMonthNYC.org.

To show our gratitude for all of your help and hard work, we'd like to invite you to the official 2010 Bike Month NYC Launch Party on May 1st from 1-5 pm at Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 1). We're throwing it in collaboration with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, the Department of Transportation, Recycle-a-Bicycle, Bike New York, the New York Police Department and T.A.'s volunteer committees, so it's sure to be an awesome event, as well as an opportunity to hang out with great people.

Some of the activities we have lined up for the day include:
1. Guided rides from each borough by T.A. volunteer committees. Check out locations and start times here
2. Learn to Ride for Kids, by Bike New York (register your child here)
3. NYC Cycle Maps by the Department of Transportation
4. Light bike repair by Recycle-a-Bicycle
5. Bike registration by the NYPD
6. Biking Rules PSA 2009 Film Festival Screening by Transportation Alternatives

This is also your chance to pick up Bike Month NYC Calendars, Biking Rules handbooks and the new NYC Cycling Map for your organization or for yourself.

If you can't join us for the party, you can request a calendar at BikeMonthNYC.org or if you need more than 10, swing by our office located at 127 West 26th Street, Suite 1002.

Best of luck with your event and bike often!

Nora Peña
Events Director
Transportation Alternatives

E-mail: FreeSails! New on Board! Share Ideas!

Thanks to Bonnie over at Frogma who forwarded me this e-mail from PortSide New York detailing Free Sails on Clipper City.


The e-mail says the following:

PortSide NewYork wishes to announce, and invite you to, another great Atlantic Basin event:  a series of 4 days of free sailings on the USA's s largest passenger sailing vessel.

 
FreeSails on Clipper City!

USA's largest passenger sailing vessel

PortSide NewYork, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), and Manhattan By Sail Inc. are making available 550 free tickets for sails on the Clipper City Tall Ship, a 158' long topsail schooner.

The Clipper City Tall Ship will depart from Pier 11, Atlantic Basin, next to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. The ship can take up to 145 passengers at a time.  Rides are about one and a half hours long and will depart on the following days and times:

Fri 4/30 10:00 a.m.
Sat 5/1 10:00 a.m.
Fri 5/7 10:00 a.m.
Sat 5/8 10:00 a.m.

As of Fri 4/16/10, 240 free tickets will be distributed via the web here. This is inaugural event for the season. Other summer programs will be announced in early May.Tickets are limited to two per person. Tickets at Community Board 6 that have not been picked up 3 days before the sail, will become available on line.

Directions to Atlantic Basin Note: cars enter at Bowne + Imlay Street. Pedestrians can enter there or gate at Pioneer + Conover Streets.

More info on this program at our Maritime Hub Events page or call 718-852-0821.

Bonnie also asked me to mention that PortSide is always looking for volunteers. If you are into sailing or being on the water this could be an awesome opportunity. For more information check out PortSide's Volunteer Webpage.

One of my Favorite Things

Do you ever wander around the city parks and look at the dedications on park benches?

Well, if you don't, you should. I find it to be one of the most inspirational and relaxing activities in this city. And because I believe in sharing inspiration here are a few of my favorites:

 "Enjoy a moment of peace- The Quinns"

"Angie, Have I asked you to marry me yet today? Love, Mike"

This one is just so sweet!

"With gratitude
Glorious, glorious Central Park
Lovely oasis of beauty and inspiration

A photographer's delight - Joan Wolfson"

Couldn't agree more with this one.

"Sit. Relax. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the Day. Linda C. Kobefitsch"

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive: to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.- Marcus Aurelius   From the family of John R. Fernbach"

I love these little phrases. They always remind me to live each day to the fullest, especially those benches that are dedicated to the memory of someone who loved the city parks. I hope you are inspired to enjoy your surroundings and take a moment each day to to be thankful for the little things in life.

May is Bike Month in NYC

Take note: May is Bike Month in New York, a month long celebration of cycling.

Bike Month NYC has not posted any events yet but I contacted Transportation Alternatives and their response to my e-mail was: 

We will be launching the website in the third week of April. All of the events will be posted and available online. The print calendars will be distributed throughout the boroughs beginning next week. We hope that you enjoy Bike Month 2010!

I will be excited to see what events are happening this year.

Additionally, the organization's "bike tips" are pretty good. I was pleased to see that they posted bicycling laws, which included a reminder to all to not only wear a helmet but also not to ride on the sidewalks if you are over the age of 12 and not to wear headphones.One of my pet-peeves in this city is that so many people ride on the side-walks and I have seen dogs and people hit because the bike rider was unable to stop or they were wearing headphones and not paying attention. So while I try to keep this blog cheery and enthusiastic, I am also enthusiastic about personal safety and the safety of those around you... so please remember to wear a helmet, stay off the sidewalks and park foot paths and don't ride with headphones. 

