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NEW BIKE PROJECTS • URBAN BIKING • BIKE DEALS AND MORE
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San Diego Bike Guide is brought to you by
the San Diego
2015
Table of Contents
ART DIRECTOR Tristan Whitehouse
Setting Priorities for New Bike Projects 6
CONTRIBUTORS Carly Nairn, Ron Donoho, Andy Hanshaw ADVERTISING SALES Jason Noble, Paulina Porter-Tapia, Kimberly Wallace, Christina MacNeal PUBLISHER Kevin Hellman SAN DIEGO BIKE GUIDE 3047 University Ave., Suite 202 San Diego, CA 92104 (619) 281-7526
The Benefits of Urban Biking 8 Deals and Discounts for Bikers 12 Being Business Friendly: Advice from the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition 16 Biking Events and Groups 20 Advertiser Listings 24
the San Diego
2015
On the Cover Elektra Mens and Ladies Amsterdam Bicycles Courtesy of Trek Bicycle Superstore www.electrabike.com Cover Photo by Jeff Corrigan
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the San Diego
2015
San Diego is the ultimate bicycle riding city with perfect year round weather and an ever growing infrastructure for safe riding. Owners Debbe & Mike Simmons of Bicycle Warehouse have been at the heart of this growth for the past 23 years when they opened their first store. Now they serve all of San Diego and Temecula with 6 stores, e-commerce and a newly formed business division to help companies increase corporate wellness. They support San Diego's diverse lifestyles with all styles and levels of bikes to keep San Diegans healthy and having fun. Their tag line says it all "It's Your World, Ride It"
Bicycle Warehouse 5710 Kearny Villa Rd., Kearny Mesa (858) 292-8449 4650 Santa Fe St., Pacific Beach (858) 273-7300 3513 Main St., Chula Vista (619) 498-4900 328 N El Camino Real, Encinitas (760) 635-4500 2750 Auto Park Way #21, Escondido (760) 233-9900 27250 Madison Ave. Temecula 951-587-4110
bicyclewarehouse.com
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By Carly Nairn
F
or cyclists, San Diego’s streets are a mixed bag. While improvements are slated in the regional transportation plan and the city’s Climate Action Plan to increase and widen bike lanes, and repave over 1,000 miles of city streets in the next five years, the number of bikers that take to the road daily leaves something to be desired. Bike advocates, such as Andy Hanshaw, executive director of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, acknowledge that in a city where biking should be king over cars, there is still much to be done to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
One of the examples of bike-lane improvement—one that was initially met with a lawsuit and the ire of some drivers—is the widened lanes on Fourth and Fifth Avenue. The project took out a lane of traffic, and restriped the road as a thoroughfare for bikes between downtown and Balboa Park. “These bike lanes are bringing way more people out because it’s safer,” said Hanshaw. “They are not slowing car traffic in any way.” Hanshaw said that the opposition has diminished and more people are beginning to understand that it is valuable to balance the city’s transportation needs.
“We need to continue moving forward for creating spaces for people to Hanshaw is also encouraged by other upcoming urban corridor projects, ride,” he said. such as the Bayshore Bikeway, that will include safer infrastructure (i.e. And it may seem counterintuitive, but Hanshaw explained that if more roads without the ubiquitous pothole) and protected bikeways, something cyclists were to start riding, it would create a balance in transit, and more that other cities, such as San Francisco and Seattle, have already developed. people would feel safe riding—because others were doing it—and that in turn would make the streets safer for everyone.
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While many of the projects have funding already in place, alternative transportation modes are generally underfunded, and Hanshaw concurred. In order to meet the climate plan’s goal of six percent of cyclists commuting to work by 2020, more funding is needed. “It isn’t able to meet the goal for increased ridership,” he said about the plan. “It’s important to fund transportation at a level that is equal to the goal that they set.” The City’s recently announced $3.2 billion budget is now open for public comment, and transportation advocates hope that some of it will be set aside to produce safer spaces for cyclists. “We have so much potential to be one of the top cities anywhere for biking,” Hanshaw said. “We have the climate, the beaches, the bays, we just need effective bikeways.”
