RAMBLE ON
Event gets Collar City moving
TROY, N.Y. » Residents had the chance to use different kinds of transportation during the Collar City Ramble on Saturday.
People of all ages had opportunities to explore Troy by foot, bicycle, kayak and more as Transport Troy set up shop at the Troy Farmers’ Market to encourage participation.
Barbara Nelson, chair of Transport Troy, said the goal of the group is to promote complete streets and alternative modes of transportation.
“[As] we see the city grow in population and as more people live downtown, we realize that more cars are problematic,” said Nelson. “We promote public transit, promote accessibility and promote cycling infrastructure and pedestrian safety.”
The city of Troy recently completed an installation project, Uncle Sam Bikeway trail, allowing connection from North Troy to South Troy, and just this week Troy broke ground on a new boat launch that, Nelson explained, allows for a safe, accessible boat launch for people with kayaks, canoes and motorboats.
There were eight designated spaces throughout the city Saturday where poets performed poems about transportation and movement through art grants.
“[As] we see the city grow in population and as more people live downtown, we realize that more cars are problematic.” — Barbara Nelson, chair of Transport Troy
Nelson said a goal is to emphasize the urban trails. In this year’s Ramble, the hiking trails residents used included South Troy’s Burden Pond Environmental Park, River Front Trail and natural and landscaped trails in Prospect Park.
The 20-member Transport Troy advocates for alternative modes of transportation, and Saturday’s event is their biggest awareness event of the year.
One of the highlights of the day happened at noon with a guided bike ride along the Uncle Sam Trail and Troy’s creative crosswalks.