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www.sbbike.org Serving Santa Barbara County 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

July 1st meeting Join us on the first Tuesday of the month for our general meeting: Tuesday, July 1st 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.

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.

Are gas prices boosting bicycling?

by Ralph Fertig At one store, a woman Everybody is talking about the from Montecito was there soaring cost of gasoline and with her son and their two what people are doing about bikes. She told me that it it. All over the country, there now costs over $100 to fill are reports of people leaving up their SUV, so they are cars in the garages as they going to make more trips walk, bike and bus more. So by bike. She was getting a I ask the question, are local handlebar metal basket and residents biking more? trailer to haul two dogs for Americans are definitely her bike, plus a new saddle driving less. The US Departand helmet for her son. ment of Transportation South Coast residents monitors traffic at 4000 are biking more. Since 1997, locations. The result for the Bicycle Coalition volunteers first quarter of 2008 is a de- Bicyclists must feel good about their have counted bicyclists at a crease of 16.2 billion vehicle responsible and sustainable steeds when they number of South Coast interpedal by gas stations these days. miles traveled compared to sections. We used to do it ev2007­—­representing an unprecedented 2.3% drop ery year, but in 2005 started counting every other in motor vehicle travel. year, so 2008 is an off year. But I didn’t want to Local bike shop business is up. I visited four wait for 2009 to find out whether more people Santa Barbara bike shops. Two reported good, were bicycling. So I took the six busiest intersecbut not exceptional sales. The other two are extions and counted passing bicyclists at our stanperiencing definite growth. Not only are people dard mid-week days, 4:00-6:00 PM at each one. hauling old bikes from their garages for mainteThe 2008 counts showed 220 more bicyclists, nance, but they are buying baskets, racks, helmets a 14% increase over the averages since 2000. and other accessories for utility trips. One shop So overall, people are driving less and biking moved hybrid and town bikes up front because more. It certainly seems clear that the cost of that’s what their customers are asking for—a gasoline is effecting behavior, but likely other factrend seen in a national 6% increase in hybrid revtors—like concern about fossil-fuel’s effect on our enue in 2007, above the 4% general increase. climate, and rising obesity—are also contributing.

Goleta Valley Cycling Club funds local programs

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 Cocoordinators 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 # 201.

July 2008

Stow Grove Park was the site of the Goleta Valley Cycling Club annual barbecue and meeting, attracting about 40 members.

At their annual meeting on June 8th, the Goleta Valley Cycling Club met not only to enjoy a barbecue lunch and have fun, but also to invest some of their hard-earned People Powered Ride income back into our community.

Our Bicycle Coalition was awarded funding to purchase rear LED lights and bells, plus more for general use and our Bici Centro program.

Other local recipients of funding are Traffic Solutions and COAST. Finally, they voted to support four other organizations—Adventure Cycling, League of American Bicyclists, California Bicycle Coalition, and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

We are extremely grateful to the Club for their support of bicycling activities locally, statewide, and nationally. Learn more about them at their website www.goletabike.org.

Street Skills Class July 17-19th

Coast Starlight trains “relaunch” in SB The only long-distance Amtrak train passing through Santa Barbara county is the Coast Starlight service that takes passengers between Los Angeles and Seattle. To celebrate amenity enhancements, the inaugural train was greeted in Santa Barbara by 100 people for a ceremony on June 10th.

The relaxing 35-hour trip costs $180 one way for Coach service; sleeping cars cost more. Bicyclists have to box their bikes beforehand. They can pack them in their own containers, or buy a box from Amtrak for $15, then remove pedals and turn the handlebars to fit.

For short distance rail travel, consider the San Diego-to-San Luis Obispo Pacific Surfliner trains. To learn more about Amtrak options, go to www.amtrak.com.

With the soaring cost of driving and flying, trains are experiencing sold-out coaches. In recognition of the need to support train passenger service, the House and Senate both passed Amtrak funding allocations of $15 billion over five years for rolling stock and track capacity. President Bush said he will veto it because rail should have no subsidy, but the passage in both houses was high enough to override any veto.

