State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
IN-48: Innovation B

After seven years of advocacy, ESF's Dr. Melissa Fierke, Chair of the Department of Environmental Biology and Chair of the College's Bike Safety Committee, presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony (hung from two bicycles) and inaugural ride for new bike lanes on Euclid Avenue. Euclid Avenue starts immediately adjacent to one of the ESF and Syracuse University entrances, and connects the two institutions, as well as the University Hill area and SUNY Upstate University, with the "college" neighborhood where a majority of students and many faculty and staff reside. Euclid Avenue is highly trafficked by commuters on foot and by bike and skateboard throughout the year. It is the most heavily-biked corridor in the city of Syracuse, and was in need of substantial biking infrastructure upgrades for bike safety. The improvements include a dedicated bike lane on both sides of the street two accommodate two-way bike traffic, street parking restricted to the eastbound lane only, new signage, new stop signs, etc. Advocacy for the construction project was a joint effort between ESF, Syracuse University, several community organizations, and the City of Syracuse. Because the street is City property, collaboration with the the City was essential. Joining the ceremony was members of the Southeast University Neighborhood Association (SEUNA), the Syracuse Mayor, and more than 50 other community members and biking enthusiasts.

https://www.esf.edu/bicycle/committee.htm