Monday, December 22, 2014

Robert's Bike Book Review- Rebour: The Bicycle Illistrations of Daniel Rebour

By Rob Van der Plas and Frank Berto

Review by Robert Leone, Bike Coalition Board Member

The word “Illustrations” instead of “Art” is used quite deliberately in the title of this vast and wide ranging collection of drawings. Daniel Rebour was an illustrator, focused on depicting the reality of bikes, parts and accessories in understandable ways. He wasn't creating art to hang on the walls, but instead building pictures to inform his bike-riding, or bike-selling, audience. In his heyday, the mid-to-late 1940's and early 1950's, his illustrations from trade and manufacturing shows, from bike races and bike shops, documented and displayed the fascinating products of fertile imaginations increasingly freed from World War II's restrictions on trade and materials.

His five decades or so of productive work, first seen in now-old periodicals (whose widest distribution was in Europe), or out-of-date ephemera such as catalogs, is carefully collected (with captions, and in a few select cases careful endnote descriptions) and sorted into a boggling twenty-eight sections here. This is a good thing in many ways. As time passes, the original sources for this important documentation is increasingly fragmented or lost. Further, someone whose immediate interest is in a certain component or frame part can go directly to the section on “Suspension Systems” or “Drivetrain Components.”

On the other hand, the sheer size and breadth of the book, and of Rebour's lifetime of work, is daunting as a single read. Also daunting: The creativity of the bike trade. As early as the 1940's, there were CO2 inflators. Late 1940's rear derailleur drawings include exploded illustrations of mechanisms whose flat sides are seemingly punched or sawed out of sheet metal or bar stock, and appear one parts list and hardware store trip away from being a home project for the most ambition of home metal workers.

Some of the illustrations are mildly shocking: As late as the 1950's, decades after Tullio Campagnolo supposedly made the world safe for quick wheel changes, even top name competitors in the Tour de France rode on bikes with nutted axles instead of quick-release skewers (admittedly those nutted axles were secured with big wingnuts for ease of change without tools). In light of today's innovations in generator hubs and powerful LED systems, the many illustrations of sidewall generators powering incandescent (even if halogen-bulbed) lights seem quaint. In short, this is a massive collection and celebration of one man's work that documents an important and fruitful era in the technical development of the bicycle. Take a look – you might get an idea!


Friday, December 19, 2014

Kerry's Ride Home

In honor of Kerry Kunsman, the Bike Coalition hosted a two day bicycle tour on December 13th and 14th. Everyone met in San Juan Capistrano where we began our ride south to the San Diego/Mexico border and held a Celebration of Kerry at Mission Brewery. Kerry’s Ride Home was an epic adventure rich with things that reminded us of Kerry: bikes, coffee, ice cream, beer, camping, and friends. Kerry’s Ride Home was filled with “first time experiences” for participants. For many, this was their first time touring, first time camping, first time riding in the mud, or longest ride to date. Introducing folks to the social and scenic nature of bicycle touring and empowerment that comes with relying on your body to get from point A to point B was key for Kerry’s Ride Home. As an educator and bicycle advocate, Kerry inspired those around him to persevere through any challenge.   

To see a recap of the tour visit: Mixte Finishes Kerry's Ride Home


We'd like to give a special thank you to all those who made the tour possible. Bike Coalition members Pauline and Dan Callahan supplied and drove our support van for the entire weekend and encouraged us along the route. Thank you to Sombrero Mexican Restaurant for donating our end of tour meal. There's nothing better than a burrito after riding 100+ miles! Thank you also to Mission Brewery for hosting the end of tour celebration, and U-T San Diego for writing a great article about Kerry and our ride: Riders Finish Avid Cyclist's Last Journey





Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Bikes Del Pueblo- Holiday Drive

We are excited to announce that Bikes del Pueblo is collaborating with San Diego County Bicycle Coalition for their Holiday Drive:  Helmets, Lights, & U-locks for the Youth.

Bikes del Pueblo volunteers will be at San Diego County Bicycle Coalition’s 4th Annual Holiday Joy Ride on December 11th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM to promote their Holiday Drive and to collect any donations.  You can find out more about the Joy Ride here!

The Holiday Drive:  Helmets, Lights, & U-locks for the Youth is a project that is sponsored by the San Diego Foundation through the Great Neighborhood Challenge.  The project that was selected to improve a particular neighborhood; They are focusing on City Heights, therefore, donations will be distributed to the youth in City Heights.

