May
2006

Bicyclists score big with Measure D
by Ralph Fertig



The SBCAG Board listens to Marc Chytilo, a member of the Coalition for a Fair Measure D, describe our needs. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• The public vote won't be until November, but on April 20th, the SBCAG Board voted 12-to-0 to proceed with a renewal of Measure D, our transportation tax that will expire in 2010. For people who bicycle, it is a significant victory because it will set aside $42.5 million dollars (with a promise for $2.5 million more) for bicycle projects over the 30 year span of the measure.
• Going into the meeting, we had a 3% dedicated slice of the transportation pie, or $47.5 million. That's plus funding for bike projects that the eight cities and the county can optionally spend as well. Two things happened during the meeting: Santa Maria asked for an additional $20 million, and Goleta asked for another $10 million funding, both for roadway projects. As part of a compromise to keep everything else together, I agreed that both Santa Maria and Goleta could have $2.5 million from bicycling projects. The difference is that the Santa Maria money is gone, but funds given to Goleta will later be "backfilled" by Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) money, promised to us by Steve VanDenburgh at SBCAG.
• Measure D renewal has been the major thrust of our advocacy efforts over the past ten months. Early on, our Bicycle Coalition teamed with 23 like-minded organizations throughout our county, calling ourselves the "Coalition for a Fair Measure D." We actively and cooperatively pursued funding for alternatives to the automobile.
• A huge boost came to us in January when consultant Larry Tramutola worked with SBCAG staff to propose two measures, half-cent and quarter-cent taxes, that together dedicated 3% for regional bicycle projects. That's 3% of a sizable $1.6 billion pot of money, possibly the biggest portion among all other California counties. It was so promising that I diverted attention away from the amount for the past four months, fearful of losing it. Yes, we did trade off some to Santa Maria for road projects, but the future for bicycling in Santa Barbara county is very promising indeed.
• The language that accompanies the Regional Bicycle Program funding is below.
• If Measure D passes the required two-thirds votes in November, we can celebrate 2010's arrival because there will be an extra $1.5 million each year to help bicyclists with more and safer conditions throughout our county.
• What's next is that the measure has to go to all city councils and the board of supervisors for their approval during May. A majority vote is needed, but we hope that all will approve it. Then the supervisors will be able to place it on the ballot for voters to approve or reject seven months from now.
• The two-thirds vote required to pass the measure will not be easy. We will next be working to make sure that the public is educated about how not only bicyclists, but also all residents countywide will benefit.

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Regional Bicycle Program

• $45 million over 30 years! This program would fund projects through a competitive grant process that would expand and improve the regional bicycle network. Cities and the County, Caltrans, transit districts and the commuter rail operator would be eligible to compete for funding. Schools districts, universities and colleges would be eligible to compete for funding with a city or county co-sponsor. Funds would be used for planning, project development, construction of capital projects and education programs but not maintenance. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
• New bike routes to eliminate missing links in the regional network.
• Bike path lighting.
• Bicycle route plans and maps.

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Café de Velo opens on May 14th



Cecile and Baron Corpuz at their Café de Velo and bike shop on Gutierrez Street. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• It's been a year since Baron and Cecile Corpuz moved their family and Renaissance Cycles online business from the Netherlands to Santa Barbara. Since then, they have been organizing containers of vintage—but new—bicycles and components, while setting up their ongoing business of shipping to cyclists worldwide
• Dedicated to bicycling as a sensible means of transportation and recreation, they are bringing a Dutch love of bicycling to their new home in Santa Barbara. Cecile writes, "The last 10 years we lived in Holland we've been aching to come to beautiful Santa Barbara to become part of this wonderful community and share the love of living life with bicycles in this unbelievable climate!"
• Their new location at 615 E. Gutierrez Street is home to not only Renaissance Cycles, but will soon be their gift to the community, a bicycle shop where one is welcome to enjoy complementary coffee and chat about all things bicycle. Their name "Café de Velo" describes just that. It will be more, however, because they plan on adding full-service bicycle repair and a pro cycling area that will have European brand name road bikes and parts. People will be free to relax while sipping coffee, chatting with others, and watching their bikes being fixed.
• Their grand opening will be on Sunday, May 14th, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM. Consider teaming up with the Goleta Valley Cycling Club's 10:00 AM ride from Goleta to the opening, or just bike on by for the ribbon cutting ceremony with City Councilman Grant House at 1:00 PM.
• To learn more, check out www.renaissance-cycles.com for their vintage bike parts, and www.goletabike.org for GVCC ride details.

