SBBIKE's Quickrelease Summer 2014

Summer 2014 • Volume 24 / No. 2

SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION

QuickRelease

Building Our Future A community cycling center for Santa Barbara

Help bu

ure / t u f r u o ild

pg 11

SB BIKE

SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION

BOARD

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

P

utting together this issue was a trek through the history of Bici Centro that elaborated the stupendous growth and

beauty of vision that seeded today’s Bici and SBBIKE. From a lemonade stand-esque sign in 2007 offering bike repair help has grown a thriving, multi-armed coalition. From its store-front headquarters on Haley Street, SBBIKE offers political

advocacy, outreach, and education, constantly expanding and innovating to get the bikes, skillsets, and safety equipment to those who need them and to improve infrastructure. Its DIY repair shop/bike store is booming, saving seven hundred bicycles annually and offering cyclists a place to gather and fix their bikes at low cost.

When, recently, SBBIKE faced a new challenge, its leaders, true to form, transformed it into an incredible opportunity. The headquarters was for sale. This meant the coalition would risk needing to find a new home or rent increases it couldn’t control.

Or SBBIKE could purchase the building. With loans and donations from its own community, the organization has gathered nearly 75 percent of the necessary funds.

Shop manager Shawn von Beila’s excitement about the prospect of ownership is contagious. In his goose bump-inducing words, this would be only the beginning; “Anything we dream up, we can make happen.”

Michael Chiacos, President Carmen Lozano, Vice President Courtney Dietz, Vice President David Bourgeois, Treasurer Byron Beck Robert Caiza Hector Gonzalez Tim Burgess John Hygelund Mike Vergeer David Hodges Sue Carmody

STAFF Ed France, Executive Director Ed@sbbike.org Christine Bourgeois, Education Director edu@sbbike.org Shawn Von Biela, Shop Manager shop@bicicentro.org Howard Booth, Membership/Volunteer Coordinator volunteer@sbbike.org Omari Fuller and Sam Franklin, Connecting Our Community leaders omari@sbbike.org; sam@sbbike.org

GOVT. LIAISONS & ADVISORS Matt Dobberteen, Advisor County of Santa Barbara mattdobberteen@gmail.com Kent Epperson, Advisor Traffic Solutions kepperson@sbcag.org Teresa Lopes, Advisor City of Goleta tlopes@cityofGoleta.org Ralph Fertig, President Emeritus Sb-ralph@cox.net

I believe that. In this issue, see how joy and vision and extraordinary effort have combined over the past seven years to become the tour de force that is Santa Barbara’s cycling hub, bringing so many dreams to fruition. Read about SBBIKE’s strides in advocating to connect the South Coast’s bikeways and its rapidly increasing ability to reach more and more community members. Partake in an adventure told

GRAPHIC DESIGN Cynthia Stahl, info@cynstahl.com

EDITOR Holly Starley, editor@sbbike.org

by an unusual storyteller. Meet a new cyclist from City Hall. Learn how you can help

CONTACT US

SBBIKE realize its dream of owning its headquarters. And imagine, together as a

506 E. Haley St. Santa Barbara, CA 93103

cycling community, what we can dream up next.

Happy dreaming,

PO Box 92047 Santa Barbara, CA 93190 www.sbbike.org 617-3255

Holly Starley, QR editor

COVER PHOTO AND BACK IMAGE: Junior High Summer Camp participants gather at SBBIKE’s Haley Street home to learn bike maintenance before heading out for a street ride. Photos by Daniel Girard.

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Quick Release Summer 2014

CONTRIBUTE Your time: www.bicicentro.org/volunteer In-kind: www.bicicentro.org/wishlist Financially: www.bicicentro.org/donate

SBBIKE Membership Mushrooms! projected April 2015

1,000

projected Dec. 2014

850

June 2014

600

Membership and projected membership levels represented by the heads of Volunteer Coordinator Howard Booth and Education Director Christine Bourgeois. Let’s make Christine’s head explode! See more stats, pages 6 and 7.