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By Ron Donoho
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he best way to navigate downtown San Diego is by bicycle. I tend to brush off complaints about how hard it is to drive a car into the city, or to find parking. I’ve lived downtown for nearly 20 years and never have to deal with gridlock, one-way streets or parking meters—because I bike everywhere. Over the course of two decades of peddling the asphalt, I’ve had some setbacks. Just two weeks after moving here from Manhattan, I was hit by a white pickup truck while crossing Harbor Drive near Lindbergh Field. As I lay on the street next to my mangled 10-speed, a man drove by in silver Porsche. The driver tossed a card out his window at me. “I’m a lawyer and I saw the whole thing,” he yelled. He slowed, but didn’t stop. “Call me.” I was bruised but fine. The pickup driver drove me home and I didn’t sue him.
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I would, however, throw the book at the vandals who steal bikes and bike parts. In two decades, I’ve had one bike stolen, two wheels removed and three bike seats pilfered. All while locked on the street. One wheel and one bike seat were stolen in the light of day. Concern about theft is why I ride a crappy bike around town. My used Cannondale hybrid mountain bike came for a couple hundred bucks at San Diego Bike Shop (619 C Street). I can buy secondhand replacement seats there, or at The Bike Revolution (522 Sixth Avenue) for about $10. RON DONOHO
I bike to the gym. I slide on a backpack and go food shopping. I cycle for fun on the weekends. Even if I’ve got the occasional dress-up work meeting somewhere downtown, I’ll don a button-down, slacks and black shoes and pedal off to do business. No sweat. Wait, that’s not the right term, because during a Santa Ana heat-up it only takes me 10 minutes on a bike to look like a rolling pit stain. There are, though, way more pros than cons to life in the bike lane. The full benefit of navigating a city on two wheels comes with experience, and the realization that you rarely have to come to a full stop. If I’m, say, biking from the East Village to meet friends at The Waterfront in Little Italy, I’ll cut across the Gaslamp Quarter on Island Avenue. Even if the tourists are flocking up and down Fifth Avenue, I can (safely) snake through the throngs. Like a Pac-Man, I can choose from a variety of streets that offer the least resistance until I want to go south on First Avenue. Heading up First, I can merge with the traffic flow until a red light. Then I can take a left and cheat on a sidewalk or two until I get to any street that runs into Little Italy. On my bike, I can get anywhere from anywhere else. But an issue arises when you ask me for driving directions in downtown. My routes are whimsical and ever changing. Driving in a car on that same trip to Little Italy would take twice as long. And it’d be illegal and hazardous, since cops frown on cars going up on the curb, or going the wrong way on one-way streets. Biking, though, is the way to get from point-to-urban-point while still enjoying the journey. In a car, you creep along from light to light. Then, you have to circle your destination until Karma cuts you a break and opens up a parking spot. Walking? It’s awesome, but a bike is exercise plus expediency. I save gas and lose a few calories by biking. If I’m pedaling somewhere and I see a sign in a window that may indicate new management is coming in, I can brake, glide over and find out what’s going on. Nothing intimidates me while I’m riding. It’s actually empowering to be out rolling around. It has become part of my urban identity. I bike, therefore I am. #sdbikeguide
