July
2006

GVCC funds Bicycle Coalition projects



Planet Bike light and Bicycling Street Smarts.

• Each year at their Annual Meeting, the Goleta Valley Cycling Club returns their hard-earned money to the community by funding bicycling projects. On June 10th, they again voted to support several organizations and projects. Happily, both proposals from our Bicycle Coalition—LED headlights for low-income workers, and copies of John Allen's Bicycling Street Smarts booklet—were funded. Here is what the Club supported:
• 200 LED head lights for low-income bike commuters
• 648 Bicycling Street Smarts booklets
• Two bikes, helmets and locks for selected kids at the Boys and Girls Clubs
• $1000 to refurbish props used for local bike rodeos
• Travel to the Bike Summit 2007 for a GVCC member
• $600 for Safe Routes to School programs
• Additional funding to our Bicycle Coalition, League of American Bicyclists, Adventure Cycling, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and the California Bicycle Coalition.
• Overall, it's a generous gift to our community, earned from hard work putting on the People Powered Ride each October. Find out more about the Club's activities at www.goletabike.org.

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Public education on Measure D progresses

• Our Bicycle Coalition was stoked that the proposed Measure D tax renewal was approved by the our Association of Governments last April. Since then, all eight city councils and the County have approved the measure, so at this point it seems certain that it will be up to voters to approve or reject next November.
• Voter approval is by no means guaranteed. A two-thirds vote is needed to pass. So it will take a major education effort to tell people about all the benefits that they will receive if they pass the measure—and the very great loss if it fails.
• The Bicycle Coalition is working with 22 other organizations under the umbrella of the Coalition for a Fair Measure D, that itself is coordinating with a "Yes on Measure D" committtee. We have collectively hired consultant Larry Tramutola who is probably the most astute and knowledgeable person in California dealing with tax and bond measures. Watch for updates here as the whole process unfolds toward our November vote.

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Traffic calming helps improve neighborhoods



A bicyclist pedals on the newly repaved and striped bikelane on Chapala Street that has replaced a former motorist lane. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Thanks to residents on one-way Chapala Street in Santa Barbara for asking the City to slow down speeding motorists in their residential neighborhood. Bicycle Coalition members June and Alex Pujo were particularly active in rallying their neighbors to address city committees. Bicycle Coalition president Ralph Fertig additionally spoke to the Transportation and Circulation Committee in favor of the improvements.
• The happy result is the replacement of one traffic lane with a bike lane over a seven-block section of Chapala between Mission Street and Alamar Avenue.
• Bicycle Coalition member Mike Hecker loves it: "Using the new Chapala Street bike lane on my return home on training rides is a dream come true. The city is to be thanked for that improvement. And I guess the residents like it too as it has slowed traffic down."
• Thank you Santa Barbara indeed!

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Possible new Santa Barbara program

• Ever since the loss in January 2000 of the Santa Barbara Bicycle Project that offered children an earn-a-bike program, many of us have hoped that something similar could be created. That may be about to happen.
• A possible new program is coming from the City of Santa Barbara. Edward France, recycling coordinator and former chair of UCSB's student bicycle committee, envisions a program that works with junior and high school students. They would learn how to build bikes, repair them, and ride safely and legally on them. Dru van Hengel, the City's mobility coordinator, has expressed an interest in their safety education. Participants would not only gain a bike that they had worked on, but also receive a helmet, lights, and a sense of satisfaction of knowing the basics of bike mechanics.
• France foresees many challenges that include soliciting bikes, finding replacement components, and obtaining tools, a storage trailer, and liability insurance. If you wish to hear more about this, come to our July 5th evening meeting where France will describe what they envision and how the Bicycle Coalition might play a role.

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Member Appreciation BBQ on August 6th

• Mark your calendars for a fun afternoon at our annual Member Appreciation Barbecue. This year we're returning to Goleta Beach:
• Sunday, August 6, 1:00 PM
  Goleta Beach County Park, Area D
• It's open to all Bicycle Coalition members, their family and invited friends. Goleta Beach is on the Obern Trail, so consider pedaling on that great South Coast bike path to get there. Please respond as soon as possible to the invitation that you, as a member, have received in the mail.

