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NY Bike Summit October 17 & 18 2024

The 2024 NY Bike Summit gathered together everyday cyclists, cycling advocates, industry experts, and state and local leaders to learn from each other about how we can move bicycling forward in communities across New York.  With sessions designed for advocates, attorneys, municipal employees, cycling clubs and others, there were panels and plenaries for everyone in the New York cycling community. The summit included built-in opportunities for networking throughout the day, plenty of social events, time for local sightseeing including the amazing NYS Capitol, and of course a group ride to enjoy some of New York’s ever growing trail system.

From Wes Marshall's plenary on rethinking transportation systems to NYS Assembly Member Patricia Fahy’s inspiring remarks on moving New York forward, to panel discussions on a huge variety of topics (see full program below), the summit showcased how cycling enriches communities statewide, and how we can make New York safer and better for everyone.

The Summit was about building connections as well as learning new information. Our Thursday evening ride with Albany Social Cycles, and showing of the Street Project with guest speaker Dulcie Canton, and our Friday afternoon group rides and walking tours, and evening social events created many opportunities to network, share ideas informally and build the connections that make the NY cycling community strong.

We were particularly honored to have Jeff Olson give some remarks in memory of NYBC founder, the late Lou Rossi, a true champion of cycling.

We thank everyone who attended and contributed to a memorable event and are thinking hard about how to build from the success of the 2024 NY Bike Summit in a sustainable way.

If you love the NY Bike Summit and want to make a significant contribution to help create sustainable funding for future summits, please reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Lou Rossi

The 2024 NY Bike Summit was dedicated to the memory of Lou Rossi, a pivotal figure in the development of the state's bike infrastructure and a founding member of the New York Bicycling Coalition.

Photos

If you’d like to get a sense of what the summit was like - or relive memories if you were there, you can explore the summit photos here. We would love to have copies of any photos you took, just upload them to the “Add Photos Here” folder, and if you need to get them to us a different way, let us know!

Sessions & Speakers for Everyone!

Schedule at a Glance

Session Descriptions and speaker names can be found below

 

Full Schedule Details

Click title to open or close any section.

 

THURSDAY

Thursday All Day 8:00 am - 6:30 pm Registration, and more!

Registration Desk

The NY Bike Summit Registration desk will be open throughout the summit, we are here to help, let us know if there is anything we can do!

Photo Wall

Take a moment to take a photo at our photo wall. Enjoy the wonderful refurbished Schwinn's provided by Paul Malone. Remember the NY Bike Summit and post your photo on social media!

Courtesy Bike Share!

All NY Bike Summit attendees are eligible for free use of Albany's bike share: CDPHP Cycle! for up to six hours while they are in Albany! The code was sent by email and included in your NY Bike Summit bag. If you need help, come by the Registration Desk!"

Networking Bingo

The NY Bike Summit is a chance for the entire community to come together, share ideas, and shape a brighter future for cycling in New York State — a future filled with the economic, environmental, community building, and health benefits that cycling brings.

NYBC's goal is for you to leave the NY Bike Summit having met at least a few new people who can become part of your work to improve cycling in your home community. To that end we have prepared a "networking bingo card" And to make it worth your while, anyone who completes a Networking Bingo Card, and submits it to us no later than 6:00pm on Thursday will be entered into a drawing, grand prize: this amazing PakYak cargo ebike.

Bike Parking

"Avoid the fuss, leave your bike with us!" - Thanks to LocalMotion, Vermont's Cycling Advocacy organization, we will have secure valet bike parking throughout the Summit both at the Albany Capital Center and at the Friday afternoon event at Loch & Quay.

Tabling

Don't miss the chance to visit our exhibitors including:

  • Reimagine 787
  • NYS GTSC
  • NYS Active Transportation Strategic Plan
  • North Country Tourism
  • WheelsUp
  • Capital Streets
  • Clip
  • And of course ... NYBC

CLE & CM Credits

Check with us if you are an attorney who needs CLE Credits or an AICP who needs CM Credits - we can help!

