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Next Board Meeting
Monday
July 20, 2009 6:30

New location!
750 Suite 6 Mendocino,
Santa Rosa

Board Meetings are normally at 6:30 pm on the third Monday of each month.

Members are welcome and encouraged at all board meetings.

On occasion, Board Meetings will change when there is an event conflict. Please check here to confirm dates, times and location.

Click here to see month by month calendar

SCBC E-Update June23, 2009

“I thought of that while riding my bicycle.” ~ Albert Einstein on the theory of relativity

If the links are not working for you, you can download the pdf at
http://bikesonoma.org/e-update_062309.pdf

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BIKE ADVOCACY ALERTS, VICTORIES, VOLUNTEER AND DONATION APPEALS
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1.  VICTORY AT BOS MEETING, SR CREEK TRAIL PROJECT GOES FORWARD

2. TAKE ACTION ON THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BILL OF 2009

3. PLUG INTO THE “KEEP THE TOUR” CAMPAIGN

4. LOTSA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BICYCLE SANTA ROSA

5. SCBC URGENTLY SEEKS STORAGE, COMPUTER

6. JUNE VALET BICYCLE PARKING OPPORTUNITIES

7. PROMOTE SCBC, HAVE FUN, BE ON T.V. – KRCB AUCTION – JUL 18

8. DEADLINE FOR SAMUEL P. TAYLOR COMMENTS – JUNE 26

9. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL NATIONAL CONFERENCE – AUG 19 – 21

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SCBC NEWS AND EVENTS
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10. JULY 4TH – BICYCLE SANTA ROSA – BE THERE!

11. ROHNERT PARK BIKE RODEO ON SATURDAY

12. SONOMA COUNTY ROCKS “TEAM BIKE CHALLENGE 2009”

13. BEST-EVER SCBC BIKE SWAP PLUS BIKE “RODEO”

14.GET YER SCBC JERSEY!

15. RECYCLE YOUR ENERGY BAR WRAPPERS AND BENEFIT SCBC

16. STREET SKILLS CLASSES- JULY 5 & AUGUST 1
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COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND NEWS
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17.  PARK TOOL SUMMER SCHOOL AT THE BIKE PEDDLER

18.  FREE BIKE RACKS FOR HEALDSBURG BUSINESS

19.  DREAMING OF TAX CREDITS FOR YOUR BIKE STUFF?

20.  NASTY NEWS FROM WASHINGTON

21.  SAFETY IN NUMBERS – IT’S REAL!

22.  CAR-FREE PARADISE IN GERMAN SUBURB

23.  “KLUNKERZ” TO AIR ON KQED TV, SF – JUNE 28

24.  BIKERS AND PEDS AMONG MAIN ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS

25.  SOMETHING FUN FROM LONDON

26.  COMMUNITY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MEETINGS

27.  SANTA ROSA CYCLING CLUB MEETINGS

28.  SCBC BOARD MEETING

29.  SUPPORT BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT SCBC!

30.  WANNA TALK BIKES??
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31.  HOUSEKEEPING
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1. VICTORY AT BOS MEETING, SR CREEK TRAIL PROJECT GETS UNANIMOUS SUPPORT

Thanks to all the SCBC members that came out and supported this project.

Many of our battles for bike friendly infrastructure are not easy and this is one that we have been pursuing since the inception of the SCBC. The SCBC board considered this important as it will provide access to all types of cyclists (without damaging road bike tires) in all weather conditions. It connects to two schools. It is part of a larger plan that will connect to the planned Laguna trail and Guerneville Road. This project has been in many county and local plans since 1998. There were an overwhelming number of supporters of the creek project at the meeting today and the Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed that this is an important project and that there must be ADA access, and a better surface for a greater number of users.

The funding was allocated quite a while ago for this project, and this project exclusively, it is mostly federal grant funding and Open Space District funding meant to create better connectivity of communities through walking and bicycling. This money couldn’t be used elsewhere in Sonoma County, it would just be returned to the feds. That would mean that we would lose the jobs that this project will create.

Here is the presentation I made today at the BOS:

This project will extend the paved path that currently goes from Downtown Santa Rosa and stops at Fulton Road, all the way to Willowside Road and, eventually, to Guerneville Road.

Prior to this project you could not travel continuously along this section as it was cut off by adjoining creeks. The recent installations of three bridges (which are part of the project in whole) now link the path and the next step is to apply asphalt to make it an all-weather path that can accommodate wheelchairs, rollerblades, walkers and skinny tire bikes as has always been the project intent.

The new path parallels an existing gravel path on the south side of the creek which many of the opponents fail to mention. The beauty of this project is it creates another path for more users while leaving the old path as is for those who prefer a slower, all dirt experience.

A recent PD letter to the editor erroneously says the plan is to “pave the creek”. There will be no paving of creeks, just the extension of a path that will encourage more people to get out of cars and walk or ride along Santa Rosa Creek.

Here is an excerpt from an email I received following bike to work day.

“At least, 25 High Schoolers and Lower School students  who attend Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm, and their parents some who are faculty and staff, rode to work/school today along the downtown creek trail.  I don't know if you know where our campus is located but we are way out on Willowside Road in between Hall and Fulton, which is western Santa Rosa.   As a school we promote sustainability and green practices.  As a mom who was bringing up the rear, it was wonderful to see the line of bikes pulling into campus.”

