Times Union: Bicyclist’s death reinforces need to improve Fuller Road

Follow-up: Several readers commented on a coincidence that put a letter in this column asserting area road planners ignore the interests and safety of pedestrians and cyclists on the same day that an obituary for a cyclist killed on Fuller Road appeared elsewhere in the newspaper.

Nicholas Richichi, 53, was struck and killed as he rode his bicycle on Fuller Road near the intersection with Warehouse Row shortly after 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19. A story about the accident appeared in the next day’s paper, and an obituary appeared on Monday, Oct. 22.

Also in the Oct. 22 edition, Getting There responded to a question from Jeanne Dross of Albany, who asked why, when road reconstruction projects are planned and built, “no consideration is given to making them safe for pedestrians and bicyclists.”

She specifically mentioned a recent project on New Karner Road, and since that was an Albany County project, we spoke with county Public Works Commissioner Michael Franchini.

He said the New Karner Road project focused principally on paving, so there was little opportunity to expand bike and pedestrian facilities. However, he said, new paved shoulders should be smoother and safer for bikers and walkers, and one sidewalk was extended. He said more improvements will be considered when a nearby intersection project is designed.

Franchini also mentioned Fuller Road among locations where pedestrian and bicycling improvements are expected to be part of upcoming projects.

We thought Getting There should follow up.

First, Colonie police have continued their investigation and now know more about how the accident that killed Mr. Richichi apparently occurred.

Richichi, who was northbound, died of multiple internal injuries after he was struck by a large RV traveling in the same direction, said Colonie Traffic Safety Sgt. Robert Donnelly.

Richichi was cycling on the correct side of the road, near the right edge of the right traffic lane, and had no good alternative, since Fuller Road does not have shoulders or a bike lane, Donnelly said.

Based on witness accounts, however, it appears Richichi had just passed the RV on the right, which would be a violation of vehicle and traffic law, said the sergeant.

“As far as we can tell, he passed at least one car and the mobile home on the right,” Donnelly said, and had been riding between the RV and a curb. Richichi apparently was not far enough ahead of the large vehicle to be visible to the driver, who accelerated when a traffic signal changed.

“The driver was unable to see him. It was a natural blind spot,” said Donnelly. “The driver has no recollection of seeing the cyclist either prior to the accident or at the time of the accident.”

It is possible Richichi had turned onto Fuller Road from a driveway or parking lot shortly before he began passing the vehicles, said Donnelly.

Investigators found Richichi was not wearing a helmet or other safety gear.

Fuller Road is a tough route for cyclists, Donnelly said, and he would not encourage biking there unless absolutely necessary.

“I would advise against it, but I would not prohibit it because, certainly, bicyclists are entitled to their share of the roadway,” he said. “It’s not a good place to bike, but if it’s the way you have to go, I would just suggest you be careful.”

Franchini said Richichi’s death reinforces the need to improve the road, though it’s not yet clear what the details will be. Preliminary engineering for a $12 million road reconstruction project between Central and Western avenues and a $2 million roundabout at Washington and Fuller has just begun, he said.

“We want to put in two sidewalks,” said Franchini. “Then, the question is: Can you widen the shoulder enough to make a dedicated bike lane? We definitely are going to improve the facilities. It’s just a question of how we do it and how much can we squeeze into that right-of-way.”

Q: When traveling south on I-787, a driver should take Exit 1 to get on the Thruway. But if you miss that exit, there are no signs south of Exit 1 advising you that there is another entrance to the Thruway right around the corner on Route 9W.

People go to the end I-787 and do a U-turn around the guardrails to head north on the highway, only to find out that there is no Thruway entrance there on I-787 northbound. There should be additional Thruway signs on the southern end of 787, after Exit 1, directing motorists to the Route 9W entrance.

– Mary L. Herrick, Troy

A: Well, like you, your Getting There columnist can imagine quite a few circumstances when these additional signs would be handy. But according to DOT, it’s not a common enough problem to warrant placing them at the end of I-787.

“We sign the most direct and effective way for motorists to get their desired location,” said Peter Van Keuren, spokesman for the Department of Transportation. “We understand that there is some possibility of this occurring, but are not aware of a significant pattern which would warrant the installation of the sign.”

Van Keuren sent along three photos showing signs that point the way to the Thruway interchange accessed via I-787 southbound. One directs motorists to continue straight on the mainline next to the Madison Avenue and Port of Albany exit. Another one prior to Exit 1, points the way to I-87 and the Thruway in the two right lanes. The third hangs over the point where the Exit 1 lanes branch off to the right.

It should be enough, of course, but some of us do miss turns on occasion — even ones that should be obvious — and many drivers probably don’t realize that there is another opportunity to get on the Thruway down there. In fact, your Getting There columnist is grateful for the tip.

Since Van Keuren also reminds us that motorists who do make that U-turn at the end of I-787 are making an illegal turn and crossing a double-solid yellow line, the tip is especially welcome.

“Getting There” is compiled by staff writer Cathy Woodruff. Do you have a question about transportation? Call 454-5020 or e-mail gettingthere@times union.com. Please include your name, town and telephone number.