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Summer bike camps for young people



Here, a young man who participated in the 2005 triathlete class gets ready for a bike ride. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• There are two South Coast bicycling camps being offered this July, following two earlier ones in June. Consider the following:
• July 10-14, Triathlon Camp, sponsored by Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation. For ages 7-14. Learn cycling, swimming, running, nutrition, hydration, safety, pacing and sportsmanship. Instructors are competitive triathletes. Participants must have their own bikes and helmets. Daily camp from 8:00 AM-noon, Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara. Details at 564-5422 and at www.santabarbaraca.gov/summerfun.
• July 24-28, Mountain Bike Camp, sponsored by Elings Park. For ages 9-14. New cross country and downhill mountain bike trails have been developed in Elings Park. Instructor Jonathan Reichlen will guide students through basic trail biking each day. Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara. Registration and information at www.elingspark.org.

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Thanks to Coalition from Monte Vista

• A letter dated May 18 from Monte Vista Elementary School principal Patrick Plamondon and PTA safety chair Debbie Castanha thanked Bicycle Coalition members for helping educate their students. "Please accept our most sincere gratitude," they wrote, "for your organization's involvement on our elementary campus through this year."
• They cited Bicycle Coalition members for their help with Kiwanis Club helmet fitting, a bike rodeo, the Super Cyclers class, and overall guidance—Dru van Hengel, Matt Dobberteen, Kathleen Boehm, Kent Epperson, Nancy Mulholland, Erika Lindemann, Hildy Hoffman, Doris Phinney, and Eva Inbar.
• They continued, "We applaud each of these individuals for their sense of volunteerism in Santa Barbara, and their commitment to safer kids on bikes. Our students are hopefully smarter—and safer—thanks to the combined efforts of the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition members." We couldn't have said it any better. We thank you all!

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UCSB bike group making a difference



This is the first of two new AS BIKES flyers for students.

• The University's Associated Students BIKES committee has roots in a group that our Bicycle Coalition started there in 1997. It's going strong and recently published two brochures for students, giving them a bike map of campus, safety tips, school regulations, and a description of successful campus projects that they have achieved, or are working on.
• Most notable achievements are repaving and widening the path between Goleta Beach and campus, and the "Broida Expressway," a connecting bikepath south of Broida Hall. They are studying several upcoming projects, and are learning that everything takes lots of planning and permits, plus more money than they have available from self-imposed student fees.
• At their May 22 meeting, UCSB's associate vice chancellor Marc Fisher attended to update them. He noted that since he arrived on campus three years ago, consideration of bicyclists has increased. Earlier, each new building was constructed or expanded without accounting for adjacent spaces and circulation. Now projects consider their impacts and pay for nearby facilities like landscaping and bikepaths.
• That still leaves many improvements waiting for funding. Like bike parking at Music North, a bikepath extension from Broida to Lagoon Road, a bikepath roundabout south of the Library, and a West Campus bluffs path renovation.
• With about 14,000 people bicycling on the square mile of campus each school day, UCSB has a density of bicycling that requires forethought and funding to keep everybody moving safely. The University is one of the fittest in the US in part because of its current facilitation of travel by bike and foot.
• The AS BIKES committee will continue this fall when classes resume. Advisors Scott Bull from Associated Students and Ralph Fertig from our Bicycle Coalition help keep meetings focused and the context of our larger community in mind.

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CycleSmart bicyclist education news

• Bicycling Skills for Women
  July 19th and July 22nd
• The Art of Cycling: Using a Bike to Transport and Transform
• WHAT: We're offering another ten-hour course designed for women 16 years of age or older, 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: Wednesday, July 19, 5:30-8:30 PM. Classroom session, no bike needed. At the Rancho Santa Barbara Mobile Home Park, 333 Old Mill Road, Santa Barbara.
• DAY 2: Saturday, July 22, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Bike maintenance, safety skills, road ride. Bring your helmet and bicycle—please be sure your bike is in working order before the class. At SBCAG, 260 North San Antonio Road, Santa Barbara.
• COST: $30, payable to LCI Doris Phinney. You can pay at the class or by mail to Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, Attn: Doris Phinney, 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 calling or emailing Doris as described below.
• TO REGISTER: Please do let us know you're coming by contacting Doris Phinney at 968-3143 or at CycleSmart@sbbike.org.