Every other month, we offer our Street Skills for Cyclists classes. This is your chance to save gas money by honing your bicycling knowledge and skills for biking confidently around town. Here’s our next class: Street Skills for Cyclists Class Thursday, July 17, 5:30-8:30 PM Saturday, May 19, 8:30 AM-3:30 PM Granada Garage, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum smashes a ceremonial bottle against the inaugural Coast Starlight train while photographers snap away.

Wet Willy Sez Dear Wet Willy: I’ve been thinking about getting thornproof tubes or putting Slime Tire Sealant in my current inner tubes to minimize the potential for flat tires. Seems like a good fix to a common problem, but what do you think? Cheers. — Travis Dear Travis: Thornproof tubes or Slime Tire Sealant can minimize flats, particularly if you ride off road in the desert, but they also may make your bike ride like a slug.

Thornproof tubes are extra thick and extra heavy, and Slime adds ¼ pound to each regular tube. Tires are the last place you want to add weight, so what should you do?

Get good tires with an aramid belt sandwiched between the belt and the case. Many of these are just as light as cheaper tires yet far more flat resistant. Are they as flat resistant as thornproof tubes or Slime?

Not quite, maybe, but they ride way better and are worth the slightly increased flat frequency compared to thornproof or Slime treated tubes.

Wet Willy rides Panaracer Pasela TG tires that have an aramid belt. These are reasonably light, can be acquired for about $25 each (sometimes less) and last a long time.

They are also available in widths from 23c up to 35c.

Carbon tire tread “Arguably, the most important thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint is to ride a bike instead of drive a car.”

—Ed France, Santa Barbara Independent

Quick Release ~ July 2008 ~ Page 2

The class is open to anybody 16 years of age or older. You can bring your child who is 14 or 15, with your supervision. The class costs $30, however ask about scholarships.

We are grateful to the City of Santa Barbara for their sponsorship of these classes.

Learn more about the class and what it offers you on our website www.sbbike.org/ CycleSmart/apply.html. If you have questions, phone Dru van Hengel at 564-5544 or email her at CycleSmart@sbbike.org.

Coalition urges Carpinteria safety On June 3rd, our Bicycle Coalition sent a letter to Caltrans District 5 chief of environmental planning Cathy Stettler expressing concerns about bicyclist safety in the upcoming Linden/Casitas 101 project. The project is mostly replacing Linden and Casitas Pass bridges over Highway 101; however, it also entails new bikepaths along Carpinteria Creek under the highway between Via Real and Carpinteria Avenue.

We wrote “We are concerned with bicyclist security at two parts of the project design: For reasons of security, the proposed bikepath tunnel design under Via Real should consider having the road rise up and the bikepath drop so the view at the end of the tunnel is clearly visible. If not, the bikepath should drop gradually so the tunnel end is likewise clearly visible.

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Security underneath Highway 101 on the proposed bikepath along Carpinteria Creek is also a concern. A short time ago, a woman was accosted there. Clear sight distances and good nighttime lighting will increase security for both bicyclists and pedestrians, hopefully without adversely impacting the nearby creek habitat.”

Later this year, a Draft Environmental Impact Report will be issued on the $97-million project that will start in 2012. We’ll be hearing more about it. g

Coalition addresses 101 bikepath issues

July 1st night meeting

As part of the $151 milshoulder, or picking lion Highway 101 widenup the new bikepath at ing project in western Bates Road. Those headVentura County, safer ing north would have to bicyclist conditions were use the new bikepath. proposed at meetings As for intersecting with Caltrans in August the pedestrian tunnel 2007 and February 2008. at La Conchita, Caltrans On June 12th, a follow-up adopted a suggestion meeting attracted about that Fertig had sent 20 concerned bicyclists to them. Essentially, part hear how the project was of the bikepath could progressing. We were repserve people walking Caltrans planner Carlos Montez describes resented by Wilson Hub- possible arrangements for the proposed to the tunnel. The path bell and Ralph Fertig. would drop down, conbikepath along Highway 101.

As plans were left nect with the tunnel at a in February, there would be bikelanes on T-intersection, then rise back up. both sides of Highway 101, plus a separate Because of limited space between the bikepath on the mountain side. There were widened roadway and the Union Pacific concerns about the bikepath crossing a new right-of way, encounters between people beach tunnel under 101 at La Conchita. emerging from the tunnel and bikepath Before the meeting, we received an email cyclists are a concern. However several sugfrom Ventura saying that Caltrans was gogestions were made to increase visibility ing to make the bikepath one-way, not two. and alert users of others approaching.

