September
2006

Measure D renewal—why vote for it?



This chart shows how the Measure D renewal will allocate funds.

• The current Measure D is a 20-year transportation tax measure passed by Santa Barbara County voters in 1989. A proposed reauthorization of Measure D, if we pass it this November, will increase our local sales tax by a quarter of a penny, but it will offer an updated measure to address traffic congestion—one that explicitly sets aside funding for projects that benefit bicyclists.
• Included in the proposed Measure D are three programs and one condition are of special interest to people who bicycle:
• Safe Routes to School Program. This will be funded with $44 million over the 30-year life of Measure D. Safe Routes funding can be used for:
• Traffic calming near schools
• Wider road shoulders and sidewalks near schools
• Crosswalk signals and school zone signage
• Pedestrian and bicycle safety education programs.
• Regional Bicycling Program. With $42.5 million available over the life of Measure D, this program will fund projects through a competitive grant process that will expand and improve our regional bicycle network. Cities and the County, Caltrans, transit districts and the commuter rail operator will be eligible to compete for funding. Schools districts, universities and colleges can compete for funding with a city or county co-sponsor. Eligible projects include:
• Bike path lighting
• New bike routes that eliminate missing links in the regional network
• Bicycle route plans and maps
• Educational programs that promote bike safety.
• Traffic Solutions. This program is part of SB County Association of Governments. They promote trips by foot, bicycle, bus, carpool, vanpool—anything but the single-occupant vehicle. We might coordinate bicyclist educational programs with them if Measure D passes.
• Complete Streets Clause. This is one of several guiding elements in the Statement of Principles. It says "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."
• In addition, 50% of Measure D will be distributed directly to local Santa Barbara jurisdictions to ensure local streets will be maintained. Some of that will also go to alternatives like bicycling facilities, and some rural roads will receive safety improvements including new shoulders.
• Finally, if Measure D fails, we will lose not only $500 million in state and federal funding that will go elsewhere, but also nearly all road maintenance funding throughout Santa Barbara county.
• You can read a summary or the whole Measure D proposal at SBCAG's site: www.sbcag.org.

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Member BBQ a fine gathering



Sea breezes, bike rides, good company and fine foodówhat a great life! Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• On August 6, about 30 members of our Bicycle Coalition got together at Goleta Beach Park for an afternoon of eating and talking about bicycling. The weather, cloudy in the morning, cleared up as our Member Appreciation BBQ took place. We were treated to the spectacle of the passing cruiser ride on the last day of Fiesta. Thanks to Ralph Fertig, Matt Dobberteen, and all others who helped make the day special.

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Bicycling in the Sierras
by Ralph Fertig



This is one of three bikepath tunnels under roadways at Mammoth Lakes. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• I spent the second week of August visiting a splendid section of the Sierra Nevada between Mammoth Lakes on the south and Meadow Valley 200 miles to the north. In between visiting relatives and friends, I managed to bike around, chat with bicyclists and advocates, and see what others have done for transportation and recreation. Here is what I found:
• Mammoth Lakes. People on bikes are everywhere, but most are taking the ski lift up Mammoth Mountain and riding down. There's a bus that pulls a bike rack carrying 30 bikes to the lift. Main streets in town have bikelanes, but the best feature is miles of paved trails. The trails loop through town, passing schools, venturing into surrounding hills, and tunneling under roads. In winter they serve cross-country skiers, but I saw bikers, joggers and walkers.

A bike trail along the south shore of Lake Tahoe was teaming with bicycling families. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Lake Tahoe. This was more of a family destination than Mammoth. Again, miles of bikepaths were attracting hundreds of people on bicyclists, most on rented bikes. It is another fitness-oriented destination, with extensive campgrounds, cottages and vintage motels dating back a century.
• Bicycle Coalition. I attended a monthly meeting of the year-old Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition. They have a handful of resourceful leaders who have obtained tens of thousands of dollars to print glossy flyers and a bike map. Their web site www.tahoebike.org is still basic, but among other additions, they plan to include videos of local bike routes. They are applying for a "Bicycle-Friendly Community" designation from the League of American Bicyclists, the same recognition that the City of Santa Barbara has. They have ambition and capability, but with a population a fraction of ours, it remains to be seen if they can attract members.
• Truckee. I had thought of Truckee as a gasoline stop on Interstate 80, but it's an historic town with miles of bikepaths, an active bike advocacy group called "Truckee Trails" (www.truckeetrails.org), and three traffic roundabouts. Their group is coordinating with the new Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition.

