Bridges represent critical connections; beyond transportation throughways for bicycle pedestrians, transit and automobiles, bridges cross geographic and man made borders to join communities enabling both tourism and regional economic development. As of 2015 The American Society of Civil Engineers rated NY State’s overall bridge condition with a D+ grade, noting that more than 2000 bridges are structurally deficient. This panel will discuss challenges and opportunities associated with the current condition of bridges throughout the state, as well as various aspects of border crossings for bikes. Panelists will also discuss strategies to help local advocates plan for enhanced bridge crossings in their communities.
New York is a state of unique natural, historical and cultural resources, and an ideal destination for bicycle tourism; With the anticipated completion of the Empire Trail, New York state is poised to become a global destination for active recreation. This panel will provide insights into ongoing efforts to attract and accommodate bicycling as a means to drive regional economic development.
Friday September 28, 2018 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
Geyser
From multi-use bike paths to complete streets build out across New York, it is not a question of when communities across the state will become more multi-modal, making them more attractive places to live, work and recreate but how we share the story of the explosion of projects that collectively is transforming our state, Learn about media strategies about telling YOUR story in order to accelerate the momentum toward more and safer bicycling!
Bike share is changing rapidly in communities across the country. From the rise in dockless and hybrid systems to innovative educational strategies, New York State is at the forefront of emerging challenges and opportunities from bike share. This panel will examine how these issues will inform development across the state. This panel will include discussion on the rise of dockless systems, sponsorship and e-bike integration in the marketplace.
The Empire State Trail is a bold, unprecedented vision for a connection from Buffalo to Canada and New York City, which will help transform New York into one of the country’s most attractive bike tourism destinations. An extension of the Empire Trail from New York City to Long Island is essential for the path to both serve as a true statewide resource, and respond to local demand throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Capitalizing on growing enthusiasm for biking and walking amenities on Long Island, The Trust For Public Land and NYBC have partnered to develop a plan for an East/West Trail from New York City to the North and South fork. Panelists will discuss the tremendous the proposed trail alignment, focusing on use of utility corridors to maximize off-street segments and the tremendous level of stakeholder engagement and institutional knowledge contributing to this effort.
