Spring 2017 • Volume 27 / No. 1
SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION
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SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION
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Working for cycling throughout the county
Our Vision
BOARD
The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition (SBBIKE) vision is that Santa Barbara will be a leader in creating a bicycle-friendly community and transportation system. Extensive on-road and separated bikeways, a coordinated transit system, parking, and amenities allow us to enjoy a culture where the majority of daily trips include a bicycle. As a result, our community is healthier and encourages balanced living within our resources. Universal cycling education for all ages supports the development of safe and respectful road behaviors from both motorists and cyclists. Widespread community and political support for bicycling is in place. By 2040, because it is a cycling-centered county, Santa Barbara is both a great place to live and work and a nationally acclaimed cycling destination, boasting a year-round calendar of successful, fun, and inclusive events.
Letter from the Editor
A
decade. How fast it passes. How much it holds. On this ten-year anniversary of Bici Centro—the DIY
shop that, in joining with the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, transformed from wrenching help offered on the streets to
Photo Paul Wellman
an advocacy, education, and outreach force—it seems fitting to highlight the expansion of SBBIKE/Bici Centro’s influence across the county.
David Hodges, Chair Courtney Dietz, Vice Chair David Bourgeois, David Campbell John Hygelund Tracey Strobel Diana O’Connell Frank Peters Ellen Bildsten
STAFF Ed France, Executive Director ed@sbbike.org Christine Bourgeois, Education Director edu@sbbike.org Rafaell Rozendo, Shop Supervisor shop@bicicentro.org Howard Booth, Membership Coordinator howard@sbbike.org Joey Juhasz-Lukomski, Operations Manager joey@sbbike.org Eve Sanford, Advocacy Associate eve@sbbike.org
What would change if every child in our county learned the joy and responsibility of riding a bike? What would it
GOVT. LIAISONS & ADVISORS
mean for our health and the health of our environment
Matt Dobberteen, Advisor County of Santa Barbara matt@cosbpw.net
if culture, infrastructure, and signage made it possible to safely cycle within and between the jurisdictions? What would it mean for social equity? As I spoke with cycling enthusiasts across regions that look to Santa Barbara as a progressive example, a circular pattern emerged. It requires cycling culture—people who ride bikes for transport and enjoyment and a belief that’s a good thing—to convince decision makers to build infrastructure that enables cycling culture. That means dedicated people have to dare to dream. They have to teach kids to ride safely and offer places to affordably repair bikes and believe safe roads will follow. They have to intrepidly speak up. Feeling a bit concerned about the state of “things” and looking for a way to make a difference? Build bicycle friendly culture in our county. Support the forwardthinking, intrepid dreamers working to realize cycling education, affordable alternative transportation, and safe streets for all. You got down with Open Streets in Carp. Complete this summer tour: Go to Santa Maria on April 28 to celebrate the opening of the fourth Bici, a DIY shop in a region hungry for support. Take a walk/bike tour of Old Town on May 6 and help shape Goleta’s streets. Cycle a Santa Ynez benefit ride, June 9–11. Take a trip through wine country and thank bike friendly wineries. Get in a second Open Streets in Lompoc on July 21. Use Cycle Cal Coast’s website to discover and explore the amazing bikeways of SB and Ventura Counties. Thank you, Bici founders, for daring to dream. Can’t wait to see the next ten years. Rolling with Bici,
Kent Epperson, Advisor Traffic Solutions kepperson@sbcag.org Teresa Lopes, Advisor City of Goleta tlopes@cityofGoleta.org Amy Steinfeld Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
ART DIRECTOR Cynthia Stahl, info@cynstahl.com
MANAGING EDITOR Holly Starley, editor@sbbike.org
CONTACT US 506 E. Haley St. Santa Barbara, CA 93103 PO Box 92047 Santa Barbara, CA 93190 www.sbbike.org SBBIKE: 805-845-8955 Bici Centro: 805-617-3225 Bici Santa Maria: 805-623-5763
CONTRIBUTE Holly Starley
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Quick Release Spring 2017
Your time: www.sbbike.org/volunteer Financially: www.sbbike.org/donate
Thank you, Business Members and Supporters DI A MON D ME MBE R S
Stinner Bicycles
P L AT I N UM ME MBE RS GOLD ME MBE R S
Waynes Pro Bike
T ITA N I UM ME MBE R S
S I LV E R ME MBE R S
Rincon Cycle
ceramics
BRONZE MEMBERS Bildsten Architecture and Planning The Dirt Club Fastrack Bicycles
HelloHarvest Horny Toad Mesa Architects Mesa Business Association Revolution Coaching LLC
REI Super Bee Rescue and Removal Tailwinds Bicycle Club of Santa Maria
www.SBBIKE.org
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Planning Goleta Survey Says: GBPMP GOLETA–The Golete Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is in progress, and road users have weighed in to help shape the city’s emerging infrastructure plans. A months-long outreach/information gathering process closed. Eve Sanford of SBBIKE, which supported the process, was enthused about the high level of response. Case in point, 1,280 people responded to a survey designed to determine who is riding bicycles in and through Goleta (and Noleta and Isla Vista), what keeps
This map shows where survey respondents most want infrastructure improvements in Goleta. CITY OF GOLETA
them from cycling more, and how Goleta road users want the streets to look. Sanford says it’s noteworthy that respondents were representative of all ages, and the gender split was
nearly even.
