Reconnect Rochester

@reconnectroc

Reconnect Rochester champions transportation choices that enable a more vibrant and equitable community. Join us! Our cycling page: @roccycling.bsky.social‬

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Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· 6d

Ride and grade Rochester’s bike infrastructure to improve future projects! Visit bit.ly/roc-bike-grading to get started. #rochestercycling

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· 8d

Visit reconnectrochester.org/csm-nominati... to nominate an intersection for a Complete Streets Makeover!

Out of focus picture of a red light with a city skyline in the background. On top of this graphic is text that reads: "Is there a Rochester intersection that doesn't feel safe to bike or walk? ReconnectRochester.org/csm-nomination

Picture of a group of smiling people holding paintbrushes standing over a street mural with flowers on a blue background. Over the picture is text that reads: "We believe streets are for people not jus cars."

Photo of people standing in a curb extension with flex posts and other barriers. Text overlaid reads: "Help us find the areas that could be redesigned to be safer for everyone"

Photo of people painting a street mural with text that reads: "the winner receives installation & design assistance, data collection for impact, and advocacy guidance for permanent change."

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· 22d

Flex posts are up on Woodbury's Downtown SmART Streets project as well! The flex posts create a barrier to reclaim space for crossing pedestrians. Narrowing the space compels turning vehicles to slow down and minimizes interaction with pedestrians. Give feedback here: reconnectrochester.org/dss/

Photo of a street with two murals on either side framed by flex posts

Photo of a street a mural framed by flex posts against the curb in a curved shape

Photo of a mural on a street with flex posts framing it in a curved shape. The street has trucks driving in the lanes next to the mural

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· 26d

Downtown SmART Streets flex posts are up on Union Street! Narrowing the space for vehicles compels them to slow down and minimizes time pedestrians interact with vehicles. This is our first project with a pedestrian island mid crossing. Let us know what you think! reconnectrochester.org/dss/

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· 28d

Please write to RTS and your state officials to let them know how cutting On Demand service on evenings and weekends will affect you. Please also join us on Thursday for Winning A Better Bus System for Rochester to join our coalition for better public transit funding.

Graphic with text overlaid: RTS On Demand Changes* restrict access to jobs and retail for Rochester's most marginalized. Here are a few things you can do to help.

*cancelling weekend and evening service

Graphic with text: Please contact RTS and share how these cuts will impact your life. RTS Public Information Officer Tom Brede Work: 585-654-0730, Mobile: 585-489-4661 tbrede@myrts.com

Graphic with text: send a letter to state officials detailing the challenges you will face due to these changes. Visit monroecounty.gov/elections-voter to find your State Assembly Member and Senator

Graphic with text that reads: Come to our talk on Thursday. Register at the link in our bio. Winning A Better Bus System for Rochester Join Us Thurs, July 16 6:30-8PM.

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· 29d

A huge THANK YOU to every volunteer who helped with our fourth Downtown SmART Streets installation at Woodbury and St. Mary’s Place. Seeing so many community members come together in support of safer streets means more than we can say. Learn how they work: reconnectrochester.org/downtown-sma...

A group of smiling people sitting on a curb over a street mural of many colors with white circular designs painted on top

Volunteers smiling while painting a street mural

Two people standing on a street mural with their arms outstretched.

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 30

Every car in this picture has just one person in it. This wouldn't even fill half an RTS bus. Frequent transit is the answer to congestion.

A picture of a road with a long line of cars

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 29

We're taking a moment to report back the community results of recent advocacy efforts. Depsite disappointments on the federal and state level, there are many local brightspots we're making sure to capitalize on. Read the whole post here: reconnectrochester.org/2026/06/advo...

Graphic with a photo of a covered bus stop and an On Demand bus with text overlaid that reads:

Fast & Frequent RTS Buses

- Lack of state funding for RTS is a concern. We’re continuing advocacy with the NYFTE statewide coalition.

-On Demand challenges show why we need fixed route service in the suburbs.

-RTS is commisioning a study on their bus fares

-Specific updates on Rochester’s Bus Stop Improvement project
are coming soon!