Susanne and Benjamin at home in Meadow Valley. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Benjamin and Susanne. For several years in the 1990s, Benjamin Sawyer and Susanne Hammel contributed to our Bicycle Coalition, helping substantially with the Pro Bike/Pro Walk 1998 conference that we hosted here. Now they live in rural Meadow Valley, near Quincy in Plumas County. They are living lightly on their acre of land, biking when possible, raising chickens for eggs and organic produce for sale. We spent several hours catching up, I believe impressing them with all our progress since they moved from our community.
• Summary. Overall, Mammoth and Lake Tahoe are tourist destinations like most of our county. However, they both have more extensive bike trails and ambitious plans to add more and increase promotion of them. Tahoe bicycle advocates are actively endorsing safe routes to school, bike facilities for visitors and residents alike, plus high-profile events like races, rides, movies, and a bike symposium this fall. It is exciting to see others facing the same challenges and pursuing the same goals that we are.

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CBC opposes transportation bond

• In addition to Santa Barbara County's Measure D on the November ballot, we will be confronted with at least 13 state measures. The California Bicycle Coalition (CBC) board of directors recently voted to oppose one of them, Proposition 1B—the "Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality, Port Security Bond Act." This $20 billion bond will borrow money to repair and expand roads, repair bridges, expand public transportation, and improve port security.
• However, according to a CBC newsletter, it "will do little to make California a better place to ride a bicycle." They add, "Despite pressure from CBC and over fifty environmental, planning and social justice organizations throughout the state, the bond measure hammered out by the state legislature and the governor contains little for pedestrians and bicyclists."
• Sacramento columnist Dan Walters reported on July 28th that a Field Poll showed 54% of California voters currently approve the bond measure. Read it carefully before you vote.

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Kendra Payne

• On June 29th, the case of Marcos Angel Almaguer versus the County was continued until August 10th, at which time it was continued to September 14th. Almaguer was the driver of the asphalt truck that ran over and killed UCSB triathlete Kendra Payne last January 11th while she was on a training ride on Gibraltar Road.
• Assistant District Attorney Patrick McKinley said that the accident report was still not completed, so he asked for the delays, which were granted. So it is now scheduled for 8:30 AM on September 14, 118 East Figueroa Street, Room 10, Santa Barbara.

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Couples bike course set for September

• Our Bicycle Coalition's CycleSmart program is offering a ten-hour bicycling skills course designed for couples. The idea came from the City of Santa Barbara's Mobility Coordinator Dru van Hengel who will be teaching it with her husband Joshua Patlak.
• The course will take place on Thursday and Saturday, September 28th and 30th. You'll learn the basics of riding your bicycle confidently in a supportive and fun environment.
• The first part is indoor biking instruction; the second part is basic repairs, safety skills, and on-road experience. Get updated information about course cost and location from van Hengel at CycleSmart@sbbike.org, or at 564-5544.

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Trailhead break-ins

• Beware that car break-ins are an ongoing danger at South Coast trailheads. In mid July, six vehicles were hit at Rattlesnake Trail. Typically, windows were broken with rocks, and contents grabbed. Earlier, others occurred at Tunnel Trail.
• There are two ways to avoid it, one is to bike to the trail, the other is to have nothing of value in view from the outside. Watch and report any suspicious activity.

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Meet new Board member Dave Bourgeois
by Don Lubach



Swan fountain with Dave Bourgeois, bike touring in Provence, 2002. Photo by Christine Bourgeois.