Survey results show that people are bike commuting
Hollister Complete Streets The City of Goleta wants to make Old Town safer and more comfortable for biking, walking, and driving.
in Goleta—462 respondents ride to work, and 281 to
Thanks to a TIGER VI Grant, planners are developing
school. Another 109 cycle to get to transit. The most
the Hollister Complete Streets plan (to be in place by
common reason for riding, 636, was leisure. (Note to
April 2018). On April 13, the city held an open house to
mathematicians: Respondents could choose more
start outreach on how the corridor is used and what
than one.)
improvements are needed.
When asked about barriers to riding, cyclists
“At a minimum,” says Sanford, “SBBIKE hopes to
identified “lack of and/or poor condition of bike facilities”
finally see a class 2 bicycle lane on Hollister through Old
first. “Traffic too fast and heavy” was second. As for where
Town.” For some, the meeting will be déjà vu; it’s not the
respondents want cycling infrastructure improvements,
first time improvements have been discussed.
the 101/Fairview junction was top priority, followed by the
Hollister Complete Streets will address more
Hollister/Patterson intersection and, generally, Old Town.
than cycling infrastructure. On the table, parking;
A Path to Ellwood Construction of a new bike path is set to begin this
flow of traffic; and efforts to revitalize businesses through beautification (think green spaces, trees, and benches). “It’s a holistic look at making the street more
spring! The Hollister class 1 bikeway, aka the Ellwood Bike
comfortable, especially for nonmotorized users—people
Path, is a Safe Routes to School project. It will construct a
walking and biking,” says Sanford.
multipurpose, separated path along Hollister from Pacific Oaks Rd. to Ellwood Elementary. Says Sanford, “The bike coalition is excited to see it finally constructed and can’t wait to ride on it come the
She notes that may mean some tradeoffs of convenience. Currently, the area is skewed toward driving. In the end, the goal is to create a more balanced corridor that meets the needs of all users.
end of the summer.”
A plan for The Hollister class 1 bikeway, aka the Ellwood Bike Path. CITY OF GOLETA
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Quick Release Spring 2017
SBBIKE’s flyer to encourage public input at a recent open house on the Old Town corridor of Hollister
Trek + SBBIKE: Envisioning an “Ideal World” S
anta Barbara–Thanks to a partnership with Trek Bicycles, Bici Centro gets shipments
new, to understand how their bikes work, and to think about where stuff ends up,” says
that, for shop manager Rafaell Rozendo,
Rozendo. “We restore function to a lot of stuff
bring “an element of wonderment.”
that was going to be thrown out.”
Via pallets of donated gear,
Rozendo says the Trek
Trek’s Riverside warehouse
donations showcase the ability
finds a home for excess
to restore function on a larger
discontinued inventory. And Bici
scale and set a precedent
gets a welcome stockpile to pass
for smarter use of excess. “It
on to its users.
informs the bike industry how
We’re talking tires, tubes,
it can do in a big way what we do in a
helmets, shoes; consumables like lubricants,
small way.” He hopes the relationship is an
cleaners, and grips; and more. Plus awesome one-offs like three-speed internal hub parts. The hubs, Rozendo explains, are for cruisers—big at Bici—and a rare donation.
example to bike industry insiders. Trek reached out to Bici after a Think Tank
A large shipment of cruiser saddles was great. “It’s so
survey of DIY shops Rozendo responded to ended
cool to have what our customers want,” Rozendo says.