Thursday 8:00 am - 10:00 am Breakfast and Opening Plenary: Assemblymember Patricia Fahy

Breakfast in the Pre-Function Room opens at 8:00,
Plenary in Meeting Room 1A&1B begins at 9:00

NYS Assemblymember Patricia Fahy

Assemblymember Patricia Fahy is a tremendous champion for all things bike and active transportation across New York. She will join us to talk about the state’s continued investments in multi-modal paths, tourism, and safe streets, and about critical legislation that supports cycling and active transportation to drive tourism, economic development, public health and climate improvements in New York.

Thursday 10:00 am - 10:30 am Networking by Role

Networking by Role

Connect with other NY Bike Summit attendees who have a role in the cycling world that is similar to yours. This is a great opportunity to make new friends, reconnect with old ones, share ideas and challenges, and fill out those bingo cards! While we’ll provide some conversation starters, this is an informal gathering, not a facilitated discussion. Choose from: Bike Club Leaders & Members, Bike Advocacy Organization Leaders & Members, Municipal & State Leaders & Employees, Bike Business Leaders & Employees

Thursday 10:45 am - 11:45 am Concurrent Sessions: Block 1

Using Crash Data for Successful Grant Proposals

Location: Capital Room

Speaker: Anthony D'Agostino, Law Enforcement Liaison, NYS Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee

Data-driven grant proposals have the best chance of being funded. An excellent source of crash data are the County Crash Dashboards. This presentation will explain the dashboards and demonstrate how to use them.


Funding for Bike Infrastructure 101

Location: Meeting Room 2A

Panel

  • Dylan Carey, Director of Policy and Planning, Parks & Trails New York
  • Thomas Hotaling, Recreational Trails Program, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
  • Liz Podowski-King, Director of Planning + Design, Highland Planning
  • Nicole McGrath, Senior Community Planner, Federal Highway Administration
  • Moderated by: Chris Morris, Statewide Trails Program Planner, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Discover the ins and outs of funding bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects from experts at the state, local, and federal levels. This session will cover a range of funding options, with real-world examples of successful projects. Gain insight into the planning process, learn how to position your project for funding, leverage multiple funding streams, and explore strategies to secure financial support for the design, construction, and implementation of bike-friendly infrastructure in your community.


Train the Trainer: Reaching & Teaching First Time Cyclists 

Location: 2nd Floor Windows Room

Speaker: Richard Conroy, Education Director, Bike New York

Description: This train-the-trainer covers how to set up and run classes and programming that reach an entirely new bicycling audience: people who don't know how to ride a bike. From kids and families, to adults, Learn to Ride is THE way to expand cycling to new audiences. The League of American Bicyclists just adopted a "Made in NY" curriculum as part of their national Smart Cycling Curriculum. This session will cover the "how's" and the "why's" (mostly the "how's") of reaching first time cyclists with a curriculum that is both safe and highly effective.


ROC Vision Zero: Rochester's Path to Zero Traffic Deaths and Equitable Streets for All

Location: Meeting Room 2C

Speaker: Cody Donahue, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Reconnect Rochester

Join us for an in-depth look at how Rochester’s political and advocacy communities united to create and implement the groundbreaking "ROC Vision Zero" plan—a comprehensive 10-point strategy aimed at eliminating traffic crash deaths in the city. This ambitious plan has already secured a federal commitment of $23.7 million to build a safer network of streets for cyclists and pedestrians.

Learn how ReConnect Rochester collaborated closely with the Mayor, City Council, Monroe County leaders, and other local advocates to ensure the plan's success. The session will also explore the critical steps being taken to avoid repeating past mistakes related to inequitable traffic enforcement and street design. Whether you're a city planner, advocate, or community leader, this session offers valuable insights and actionable lessons that can help you drive meaningful change in your own community.

Thursday 11:45 am - 1:30 pm Lunch and by Plenary: Wes Marshall

Lunch in the Pre-Function Room opens at 11:45,
Plenary in Meeting Room 1A&1B begins at 12:30

Wes Marshall, author of Killed by a Traffic Engineer:Shattering the Delusion that Science Underlies our Transportation System

Wes Marshall, acclaimed author of Killed by a Traffic Engineer, will delve into the hidden truths behind the traffic policies that affect our daily lives, and expose the myths, biases and flawed reasoning that often shape traffic engineering decisions. With his compelling insights and thought-provoking analysis, he will inspire you to rethink the artificial limitations that prevent us from building safer, more equitable streets for all - cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leading voice in the movement to reform our transportation infrastructure!