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There’s more for us in Measure D

• The Measure D renewal package approved by SBCAG Board on April 20 contained other programs in addition to Regional Bicycle described above. One program and one condition should be of interest.
• Safe Routes to School Program. This was originally funded with $45 million, but $1 million was transferred to the Goleta overcrossings at the last minute. Although the Goleta bridges will help bicyclists because they have no on/off ramps to Highway 101, there are no schools at either end, so they will not help children go to school. Safe Routes funding can be used for:
• Traffic calming near schools
• Wider shoulders and sidewalks near schools
• Crosswalk signals and school zone signage
• Pedestrian and bicycle safety education for students.
• That education component could be used by us, perhaps working with Traffic Solutions, to promote bike safety for students.
• Complete Streets Clause. This is part of several guiding elements in the Statement of Principles: "Streets should be designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities must be able to safely move along and across a complete street." This is not as strong as we had advocated for, but it is a step in the right direction. There is a possibility that a stronger measure will be passed by the California legislature before Measure D takes effect.

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Don’t miss the Celebration May 13th


Bikes in Phou Khoun, Laos, during the tour by Willie Weir and his wife Kat Marriner. Photo by Kat Marriner.

• Don't miss the Bike Week Celebration that takes us into a whole week of fun bicycling activity. Join us in enjoying:
• Wine and beer by the glass.
• A fine buffet dinner catered by award-winning Country Catering.
• Award ceremony to people who have made bicycling better for us all.
• Adventure Cycyling in Laos, Cambodia and Thailand by actor, touring cyclist, and world-class entertainer Willie Weir.
• Willie Weir is a touring cyclist, actor, photographer and writer. He bundles everything into a top-level professional presentation that describes the joys of touring in countries throughout the world. His message is endowed with a personal enthusiasm for cycling as a means of meeting people. In his newest tales of adventure in South East Asia for three months, Willie takes us down roads in these astounding countries and explores the question, "How do you decide when adventure is worth the risk?"
• It's on Saturday, May 13th, 6:00-9:00 PM, Chase Palm Park Center, 236 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara.
• Tickets for the Bike Week Celebration are $30 each person. Mail payments to Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, PO Box 92047, Santa Barbara, CA 93190. Reservations are due by May 9.

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CycleSmart bicyclist education news

• Bicycling Skills for Women May 11th, 18th and 20th
• The Art of Cycling: Using a Bike to Transport and Transform
• WHAT: We're offering another ten hour course designed for women, taught by women. If you want to learn the basics of driving your bicycle confidently in a supportive and fun environment, then this is the class for you!
• Have you thought about using your bike for getting around town or for fitness, but just don't feel comfortable on the road with other vehicle users? We'll show you how to make decisions in traffic while riding legally and confidently.
• Would you feel more inclined to ride if you knew how to change a flat tire or to perform other simple on-road repairs? We'll teach you.
• We'll also practice bike handling skills and emergency avoidance maneuvers such as quick turns and stops. We'll also talk about women-specific bikes and clothing. Then we'll take you out for a road ride with women League Cycling Instructors (LCIs).
• DAY 1: Thursday, May 11th, 5:30-8:30 PM for Basic Street Skills class (no bicycle is required).
• DAY 2: Thursday, May 18th, 5:30-8:30 PM for Bicycle Mechanics and commuting tips (no bicycle is required).
• DAY 3: Saturday, May 20th 1:00-5:00 PM for hands on bicycle skills and on-road riding instruction and practice (please be sure your bike is in working order before the class).WHERE: 630 Garden Street, Santa Barbara.
• COST: $30, payable to LCI Dru van Hengel. You can pay at the class or by mail to, attn: Dru van Hengel, SBBC, PO Box 92047, Santa Barbara, CA 93190. Don't have $30? That's okay, we want you to join us regardless! Some scholarships are available by contacting Dru (see info below).
• TO REGISTER: Please let us know you're coming by contacting Dru van Hengel at 564-5544 or at CycleSmart@sbbike.org.

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April Coalition meeting topics

• Our April 4th monthly Bicycle Coalition evening meeting attracted 15 people. We discussed these topics:
• Members volunteered to help serve dinner and raise money for the Coalition at the Firestone mountain bike weekend. This was in response to event manager Mike Hecker's generous offer.
• We were updated on the renewal of Measure D in view of our membership in the Coalition for a Fair Measure D and the upcoming 5-hour SBCAG workshop on April 5th. What happens at the workshop will be crucial. The Bicycle Coalition sent a letter to SBCAG board members, including a petition with 415 signatures from residents saying they wanted bicycle funding.
• We will for our 15th year have a booth at Santa Barbara's Earth Day, including bike check-ups, bike parking, and general information. A sign-up sheet for booth help was passed around.
• Cyclists were advised to avoid riding on northbound Highway 101 at Ortega Hill from Summerland because the shoulder is blocked by concrete barricades to allow construction of the new auxilliary lane and bike path.
• Wilson Hubbell will replace Gary Wissman as our representative on the County's Traffic Engineering Committee.
• Erika Lindemann reported that 10 people participated in a bike maintenance workshop held at Open Air Bicycles in Santa Barbara.
• Ralph Fertig told everybody about a meeting on May 10th on Goleta's proposed Transportation Element of their General Plan.
• Bike Week events were discussed, locations for new ones were considered.
• Erika described Traffic Solutions' Team Bike Challenge that will take place during June. They have altered the structure and rewards for 2006. Their web site has all the information.