up on the front of Bicycle Retailer, an industry
“It’s one more thing we don’t have to buy or find on our
magazine. That industry insiders are excited by
own or wait for.”
the work places like Bici are doing encourages
It’s not just gear. For example, every part of the shipment, including DC Logistics’ shipping, is donated. “It’s not just product that makes organizations like Bici thrive,” notes Rozendo. “It’s good systems.” So when companies donate resources like organizational structures and storage systems, “They’re donating really useful corporate machinery.” Donations like Trek’s further SBBIKE/Bici’s mission of reuse. “Bici teaches people to fix things instead of buying
Rozendo. He hopes to form more relationships that focus on the end goal—“to have people on bikes that are reliable and resources to keep them reliable.” Such relationships are “a cool way to envision a future where all the excess from bike companies goes toward transportation, toward making transportation easier for lowincome riders. That, to me, is an ideal world.”
SB Earth Day: April 22–23 by Diana La Riva
of two days,
Remember the oil spill in ’69? An oil platform off the Santa
we’ll park over
Barbara coast ruptured, spreading crude oil from Goleta to
1,000 bicycles
Ventura. Recognizing the need for local environmental action,
in Alameda Park
the Community Environmental Council was created, and
in our new location at
the first Earth Day was born in 1970. The CEC prides itself on
the corner of Micheltorena and Santa
making this festival one of the “cleanest, greenest, and most
Barbara Street. It takes many volunteers to make the
sustainably-minded events around” (cecsb.org).
event successful and fun. Anyone can sign up to help
Biking to Earth Day reduces gas consumption, energy use,
park bikes and support cycling in our community.
and traffic. Not surprisingly, one of the main highlights of the
Check sbbike.org for shift times or contact
festival is the free bike valet SBBIKE provides. Over the course
diana@sbbike.org. Come lend us a hand!
www.SBBIKE.org
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Bici in the North County!
Ken Dahmen, Bici Santa Maria’s shop manager, is excited to provide a DYI center in his hometown. (CHRISTINE BOURGEOIS)
S
Volunteers from SBBIKE, Matt Dobberteen and Mark Sapp, help get the new shop ready for its grand opening. (MICHAEL MONTENEGRO)
ANTA MARIA—The right person for the job. Check. Grant
“It’s great to work with SBBIKE and see what volunteering can
received. Check. Building secured. “The stars have all
accomplish,” says Dahmen, who’s inspired by the long-term
aligned,” as Ken Dahmen says. On April 28 at 5 pm, SBBIKE’s
impact of individual volunteers. Tailwinds Bike Club of Santa
fourth DIY shop, Bici Santa Maria (310 E. Oak St.), will open
Maria is a strong supporter. “It’s going to be a great thing for
its doors.
the community,” says president Ken Dally.
When SBBIKE’s Ed France and Christine Bourgeois met
Along with passion, Dahmen (or Ken Jr. to Dally) brings
Dahmen, they knew he’d be perfect to open a shop in the
experience—he was part of a college bike club and on-campus
North County, where SBBIKE hoped to expand. Dahmen
co-op—and connections in his hometown. In future, he
was in. He’s passionate about making cycling available to
envisions the shop as a launch point for advocacy working
others. At 16, a bike got him to his first job. He learned bike
for improved infrastructure; expansion of cycling education;
commuting takes determination and brings awareness of
an emerging high school bicycle club; and more. He’ll feature
your capabilities. It also gave him a unique perspective on
cargo bikes from a local builder to show users you can take
transportation. “You pay to get in your car to make more
everything on a bike. “There’s a lot of potential here,” he says. “I
money to pay for your car,” he says with a grin.
hope everybody is as happy as I am.”
While putting himself through college (he has six degrees), Dahmen again relied on cycling. “Being on a bike was my saving grace,” he says. It got him through school debt-free. Seeing others with debt strengthened Dahmen’s determination to enable greater financial capability through alternative transportation. Too often he sees Santa Maria bike commuters on bikes
The Music of Cycling Ed
in need of repair. The pro shops in town can’t always help
Four years ago, two music teachers, Charlotte Belyea
them. “Stand in one, and within an hour, people bring bikes
and Tammy Saurman, expanded bicycle education
in the shop can’t work on” (they’re too old or from big box
in Santa Maria. The pair became League of American
stores). No outlet for repair turns people off from biking, a
Bicyclist Certified Instructors (LCIs) and started Pedal
shame, says Dahmen, in an area with “the perfect terrain
Power programs in schools where SBBIKE had never
for riding.”
been before. The program, which teaches young
In the heart of Santa Maria, near the transit station, Bici
people safe street riding skills and basic mechanics and
SM’s location is prime. Excess from a closed shop in Orcutt
enables them to earn a refurbished bike, had been in
and Cranky’s in Santa Barbara, which is downsizing, filled
Fesler Junior High. Thanks to Belyea and Sauron, Pedal
the shop out. Bici Centro volunteers helped get it ready.