Thursday 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Concurrent Sessions Block 2

The Pedaling & Walking Revolution: National & International

Location: Capital Room

View Presentation Slides

Speaker: Dr. Scott MacRae, MD, Consultant, Reconnect Rochester

Dr. Scott MacRae, MD, discusses the importance of bicycling and walking as active transportation. He explains the economic, health, safety, and quality of life issues surrounding active transportation. He links the evidence bases health and safety benefits to good environmental design. He discusses the need to go beyond "Vision Zero" using a "Safe Systems Approach" and a shift in engineering principles based on safety rather than building road capacity and speed. The evidence based presentation is eye opening and motivational. Enjoy!


Strive for 25: Lessons from the Front Lines of the 25 mph Transition

Location: Meeting Room 2A

Panel

  • Leilani Yizar-Reid, Trustee, Village of Mamaroneck
  • Marisa Franchini, Corporation Counsel, City of Albany
  • Matthew Carmody, Vice President AKRF, Inc.
  • Matthew Roe, Stantec, Inc

View Mamaroneck Presentation Slides

View Albany Presentation Slides

This Session was recorded in it's entirety and will be viewable shortly at the NYBC Strive for 25 page.

Did you know a vehicle traveling at 30 mph is 70% more likely to kill a pedestrian or cyclist than one going 25 mph? Thanks to 2022 state legislation, New York cities, villages, and certain towns can now reduce speed limits to 25 mph. The Village of Mamaroneck and the City of Albany were early adopters of this life-saving measure, taking significant steps toward making their communities safer and more livable. Recent updates to the MUTCD further empower communities by encouraging the use of existing conditions and engineering judgment, when setting speed limits.

This session dives into how Mamaroneck successfully implemented the 25 mph limit, partnering with AKRF to conduct the necessary transportation studies. You’ll learn about the technical approach and discover its positive impacts on safety, livability, and traffic management. Albany’s journey will also be highlighted, focusing on how the city adopted the lower limit and will combine it with school-zone speed cameras to enhance safety across New York’s Capital City. We’ll also discuss the unique challenges towns face in making similar transitions. Leave with practical strategies to bring these changes to your own city, village, or town. 


Pedaling for Prosperity: Building Vibrant Communities across New York

Location: Meeting Room 2B

Panel

  • Dan Convissor, Director, Bike Tarrytown
  • Doug Haney, Owner, Bike Adirondacks

View Dan Convissor Presentation Slides

BikeADK, a commercial cycling tour operator, hosts rides throughout the Adirondacks, and plays a key role in fostering local growth and community development through bike tourism. BikeTarrytown, a nonprofit advocacy organization, is improving the economy and health of Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown by fostering better transportation options. Both organizations are building stronger communities, boosting active tourism, and supporting their local economies. Discover how their experiences can inspire similar strategies to benefit your community! 


By Us For Us: Equitable and Trauma-Informed Mobility

Location: Meeting Room 2C

Panel

  • Carolyn Jordan, Co-Founder and Co-Leader Sisters Cycling, GoBike Buffalo
  • Gregory Sheldon, Wheels Up | Edenrose Foundation
  • Nicole Watts, President & CEO, Hopeprint, Inc
  • Ronnie Matthew Harris, GO! Campaigns

For decades, the design of cities and resources have built maps and infrastructure that has lifted some up, while excluding or extracting from others. Our streets and sidewalks are the epitome of public land, and therefore are to be for the public good. As we imagine improved infrastructure and access, we must take the time to understand the context and needs from the people, then work together to design and advocate for equitable and trauma-informed mobility plans that are by us and for us. Come learn from advocates across New York who are building stronger communities by addressing transportation inequities, and explore how your community can be part of this movement.

