March
2010

Green Shorts video contest

• This is your chance to help save our planet by crafting a two-minute film that offers compelling and pragmatic solutions to today's challenges. This year's theme is "Bringing it Home", in accord with the theme of Santa Barbara's Earth Day.
• You can deal with sustainable transportation like bicycling, or energy independence, or what we can do for a greener future.
• Contest winners might win a MacBook or other great prizes. All winners will be aired on local Channel 17 community television and at Santa Barbara's Earth Day Festival.
• The contest is sponsored by the Community Environmental Council, Traffic Solutions, Samy's Camera, and Channel 17. Entries are due March 16th. Learn more at www.greenshortsfilmfest.org.

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CycleMAYnia photo contest

• Do you have some great photos related to bicycling that you want to share? This is your opportunity. Traffic Solutions and our Bicycle Coalition are seeking artistic, unusual or fun bicycle related photographs to be used for promoting CycleMAYnia events this coming May 2010.
• One photograph will be selected for the cover of Santa Barbara's 1st Thursday brochure on May 6th. 1st Thursday is an evening of art and culture in the Downtown area. Other photos will be used for a CycleMAYnia postcard mailer and 1st Thursday art exhibit. Email to kepperson@sbcag.org by March 5, 2010. Photographs should be 300 PPI RGB digital photos in the camera's native format. More at www.trafficsolutions.info.

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Willie is coming back

• International touring cyclist, columnist, and actor Willie Weir is returning to Santa Barbara this April. For years, Willie was the highlight of our Bike Week of activities, so we're delighted to have him return. Mark your calendars, he'll give presentations at UCSB April 20th, then in Downtown Santa Barbara April 22nd. His presentation is titled "A Frugal Cyclist's Guide to the Universe."

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Santa Barbara Century is coming back

• Kalon Kelley came to our February Bicycle Coaliton meeting to announce the return of the Santa Barbara Century on October 23rd. The 100-mile ride challenges cyclists with 9800 feet of climbing into our mountains; the Metric Century has only 4000 feet.
• Our Bici Centro program will share the event profit, and we agreed to staff a Bicycle Coalition rest stop. Details at www.santabarbaracentury.org.

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Jessica Findley posts Aeolian Ride photos



Santa Barbara Aeolian rider. Photo by Jessica Findley.

• Our Bicycle Coalition and Santa Barbara Community Arts Forum worked with Don Lubach and the WheelHouse guys to bring NY artist Jessica Findley with her billowing cyclist outfits for a ride here last October, led by Judy Keim. For Jessica, 2009 was an intense year. She had rides in Tokyo, Bridgeport, Santa Barbara and Lisbon.
• Jessica writes, "All rides were phenomenal and everyone who participated was fantastic. Thanks so much for all the enthusiasm!" Look here: www.aeolian-ride.info/photos_sb.html. Jessica tells us that videos are going to be added. "Until then I hope you get sun on your face and wind in your sails."

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Vulnerable user bill

• This legislative session, the California Bicycle Coalition (CBC) introduced a "vulnerable roadway users" bill. It's modeled after one passed in Oregon in 2007. Details for the California bill are being worked out, but Oregon' bills defines "vulnerable user" as a pedestrian, a person riding an animal, or a person using a farm tractor, skateboard, roller skates, inline skates, scooter, or bicycle. It provides that any motorist who is found guilty of committing an offense that contributes to the death or serious injury to a vulnerable user will be sentenced to appear in person in court, complete a traffic safety course and perform 100-200 hours of community service related to traffic safety. And if the motorist doesn't complete those requirements, the court could impose a fine up to $12,500 and suspend driving privileges.
• On February 9th, Eva Inbar from COAST and Ralph Fertig from our Bicycle Coalition went to our Assemblyman Pedro Nava's office. We talked with local and Sacramento staff, plus the CBC's Jim Brown about Nava's possible co-sponsorship. Nothing definite resulted, but now we're all watching to see how things develop in the legislature.