This is not a trail to nowhere, unless you consider the west county “nowhere.” This is an important improvement for transportation and recreation riders, and one that will increase our bicycle network greatly.

www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090623/ARTICLES/906239958/1033/NEWS

By BLEYS W. ROSE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Deciding to finish what they started nearly two decades ago, Sonoma County supervisors voted Tuesday to approve asphalt paving of a 2.1-mile section of the Santa Rosa Creek Trail from Fulton to Willowside roads.

With board chairman Paul Kelley absent, the other four members unanimously agreed that they should follow through with plans set in the early 1990s to offer path users a paved trail from Santa Rosa to the Laguna de Santa Rosa.

They said they sympathized with hikers, horse riders and nature enthusiasts who had, over the years, come to enjoy the gravel path that sits atop a berm that sculpts the creek's channel. However, they felt those path users could still use the gravel section on the south side of the creek, while people on bikes and in wheelchairs would gravitate to the north side path that will be paved.

Construction is scheduled to start in September, with most of the $750,000 in funding coming from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

An hour-long public hearing on the issue attracted about four dozen people with most of the speakers calling for paving the trail as part of the county's long-term goal of a route to the coast.
BACK TO TOP: Bike Advocacy Alerts

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2. TAKE ACTION ON THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BILL OF 2009

Chair Jim Oberstar and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee last week introduced the Surface Transportation Bill of 2009.

You can read the bill at http://transportation.house.gov/

There’s an opportunity to take action this week.

Please read the following, which SCBC received Monday from the Alliance for Biking and Walking:

“The Alliance, and other members of the America Bikes Coalition, are encouraged by many of the elements contained within the bill such as establishing the Office of Livability, improving data and research, establishing the US Bike Route System, and emphasizing Comprehensive Street Design. In addition, our initial impression is that the reforms to the surface transportation program funding and the sub-allocation of Transportation Enhancement funds may provide greater opportunities for both bicycling and walking.

We will be working with America Bikes to review the bill more fully today and hope to have a more in depth analysis for you on Tuesday.

The Highway and Transit Subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure committee is meeting on Wednesday to mark up the bill. The Mark up will be at 11:00 am Eastern and will be webcast at http://transportation.house.gov. We expect few if any amendments.

Prepare for Action: On Wednesday June 24th, the Alliance encourages you to engage your members to participate in a call in day with the Transportation for America Coalition. More information will be posted to the Listserve after we have performed an in depth analysis and are able to ensure the language provided by T4A demonstrates the needs of biking and walking.”

As SCBC receives updates on this action, Chris Culver will send them out to the SCBC discussion list.

If you’re interested in joining this list, sign up at www.BikeSonoma.org
BACK TO TOP: Bike Advocacy Alerts
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3. PLUG INTO THE “KEEP THE TOUR” CAMPAIGN

From Kevin Robinson of the “Keep the Tour Task Force:”

Our Keep the Tour Task Force is working hard to raise awareness and the money required to bring the Amgen Tour of California back to Sonoma County. We are asking for individual donations as well as business sponsorships for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California.

Few people in Santa Rosa question the value of the Tour of California returning to our city streets. But every year we are faced with a challenging scenario: having to fight tooth and nail to raise the money for its return. Out of necessity, the local community has helped raise the funds needed to produce this race--to the point where the majority of the 2009 monies needed were raised through the private sector.

The Keep the Tour Task Force was formed for this purpose. We are community members who understand the value of the Tour of California and its positive impact on bicycling in our county. Based on our successful fund raising ventures for the 2009 race, we know that the citizens of Sonoma County, and Santa Rosa in particular, share a strong level of appreciation, ownership and pride for what the Tour brings to our community.

We have rightly become recognized as a world-class tourist and cycling destination. By showing your support for the Tour, you are showing your support for bicycling in our community.

The Tour of California will not return in 2010 if the City of Santa Rosa does not have the proper funding in place when the commitment request comes from the Tour organizers.

This year is more dire than years prior. The Tour organizer has shifted more of its costs to the host cities - meaning the cost to Santa Rosa has increased at a time when previously available City funds used for the event have been eliminated. Without your support the Tour of California will not return for another year.

We are asking community members and businesses to contribute now to bring the Tour of California back to Santa Rosa in 2010. Let's Keep the Tour!!

--Keep the Tour Task Force
Kurt Shaver, Kevin Robison, Don Winkle, Mo McElroy, Raissa de la Rosa, Jeremy Little, Carolyn Metz
 http://www.keepthetour.com

BACK TO TOP: Bike Advocacy Alerts
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4. SCBC URGENTLY SEEKS STORAGE SPACE, COMPUTER

SCBC most move out of its current storage space by June 30th!

That’s just days away.

We have one option for a new storage space, but it’s not really enough room.

Any ideas?

We need about 200-250 square feet on the ground floor, preferably in or very near Downtown Santa Rosa, so we can use the bike trailer for most pick-ups.

If you have a lead or have space to offer for $120/month or less (or an in-kind donation would be fantastic!), please contact Sandra at SandraL@BikeSonoma.orgor 707-545-0153.

Speaking of in-kind donations, do you have a good computer to donate (remember, it’s tax-deductible) to SCBC?

If you think you have something, please get in touch with Chris at 707-545-0153, or ChrisC@BikeSonoma.org.

Thank you very much!