They request that donated items are new, or in great condition.  Their Holiday Drive will extend until the end of January, so stay tuned to see what local bike shops are participating in this drive.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Ldrja1mAB3rIeQvOqCBXXjIBjpQoQY3k3yRibhAFg27jY8hglLsuSKZFbfqRpjqsz6ja294iHj5rQmAaRSBl99i01DUzeAoEnNuu16I_UrKyEIZ0fOn6jf9HmpSSXEDQDg     bikes del pueblo    http://www.sdfoundation.org/SanDiegoCenterforCivicEngagement/TheGreatNeighborhoodChallenge/About.aspx

Friday, December 5, 2014

4th Annual Holiday Joy Ride Dec. 11th



Join us for our 4th Annual Holiday Joy Ride on December 11th at 5:30 PM. We will begin the night with a festive light-your-bike ride through Balboa Park and Uptown and end back at Panama 66 for a family friendly celebration of bikes. There will be food and drinks available for purchase.   

We will also honor the winners of our Golden Gear Awards, people who have gone above and beyond to help make our region more bike friendly this year.

This event is family friendly. Your ticket includes 1 free drink ticket and light appetizers.


Tickets can be purchased HERE

Google Map directions

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

San Diego Bike Tour

By Dave Rice, freelance journalist



The four-day-long National Bicycle Tourism Conference kicked off in San Diego on Wednesday, November 5, with conference organizers hoping to highlight the region as an increasingly bike-friendly locale for residents and visitors alike. This is the first in the conference's 25 years of operation that San Diego was selected to host.


Prior to the start of the conference, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition staged a five-mile tour encompassing portions of downtown and Coronado, meant to highlight the nearly-complete Bayshore Bikeway, a 24-mile loop around the bay that's been under development since 1976, as well as various other improvements that resulted in Coronado being named in 2013 to a nationwide list of certified "bike friendly" city.

The tour kicked off in front of the county administration building, where Supervisor Greg Cox greeted a handful of cycling activists, local media, and national cycling press, offering encouragement for completion of the Bikeway and adoption of more cyclist-friendly policies countywide.
 

"What you're hearing throughout the entire region in San Diego is that we're really becoming more and more of a bicycling community," said Cox.

A short ride delivered participants at the San Diego-Coronado Ferry dock where, once on board, Bicycle Coalition executive director Andy Hanshaw and Stephan Vance, a transportation and land use planner with the San Diego Association of Governments, delivered an update on the state of cycling in San Diego.

"We're focused on getting people out and taking short trips, using their bike for commuting, making communities accessible for everyday riding," explained Hanshaw. "We think going by bike makes a lot of sense."

CicloSDias, an event in which a section of public street is closed to vehicle traffic and overtaken by cyclists and pedestrians, is growing in popularity. The third incarnation is set for Sunday, November 9, following the conclusion of the bike tourism conference. This time, the route passes through the Hillcrest and Bankers Hill neighborhoods, running along Sixth Avenue from Laurel north to UniversityAvenue, and then east along University to Park Boulevard.

Bike-sharing service Decobike, which was selected in 2013 provide 1800 bikes at 180 locations around San Diego, is set to launch sometime within the conference. The city's program roll-out will be the first of its kind in the region.

After nearly four decades, Vance said that funding has been identified for the final legs of the Bikeway, and that a full dedicated route should be available within the next five years.

"In recent years we've really picked up a lot of momentum," said Vance, crediting SANDAG's regional transit plan, which is contested by some advocates of car alternatives for not going far enough.

The overall SANDAG plan calls for 250 miles of additional bicycle facilities (including both dedicated bike paths and bike lanes along roadways) over the next 40 years. Overall, two percent of the half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2004 is earmarked for pedestrian and cyclist improvements.

Coronado city councilman Mike Woiwode was also in attendance, and said that local residents were already largely adopting cycling as a means of transportation. Several hundred locals take advantage of free early morning trips on the ferry to get to and from work, and as many as 70 percent of the city's children ride to school on a daily basis.

"If you go by the middle school, you'll see three or four hundred bikes in the racks right now," said Woiwode. "We're still trying to catch up with the demand."

Docking in Coronado, city transportation planner Mariah VanZerr joined the ride, pointing out several features including a traffic-calming roundabout, bike parking corrals installed in the downtown shopping district, and similar improvements that contributed to the city's cycling-friendly designation.

Coronado is home to a nine-mile dedicated bike path along the Silver Strand connecting the city to Imperial Beach, which is currently the longest contiguous section of Bikeway. A sensor near the beginning of that path, VanZerr said, registers between 700 and 1300 daily bike trips on weekdays, with as many as 3000 bikes per day passing by along the edge of the city golf course on weekends.

Hanshaw was optimistic the ride and other events associated with the convention would continue to enhance San Diego's image in the cyclist community.


"We've got a great opportunity to show off, not just the weather but the improvements that are going on all across the region, including our gem in the Bayshore Bikeway."