This made no sense and turned out to be Everybody seemed satisfied with the false. Caltrans did tell us that there could meeting. Caltrans expects that an Environnot be a northbound bikelane on the highmental Impact Report will not be required way next to the bikepath. because there are no serious environmenCyclists heading south on 101 would tal issues. By August we should hear how have the choice of riding on the roadway things are progressing.

Our July Bicycle Coalition general meeting is another evening one so more members can join us. It’s at Madam Lu Chinese Restaurant, 3524 State Street, Santa Barbara. Nohost dinner 6:00 PM, meeting at 7:00 PM. It is our election meeting for Officers and Board members. Since the June Quick Release, note that Michael Chiacos has decided to run for a position on our Board.

Ballots will be available at the meeting if you haven’t already mailed yours in.

In addition to several topics of importance, Diana Estorga from the County will describe proposed changes to Highway 246 and to Purísima Road near Lompoc.

Santa Maria bikeway master plan update

Mayor Blum sponsors bike resolution At the annual Conference of Mayors meeting this June 20-24 in Miami, Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum is joining eight other mayors in co-sponsoring a resolution stating that bicycling should be integrated into our nation’s transportation, climate, energy and health policy initiatives.

The resolution will be up for discussion and possible adoption. It consists of 13 “whereas” statements full of reasons why bicycling is so good for Americans, and is followed by six points of the resolution: Achieve increased levels of bicycling in the national interest

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by Wilson Hubbell

ture. The crowd The City of Santa Maresponded by proria Planning Departviding a wealth of ment began the proinformation regardcess of updating their ing where the prob1992 Bikeway Master lem spots are for Plan with a public cyclists in Santa Mameeting that attracted ria and what types a group of nearly 50 of facilities might be local cyclists. The developed to provide Plan is being updated better bicycling conto conform with curnectivity to schools, rent Caltrans design commercial areas Workshop participants in Santa Maria offered standards, which will many suggestions for improving bicycling. Photo and recreational opallow the City to apby Wilson Hubbell. portunities within ply for State Bicycle the community.

Transportation Account funding and other Wilson Hubbell represented the Bicycle grants.

Coalition at the meeting and will continue Alta Planning+Design has been hired by to monitor the progress of the Plan with the City to move the Plan update forward, City staff and Alta Planning. Other public and both Alta and City staffers were on meetings will be scheduled as the Plan dehand to question the crowd regarding what velops and, if the first meeting is any indiis working, what is not working, and what cator, a significant number of local cyclists is missing in the City’s bicycling infrastruccan be expected to participate.

Implement of a coordinated national bicycling strategy to increase safe bicycle use as transportation.

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Urge Congress in the next federal transportation reauthorization to fund policies that reduce vehicle miles travelled, improve bicyclist safety, collect data to monitor progress, and provide incentives for Complete Street policies.

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Even without Federal incentives, states should embrace Complete Street policies that integrate bicycling into standard street design.

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Urge all mayors to approve the Climate Protection Agreement that includes bicycling programs as a key component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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Encourage every city to become a Bicycle Friendly Community.

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We certainly applaud Mayor Blum’s efforts to help raise national awareness of the benefits of bicycling. We’ll let you know how it all turns out.

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Coalition asks Caltrans for safer work zones Recently Ken McGuire, the Caltrans Bicycle Program Manager requested input about bicyclist safety in construction zones. The intent is to craft standards where none currently exist. The Bicycle Coalition’s Ralph Fertig responded with the following comments and photos about two situations that occurred in Santa Barbara, as follows: Construction signs should not be placed in bike lanes.

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Signs should make options clear. Detours should not be more dangerous than alternatives. I was told that the current orange signs in the photo (Mission Street under-

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crossing of Highway 101) are advisory, not compulsory. However, few people know that. The signs ask bicyclists to walk across Mission Street at a traffic signal, walk on the south side sidewalk, then either cross Mission at an uncontrolled T-intersection after two blocks, or walk another block to a crosswalk controlled by stop signs. The added several minutes are a real inconvenience, and the crossing at the uncontrolled T-intersection is possibly more dangerous than sharing the lane with motorized traffic on Mission street itself.”