Power’s been a mainstay at El Camino and Tommie Kunst Junior High for four years.
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Quick Release Spring 2017
Tailwinds: Priming the North County S
ANTA MARIA—Yes Tailwinds Bicycle Club of Santa Maria loves to ride (the group goes out thrice weekly,
regularly putting 25 to 100 miles beneath their tires). But Tailwinds does a lot more. For starters, the club hosts an annual summer ride, the Windmill Century. All proceeds, less expenses, promote bicycle safety in the community. Windmill funds have purchased two-wheeled steeds destined for youth at local schools, the Good Samaritan Shelter, the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Maria, children in the CASA program, and students attending Allan Hancock College. Why does a club of mostly retired cyclists focus on kids? “The youth are tomorrow,” says Ken Dally, Tailwind’s president. “We figure, let’s get them going with bicycles and with safe bicycling and get them to join us older folks on the road.” It’s about planting seeds, he says. So when SBBIKE started cycling education in the area, thanks to educators like Charlotte Belyea and Tammy Saurman, Tailwinds was thrilled. The club has gone on group rides, worked at Bici Familia events, and
Ken Dally is president of Tailwinds Bicycle Club of Santa Maria, supporters of cycling education, improved infrastructure, and increased bike culture in the North County. (COURTESY PHOTO)
bought helmets. That goes in both directions. “We’re grateful to have a partner like Tailwinds,” says SBBIKE Education Director Christine Bourgeois. The club is also an ardent supporter of Bici Santa Maria. Dally says the DIY shop will serve a clear need. Plus, he says (noting the club’s “a little jealous” of SBBIKE’s advocacy and education progress in Santa Barbara), the increased SBBIKE presence will aid other efforts. Tailwinds has long primed the advocacy wheel— Bourgeois calls the club, “our voice in Santa Maria”— and sought improved infrastructure. Dally notes, “We don’t have any really good bike trails and paths [for commuting]. They go for a few blocks and stop.” The club is lobbying for the city to connect those routes. Improved infrastructure will serve cycling education. Dally says encouraging kids to cycle can be frustrating when they can’t safely ride their bikes to schools. Dally looks forward to an overall increase in bike
Ride the Windmill
culture and friendliness. Perhaps the future holds a
This year’s Windmill Century in Santa Maria, which
revamp of Santa Maria’s 2009 Bikeway Master Plan.
features a 25-mile, a 62-mile, and 100-mile course, will
Tailwinds is pushing small steps as a start—sharrows,
be on July 15. All proceeds promote cycling education.
signs, and bike lane stripes. “We have a long way to go,”
For more information,
he says with a laugh, “so we should be able to make
tailwindsofsantamariabc.org/century.html.
progress.” One thing he’s certain of—the club won’t get discouraged. www.SBBIKE.org
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A Bike for Open Streets The Prep – Volunteer wrenchers from SBici (Santa Barbara High) and Bici Centro refurbished 32 kids’ bikes. Third through fifth graders from a new Carp bike club polished them up. (L: LAURA ALMENGOR, R: JAN SILK)
Carp’s Youth Cycling Expands
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They’ The Carpinteria Family School/Canolino Kids Bike Club with CFS teacher and cycling instructor Lori Lee Collins. JAN SILK
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Quick Release Spring 2017
projec
Helmets – The proud new bike owners received helmets provided by the Coalition for Sustainable Transportation (COAST).
New Bikes! – As Open Streets Carpinteria began on April 1, excited kids and parents gathered to receive the shiny steeds, marked with nametags thanks to Carpinteria Children’s Project, who paired the bicycles and kids.
Sounds from the Blacktop – As volunteers from SBBIKE and COAST
One of the kids got his mom up
and parents taught the kids to ride: “Blast off like a rocket ship.”
at 6 am with, “Is it time to get the
“Push, push, push. You’re the engine.” “Mi hija! Necesitas ayuda?”
bike yet?”
