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Editorial: Kudos to a bike-friendly county
The Saratogian
Published: Sunday, June 22, 2008

Good things are happening around Saratoga County to encourage bicycling for fun, exercise and an alternative to driving.

Earlier this month, the town of Halfmoon celebrated the opening of a 1.75-mile length of the Champlain Canal Trail with a ribbon cutting June 7, National Trails Day.

This summer, more than 1,000 children will be better educated about riding bicycles through the 4-H School Outreach Program, thanks to the Cornell Cooperative Extension and a $1,500 grant from Stewart’s Shops that is being used for a state-of-the-art traffic light, traffic cones, a safety video and printed materials.

A free brochure about the rules of the road and tips about safety and courtesy is available at the Saratoga Springs Police Department and other locations.

Both of Saratoga Springs’ representatives on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, Joanne Yepsen and Matt Veitch, have been proponents of pedestrian and bicycle trail initiatives.

Veitch recently put together a presentation for the City Council promoting an upgrade of Route 50 that includes a pedestrian/bike trail.

Yepsen has been working over the past several months with the supervisors from Wilton and Greenfield, as well as officials from Skidmore College and local engineers, to create plans for a multi-use recreation path over the top of the Saratoga County Water Authority’s water line, which is currently under construction. The project has been dubbed the “Saratoga County Heritage Trail.”

It is encouraging to hear that the Saratoga County Water Authority is receptive to the idea of the path of its lines serving double duty as bike trails. The actual creation of the trails would likely be up to the towns in which the property is located.

Yepsen envisions a path that could eventually extend from Moreau Lake State Park to Saratoga Spa State Park. In the meantime, plans are focused on a 3-mile stretch along Daniels and Bloomfield roads to Denton Road. A trail in that vicinity would cross lands owned by Skidmore College and one private landowner.

“Skidmore is on board and eager to create a more pedestrian- and biking-friendly arrangement,” Yepsen said. “What we hope is for this to be at least an off-road trail that accommodates mountain bikers and those who want to walk from Skidmore to the college’s stables.”

Also, while off-road trails would offer a safe alternative to shoulders for bicyclists, Yepsen and others recognize that is neither practical nor realistic to expect bicyclers to be off all roads. (Yepsen’s comments published the other day about getting bikes off the road was intended as a specific reference to the winding Daniels Road.) Bikers and motor vehicles drivers alike must be cautious and courteous, wherever they may be riding.

Yepsen offers a broad, long-term perspective that would work for all of Saratoga County. “Road bikes should be encouraged, not discouraged. In that vein, we need long-range thoughtful planning for growth and roads that safely and pleasantly accommodate cyclists,” she says.

We agree.

Promoting bicycling is a grassroots effort in Saratoga County. A group of people called The Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network is circulating a petition to support the proposed trail that Yepsen has been working on.

For more information, contact Yepsen of the transportation group by e-mail at info@healthytransportation.org.

Bicyclists, businesses promote Bike Month
Events, programs focus on fighting America's dominant 'car culture'

By Drew Kerr, The Post Star, dkerr@poststar.com
Published: Tuesday, May 13, 2008

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- When the weather cooperates, Joanne Klepetar will ride her bike.

But the Wilton resident said it's not always easy convincing drivers she deserves a place on the road, as they scuttle by in what she refers to as "the almighty vehicle."

"I'm trying to lead by example, but no one is following," Klepetar said recently. "Instead, I'm just left pedaling nervously."

This week, however, she might not feel so lonely on the road.

In conjunction with National Bike Month, the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network is hosting a week's worth of bike-themed events meant to drum up the visibility of their pedal-happy brethren.

Each day this week, an area business is offering special discounts to customers who arrive on bicycles, amplifying a "bicycle benefits" program that persists year-round at more than 50 Saratoga Springs businesses. The Transportation Network has also dubbed Friday "Bike to Work Day" in Saratoga Springs.

About 200 people participate in the benefits program now, said Ian Klepetar, Joanne's son, who helped organize the program two years ago and is now promoting similar campaigns across the country.

The idea, he said, is to create a "critical mass" of bikers capable of driving out the "car culture" and gaining acceptance on the road.

"We're really good at building roads and big parking lots," he said. "But making it more convenient for bikers has always been a struggle."

Locally, the transportation network has pushed complete adoption of the "Master Bike Plan," which calls for tripling the number of bike racks in the city by 2010, designating a city bike coordinator, creating more bike lanes and calling for employers to install showers to encourage bike commuting.

