0810

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

October 7th meeting Join us for our general meeting: Tuesday, October 7th Cody’s Cafe 4898 Hollister Avenue Santa Barbara No-host dinner 6:00 PM Meeting 7:00 PM

Online email list We sponsor a free online email forum where you can post and read messages about regional bicycling issues. To subscribe, send an email to: sbbike-subscribe@lists.riseup.net

Leave the subject and body blank.

Walk/Bike Forum coming October 18th Our community will have a rare opportunity on October 18th to meet and hear Professor John Pucher, an international expert on pedestrian and bicyclist facilities. Pucher will show photos of what others have done to significantly increase biking and walking, support it with data, and demonstrate how individuals’ health increases as a result.

The Bicycle Coalition’s Ralph Fertig has been working since July with Eva Inbar, president of the Coalition for Sustainable Transportation (COAST), to arrange Pucher’s visit. We’re pleased to Professor John Pucher. be joined by a third sponsor, the Coalition for Community Wellness.

Prof. Pucher currently teaches and does research at Rutgers University’s Voorhees Transportation Center in New Jersey. Since receiving a PhD

Goleta path resurfaced

You can help improve bicycling safety and conditions in Santa Barbara County by joining others in our bicycling advocacy group. See page 6.

CycleSmart program

Bici Centro program Bici Centro of Santa Barbara is our community bicycle program, helping people who bicycle. Look at www.sbbike. org/bici/BiciCentro.html, or phone 617-3255.

Quick Release is published monthly by the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, PO Box 92047, Santa Barbara, CA 93190. Subscribe for $25 per year. Issue # 204.

Walk/Bike Forum Saturday, October 18, 10:30-12:30 Santa Barbara Library, Faulkner Gallery 40 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara from MIT, he has lived in Europe, Australia and the US, examining travel behavior, transport systems, and transport policies. He has published 18 papers on his research findings. His presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with: Janet Wolf, County Supervisor Grant House, City Councilmember g Michael Chiacos, CEC Energy Program Associate. g g

The Walk/Bike Forum will be videotaped by the City’s Channel 18 for later showing, but don’t miss this free live event. It will be followed by an optional no-host luncheon at the Stateside Restaurant in La Arcada Court.

We have a Walk/Bike Forum flyer that you can print or email at: www.sbbike.org/docs/Walk-Bike.pdf.

MS ride sets records The 2008 two-day Bike MS Southern California Ride attracted 900 participants this year, up from 780 in 2007. Nearly $1 million in pledges was obtained by concerned riders for multiple sclerosis research and care.

Many cycled from Camarillo to Santa Barbara, and back over the weekend—pedaling 175 miles.

Others selected a shorter one-day, 30-mile ride on Saturday out of Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara.

Congratulations to the MS Society and all riders.

Join our Coalition

The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition’s CycleSmart bicyclist education program offers bicycling skills classes. Details at www.sbbike.org/ CycleSmart/ apply.html, or email coordinators at CycleSmart@ sbbike.org.

October 2008

Bicycling on the new bikepath surface is now a pleasure.

For years the heavily used Goleta Beach bikepath has been deteriorating. It has been an abrupt change from the University’s repaved approach to campus funded with student fees. Our thanks to the County’s Public Works people for resurfacing this popular link.

In addition, they were going to patch the section that connects to the Goleta slough bridge and Moffet Road. However they found that the path’s condition was so bad they decided to resurface that too. Our gratitude to all County people.

MS Ride cyclists take off on September 21st from Santa Barbara for a ride of 75 miles back to Camarillo.

September Coalition meeting topics

Coalition speaks out for Highway 101 bikepath access the beach instead of running across 101. A proposed separate pedestrian tunnel only under 101 could create conflicts with cyclists on the proposed bikepath. However deepening and lighting the existing culvert would avoid cyclist-pedestrian collisions on any shared path segment.

The Bicycle Coalition wrote a letter on September 12th to Caltrans summarizing our view:

Our September 2nd monthly Bicycle Coalition meeting was held in Downtown Santa Barbara, attracting 14 people to discuss these topics: g

Wilson Hubbell reported that he has given away over 90 bells to low-income commuters.

g

g

Build the Class I bikepath

g

Ralph Fertig reported on possible Lake Cachuma North Shore bike trails.

g

g

John Ledbetter described progress on Plan Santa Barbara, the city’s General Plan revision. We may promote bicycling before the Planning Commission on September 10th.