• Q: What was your first bicycle memory?
• Dave Bourgeois: I grew up in New Orleans. Not counting tricycles and training wheels, my first bicycling memory is from a grassy field at City Park. I told my Mom not to let go, but she already had. Fear mixed with excitement as I kept the bike upright and moving. I was hooked.
• Q: As an adult, what are some of your favorite places to ride both in town and around the globe?
• DB: My staple ride cruises from the Mesa down the beach, climbs San Ysidro, rolls along Mountain Drive, then descends home through town. The Santa Ynez Valley has some of the best road riding anywhereómy favorite is a 45-mile loop through Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Buellton, and Solvang. Santa Cruz has great rides in the redwoods. I've toured in France, the Canadian Rockies, and along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the US, and all are wonderful in different ways.
• Q: What are some of the projects you hope to be involved with during your time on the board?
• DB: I'd like to help support cycling events in Santa Barbara. They are inspirational and raise awareness of cycling. Speaking of which, I hope to see more people cycling and more cyclists joining the Coalition.
• Q: If a genie emerged from your bike's water bottle and offered to grant you three, transportation-in-SB County wishes, what are some of the requests you'd make?
• DB: Can I have reliable frequent multi-modal mass transit? How's about a Class I bike route for the Gaviota coast? Same for the Rincon coast?
• Don Lubach: I think this mythic, bike bottle genie has granted Santa Barbara a wish by bringing Dave Bourgeois to our Board. Dave is married to Christine and, together, they ride all around Santa Barbara and all around the world. Dave will make a great addition to the Board and to bicycling in the County of Santa Barbara.

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Back to school with bike and helmet

• Schools are opening and it's time to think of safe bike routes to school. And of the sensibility and legality of wearing a helmet. Young people in California under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet to reduce the risk of a head injury by up to 85 percent.
• It's important to wear the appropriate helmet for your activity. For bicycling, look for a label inside the bicycle helmet indicating it meets the CPSC standard. (For older helmets, look for an ASTM or Snell label.) If you want to learn more, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has a publication entitled Which Helmet for Which Activity. It's a useful guide that includes helmet information on sports kids play at every age level. Find it on their site www.cpsc.gov.
• Today's bicycle helmets are designed to protect against a single severe impact, such as a bicyclist's fall onto the pavement. The foam material in the helmet will crush to absorb the impact energy during a fall or collision and can't protect you again from an additional impact. Even if there are no visible signs of damage to the helmet, you should replace it.

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SB Kids Triathlon participation increases



Young triathletes return from the cycling leg of the Kids Triathlon, and prepare for their run. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Congratulations to Jose Gonzalez and his Santa Barbara Action Pro group for putting on a bigger Santa Barbara Kids Triathlon on July 29th. Gonzalez reports that over 90 young people, aged 7-15, competed in the swim-bike-run event in and around Los Baños del Mar Pool in Santa Barbara.
• The bicycle legs were either 5 or 10 kilometers, depending on age group. Competition increased this year because of his summer triathlon camps in Santa Barbara, and a similar one in Ventura. For 2007, participation will be limited to 100 young people. Perhaps Bicycle Coalition members can help put on this important event. In times of increasing childhood indolence and obesity, activities like this are a perfect antidote. Learn more at www.sbactionpro.com.

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August Coalition meeting topics

• Our August 1st monthly Bicycle Coalition noontime meeting attracted 17 people. We discussed these topics:
• The importance for bicyclists of passing Measure D was emphasized by Ralph Fertig, who described educational efforts underway throughout the county.
• Road construction on popular cycling route Gibraltar Road will necessitate signage and restrictions. Suggestions on an approach were solicited by the County's Matt Dobberteen.
• Dru van Hengel described progress on the upcoming Granada Garage "Bikestation" in Santa Barbara. It includes approving a management contract to the Bikestation Coalition that should happen in late August, with a formal opening to follow.
• SB City College student and City employee Shoham Yaniv described the process of assembling a one-speed bike from parts at Los Angeles' Bicycle Kitchen. The hope is that a similar bicycle recycling program for Santa Barbara junior and high school students can be organized.
• Don Lubach will write about new Board member Dave Bourgeois for September Quick Release.