Jaclyn Hakes, the city's principal planner, said the city now uses the plan mainly as a reference and guide when considering development.

"There are a lot of little things that can be done," she said. "Everyone agrees there's a need to try making it easier for bikers."

The city is also looking at extending the city's trail system.

The Railroad Run trail could eventually run across Route 50 to Saratoga Spa State Park, and the proposed Spring Run Trail, which would begin on East Avenue, is also moving forward, Hakes said. Efforts to embolden the biking community are also moving forward at the state and national levels.

The federal "Complete Streets Bill," lingering in both the House and the Senate, would mandate that any roads paid for with federal money be designed to accommodate bicyclists, with widened shoulders and higher rails over bridges.

Just five states in the country, including Massachusetts, have adopted such "complete street" policies.

Andy Clarke, president of the Washington, D.C.-based League of American Bicyclists, said that fact shows public policy still lags when it comes to cyclists.

"We're not asking people to do something luxurious or more expensive; it's really just a question of where you put the pavement down," he said.

When the last census was completed in 2001, fewer than 1 percent of Americans said they rode their bikes to work. There are no more recent statistics to indicate an increase, but Clarke said anecdotal evidence suggests record-high gas prices are pushing more people to abandon their vehicles.

"People are waking up to the reality of $4-a-gallon gasoline and realizing biking is a viable alternative," he said.

The New York State Department of Transportation similarly lacked statistics that could show bike riding trends in the state. But there is an increasing emphasis to accommodate bikers, officials said.

The 2008-2009 state budget includes $57.5 million to widen roads -- like Route 4 in Washington County -- and extend bike paths and sidewalks for cyclists. Officials are also creating a searchable online map of all bike-friendly roads and trails in the state.

Eric Ophardt, the bicycle and pedestrian program manager, said the push is a recognition of bikes' growing role in people's daily travels. "That's quite a paradigm shift," he said. "Bikers are going from nuisances to a regular part of the traffic stream."

Giveaway promotes bicycling, safety
By ANN MARIE FRENCH, The Saratogian
Published: May 11, 2008

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Area residents were lined up a full half-hour before the bike giveaway event was scheduled to begin.

Johanna Garrison, an organizer of the event involved with the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network (SHTN), encouraged them to help out by installing batteries into the flashing red lights being given to each person with the bikes.

Garrison said the goal of the project is simply to promote biking and make it safe for people by teaching them the basics of bicycle safety. SHTN, partnering with the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, gathered close to 200 bikes, refurbishing nearly 140 for Saturday’s event.

On hand at the event were volunteers who assisted people in selecting a bike that meets their needs as well as their size. The Saratoga Springs Police Department offered their services in helping the new owners register their bikes.

In addition to bikes, the organizations were providing helmets, bike locks and safety information. The groups agreed that 50 percent of the donated bikes would be used for the specific purpose of providing bicycles to the backstretch workers.

Each year, hundreds of backstretch workers come to Saratoga Springs to work at the track. Many rely on bicycles for transportation, but cannot afford to purchase them.

Brought by bus to the giveaway site, located behind St. Peter’s Parish, the workers were assisted in bike selection and then given a crash course on bicycle safety. With a number of volunteers using their own knowledge of the Spanish language, instruction was given about the proper side of the road to ride on, how to use their hands to signal the direction they are turning and other safety practices related to bicycle awareness.

Sommer Drake turned out for a bike for herself and another for her 18-month-old son. As a single mother, she has found gas prices to be increasingly burdensome for her. Living a block away from her son’s daycare and just three miles from her job, Drake said the idea of using a bike for transportation was one she quickly embraced.

“This is great. They are not just giving free bikes; they are doing the whole thing,” Drake said, noting how pleased she was to be getting a helmet and information brochure along with her bicycle.

She expects to get a basket for the back of the bike to make it more functional, but she said having bikes will also offer an opportunity for her and her son to get out together.

May Wilson and Jackie Quallo, who live off of South Broadway, said they will use their new bicycles less for the functional aspect, although they do intend to outfit them with baskets, but more for the pleasure of riding. Quallo said she is looking forward to riding in the Spa State Park and possibly downtown.

The founder of SHTN, Ian Klepetar, is currently in Argentina teaching. In his absence, his mother has stepped up her role in the organization.