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Mike Fasth Runs Open Air with open spirit
by Erika Lindemann



Mike Fasth outside his shop near the Amtrak depot. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Open Air Bicycles changed ownership about 2 years ago and with that change came a strong new supporter of the SB Bicycle Coalition and of our greater cycling community. Santa Barbara County is blessed with great bike shops, all of which are owned by conscientious and generous men and women (who we've often highlighted in this column). Mike Fasth, Open Air Bicycles new owner, joins these ranks well qualified.
• Mike has been a Santa Barbara resident for over 20 years and formerly worked for Kinkos. Five years ago he started looking to go into business for himself, so he jumped at the opportunity to buy Open Air Bicycles when it went on the market, as it met his criteria of being an environmentally positive, socially beneficial and fun business.
• Mike is a vocal proponent of building more facilities for bicycles. He believes adding infrastructure like bike paths and bike lanes will make biking safer and allow for more people to ride bikes more often. "People are scared to ride in this town because they feel it is dangerous. Building new bike amenities will lead to more people getting out of their cars and starting to ride their bikes."
• Mike's entire family helps out with running the shop and four of his five family members ride their bikes regularly for fitness and sometimes for transportation. Mike especially enjoys working with his staff, meeting new customers and getting them on new bikes. He is interested in offering more bike maintenance classes (Open Air hosted the Coalition's first "Basic Bike Maintenance" class in March 2006) and identifying more ways he and his shop can be more active with Santa Barbara's bicycling community.

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The Bicycle Coalition & Traffic Engineering
by Wilson Hubbell

• The County Public Works Department's Transportation Division is regularly confronted with decisions like when and where to develop bike lanes, install stop signs, establish No Parking zones, raise or lower speed limits and install traffic signals in the unincorporated areas of the County. The Board of Supervisors is ultimately responsible for making these decisions, after receiving input and recommendations from County Public Works staff and the membership of a group called the Traffic Engineering Committee—more commonly known as the TEC.
• The TEC is comprised of representatives from the Bicycle Coalition, California Highway Patrol, SB County Sheriff, SB County Fire Department, the Automobile Club of Southern California, Caltrans, and similar organizations. The recommendations sent by the TEC to the Board of Supervisors, and the Board's subsequent action on those recommendations, can have a significant impact on bicyclists.
• For example, the traffic signal at Patterson Avenue and University Drive in Goleta came into being primarily because of recommendations from the TEC. Gary Wissman was the Bicycle Coalition representative on the TEC at the time this signal was being considered, and he did an excellent job of enlightening his fellow committee members as to how a traffic signal at that location would enable cyclists using the North Goleta Bike Route to safely cross Patterson Avenue at University Drive. Without such a strong voice on the TEC, cyclists might still be waiting for a traffic signal at that intersection.
• I am the new Bicycle Coalition representative on the Transportation Engineering Committee. Hopefully, my knowledge of County government and transportation systems will enable me to serve the Coalition's interests as well as Gary did.

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Team Bike Challenge



Art by Dave Bramsen.

• Last year, Traffic Solutions ran their Team Bike Challenge for the first time, not knowing what to expect. What they got was beyond their wildest dreams, over 100 teams contending for prizes and glory. Nearly 7,000 bike trips were made during June.
• The Team Bike Challenge runs for the entire month of June, 2006. To participate, form a team of five, then track the days you make utilitarian bike trips. As the team enters trips on the Challenge web site, you and your teammates can win T-shirts, movie tickets, iTunes music, and bike shop gift certificates. All ages can participate.
• The contest structure has changed from last year, points for rides are calculated in different, more balanced ways. Perhaps your employer can sponsor a team, or enrich the pot of your team rewards. You can find all about the Challenge online at www.trafficsolutions.info, or by phoning Erika Lindemann at 961-8919

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Er...what’s that?

• Bike to avoid dementia later in life. That's the results of an analysis of 1740 people aged 65 or older. The Seattle study determined that those who exercised three or more times a week had a 32% reduction in their risk of developing dementia later in life. So don't slow down your bike trips as you get older, keep them up and you'll have a richer life as time moves on.