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Coalition asks Goleta for safer bridges



About 100 people showed up for an open house about a new 101 overcrossing in Goleta. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• On February 10th, the City of Goleta held an open house to solicit opinions on alternatives for a proposed bike/pedestrian/car bridge over Highway 101 in western Goleta. The bridge will be between Storke and Winchester Canyon.
• The City's engineering consultants winnowed 13 alternatives down to three. Several Bicycle Coalition members attended, and the following letter was sent from us on February 16th to Goleta's Rosemarie Gaglione expressing our views:
• "For years we have asked for safer ways of travel for people on bicycles as alternatives to the Glen Annie-Storke Road crossing of Highway 101. With residential areas and multiple destinations on both sides of 101 in western Goleta, traversing 101 is a challenge for dedicated cyclists and an absolute obstacle for others. A new way of crossing without the conflicts of freeway on and off ramps will be a major improvement.
• Out of the three alternatives that Drake Haglan & Associates have recommended, we feel that A6, the San Rossano Drive to Entrance Road is the best, for these reasons:
• It will reduce Storke-101 ramp traffic by 9%
• It will not greatly increase traffic past Brandon School
• It will not require a bridge over Calle Real
• It costs millions less than the other two recommended alternatives
• Bicyclists can connect to San Rossano via the Evergreen Open Space bikepath
• There is no or little biological or open space impact.
• Bicyclists can easily pedal for several miles, making UCSB, Hollister industrial parks, the Marketplace, Girsh Park, Ellwood Open Space, and K-Mart all more safely accessible in minutes via the new bridge.
• We do nevertheless have some concerns about A6 that we hope you will consider:
• The 35 MPH "design speed" is high, reduce it to 25 or 30 by traffic calming
• Reduce the 12-foot travel lanes to 11 feet
• Reduce the 8-foot shoulder/bikelane to 5 feet
• Reduce the 6-foot sidewalks back to 5 feet
• Consider coloring the shoulder/bikelane a different color
• Install lighting for nighttime security.
• This being said, the alternatives fail to adequately address the need for a more direct bike/ped bridge in the Pacific Oaks area that connects Dos Pueblos High School, residences closer to Glen Annie, the Marketplace and Girsh Park. Such a bridge location was designed a decade ago after a series of well-attended public meetings in the Ellwood and El Encanto Heights neighborhoods. The death of Christina Veloz-Payne in September 2008 is a sad reminder of what continues to be an unmet need."
• Next will be preparation of a Project Study Report, followed by identification of funding sources, environmental approval, final design, and then construction. Be very patient.

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Good bike education is available locally
by Christine Bourgeois

• This is my response to a recent Santa Barbara News-Press letter to the editor "Maybe bicyclists should be licensed."
• Bicyclists need education more than licensing and regulation.
• Mr. Greenleaf noted the problem of bad bicyclist behavior. He then advocated for cyclist licensing and mandatory helmets as a solution. I recommend a different approach. Education is needed to make our cyclists (and all road users) safer. The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition and Bici Centro offer a variety of classes teaching safe and legal cycling for riders of all ages.
• While bike education is key to encouraging respect of the rules of the road, bicyclist licensing would discourage biking and predominantly hurt low-income families. Helmets are required for those under 18 years old and many schools around Santa Barbara have helmet distributions at low cost. Helmets are a great idea, but requiring adults to wear them would further depress ridership in Santa Barbara.
• We know this because studies in Australia and elsewhere show that less regulation leads to more trips by bike. Other studies show that there is safety in numbers. As more people bike, car drivers become accustomed to seeing them, and the rate of collisions decreases.
• A well-educated cycling populace, who follows the rules and knows how to be visible and predictable, will share the road with all users (whether motorist or pedestrian).

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Bici Centro activities



Wednesday afternoon "Spanish-speaking only" shop times attract many, here learning about spoke replacement. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Our Bici Centro community bike program is offering diverse services. Below are hours for various groups. Info at www.bicicentro.org or phone 617-3255.
• Monday, youth only, 3:30-6:00 PM
• Tuesday, volunteers only, 4:00-6:30 PM
• Tuesday, "Learn Your Bike" classes, 7:00-9:00 PM
• Wednesday, Spanish-speaking only, 4:00-7:00 PM
• Thursday, open shop 4:00-7:00 PM
• Friday, Mechanics Modules, 6:00-8:00 PM
• Saturday, open shop 1:00-7:00 PM

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Street Skills class offered March 18/20

• Every other month, we offer our Street Skills for Cyclists Class. January's class was rained out, so our March one should be a good group experience. You'll learn how to cope better with traffic in an urban setting. The class will help you foresee and avoid accidents, be visible day and night, position yourself in traffic, cross freeway bridges, equip your bike, and lots more including on-road riding on Saturday.
• The class will be held at the Granada Garage Bikestation, 1219 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Online info at www.sbbike.org/skills/apply.html. Email any questions to streetskills@sbbike.org.