“Look straight ahead.” “Watch out—here she comes.” “Mami, look!” (Photos by PAUL MIHALEC)
ub Learning Service
The Power of the Pedal Grows
CARPINTERIA—Carpinteria Family School (CFS) teacher
Pedal Power—in Carp for five years now as an after-school enrichment
Lee Collins wants everyone to ride bikes. Her dream—a
program at CFS—is expanding. This spring, students from Canolino will join too.
cle club for her school and campus neighbor Canolino
Twice weekly, kids from age ten will learn to ride safely in traffic and maintain
entary—came to fruition when Rincon High principal
ey Gloger procured a $3,000 CEF grant. Collins bought
brand-new Trek bikes from Bicycle Bob’s (for a great
. She sees, for one, a bike blender in the club’s future.
The club (name ideas?)—14 third to fifth graders—met
x weeks to learn about bikes, practice skills on the
ktop, and use tools (a skill Collins recalls enjoying as a
“Hand them a tool, and they’re fascinated,” she beams.
Then there was the Bike for Open Streets cleaning
ct. The kids were so jazzed they wanted to clean at lunchtime. They even imagined a future fundraiser,
ging $1.50 per polished bike. The giveaway taught
her lesson: “Thinking of others. Whenever we’re of
their bikes. Teachers Prep, a Fleet in the Making Building a mobile fleet of refurbished bikes and installing a district-wide second-grade cycling curriculum—it’s a project teachers are prepping for. Canolino and Aliso Elementary PE teachers attended Traffic Skills 101 at Bici and will be trained as certified League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) in the near future. Collins retook Bici’s Learn Your Bike series. Riding, says Collins, “instills in kids high social-emotional skills—selfconfidence, self-esteem, community. Plus, there’s that freedom and joy and independence.” Cycling also enables a realization that “we’re all connected with this one
ce, we feel good,” says Collins. “To me that’s the
little earth, and how we treat it matters.” The kids, Collins says, will “carry on the
est joy.” She sees the kids picking up on that.
legacy—as advocates and ambassadors of safe cycling.”
The club last met March 30 (it’s Pedal Power season).
’ll pick up next school year with service-oriented
These teachers, with partners SBBIKE and COAST, are working to ensure that.
cts, games, and drills.
www.SBBIKE.org
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Healthy Lompoc Gets Residents Moving by Andie Bridges
L
OMPOC—The Healthy Lompoc Coalition (HLC) views bike and pedestrian safety as crucial to resident well-being.
The organization, which seeks to address social, political, and environmental barriers to the health of residents, has seen tremendous success in providing high-quality programming. For Executive Director Ashley Costa, improving street safety is largely about combating obesity by
adolescents. “We were aware of the phenomenal work that SBBIKE was doing with older kids. We went down for a meeting with the Coalition for Sustainable Transportation and talked about sharing resources and helping one another.” The meeting led to The Lompoc Valley Middle School
facilitating access to active transportation. “Our work
Bike Clinic. Taught by LCI-certified SBBIKE board member
on improving health and safety is really focused on
Robert Caiza, the clinic included several safety assemblies
increasing area walkability and bike-ability.”
and provided follow-up hands-on instruction in flat repair and
Between 2011 and 2016 the city of Lompoc created 2.75 miles of new sidewalk, 12.4 miles of class II bike lanes, and a pedestrian/bicycle bridge. Costa believes these changes
street handling skills. Although Lompoc’s Safe Routes to School program
enhance quality of life for everyone. “Improving infrastructure
is being phased out due to shifting resource allocation,
brings positive health, safety, and economic benefits.”
the HLC and its partners remain committed to improving
In addition to supporting infrastructure changes, HLC has made substantial contributions to bike education through its Safe Routes to School programming. “We want to show how easy it is to build physical activity into a child’s day with active transportation,” says Costa. Last year, SRTS served over 5,600 Lompoc children, providing
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Costa was particularly concerned with reaching
bike safety in the area. Upcoming projects include installing neighborhood bike repair stations equipped with bike pumps and simple tools, as well as continuing to provide as many free helmets as possible. Says Costa, “We are really lucky to have partners in the
everything from parent education classes and special clinics
community, locally and throughout the county. We are always
to free helmets.
looking for ways to continue this work.”