Sarah Grant and Ralph Fertig will attend the Pro Walk/Pro Bike conference in Seattle.

Fall Bici Centro community bike program’s activities include usual open shop hours, plus the Youth Earn-a-Bike program and an adult “Learn-Your-Bike” educational series.

g

g

g

Prof. John Pucher’s two-day visit and October 18th presentation were described.

Lori la Riva told us that 1600 Commute Challenge participants are mostly biking instead of driving.

Dru van Hengel said that the city will offer alternative versions of a State/De la Vina intersection plan to the TCC in October.

Choose the Minimum Build alternative that could facilitate wider outside shoulders

g

Deepen the existing culvert at La Conchita for access to the ocean, and build the bikepath over the top of it to eliminate possible bike/ped conflicts on any shared path

g

Watch your head! This shallow drainage culvert under the UP railroad and 101 currently serves La Conchita residents safely walking to the beach.

Caltrans is designing a Highway 101 widening project between Mobile Pier in Ventura County and Casitas Pass Road in Santa Barbara County. They held a well-attended public workshop on September 9th where our Bicycle Coalition’s Wilson Hubbell and Ralph Fertig spoke out for bicyclist safety.

The main benefit to bicyclists is a proposed new bikepath on the mountain side of Highway 101. It would connect with Bates Road on the north, and the old Rincon Highway on the south. If constructed, we would no longer have to pedal on the highway shoulder next to high-speed motor vehicles.

We had previously thought that it was an assured part of the project, but learned that Caltrans now considers it optional.

An intriguing possibility emerged at the workshop: La Conchita residents often use a railroad and highway drainage culvert to

Keep the oceanside shoulder as wide as possible to safely accommodate emergency parking and southbound bicyclists

g

Consider the safety of southbound bicyclists weaving through exiting motorists at Mussel Shoals; maybe enter the Old Pacific Coast Highway before the motorist exit.

It’s now in Caltrans’ hands to consider project alternatives. We hope that bicyclist safety between Ventura and Carpinteria will be as important to them as it is to us. g

Bici Centro’s fall program In addition to regular open shop hours, there are two programs this fall: Earn-a-Bike program for young people starts September 29th. Over eight weeks with twice a week sessions (Mondays and Wednesdays 4:00-6:00 PM), students will complete bicycles and became proud owners of their machines. The hands-on sessions are interspersed with bike handling and road safety lessons.

g

Don’t feed the lions Mountain lions were encountered in mid September above Montecito on Romero Canyon and San Ysidro trails. Possibly it was the same animal, or maybe not. It’s been conjectured that they fled from the Gap Fire. Here are some tips to consider when you’re biking on mountain trails: Don’t go alone Pack a cell phone g If a mountain lion appears, stand your ground, don’t turn your back or flee g Keep your bike between you and the animal g Wave your arms, throw sticks at it g If attacked, fight back g g

There’s more information about living with indigenous wildlife at www.keepmewild.org.

Quick Release ~ October 2008 ~ Page 2

Learn-Your-Bike classes provide instruction on bicycle mechanics over eight weeks.

Starting October 1st, each Wednesday 7:008:30 PM session concentrates part by part on one specific bicycle area.

Outside of the classes, come by to volunteer or work on bikes—or just check out the action—at 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara during these open shop times: g

Thursdays 4:00-8:00 PM Saturdays 1:00-7:00 PM.

g g

For more information, phone 617-3255 or email info@bicicentro.org.

Coalition gives presentation on bike benefits Our Bicycle Coalition Plan for the City that took advantage of an will provide a blueopportunity to tell Santa print of where we want Barbara City’s Planning to be decades in the Commission how bicyfuture. cling is doing here and Fertig talked about how to make it better. what others have On September 10th, Cosuccessfully done alition President Ralph to increase and proFertig told Commission mote bicycling, citing members the following: Odense, Denmark; Lyon, g France; Davis, Califor What benefits bicycling conveys on people and nia; The Netherlands; our community Australia; and Marin g How many people County, California.