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Tour announcement coming in July

• The success or failure of an application by the Bicycle Coalition, the City of Santa Barbara, and the SB Conference and Visitors Bureau to host the Tour of California in 2007 is still awaiting official word.
• Michael Roth, VP of Communications at organizer AEG, stated on June 20th, "We will make an official announcement in early July regarding Amgen Tour of California host cities and dates." So we will soon know what will happen.

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Bike travel with kids book is available



The travel book comes with extra brochures and literature.

• A new guide published by Adventure Cycling Association is available for Bicycle Coalition member to borrow. It's Pedal Pioneers, an 88-page guide to bike touring with youth. Chapters deal with:
• Trip design
• Turning kids into cyclists
• Resources and logistics
• Life on the road
• Coming home.
• There's a large appendix filled with multiple resources. We're pleased that our web site section on Youth Bicycling is included as a reference, in addition mention of Ralph Fertig's article about Santa Barbara Middle School's bicycling program for their students. Also, Santa Barbara's John Seigel-Boettner and Lompoc's Jim Brady are listed among 13 youth bike tour contacts in the United States.
• Bicycle Coalition members can borrow it, just contact the Coalition's Ralph Fertig at 962-1479 or sb-ralph@cox.net.

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Tailwinds seeking new members

• The Tailwinds Bicycle Club wants you to join them on rides. They're having membership drive that ends August 15th.
• For as little as $10 a month, you can join Santa Maria area cyclists doing what they love to do around the North County. Sometimes they have combined rides with cyclists from the Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club or Goleta Valley Cycling Club. Members receive a bi-monthly newsletter and bike shop discounts. They put on the Windmill Century held each July. Interested? Check out www.tailwindsbc.org.

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Team Bike Challenge

• As this goes to press, Traffic Solution's Challenge is spurring hot competition among 230 teams. Check out their site www.teambikechallenge.com. Team names are grinning fun: Up In Spoke, Wheels of Fortune, Hood Ornaments, Team Cool Whips, CreamCycles, Endorphin Cyclers, Burn Fat Not Fossils, Bicycle Belles, iBike, We're Spoked, and Topachapika Manbearpigs. The contest ends June 30th, so watch for a final report next month.

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Coalition wants bikelanes back



Looking east on Anapamu, parked cars now occupy the bikelane that bicyclists want back. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• In June 2002, the City of Santa Barbara promised us that existing bikelanes on Anapamu Street near State that were temporarily replaced with car parking while the Granada Garage was being built would be restored when the Garage was finished in 18 months. Now four years later, the 525 space Garage is open, and we are eagerly awaiting the return of the bikelanes.
• However, shop owners have become used to parking spaces, and now say they need them. The Transportation and Circulation Committee voted to return the bikelanes, but limit their use to daylight hours. The subject will go before the Planning Commission on July 6th, and then to the City Council for a final decision in late July. We'll be speaking out for our street safety.

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Growers thank us

• Last month, our Bicycle Coalition received a complimentary letter from Randy Baldwin, general manager for San Marcos Growers. He wrote to Coalition Board member Nancy Mulholland who visited them, "Thank you for bringing us the information regarding bicycle safety and the 20 LED bicycle lights." He reports that at a company meeting of 45 people, conducted in English and Spanish, they passed out lights to employees who bike to work, and posted information about bicycle helmet use. "I believe," comments Baldwin, "the information was well received and our employees will benefit from it."
• The flashing LED lights were purchased with funds given to the Bicycle Coalition last year by the Goleta Valley Cycling Club. With additional funding this year from the Club for front bike lights, and a generous check enclosed in the San Marcos Growers' letter, we will increase low-income bicycling worker safety even more.

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LCI training in SLO

• Consider becoming a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) so you can teach classes like ours on cyclist safety to children and adults. Help bring the joy and confidence of safe cycling to others. There is a upcoming certification seminar in San Luis Obispo this August 11-13, offered by the League of American Bicyclists.
• For more information, contact coordinator Jean Anderson at lci.slo@mac.com, or phone her at 545-9003.