Quick Release Spring 2017
July Open Streets Part of Bike Safety in Lompoc Thanks to Fire Dept. by Andie Bridges
L
OMPOC—Lompoc City Fire Chief Kurt Latipow wants to
a traffic skills 101 course and is currently pursuing his League
ensure that every member of the community has access
Cycling Instructor (LCI) certification.
to the education and equipment necessary to stay safe. Lately,
Latipow believes specialized training is important. “Just
that’s meant a lot of bicycle/pedestrian activities. The one
as we have staff trained in car seat installation and in CPR
Latipow is most excited about is Lompoc’s first Open Streets,
and first aid, we want to be certified to provide appropriate
set for July 21. “It’s an opportunity to bike, walk, visit, and learn
cycling instruction.”
at our interactive stations,” he says. “It’s going to be a great event, and it’s really consistent with our mission of serving the community and treating our community members as family.” The Lompoc Fire Department was recently awarded a $25K grant from the Office of Traffic Safety and is working in collaboration with the Healthy Lompoc Coalition (HLC) to increase safety and foster community connections. “We saw the great things that Ashley Costa and Emily Casarez were doing at HLC, and we really wanted to help support that,” says
Sadecki and his coworkers regularly hand out free helmets while cruising the streets in the department’s Rescue Squad SUV. “If they see a youngster riding without a helmet,” says Latipow, “they will pull over, provide some basic safety information and a new helmet.” He says it’s a chance to make a connection and help decrease the high number of head injuries the department responds to each year. Decreasing injuries and improving bike and pedestrian
Latipow. “We have collaborated throughout the whole process.
education were also a focus at the grant-funded Fire
We would not be able to do this without the partnership.”
Station Open House last October. The department hosted
As part of the department’s commitment to increasing bike safety, firefighter Ian Sadecki traveled down to SBBIKE for
over 1,000 residents, who came together from different neighborhoods to learn and socialize.
Lompoc firefighters help kids from Arthur Hapgood Elementary walk to school (the bus dropped them off several blocks away for Walk to School Day). COURTESY OF HEALTHY LOMPOC
www.SBBIKE.org
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A Perfect Pairing S
ANTA YNEZ VALLEY—In Santa Barbara County, world-famous wine country and world-famous cycling sit side by side.
Cycling enthusiasts and vintners are collaborating to pair the two. “They’re a natural synergy,” says Morgen McLaughlin, executive director of the Santa Barbara Vintners Association (SBVA). McLaughlin is excited for a coalescence that hasn’t traditionally existed here—one exemplified in wine regions worldwide. Think France and Italy or, domestically, Colorado and Napa Valley. McLaughlin is particularly inspired by Oregon’s promotion of cycling through its rural wine regions. Napa
HOLLY STARLEY
vintners, via the Vine Trail Program, are building a 47-mile walking and biking trail system connecting the entire Napa Valley. The first step, she says, is to educate the wine community
At a recent SBVA meeting, McLaughlin shared a ranking of bike friendly communities. The cities at the
about the importance of bicycle tourism, the connection, and
top of the list are “amazing communities with a really
how to welcome cyclists. For one, the association will add a new
high quality of life,” she notes, places people want to live.
touring guide that highlights bicycle friendly wineries. Earlier
Given the intrinsic benefit of living where you can bike
this year, cycling advocates, SBBIKE’s Ed France, Mike Hecker,
and walk, she’s committed long-term to connecting those
and SBCAG’s Michael Becker, met with SBVA for the start of a
dots and pairing the regions two amazing offerings—wine
relationship that will guide the wine industry’s efforts to open up
and cycling.
bicycle tourism. Also planned, partnering with Cycle Cal Coast to highlight specific itineraries that show off the beautiful natural resources of the Central Coast and that wine country isn’t just to experience by car. A trend among vacationers—to be connected to their environment, healthy, and active—means the timing’s ripe to make entry-level cycling tours and opportunities more accessible. Having recently enjoyed her first wine/bike tour, McLaughlin would love to see wineries offer bikes. “What a unique experience to see it from the ground,” she says. She soaked in the visuals and noticed new features of the area.
Cycle Wine Country to Help People, June 9–11
McLaughlin’s inaugural tour on bike was an eye-opener to another focus: The deterioration of bike paths highlighted the
SAN YNEZ VALLEY—San Ynez Valley’s annual
need for improved infrastructure. “Paths, signage, and well-
Wine Country Bike Trek allows riders to bike
maintained roads are essential,” she says, “whether you’re in bike
from one to three days and choose daily
or car.” (She also gained perspective on how people in cars might better share the road with people on bikes.) What’s needed may involve something subtler—building a culture, a mindset that promotes bike-ability and walkability (a la the “progressive community” of SB/Goleta). The cities and towns at the top of the list are “amazing communities with a really high quality of life,” she notes. “These are not places people don’t want to live.” Though her home and office are just a mile apart, bike commuting doesn’t come to mind. She says it’s time to connect the dots—biking for transportation to decision-making among planning commissions and municipalities to infrastructure improvements to better cycling for tourists and locals.