And back to our regularly scheduled programing:

Bike Month NYC posted links on their web-site to NYC Century Bike Tour's bike rental page (very helpful if, like me, you do not keep your bike in town but occasionally find yourself wanting to feel the wind on your face and go for a ride).

And on a related note, please note that the NYC Century Tour event will take place on September 12, 2010 and registration is now open.

How do you plan on celebrating Bike Month??

Run for the Parks

Think and run green on April 18th at 8:00 AM in a 4-mile race that supports City Parks Foundation.

Proceeds from the day benefit CPF's free citywide programs.

You can bring the whole family to participate in the kids' races and have fun at the post-race reception. What's the ideal location for your Sunday run? Central Park, of course.
 
Register Here

Two Great Articles on City Parks

I was very pleased to hear through the New York Times that the City will be taking control of Governor's Island. I know Leslie Koch, President of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation, and have heard her speak at a number of events. She has really been a driving force behind the recent revitalization the park and I think the City's control of the Island will only further the process.

According to the NY Times:

Image: Artist's rendering of of the Shell on Governor's Island, from New York City Takes Over Governors Island

"As part of the announcement, the city unveiled a new plan to continue to redevelop much of the island as a public park, adding amenities, green space and making improvements to the 2.2-mile promenade that offers sweeping views of New York Harbor. The city, which will be primarily responsible for developing and operating the island, said it has already committed $41.5 million to the project."

For more information on Governor's Island, how to get there and the activities available on the island check out the website (http://www.govisland.com/).

The second article is a lovely tribute to Tupper Thomas, who recently announced her retirement, and her role in the rejuvenation of Prospect Park. To read more: Returning Prospect Park to the People.

April is Million Trees Month

Learn more here: Million Trees NYC

Now go get your planting on!


P.S. Million Trees also pointed me towards this article from the New York Times... It might be considered disorderly conduct, but I guess I am just incredibly disorderly. Don't believe me? The scars on my knees and shins from being a kid and climbing every tree I could find will prove it!

24 ways to get on the Water in New York City

24 Great Ways to Get On the Water in NYC (plus a couple of spots in Jersey) Without Your Own Boat is something I've been wanting to blog about since February but I wanted to wait until the weather got a little more seasonable. Sorry to post on a chillier day... I just couldn't wait any longer.

I have been referring back to to Bonnie's post since it went up last year and I love her suggestions. It has been so helpful to me and in general I think her blog is great. I encourage you all to check it out.

Summer Declared

Sorry for not posting with my usual frequency but, I just couldn't sit by my computer all day long. It was too nice out.

In case you want a recap of the past two days: Summer Overtakes Spring; Confusion Reigns

Judging by the numbers you were all also out enjoying the sun! How did you spend Wednesday and Thursday? What did you do to enjoy the gorgeous weather? I hope you had fun!!!

Are You a White Water Rafting Junkie?

Personally, I've only been rafting a few times but I loved it every time. I've been rafting in a few different locations but never within three hours of the City.

I recently learned about Urban Sherpa Travel which leads white water rafting trips to the Lehigh River in the Poconos from New York City. Bonus: they provide everything, "rafting equipment, round trip transportation from NYC in a luxury motor coach, shuttle service to/from the river, pre-trip instruction, a river lunch, free use of all the facilities and changing rooms at the Whitewater Challengers Rafting Center, and, of course, experienced river guides for the trip itself." 

They have certain designated dam release dates, so sign up early, because I am sure all the other junkies out there are signing up now too.

The company also leads rock climbing, skiing/snowboarding and zip line trips from both New York and Boston. Urban Sherpa's white water rating trip was also recently endorsed by EMS and since the individuals who work for EMS generally really know their stuff I would trust that this is a worth while trip.

Have you been on an Urban Sherpa trip before? If so, would you recommend it? Why/why not?

Port Authority Statement Supports Cycling

Wow, this is HUGE, especially if you are a cyclist. The Century Road Club Association covered the Port Authority of NY/NJ's statement which "called for systematic planning for the incorporation of bicycling in the regional transportation network."

The following is a copy of the Port Authority's statement taken from The Century Road Club Association. 

THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY
PORT AUTHORITY NEWS BULLETIN
Office of the Executive Director

Bulletin #10-05

March 29, 2010

Bicycling is a rapidly growing mode of transportation and the New York-New Jersey region is facing increased demand for expanded bicycle infrastructure, safer bicycle routes, access to transit connections and secure parking facilities. While we recognize that many Port Authority facilities currently provide some accommodations for bicycle users, we need to prepare more systematically for the growing use of bicycles as a mode of travel within the regional transportation system.