I

DI A MON D ME MBE R S

n May, SBBIKE membership hit 600, our projected goal for this spring. If you’re not yet a member (or

know a friend or loved one who’d love to be a part of real, inclusive, long-term change in the community; get

PL ATINUM MEMBERS

GOLD & C ARBON FI BE R ME MBE R S Marcia Burtt Gallery

T ITA N I UM ME MBE R S

Santa Barbara Cruisers S I LV E R & ALUM I NUM ME MBE R S

great discounts; and join a great group of environmentand health-minded folks), join now. Be a part of the tremendous forward momentum that’s sweeping us toward a connected coast where everyone can ride!

Find a membership form online at www.sbbike.org.

KE LAB COALITION

SBBC INTERACTIVE

Want to read more and participate in the discussion?

Visit sbbikelab.org.

The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition would like to thank all our supporters and business members.

Bronze and Steel Members Hazards Cycle Sport Pacific Pedalers/ Santa Barbara Pedicab Hoffman Architecture Mesa Business Association Service Objects Horny Toad Pedal Born Pictures Mesa Architects REI

Isla Vista Food Coop We Bike Electric Tailwinds Bicycle Club of Santa Maria Revolution Coaching LLC Ebike Santa Barbara The Dirt Club Jones Precision Wheels Kendrick Consulting HelloHarvest

Chatenever Ceramics Rincon Cycle

www.SBBIKE.org

3

BUILDING OUR FUTURE

SBBIKE TO PURCHASE THE BICI CENTRO BUILDING

T

he Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition (SBBIKE) has reached an important crossroads. Its current building—home of the Bici

Centro shop and community cycling center—is up for sale. In order to build the future of the coalition’s work in the community, SBBIKE’s board and leaders plan to purchase the building.

We need your support In order to build the future of SBBIKE and Bici Centro, we need your support to help purchase the building that is key to our existence. To donate, see page 11 or go to sbbike.org and click on Donate. For questions or

Not purchasing would mean risks, such as uncontrolled rent or

comments about this project, please contact Ed France,

halting programming while relocating to a new space. More than

executive director, 805-252-9064, ed@sbbike.org.

risks, though, the board sees tremendous opportunity. Here at its current home (where SBBIKE moved just last year), the coalition has seen its programs flourishing and growth booming. Here they see the building of Santa Barbara’s cycling community’s future. “We must have a viable site to operate and grow our programs,” they decided. “This is the best opportunity to purchase a permanent

WORK TO DATE •

and $300,000 in cash donations toward a $1.2

facility for our community offerings.”

Why purchase this building?

Years of research confirm that SBBIKE’s store-front home on Haley is the most affordable and functional space available to meet the needs of the dynamic, growing community cycling center that is Bici Centro. The center provides education programs for thousands of students

We must have a viable site to operate and grow our programs.

This is the best opportunity to purchase a permanent facility for our community offerings.

throughout the county. It houses classroom space, advocacy and outreach offices, and a DIY bike repair shop serving

We have raised $700,000 in low interest loans million purchase.

•

We have secured, pro-bono, a real estate attorney-broker, Bret Stone of Palladin Law, to represent us in the transaction.

•

We have developed a business plan that stabilizes rents and utilizes a minority of the facility for a commercial tenant.

•

Over time, the coalition will build equity and actually reduce our facility expenses to focus our efforts on growing operations.

•

We have presented our plan to Tom Parker of the Hutton Parker Foundation. He has endorsed our effort and challenged us to raise our down payment and close the remaining financial gap.

over 1,200 patrons and refurbishing 700 bikes each year.