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Santa Barbara City approves traffic calming



"I love these roundabouts," exclaimed the motorcyclist as he climbed up Olive Street past the prototype calming structure."I love these roundabouts," exclaimed the motorcyclist as he climbed up Olive Street past the prototype calming structure. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• On April 11th, Santa Barbara's City Council listened to staff recommendations and public comments on proposed traffic calming devices in the Saint Francis neighborhood, then acted to finalize implementation of the measures.
• At issue was the city's first neighborhood traffic management program that resulted from concerns identified by residents in the quiet neighborhood.
• Bicycle Coalition president Ralph Fertig spoke in favor of the plan because slower motorists means more time to react to situations, resulting in less likely and less serious collisions when they do occur. He noted that Seattle is four years behind demand for installing roundabouts in residential areas because people see how effective they are in reclaiming their neighborhoods from speeding motorists.
• A city police officer cited recent California Office of Traffic Safety statistics reporting that, out of 97 cities of Santa Barbara's size, we are the 2nd highest in motorist-pedestrian collisions, and 4th highest in motorist-bicyclist collisions.
• A few public members complained that the temporary installations were ugly and slowed traffic. A representative from the city's fire department, however, testified that they spent two days driving their trucks through test configurations, and selecting designs that do not reduce their effective emergency response time.
• The Council members recognized the speeding problem in this residential area. They stressed safety, especially child safety. Suggestions were to make crosswalks more visible, increase red curb areas near intersections, have final designs subject to aesthetic review, and monitor the results. The motion to proceed was passed unanimously by the Council.

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Truck driver charged

• The driver of an asphalt truck, Marcos Angel Almaguer, was charged on April 13th with misdemeanor manslaughter in the death of UCSB student and triathlete Kendra Payne. The fatality occurred on a training ride on Gibraltar Road on January 11th

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Meeting fosters trail cooperation



Two hikers take off on Cold Springs Trail in Montecito on a beautiful mid-April day. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• On April 6th, three agencies held a joint public workshop to consider Front Country trail access. The Forest Service, Santa Barbara City Parks and Recreation Commission, and Santa Barbara County Parks Commission met to listen to a proposal for trail management from the Front Country Trails Working Group (FCTWG), and from 40 public speakers.
• The purpose of the joint meeting was to listen and gather information on public use of eight trails between Jesusita on the west and Romero Canyon on the east.
• The room was packed with standing-room only people who respected one anothers' views. Three of the four FCTWG proposals met with approval: formation of an umbrella trails group, installation of informative trailhead signs, and the expansion of a trail education and hosting program. There was strong rejection of the fourth proposal—an even-odd day program that would prohibit mountain bikers from trails every other day. The idea was that bikers would share trails with hikers and equestrians one day, then be excluded the next. The Commissioners concurred that it was an unworkable recommendation.
• Bicycle Coalition members John Berberet, Jamie Goldstein, and Chris Orr spoke in favor of continued access by bikers. The current usage of 8000 trails people each year is reportedly increasing, resulting in pressure on our trail system. The Montecito Trails Foundation's John Venable said simply, "we need more trails." However, money for both trail maintenance and new trails is scarce. Among all the public speakers, 23 favored biking, 12 hiking, and 5 horse riding.
• Everybody agreed that trail safety, maintenance, and education are primary objectives. The meeting ended with Commissioners calling for the creation of a new cooperative working group that will consist of the Forest Service, City and County representatives, plus members of yet-undetermined stakeholder groups. The County staff are working on creating a formal group that will gather data on trail use and craft management plans. Don't hold your breath, this will take a long time.

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We thank our active members

• Please thank and support the following Bicycle Coalition business members:
• Big Gear Bike Gear, Santa Barbara
• Café de Velo, Santa Barbara
• Jeffrey Stoutenborough, Architect, Santa Barbara
• King Cycle Group, Portland, Oregon
• Nett & Champion Insurance Services, Santa Barbara
• Open Air Bicycles, Santa Barbara
• Pedal Power Bicycles, Santa Maria
• Santa Barbara Electric Bicycle Company, Santa Barbara
• We welcome our newest Bicycle Coalition member Santa Barbara Electric Bicycle Company. We additionally thank those who renewed their memberships: Andy Cranmer, Thomas Matthias, Amy Bowen, Jamie Goldstein, David Lawson, Bob Swinney, Don Irby, Matt Richards, Alex & June Pujo, Nicola Gordon, Rafael Orozco, Eva Inbar, Erika Lindemann, Burt Romotsky, Caroline Tesiorowski, Greg Janee, and David, Karen & Zachary Wheeler.

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