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Quick Release Spring 2017
rides from 30 to 50 miles. Fully catered rest stops every ten miles, beautiful scenery, and community ensure a good time. Proceeds benefit People Helping People (PHP), “the primary provider of human and social services in mid Santa Barbara County.” The multiprogram organization provides services for infants, children, and adults throughout the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys. For details or to register, visit winecountrybiketrek.com.
Cycle Cal Coast Keeps Cruising Goleta
Santa Barbara
Isla Vista
Ojai Carpinteria Mussel Shoals
S
The Grand Loop – 145.9 miles with a gain and descent of 10,193 feet.
ANTA BARBARA CO.–VENTURA CO.—
Santa Paula
Ventura
You know how sometimes a great idea is initially
met with excitement that slowly but surely wanes? This was not
In Santa Barbara County
the case for Cycle Cal Coast (CCC).
|
FRANK PETERS
Fieldwork (i.e. long rides) determined that, where the green route and Grand Loop overlap,
The project has hit the ground cycling since Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett conceived of the idea. “Cycle California
80 percent of signage is in place, and a Grand
Coast is a unique partnership effort that not only promotes bicycle
Loop sticker will be added, instead of installing additional signage.
tourism, but encourages bike friendly businesses and bicycle |
facility improvements that benefit all riders and support bicycling
SBCAG will inventory sunburst green signs, not just
generally,” says Bennett. “We’ve been making great strides working
on the Grand Loop, and create a GIS file showing
across a broad array of local governments, regional governments,
where each sign is and identifying missing signage. |
and private enterprises, and there is strong momentum for
parts—wayfinding through upper Montecito and
further successes.”
from where the green signs end in Summerland.
In Ventura County A multiphase, $1 million project, including a construction award for first 1.3 miles (and ultimately 3 miles), will add bike lanes to
COURTESY VTCT
A taste of what that continuing fervor is producing:
|
Santa Ana Road, one of two options for CCC’s Grand Loop and part of the popular Casitas Path Loop. |
Work with Caltrans has facilitated bike lanes and road surfacing on Rincon Parkway/PCH North and resurfacing on portions of Hwy 150.
|
The Ventura Fire Department has installed six Dero Bicycle Repair Stands (nine more are coming soon) at select fire stations throughout the county, a number along the Grand Loop, to give cyclists safe places to make repairs.
|
The infrastructure committee will review the trickier
The Ventura County Transportation Committee hired consultant
|
A $200K repaving of the Oebern Trail, including long-term maintenance plans, will start this spring.
Online While the counties’ roads and signs are being updated, so too is CCC’s website—its marketing arm (cyclecalcoast.com). For an in-depth look at CCC’s future from a marketing standpoint, see “A Vision for Cycle Cal Coast” at sbbike.org. In short, site manager, SBBIKE board member Frank Peters, is working on: |
Highlighting a feature that enables users to narrow options geographically
|
Using images that “drip with experience” to attract cycling tourists to the area’s scenic bikeways
|
Addressing the needs of the three prongs of the marketplace—the “thrill seeker,” the “passing-
Alta Planning to identify regional routes and infrastructure
through cyclist,” and the “premium cyclist” who
improvement needs and to develop a consistent wayfinding sign
“stays in our hotels, visits our fine wineries, and eats
design for the county.
in our nice restaurants” |
Attracting short-term visitors to bike along route “jewels” to in-town destinations
|
Possibly partnering with a third-party GPS app
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Growing funding resources
|
Using, Ride Oregon, a multimillion-dollar tourism operation and boon to rural Oregon’s economy, as a model
Ventura County Fire Department’s bike repair stands to ensure cyclists safely arrive at their destinations. JACK NOSCO
Photos like this one showing off the view from Mountain Drive will attract cyclists to the counties’ beautiful bikeways. FRANK PETERS
Thanks to Cindy Cantle, Steve Offerman, and Derek Towers (Ventura); Matt Dobberteen and Mike Becker (Santa Barbara); and Frank Peters for updates. www.SBBIKE.org
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Hap py 10
C i entr c i B , o! s r a e y
Bowl Season! by Diana La Riva Do you know all the perks that come with your SBBIKE membership? One of the most exciting is volunteering for bike valet at the Santa Barbara Bowl. For every concert, SBBIKE provides free bike valet for all concertgoers. There are 8 valet volunteer spots (for members only), and everyone takes turns seeing part of the concert and keeping an eye on the bikes. Concerts are already scheduled from April to October, including two nights of a local favorite, Jack Johnson. This year, there will also be a few business member days, where first signups will go to employees of one company as a teambuilding volunteer opportunity. If you are hospitable and like having fun, bike valet at the bowl is for you. To sign up for upcoming concerts, visit sbbike.org/events. For questions, contact Diana at diana@sbbike.org.