This is the first of 16 slides in the Bicycle bicycle to work here The Plan will return Coalition’s presentation. g How much bicycling is to the Planning Comincreasing here mission, then the City Council, before envig What six other cities, counties, and counronmental review. More opportunities for tries have done to increase their bicycling. comment will occur in the future.

The Planning Commission devoted two days You can view our PowerPoint presentato consider development of a new General tion at www.sbbike.org/docs/Plan-SB.ppt.

Kathleen Reddington, a cyclist for life

by Ralph Fertig

“I was 12 years old, and it was a yellow Schwinn 10-speed bicycle,” fondly recalls Carpinteria resident Kathleen Reddington about her first bike. That was back in Springfield, Illinois, where flat farm land stretches for miles, and where she soon discovered the freedom that her yellow steed gave her. “I didn’t dare tell my parents how far I really went.”

Cachuma recreation comment period extended The deadline for some careful expansion comments on a new of recreation in and proposed recreation around the lake is not only possible, but also management plan for Cachuma Lake has been desirable.” extended to October 31.

Our letter continued, What you tell the Bureau “Consider opening the of Reclamation will help North Shore for hiking and biking to compledetermine whether or not off-road biking will ment the equestrian be allowed on the North opportunities that curShore of the lake. rently exist there. And On August 26th, a for those wishing a About 50 people showed up on August 26th public meeting was held to look at maps and consider future changes deeper experience to Cachuma recreational opportunities. in Solvang to consider with the area’s natural the long-awaited Draft Resource Managebeauty, we urge the creation of a few primiment Plan and Environmental Impact Statetive camp sites.” ment. About 50 people attended, including Because bikers and hikers would have to our Bicycle Coalition president Ralph Fertig. cross the foot-deep Santa Ynez River, we There are three suggested alternatives: further suggested either a bridge or paved (1) no change, (2) some added recreational crossing with slots for water passage. Conopportunities, or (3) lots more recreation. sider sending your comments to: However, it turns out that (2) and (3) are Jack Collins, Resource Specialist not exclusive choices, each one consists of Bureau of Reclamation many components and it’s expected that 1243 ‘N’ Street, Fresno, CA 93721. parts of each will be selected by the control- Or comments can be emailed to him at ling US Bureau of Land Reclamation. jcollins@mp.usbr.gov. If you have questions, you can phone Collins at 559-487-5409.

On September 2nd, our Bicycle Coalition sent a letter to the Bureau saying “we toFinally, you can read the entire Draft tally accept the necessity of providing safe RMP/EIS document for a lot more detail at water, and the desirability of preserving http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdethe native habitat. However, we believe that tails.cfm?Project_ID=283.

Bubbling with energy and ideas about everything, Kathleen Reddington enjoys a quieter break from her morning ride at the Coffee Bean in Carpinteria.

Kathleen attended Southern Illinois University, biked around school, and later moved to Los Angeles, followed by Carpinteria. She worked for NPR radio, TV news, an advertising agency, taught yoga—and kept biking all the while. “Cycling gives me freedom and time to think about things,” she observes.

Kathleen has cycled abroad in Ireland, Italy and Australia. She recalls great rides she did in Sicily, down hills from the ancient Greek city Agrigento to the Mediterranean where she swam and dined on seafood pasta before pedaling back up.

Currently a member of the Carpinteria Planning Commission, Reddington feels that serious development and environmental issues are challenging the city and the South Coast. She believes that her background and world experiences give her essential insight to help craft long-lasting solutions.

Our area, she says, is ideal for cycling with its spectacular scenery, a large choice of rides, and an active cycling population.

Locally what we need are more bikepaths, safety education for everybody, and more working with kids to introduce them to the joys—and health benefits—of bicycling.

Quick Release ~ October 2008 ~ Page 3

Measure A passage will help bicyclists The upcoming November 4th election will include a measure that, to a large extent, will determine our bicycling future.

It’s Measure A, a continuation of the county’s existing half-cent transportation tax approved by county voters in 1989.

The pie chart shows the South Coast apportionment of funding; the North County is similar, but with more money for roads.