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Visit The Adventure Center on Mission Bay for some fun in the sun! Jump-on a super cool beach-cruiser bike to explore the over ten-miles of flat, easy-to-pedal bike paths that wind around the beautiful Bay-front. Grab a friend and go explore the bay on a super fun sit-on-top kayak, or take out a SUP paddle-board for an experience you won’t soon forget. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, why not try parasailing? There’s something for everyone at the Adventure Center. Fun, affordable and exciting! San Diego Parasail Adventure 1548 Quivera Way., San Diego (619) 223-4386
goparasailing.com
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The Adventure Center 844 West Mission Bay Dr., Pacific Beach (858) 488-7900
supercooladventures.com
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B
ikers deserve a break. Not just a pit stop, rather, we’re talking about a little financial relief. Many cyclists may not be aware of this, but several places in town give bikers a discount if they roll in for business. Those 10- and 15-percent discounts add up. Here’s where you can save a little money at restaurants and bars, on fashion and beauty, and for health and wellness, if you pedal up to the place.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS After a long ride there’s nothing better than a good meal or drink to top it off. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of benefits available to riders in San Diego from local eateries. North Park has a large array of cyclist discounts. Among some of the benefits available to bike riders: 10 percent off at Café 21 (2736 Adams Ave.), Tiger! Tiger! Tavern (3025 El Cajon Blvd.), Urban Solace (3823 30th St.), True North Tavern (3815 30th St), and Subterranean Coffee Boutique (3764 30th St.) Receive 15 percent off Santos Coffee Shop (3191 Thorn St.), and 1$ off a whole pizza and 1$ off draft beer at Sicilian Thing Pizza (4046 30th St.) Just a little farther south along the 30th Street corridor in South Park, riders receive 10 percent off at The Daily Scoop (3004 Juniper St.) Station Tavern (2204 Fern St.), Sonny’s BBQ (549 25th St.) and Rose Wine Pub on 30th (2219 30th St.) Downtown, a 10-percent discount applies at Café 21 (750 Fifth Ave.), Café Moto (2619 National Ave.), Cat Café (472 3rd Ave.), and Café Virtuoso (1616 National Avenue). If you’re riding along the beaches, you can take advantage of 10 percent off at Bulls Smoking BBQ (1127 West Morena Blvd.), The Patio (4445 Lamont Street), and The Swell Café (3833 Mission Blvd.)
FASHION AND BEAUTY For cyclists who aim to look their best, discounts are also offered at many local retailers and salons. Hillcrests Village Hat Shop (3821 Fourth Ave.) offers a 10-percent discount, as does fellow neighborhood shoe retailer Mint (525 University Ave.), whose sister shop in Los Angeles also participates, should any San Diego cyclist find themselves a few hours north. South Park’s Make Good (2207 Fern St.) offer 10 percent off non-consignment items, while next door at Junc Boutique (2205 Fern St.), Shoppers can take advantage of a 15-percent discount. Meanwhile, Salon on 30th, just down the street at 2225 30th St., offers 10 percent off services, and at Little Italy’s Salon Tonic (1532 India St.), Berge Garcia takes 15 percent off services. And for additional grooming, Girl on the Go Spa (830 25th Street, Suit 103) offers a 10-percent discount. The Undercarriage locations downtown (1837 Fifth Ave.) and in North Park (3385 30th St.) both offer 15 percent off services. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS Staying healthy is essential for cyclists, so it’s a good thing several establishments in San Diego’s wellness community offer discounts. South Park chiropractor Dr. Ronald Fritz (1936 Fern St.) gives a free initial exam and 10-percent off appointments if you bike to him. Hillcrest acupuncturist Absolute Acupuncture (2560 First Ave., Suite 202) offers a 15-percent discount and Herbin Acupuncture and Wellness (3594 Fifth Ave.) offers a 10-percent discount. In addition, University Heights’ Erin E. Raskin M. S. Health and Wellness Coach (2252 Park Blvd.), offers an 18-percent discount.