Thursday 2:45 pm - 3:30 pm Networking by Geography

Networking By Geography

Join NY Bike Summit attendees who are focused on the same part of New York that you are. This is a great opportunity to make new friends, reconnect with old ones, plan events and programming in your area, and fill out those bingo cards. While we’ll provide some conversation starters, this is an informal gathering, not a facilitated discussion. Choose from: Capital District, NYC & Long Island, Western NY & Mohawk Valley, Hudson Valley, or Central New York

Thursday 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Concurrent Sessions Block 3

Fundamentals of NYS Bike Law in the age of Micro-mobility - CLE Credit Available

Speaker: Dan Flanzig Esq., Flanzig & Flanzig, LLC

Location: Capital Room

Join Daniel Flanzig, NYBC Board Member and partner at Flanzig and Flanzig LLP, for an insightful exploration into the evolving landscape of New York State bike law. This session will cover the core responsibilities of both cyclists and drivers, focusing on how recent advancements in micro-mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters are reshaping the legal framework. Attendees will also learn about the pivotal role of technology, including GoPro footage, Strava data, and other digital tools, in advancing litigation. Additionally, the session will provide an overview of opportunities for local municipal control, including setting speed limits and regulating micro-mobility device usage, offering practical guidance for navigating these emerging challenges. This session open to all, and is approved for one New York State CLE credit, if you are an attorney, and would like the credit for this session as a CLE, please be sure you have included it in your ticket purchase. For questions, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


How the NYS Legislature *really* works and how you can be most impactful

 

Location: Meeting Room 2A

Panel

  • Conor Bambrick, Senior Climate Advisor, NYC Environmental Justice Alliance
  • David Gordon, Legislative Director & Counsel, Senator Jeremy Cooney
  • Dan Katz, Registered Lobbyist, Executive Vice President & General Counsel Parkside Group
  • Margaret Johnson, Deputy Legislative Director, Assemblymember Anna Kelles, 125th District
  • Moderated by Hon. Deborah Zamer Councilmember City of Albany

Ever wondered how to navigate the inner workings of the New York State Legislature and effectively advocate for pro-cycling and pro-pedestrian legislation and state budget initiatives that support active transportation and recreation? This session brings together seasoned experts to demystify New York’s legislative process and offer practical advice on how you can make a real impact.


Greenway Trails for a Green Future: Improving and Expanding New York’s Greenway Trail Network

Location: Meeting Room 2B

Panel

  • Dylan Carey, Director of Policy and Planning, Parks & Trails New York
  • Erica Schneider, Policy & Planning Manager, Parks & Trails New York

View Presentation Slides

New York State’s greenway trail network sees millions of visits per year, as trail users of all ages and abilities appreciate safe spaces to walk, bike and roll separated from traffic. However, the network remains fragmented and too many New Yorkers lack safe access to greenway trails. Learn about how Parks & Trails New York is advocating for the continued growth of New York’s greenway trail network and for legislative changes to improve the trail user experience through the Greenway Trails for a Green Future package. This session will also cover how the envisioned changes will help New York State implement the landmark 2021 New York State Greenway Trails Plan, and PTNY’s efforts to track progress towards the goals outlined in that plan.


Building a Strong Social Media Presence with Limited Time and Resources

Location: Meeting Room 2C

Speaker: Maddy Novich, the @Cargobikemomma

In this interactive, one-hour workshop, you'll gain practical, actionable tools to elevate your social media presence—even when time and resources are limited. Learn insider tips, strategies, and best practices to create engaging, vibrant accounts that resonate with your audience. Maddy Novich, known as @Cargobikemomma on Instagram, has spent the past five years passionately advocating for the cargobike as a car alternative. Join her as she shares her journey and shows you how to leverage social media for impactful advocacy or business growth.

Thursday 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Reception & Awards Ceremony

Awards Ceremony & Raffle Draw

Location: Second Floor Windows

Please join us for light refreshments and an open bar. Please plan ahead if you will join Albany Social Cycling at 6:30 - no impaired biking please!

We will draw the raffle prizes during this reception - be sure to get your bingo cards filled in and into the raffle box no later than 6:00 pm!