BACK TO TOP: Bike Advocacy Alerts
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5. LOTSA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BICYCLE SANTA ROSA

We are calling on all SCBC volunteers to take a shift or two at Bicycle Santa Rosa. This grand July 4th festival is a fabulous time, and requires a big team to make it happen. We’ll need help in the following areas:

   Set-up:
7 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (this includes bike parking set-up)

   Ride check-in:
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.

   Staffing SCBC table/selling raffle tickets:
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

   Encouraging/registering contest participants:
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

   Supervising the kids jumphouse and pitch burst:
11 – 3

   Valet bike parking:
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

   Tear-down:
3:00 p.m. – about 5:00 p.m.

   Unload in North Santa Rosa – 5:30 p.m.-ish

To sign up, please contact Sandra at 707-545-0153 or SandraL@BikeSonoma.org.
Thanks in advance for working Bicycle Santa Rosa!

You will most definitely have a good time.

BACK TO TOP: Bike Advocacy Alerts
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6. PARK BIKES AT WED NIGHT MARKET – Sign up now!

It’s so much fun to work SCBC’s valet bicycle parking at the Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market.

Interacting with bike riders as you park their special wheels so they can have a great time is a pretty special experience indeed.

You can try it out for yourself – every Wed. through August 12 – shifts from 4:00 p.m. (tear-down at 8:30 p.m.).

Location: intersection of Fourth St. & D St., Downtown Santa Rosa.

Contact Sarah Hadler to sign up: Sarah@BikeSonoma.org

BACK TO TOP: Bike Advocacy Alerts
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7. PROMOTE SCBC, HAVE FUN, BE ON T.V. – KRCB AUCTION – JUL 18

You’ll get a free SCBC T-shirt if you don’t already have one.

We still need about 10 people for this.

KRCB TV, the PBS affiliate in Rohnert Park, has invited SCBC to put together a team for its summer auction. This is a great opportunity to promote SCBC, and we’ve signed up for Saturday, July 18th! Teams are of 10 or 20 people and if we put together a team of 20, we won’t have to (literally) share the spotlight (I know, sharing is good…). If it’s a team of 10, our crew will be EITHER answering phones when people call in to pledge, OR we’ll be writing bids on a whiteboard. If we’re a team of 20, we’ll do both of those tasks. In return for the work of the SCBC team, the on-air hosts will frequently mention Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, an SCBC staff member will be interviewed on-air, and we can wear SCBC T-shirts for increased visibility. Some info from KRCB: “We ask that your team arrive no later than 6:00 pm. Sharp (for dinner!), so that we may train them before going on air at 6:30 pm. Please arrive on time as live television waits for no one! We will go off air at 11:00 pm. each evening.”

Those coming from Santa Rosa are welcome to join the SCBC staff for a bike pool to and from the event!

Please sign up ASAP -- just send a note to SandraL@BikeSonoma.org or call 707-545-0153 to let us know if you’re IN! Please join us for this super-fun opportunity to get some great publicity for SCBC!

BACK TO TOP: Bike Advocacy Alerts
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8. DEADLINE FOR SAMUEL P. TAYLOR COMMENTS – JUNE 26

From Liza Luzzi, Access4Bikes, President

“The time has come to voice your support for opening up Bill's Trail in Samuel P. Taylor Park to bikes. Letters of support are needed NOW. Deadline for comments is June 26th. We know our opponents will be rallying their forces, so please take a few minutes to send an email today and tell all your friends to do the same! IMBA is helping us by mounting a National Campaign. You can go to the IMBA website and fill out their form. It is quick and easy. Simply click on the Take Action link below.

Take Action! http://www.benchmarkemail.com/c/l?59e9154a

Tell California State Parks you support their decision to open Bill’s Trail to bicycles. The commentary period ends on June 26.

Or send your own email to Roy McNamee at:
rmcnamee@parks.ca.gov before June 26th.

Additional Information on the Proposal

California State Parks has announced a proposal to open singletrack for mountain biking in Samuel P. Taylor Park, Marin County. The agency plans to permit bicycle use on the 4-mile Bill’s Trail segment on alternate days and is soliciting public comment on the project.

This landmark opportunity is the direct result of more than three years of partnership building with the parks department by IMBA California www.benchmarkemail.com/c/l?30b7021e, Access4Bikes and the Bicycle Trails Council of Marin www.benchmarkemail.com/c/l?26331332 . A successful opening of Bill's Trail will set the stage for bicycle access to several other singletrack trails in Marin.

Bill's Trail

Located within the Mt. Tamaplais watershed in Samuel Taylor State Park, Bill’s Trail winds through native ferns, wildflowers and hazelnut trees. It averages a reasonable 7-percent grade, and its six switchbacks provide riders with multiple views of the surrounding landscapes. While it is expected that bike access on Bill’s Trail will be limited to alternate days at first, the parks department states that this stipulation will be open to further review.

A small number of local hiking and equestrian groups have vowed to fight against any new access for mountain biking in Marin County, despite plentiful evidence that well-designed trails can be successfully shared http://www.benchmarkemail.com/c/l?c99ed4a6

by various user groups, and that mountain biking is a sustainable, low-impact form of recreation www.benchmarkemail.com/c/l?664c8d59. ‘I think that, broadly speaking, the community of trail users in Marin is ready for this,’ says IMBA California Policy Advisor Tom Ward. ‘We have seen great success with our volunteer mountain bike patrol program there. Mountain bikers care deeply about protecting the gorgeous trails and natural areas in Marin, and we will continue working with like-minded groups.’”