506 E. Haley Street.

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Quick Release Summer 2014

BUILDING OUR FUTURE

HELP BUILD THE FUTURE OF SBBIKE PROGRAMS

F

rom within the walls of SBBIKE’s home on Haley Street come these programs:

For Adults: •

Four monthly Street Skills clinics

•

Lunch and Learn for the workplace (offered bilingually)

•

Learn Your Bike! An eight-week series teaching bike mechanics and repairs

•

Bike education with Center for Lifelong Learning

For Youth: •

Youth Earn-A-Bike program (Pedal Power): Eighteen hours of “bicycle driver” training for students

•

June Cycling Camps: Kids age ten and up get ready to ride to school!

•

SBici (Santa Barbara High’s Bike Club): The club wrenches bicycles and enjoys group rides.

In 2014, two youth and a mentor traveled to New York City for the Youth Bike Summit.

•

Service learning opportunities for youth groups hosted at Bici Centro

•

Bike education with use of a fleet of fifteen bicycles

For Community/Family: •

SB Sports Drive: Bilingual education and donation of refurbished bikes

•

Bici Familia Events (Health Fair, Eastside Rides, Family Bike Night): Bilingual education, use of bike fleet, and donation of refurbished bikes

•

A Bike 4 Christmas: Bilingual education and donation of refurbished bikes

•

Monthly Safe Routes to School/Bike Education committee meeting

To learn more about or sign up for any of these programs, visit sbbike.org or contact education coordinator Christine Bourgeois at edu@sbbike.org.

TOP: A Bike 4 Christmas, 2013 MIDDLE: Saving bikes, Fixing bikes. Photos

by Christine Bourgeois BOTTOM: Summer Campers ready to ride.

Photo by Daniel Girard.

www.SBBIKE.org

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THE BICI/SBBIKE STORY

How Far We’ve Come Bici Centro – SBBIKE’s DIY Repair and Bicycle Shop 2012: 550 2013:

Project for 2014:

1,500

Project for 2014:

2013:

247

700

Adults served through cycling skills and mechanics classes

250

Projected for 2014:

353

Projected for 2014:

300

2007 A strong vision and a lot of enthusiasm—the seeds of the Bici Centro story—were planted. With no space yet and using their own tools, founders (among them Ed France, now SBBIKE director; Dave Bourgeois and Robert Caiza, now board members; Erika Lindemann, former board president; and Joanna Kaufman) set out to help people fix their bikes and promote cycling.

This motley crew set out a sign and wrenched on Saturday afternoons. This work was 100 percent volunteer. No money was exchanged.

Quick Release Summer 2014

11

Participants Bici Familia f

May 2013: Eas

September 20

Active LCIs serving our community: new LCIs trained in April 2014

2009

Bici Centro had its grand opening at the space next to Casa de la Raza that would be the DIY shop’s home for the next five hears. Das Williams (then SB city council member, now state assembly member) attended and worked on his bike. Bourgeois set up the cash register. From the beginning, the shop was always busy.

The group turned its focus to education, hosting Bici’s first Pedal Power program (youth earn-a-bike skills class) at La Cumbre Junior High in the spring and putting on its first summer camp. In December, the education coordinator position was established, filled by Christine Bourgeois.

700

278

400

2008

2013:

Number of pe Connecting O Earth Day & o

2012: 83 2013:

2012: 400 s

Projected for

300

Project for 2014:

2012: 164

6

500

(sold 300, given to kids 200)

Open/Volunteer Shop Days

2013:

425

2012: 140

2012: 300

500+

(education planning, classes, committee and board meetings, shops, Crane School, Open Streets meetings, Bike Builds, etc.)

Kids who learned skills and/or earned bikes through Pedal Power and Summer Camps

Bikes Saved/Recycled

2013:

2012: 210

Project for 2014:

1,200

Lights distrib

Events held at SBBIKE headquarters

2013:

Open Shop Patrons

Outreach/

Classroom – SBBIKE’s Education and Meeting Room

May 2014: Fam Adams Eleme

35

2010 Bici Centro was going strong, but these wrenchers come advocators/educators faced high demand and limited resources. In 2010, CycleMAYnia was born, Bici Centro merged with SBBIKE, and France became SBBIKE’s executive director.