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Quick Release Spring 2017
It’s all smiles when you’re parking bikes at the SB Bowl. DIANA LA RIVA
SBBIKE’s Dream Team by Ed France, SBBIKE Executive Director
Photo Paul Wellman
A
s we celebrate the bicentennial year of the
birth of the bicycle, the 25th anniversary of the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, and the 10th anniversary of Bici Centro’s do-ityourself bicycle repair workshops, I’m in awe of the tie that has
bound it all together—our team. In so many instances, the right people came out of the woodwork at the right time to cocreate just what was needed. Sure, there were plenty of big mile markers along these past years, but what was most meaningful to me were those face-to-face interactions at Bici Centro workshop hours, the high school bike club, advocacy public meetings,
accessible but, increasingly, as a norm. From teaching a neighbor to make repairs on his or her daily commuter to teaching a kid how to ride a bicycle safely to winning a
and so many other places. We’ve always been bicyclists helping bicyclists, and our collaborations have transcended age, income, and ethnicity.
needed infrastructure improvement for a neighborhood, friendships and camaraderie are the cause for positive change.
From our board of directors to our staff to our volunteers and
For me, the greatest gift of work with SBBIKE and Bici
especially our community partners, the secret to SBBIKE’s success
Centro over the years has been the different friendships
has always been to bring together a diverse mix of talented,
we’ve formed and the memories we’ve made. This
passionate people, who want to create together and have a good
September, we will be reaching out to the various “alumni”
time while doing so. We’ve assembled our own version of the
of our work to look back and celebrate what we’ve created
dream team. In fact, there is a John Lennon quote that sums it all
together. We’ll also be looking forward to what’s next.
up for me: “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream
Watch out for the SBBIKERs and the Bici Crew of go-
you dream together is reality.”
getters; as Margaret Mead said well: “Never believe that
We are cocreating improvements for our community that are facilitating bicycling and active lifestyles not just as safe and
a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”
2016 was an amazing year for bicycling. Roll with us to ensure 2017 is even stronger! Your gift directly supports the work toward our vision. Together we benefit the low-income workers who rely on our shops to fix their bikes, the kids gaining independence while learning the rules of the road, and the cycle commuters discovering safer routes to work and school.
o $100 o $250 o $500 o Other $ Yes! I support cycling! o Credit Card o Check name
Credit Card
(business)
Valid Through
address
Signature
city,state,zip phone email
Security Code
or donate online: www.sbbike.org Make check payable to the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition PO Box 92047 Santa Barbara, CA 93190-2047
SB BIKE
SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION
The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, so donations are tax deductable as allowed by law.
www.SBBIKE.org
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SB BIKE
SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION
Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition PO Box 92047 Santa Barbara, CA 93190-2047
More than 30 great bike events during Bike Month in May! Bike Moves & After Party - May 4 Prom themed bike ride & SBBIKE fundraiser at Bici Centro
V isit the website f or full event listings
Bike to School Day - May 10 At participating South Coast Schools
Kids Rides and Activities Zootopia Family Ride, Bike-a-rrific Craft Day, Family Bike Parade
Bike to Work Week - May 15-19 Breakfasts & celebrations for bike commuters on the South Coast
Tour de Tent - May 27-28 Two-day bike tour & campout from Santa Barbara to Arroyo Hondo Preserve
Women’s Rides, Education & Events TLC for Your Bici, Road Ride & Velo Wings Awards, MTB Clinic, Ovarian Psycos Film Screening
Lunchtime & Social Rides
Carpinteria & Goleta Lunch Rides, Solvang Wine Ride, and more...
Goo d
n.
963-SAVE www.CycleMAYnia.org
cle an fu
A program of: