SBBIKE Quick Release Summer 16

SUMMER 2016 • Volume 26 / No. 2

SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION

Quick Release

momentum

Our Vision 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

W

h enever I’m reminded that, less than a decade ago, Bici Centro started with a

handful of tools and a metal sign offering to help cyclists repair their bikes, I get that tingly feeling that comes with inspiration and awe. It’s amazing what people can accomplish when they come together with a dream. This QR issue highlights how the momentum that built the Bici we know and love is stronger than ever. Talking with people moved by unwavering dedication to growing access and increasing the safety for all who want to ride bicycles—and to ensuring that no one is left behind—fills me with that warmth and pride all over again.

In August, the City of Santa Barbara is slated to finalize a comprehensive plan to close the gaps in the city’s bike network. The bike coalition and its partners, including the Coalition for Sustainable Transportation (COAST), are working to bring cycling education to all young people, making sure economic imbalances don’t mean pockets of our community are left out of the joy and freedom that is cycling. Three women are honored for their tireless dedication to young riders and future advocates and educators.

The SB100 offers new options, including a fabulous VIP experience and a new way

BOARD David Hodges, Chair Courtney Dietz, Vice Chair David Bourgeois, Treasurer Byron Beck Robert Caiza David Campbell Sue Carmody John Hygelund Tracey Strobel

STAFF Ed France, Executive Director ed@sbbike.org Christine Bourgeois, Education Director edu@sbbike.org Lynneal Williams and Rafaell Rozendo, Shop Supervisors 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

GOVT. LIAISONS & ADVISORS Matt Dobberteen, Advisor County of Santa Barbara matt@cosbpw.net Kent Epperson, Advisor Traffic Solutions kepperson@sbcag.org Teresa Lopes, Advisor City of Goleta tlopes@cityofGoleta.org Amy Steinfeld Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck

to take on the iconic Gibraltar challenge. Supported by a massive host of volunteers, the

ART DIRECTOR

SB100 supports a number of local charities, including SBBIKE. (Talking with coordinators

Cynthia Stahl, info@cynstahl.com

so inspired me that I’ll be riding in the 34-mile course this year for my first bike-only race ever, which fills me with a whole different kind of tingling. Anyone up for some training?)

In the ways highlighted in this issue and so many other unsung daily actions, SBBIKE supporters generously give their time, talents, and financial contributions to keep the momentum going. From a dream and a sign has grown a community center/advocacy and education mecca supported by a strong, hands-on board and a membership of 1000+. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Feeling tingly,

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

CONTRIBUTE Holly Starley

COVER PHOTO: “Uphill” by jeffclarkphotos

2

Quick Release Summer 2016

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 & C ARBON FI BE R ME MBE R S

Waynes Pro Bike Marcia Burtt Gallery

T ITA N I UM ME MBE R S

S I LV E R & ALUM I N UM ME MBE R S

Jack Ucciferri Realtor

ceramics

BRONZE AND STEEL MEMBERS Bildsten Architecture and Planning Dean Axelrod, Financial Advisor The Dirt Club Fastrack Bicycles HelloHarvest

Hoffman Architecture Horny Toad Isla Vista Food Coop Mesa Architects Mesa Business Association Revolution Coaching LLC

Rincon Cycle CapCranks Cory Motors

Premier Business Marketing REI Tailwinds Bicycle Club of Santa Maria True Nature Landscape Architecture

www.SBBIKE.org

3

BMP Update:

Plan adoption on the horizon, the city moves to fund several key BMP projects

by Eve Sanford and Holly Starley

L

a st month, the Santa Barbara

to residents of all ages and abilities.

(CEC), Santa Barbara City College

City Council moved to apply for

Typically, this means adding bicycle

(SBCC), the Coalition for Sustainable

bicycling and walking grant funding.

lanes or paths or enhancing an already

Transportation (COAST), and a number

Although postponing the vote to

calm, direct neighborhood street.

of individuals. To all of you, we

formally adopt the city’s Bike Master

The infamous Westside Gap, between

extend out gratitude for supporting

Plan, Council got the ball rolling on

the Micheltorena Street Bridge and

better bikeways in Santa Barbara.

funding several projects, as state grants

downtown Santa Barbara, is one spot

will be necessary to build some of the

where the city’s spine is incomplete.

new infrastructure on the finalized plan.