On February 25, 2010, the Board of Commissioners adopted the following policy:
In keeping with its mission to meet the critical transportation needs of the bi-state region, the Port Authority supports bicycling as an important and sustainable mode of travel. It seeks to provide its customers, tenants, visitors and employees with safe and convenient bicycle access and secure bicycle parking at its facilities, wherever operationally and financially feasible.

The Board also authorized the Executive Director to take the following steps to advance the goals of this policy:

Integrate improved bicycle access, safe bicycle lanes, and secure bicycle parking and storage into existing Port Authority buildings and facilities, owned or operated by the Port Authority.

Ensure that design guidelines for new construction and major renovations include sufficient bicycle access, storage, and related amenities to meet emerging demand.

Develop multimodal transit hubs that encourage biking and walking.

Remove any unnecessary restrictions on bicycle access, and promote the safe coexistence of motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians at Port Authority facilities.

Encourage tenants to expand bicycle access and accommodations.

Coordinate bicycle facility improvements and intermodal connections with regional planning organizations, other regional transportation providers, and local governments to promote safe and seamless travel throughout the region.

The Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Capital Planning, and Chief of Real Estate and Development will be responsible for ensuring that the agency takes the preliminary steps necessary to implement this policy and will periodically report to me on the agency’s progress. They will also review interim bicycle master plans and provide final versions for my approval by September 30, 2010. Affected staff will soon receive additional information and guidance from them directly.

I encourage all Port Authority staff to make the most of this opportunity to creatively meet the region’s emerging transportation needs, advance the agency’s environmental commitments and contribute to a more sustainable regional transportation system. We will be able to better serve our customers, foster positive relationships with our communities, and contribute to improved employee health. I look forward to seeing a wide range of plans for meeting these objectives, and to sharing them with the region.

//Original Signed By//

Christopher O. Ward
Executive Director 

Overall I like the initiatives they plan to take and I think that anything to help reduce the use of cars and congestion on the roads is worthy. I wonder when we will see official plans to put these words into action and how long it will take. I hope the Port Authority will work to quickly more forward with these initiatives because, while words are nice, it is action that counts (Please excuse my cynical tone, I am a New Yorker after all and my faith is the Port Authority is not as strong as it could be). 

To read the rest of the article go to The Century Road Club Association. 

Side Notes: 7 Days Until You Can Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!!!

O.K., O.K. --- you got me, this has nothing to do with being outside... this however does have to do with New York and I am convinced that there will be a direct correlation between your attendance at this event and overall your happiness.

Oh... and yea, its FREE!!!

Cupcake Camp NYC, "an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and eat cupcakes in an open environment." It is taking place next Friday, April 9th from 7:00pm - 9:30pm at Happy Ending, 302 Broome Street. Note this is a 21+ event as it is being held at a bar.You don't have to bake, remember for every dozen baked they need 11 more people to eat them, but bakers are always welcome.

To RSVP to the event click here.

I hope to see you all there!!! And apologies for the extreme detour into the indoor activities arena, but as I am sure you can now understand, this was of critical importance!

High Line's Addition Delayed

Image by: Joel Sternfeld, Courtesy of Highline.org

The second section of the High Line was originally supposed to open in this fall (2010) but, due to a lack of funding the park's opening will be delayed until the spring or summer of 2011.

The Park's first section runs from Gansevoort Street to West 20th Street and opened to rave reviews. For more information read Walk the High Line.

According to dnainfo.com: "The park’s second stretch — running from 20th to 30th streets — was slated to open later this year after the initial section debuted last summer." However, due the recession, developing funds has not been as easy as they had hoped it would be. The High Line's construction and maintenance has been largely supported through private funding thus the Park will need more time to fundraise.

While reading the High Line Second Section Opening Pushed Back to 2011 I also noticed the that the park will include a "'great lawn' and a 'woodland tree-top canopy walk'"--- Does it get much cooler than that???

To read the original article click here. And to donate to the High Line park visit www.highline.org.

Know the Law

I came across a great blog, Recreation Law, which discusses interesting law topics and cases related to outdoor recreation law. James Moss, the author, notes that he isn't trying to educate his audience but does list sources to point you in the right direction if you are curious about your rights and responsibilities.

It's a good read and Mr. Moss does review some pretty interesting cases and issues.

Some of the more interesting posts include So I do not plan to die, but I am stupid so the law says I have to spend $500 so you can find my body..., I could not make my son wear a helmet so I’m going to make you wear one and Letter to the Editor: Wilderness and Environmental Medicine.

Overall, I thoroughly support what James Moss is doing... even though he is not trying to educate the public, I think his blog is very informative. I've learned a lot about the current issues in recreation law and even more importantly, I've learned that there is a lot I don't know. Overall, I always support individuals understanding the law, their rights and their responsibilities so Recreation Law will certainly be added to my weekly reading list.