OT - Rochester/Toronto Ferry! Bikes allowed This spring

Hello, I posted this to general cycling forums, and thought it might be of interest to my bent friends.

he website for the proposed Toronto/Rochester Ferry now has schedule and fare info:

http://www.catsfastferry.com/hmpg.htm

I wrote them this note:

Hello folks,

I am excited to take the Rochester/Toronto Ferry this spring, and I wish you well in this business venture.

As a Toronto Cyclist who looks forward to easier access to Rochester, and to the New York State Canalway trail system http://www.canals.state.ny.us/exvac/trail/, I am pleased that your website specifies the rate for bikes at $10 US, plus passengers at $20. That is entirely reasonable, and I intend to use it.

I am also concerned about the current lack of public transit plans for pedestrians. This demands public discussion. Cabs are an option. But Toronto is very bicycle-friendly, and a bike trail passes right near the docks, that safely heads straight for the heart of downtown and our lovely waterfront.

http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/cyclingmap_2003.htm

Why not take advantage of that trail? For example, if you were to announce a change allowing bikes to board for free, (still charging $20 for their riders, as for foot passengers) that could have a very positive impact on the public perception of your service, and it could help reduce your overall environmental impact.

An SUV, riding your ferry at only $40, (plus passenger fees) can weigh what, 5000 pounds? A bike, at $10, maybe 30 pounds. Would not allowing bikes for free be justifiable also in terms of your hard costs, such as fuel consumption and space usage?

I am happy to pay the fee for my bike. But I just hope that somehow, your service can help promote healthful recreational opportunities between our two fine cities, and not simply shuttle more traffic (and pollution) between us.

I look forward to discovering Rochester on my bike, and to making some friends on the other side of the lake.

All the best,

Vincent de Tourdonnet

Musical Theatre Writer/Director

[email protected]
http://www.geocities.com/vdetourdonnet/
393 1/2 Roncesvalles #2
Toronto, ON M6r 2N1 Canada

Sent to The Toronto STAR [email protected]
And the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle [email protected]
POSTED TO http://www.cyclingforums.com/f75
Sent to The Toronto STAR [email protected]
And the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle [email protected]
POSTED TO http://www.cyclingforums.com/f75

 

I'll believe it when I see it. Seems like there is little enthusiasm on the Toronto end. Will Toronto even have a dock ready in time?

JohnRiley1 (at) rogers (dot) com

 

Well, here's another guy that will use it if it comes into being. Living in Oakville, I could ride to the ferry on the waterfront trail, and resume the ride on the other side of the lake. The Erie canal trail is definitly on my to do list.
Dan Burkhart.
Feet first in Oakville Ont

 

Sheesh, talk about the grass always being greener!

If it really happens, that'll be me waving at you from the other boat going northwest.

Getting from the Rochester ferry terminal to the center of the city where you can pick up the Genesee River trail, which connects to the Erie Canal trail is something I hadn't thought about. I've done it along Lake Avenue, and although Rochester traffic really isn't too bad, I'm wondering if there isn't a better way...

John