We hope that those comments make bicycling safer for us.

Bici Centro news and promotion Two major newspaper articles featuring Bici Centro appeared in the Santa Barbara News-Press on June 8th, followed by the Santa Barbara Independent on the 12th. Written by Karna Hughes and Ben Preston, respectively, both had lots of photos and extensive descriptions of the program, providing excellent exposure.

The Bici Summer youth program will start on July 7th. There will be three separate two-week classes open to 12-16 year olds. Each class takes 40 hours, costs $12, and includes membership in our Bicycle Coalition. To register, stop by the shop or email info@bicicentro.org.

Separate from the youth program, come by to volunteer or work on bikes. Regular open shop hours are at 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara: g Thursdays 4:00-8:00 PM g Saturdays 1:00-7:00 PM. More information at www.bicicentro.org.

Construction signs in the bikelane force bicyclists into the traffic lane.

Signs intended for our safety can cause not only inconvenience but sometimes greater danger.

Upcoming bike meetings and events The solstice is past, summer is upon us, the days are long, so make the best of them.

Check our website for ongoing updates and longer event descriptions at www.sbbike.org/ meet/meet.html.

sored by Momentum 4 Life. This camp is for children ages 7-12 who can swim 25 yards in a pool and ride a two wheel bike. Class takes place at UCSB, 2:30-5:00 PM. For more information, go to www.momentum4life.com.

July 1, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This evening we will hold our officer and board election. Madam Lu Chinese Restaurant, 3524 State Street, Santa Barbara. No-host dinner 6:00 PM, meeting at 7:00 PM. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.

July 17 & 19, Street Skills for Cyclists, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Tune up your bicycling skills just in time for summer with our two-day, 10-hour class. You can learn all about it and register online at www. sbbike.org/CycleSmart/apply.html.

July 12, Windmill Century, sponsored by Tailwinds Bicycle Club. Choice of full or metric century, or 40-mile rides out of Los Alamos County Park over lightly-traveled roads. Food stops, sag support, and dinner with Santa Maria style top sirloin, chicken, or vegetarian option, at the end. Register and get info at www.tailwindsbc.org.

July 14-18, Kid’s Triathlon Camp, sponQuick Release ~ July 2008 ~ Page 4

July 20, Santa Barbara Kid’s Triathlon, sponsored by Momentum 4 Life. This is open to children aged 7-15 to help them establish a healthy foundation for life. Details at www.sbkidstriathlon.com.

July 28-August 1, BMX Camp, sponsored by Elings Park. This week-long camp for ages 512 is the third of three. Improve basic skills, learn track etiquette and get a healthy workout. Daily 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Information and registration at www.elingspark.org.

Milpas to Hot Springs project launched

Caltrans director Will Kempton addresses a crowd at the Highway 101 corridor groundbreaking ceremony.

The Milpas/Hot Springs corridor project entails much more than highway widening.

A new undercrossing of the freeway at Cacique Street will allow Eastside bicyclists access to the waterfront without tackling the roundabout. Also, the Bird Refuge bikepath will continue with a tunnel under the railroad and take people into Montecito more safely. Watch for the progress.

Team SB Green Power bikes RAAM

Team leader Don Flanigan, right, describes their challenge at a kick-off reception at sponsor B3 Architects on June 4th

Coalition addresses UCSB’s plan The University’s Long Range Development Plan has been under development for years. UCSB staff have been giving presentations to government groups and private organizations for months, however a public comment event was held on June 4th.

About 100 people attended, including a large group of residents of Phelps Road who do not want their street completed between Storke and Los Carneros. Ralph Fertig spoke for bicyclists.

He first noted that people are driving much less, so the traffic calculations and street widening proposals may no longer be valid.

He also looked at the car/bike/pedestrian mix on the proposed Ocean Road, and suggested making motorists “invited guests” with speeds comparable to bicyclists. The Dutch woonerf street design already includes means of mixing all modes of travel together. The comments will be followed up with a letter from us.