THE BICI/SBBIKE STORY

/Advocacy Offices

buted

sets

Volunteers and Members – the unique individuals who are the true power behind SBBIKE

0 sets

Volunteers

2014:

2012: 200

800

eople who completed a Our Community postcard at other events

2011: 150

2013:

300

Projected for 2014:

350

Members

stside Ride:

2012: 250

57 97 250

013: Health Fair:

In 2013, Bici and SBBIKE moved into their new home.

Now, the building is up for sale, and the organization that started seven years ago with no budget, no space, borrowed tools, and a far-reaching vision plans to purchase the $1.2 million community center.

In its new home, says Bici shop manager Shawn von Beila, the coalition is making a much bigger impact in the community. “We went from a floor with holes in it to a solid foundation, multiuse space that not only fulfills all our needs but serves the needs of so many other organizations.

“I can’t wait to see what we can do with this space,” he adds. “Owning it is the tip of the iceberg. Whatever we can dream up, we can make that happen.”

2011: 200

at Bilingual family events

How Far We’ll Go

2013: 300 Projected for 2014:

850

mily Bike Night at entary School:

2011

2012

Enter the Spanish Language Outreach Committee.

Building on the founding vision of reaching out to the Spanish-speaking community, volunteers built the Taller Móvil (Mobile Bike Shop), which offered wrenching on the go.

This year also saw the creation of Bike World, Bici’s booth at the Earth Day Festival, with bike-powered stage and valet parking. SBici, Santa Barbara High School’s bike club, was born. In Thanksgiving, some thirty volunteers gathered to build bikes for kids for a Christmas giveaway (the seed that would become the Bikes 4 Kids program).

Education was in need of help, as SBBIKE tried to keep up with the demand of both the community and its long-term vision and focused on helping SBici flourish.

Not purchasing could mean a blow to SBBIKE’s many ongoing projects, the risk of losing the space hard to fathom, the opportunities of buying tremendous. The coalition is well toward its $300,000 goal, the amount needed to secure the deal. SBBIKE is asking community members to help by donating to the purchase. To do so, visit sbbike.org or see page 11.

2013

2014

Both an exciting and scary year for SBBIKE, 2013 saw Bici’s move from the former space to its new location on Haley Street (rent jumped from $1,000 to $3,200). Bici opened a shop manager position, filled by Shawn von Beila, and volunteers went to work on the new home.

Bici Centro 506 E. Haley St. • sbbike.org

SB BIKE

SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION

This year, all of SBBIKE’s arms—Bici Centro, education, advocacy and the Connecting Our Community campaign, SBici, outreach—are exploding.

The shop looks awesome. And numbers in every category are flying off the charts!

Another nerve-wracking but thrilling opportunity has presented itself—SBBIKE’s new building is for sale.

New logo based on John Hygelund’s design

www.SBBIKE.org

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ADVOCACY

CAMPAIGN

TO CITY HALL

S

H

ince the launch of Connecting Our Community (Connect) in January, the campaign has done much

to increase public awareness and engagement and create the political pressure needed to improve the bicycle

ead from the West Side to City Hall and you may see a familiar face waving from her new bike. SB City

Councilwoman Cathy Murillo is now commuting by bicycle.

Environmental responsibility was a prime impetus for her decision.

network of Santa Barbara’s South Coast.