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Bike-sharing spawns innovative schemes



The first place winner "OPENbike" resulted from a German and Danish collaboration.

• During last November's UN climate conference in Copenhagen, winners in a design competition for a city bike-sharing system were announced. A total of 127 entries competed for €100,000 in prizes. The city will use entries to create a Paris-like system for 2013. In looking over the entries, it's apparent that Europeans are overshadowing the US in green transportation systems.
• The first place winner, shown here, is a stand-alone bike powered by an internal generator. No control kiosks are needed, the computer-managed bikes can be picked up or left anywhere. Competition details at www.cphbikeshare.com.

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Wet Willy Sez
by Wilson Hubbell

• Dear Wet Willy: Do you have any suggestions for dealing with saddle sores? I don't get them very often, but when I do – OUCH! — Obviously Anonymous
• Dear Obvi: You are not alone. Almost any cyclist will suffer from some type of saddle sore if they ride often and/or far enough. Even Lance Armstrong and Greg Lemond have had them…
• Saddle sores tend to develop in stages beginning with hot spots or abrasions, then advancing to pimple-like folliculitis and (in really bad cases) abscesses. Topical products like A&D ointment and Bag Balm work on hot spots or abrasions, antibiotic ointments like Neosporin can help with folliculitis, but you better see a doctor if abscesses occur.
• The most effective treatment for saddle sores is preventing them as best you can. The basic preventive steps are to (1) get a bike and a saddle that fit you, (2) wear padded cycling shorts without underwear, (3) slather your genital area with a petroleum jelly based product (like Vaseline, A&D ointment or Bag Balm) before you ride and (4) clean your shorts and wash your crotch after your ride.
• Bike and saddle fit is the most important element of saddle sore prevention, and this is where you should start your efforts. If you haven't had a fitting, Dave Lettieri at Fastrack Bicycles knows how to do one properly, although there may be others in town with similar capabilities. Meanwhile, wear cycling shorts when you ride, slather your crotch with Bag Balm and clean yourself up afterwards.

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Electric bikes are here, where are they going?
by Ralph Fertig

• China leads the world in electric-assist bike ownership. In 2009, the Chinese bought 93% of the world's "e-bikes," but its share continues to drop as Europe, the US and other Asian countries purchase more. By 2012, US sales are projected to rise to 500,000 bikes, a four fold increase over 2007.
• In China, according to a NY Times article, e-bike sales have soared and fallen as government regulations and other factors change. They soared when pollution-spewing mopeds and scooters were banned, and SARS-scared transit commuters chose to avoid crowds. They plummeted as e-bike fatalities rose, and some cities banned them. The inexpensive lead-acid batteries that 95% of Chinese e-bikes use add lead to the air, raising new environmental alarms.
• In the US and EU, lighter NiMH or Li-ion batteries are preferred. In Europe, studies found that pedal e-bikes, or "pedelecs," once thought to be for the elderly or physically-impaired, are actually being bought by others who use them for distant trips or for hauling cargo—both instead of cars. As people increasingly perceive pedelecs as cheap, flexible and sensible alternatives to cars, rather than expensive bicycles, they will continue to increase in use worldwide.
• They have advantages of bicycles—quiet, small, healthy, non-polluting—and few of the negative effects of cars. Read an EU pedelec study here.

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We thank our active members

• Please thank and support these Bicycle Coalition business members:
• Bicycle Bob's, Santa Barbara
• Nett & Champion Insurance Services, Santa Barbara
• Pedal Power Bicycles, Santa Maria
• Dr J's Bicycle Shop, Solvang
• Hazard's Cyclesport, Santa Barbara
• Chris King Precision Components, Portland, Oregon
• Santa Barbara Pedicabs, Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Bike Repair, Santa Barbara
• WheelHouse, Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go, Santa Barbara
• Tailwinds Bicycle Club, Santa Maria
• We appreciate those who renewed their memberships: Drew Hunter, Dan Hammack, Jim Marnocha, Joe & Taryn O'Flaherty, Owen Patmor and Doris Phinney.

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Education reduces youth bike crashes by 51%



A young Maine bicycle rider looks before crossing a street, as she was taught to do.