NORTH COUNTY The San Diego bike community discount program has long tentacles. While it’s only beginning to spread into North County, there are a couple of participating establishments. Escondido’s Kettle Coffee and Tea (119 E. Grand Ave.) gives cyclists 10 percent off their purchase and chiropractor Cordin Blosiu in Encinitas offers 5 percent off services with free consultation. For more information and additional discounts, go online to: www.sdbikecommuter.com
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T
ake a look around San Diego these days and you’ll see more people choosing to ride bicycles, particularly for short trips (2 miles or less). The City of San Diego has made progress on improving safety and access for bicyclists by adding a new, 1,800-vehicle bike-sharing system (Decobike), and changing and repurposing streets in order to add new bike lanes. San Diego also has several new on-street bike parking “corrals” throughout local business districts in the city, including North Park, Hillcrest and Pacific Beach. These corrals provide convenient and secure bicycle parking with direct access to shops, bars and restaurants. The concept of creating Bike Friendly Business Districts began a few years ago in Long Beach, and has since grown to other cities, including San Diego. The San Diego County Bike Coalition has been working with our local Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) to look at ways that they can improve safety and access, as well and develop programs to encourage more people to live and shop by bike. Here are some reasons why it makes sense to have bicycle-friendly business districts:
A CHECKLIST FOR BEING A BIKE FRIENDLY BUSINESS: ü Promote and support a discount for customers who come by bicycle to your store. Several businesses already offer this type of incentive, and it pays off with long-term customer loyalty. ü Have a bicycle at your business for deliveries or trips around the neighborhood. ü Promote bicycling by posting photos of employees and customers on your business’ Facebook, Instagram and website.
It’s Good for Business - More bicycling boosts the local economy by encouraging people to slow down and enjoy their surroundings, up close. A safe and inviting environment for those that bike will help attract and retain customers and employees, and bike promotions can attract new interest to businesses. A bike-friendly business helps the business engage with the community and creates customer loyalty.
ü Create an open storefront with amenities for bicyclists parking at your store.
It’s Good for Employees - Bicycling is good for the health and wellbeing of business employees, and healthy employees mean fewer sick days, better morale and more enthusiasm at work.
ü Map the best biking routes to your business and provide this on your website and social media.
It’s Good for the Community - Bicycling reduces car trips, which reduces congestion and makes a business district more attractive to customers. Being an active area can create excitement for business, and new reasons for customers to visit.
ü Have good bicycle access to your business including secure parking. Request a bike rack through the City of San Diego.
ü Host a bicycling meet-up at your store.
The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition is a regional bicycle advocacy organization working to make bicycling a mainstream, safe and enjoyable form of everyday transportation. For more information, email info@sdbikecoalition.org
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Unlike acid wash jeans and scrunchies, the popularity of exploring the best of San Diego on bicycle shows no signs of fading. Bike and Kayak offers adventures at their two locations in La Jolla Shores and Coronado Island. Sights include: the Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach Boardwalk, Children’s Pool, La Jolla Cove, Windansea’s famous surf spot, and the historic Cave Store! You’ll start on top of Mt. Soledad to take in the amazing panoramic view of San Diego on their La Jolla bike tours. Bike and Kayaks “Tour de Coronado” takes riders through bike-friendly Coronado on terrain so flat your pedals will nearly rotate themselves. Enjoy this magnificent tour under the graceful Coronado Bridge, past the historic Hotel del Coronado and Glorietta Bay. Check out the Naval Amphibious Base, the Silver Strand, Orange Avenue and Ferry Landing, and imagine crowds of roaring fans cheering you across the tour finish line. Bike & Kayak Tours 2158 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla 1201 1st St. #214, Coronado (858) 454-1010
www.bikeandkayaktours.com
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By Carly Nairn
C
yclists are a diverse lot. There are the hardcore wheelers, training for tours and challenging races; the commuter, a loyal brand that will bike in (infrequent) rain or shine; and the weekend rider, who pedals with chosen destinations (usually bars) in mind, and everything in between. And in many ways, San Diego (the climate, the terrain, the activities) mirrors that diversity. A cyclist can ride an intense 80-mile mountain trip to increase endurance and the next day leisurely ride the boardwalk at Mission Beach. It comes as no surprise that San Diego is aiming to be a world-class biking destination. To that notion, and to celebrate May being National Bike Month, here’s a list of cycling events and stalwart bike clubs for every age and competency. The list is always growing as more people get on their steads and go for a ride.