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Meeting tonight in support of Bike Lanes and Walkability- College Area

Short Notice!
College Area Community Council and College Area Community Planning Board Meeting
7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2014
College/Rolando Branch Library, 6600 Montezuma Road, San Diego, CA 92115

Tonight at the board meeting, the group is to take a position on SDSU's proposal to install complete streets with landscaping, a bike lane and wider sidewalks on College Ave instead of preserving the current 3 lanes each way for traffic on College Ave. between Montezuma and Alvarado.
SDSU is proposing to install complete streets with landscaping, a bike lane and wider sidewalks on College Ave, Ave instead of preserving the current 3 lanes each way for traffic on College Ave. between Montezuma and Alvarado. That is a good thing.
We need supporters to come voice their support for installing bicycle lanes, rather than having all the lanes being designated for cars traffic.

It is item number 2, so arrive promptly, meeting starts at 7pm.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Daylight Saving & Being Seen at Night


(Disclaimer- we understand that not everyone is comfortable biking at night for various reasons, but we want to shed some light on safety when you do)

Daylight Saving is coming up this weekend and as you may have noticed, daylight is getting shorter.  What does this mean to you, as a biker? First and foremost- you must be visible. As a cyclists, you want motorists, other bikers, and pedestrians to see you. We wouldn't want you to abandon your bike for the San Diego winter because you feel ill prepared or even worse, you ride without proper equipment.

Think about this- when you are in a car at night, what are some of the signs that there is a bicyclist ahead on the road?
·      Blinking red light?
·      Pedal reflectors?
·      Ankle straps- reflective bands attached at ankle?
·      Reflectors- on the wheels or placed on the front or rear of the bike?
·      Reflective vest?
·      Headlight?

Thinking about these devices, it only makes sense that you would want to practice the same, so you can be visible. Sure, the more reflectivity you have on you and your bike will make you “that bike dork,” but you will be visible and that is the most important part about night riding with motorists around you.

In California (VC Section 21201), it is mandatory for bicyclists at night to have a minimum of-
·      A white front light from at least 300ft away
·      A red rear reflector
·      Pedal reflectors- or reflectivity built into cycling shoes or reflective ankle straps
·      Wheel reflectors- or reflective sidewalls on tires

At the bare minimum, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition recommends-
Front and rear lights, a reflective high visibility vest, reflective ankle straps, and wheel reflectors.  Some additional ways to increase visibility at night would be to install reflective tape to various points on your bike and helmet, additional lights (in the event that your primary lights fail), and eye wear to help navigate when facing oncoming motorist headlights.

The blinking red taillight is a great start to increase visibility. They are inexpensive, small, and really attract alertness from motorists. They should not be used as the sole component in night time riding visibility as they are just part of a larger package. A small taillight can be lost in a sea of lights found in an urban environment. One note, blinking lights are also very effective for visibility when riding during the day as well.  

Reflective ankle straps are a great visibility device as the up and down motions reflected back to the motorist are synonymous with a biker. The added benefit of the ankle straps is that they offer 360-degrees of reflectivity, compared to the limited scope of the pedal reflectors. They also keep your pants out of your chain and derailleur!

A high visibility, reflective vest is a large part of being seen at night. It provides the largest sections of reflectivity visible from all sides. It is also highly visible for day time riding. If you need any convincing about wearing a reflective vest, just drive past a road construction site at night and notice how visible reflective vests are. For the fashion conscious cyclists, there are options for vests, not just the standard mesh or the construction worker ones.

Where can you find this equipment? The best place to look is at your local bicycle shop. Talk to them about your needs and see what recommendations they offer, they should be informative about what is best for you and be able to outfit you. Otherwise, there is an internet full of sources for lights and reflective gear, and opinions. Remember, shop local when you can.

All of these recommendations are intended to make you more visible at night, but do not address illuminating your path at night to see obstacles and hazards. Nor do they address the differences in riding at night and practices that you must take to be safe. That will be in the next installments of Smart Ways to Bicycle.




Monday, October 27, 2014

Adventure Cycling Event in San Diego on November 9 -- RSVP Today

Part of the National Bicycle Tourism Conference/CicloSDias week-
we are co-sponsoring a special gather and presentation with Adventure Cycling!

The presentation is about the latest in biking and bike travel! Adventure Cycling director Jim Sayer will be in San Diego to: meet with members and other cycling friends; talk about great projects like Bicycle Route 66, the new Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route, bike overnights, and the U.S. Bicycle Route System; and provide the latest news on bike touring. He’ll also share exciting plans for Adventure Cycling’s 40th anniversary in 2016. There will be snacks and drinks and a chance to hob-nob with Jim and fellow adventure cyclists. Please join us and bring a friend!