The change hasn’t been without challenges. For one, though she This summer, Connect will lead the 2014 Santa Barbara

does yoga and dances for exercise, “Sometimes, I have to stop and

South Coast Bicycle Count, the twelfth time since 1997

rest,” she said. “And I’m not embarrassed to say that.” After all, she’s

that SBBIKE volunteers have done a June bike count. It’s

no longer a single driver making a daily trip in a car.

been three years since our last count, but trends suggest bicycling has increased, and we’ll be counting bicyclists at

Needing to dress up is another challenge she’s handled like a ride

thirty-seven intersections, near UCSB and in Goleta, Santa

in the park. She brings a second pair of shoes, has learned to avoid

Barbara, and Carpinteria. Although cities regularly do

brushing up against the chain guard, and keeps a curling iron at

traffic counts on cars, SBBIKE is the only organization that

work. Murillo says these minor troubles are worth it. “I just feel so

has consistently done bike counts. Other entities regularly

much better. And I’m getting in shape.”

request this data in support of their project analyses and grant applications.

Cycling also better positions the councilwoman to help constituents. She understands when people talk to her about

Upcoming Connect projects include: •

Helping businesses realize bike corrals, improving accessibility and economic gain

•

Working with graphic design students of the Brooks Institute in Ventura to create a range of bicycle

the challenges of commuting and is even more committed to creating an alternative transportation-friendly city. “We need more crosstown bikeways,” she says, noting the city’s small streets present challenges. “But we will find ways to implement the improvements we need.”

infographics •

Publishing a library of useful bicycle data and maps

•

Organizing a series of bicycle lectures

•

Hosting Winning Campaigns Training with our partners at COAST

WE HIT $100K! On May 20, SBBIKE’s Connecting Our Communities campaign met its $100,000 year one advocacy program funding goal, with a $25,000 contribution from the McCune Foundation.

SB Councilmember Cathy Murillo heads out for her daily commute.

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Quick Release Summer 2014

ADVOCACY

CycleMAYnia, started five years ago by SBBIKE and Traffic Solutions, is a month-long celebration of cycling—events and rides that connect us as a cycling community.

ELECTEDS RIDE “IN TANDEM”

“C

leaner air, happier citizens,” “to see wildlife,” “so my daughter can walk or bike to school more safely,” “for my

health”—just a few of the reasons South Coast residents are asking for better cycling infrastructure.

On May 31, elected officials heard their requests. SBBIKE and Traffic Solutions hosted “Connecting Our Communities in Tandem,” a thirty-seven-mile ride along the Coastal Bike Route from Goleta to Rincon at the Ventura County line. At two- to fourmile segments, a representative or dignitary climbed aboard the back of a tandem.

SBBIKE director Ed France and Assembly Member Das Williams ride in tandem.

Electeds received nearly three hundred handwritten postcards from constituents who are choosing bicycling and asking for the infrastructure to keep up.

At the halfway point, Congresswoman Lois Capps, First District Supervisor Salud Carbajal, Assembly Member Das Williams, and Santa Barbara Councilmembers Gregg Hart and Cathy Murillo gathered around Connect’s eighteen-foot long, interactive map of the South Coast. During CycleMAYnia, residents had drawn in their routes and highlighted trouble areas. Traffic Solutions director Kent Epperson was thrilled to see the electives “bragging about new bike facilities” and “challenging each other to help build more.”

SBBIKE director Ed France appreciated the public showing of support (some sixty community members joined the ride). France

Congresswoman Lois Capps receives Connect’s 278 postcards from constituents.

hopes In Tandem, which symbolized the need for jurisdictions to work “in tandem,” solidified the importance of coherent, complete infrastructure and highlighted “what a resource these routes are not just for our residents but for visitors—for our tourism industry.”

Joining the ride, along with Carbajal, Williams, Hart, and Murillo, were Goleta Councilmembers Paula Perotte and Jim Farr, Planning Commissioner Meg West, and Mayor Michael Bennett; UCSB representatives Dennis Whelan and Stephen Conner; Assistant SB County CEO Dennis Bozanich; Carpinteria Councilmember Gregg Carty; Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett; and several city staffers, transportation engineer Derrick Bailey, Rebecca Bjork, and Rob Dayton from Santa Barbara, Teresa Lopes from Goleta, and Jim Kemp from the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments. Also along was a group from the county’s Air

Elected officials discuss bikeway updates, using the 18-foot Connect map. Photos by Daniel Girard.