Awardees to be recognized:

  • Public Sector Hero: Carm Basile, CDTA
  • New York Cycling Hero, Individual: Dr. Scott MacRae
  • New York Cycling Hero, Business: Scenic Hudson
  • Volunteer Hero, Brenda Meyer

Thursday 6:30 pm Albany Social Cycling Casual Ride OR Film:The Street Project, Q&A with Dulcie Canton!

Albany Social Cycling Casual Ride

Location: Meet at the Front Steps of the Albany Capital Center

Join Albany Social Cycling for a casual, party-pace ride around the city. The ride will be between 10-20 miles and include a stop for socializing somewhere to grab food or drinks. Bring a bike, helmet, lights, and a means of payment if you want to join the socializing!

All NY Bike Summit attendees are eligible for free use of Albany's bike share CDPHP Cycle! for up to six hours while they are in Albany.

This event is not formally part of the NY Bike Summit - bike at your own risk!  Our friends at Albany Social Cycling have offered to come by the Albany Capital Center to pick up interested NY Bike Summit attendees at 6:30. Security will be available until 9:30 if you would like to return your bike to the ACC after the ride.

Film:The Street Project, Q&A with Dulcie Canton
6:30 Film, 7:20-8:00 Q&A

Location: Plenary Room: Meeting Room 1A&1B

THE STREET PROJECT (trailer here) is an inspiring story about the global, citizen-led fight to make our streets safer. The film digs deep into the root causes of traffic violence, engaging a diverse array of experts including street historian Peter Norton, city planner Jeff Speck, and urban design expert Mikael Colville-Andersen. These expert interviews are interwoven with the stories of real people working to make their communities safer. One of those people is Dulcie Canton, for Dulcie, stopping vehicular violence in New York City has become a life mission. Both Dulcie and her mother were victims of hit-and-run crashes on separate occasions, 10 years apart – Dulcie as a cyclist, her mother as a pedestrian.

Dulcie will be with us to discuss the film and answer your questions.

Film 52 minutes followed by Q&ampA.

 

FRIDAY

 

Friday 8:00 am - 9:00 am Early Bird Coffee & Fill your Cup Activities

Friday morning starts off with coffee or tea and three options to refresh yourself in body and mind before diving into the day’s events. Choose meditation, yoga or a 10 minute massage, all designed specifically for the cycling community.

Fill your cup—literally and figuratively—with this perfect morning recharge!

10-minute Massages for Cyclists

Location: Capital Room

Offered by Rachel Nichols, LMT, and staff from Albany Massage Therapy

Kick off your morning with a 10-minute massage tailored specifically for cyclists. Licensed massage therapists from Albany Massage will be ready to help you prepare for the day ahead with clinically proven therapies that aid in recovery, injury prevention, and relief from muscular tension and pain. Whether you're looking to loosen up before your ride or simply begin your day feeling refreshed, these professionals specialize in techniques that support both relaxation and athletic performance. Perfect for cyclists of all levels, this session offers the ideal start to a great day on the bike. 

Massages slots available until 9:30 am.


Yoga for Cyclists: Strength, Flexibility, and Recovery

Location: Meeting Room 2B

Instructor: Martin Buchman, LA Fitness and NYBC Board Member

Cyclists rely heavily on their legs, core, and posture. This session offers a series of simple yet effective yoga stretches designed specifically to enhance flexibility, improve strength, and support recovery after rides. Led by yoga instructor and NYBC Board Member Martin Buchman, this session will target tight hips, hamstrings, and lower back while promoting better balance and alignment. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, these techniques will help you ride stronger and recover faster. No prior experience needed! If you have a mat and can bring it, that would be helpful, we will have a few to share!


Meditation & Bicycling

Location: Meeting Room 2C

Leader: Elissa Kane, Shambhala Mediation Center

Meditation is less about what activity you’re doing and more about the quality of attention you pay to it. When done mindfully, a bike seat might be as good a place to meditate as any. We'll practice sitting meditation and experience the benefits of mindfully attending to the moment. We’ll explore creating stability and gentleness in our own minds and how to expand outward to benefit our friends, family, neighbors, and society as a whole.