BACK TO TOP: Bike Advocacy Alerts
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9. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL NATIONAL CONFERENCE – AUG 19-21

Learn how Safe Routes to School programs across the country are changing the habits of an entire generation of schoolchildren and putting thousands of families two steps ahead of health and environmental concerns.

The 2nd Safe Routes to School National Conference is being co-presented by the National Center for Safe Routes to School and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.

Join the Bicycle Transportation Alliance at the conference on August 19-21, 2009 at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower in Portland, Oregon. More info at www.saferoutesconference.org.
BACK TO TOP: SCBC News and Events
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10. JULY 4TH – BICYCLE SANTA ROSA – BE THERE!

Everyone loves this event, so make sure to mark your calendar and bring yourself and your family (if applicable) to Juilliard Park to enjoy the fun.

We are sure 2009 will be better than ever.

Here’s the skinny…

Bicycle Santa Rosa is SCBC’s annual July 4th celebration of all things bike.

The festival features live music by Sonoma County-based “Trailer Park Rangers,” led by David P. Carter (http://www.trailerparkrangers.com).

Defying labels and transcending genres, the Trailer Park Rangers’ fit the something-for-everyone vibe of the festival with their Americana meets jazz meets goth meets circus sound. The band will play on a solar-powered stage, courtesy of Akeena Solar.

Santa Rosa-based theater company The Imaginsts (http://www.theimaginists.org/) will offer a 30-minute taste of their upcoming “The Art is Medicine Show,” a bicycle-powered bilingual (Spanish-English) traveling show (featuring toy theaters and puppets.

Imaginist Jenine Alexander says, “What good is a show that depends on fossil fuels? If riding a bicycle for transportation is a fun, useful, efficient, healthy, magnificent activity, why shouldn't a traveling show also be bike-powered?”

For Kids, Jill B. Nimble (http://www.jillbnimble.com) will host day-long activities including bike decorating, a bike parade (this at 1:00 p.m.), games and more.

Plus SCBC’s Safe Routes to School program will lead fun bike-safety education activities.

And, there’ll be a pitch burst and jumphouse, which are always popular festival features.

Adults who want to test their balance can participate in slow bike race, and those who think they have mad tire-changing skills can face off in a flat tire fixing contest.

Local food vendors including Mommy’s Yammys

and Santa Rosa Community Market will serve up an array of delicious cuisine.

The festival is open from 11 am – 3 pm, and admission is free.

SCBC encourages attendees to ride their bikes to Bicycle Santa Rosa; those who do can park their bikes in SCBC’s free, secure valet bicycle parking lot, then relax and enjoy the festival.

Admission is free.

Councilmembers Ride
The day launches at 9:00 a.m. with the annual City Council Members ride.

 Elected officials from throughout Sonoma County join local residents for an inclusive, moderately paced ride around Santa Rosa.

The ride, led by League of American Bicyclists-certified instructor, Martin Clinton, provides a rare opportunity for citizens and elected officials to interact in a relaxed environment.

The route will highlight new bike infrastructure, as well as sites with proposed

bicycle improvements, and those in need of

attention.

Santa Rosa City Councilmember Gary Wysocky will be among the elected officials joining the ride.

“Bike riders in Santa Rosa have much to celebrate this July 4th,” says Wysocky, a founding member of SCBC.

“Some high-points are the passage in November of the SMART rail-trail plan, and brand-new bike lanes on Mendocino Avenue."

These elected officials have also confirmed their participation in the ride:
   Efren Carillo, Sonoma County Supervisor
   Deb Fudge, Windsor Town Council
   Robin Goble, Mayor, Town of Windsor
   Veronica Jacobi, Santa Rosa City Council
   Carol Russell, Cloverdale City Council

Those interested in joining the Council Members ride should meet at Juilliard Park at 8:45 a.m.

Children to 18 years of age must wear helmets.

Bicycle Santa Rosa is produced with the support and participation of City of Santa Rosa and the Santa Rosa City Employees Association.
BACK TO TOP: SCBC News and Events

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11. ROHNERT PARK BIKE RODEO THIS SATURDAY

Bike Rodeo at the Breath-Easy Ride
Saturday, June 27th
Time:

10:00am-12:30pm
Sonoma Mountain Village
1400 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park
Sponsors:

American Lung Association, Safe Kids of Sonoma County, Trek Bicycle Store, Breakaway Bikes, Rohnert Park Police Department
Open to:

public

BACK TO TOP: SCBC News and Events

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12. SONOMA COUNTY ROCKS “TEAM BIKE CHALLENGE” 2009

On June 2nd, SCBC held a reception in honor of Bike Commuter of the Year Jeffrey Reeder (if you haven’t yet read the SCBC interview with Jeffrey, visit http://www.BikeSonoma.org/Bike2Work.html), as well as the other 9 amazing nominees for the award, AND the winners of Team Bike Challenge 2009.

It was an inspiring evening with stories from many brand-new bike commuters.

The Team Bike Challenge is a National Bike Month (which was in May) contest that encourages existing bicycle commuters to recruit their colleagues, friends and neighbors to ride their bicycles to work, school and other destinations during the month of May.

 Teams log points for each day each member of their team uses a bike for transportation. Riders are classified by level of experience with Novices and “Big Wheels” (CEOs, Journalists, Elected Officials) netting the highest number of points. The points are tallied at the end of the month, and the results are in.