Pollution Control District. www.SBBIKE.org

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FEATURE

By Moo Cow

S

de T r u

t en

To

TOUR DE TENTERS RIDE A CENTURY

o, I’m on the property, chilling with the roosters

and pig. All of a sudden, these humans roll in on two-

Photo by Kyle Richards

wheeled contraptions called

LEFT: The thirty plus riders of Tour de Tent 2014 prepare to head out, day RIGHT: On the Road. Photos by Christine Bourgeois.

bicycles.

Soon, there’s like thirty of them, all grins and raving about the fabulous views and strenuous climbs of the day. Apparently, they’d hopped on a train in Santa Barbara to Guadalupe, from

Thank You 2014 Tour de Tent Sponsors

which some of them saw whales breaching for the first time

Earth Trine Farm and B. D. Dautch (veggies)

(call me jealous!). Then they rode to my caretakers’ [Nate and

SB Fish Market (fish)

Bekki Siemens] land, around thirty-five miles, each carrying all

Ortlieb and Jeff Scully (panniers)

they needed for the weekend on bags attached to their bikes

Old Man Mountain and Channing Hammond (racks)

called panniers. Some had fancy, bright yellow ones [donated

Fat Uncle Farms and Nate Siemens (facility/truck use)

by Ortlieb]. And they were more pumped than Sugar when Nate

Trader Joes (groceries)

and Bekki give her steak leftovers.

Traffic Solutions

Next thing I know, this gorgeous woman (taken, go figure; she’s the tour organizer’s [Mike Vergeer] wife [Maggie]—and a few studly men head to the kitchen and cook up a delicious feast of

SBBIKE Thanks also to Nate and Bekki Siemens for allowing the Tour de Tenters to set up camp on their property.

fish tacos and salad [fish donated by SB Fish Market].

The rest unload their gear and set up canvas contraptions, which

When I heard they’d be stopping at Refugio Beach, where

they go inside. I tried to ask one of them what he was doing in

more cycling friends would join them for the ride home, I

there, but he didn’t seem to understand.

decided I’d join. How big are those panniers anyway?

That evening, the group gathered around a fire, roasting sticky,

I discovered—joy of joys—I was already going in a way.

gooey white balls on sticks; chatting; and playing beautiful

The cyclists donned their Tour de Tent T-shirts [designed

music before climbing inside their canvas nests and falling

by Cynthia Stahl and printed by Table Salt Screen Printing].

asleep.

Guess who was featured? None other than yours truly. I

The morning started with more delicious-smelling food. The humans were excited about the sixty some miles of scenery, climbs, and exhilarating downhill stretches that awaited them.

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Quick Release Summer 2014

gave them my cheeriest farewell and sent them on their way. Moooo!

Will someone call me for next year’s ride, please?

HELP BUILD OUR FUTURE

Largest Bilingual Family Event Yet

1.

5.

1. A bilingual class – For more than 250 students and parents at Adams Elementary School. 2. On the blacktop – Kids practice safety avoidance skills 3.

Free tune-ups – Courtesy of volunteer mechanics from Bici Centro and SBici. 4.

For the first time – Ten learn to ride. 5. Grand Finale giveaway – Eighteen kids receive brand-new rides courtesy of Deckers (See Deckers Decks Out Bikes at sbbike.org.) Photos by John Rousseau.

2.

Help Build Our Future: The Bici Centro Building Contribute to SBBIKE’s purchase of its headquarters

name (organization) address city,state,zip e-Mail 3.

phone O O O O O

Level One Contribution, $50 Level Two Contribution, $250 Level Three Contribution, $500 Level Four Contribution, $1,000 Other Amount

Make check payable to the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition PO Box 92047 Santa Barbara, CA 93190-2047

www.sbbike.org The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, so donations are tax deductable as allowed by law.

4.

SB BIKE

SANTA BARBARA BICYCLE COALITION

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