This race pushes riders past their comfort zone. The route goes from the city of Tecate to the city of Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico. During the 73mile ride, you climb 4,000 feet, with 4 major hills. For extra competition, there’s a race within the race to the top of one of the hills. Fastest male and female win the title King or Queen of the hill. It’s $75 to enter before June 1; price goes up closer to race date. bajabikerace.com
One of the most accessible cycling events of the year, Bike the Bay is familyfriendly and thoroughly organized. Its main attraction is the opportunity to bike over the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. A 25-mile route that passes through Imperial Beach, Chula Vista and National City, it ends at Embarcadero Mariana Park South. Bike the Bay is officially a fundraiser for the San Diego Bicycle Coalition, but there is so much to do at the end of the The annual commuter event Bike To Work Day is full of fun pit stops, ride, including a New Belgium beer garden, and live music, it hardly feels usually equipped with hearty snacks and drinks with cheerful do-good- like a hustle. bikethebay.net ers, and sponsored by different regional organizations and business. It’s intended to help cyclists fuel up before the morning ride to work. It’s also an awareness campaign, devoted to a better understanding that A tour to support pancreatic cancer research, Ride the Point includes three biking, as a main mode of transit is possible everyday. Free to participate, levels, for a 10-mile, 28-mile or 62-mile ride. Beginning and ending at Libbut pledging is recommended to track the miles of all those participating. erty Station, the longer rides roll through Point Loma and Mission Valley. Registration fees range from $10 for the youth 10-mile ride, to $175 for a icommutesd.com/events/bike-month VIP rider. ridethepoint.org
EVENTS
Great bike rides allow for the opportunity to cycle through regularly off-limits areas. This is no exception for the Low Tide Ride on Father’s Day, where the Navy makes an exception for bikers (and runners) to traverse an 8-mile stretch of coastline between Imperial Beach and Coronado’s North Beach. Organized by the Coronado Rotary Club, the event is seen as unique and expanding since its first one, more than 18 years ago. It’s all-ages and early registration is $20 for kids and $40 for adults. lowtiderideandstride.org
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GROUPS A recreational riding group, the Wheelmen have varying rides for all different types of cyclists. Many rides range from 20 to 100 miles. Rides are on Saturday and Sunday, are year-round, and include a mandatory helmet stipulation. Membership ranges from $20 to $25 a year for one family and includes exclusive rides and a newsletter. roberttbradley.com/wheelmen/index.htm A low-key riding club, that advances the idea that cycling is possible at all ages and levels. They go on to say that “most of our riders have never raced, nor will they!� Membership is $25 a year and includes membership to the San Diego Bicycle Coalition. They arrange rides every Saturday, and always meet up the Starbucks in Rancho San Diego, off of Fury Dr., in El Cajon. bikebuddies.org The oldest cycling club, with almost 60 years under its wheel, the SDBC is the club for serious, race-oriented riders to join. Membership is $45 for an individual and $10 for additional family members and includes extensive training sessions, affiliations for racing purposes and equipment discounts. The club offers a challenging 40-mile ride every Sunday starting in La Jolla and arriving in Solana Beach. sdbc.org
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The Adventure Center
Cafe Virtuoso