Green lanes on Micheltorena were

Bicycle boulevards on Sola and Alisos Streets and a pathway along

largely to concerns among residents

Las Positas will move on to compete

about parking removal, Council voted

for California Active Transportation

for a revamped “super” Sola instead.

Program (ATP) grants. The state will

Council also studied the impact of

decide whether to award these grants

parking removal or lane reconfiguration

by October.

on a handful of other streets, including

The meeting and, ultimately, the

routes on Rancheria St., Cota St., and

Sola Bike Blvd. was the culmination

Cabrillo Blvd. After careful deliberation,

of a six-month debate over

City Council affirmed closing these

how to close gaps in

bikeway gaps. Parking impact for

Santa Barbara’s spine

the plan has been kept to a

bicycle network.

A spine network connects an entire city with routes that are safe and inviting

4

originally slated as the solution. But due

Quick Release Summer 2016

minimum.

Supporters at the Council session included the Community Environmental Council

The decision to apply for grant funding shows Council’s commitment to the BMP. If awarded these grants, the city would begin construction on the Sola, Alisos, and Las Positas projects in 2019 at the earliest.

So when will the BMP be adopted?

The BMP will be back before City Council in late July. At this point, all of the hard decisions have been made and Council will simply need to vote to adopt the plan. SBBIKE looks forward to seeing 18 months of meetings, discussions, and hard work culminate in a thoughtfully finished plan. The plan’s adoption will be a time for residents, city staff, and decision makers to celebrate.

The Sola Bike Blvd Redesign When asked about a follow-up plan for the Westside Gap should Sola Street not receive grant funding, Councilmember Gregg Hart encouraged bicyclists to be optimistic about the grant application.

SBBIKE supports the Sola Bike Blvd. design, as it is more tangible than earlier alternative proposals, which did not propose timely attention to the Westside Gap. Moving forward, SBBIKE will participate in the design process, ensuring the connection is a quality connection that puts the safety of bicyclists first. We’re happy to see a design come forward that will As illustrated by this bicycle boulevard in San Luis Obispo, bike boulevards help people on bikes and in cars share the road. Limited through traffic and physical barriers reduce car traffic and slow the speed of travel (but do not prevent emergency vehicles access). Santa Barbara is seeking grant funding for a Sola Bike Blvd. in place of Micheltorena Green Lanes. (Courtesy of JOE LINTON)

T

h e Sola Street Bicycle Boulevard will start at Santa Barbara High on Nopal and Anapamu, jog over to Sola St., and continue via a contraflow bike lane on

Castillo. A one-block bicycle lane will head northbound opposite the flow of car traffic to the Micheltorena St. Bridge. From there, the bikeway will continue over the bridge and connect to a Chino St. or Gillespie St. bike boulevard.

A bike boulevard enhances an already calm street, in part via signage to encourage bicycling. While bikes share the street with cars, physical barriers discourage through traffic. These barriers do allow for emergency vehicle access and have been approved by the city’s police and fire departments. Such designs have been successful and highly praised in San Luis Obispo, Berkeley, and cities around the US. While City Council had initially decided to complete the Westside Gap with buffered lanes on Micheltorena Street, the Sola design is longer and would connect to other bikeways. In addition, city staff says it’s much more grant fundable and doesn’t require the removal of as much car parking.

Councilmember Cathy Murrillo asked the tough questions: Would a Sola Bike Blvd. be as safe as green lanes on Micheltorena? And would it meet the BMP’s goals of attracting new riders?

According to city staff, both proposals would be very safe, in part because of new traffic signals along Sola. Staff acknowledged that, on busier streets, separating cars from bikes was the best approach to improving safety. Staff also reported that Sola is unlikely to attract as many new bicycle riders, given that it doesn’t provide that separation and is not as visible.

Councilmember Murrillo ultimately decided to support the original Micheltorena concept, noting that she continues to weigh all the needs of the city,

finally address a 40-year-old gap in our bicycle network.

The Two Other Projects Seeking Grant Funding

C

o uncil also directed staffers to compete for ATP grants for

new bikeways in the Eastside and on the Mesa.

The Eastside project would construct a bicycle boulevard along Alisos Street and a bicycle lane along Cota Street from Alisos to Chapala.

