Upper West Side Streets Renaissance

This week, we’re featuring our first installment of the new “Letters from the Members” posts. Every couple of weeks, we’ll be posting a letter from one of our Upper West Side Streets Renaissance members about happenings in the neighborhood.

Have something to say? Don’t let us stop you! Just click “Write a post” on the right-hand side of the “Blog” page, and let ‘er rip. Don’t hold back on our account. If you have questions about how to post, you can also email Nathan at nathan [AT] transalt [DOT] org.

To get us started, a feel-good tale from our friend Tim Eustis. Tim writes:

“My sons’ elementary and middle school recently moved to a new address on West 95th Street. It’s just across the street, but unfortunately, there isn’t enough room for bicycle parking in the new building. Having used the excellent CityRacks program provided by New York City’s Department of Transportation before, I decided to ask for racks to be installed at the new school location.

I initially submitted a fax and electronic request, but soon realized that might not be the fastest way to get these racks installed. I then contacted Jason Accime, the CityRacks Manager. I also spoke with Gale Brewer, the area’s Council Member. Attempting to cover all my bases, I also phoned Peter Goldwasser at Transportation Alternatives, who helped me steer through the not-very-complicated maze of bureaucracy.

There was some trepidation on the part of the administration as to the location of the racks: they wanted the installation as far away from the entrance to the school as possible. Completely understandable – it can get pretty crowded on the sidewalk as the school lets out at the end of the day. After some discussion, and the realization that broken sidewalk panels limited our installation options, the location was agreed upon.

Jason Accime had promised that the racks would be installed prior to the September 2008 open of school. To our surprise and delight, the first rack — the double loop — was installed a week or so before school let out for the ‘08 summer vacation, and the single rack was installed only a few weeks later!

As our boys attended summer camp at the school, I was able to see that the racks were already being used by faculty, students (my son), parents (okay, me mostly, but other parents, too), and neighbors. Having the ability to park one’s bike safely at a destination is crucial to getting people to use cycling as a primary form of transportation. The City’s prompt response in getting the racks installed shows its respect and understanding for cycling, cyclists, and the need for alternatives to cars. I would like to thank Jason Accime, Council Member Gale Brewer, Peter Goldwasser. And a special thank you to both Odile Wood and Janet Rotter for their patience with this slightly crazed cycling parent.

All I want now is a David Byrne bike rack!”