844 West Mission Bay Dr., Pacific Beach (858) 488-7900
1616 National Ave., Barrio Logan/East Village (619) 550-1830
Ballast Point Home Brew Mart (Brewing Supplies & Tasting Room)
Bike & Kayak Tours
supercooladventures.com
5401 Linda Vista Rd. #406, San Diego (619) 295-2337
ballastpoint.com
Cafevirtuoso.com
2158 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla 1201 1st St. #214, Coronado (858) 454-1010
www.bikeandkayaktours.com
Bluefoot Bar and Lounge 3404 30th St., North Park (619) 756-7981
Ballast Point Little Italy Bluefootsd.com (Tasting Room & Kitchen) Brewery Tours 2215 India St., San Diego (619) 255-7213 of San Diego ballastpoint.com Wherever your favorite Ballast Point Miramar (Main Brewery & Kitchen) 9045 Carroll Way, San Diego (858) 790-6900
Bike the Bay Community Bike Ride Sunday, August 23, 2015
Ballast Point Scripps Ranch (Brewery & Distillery)
Brooklyn Bicycles
ballastpoint.com
Bicycles Warehouse 5710 Kearny Villa Rd., Kearny Mesa (858) 292-8449 4650 Santa Fe St., Pacific Beach (858) 273-7300 3513 Main St., Chula Vista (619) 498-4900 328 N El Camino Real, Encinitas (760) 635-4500 2750 Auto Park Way #21, Escondido (760) 233-9900 27250 Madison Ave. Temecula 951-587-4110
bicyclewarehouse.com
Blind Lady Alehouse 3416 Adams Ave., Normal Heights (619) 255-2491
blindlady.blogspot.com 2015 |
brewerytoursofsandiego.com
ballastpoint.com
10051 Old Grove Rd., San Diego (858) 695-2739
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breweries are! (619) 961-7999
bikethebay.net
3437 Adams Ave., Normal Heights (619) 283-1926
brooklynsd.com Cycle Quest
10920 Roselle St. #103, Sorrento Valley (858) 622-9636
cyclequestsd.com
DecoBike San Diego 180 Locations throughout San Diego! (619) 241-4474
decobike.com/sandiego Grand Organics (619) 344-3022
grandorganics.org Great Maple 1451 Washington St., Hillcrest (619) 255-2282
thegreatmaple.com
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Hub + Spoke Cycleworks
Pedal to the Park
1545 Tidelands Ave. Suite E, National City (619)-512-1137
Petco Park, East Village May 17, 2015
hubandspokecycleworks.com Juice Crafters 935 Silverado St., La Jolla (858) 459-0569 401 University Ave., Hillcrest (619) 297-0235 1740 India St., Little Italy (619) 231-4329
www.juicecrafters.com
Meshuggah Shack 1188 Market St., East Village 4048 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills (619) 518-5421
Metro Cyclery 1211 Morena Blvd., San Diego (619) 276-1145
metrocyclery.com
Mission Hills Bike Shop 141 W. Washington St., Mission Hills (619) 296-0618
pedaltothepark.com
People for Bikes P.O. Box 2359, Boulder, CO 80306
PeopleForBikes.org
San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) GobyBikeSD.com San Diego County Bicycle Coalition 1111 6th Ave., San Diego (858) 487-6063
sdbikecoalition.org
San Diego Parasail Adventure 1548 Quivera Way., San Diego (619) 223-4386
goparasailing.com
The Scooter Farm 3023 Clairemont Dr., San Diego
facebook.com/missionhillsbikeshop (858) 216-2008 New Belgium Brewing’s Tour De Fat Saturday, September 26th Golden Hill Park
newbelgium.com/tour-de-fat North Park Bikes 3302 North Park Way, North Park (619) 255-3100
northparkbikes.com
North Park Festival of the Arts University Ave., from 30th St. to 32nd Saturday, May 16, 2015 11am - 6pm
northparkfestivalofarts.com The Pearl Hotel
The South Park Abbey 1946 Fern St., South Park (619) 696-0096
thesouthparkabbey.com Trek Bicycle Superstore San Diego 4240 Kearny Mesa Rd., Kearny Mesa (858) 974-8735 8495 Fletcher Pkwy., La Mesa (619) 668-8787 North County 1617 Capalina Rd., San Marcos (760) 599-9735 South County 901 Lane Ave., Chula Vista (619) 216-9123
www.trekbicyclesuperstore.com
1410 Rosecrans St., Point Loma (619) 226-6100
thepearlsd.com
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