Bicycle Resources
The OCTC believes that bicycling is an important part of the transportation system and that everyone benefits from integrating bicycling improvements. A system of bicycle lanes, multi-use paths, sidewalks, and trails encourages safe bicycle use by residents and visitors alike, as well as providing more accessibility to the transportation system.
The Long Range Transportation Plan, which takes a 25 year look at the transportation system, identifies several bicycle related objectives that are a part of the decision making process of the OCTC.
- Reduce fatalities and serious injuries for people driving, walking, and biking
- Increase number and share of trips made by walking, biking, and transit
- Increase the number of jobs that can be accessed within 30 minutes by walking, biking, driving, and transit
- Reduce vehicle miles of travel per capita
- Reduce the share of greenhouse gas emissions and other emissions from transportation options
COVID-19 and Bicycling
OCTC recognizes that day-to-day life is changing for all of us. As New York State and our community in Orange County responds to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is important to maintain the most up-to-date health regulations. To stay informed, check resources like the https://www.coronavirus.gov/, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and Orange County Department of Health regularly.
Staying Active while Social-Distancing
Whether you bike or walk as your primary mode of transportation, or ride recreationally, it is important to do so safely. Riding in crowded areas can be stressful for both the cyclist and the pedestrians, so use good judgement and avoid visiting popular trails and parks during peak times.
Help keep our community safe by:
- Maintaining a distance of at least six (6) feet between yourself and others
- Keeping right and passing on the left
- Giving those you plan to pass an advanced warning
- Stay local. For more information visit Orange County Parks website
COVID-19 Resources For Cyclists
- The League of American Bicyclists: Response to COVID https://bikeleague.org/content/riding-through-together
- Rails-to-Trails: Staying active while we practice social distancing https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2020/march/19/staying-active-while-we-practice-social-distancing/
- Bicycling Magazine: How to ride safely amid coronavirus concerns https://www.bicycling.com/news/a31469228/cycling-during-coronavirus/
Bicycle Safety
Rules and Regulations
- Rules of the Road
- Guide to Hand Signals (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- Bicycle & Pedestrian Laws from NYSAMPO
Bicycle Safety for Kids
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) developed Bicycle Safer Journey to help educators, parents and others who care about bicycle safety to get the conversation started with children and youth. The resources are available in English and Spanish. The links by age groups are listed below.
- Ages 5 - 9: http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/bicyclesaferjourney/el_en.html
- Ages 10 -14: http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/bicyclesaferjourney/mi_en.html
- Ages 15 - 18: http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/bicyclesaferjourney/hs_en.html
More Information
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Bicycle Safety Resource: www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety
- New York State Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (NYSAMPO) Safety Toolkit: https://www.nysmpos.org/safety-education-toolkit
- The League of American Bicyclists - Smart Cycling Videos