The Team Bike Challenge Champions for Sonoma County are:
   1st Place:

Team Tour de Turtle, organized through Marmot Mountain, LLC
   2nd Place:

Outspokin’, organized through Marmot Mountain, LLC
   3rd Place:

EcoLeaders, organized through Kelly Jackson & Christianson, LLC

The Sonoma County Teams competed against each other, and against teams from the 9 Bay Area Counties. In total, throughout the region, there were a record 521 teams registered for Team Bike Challenge.  And, Sonoma County teams had some of the highest scores in the region.

In fact, “Team Tour de Turtle,” which logged a total of 594 points for the month, earns the title of Bay Area Regional Team Bike Challenge Champion as well. Meanwhile, “Outspokin’” (Sonoma County’s second place team) came in 3rd in the Region (after a tie for 2nd place between a Santa Clara County team and one from Marin County). Scott Zeliff, a regular bike commuter who was on Team Tour de Turtle, says, “Our teams motto, ‘Slow and steady wins the race,’ says it all.”

In addition to Zeliff, Team Tour de Turtle featured four Novice riders – people who had never or almost never ridden bikes for transportation before May. Daniel Mora, a member of the #1 team had never commuted by bike until the Challenge. He reported loving it, and said that he’d keep doing it. Plus, he’s learning to work on bikes, and has begun volunteering at Community Bikes! Kelly, who was on another Marmot Team hadn’t ridden a bike since high school. She borrowed an old bike from her Dad for the challenge. Each day she put her bike on the bus and rode it to Rohnert Park. Then, she biked the rest of the way to Santa Rosa. As of June 2, she’d bought a new road bike, and made a pact with a commute buddy to bike the whole way (round trip) from Petaluma to Santa Rosa three times a week.

Marmot Mountain, LLC estimates that its Team Bike Challenge participants saved 5,385 pounds of toxic emissions and $2,914.00 by bike commuting throughout the month of May.

“This is exactly the spirit of Team Bike Challenge,” says Sandra Lupien, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Events Coordinator. “Teaming experienced bike commuters with new bike commuters provides support to the new riders.

And, Marmot Mountain LLC upped the ante: by forming 6 teams at their company, Marmot employees an extra competitive edge. Everyone wants to do the best they can for their team, so they pedal to work even on rainy days. And many of Marmot’s novices have reported that they’ve formed a bike commuting habit that won’t end now that Team Bike Challenge is over.

They know it’s good for the environment – and their wallets!”
BACK TO TOP: SCBC News and Events

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13. BEST-EVER SCBC BIKE SWAP PLUS BIKE “RODEO”

And, they all had a super-fun time…

SCBC’s 2009 Bike Swap at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building was a smash hit!

The event boasted some gorgeous bikes, amazing gear, clothes, and parts, peddled by 15 vendors – about double the amount we had last year!

And, 18 people came to sell their individual (in some cases, multiple) bikes.

We saw gorgeous bikes – most used, some new – of all shapes, sizes, colors, and provenance.

 And with hundreds of people coming through, those bicycles practically flew off the racks!

Vendors reported having a great time, many of them vowing to come back next year.

SCBC received some stellar donations, which sold well, raising a bit of cash to fund our advocacy work.

We’re delighted that non-profit Community Bikes had a booth this year, bringing loads of sweet rides to sell to raise money to fund its mission, too.

Thanks to the volunteers who made the swap happen:

Jon Dick, Wendy Sternberg, Doug Simon, Sherry Adams, Jenine Alexander, Tim Bacon, Deanna McKenzie, Paul Peterson, and Robert Rosen.

They worked hard and smiled (almost) the whole time!

Meanwhile, in the parking lot next door, some about 100 kids and their parents poured in for a children’s Bike Skills “Rodeo,” led by SCBC’s Safe Routes to School program with the Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Outreach Program of the Santa Rosa Police Department.

Participants were led through an excellent four-part skills course where they learned to yield, navigate tight curves, dodge items in their paths, check over their shoulders and more.

 They also visited a number of stations to receive helmet fittings (and receive new, free helmets in many cases), bike safety checks/maintenance by NorCal Bike Sport/The Bike Peddler and the Trek Store Santa Rosa, and bike licenses to allow them to show off their awesome bike skills.

This was SCBC’s busiest bike rodeo yet.

Thanks to rodeo partners Community Action Partnership, California Office of Traffic Safety, and Jill B. Nimble, and to the many volunteers who shared their time to support the kids!

BACK TO TOP: SCBC News and Events

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14. get yer scbc jersey!

From SCBC President, Ken Wells:

“I have volunteered to coordinate the purchase of the FIRST OFFICIAL SCBC jerseys, which will be purchased from Swobo, www.swobo.com, in men's and women's, short and long sleeve styles, and in any Swobo color, with the SCBC logo, all in the finest merino wool. Those interested should reply directly to me (jfish@sonic.net). If there is sufficient interest (over fifty jerseys), I will follow-up with further details on logo, pricing, etc. and get 'er done. (I expect the price will be near $100).”

BACK TO TOP: SCBC News and Events
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15.RECYCLE YOUR ENERGY BAR WRAPPERS AND BENEFIT SCBC

Cliff Bar and Terracycle will pay the SCBC 2 cents for each energy bar wrapper we send in. The wrappers will be recycled to make various items such as tote bags. Please bring energy bar wrappers only (candy bar wrappers will not be accepted) to the SCBC offices at 655 First Street, second floor. It’s always a good idea to call before coming by: 707-545-0153. For more information on the program see the following website: http://www.clifbar.com/soul/sustainability/

BACK TO TOP: SCBC News and Events

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16.STREET SKILLS CLASSES — JULY 5 & AUGUST 1

Remember to register early: these classes fill up fast!

Tired of losing all your hard-earned cash at the pump? Not comfortable riding on the street? Think you know all there is to riding a bike?

Then you should not miss Street Skills for Cyclists (for ALL levels, even you hot shot bike racers!)

Come learn the tricks and methods of dealing with traffic and other road users. You'll be surprised at how much more peaceful (and safer) your commute or ride out of town is after you take this class -- I sure was! This is for ALL levels, it doesn't matter if you have been racing or commuting by bike for the past 30-plus years, or you are rolling your bike out of the garage for the first time since turning 16. Please don't let your ego get in the way of taking this class.

JULY 5 & AUGUST 1
Adult class
8:45 AM to 12:45 PM
Youth class:
1:45 PM to 3:45 PM
Location:

Santa Rosa
You will be given the exact location upon registration confirmation.
Reservations are required; please e-mail TimB@BikeSonoma.org to reserve your space.
Seminar Fee: $20.00
$10.00 for SCBC members
Special class and membership deal; join the SCBC at the same time and the class cost is only $5!
Limited scholarships are available.
If you are not 100% satisfied, we will refund your class fee!
You may retake the class at anytime (space permitting) for free.
This class is taught by Martin Clinton, League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor.

BACK TO TOP: SCBC News and Events

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17.PARK TOOL SUMMER SCHOOL AT THE BIKE PEDDLER

All classes will be held on Saturdays from 6:15p.m.to 8:15p.m. at the Bike Peddler: 605 College Avenue (just East of Mendocino), Santa Rosa.

Participants must bring their own bikes to most classes, and should note that these are hands on (read: “dirty”) classes

July 11th – Brakes (Rim Brakes Only)
Learn to adjust brake pads, and lube/replace and adjust cables – bring your bike.

July 25th – Derailleurs
Learn to adjust both front and rear derailleurs – bring your bike

August 1st – Drivetrain
Learn to remove and install cranks, freewheel\cassette and chain - bring your bike.

August 15th – Wheel True
Learn to replace a spoke, tension and true a shop wheel - you do not need your bike for this class

August 29th – Derailleurs
See description above.

More classes to be added in the future

Classes are limited to six students.
Classes cost $30 per class – which is transferable to another person, but non-refundable.
A textbook (highly recommended) is available for the class.

The cost is $24.99.

To reserve your spot contact Kurt or Justin at 707-571-2428 or e-mail Kurt:

kplevy66@hotmail.com.

Note: Kurt does not work on Tue/Wed, and Justin does not work on Sun/Mon.

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18. FREE BIKE RACKS FOR HEALDSBURG BUSINESSES

The City of Healdsburg, supported in part by a grant from the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District is launching a program to install bike racks – for free! -- at businesses in that city.

All businesses and employers within the Healdsburg city limits are eligible for the program, and the racks can be installed on public or private property.

Business and property owners interested in getting bike racks must submit a request by July 15, 2009.

To find out how, contact Matt Thompson of the Healdsburg Community Services Department at 707-431-3384 or mthompson@ci.healdsburg.ca.us.

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19. DREAMING OF TAX CREDITS FOR YOUR BIKE STUFF?

From RoadBikeRider.com:

Tax deductions for the purchase of bikes and accessories may be coming. U.S. lawmakers have introduced the Personal Health Investment Today Act of 2009 (H.R. 2105) in the House of Representatives. The bill calls for deductions of up to $1,000 per year for expenses used to stay physically fit and active. Qualifying would be health club memberships, personal instruction and some equipment used for exercise, probably including bicycles. The impetus for the bill is a World Health Organization study that says a $1 investment in physical activity would reduce medical expenses by $3.20 in the U.S., and 2 out of 5 Americans would increase exercise if offered a financial incentive.

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20.NASTY NEWS FROM WASHINGTON

Two U.S. Representatives – John Boehner of Ohio and Eric Cantor of Virginia, both Republicans

-- this month urged President Obama to put an end to Federal funding for bicycle projects and programs.

In a letter to Obamo, the Representatives proposed that the President shave more than $5 billion from his budget over the next five years, including cutting all funding for Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to Schools, and Nonmotorized pilot programs.

The following is from the League of American Bicyclists:

“A proposal by House Republican leaders to slash critical federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects was branded as “short-sighted and out of touch with reality” in a short statement issued by the President of the League of American Bicyclists, Andy Clarke. “House Republican leaders have chosen once again to scapegoat bicycling and walking programs, proposing to end the popular and successful Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to Schools programs and to terminate four non-motorized pilot projects mid-stream. These programs are hugely popular with communities across the country and address numerous challenges facing our nation – such as climate change, obesity and oil dependence. We know that State Departments of Transportation have reluctantly implemented these programs over the years despite overwhelming public support, and will not support them independently. To suggest ending these programs is short-sighted and out of touch with reality.”

In addition, the League notes that:

 * the Transportation Enhancement and Safe Routes to Schools programs are routinely oversubscribed by a factor of three or more whenever States request applications for funding under these programs.

 * More than 40 percent of all trips in the United States are two miles or less and that almost three-quarters of all car trips are two miles or less, suggesting that most travel is local, regardless of mode.

 * A 3 percent reduction in vehicle miles traveled in 2008 resulted in a 30 percent reduction in congestion in metropolitan areas around the country, suggesting that demand management strategies such as increasing bicycling and walking are extremely effective in addressing congestion and other traffic-related issues

 * and subsidies given through tax breaks to drivers to pay for parking at work cost the taxpayer almost as much per year ($4 billion) as Boehner’s and Cantor’s proposal to slash support for bicycling and walking would save in five years.

“We will be asking the White House to reject these proposed cuts out of hand,” continued Clarke. “At a time when we are struggling across several fronts to tackle pressing national concerns related to oil dependence, obesity and the costs of physical inactivity, climate change, air quality and economic competitiveness, it seems inconceivable that we would gut some of the few modest programs that encourage and enable people to walk and bicycle for everyday trips.”

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21. SAFETY IN NUMBERS – I T’S REAL!

From League of American Bicyclists, sourced from www.ctc.org

“In a comparison of cycle use and cyclists’ safety in English cities and counties, CTC – the UK’s national cyclists’ organization has found new evidence that cycling gets safer the more cyclists there are.

The data show that the places with the highest cycle use – York, Cambridgeshire, and Hull – are also the safest places to cycle.

Also, in London there has been a 91% increase in cycle use since 2000, together with a 33% reduction in the actual number of cyclist casualties over roughly the same period.

This adds weight to international evidence that the best way to improve cyclists’ safety is to encourage more people to cycle.

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22.CAR-FREE PARADISE IN GERMAN SUBURB

From Marin County Bicycle Coalition:

Parking is allowed only in municipal lots at the edges of town.

In the German suburb of Vauban, streets are completely car-free. Here biking and walking are the principal forms of transport. Car ownership is not forbidden, but houses cannot have driveways or garages and there is just one main road running to the downtown area. This community is a great example and inspiration for other car-free projects.

To make sure that residents can live in Vauban without a car, it is a "mixed use" community: stores, banks and restaurants are sprinkled along the main street of Vauban, and that street is within walking distance of all homes.

In Vauban, residents who wish to own a car can do so, but must generally park it in one of two municipal garages at the edge of town. So for most errands, it's easier to walk to the store than to walk to the car. Also, spaces must be bought, for about $40,000. The garages are also home to a car-sharing service, which carless residents rely on for things like weekend ski trips.

Click here to read a New York Times article about Vauban.

Click here to view a slideshow.

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23.“KLUNKERZ” TO AIR ON KQED TV, SF – JUNE 28

Billy Savage, writer/producer/director of Klunkerz, writes:

“I just wanted to let folks know that a slightly shorter version of Klunkerz will be broadcast on KQED in San Francisco. I'm very honored to be selected for the season premiere of the PBS documentary series "Truly California" that is put on by KQED. If you have friends in the area, have them tune in on June 28th at 6:00pm. Thanks again to everyone for all your support on my labor of love.”

SCBC screened “Klunkerz” to an awed audience at the May 23rd Bike-in Movie.

If you missed it, or just can’t get enough of those fat tires flying down Mt. Tam, tune in.

And, remember, SCBC has a limited supply of “Klunkerz” DVDs for sale for 20 bucks.

Contact Sandra if you’d like to pick one up:

707-545-0153, SandraL@Bikesonoma.org.

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24.BIKERS AND PEDS AMONG MAIN ROAD TRAFFIC CRASH VICTIMS

League of American Bicyclists Reports:

“The World Health Organization Conducted its first global assessment of road safety and found that almost half of the estimated 1.27 million people who die in road traffic crashes every year are pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists.

While progress has been made towards protecting people in cars, the needs of pedestrians and cyclists are not being met.

The Global Status Report on Road Safety, published June 14, provides the first worldwide analysis of how well countries are implementing a number of effective road safety measures.

Funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the report presents information from 178 countries, accounting for over 98 percent of the world’s population.

Read more: http://tinyurl.com/mhmwsh

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25. SOMETHING FUN FROM LONDON
David Osbourne loves drums and bikes.

To bring his two passions together (and to allow him to busk by bike!), he’s adapted his road bike into a drum kit with five cymbals, three snare drums and a foot pedal. His one-man band is called ‘Puncture Kit’.

Check it out on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tsBNBfG8MY&feature=related

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26.COMMUNITY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MEETINGS:

Santa Rosa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board- The BPAB has its regularly scheduled meetings on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 4 to 6 PM. All meetings are held at City Hall Annex, 90 Santa Rosa Avenue. For further information on Santa Rosa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, please contact 543-3334.
http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/default.aspx?PageId=2733

Petaluma Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meetings –The meetings will be on the second Wednesday of each month; 6:00 pm, conference room 2, City Hall, 11 English Street, Petaluma. If there’s a need for a special meeting (including in cases when there’s a failure to meet a quorum at the 2nd Wednesday meeting), that will be on the 4th Wednesday of the month. (707) 778-4360
www.cityofpetaluma.net/cclerk/members/bikecom.html

County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meetings – Third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Sonoma County Transit, 355 West Robles Avenue, Santa Rosa, (707) 585-7516. This is the committee that deals with bicycle issues on roads in the non-incorporated areas of the county. See the link for the agenda a minutes from the last meeting: http://www.sctransit.com/bikes/bikecommittee.htm

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27.SANTA ROSA CYCLING CLUB MEETINGS

Second Wednesday of each month www.srcc.com
The SRCC is a social/recreational organization composed of cycling enthusiasts with a wide range of abilities and interests. Its purpose is to promote the safe and efficient use of bicycles by staging club rides and cycling events and by maintaining an active presence in the local community through safety programs and political advocacy.