In the Mesa neighborhood, a bicycle path would be constructed along Las Positas Street from Cliff Drive to Modoc Rd. This would eventually connect to a future bicycle path along Modoc from the Las Positas interchange to Calle de Los Amigos (where Santa Barbara County jurisdiction begins).

including parking and bicyclist concerns.

www.SBBIKE.org

5

Second Graders Ride: Lessons in Freedom, Confidence, Future W

h en McKinley Elementary School teacher Christy

they’re off. Those

Lozano implemented a bicycling skills program for

who are further

second graders, she found herself teaching 70 percent of the

along in riding skills head up the hill to Shoreline Park; another

youngsters how to ride for the first time.

group practices turns, pedaling back and forth along the path,

Principal Emilio Handall was surprised. “My students and I share the same ethnic and socioeconomic background, and coming to realize the number of students who didn’t know how to bike was just shocking,” he says.

As he speaks, Handall and SBBIKE instructors are waiting at Leadbetter Beach alongside a fleet of gleaming bikes for McKinley second graders, who’ll come a dozen at a time. The beach trip is the culmination of a four-week PE module introduced at McKinley, along with six other county elementary schools, this spring.

Handall’s approach is hands-on. He assists with riding instruction and plans for expansion. “The program’s tremendous,” he says. “It opens up a lot of doors for our students.” Listing the positive outcomes is a breeze. “The health benefits are obvious. The social aspect is huge. Instead of sitting in front of the TV, they can stimulate not only their bodies and get some exercise but also their minds.” His eyes light up as he envisions youngsters on bicycles visiting

the sun gleaming off the ocean many of them have never swam in. Their faces are aglow with determination and pride.

The kids are shy. But all nod enthusiastically when asked if they like this bicycling program. What do they like best?

“Everything!” one replies. Lozano confirms. “After every class, they can’t wait to do it again.”

Handall and Lozano hope to expand. So does the foundation who purchased the fleets of bicycles and helmets.

Says representative Catherine Brozowski, field trips like this one are a dream come true. The decision to fund the program was an easy one. “Biking is an essential life skill. And it’s one of the inequity issues,” Brozowski explains. “For too many lowincome families, the parents aren’t having the opportunity to get kids out on a bike.” Cycling, she says, teaches kids important lessons, like balance, coordination, socialization, and more.

Brozowski is grateful for partners SBBIKE and COAST,

places like the maritime museum or the public library. He

whose League of American Bicyclist Certified Instructors (LCIs)

points out that biking will also provide students a means of

are teaching teachers cycling instruction and coordinating

transportation in the future.

logistics. “And I don’t think we’re done,” she adds. A meeting

Handall can’t imagine not riding bikes with his own children. His eyes grow misty as he talks about sharing

to figure out what else is needed is scheduled this month.

For now, everyone involved is thrilled to have programs in

that joy with the students he’s grown to know and love.

second grades at McKinley, Adams, and Franklin Elementary

“This area has so much to offer. Unfortunately, pockets of

Schools and four parochial schools (Notre Dame and St.

our community members can’t take advantage of all the

Raphael’s in Santa Barbara and St. Mary of the Assumption and

opportunities here.” (Of McKinley’s 435 students, 100 percent

St. Luis de Montfort in Santa Maria).

are on the state’s free lunch program.)

The first group arrives. They don helmets over plastic hairnets (the helmets are shared) and check the bikes. Then

6

Quick Release Summer 2016

McKinley Elementary School second graders enjoy a bicycling field trip at the beach—a pleasure many of them wouldn’t have without a newly implemented program to ensure all children learn to ride (photos by HOLLY STARLEY)

www.SBBIKE.org

7

Changing Cycling Climate:

Secret Weapon Unveiled at Fundraiser

“M

aking change in Santa Barbara is not easy.” That’s how SBBIKE leader Ed France began his speech at a fundraiser in April.

France said that, nevertheless, not only is positive change coming, it’s already been happening—and rapidly. “We’re racing with other big biking cities,” he said, referring to the inclusion of Santa Barbara’s famous (infamous?) Gibraltar climb in the 2016 AMGEN Tour of California.

France said a downward trend is turning around: “Biking is again normal in Santa Barbara.” That, he said, is because of a secret weapon—momentum.

