SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Bicycling is part of Kenneth Kotwas’ normal routine, but from May through October, he and his wife try to make it to Syracuse one Sunday a month for Cycle in the City.
“Touring the city – it’s nice and quiet, Sunday morning, there’s not too much traffic – it’s about the best time you could do this,” said Kotwas, a Cicero resident.
The free rides started out as one-time events and became once-a-month gatherings that make their way through different neighborhoods.
That isn’t the only change. About 40 bicyclists show up to pedal the routes – up from just more than a dozen when the event started.
Organizer and Common Councilor Bob Dougherty said there’s room for more growth.
“People oftentimes don’t feel safe, and I think that’s the number one reason people don’t ride bikes, but we’ve added more bike lanes throughout the city,” said Dougherty.
Dougherty says it’s common for the city to consider the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians when taking on new infrastructure projects, like the Connective Corridor. He says it’s also a sign that Syracuse is following in the footsteps of some larger cities.
“If you go to a… vacation town, oftentimes people ride bikes there,” Dougherty said. “People really respect bicyclists in those kind of towns. There’s other cities that I think have reached that critical mass, and I think we’re getting close.”
Kotwas says he’s noticed the community growing.
“Just a visit of the local bicycle shops – there’s more of them, and they’re quite busy,” he said.
It’s hoped continued improvements will encourage more people to make cycling in the city part of their own transportation plans.
The next Cycle in the City is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 20. No registration is required. Helmets are required, and riders must be age 12 or older.
If you can’t wait until then to get pedaling, a Community Bike Ride will be held next week beginning at the Brady Faith Center.
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