SRCC’s goal is to offer a full slate of rides each weekend, with something for everyone: typically a faster ride of between 50 and 100 miles for the more ambitious riders and a slightly more relaxed ride of between 20 and 50 miles for more moderate riders. SRCC also lists mountain bike rides, time trials, multi-day tours, and introductory rides for beginners. Occasionally, as volunteer energies dictate, SRCC offers clinics on everything from learning to change a tire to advanced paceline riding. In addition to the weekend schedule, SRCC has a thriving calendar of regular weekday rides, some of which pull in as many participants as the marquee weekend attractions.

Non-members are welcome on most of SRCC’s group rides. This is a good way to sample club activities to see if this group is a good fit for you.

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28.SCBC BOARD MEETING

The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be on Monday, June 15th at 6:30 PM at 750 Mendocino Ave, just North of College (on the East side of Mendocino) in Santa Rosa.

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29.SUPPORT BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT SCBC!!

Alta Planning & Design www.altaplanning.com

American Lung Association 707-527-5864 croedel@alac.org www.alac.org

Bear Valley Inn 415-663-1777 www.bearvinn.com

Bici Sport Bike Shop 707-775-4676 www.bicisportusa.com

Bicycle Czar 707-280-7691 880 Piner Rd #47, Santa Rosa brooksvanholt@sbcglobal.net

The Bike Peddler 707-571-2428 www.norcalcycling.com

Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant 707-571-7478 www.chelinosrestaurant.com

City of Sonoma www.sonomacity.org

Community Bikes 707-579-5811 www.liteinit.org

Community Market 707-546-1806 www.srcommunitymarket.com

David Peoples, Coldwell Banker Realtor, www.PeoplesHomes.net

Dow House Graphics707-494-3900, www.dowhouse.com, dow@dowhouse.com

Eleanor Guerin, Massage Therapist 707-322-6540, www.east-west-massage.com

Eleven Gear, Rick Pepper, www.elevengear.us

Empire Eye Doctors Medical Group, Inc., 720 4th St., Santa Rosa, 707-575-3800

Friendly Feed and Supply 707-546-2156

Fun Car Tattoos 707-566-9169 www.funcartattoos.com

Gary Wysocky CPA 707-575-3820

Halls Executive Gifts and Awards 707-546-9220 www.hallsawards.com/

Jeffrey Kahn, PhD. Licensed Psychologist 829-1477

Jill B. Nimble/Nimble Training — www.jillbnimble.com

LifeCycle Adventures, LLC, 1-888-669-2453 infor@lifecycleadventures.com

New Belgium Brewing Company www.newbelgium.com

NorCal Bike Sport 707-573-0112 www.norcalcycling.com

Team NorCal Bike Sport Red Peloton www.redpeloton.com/Welcome.html

NorCal Velo Cycling Team 707-874-3120 www.norcalvelo.com

North Santa Rosa Physical Therapy 707-523-2848 NSRP@sonic.net

Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy 707-571-7615, www.osptclinic.com

Peacepipe Smoke Shop 707-541-7016

Perry, Johnson, Anderson, Miller & Moskowitz LLP 707-525-8800 www.perrylaw.net

Petaluma Wheelmen Cycling Club http://petalumawheelmencyclingclub.memberlodge.com

R.G. Window Cleaning 707-778-1383

REI 707-540-9025 www.rei.com/stores/santarosa

Revolution Moto www.revolutionmoto.com

Rickshaw Rudy’s Pedal Cab Service www.rickshawrudys.com

Rincon Cyclery 707-538-0868 www.rinconcyclery.com

Santa Rosa Cycling Club www.SRCC.com

Sarah Glade Gurney, Mediator & Collaborative Attorney, 707-823-6500 www.gurneyattorney.com

So Co Agricultural Preservation & Open Space 707-565 7360 www.sonomaopenspace.org

Sonoma Mountain Village 707-795-3550 http://www.sonomamountainvillage.com

Soulcraft Bikes 707-775-2453 www.soulcraftbikes.com

Spoke Folk Cyclery 707-433-7171 www.spokefolk.com

SyCip Designs, Inc 707-542-6359 www.sycip.com

Undiscovered Country Tours 650-494-1635 www.udctours.com    

West County Cycle Service 707-824-0112 www.westcountycycleservice.com

West County Revolution 707-829-2192 www.westcountyrevolution.com

Wine Country Bikes 707-473-0610 www.winecountrybikes.com

Wooden Spoon Technologies, Inc 707-523-2222 www.wooden-spoon.com

Wordshop Translations 707-829-0305 www.wordshoptranslations.com

W-Trans 707-542-9500 www.w-trans.com

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30.Wanna talk bikes??

Join the SCBC Discussion List. Find out what everyone is saying! http://lists.sonic.net/mailman/listinfo/sonomacountybicyclecoalition

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31.Housekeeping

**Got any good bicycling tidbits that other Sonoma County folks should know? Send them to SandraL@BikeSonoma.org

**If you would like to be removed from this list please reply to TimB@bikesonoma.org

**Not a member yet? Our strength is in our numbers, please join the velolution and become a SCBC member today! http://www.bikesonoma.org/join.html

The SCBC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

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