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June Coalition meeting topics

• Our June 6th monthly Bicycle Coalition evening meeting attracted 10 people. We discussed these topics:
• Members discussed the success of Bike Week activities, noting areas of success and considering how things might be improved in the future.
• Matt Dobberteen and Ralph Fertig reported on activities of two separate groups working toward the passage of Measure D in November. An estimated $500,000 will be needed to educate voters about the measure's benefits.
• Two Bicycle Coalition proposals for funding from the Goleta Valley Cycling Club were discussed, and approved for submission. The Club will be voting on funding at their annual meeting June 10.
• Dru van Hengel reported that it will probably be August when the new Bikestation in the City of Santa Barbara's Granada Garage will be opened for bicyclists. There will be racks for 80 bicycles, lockers, a bathroom and shower.
• Eva Inbar said that 12 South Coast schools participated in Bike to School Day. The challenge of expanding participation is finding a teacher or parent at each school to champion student bicycling. This fall, she hopes to attract more individuals to help at schools.
• Dru van Hengel said that the next CycleSmart class will take place on July 19 and 22, taught by Doris Phinney and Hildy Hoffman.
• Ralph Fertig described a proposal to bring the Tour of California back to Santa Barbara next year. The Bicycle Coalition is coordinating with the City and the Santa Barbara Conference and Visitors Bureau.
• Our annual Member Appreciation BBQ will take place August 6th at Goleta Beach. A discussion about the food and activities followed. Members will receive an invitation in late June.

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Bicyclist-friendly B&Bs promoted



The Old Yacht Club Inn is two blocks from Santa Barbara's beachfront bikepath. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• The California Association of Bed and Breakfast Inns has identified 90 member inns that offer bicyclist-friendly services. They are inspected and certified as adhering to standards that include secure bicycle storage and hearty, healthy breakfasts that can fuel hours of cycling. Some offer area bike maps and laundry facilities.
• Cycling tourists can search the website www.cabbi.com for inns welcoming bicyclists, perhaps planning a tour around them. There are three listed in Santa Barbara County:
• Solvang Gardens Lodge, Solvang, phone 888-688-4404. Website: www.solvangardens.com.
• Cheshire Cat Inn and Cottages, Santa Barbara, phone 569-1610. Bikes locked in garage at night. Website: www.cheshirecat.com.
• Old Yacht Club Inn, Santa Barbara, phone 676-1676. Free use of one-speed beach cruisers, locked storage for other bicycles. Website: www.oldyachtclubinn.com.

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Smooth as silk

• Caltrans' Jim Shivers says that the rough Castillo Street undercrossing of 101 in Santa Barbara isn't final. The new concrete needs two weeks to cure, then more weeks for the new electric system to it dry out, before new asphalt is laid. That will provide a roadway "smooth as silk."

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We thank our active members

• Please thank and support the following Bicycle Coalition business members:
• Bicycle Bob's, Santa Barbara
• 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 members Keith Coffman-Grey, Jack Amon, Alice McPherson, and Edward France. We additionally thank those who renewed their memberships: Scott & Stacia Young, Tom Towle, Bruce Davis, Lindsey Webster, Edward Barrier, Mary Byrd and John Fisher.

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Santa Barbara Bicycle Festival



Bike shops and manufacturers offered bikes, accessories, and quick repairs for Festival folks. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• The Second Annual Santa Barbara Bicycle Festival, held at Elings Park on June 3rd, was considered a success in attracting more participants and fans than ever. It featured a series of downhill and cross-country races, and the proceeds benefitted Elings Park and the Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers.
• The day was hot, but it didn't stop bikers. As Bicycle Coalition member Robert Bernstein observed, "It was a bit toasty today...but people came from LA and beyond to take part." Thanks to all who helped put on this high-profile event.

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Santa Barbara’s Oak Park neighborhood plan

• Santa Barbara City's second neighborhood mobility plan ran into trouble from a woman who solicited opposition to the resident-crafted plan. The woman, Michael Self, went door to door, gathering signatures from people who at her urging voted against the traffic management plan. Many contended that Self misrepresented the proposed plan, and the City's TCC committee recommended that those votes be invalidated because they did not follow the mail-in instructions on the ballot. The result of two years of meetings and planning was partly saved when the Chapala bikelane project was separated from the rest of the plan. Everything else, according to city staff, will not be pursued further at this time.

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Willie wins award

• Those who have joined us at our Bike Week Celebrations each May will be pleased to hear that our guest entertainer Willie Weir has just been recognized for his writing about bike touring.
• Willie won the 2005 Article on Adventure Travel Bronze Award in the 21st Annual Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition for his article "Forgotten Turkey" which was published in Adventure Cyclist magazine. The contest, sponsored by the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation, judged 1385 separate entries.

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