Joanne Klepetar said the idea for the give away program was first suggested by her other son, Colin, who said a similar program is run in Burlington, Vt.

Once the organizers came up with a plan, she said the response from the community was tremendous.

“People are so generous. They came out in droves to donate,” Klepetar said. In addition to the donation of the bikes, Klepetar said the groups received a grant from the Youth 2 Youth Helping Youth Fund, allowing them to purchase helmets and other safety equipment.

Local bike shop Blue Sky Bicycles also donated money to be used for the same purpose.

Garrison and Klepetar are optimistic the event will become a staple in the community, but for now they are focused on getting the remaining bicycles refurbished and into the hands of the people who need them.

For more information on SHTN, visit www.healthytransportation.org. For more information on EOC's Latino Advocacy program, visit www.saratogaeoc.org/lcap.html. 

Organizations Collecting Bicycles for Donation
By ANDREW J. BERNSTEIN, The Saratogian
abernstein@saratogian.com or 583-8729, ext. 219
March 24, 2008

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Looking to clean out your garage or storage space, while providing essential transportation to needy members of our community?

On Saturday, the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network (SHTN) and the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council will begin collecting old, but usable, bicycles from area residents.

Volunteers will refurbish the bikes throughout April, getting them ready for to give away in early May to individuals or families without the means to purchase such equipment on their own.

“We’re looking to provide bikes to anyone who needs them,” said Krystle Nowhitney, coordinator of the Latino Community Advocacy program at the Saratoga County EOC. She said the EOC partnered with SHTN on the project after an intern discovered the two organizations were working on similar projects.
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“In February, I got a call from a Skidmore freshman who is interning with EOC, and working with the Latin community. It was (their) idea to collect bikes for backstretch workers,” said Joanne Klepetar, SHTN treasurer.

Each year, hundreds of backstretch workers come to Saratoga Springs to work at the track. Klepetar said many of them rely on bicycles for transportation, but cannot afford to purchase them.

“We do a lot of work with backstretch workers and other immigrants. We’re looking to provide bicycles to that group. When we met Joanne, she expressed an interest in a similar project,” said Nowhitney.

The intern, Ashley Storrow, a first-year student at Skidmore College originally from Gill, Mass., said she began working at EOC after taking a Spanish class in the fall 2007 in which her professor e-mailed the class about the opportunity to work with Latino advocacy program.

“This became my project, they wanted to expand it and make it bigger,” said Storrow.

Organizers hope to collect anywhere from 200 to 300 bicycles, which Nowhitney said they would distribute on a first-come, first-served basis. “We hope that we’ll have enough to bikes accommodate everyone,” she said.

“Anyone can apply for a bike,” said Klepetar, “but we’re stressing it’s for the disadvantaged.”

Applicants wishing to receive a bicycle should apply at the EOC’s office at 40 New St., and provide their height. EOC staff will make an effort to pair applicants with a bicycle before the give-away date, scheduled for early May.

Nowhitney said advertising would target the disadvantaged, with posters in the public schools, various aid programs and the Latino Advocacy program.

Those receiving bicycles will also leave the give-away with tools to keep them safe while riding, including a helmet and bilingual materials on bicycle safety.

“If you take a bike, you have to take a helmet,” said Klepetar, who added that Blue Sky Bicycles on Church Street agreed to donate some helmets and organizers would purchase additional helmets once donated helmets run out.

Bicycles can be dropped off at the St. Peter’s Church parking lot on Hamilton Street in Saratoga Springs between 9 a.m. and

2 p.m. Saturday, March 29 and April 5. After April 5, bicycles can be brought to the Saratoga EOC at 40 New St.

Donated helmets in good conditions and working bicycle locks will also be accepted, and all donations are tax-deductible.

For more information on SHTN, visit www.healthytransportation.org or contact Joanne Klepetar, 265-8507.

For more information on EOC’s Latino Advocacy program, visit www.saratogaeoc.org/lcap.html

Bicycle Benefits has incentive to pedal -Program provides discounts at participating businesses to shift commuters from cars to bikes

By KENNETH C. CROWE II, Staff writer - First published: Tuesday, April 11, 2006

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Ian Klepetar rode back into town from Big Sky Country with a degree in human geography from Montana State University.

An avid cyclist, he wasn't certain what his next job would be. In mid-February, he started a project to help clean up the environment by getting city residents out of their cars and onto their bicycles.