Clockwise: SBBIKE Executive Director Ed France reveals the secret weapon rapidly revitalizing bicycling as the norm in Santa Barbara—momentum. Host John Burke, president of Trek Bicycle Corporation (right), meets Tom Ritchey, Category 1 racer, bicycle frame builder, inaugural inductee into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, and founder of Ritchey Design. Cycling supporters attend a spring fundraiser for SBBIKE. (jeffclarkphotos)

SBBIKE raised $32,000. Expenses were minimal because of donated catering—thank you,

“Three years ago, the Santa Barbara Bike Coalition had 400

Chef Laurel Lyle—and event management by Ken

members. Today, we have 1,250 paid members. Five years ago, our

Gluck. Said France, “Everybody who attended and

Earn-a-Bike program served 50 kids. Now across the county, together

supported this fundraiser was extremely generous,

with COAST, we’re teaching PE teachers to teach all of their students

positive, and part of this great cycling community

to ride in PE classes with their own bike fleets.” Bici Centro, SBBIKE’s

that we have in Santa Barbara. And together we

DIY shop, “started out of a broom closet,” France reminded supporters.

have momentum.”

“We own a community center.” France added that, not long ago, bicycle tourism wasn’t a blip on the radar. “We are now a premier world cycling

Thank you, event sponsors!

destination.” He concluded with a nod to the coalition’s advocacy work.

John & Tania Burke Stinner Frameworks Trek Bicycles Trek Travel Tours Firestone Walker Beer Sonos Fluidstance Santa Barbara 100 Jones Precision Wheels SB Sailing Center SB Maritime Museum Laurel Lyle Catering Handlebar Coffee Roasters Hello Harvest Bildstein Architecture Island Seed & Feed Gibian Wellness Center Specialized The Vineyard House

“We’re pushing past the inertia to make cycling safer for all who desire to ride—throughout the county.”

Host John Burke, president of Trek Bicycle Corporation, noted that, in the five years he’s been involved with SBBIKE, he’s seen the coalition’s budget quadruple. “If you give people the resources, they can change the world,” Burke said. Those changes, he said, are visible in the programs and increased safety and access throughout the community.

Burke believes bicycles can help solve society’s major issues — congestion, environmental degradation, and health. “There’s no better instrument than working with the bike coalition here,” he said. “They’re working for us,” he said. “Every time you get on your bike, think about how we owe these guys and gals.”

8

Quick Release Summer 2016

SB100 racers enjoy awe-inspiring scenery. In 2016, for the first time, riders can do the iconic Gibraltar challenge sans the full 100 miles—on the 100km+Gibraltar course. The polka dot jerseys, with their classic king-of-the-mountain design, are worn by last year’s Gibraltar category winners. (jeffclarkphotos)

SB100: Ride Your Way

gets you optional front-row, start line staging; a pre-race

W

massage, and beer and wine service post ride; and more.

a nt to take on the Gibraltar challenge (where, this spring, three big names in cycling battled high above

the picturesque seascape) without riding the full 100 miles?

Prefer cruising the scenic roads sans the grueling climb? How about champagne-strawberry VIP treatment?

Whatever suits you, the Santa Barbara 100 has you covered. With 200+ volunteers and an array of sponsors, the SB100 is a non-profit event, and 100 percent of its proceeds support other nonprofits. On October 22, 2016, riders can enjoy the seventh-annual race in new ways and help increase SB100’s donations to local charities—Cottage Children’s Medical Center, Emory Foundation, SBBIKE, and

reception evening; pre-ride breakfast treats; a gourmet lunch, And the perks will continue. Flyers Club members will watch from a cushy Gibraltar finish line spot if AMGEN comes back in 2017 (and it will; the tour has been waiting 11 years to ride the newly paved climb, which mimics the Tour de France’s famous Alpe D’Huez).

Riders itching to try that iconic climb without doing the 100-mile course are in for a treat this year. See how you match up on the 3,000-foot climb (in 7 miles) on the new 100km (62-mile)+Gibraltar course. Hosts of riders signed up for the course within five minutes of registration opening.

New also this year—professional mechanical support by Mavic (those yellow vehicles carrying extra wheels on top).

Andrew Popp Memorial Scholarship Program. Last year,

Middleton’s enthusiasm for the SB100 is contagious. “It’s

the event brought in $80,000. To date, SB100 has given

an event cyclists in Santa Barbara County can call their own,”

back to the community to the tune of $280,000+. This

she says. “It’s in our hometown. It supports local charities. It

year, says Board President and Marketing and Sponsorship

brings our strong cycling community together.”

Director Tricia Middleton, the goal is $100,000.

A high-donor program—Silver Air’s Flyer’s Club—new last year, will help. A donation of $1,500 or more (tax deductible)

Register for any of the four courses—the 100-mile, the 100km, the 100km+Gibraltar, or the 34-mile—at www.sb100.org. www.SBBIKE.org

9

Getting Kids in Motion

I

n June, SBBIKE announced the fifth

annual Velo Wings Award recipients.