• The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has been working with the state DOT and a federal Safe Routes to School program. They have brought their bicycle safety program to over 80,000 students since 2000. Each year, the state selects 100 schools to receive the training for fourth and fifth graders.
• Since children aged 12-15 are the highest risks for bicycle crashes, the program targets students just under those ages. An analysis comparing bicycle crash rates in Maine for the eight years before their bicycle safety education program began with the first eight years since reveals a 51 percent drop in bicycle crashes for children aged 10-14.

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Cost of parking versus alternative transportation

• On March 9th, UCSB is offering a free "webinar." It will give participants tools to quantify the true costs of parking and help them determine of the best mix of transportation options. It takes place at 10:00 AM, Building 594, UCSB. Read more here.

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February Coalition meeting topics

• Our February 2nd monthly Bicycle Coalition meeting was held at noon in Downtown Santa Barbara, with 14 participants talking about these topics:
• Ralph Fertig alerted people to Goleta's open house that will present alternative bridge designs over Highway 101.
• Lori la Riva described the Green Shorts video contest. Two recent Brooks Institute grads Eric Fredricey and Evita Huapaya, expressed interest.
• Ralph Fertig described Solvang's proposed designs for Highway 246 and Alamo Pintado Road, and our letter describing good alternatives for bicyclists.
• Kalon Kelley talked about the new Santa Barbara Century ride, and we voted to staff a rest stop.
• Ed France and Lori La Riva talked about opportunities to create events for Cycle MAYnia.
• Michael Chiacos described changes coming to the CEC's Earth Day in April, now a 2-day event.
• Ralph Fertig and Kalon Kelley talked about welcome changes coming to the California Environmental Quality Act.
• Christine Bourgeois described our bike education programs, and invited all to attend the monthly Bicycle Education meetings.
• Ralph Fertig explained a possible California "vulnerable roadway user" bill this year.

Coalition asks Solvang for bikepath connection in 246 improvements



This shows one of three proposed intersection alternatives for Highway 246 at Alamo Pintado Road. A second is a signalized intersection. And a third has two roundabouts, as shown plus another just north.



This photo, looking west along Highway 246, shows the end of the bikepath. With a road widened to four lanes, it will be even harder for east-bound bicyclists to enter the path. The path can also be seen at the right center of the roundabout drawing above. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• As reported in February's Quick Release, the city of Solvang held an open house on January 19th to obtain opinions on three alternative designs for the intersection of Highway 246 and Alamo Pintado Road. Our president Ralph Fertig attended, took notes, and later returned to take photos, bike around and consider safety of all people on bicycles. Of special concern is access to the existing bikepath that leads to the high school, as shown in the photo above. A letter from our Bicycle Coalition was sent on February 1st to Quincy Engineering, Solvang's consulting firm, with these recommendations:
• "We have been considering the alternatives for the Highway 246 intersection at Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang. Our concerns are bicyclist convenience and safety, especially for younger and less experienced people on bicycles. For overall intersection safety, roundabouts offer a significant improvement for motorists, a minor one for pedestrians, and little if any for bicyclists. For overall community safety, we therefore prefer roundabouts over signalized traffic control.
• Roundabouts that adhere to Caltrans and FHWA standards have shared-use paths around the outer circle; these are indeed shown lavender in the rendering of the proposed roundabout. They can definitely offer the less confident bicyclists an option that eliminates crashes with motorists within the inscribed circle. Experienced bicyclists will take the traffic lane and navigate the roundabout like motorists.
• That being said, the intersection design is complicated by the existence of a 2-mile long shared-use path that runs from a location just east of the Alamo Pintado Creek bridge to the Santa Ynez Valley High School. Experienced east-bound bicyclists will choose the Highway 246 shoulder instead of the path, however access to it for less intrepid users is a challenge. A possible solution is to continue the roundabout's multi-use path on the north-east corner eastward to a new multi-user bridge over the creek, then connect to the existing path.
• Funding for such a bridge has apparently been agreed to by the Old Mill Estates development on High Meadow Road. It might be a prefab bridge like one that Santa Barbara County installed over Maria Ygnacio Creek east of Goleta. Or it might be a cantilever bridge off the new Highway 246 bridge, similar to the Highway 1 treatment over the Santa Ynez River in Lompoc.
• What is not acceptable is a new bridge into the Nielsen's shopping center. The drawing shows it emptying directly into an incoming travel way in the parking lot. Also, the lot's diagonal parking makes it hard for motorists backing up to see other cars and pedestrians, let alone people scooting by on bikes.
• As for a second roundabout, we think it should be considered as a separate project."