-community conversation Fast & Frequent Buses 7/16 - 6:30 PM

Graphic with photo of a protected bike lane with text that reads: Building the Bike Spine

-We are disappointed at the wasteful and costly decision to build and rip up cycle tracks on Universtiy Ave.

-The Seneca Ave project will create the most comfortable crossing across RT-104.

-The city is still accepting bike boulevard phase 3 suggestions.

-We’re monitoring key bike spine federal funding for N Clinton,
E Main and Chili Ave.

-Rochester is investing in the bike spine, trails, protected bike lanes, and bicycle boulevards.

-Sign the petition in support of traffic calming features on Broadway and S. Union.

-We pushed for an early install of the
W. Main St bike lane barriers and we will advocate for regular sweeping of debris.

Graphic with a photo of a man installing a flexible delineator post in the road with text overlaid that reads: ROC Vision Zero & 25 MPH

-We’re advocating for “Quick Build” traffic safety measures for ROC Vision Zero.

-We’re encouraging the city to rethink the effectiveness of property owners being primarily responsible for snow clearance.

-We’re optimistic about a citywide 25MPH.

-Rochester is exploring automated enforcement after the input sessions.

-Bus Rapid Transit on Lake Ave could be a catalyst for safety and transit-oriented development but it’s future is uncertain.

Graphic with a photo of Empire Blvd with text overlaid that reads: Safe State and County Roads

-Penfield is wrapping up their Active Transportation Plan.

-We are continuing to push Complete Streets legislation at the state level as the bills continue to gain momentum.

-We’re excited to work with Monroe County on their own Vision Zero commitment!

-We’re pushing NYSDOT to study Empire Blvd, consider a bike/ped section in the Bay Bridge replacement on RT-104, and to release a final active transportation strategic plan.

-Thanks for sending 535 letters for a safer Monroe Ave and 154 for W. Henrietta Rd! W. Henrietta is a full reconstruction project write to NYSDOT to push for a safer design!

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 27

Huge thanks to all the Downtown SmART Street volunteers who came out today! You braved the heat and the irony of standing in the street with cars flying by to paint murals for pedestrian safety. Your time, talent, and commitment are making a lasting difference. We couldn’t do it without you!

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 23

Let's make sure Broadway & South Union works for all road users while the city finalizes the design for this improvement project. Pearl Meigs Monroe Neighbors have put together a petition in support of traffic calming features. Please sign! www.change.org/p/broadway-s...

A picture of S. Union Street with text overlaid that reads Sign the Petition in support of traffic-calming features on Broadway & South Union

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 22

Love the creativity but "bring your own living room" shouldn't be a transit policy. Looking forward to seeing more bus stop seating implemented next year through the Bus Stop Improvement project from the city and RTS.

bus stop with a carpet and chair placed next to it.

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 19

RTS is honoring Rochester's own Margaret "Midge" Thomas and Reverend Jesse Jackson with a Juneteenth bus. Keep an eye out for this commemorative bus all month long.

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 18

'If cities are designed only for cars, children will disappear from public life.' —Jan Gehl

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 16

We are pro e-bike! But we think the issue needs more clarity.

Graphic that reads:
We are pro e-bike! ...but e-bikes and e-motos are not the same thing.
E-bike
20-28mph
Operable pedals like an ordinary bicycle
Class 1 and 2 are legal

E-moto

30-65mph
Throttle only
Illegal

Graphic that reads:

The quirks of current NYS e-bike laws

Must be 16+ up to ride an e-bike.

Allowed on Erie Canal Trail & Genesee Riverway Trail. They are prohibited from trails unless the entity with jurisdiction allows them.

E-bikes can’t be ridden on roads with a speed limit greater than 30mph unless there’s a dedicated bike facility.

E-bikes must ride single file. Regular bikes are allowed to be side by side.

No person shall operate an e-bike in excess of 20mph.

Graphic that reads:

There is backlash locally and at the state level.

...fortunately none of the restrictive bills passed this year’s state budget. Yet some local municipalities are considering restrictions along the canal path.

Graphic that reads:

What can you do?

...LOCALLY?

Tell town and village leaders that you support low-speed legal e-bikes! They mostly just hearing complaints.

Educate your friends on the current laws and make sure to follow them!

AT THE STATE LEVEL?