Moments of mindfulness are moments of peace and stillness, even in the midst of activity. When your whole life is driven by doing, formal meditation practice can provide a refuge of sanity and stability that can be used to restore some balance and perspective.” - Jon Kabat-Zinn, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Friday 8:30 am - 10:00 am Breakfast and Plenary: Amelia Neptune

Breakfast in the Pre-Function Room opens at 8:30,
Plenary in Meeting Room 1A&1B begins at 9:15

Amelia Neptune, Bicycle Friendly America Program, Director, League of American Bicyclists

Location: Breakfast in the Pre-Function Room starting at 8:30, followed by Plenary in Meeting Room 1A&1B at 9:15

View Presentation Slides

The National Movement to Build a Bicycle Friendly America, and what it means for New York "Across the country, local leaders are transforming communities by making them better for biking, creating safer, more connected, and vibrant places to live. From a child’s ride to school to a retiree’s leisurely afternoon, cycling enhances quality of life, boosts equitable access, and promotes health and well being.

These changes don’t happen overnight—they’re the result of tireless advocacy, smart policy, and collaborative work at the local, state, federal, and institutional levels. But progress is real! The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program has been driving this movement for decades, with successes in towns, cities, schools, and corporations alike.

Join the League’s Bike Friendly America Program Director as they reveal key lessons from working with hundreds of communities and offer a national perspective on what’s next for bike advocates in New York and beyond.

Friday 10:00 am - 11:00 am Concurrent Sessions Block 4

Infrastructure from Vision to Reality: Building Coalitions, Securing Funding, and Promoting Your Vision

Location: Meeting Room 2A

Panel

  • Craig Della Penna, Board Chair, Norwottuck Network, Inc.
  • Jeff Anzevino, Director of Land Use Advocacy, Scenic Hudson, Inc.
  • Jeff Olson, Co-Founder, re:Charge-e

View Jeff Anzevino Presentation Slides

Discover how extraordinary trail projects were transformed from vision to reality, and hear some thoughts about what might come next from the people who helped bring them to life.

Mass Central Rail Trail: Discover the 40+ year journey behind building the longest—and most impactful—rail trail in the Northeast. Learn how persistence and collaboration turned this vision into a reality.

Beyond the Empire State Trail – A Vision for New York State: The Empire State Trail was a $300 million, 750-mile, visionary project. It has taken decades for advocates to see this level of support. Now is the time to capitalize on the EST’s momentum. Join this session and be part of the vision of what’s next for New York State, and shape the future of cycling across New York State.

The Bicycle’s Role in 21st Century New York and how you can make a difference: New York State faces an array of challenges. While there is no silver bullet, increasing opportunities for bicycling for both transportation and recreation is part of the solution. This presentation will highlight ways that cycling advocates can create trail projects and bicycle facilities that will help ensure bikes and trails will make a difference in their community, and to New York's future.


Bike Safety Education: Sharing Stories and Best Practices from the Field

Location: Meeting Room 2B

Panel:

  • Mark Hoffacker, Bicycle Safety Education Director, NYBC
  • Ed Brennan, Assistant Bicycle Safety Education Director, NYBC

Are you involved in bike safety education or interested in starting your own initiatives? Join us for an engaging discussion that dives into the world of bike safety education. This interactive session will provide a platform to share insights, challenges, and successes from your experiences.

We’ll focus on effective strategies for reaching diverse audiences, including immigrants, speakers of Languages other than English, individuals with disabilities, children and adults. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss various projects, such as bike rodeos, community rides, social media and other PSA outreach, and to explore innovative approaches.

Whether you have a GTSC grant or are looking to implement bike safety education in your community, this discussion is the perfect space to connect, collaborate, and inspire one another. Join us and be part of the conversation to make cycling safer and more accessible for everyone!


Expanding Equitable E-Bike Access and Ensuring E-Bike Battery Safety in New York

Location: Meeting Room 2C

Panel

  • Stephen Bratspis, Operations Director CDPHP Cycle!, Shared Mobility Inc.
  • Tyler Madell, Program Director, Shared Mobility Inc.

E-bike rebate programs can significantly expand equitable access to transportation in New York, and new regulations focused on e-bike and e-bike battery safety are making this a safe and practical option. Shared Mobility Inc will discuss ways that e-bikes can broaden transportation options, especially in underserved communities.