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Elings series hosted by Platinum Performance



Bikers enjoy not only the competition, but also the unparalleled sweeping views in all directions from the top of Elings Park. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Since 1993, Mike Hecker has held a series of weekly mountain bike races at Elings Park in Santa Barbara each summer. With his interests shifting, Hecker turned over this year's series to the Platinum Performance Mountain Bike Racing Team, who are managing just fine. The five-race series ran every Thursday, from August 3-31st.
• According to their web site, the Team "is the most potent group of mountain bike racers in the state of California today. Led by Todd Booth, team members have won and placed consistently in the top of every race in the 2004 and 2005 California State Series."
• Learn more about the team at their web site www.platinummtb.com.

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Safe Routes program needs parents

• If you're the parent of a South Coast school youngster, consider helping your child and others enjoy safer bicycling to school. The Safe Routes to School Task Force is seeking parents to assist at school bike safety rodeos. The Task Force people will do most of the arranging, you just have to help a bit. To learn more about what's involved, contact the Safe Routes coordinator Debbie Castanha at debbie_castanha@hotmail.com.
• This coming school year, the Safe Routes task Force will be working with COAST and our Bicycle Coalition to hopefully put on 10-12 bicycle safety training sessions.

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Jesusita Trail workers honored

• Four South Coast individuals were given certificates of special public recognition for their dedication to public trails. Chris Orr, Kelly Kellogg, Paul Herning, and Ray Ford were honored on July 26th by the City of Santa Barbara's Parks and Recreation Commission for their extensive work on Jesusita Trail. Thanks to all four for your volunteer work.

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Vacant lot envisioned as bike hub and garden



This is the vacant lot being considered for a fossil-free demonstration site in Santa Barbara. The Amtrak depot is at the far right. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Landscape architect Owen Dell and other members of the Fossil-Free Landscaping Group are envisioning a demonstration environmental garden in Downtown Santa Barbara. The vacant lot they are considering is at 125 State Street, next to the Union Pacific railroad tracks.
• Dell sees the property as hub of a multi-modal transportation network, and a nexus of bicycle activism, as well as a garden, community gathering place, and educational center. With "peak oil" upon us, they hope to craft a fossil-fuel-free area as a model for a sustainable future.
• Last April, they held a design charette for the property that is currently supposed to serve as a parking lot for the nearby Levy timeshares. On July 6th, they met with Mayor Marty Blum and councilmembers Grant House and Roger Horton, all of whom were supportive of the concept. Both the timeshares and the property designation as car parking, however, are questionable at this time.
• Being adjacent to the Amtrak depot, the location could serve as a secure overnight bike parking hub for incoming rail commuters, as well as a place to store bikes for those leaving town by train, or simply tending the garden.
• Dell comments, "I have long considered the Bicycle Coalition to be essential to the success of this venture. We are facing an uphill battle, and we really need your help because the bicycle element is so crucial to our success."
• To learn more, phone Owen Dell at 962-3253, or email him odell@silcom.com.

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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
• In addition, we thank those who renewed their memberships: Ron Wlliams, Yolanda Blue and Matt Dobberteen.

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Local committees work on Tour logistics

• With two stages of the 2007 Amgen Tour of California taking place within our county, in Solvang and Santa Barbara on February 23 and 24, we have two Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) working on logistics and funding.
• Our Bicycle Coalition is working closely with the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Conference and Visitors Bureau to coordinate efforts for the Stage 6 start on Saturday, February 24th.
• Bicycle Coalition member Barney Berglund is heading the Santa Barbara LOC, and Board member Drew Hunter is our liaison. At the August 16 LOC meeting, local pre-stage events like a kids' race or safety rodeo on closed-off Cabrillo Boulevard were discussed. We are seeking ways to attract additional people to the event area, and hopefully entice the out-of-town visitors to stay for the whole weekend—and bike around our beautiful community.

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