We are working with Senate Transportation Chair Jeremy Cooney’s office to draft common sense e-bike legislation this summer. At the state level some ideas include...

Fining retailers selling illegal higher-speed devices

Requiring truth in advertising for e-bikes vs. e-motos

Expanding education for purchasers and law enforcement

Simplifying regulations for legal e-bikes

Allowing e-bikes on 30+mph roads

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 13

Happy to see brand new bus shelter outside of the Walmart and the International Food Market in Henrietta which previously had nothing. Kudos to Town of Henrietta and RTS - Regional Transit Service & RTS Transit Center for putting in this shelter at an important location for those who shop by bus!

Bus shelter with a bench. In front of it is a bus stop sign for the number 14 RTS route

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 12

Early voting starts on SATURDAY and runs through Sunday June 21st! Read our latest blog post to find out how the primary candidates feel about transportation and mobility and then make a plan to VOTE!!! reconnectrochester.org/2026/06/prim...

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 10

It was a pleasure to co-present with Stantec at the New York State Association of Transportation Engineers Conference at RIT! We used the Complete Streets Makeover initiative as an example of a quick build safety project that directly solicits community input to address high risk intersections.

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 9

As the adage says: Whether you're a cyclist, a pedestrian, a bus rider, or a driver, we all want the same thing...fewer drivers.

Graphic that says "1 bus can take 40 cars off the road. Make the smart choice." An image of a bus, an equals sign, and an image of 40 cars to show how much road space they take up.

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 8

The curb extension murals at Broad & Fitzhugh look FANTASTIC after a refresh from Chloe Smith and Lauren Jimerson. We're gearing up for our next two Downtown SmART Streets installations this summer and we're looking for volunteers! Want to help out? Sign up here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· Jun 1

Thanks to the nearly 200 riders who came out to support our Roc 'n Roll fundraising bike ride! What stood out was the energy of so many people who share the belief that our communities work better when people have real choices for how they get around. Our legs may be sore, but our hearts are full!

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· May 29

RTS wants to hear your feedback for their On Demand service. Anyone who fills this out will be entered for a free ride. If you share some of our concerns about the changes implemented to On Demand last year, this is an opportunity to express your thoughts. survey.alchemer.com/s3/8782003/R...

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· May 28

We're just a few days out from our ROC 'n Roll Fundraising Ride! We want to thank all of the amazing event sponsors who support this event and our work championing mobility in all its forms year round! And thank you to all the Raffle prize donors!

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· May 27

We had a blast giving a Lunch and Learn at GreenSpark Energy's headquarters. 14 staff members came with open minds to learn about the benefits of multimodal travel. Want us to come give a Lunch and Learn at your organization? Fill out this interest form! reconnectrochester.org/lunch-and-le...

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· May 26

Did you know we have a Bluesky profile exclusively for cycling? Our main page will cover the big cycling news but if you just can't get enough cycling content make sure to follow @roccycling.bsky.social

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· May 21

"People often think that I’m living a life of hardship and sacrifice–but I feel very fortunate to be living without a car. For me, living carfree is an integral part of living my best life." Read Lori's story living car free on our blog here: reconnectrochester.org/2026/05/sixt...

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· May 20

11 days until we ROC 'n Roll! The forecast calls for 70 and sunny! 😎 Register today to save $10! reconnectrochester.org/roc-n-roll/

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· May 19

Thank you to the 19th Ward Community Association, Healthi Kids, Stantec, City of Rochester, Genesee Transportation Council, Trillium Health, Cub Scouts Troop 1965, Southwest Neighborhood Services, and the Southwest Rotary Club for a successful installation and a day of joy and community! See less

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· May 19

THANK YOU De'Jon Washington for the amazing photos of the Complete Streets Makeover installation at Genesee Park Blvd and Pioneer St! You can nominate an intersection from your neighborhood for a future project on our website here: reconnectrochester.org/csm-nominati...

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· May 18

13wham.com/news/local/r...

Reconnect Rochester@reconnectroc· May 18

Pedal assist e-bikes and the much faster e-motos are not the same. Let's keep our roads safe without eliminating an important mobility option for many people. Learn more at E-Bikelash: A Community Conversation at our offices on Thursday. Register: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...