This presentation will cover current state and local governmental ebike regulations, including newly adopted NYS laws requiring UL certification for e-bikes and batteries.

We'll also explore successful rebate programs in cities like Denver, including their focus on responsible ownership through safety education, and the potential for e-bike rebate programs in New York.

Additionally, we'll highlight how organizations like CDPHP Cycle! can leverage institutional knowledge and the resources of a large transit agency to ensure safe and reliable e-bike operations.

Friday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Concurrent Sessions Block 5, Box Lunches Available

Box Lunches Available 11:00 - 12:30

Location: Pre-Function Room

Be sure to pick up your box lunch between 11:00 and 12:30. Enjoy it in the comfort of the Albany Capital Center or bring it with you on your off site adventure!

Building on Existing Assets to Benefit Residents and Attract Active Tourism

Location: Meeting Room 2A

Panel:

  • Kristen Aucter, Director of Tourism, Naturally Lewis
  • Tiffani Amo, Director of Tourism, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
  • Amelia Neptune, Bicycle Friendly America Program Director, League of American Bicyclists

View Amelia Neptune Presentation Slides

Explore how leveraging local assets can cultivate a vibrant cycling culture that enriches the lives of residents while attracting active tourism. This session will showcase how two counties in New York's North Country are working to identify and promote their existing assets to boost community well-being and economic growth. Adding a national perspective, Amelia Neptune, Director of the Bicycle Friendly America Program at the League of American Bicyclists, will share how communities across the country are leveraging similar strategies to enhance quality of life and economic vitality through cycling. Participants will also have ample opportunity to exchange ideas and strategies from across the state. Join the conversation and learn how to make the most of what your community has to offer!


Infrastructure to Support Cyclists: Bikes on Trains and Valet Bike Parking

Location: Meeting Room 2B

  • Stu Lindsay, Valet Bike Parking Coordinator, LocalMotion
  • Harvey Botzman, Author/Publisher, Cyclotour Guide Books; Member, Amtrak/League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Task Force; Delegate, NYS OPRHP Statewide Trails Council.

View Harvey Botzman Presentation Slides

Cycling is more accessible than ever, thanks to growing infrastructure designed to support riders on the move. This session highlights two key services making a difference: bike-friendly trains and valet bike parking.

This session will explore the work of the Bike Task Force with the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) and their successful advocacy to expand bike access on Amtrak. Learn about the current bike transport options, exciting updates coming in 2026 and 2027, and practical tips on bringing your bike aboard. We'll also share data on the increasing popularity of bike-train travel and why it’s on the rise.

Additionally, discover how Valet Bike Parking is transforming events into stress-free experiences for cyclists. Local Motion, Vermont's counterpart to NYBC, is providing valet bike parking at the NY Bike Summit, as they do for events around Burlington. Led by Stu Lindsay, this program has grown from parking just 150 bikes in its first year to over 6,000 in 2023. Learn how Local Motion’s successful model works, and explore how to bring more valet parking options to New York State!


NY Transportation Safety Planning – Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going!

Location: Meeting Room 2C

Panel

  • Mike Lefebvre, Budget and Policy Analyst, NYS Office of the Comptroller - thank you Maria Doulis, Deputy Comptroller for Budget and Policy Analysis for stepping in!
  • Robert Zitowsky, Senior Transportation Analyst, NYS Department of Transportation
  • Karen Lorf, State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, NYS Department of Transportation

View Mike Lefebvre Presentation Slides

View Robert Zitowsky Presentation Slides

View Karen Lorf Presentation Slides

Join New York State transportation leaders in this interactive session to reflect on past challenges, assess current strategies, and help shape the future of transportation safety in New York.