Jessica Grant wants to “pass on her passion for cycling.” She worked with Christine Bourgeois (SBBIKE) and Kim StanleyZimmerman (COAST) to create Bici Familia (Bike Family Day)—where families learn the rules of the road and kids, once fitted with new helmets, practice being safe, visible,

Jessica Grant and her two children, Shane and Taylor (DANIEL GIRARD)

SBBIKE’s Ed France and Christine Bourgeois and PE specialist Julie Churchman (DANIEL GIRARD)

and predictable riders. As

Julie Churchman, a PE Specialist, teaches

the lead grant writer for

cycling at Adams Elementary School. When her

the City of Santa Barbara,

kindergarten to 6th-grade students learn to ride,

Grant has been involved

“the smiles on their faces reveal an inner joy,” and

in many bicycle-pedestrian

she knows they’ve “overcome fears and other

infrastructure projects. And she’s leading efforts on the Eastside to

roadblocks to acquire a lifelong skill.” Churchman

address road safety issues.

believes her students will continue using bikes as

Lee Knodel (Mrs. B) leads Santa Barbara High’s Don’s Net Cafe. The DNC helps teens run entrepreneurial businesses, among them SBici, a bicycle repair shop. SBici students learn bike safety and mechanics, the environmental and health benefits of cycling, philanthropy, and civic engagement. Mrs. B calls the program “the key to success for many SBHS students,” who’ve landed jobs, traveled worldwide to summits, and become part of the cycling community.

transportation and a way to stay fit and explore the amazing world they live in. She’s dedicated to ensuring they know how to ride safely. Check out this video of Churchman’s class.

For more on these inspirational women, read Howard Booth’s May 23 Pedal On in the Independent.

Farewell to Mrs. B In June, Mrs. B shut the DNC door for the final time. For 27 years, Mrs. B has found projects that light a fire in her teens at SBHS. SBBIKE joins the countless groups and individuals who, in awe of her dedication, express gratitude and wish her well.

Mrs. B and two of her SBHS students (DANIEL GIRARD)

10

Quick Release Summer 2016

Join the Momentum:

?

Help Shape SB’s Future Call for Board Nominations

T

h e Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition Board provides the framework for the momentum coursing SBBIKE toward the

future. Because of its dedicated, diverse, and engaged board, SBBIKE has taken massive pedal strokes forward, growing cycling education programs and increasing access and safety for all who choose to ride bicycles in Santa Barbara.

As the momentum continues, SBBIKE is seeking new board members, both to grow the board’s wealth of expertise and

Last year’s Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition Board retreat (FILE PHOTO)

drive and to replace some wonderful board members whose

Help bring cycling to all youth. Help guide infrastructure

passions and families have taken them out of the area. Join

improvements and close gaps in our cycling route network.

retired educator and BMX stunt prop David Hodges, freelance

Help reach out to Spanish-speaking cyclers and other

writer Courtney Dietz, Bici cofounder and software engineer

pockets of our community. Help change lives. Help shape

Dave Bourgeois, contractor and amateur mountain bike racer

Santa Barbara’s cycling future!

If you or someone you know would make a great

Byron Beck, telescope builder and Bike Moves host John Hygelund, educator Sue Carmody, solar installer Robert Caiza,

addition to the board, send your nomination to Executive

shop enthusiast Dave Campbell, and art broker Tracy Strobel.

Director Ed France at ed@sbbike.org.

Call for Budding Photographers

T

h e Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition is humbled by and grateful for the many talented individuals who offer their skills and expertise. We’d love to have a couple

of additional photographs to add to those we call on to capture images of the amazing stories that unfold among SB’s cyclists. Pictures, after all, speak 1,000 words. Help us tell our story.

If you’re interested in taking photographs for SBBIKE, please contact QR editor, Holly Starley at editor@sbbike.org.

(YOUR NAME HERE)

Because of your sponsorship, memberships, and donations, SBBIKE’s advocacy, outreach, education, and shop programs have made phenomenal strides in Santa Barbara’s community in 2015. Help make SBBIKE's 2016 even stronger!

o $100

o $250 o $500 o Check

Yes! I support cycling! o Credit Card name (business) address city,state,zip phone email

o Other $

Credit Card Valid Through

Security Code

Signature

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

11

SB BIKE

SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION

Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition PO Box 92047 Santa Barbara, CA 93190-2047