www.sbbike.org Serving Santa Barbara County
November 2007
Measure D — one more chance
We’re a countywide advocacy and resource organization that promotes bicycling for safe transportation and recreation.
How to reach us Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition PO Box 92047 Santa Barbara CA 93190-2047 phone 962-1479 email info@sbbike.org web www.sbbike.org
November 6th meeting Join us on the first Tuesday of the month for our general meeting: Tuesday, November 6th Madam Lu Chinese Restaurant 3524 State Street Santa Barbara 6:00 PM No-host dinner 7:00 PM Meeting
Online email list We sponsor a free online email forum where you can post and read messages that pertain to regional bicycling issues. To subscribe, just send an email message to: sbbike-subscribe@lists.riseup.net
Leave the subject line and body of the message blank.
North County Proposal
South County Proposal
Following the defeat of the three-quarter-cent transportation tax renewal in 2006, a new proposal has been under development. This time, it will be a half-cent tax and will have two separate expenditure plans—one for North County, another for South County—that will reflect the different regional expectations and needs. The two plans are being crafted by two committees. Our Bicycle Coalition is a member of the South County committee, with Wilson Hubbell as our representative, and Ralph Fertig as alternate. Although some changes are likely, the plans shown above are current as of late October. It is expected that the 30-year plan will bring in
$1.05 billion in 2010 dollars. Each year’s revenue will be split evenly between the two county halves, meaning that each will receive about $17.5 million annually to be apportioned as shown. The North County plan is simpler and more is going to new roadways. The North’s “Local Alternative” portion is a minimum required, and it’s to be spent on bicycle, pedestrian, bus, and rail travel, plus education and traffic calming. The South County has an array of dedicated funding categories, including one for bicyclist/pedestrian projects. That program would be funded through a grant process where submitted proposals would be considered for funding.
Join our Coalition You can help improve bicycling safety and conditions in Santa Barbara County by joining others in our regional bicycling advocacy group. Together we’ll continue to make a real difference. See page 6 for info.
UCSB police report new signs increase student safety
Our CycleSmart program The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition’s CycleSmart bicyclist education program offers bicycling skills classes for school children and adults. Look for details of upcoming classes inside Quick Release, or contact our Co-coordinators Dru van Hengel and Erika Lindemann by email CycleSmart@sbbike.org . Quick Release is published monthly by the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, PO Box 92047, Santa Barbara, CA 93190. Subscribe for $25 per year. Issue # 193.
New signs telling bicyclists to walk across El Colegio Road at Stadium Road are increasing safety there, the campus police report.
University policeman Mark Signa reports that new signs advising students to walk bikes at several locations on campus are successful. Speaking to the Associated Students BIKES committee on October 23rd, he noted a greatly-increased compliance among the thousands of bicycling students. They are especially helpful in the campus center where heavy pedestrian traffic is endangered by agile, quiet and unexpected bicyclists. The new signs were funded with student fees administered by the BIKES committee. They prominently state that a $120 fine will be imposed on violators who are cited. While the $120 fine is stiff, students have one opportunity each school year to eliminate it by attending a one-hour, $35 bicycling safety class conducted by the campus police. Signa notes that at the class beginning, students are resentful, but at the end they are understanding.
Board selects Bike Week 2008 theme Our Board of Directors enthusiastically agreed that for 2008, our Bike Week theme will be Bicycling as Transportation. Last May, we emphasized bike touring. In addition to several presentations about bike touring here and abroad, we led an overnight trip to El Capitan State Beach. We’re now collecting ideas for 2008 events and presentations about utility bike trips, so if you have thoughts, let us know. We’re delighted to announce that world traveller, entertainer, and overall lovable guy Willie Weir will be returning for another presentation at our Bike Week Celebration dinner and fun evening. This year, it’s on Saturday, May 17th, returning to the Chase Palm Park Center overlooking Santa Barbara’s beach, wharf and bikepath. Willie reports that he and his wife Kat Marriner are off to pedal for three months through Columbia and Venezuela in February. “We'll return with many a story to tell,” he promises. Mark your 2008 calendars!
Summerland improvements begin
Addressing Summerland residents is County Public Works Director Scott McGolpin. Supervisor Salud Carbajal is on the left and Deputy Director for Planning Derek Johnson is on the right.
A groundbreaking ceremony with Supervisor Salud Carbajal and others took place in Summerland on October 25th. It marked the beginning of phase I of Ortega Hill Road improvements that include new bikelanes along with sidewalks, landscaping, curbs, parking, and drainage. Bicycle Coalition president Ralph Fertig spoke to the crowd about the thousands of cyclists who use that section of roadway, the only realistic connection between Carpinteria and the South Coast. The $300,000 project is the first of three phases that will continue improvements east from Evans Road in early 2008. Be careful biking through the construction zone and expect delays during this initial phase that will last through the end of the year.
Coalition sends 101 letter to Caltrans Our ongoing concern about cyclist safety on the section of Highway 101 east of Carpinteria has led our Bicycle Coalition to send a letter to Aythem Al-Saleh at Caltrans. Al-Saleh is the project manager for the $151 million highway widening project that includes a several-mile section where cyclists ride on the freeway shoulder. We asked Al-Saleh to consult with us and the Channel Islands Bicycle Club in Ventura about means of increasing our safety there. Caltrans sent a team of planners to consider alternatives in early October; they are considering a separate bikepath on the mountain side of the highway. Stay tuned. Quick Release ~ November 2007 ~ Page 2
Wet Willy Sez Dear Wet Willy: I’ve been told by a local law enforcement officer that all flashing LED lights on bicycles are illegal, that I need a red reflector in the rear instead. The flashing lights seem so much safer, can they be illegal? Will I be cited by the cops? — Fine with no fines Dear Fine: Wet Willy checked the California Vehicle Code and found that the officer is not quite correct regarding red flashing LEDs. While it is true that a flashing red LED cannot be used instead of a red reflector on a bicycle, nothing in the CVC prohibits a flashing red LED from being used in addition to a red reflector on a bicycle. Wet Willy’s bike is equipped with both a red reflector and a red LED—and he knows he’s cool with the law. Dear Wet Willy: Could you say something about parents who take their small children to bikepaths? This seems to be a growing problem, and today my wife and I were nearly taken down by what appeared to be a 3 year old and a 5 year old wandering aimlessly back and forth across the Obern Trail. It could have been a disaster for us and the kids had we not been hypercareful, and the parents just seemed oblivious. — Loves kids but… Dear But: It is good to see parents out recreating with their kids and teaching them how to ride, but putting small children with tiny bikes on a busy bikepath is not a good idea. It’s sort of like teaching your teenager to drive by putting them on Hwy 154 over San Marcos Pass. Wet Willy grew up near a church where the parking lot was usually empty and there was nothing or nobody to run into, so that is where he learned to ride. The local elementary school also had large areas of parking/open space and many kids learned to ride there on weekends. It all happened long ago, but church parking lots and elementary schools are still available. Parents should let their kids practice in places like that for awhile. The bikepath will be there for them when they’re older and ready. “Wet Willie” is an advice column authored by Coalition Vice President Wilson Hubbell. Please submit any questions you may have about cycling-related issues to him at wilsonhubbell@aol.com.
Santa Barbara named again “Bicycle-Friendly”
Twenty-two South Coast schools have Walk and Bike to School events
First awarded the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle-Friendly Community in 2003, the City of Santa Barbara has renewed its “silver” status in 2005 and for a third time, earlier this year. The city joins 70 others across the US in achieving recognition. In California alone, there are 13 other recognized communities: Davis, Folsom, Mountain View, Palo Alto, The Presidio of San Francisco, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, South Lake Tahoe, Sunnyvale, Santa Clarita, and Santa Cruz. Cities are assessed by the League in five areas: education, engineering, law enforcement, marketing, and effectiveness evaluation. We have to thank Santa Barbara’s Dru van Hengel for submitting the application for this recognition, and for working to make the city a better place to bicycle. “It is important to recognize good communities as they begin to build bicycle friendliness into their network,” league Executive Director Andy Clarke said. More information about the program can be found at www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org. Who else in our county will be recognized next?
October 3rd was high of 2/3, with the nominally “Internaaverage being half. tional Walk to School There was no correDay,” however the 22 lation between teachparticipating schools ers talking about the in Santa Barbara’s event and class turnSouth Coast were toout; anecdotally, all tally receptive to all kids seemed well aware of the event modes that encourage healthy travel for from the posters and their students. from hearing about it from friends. PreThe 22 participatsumably the educaing schools nearly tional aspect of the doubled the 13 from event was enhanced last year, according to Mountain View students sign in, indicating whether by those teachers COAST’s Eva Inbar. they walked, biked or used another non-car mode who participated. Although participato school. Photo by Greg Janée. This was the pretion data are still event publicity: coming in, Bicycle Coalition member Greg Janée gave the following report about Article in the school newsletter Goleta’s Mountain View Elementary School Colorful posters placed several places where his children attend. Out of 373 total around campus, both where parents drive in and where kids congregate students, participation was 226 kids, a turnout of 61%. This is how they traveled to Note to teachers reminding them of the event and providing talking points to go school: over with their students. Walk: 150 Students lined up on the event day for these: Bike: 36 Bus: 28 Survey Scooter: 12. Receive a snack bar, a fruit wrap, and pencil Instant raffle—roll dice to win a prize. Kids were asked if their teachers had talked
Bike Class Nov 15-17
to them about the event beforehand. Out of 17 teachers, 10 reportedly did. Participation by class ranged from 1/3 of the class to a
Traffic Solutions’ RideShare Week makes us all winners
Another one of our Introduction to Bicycle Street Skills classes will take place over two days in November. There will be a 3-hour evening classroom session on November 15th, followed by five hours on the 17th of bike maintenance, bike handling skills, and a ride with traffic. Details and online registration are available at www.sbbike.org/CycleSmart/apply.html.
Congratulate Susan Broderick who won a new bicycle for participating in Traffic Solutions’ Rideshare Week contest that took place October 15-19th. She was among the 574 smart participants who biked, walked, carshared, or used any alternative for trips other than driving alone. It was reported that the contest reduced trips by 2,052, and saved 54,071 miles of automobile travel. That translates into participants’ personal savings of $28,225 on gasoline, and a community savings of 24.6 tons of CO2 that would otherwise be in our air, contributing to climate change. You can read more about it online at www.trafficsolutions.info/rideshare.htm.
Planned follow-up actions:
Article in the school newsletter Distribution of walking and biking maps.
Light yourself up We’re about to lose Daylight Savings Time, which means darkness earlier in the afternoon, and visibility challenges for bicyclists. The section of the California Vehicle Code that deals with legal requirements for cyclists was just updated by Assembly Bill 478 that now allows white or yellow shoe or ankle reflectors to be used instead of those on bike pedals—but they still have to be visible from 200 feet. In addition, you must have:
A white-light lamp on the bike or rider that illuminates the roadway and is visible from 300 feet ahead and from the sides.
A red reflector on the bicycle rear that’s visible from 500 feet back when illuminated by a motor vehicle’s high-beam lights.
White or yellow reflector in the front, and a white or red reflector in the rear of the bicycle center, usually in the wheel spokes. Reflectorized bike tires can serve instead.
Quick Release ~ November 2007 ~ Page 3
Amgen Tour of California update The week-long Amgen Tour of California will return to us next February. The Time Trial will be in Solvang on Friday the 22nd. And on the 23rd, Stage 6 will begin in Santa Barbara. Our Bicycle Coalition is teaming with the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Conference and Visitors Bureau to again organize events around the Stage 6 start. The local effort is being coordinated by Barney Berglund. In February 2007, the committee organized a pre-race party, a children’s race, and a “Safetyville” area for kids around the Santa Barbara stage. This time, we’re actively pursuing a better and more attractive event. Great news is In 2007, we hosted a “Safetyville” for kids before the start of the Santa Barbara stage of the Tour. that Cottage Hospital has agreed to host its Health and Wellness Fair on the park adjacent to the start on Cabrillo Boulevard. We want adults and kids to come down and associate health with cycling. If you can volunteer to help in any way, or have event ideas, contact Barney at barney_berglund@hotmail.com.
Upcoming bike meetings and events Bicycling is booming, there are more events and meetings than ever. Many are not announced a month beforehand, so check out our website for ongoing updates at www.sbbike.org/meet/meet.html.
ride includes an event T-shirt, water bottle, a post-ride meal, route sheet, four fully stocked checkpoints along the course, and roving SAG. Registration and details at www.planetultra.com.
November 3, Solvang Prelude, sponsored by SCOR Cardiac Cyclists Club. Traditional fall ride attracts thousands and closes out the local recreational season. Choice of 25, 50 or 63-mile rides out of Solvang. Roving sag support, food stops, vendor expo, optional barbecue at end. Information at www.bikescor.com or phone 562-690-9693.
November 15 and 17, Street Skills for Cycling Class, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. 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 bicycling on Saturday. The class will be held at the Granada Garage Bikestation, 1219 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Online info and registration at www.sbbike.org/CycleSmart/apply.html. Send questions to CycleSmart@sbbike.org.
November 6, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This is another evening meeting so those who cannot attend our noon meetings can join us. Madam Lu Chinese Restaurant, 3524 State Street, Santa Barbara. No-host dinner 6:00 PM, meeting at 7:00. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net. November 7, Front Country Trails Task Force Meeting, sponsored by the City and County of Santa Barbara, and the Forest Service. This meeting will deal with trail issues. The agenda on the city’s website. Santa Barbara City Hall, Council Chambers, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, 5:30 PM. November 10, Solvang’s Finest Century, sponsored by Planet Ultra. This 100-mile charity ride benefits the Challenged Athletes Foundation that has raised millions to physically challenged individuals across the United States and around the world. The Quick Release ~ November 2007 ~ Page 4
November 17, Holiday Halves, sponsored by Tailwinds Bicycle Club of Santa Maria. Cruise through scenic canyons, vineyards, and rangelands with moderately challenging hills. Your choice of a 24-mile or 50-mile ride. At the end, those who preregister by November 9 will enjoy a Santa Maria Style BBQ. Limited to 125 cyclists. Details and registration info are on their website www.tailwindsbc.org. November 25, Bike Clinic, sponsored by Open Air Bicycles. This clinic covers bicycle maintenance basics to give you confidence to make repairs yourself when you’re away from home. Open Air Bicycles, 224 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, 9:00-10:00 AM. Phone 962-7000, or email MFasth@aol.com for info.
Bike bills signed by Schwarzenegger Four bills in the California legislature this year that effect bicyclists were recently signed into law by our governor. AB 57—Safe Routes to School On October 14th, Governor Schwarzenegger signed the California Safe Routes to School (SR2S) bill that extends funding indefinitely for construction of bicycle and pedestrian safety, and traffic calming projects near schools for grades K-12. It uses money from the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program. Immediately available through a competitive grant process are $52 million over a two year cycle. Applications from cities and counties are due November 16th. Applications can be for projects such as sidewalks, pathways, bike lanes, traffic calming, or for non-infrastructure activities such as education. AB 321—School Zone Safety On October 10th, our governor signed AB 321 that was sponsored by Pedro Nava. Local agencies will now be able to extend school zones at qualifying schools up to 1000 feet each way and drop the speed limit in the core zone to 15 MPH. The City of Goleta is planning to implement it immediately, making it safer for kids to get to school on foot and bike. AB 1581—Traffic Actuated Signals On October 8th, Governor Schwarzenegger signed this bill that will eventually improve signal detection of bicyclists at intersections. It requires jurisdictions to install only detection devices that are sensitive to bicycles and motorcycles. However, it first requires Caltrans to establish uniform standards and guidelines to be followed. AB 478—Bicycle safety On September 26, our governor signed into law this amendment to the Vehicle Code. It expands bicycle lighting requirements to sidewalks (only where biking is legal) and bikeways. And it allows shoe and ankle reflectors instead of only pedal ones. There’s more about safe biking at night on page 3. “I have consistently emphasized that cycling health benefits FAR OUTWEIGH the traffic safety risks of cycling, and that for every hour of cycling, one adds MORE than an hour to one's healthy expected lifetime.” — John Pucher, Professor, Urban Planning and Policy Development Program, Rutgers University
October Coalition meeting topics Our October 2nd monthly Bicycle Coalition noontime meeting attracted 14 people to discuss these topics: Ralph Fertig described efforts to help bicycling residents at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission learn about safety, including a distribution of free helmets. Dru van Hengel announced that Santa Barbara was again awarded the “Silver Level” recognition as a Bicycle-Friendly Community. Ralph Fertig asked for input over a possible bicycle-sharing program that might be developed for the South Coast, or possibly just Santa Barbara. Possible restrictions or prohibition of bikers on South Coast trails was discussed. Our Board of Directors will consider crafting a policy. Lisa Murawski described chances to win prizes during Traffic Solution’s upcoming Rideshare Week. Ralph Fertig and Wilson Hubbell described Caltrans’ reactions to our concerns about bicyclist safety on Highway 101 east of Carpinteria. They’re taking us seriously. Ed France reported on Bici Centro’s ongoing workshops at Casa de la Raza, and their need for volunteers, tools, and mechanics. Volunteer workshops are being held periodically. Participation of children on bicycles as part of the October 3rd Walk to School Day was described.
Local MS ride attract hundreds The annual Start to Finish MS Bike Tour expanded last year from a one-day event to a two-day one. The new rides go from Camarillo to Santa Barbara and back the next day. Last year the participation was down from prior years, but this year it increased to 780 riders. Even better, MS riders take off from Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara on a crisp and clear Sunday morning. the charity ride brought in a record $700,000 to fund multiple sclerosis research and treatment.
We thank our active members Please thank and support the following Bicycle Coalition business members:
Bicycle Bob’s, Santa Barbara Nett & Champion Insurance Services, Santa Barbara The Bike Barn, Santa Maria Café de Velo, Santa Barbara Open Air Bicycles, Santa Barbara Pedal Power Bicycles, Santa Maria Santa Barbara Electric Bicycle Company, Santa Barbara Chris King Precision Components, Portland OR Run Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara
In addition, we welcome new member Sridhar Subramanian. We further thank those who renewed their memberships: James Elliott, John Cinatl, Mark McClure, Bill Pollock, Diane Burns, Carol Tokar, and Jean Anderson
Correction Last month’s article about the new UCSB bikeracks incorrectly attributed the source of funding for the project. The racks themselves were purchased with $53,000 Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account grant obtained by James Wagner, Transportation Alternative Program coordinator at the University, through Matt Dobberteen at the County Public Works Department. The students, via their AS BIKES Committee, paid for the bike parking lot expansion, repaving and slurry seal on the lot and adjacent bikepath. We thank Wagner for his clarification.
Ads in Quick Release Quick Release accepts advertisements. Circulation is about 450 people. Ads are business card size, 3.5” wide x 2.0” high. Details and an order form are available on PDF format online at: www.sbbike.org/QR/ad.pdf . Quick Release ~ November 2007 ~ Page 5
Shop discounts
“If you bicycle, you should join the Bicycle Coalition”
Application for Membership Yes! I want to help make bicycling better for all of us in Santa Barbara County. ❏ Individual, 1 year $25 ❏ Individual, 2 years $45 ❏ Business, 1 year $100
❏ Student/Senior, 1 year $12 ❏ Student/Senior, 2 years $22 ❏ Lifetime $1000
❏ Household, 1 year $40 ❏ Household, 2 years $75 ❏ Other $_____
name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ city, state, zip _______________________________________________________________________________________________ phone ___________________________________ email _____________________________________________________________ ❏ New membership ❏ Renewal membership ❏ Email me Adobe PDF files of Quick Release newsletters instead of printed ones. Make payable to Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition. Mail to Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, PO Box 92047, Santa Barbara, CA 93190. We are a 501c3 nonprofit, so contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition
Regional bicycle clubs & groups
Road repair contacts
President, Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 sb-ralph@cox.net Vice President, Wilson Hubbell, 6831240, wilsonhubbell@aol.com Secretary, Drew Hunter, 896-2119 watair1@earthlink.net Treasurer, Mark McClure, 967-5031 mcclure606@yahoo.com Director, Judy Keim, 687-2912 jkpedpad@aol.com Director, Don Lubach, 964-7798 dlubach@mac.com Director, Jim Marshall, 962-3531 Jim2Mars@aol.com Director, David Bourgeois, 899-3728 daveb@alumni.caltech.edu Director, Nancy Mulholland, 563-9073 nmulhol04@yahoo.com Advisor, Dru van Hengel, 564-5544 dvanhengel@SantaBarbaraCA.gov Advisor, Erika Lindemann, 569-1544 erikabikes@cox.net Advisor, Matt Dobberteen, 568-3000 matt@cosbpw.net
The Cutters Mark Langowski, 937-3252 mark_langowski@dot.ca.gov Echelon Santa Barbara Mark Purcell, markpurcell@cox.net Goleta Valley Cycling Club Doris Phinney, 968-3143 Cyclebug@aol.com Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club Gene Pritchett, 733-2707 Dr.Gene@gte.net SB Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers John Berberet, 681-0048 johnberberet@hotmail.com Santa Barbara Bicycle Club Dave Court, david_court@earthlink.net Santa Barbara BMX Dale Bowers, res0d201@verizon.net Tailwinds Bicycle Club David Cantero, 937-4097 SMtailwinds@verizon.net UCSB Cycling Club Matthew Post , 818-642-3553 plushk2@yahoo.com
Caltrans www.dot.ca.gov/maintform.html Carpinteria Dale Lipp, 684-5405 x402 dalel@ci.carpinteria.ca.us Goleta Bill Millar, 961-7575 bmillar@cityofgoleta.org Lompoc Larry Bean, 736-1261 l_bean@ci.lompoc.ca.us Santa Barbara City Dru van Hengel, 564-5544 dvanhengel@SantaBarbaraCA.gov Santa Barbara County Matt Dobberteen, 568-3576 matt@cosbpw.net Santa Maria Rick Sweet, 925-0951 x227 rsweet@ci.santa-maria.ca.us Solvang Brad Vigro, 688-5575 bradv@cityofsolvang.com UCSB Dennis Whelan, 893-7009 Dennis.Whelan@bap.ucsb.edu
Bicycle Coalition members benefit from discounts at local shops. It’s another reason to join our group. To get your discount, take your copy of Quick Release to the shop & show them your address label that says “MEMBER” on it. Or cut out the label box and take it. Discount details are at www.sbbike.org/SBBC/ who.html. Please patronize these shops: Bicycle Bob’s 250 Storke Road #A, Goleta 15 Hitchcock Way, Santa Barbara Bicycle Connection 223 W. Ocean Avenue, Lompoc Commuter Bicycles, 569-5381 Hazard’s Cyclesport 110 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara Mad Mike's Bikes 1108 E. Clark Avenue #G, Santa Maria Main Street Cycles 311 East Main Street, Santa Maria Open Air Bicycles 224 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara Pedal Power Bicycles 1740 Broadway, Santa Maria Santa Barbara Electric Bicycle 630 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara VeloPro Cyclery 633 State Street, Santa Barbara 5887 Hollister Avenue, Goleta
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