  • Where We’ve Been: Dive into Comptroller DiNapoli’s report, Moving in the Wrong Direction: Motor Vehicle Fatalities Rise Sharply in NY, which highlights the growing issue of vulnerable road users being injured or killed. Michael Lefebvre (Special Assistant, Division of Budget and Policy Analysis), did the analysis for this report, and will be there in person to review the report and answer your questions.
  • Where We Are: Explore the NYSDOT's Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), a comprehensive roadmap for reducing fatalities and serious injuries on public roads. Andrew Sattinger (NYSDOT Safety Program Development Section) will offer insights into the SHSP’s current impact and its relevance to cyclists.
  • Where We’re Going: Discover NYSDOT’s work on the Active Transportation Strategic Plan (ATSP), aimed at improving walking, biking, and accessibility across the state. Karen Lorf (NYSDOT State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator), will share updates on the plan’s development and gather your input on shaping New York’s active transportation future. This session provides a unique opportunity to hear from experts and contribute directly to the future of transportation safety in New York. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this crucial conversation

This session provides a unique opportunity to hear from experts and contribute directly to the future of transportation safety in New York. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this crucial conversation!

Friday 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm Offsite Activities

Join us Friday afternoon to experience Albany’s beautiful trails or explore its rich architectural history. Both bike rides and walking tours will conclude at the NY Bike Summit Closing Social Event at Loch & Quay, 414 Broadway, Albany. Valet bike parking will be available at the pub.

Social Ride: 12 miles, 3 stops, and a Cookie (3 hours)

Meet at the Albany Capital Center Loading Dock (corner of Wendell & Howard Street). This leisurely 12-mile ride takes us to Lou Rossi Junction, the meeting point of several of New York’s longest bike routes where we will stop a moment to memorialize Lou. We’ll continue along the Albany Helderberg Rail Trail, stopping along the way to learn a bit about its curious history, and ending with a stop at Rooted & Rind for a delicious cookie. From there, we’ll return to the Hudson River, where NYS Department of Environmental Conservation biologist Sean Madden will provide an engaging introduction to the river’s ecology and history. After the ride, we’ll head to Loch & Quay to join the summit’s closing social event.

Long Ride: 24 miles, 3 stops, and a Power Bar (3 hours)

Meet at the Albany Capital Center Loading Dock (corner of Wendell & Howard Street). This extended 24-mile ride begins on the same path as the Social Ride, but we’ll spend more time on the trails, continuing along the Hudson River to the North. In place of the cookie break, we’ll have a Power Bar to fuel our journey. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to learn about Albany's history and the Hudson River's ecology. After the ride, we’ll head to Loch & Quay to join the summit's closing social event.

Walking Tour 1: Empire State Plaza Art Collection (1 hour guided + self-guided tour)

Meet at the Albany Capital Center Front Steps by 12:30. We’ll walk together to Corning Tower to discover the Empire State Plaza Art Collection, one of the most significant collections of modern American art outside a museum. This tour will highlight key works from the collection, which was assembled during the construction of the Empire State Plaza under Governor Nelson Rockefeller. After the guided tour, you may choose to enjoy a self-guided walking tour (provided) to continue to explore Albany's many architectural gems, finishing up at the closing social event at Loch & Quay.

Walking Tour 2: New York State Capitol Tour (1 hour guided + self-guided tour)

Meet at the Albany Capital Center Front Steps by 12:30. We’ll walk together to the New York State Capitol for a guided tour of this architectural masterpiece, built over 125 years ago. The tour will showcase the Capitol’s intricate details and grandeur, created by five different architects over 32 years. Visitors will also pass through security before entering, so please be prepared. After the guided tour, you may choose to enjoy a self-guided walking tour (provided) to continue to explore Albany's many architectural gems, finishing up at the closing social event at Loch & Quay.

Hudson River Stop

NYS DEC biologist Sean Madden will provide an informative and entertaining orientation to the ecology and history of the Hudson River, and with luck will show off some of the river's underwater inhabitants

Friday 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm Closing Social Event

Closing Social Event: Loch & Quay

We will end the Summit with an informal gathering at Albany's historic Loch & Quay Pub. Enjoy a hearty set of snacks to get you ready for whatever comes next, whether you are headed home, or planning to take a long weekend in Albany! Hearty snacks, free soft drinks, and Cash Bar.

"Avoid the fuss, leave your bike with us!" - Thanks to LocalMotion, Vermont's Cycling Advocacy organization, we will have secure valet bike parking throughout the Summit both at the Albany Capital Center and at the Friday afternoon event at Loch & Quay.

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