News Release - Mayor Proclaims Bike Week in Rochester 2014

City of Rochester

News Release

Proclamation Delivered at Grand opening for City’s newest bicycle store

(Wednesday May 7, 2014) – Mayor A. Lovely A. Warren today proclaimed the week of May 10 through 18 as Bike Week in Rochester. The proclamation was delivered at the grand opening of Rochester’s newest bicycle store, Yellow Haus Bicycles on Monroe Avenue.

“Rochester is a bicycle friendly city that is committed to expanding its bicycle infrastructure and supporting the growing small business opportunities from the bicycle industry,” said Mayor Warren. “Celebrating the opening of Yellow Haus Bicycles at the start of Bike Week in Rochester is a clear demonstration of how the priorities of the City government are benefiting the citizens and business owners in our neighborhoods.”

City Councilmember Elaine Spaull, Commissioner of Environmental Services Norman Jones, Commissioner of Recreation and Youth Services Marisol Ramos-Lopez and Director of Planning and Zoning C. Mitchell Rowe joined owner Alex Wirth to deliver the proclamation at the ceremonial ribbon cutting of Yellow Haus.

Yellow Haus Bicycles provides cycling related products and services directly aimed at consumers who are passionate about transportation and utility cycling.

Mr. Wirth said: “We are excited to provide the first bike shop in Rochester focused specifically on commuting, utility-based, and alternative transportation.”

Yellow Haus Bicycles began as a home based family business. Mr. Wirth also supports the preservation of historic storefronts and much of the furniture and wall fixtures were handmade or repurposed and sourced from a local residential rehab project.

The store stocks new and vintage bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, parts, accessories and provides expert repairs. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m.

Bike Week will take place during National Bike Month and brings awareness to the City’s Bicycle Master Plan. Rochester has been named a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

There are many reasons to promote bicycle ridership in Rochester, including:

  • Almost 20 percent of a family’s budget is spent on transportation, so families that can use bikes more often can save money on fuel and maintenance.
  • Bicycle trips create zero emissions, contributing to better air quality.
  • Improved bicycling conditions provide mobility for people who do not have cars, thereby increasing access to jobs, education and health care.
  • Cities that promote bicycling tend to retain youth and attract young families.
  • Improved bicycling conditions add to the vitality of the community and provide access to recreational destinations across the region.
  • Better bicycling facilities provide access to public transit, thereby increasing transportation options.

Since completing the Bicycle Master Plan, the City has installed 46 miles of on-street bike lanes or shared-use lanes, and another 14 lane miles are programmed for installation this year. The City now has 30 miles of multi-use trails and more are planned. Well over 100 bike racks have been installed, as well as covered bike shelters and bike repair stands.

The City has also adopted a Complete Streets Policy, which means bicycle infrastructure will be a maintenance component of all current and future City street projects.

Elizabeth Murphy, the Active Transportation Specialist for the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, has organized a full slate of events and rides that will take place during Bike Week. Visitwww.cityofrochester.gov/bikeweek to view them.

During Bike Week, additional bicycle racks will be installed outside City Hall and the Public Safety Building to encourage Downtown bicycle commuting, particularly on May 16, which is National Bike to Work Day.

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News Media: For more information, contact Communications Director Christine Christopher at 428-7135.