Obviously, I have an interest in cycling, and an interest in promoting cycling in Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County. Riding a bike is a great way to visit parts of the county sometimes overlooked while speeding through in a vehicle. Of course, this area is not always the most-bike friendly, particularly to those who, unlike me, are understandably disinclined to subject themselves to the danger of riding on the open road. So, the question becomes, how do you find a way to develope a cycling infrastructure here in the county that will benefit everyone, and not just those aboard two-wheeled rides.

Doug Haller, a state employee who has recently been volunteering his time with the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network, has come up with an approach that is both logical and novel, and he is looking for your help in implimenting it.

His idea takes into consideration that the most powerful interst group here in Saratoga County are the business groups (The Chamber, DBA, etc...). He is proposing to develope this area as a destination for cyclotrouism in concert with pitching a concept to area buisnesses that help get high-spending cyclists into their doors. He says it's a win-win.

This is something that any buisness owner can appreciate -- even if they don't appreciate a sudden influx of middle aged men wearing spandex.*

Anyone interested in learning more should consider attending a meeting next Saturday:

Bike Tourism Committee forming in Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Healthy Transportation Committee is forming a bicycle tourism committee to promote cycling opportunities in the Saratoga Area.
SHTN is dedicated to producing more pedestrian/cyclist-friendly conditions for residents and visitors of Saratoga Springs and surrounding towns and communities. We encourage non-motorized travel as a means toward improved personal health and as a benefit for local commerce and the environment.SHTN plans on working to develop Internet and print guides promoting the great cycling opportunities in and around Saratoga. These guides will also highlight other cycling resources such as mountain bike trails, public areas open to biking, and "bike-friendly" accommodations and restaurants.

Groups that have indicated in interest in working with SHTN to promote a bicycle friendly community and bike tourism include: The City of Saratoga Springs, The Chamber of Commerce and the Saratoga Convention Bureau, New York State Parks, New York Bicycling Coalition, National Park Service at the Saratoga Battlefield, The Saratoga Race Course, Serotta Bicycles, Blue Sky and Elevate bicycle shops as well as a number of other Saratoga businesses.

SHTN is looking for community members who would be interested in serving on this working committee. We are looking for volunteers to help with the Internet and print design projects. The next meeting of the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network tourism subcommittee meeting will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 9 am in the Saratoga Public Library Sussman Room on Henry Street.

For more information, contact info@healthytransportation.org or call Doug at 581-0171.

* Full disclosure: I am a part-time employee at Blue Sky Bicycles, and therefore am perhaps more eager to support this plan than I would be otherwise, although I would think it's a great idea regardless.