At first it may seem that only a tiny slice—2%—will go to bicyclist and pedestrian projects. However, bicyclists will greatly benefit from the Local Transportation part that is mostly for road maintenance. Cars may bounce over potholes or cracks, but

these will not only jolt us, but can also cause us to crash.

Other slices of the transportation pie benefit us too.

Traffic Solutions funds programs that promote alternatives to driving—like bicycling.

The Safe Routes to School will fund not only sidewalks, but also bike lanes and paths near schools. Funding of MTD service provides buses with bike racks for longer trips, stormy weather, and emergencies.

Upcoming Commuter Rail will likely include bike and rail multi-mode commuting. Finally, at least 10% of the Local Transportation will go to alternatives like bicycling.

Overall, there’s a whole lot to vote for.

Pro Walk/Pro Bike spotlights Seattle progress

by Ralph Fertig

I attended the 2008 Pro Walk/Pro Bike conference on September 3-5th in Seattle, and learned what everybody’s doing, but especially what’s happening in the Seattle metro area.

The city of Seattle and the 10,000member Cascade Bicycle Club have done numerous, progressive things to encourage more and safer bicycling.

Among their many programs are: g

g

g

g

12,000 3rd-6th grade kids received 46 hours of bicycle sessions via a bike van. Now 13% kids bike to school.

Many aids for bicyclists, including green bikelanes through intersections, sharrows, bike route signs, and bike racks on sidewalks and streets.

This one-way street has traffic-calming curb extensions, “keyboard” pedestrian crossings, back-in diagonal parking, and bicyclist sharrows on both sides.

October 1, Learn-Your-Bike, sponsored by Bici Centro. Become acquainted with your bicycle’s mechanics. This eight-evening course, 7:00-8:30 PM, discusses a different bicycle part each week. Registration is required. Info at www.bicicentro.org.

October 4, Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, sponsored by the Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers. Easy ride for children ages 8-15, all skill levels, at Tucker’s Grove County Park, Area #2, in Santa Barbara. Nature education and reminders about ethical, safe riding and trail etiquette. Bring a bicycle and helmet. Sign-in begins at 12:00 noon. Free drinks and snacks afterwards.

October 7, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This is an evening meeting for those who cannot attend our noon Downtown meetings.

Cody’s Cafe, 4898 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara. No-host dinner 6:00 PM, meeting at 7:00 PM. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 9621479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.

October 14 , Bicycle Coalition Board Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Our Board of Directors and Advisors will discuss Coalition issues. Meet at Ralph Fertig’s home; send questions to sb-ralph@cox.net.

October 18, Walk/Bike Forum, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition, Santa Barbara Walks, and the Coalition for Community Wellness. Don’t miss this important event at Santa Barbara Public Library, Faulkner Gallery, 40 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, 10:30 AM. See details on page 1.

Bike Smart Seattle program targets women and new bicyclists, involves community leaders, and offers free bike classes in neighborhoods.

Quick Release ~ October 2008 ~ Page 4

Fall is often the best season for biking in our county. Check our website for ongoing updates and longer event descriptions at www.sbbike.org/meet/meet.html.

October 12, People Powered Ride, sponsored by Goleta Valley Cycling Club. Choose from 100, 63, or 30 mile rides on quiet roads out of Firestone Meadow near Los Olivos. Breakfast goodies and coffee at the start, fresh fruit and home-baked goods at stops, and barbecue at the end. Ride details at www.goletabike.org.

Traffic calming, such as curb extensions at intersections, over 1000 residential roundabouts, and back-in diagonal parking.

Representative Jim Oberstar, chair of the House Transportation committee, closed the conference. He wants increased children’s mobility, and an “Office of Liveable Transportation.”

Upcoming bike meetings and events

This is a new bike rack being installed, it replaces one parked car with parking for eight bicycles.

October 25, Kinetic Sculpture Race, sponsored by Gulledge Law Group. This whacky race consists of human-powered machines that combine engineering skill with art.

They’re pedaled over roads, water, mud and sand at Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura, 10:00-3:00. Details at www.kineticrace.com.

101 tragedy shows necessity of long-promised Goleta bridge Christina Veloz-Payne was taking a shortcut that Goleta youngsters living north of Highway 101 use to go to the Marketplace and Girsh Park—climb a fence and run across the freeway. This time, Christina was hit and killed by a motorist.