An eight-man team from Santa Barbara entered the Race Across America (RAAM) in order to promote renewable energy, sustainable lifestyles, and healthy cycling as transportation. They finished the 3014 miles on June 18th in six days and 17 hours—meaning that they averaged 18.7 MPH, above their goal of 18 MPH. The team, led

by Don Flanigan, raised money for CALM, a child-abuse charity.

June Coalition meeting topics Our June 3rd monthly Bicycle Coalition meeting was held at noon in Santa Barbara, attracting 20 people to discuss these topics: g The State/De la Vina intersection in Santa Barbara will return to the Architecture Board of Review for further consideration. It’s important for more bicyclists to express concerns this time. g Dru van Hengel sought ideas about bicyclist safety near proposed curb extensions on West Anapamu Street. Suggestions were made. g Ralph Fertig described an upcoming meeting with Caltrans about bicyclist safety on 101 near La Conchita, plus one at UCSB about their Long Range Development Plan. g . Bicyclist detour options at the Mission Street/101 undercrossing construction zone were discussed and clarified. g Lori La Riva from Traffic Solutions said that people could register for their August-September Commute Challenge starting in July. g Nominations for Officers and Board members were accepted. g . Sarah Grant reported on the successful Street Skills Class. g Ralph Fertig asked for paid bike/ped counters to help Alta Planning with a roundabout safety study. g Ongoing Bici Centro activities were described, plus their new summer youth bike classes.

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 g Open Air Bicycles, Santa Barbara g Pedal Power Bicycles, Santa Maria g Chris King Precision Components, Portland OR g Run Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara In addition, we thank those who joined us: Courtney Dietz. And we greatly appreciate those who renewed their memberships: Alex & June Pujo, Nancy Mulholland and Mark Sapp. g g

Quick Release accepts advertisements. Circulation is about 500 people. Ad details and an order form are available online at www. sbbike.org/QR/ad.pdf .

Quick Release ~ July 2008 ~ 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. ❏ Student/Senior, 1 year $12 ❏ Household, 1 year $40 ❏ Student/Senior, 2 years $22 ❏ Household, 2 years $75 ❏ Business, 2 years $180 ❏ Lifetime $1000

❏ Individual, 1 year $25 ❏ Individual, 2 years $45 ❏ Business, 1 year $100

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 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, David Bourgeois, 899-3728 daveb@alumni.caltech.edu Director, Judy Keim, 687-2912 jkpedpad@aol.com Director, Don Lubach, 722-2349 dlubach@mac.com Director, Jim Marshall, 962-3531 Jim2Mars@aol.com Director, Mark McClure, 967-5031 mcclure606@yahoo.com Director, Nancy Mulholland, 563-9073 nmulhol04@yahoo.com Advisor, Dru van Hengel, 564-5544 dvanhengel@SantaBarbaraCA.gov Advisor, Erika Lindemann, 569-1544 eglindemann@gmail.com Advisor, Matt Dobberteen, 568-3000 matt@cosbpw.net Advisor, Ed France, 310-936-0857 edfrance@bicicentro.org

Regional bicycle clubs & groups The Cutters Mark Langowski, 937-3252 mark_langowski@dot.ca.gov Echelon Santa Barbara Kim Weixel, kweixel@photoscene. com Goleta Valley Cycling Club Doris Phinney, 968-3143 Cyclebug@aol.com Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club Bob Grant, 735-7763 pambowman@hotmail.com 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 Kris Madaus, 268-1802 kmadaus@gmail.com UCSB Cycling Club Jennifer Johansen, 661-478-5374 jojoh9@gmail.com

Road repair contacts

Caltrans www.dot.ca.gov/maintform.html Carpinteria Tom Evans, 684-5405 x402 pwd@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 David Whitehead, 925-0951 x227 dwhitehead@ci.santa-maria.ca.us Solvang Brad Vigro, 688-5575 bradv@cityofsolvang.com UCSB Dennis Whelan, 893-7009 dennis.whelan@planning.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 and show them your address label that says “MEMBER” on it. Or cut out the label box and take it.

Discount details are online 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 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 Phone 275-2335 VeloPro Cyclery 633 State Street, Santa Barbara 5887 Hollister Avenue, Goleta

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