"I felt there was a lot of potential in Saratoga to make it bicyclist- and pedestrian-friendly," said Klepetar, 28, of Wilton.

He and the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network joined to create Bicycle Benefits.

Participating cyclists get a sticker to wear on their bike helmets good for discounts at 42 participating businesses. Deals include 15 percent off an ice cream cone at Ben and Jerry's or $1 off a sub at Roma Foods Importing Co.

Klepetar is combining his interest in cycling with his college education on human interaction and the environment.

"I thought I'd never use my degree," said Klepetar, who wears a backpack and rides a bike on his trips around the city and surrounding communities.

He's found that selling businesses and politicians on this environmental program makes him apply what he learned in Montana. And the success so far is leading to a push to keep Bicycle Benefits expanding.

"We'd like to double in the coming year," he said. "The future looks great."

He's getting support from City Hall. Part of the Downtown Transportation Plan that's being studied includes making the city more attractive to cyclists.

"Everything he wants to do about transportation is tremendous," said Deputy Mayor Nancy Ohlin. "It's in keeping with our comprehensive plan with what we want to see for the future of Saratoga Springs."

Getting more bicycles on the streets and more cars off is a challenge, Klepetar said.

The benefits of cycling go beyond cutting down air pollution and easing traffic congestion.

"It's a large shift to move from a car. It takes time," Klepetar said. "When people get in the habit of riding their bikes and walking, it leads to a better quality of life."

Part of encouraging the shift is making streets more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly.

The Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network also wants the city to encourage bicycle use by requiring builders to add bike racks to their projects and road projects to include space for bicycles to ride safely.

Program encourages bikes in Spa City
Published on 3/11/2006 in the Post Star

By CHARLES FIEGL
cfiegl@poststar.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Ian Klepetar darted across Church Street at the Woodland Avenue intersection crosswalk on foot Thursday and was greeted by the horn of a silver mid-sized sedan. Still, he kept going.

The near brush with the car makes his point: Klepetar wants drivers to be aware of other modes of transportation. That's why the 28-year-old started the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network and the Bicycle Benefits program, which offers discounts at some Saratoga Springs businesses for those who cycle into downtown.

That's for the short term. In the long term, he said, he wants to see a "cultural shift."

"I just think it would be awesome to see everyone riding bikes," Klepetar said.

Klepetar and some friends started the Healthy Transportation Network last year. The group is dedicated to creating a more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly Saratoga Springs -- where finding parking spots is typically more of a concern, he said. The group promotes alternative modes of transportation in order to cut down on auto emissions, promote personal health and reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil.

This year, 42 city businesses agreed to offer discounts on food or merchandise through Bicycle Benefits. Bicycle Benefits rewards customers who display a Bicycle Benefits sticker on their bike helmets and prove that they rode their bike to the business.

"It's a program I hope to spread among other businesses in Glens Falls and Albany," Klepetar said.

Paul O'Donnell, owner of Celtic Treasures at 456 Broadway, signed on to Bicycle Benefits. O'Donnell said rewarding those who bicycle to his downtown shop with a 15 percent discount will help relieve traffic congestion.

"It can get pretty dicey," O'Donnell said. "I ride about 3,000 miles a year, and the closest scrapes I have come from going across (Broadway)."

Stickers can be found for free at the businesses offering the discounts and the mayor's office in City Hall.

City Finance Commissioner Matthew McCabe signed his two businesses -- Saratoga Guitar and Saratoga Music Center -- on with the program. McCabe has been an advocate of using mass transit to reduce traffic downtown traffic congestion and parking problems. Klepetar approached McCabe last year wanting to help.

"I asked him to come up with an idea to connect the art district on Beekman Street to the downtown, and he came up with this," McCabe said. "This doesn't hurt a thing. It's promoting downtown and safe transportation."

Klepetar, a 1996 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, earned his bachelor's degree in human geography from Montana State University. Human geography is the study of the interaction between humans and the environment, he said.

Klepetar has worked during the Saratoga Race Course season parking cars, but he is currently unemployed while leading the network -- for which he is not compensated.

Klepetar enjoyed biking and exploring trails in Montana, but he decided to move back home because "this is kind of an adventure of its own," he said.

"You have to be a good rider to get around Saratoga," Klepetar said. "Here, you have to watch your back. The roads are not set for bicycling."

McCabe said the city is continuing to discuss safe and alternative ways to travel downtown, which include exploring ideas like creating a travel lane for joggers and cyclists.