For years, a bike/ pedestrian bridge has been sought there.

Goleta Mayor Michael A memorial to Christina has been placed along Bennett said that the Calle Real where she crossed the freeway. proposed bridge is about public convenience, safety and connecting neighborhoods.

Traffic mitigation money for a bike/ped bridge had been set aside by Marketplace construction. In 1999, it was nearly funded, but the North County members of SBCAG voted to return a million dollars to the state rather than build the bridge. If voters pass Measure A this fall, $7 million bridge funding will be available.

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, Oregon g Run Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara g Hazard’s Cyclesport, Santa Barbara g Dr J’s Bicycle Shop, Solvang g g

In addition, we welcome our new members Corey Evans, Daniel Guerro, Peter Stonehewer, Alberto Maguña, and Jorge Santana.

And we greatly appreciate those who renewed their memberships: James Elliott, Paul Wendt, Carolyn Dukes, Jon Lewis, Susan Beatty, Yolanda Blue, Lorna Owens, Kenneth Kosai, Kathy Foltz and Stuart Feinstein.

Wet Willy Sez Dear Wet Willy: In biking around, I see that Hollister in Old Town Goleta and Milpas in Santa Barbara have painted bike logos and chevrons on the road. Do I have to bike there, even if nobody is parked along the curb? Are drivers allowed there as well? Won’t I be in the way? — Want to do it right Dear Want To Do It Right: Those bike logos on Milpas and Hollister are called Shared Lane Pavement Markings, but are more commonly known as Sharrows. What they’re meant to do is remind both bicyclists and motorists for the need to share the road on busy streets where on-street parking, open car doors, no bike lanes and narrow traffic lanes make it necessary for cyclists to ride in the traffic lane.

The principle behind Sharrows is simple; they reinforce existing rules of the road. In California, cyclists are required to ride as far to the right side of the road as practicable, except under unsafe conditions. One of these unsafe conditions is when the travel lane is too narrow for safe side by side passage of a motor vehicle and a bike. The most dangerous place for a cyclist to be in a narrow travel lane with adjacent parked cars is far to the right because of the “door zone”, and motorists think they have enough room to stay in their travel lane and pass you.

Sharrows were first used in Denver beginning about 10 years ago, but now you’ll find them in many cities where streets like Milpas are very common. Milpas and Hollister may be the first local streets to receive Sharrows, but Wet Willy can think of other possibilities—like east bound Cabrillo Boulevard along the beach?

“Wet Willy” is an advice column authored by Coalition Vice President Wilson Hubbell. Please submit any questions you have about cycling issues to him at wilsonhubbell@aol.com.

Quick Release ~ October 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 Bicycle Coalition President, Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 sb-ralph@cox.net Vice President, Wilson Hubbell, 6831240, wilsonhubbell@aol.com Secretary, Mark McClure, 967-5031 mcclure606@yahoo.com 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, Ed France, 310-936-0857 edfrance@bicicentro.org Director, Michael Chiacos, 284-4179 mchiacos@cecmail.org Director, Erika Lindemann, 569-1544 eglindemann@gmail.com Advisor, Dru van Hengel, 564-5544 dvanhengel@SantaBarbaraCA.gov Advisor, Matt Dobberteen, 568-3000 matt@cosbpw.net Advisor, Lori La Riva, 961-8919 llariva@sbcag.org

Regional bicycle clubs & groups The Cutters Mark Langowski, 937-3252 mark_langowski@dot.ca.gov Echelon Santa Barbara Kim Weixel, 689-1633 kweixel@photoscene.com Goleta Valley Cycling Club Doris Phinney, 968-3143 Cyclebug@aol.com Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club Rick Hummel 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 dd.cantero@verizon.net UCSB Cycling Club Maksym Fatyga, 559-360-1365 maksym_fatyga@umail.ucsb.edu

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

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

SANTA BARBARA, CA PERMIT NO. 647

P.O. Box 92047 Santa Barbara, CA 93190-2047

MEMBERSHIP IS VALID IF LABEL BELOW SAYS “MEMBER”

Is an address label missing?

Put your name here by joining the Bicycle Coalition and have Quick Release delivered directly to you!