When: Sunday, November 9 from 4:30-6:30 pm
What: Cyclists socializing, snacks and drinks, sharing what’s happening on bike travel in the U.S. and globally
Where: Florence Burnham Hall (part of San Diego Girl Scouts campus) in Balboa Park (1231 Upas Street, San Diego, CA) Phone: (619) 298-8391 Web: www.sdgirlscouts.org/properties

Please RSVP at info@adventurecycling.org or (406) 532-2751 by November 7 so we can have enough snacks and drinks.


Friday, October 24, 2014

SANDAG to discuss bike path Mission Valley & Mid-City

SANDAG is scheduled to talk about a project that would lead to a new, safer pathway for bicyclists who wish to ride between the Mid-City and Mission Valley. Today's discussion would allow for a $1.8M budget adjustment. Final approval could happen as soon as January 2015.
Currently the only routes connecting neighborhoods like Kensington, Talmadge, and Normal Heights are Texas St. and Fairmount Ave. Anyone that has biked or driven knows that cyclists have to contend with high speed motorists and a steep uphill climb.
The proposal, State Route 15 Commuter Bike Facility Project, will add a concrete barrier along Route 15 to safely buffer bikers and motorists.The proposed facility will connect to bike routes along Camino del Rio South, Adams Avenue, and the bike route that runs parallel to SR 15 from Landis Street to Adams Avenue
  
The project, if funding is approved and all goes according to schedule, will be completed and open to cyclists January 2017.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

CicloSDias - How to Boost your Business!!!


Here are some great ideas to make the most out of your business for CicloSDias 11/09/14
Create a temporary Parklet in front of your business
Put a temporary display or “bike friendly” sale rack on the public right of way outside your door
Create special “grab and go” items for just that day
Move part of your business outdoors for the day
Pass out coupons or information about your business to encourage passersby to return
Use your imagination!
Questions about how your business can get involved in CicloSDias - info@sdbikecoalition.org

What is a Parklet?
A parklet is a small space serving as an extension of the sidewalk to provide amenities and green space for people to use the street. It is typically the size of several parking spaces. It’s a great way to increase your presence and attract new customers.

CicloSDias is a FREE open street event hosted by the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition designed to connect neighborhoods and encourage mobility. Sections of the street in Hillcrest and Bankers Hills will be closed to car traffic. Everyone is welcome to walk, ride, stroll, explore and enjoy the day of car free streets in support of a healthy and vibrant San Diego.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

National City installs bicycle boxes. . .what are bike boxes?

The bike box is an intersection safety design to prevent bicycle/car collisions. It is a painted green space on the road with a white bicycle symbol inside. In some locations it includes a green bicycle lane approaching the box. The box creates space between motor vehicles and the crosswalk that allows bicyclists to position themselves ahead of motor vehicle traffic at an intersection.




National City received permission from the California Traffic Control Devices Committee (CTCDC) to install “Green” Bike Boxes at select signalized intersections along “D” Avenue, 4th Street and 18th Street (see photo above). The purpose of the green bike boxes, which are located at the front of a signalized intersection, just before the crosswalk, are to provide a highly visible, designated waiting
area for cyclists to allow them to get out in front of vehicles when the traffic signal turns
from red to green.





Another safety enhancement implemented was reverse angle parking, which provides drivers a clear line of site to check for other vehicles and cyclists prior to exiting from the parking space

In addition to the Community Corridor enhancements, National City partnered with A Reason to Survive (ARTS), a National City-based, non-profit that runs creative programs for youth facing adversity, local artist Roman De Salvo, and Sweetwater High School to design and fabricate artistic and functional bike racks through a $50,000 Active Transportation Grant.  Motivated students from Sweetwater High’s Welding Academy were selected each semester to participate in product development, hosted at ARTS workshop and design studio.



Completion of the projects will be celebrated Thursday, October 16th at 2:00 p.m. at Kimball Park.  There will be a bike rodeo with prizes for kids, free bike tune-ups, bike safety tips for families and more. Special thanks to the National City Rotary and Host Lions Clubs for donating bikes that will be raffled off for free during the event.


Don’t forget to bring your bike and a helmet!  Teen and adult cyclists interested in experiencing the new bike facilities in National City are encouraged to meet at El Toyon Park with their bikes and helmets by 1:15 p.m. to participate in a symbolic bike ride along 4th Street and “D” Avenue to Kimball Park. Cyclists will be making a pit-stop at GAMA Produce Market (corner of 4th Street and Palm Avenue) for healthy snacks.



Monday, October 6, 2014

Community ride in San Ysidro and National City


Photos of a recent Community ride in San Ysidro, with board member and League Cycling Instructor Randy Van Vleck leading the ride. The city of San Ysidro funded this community ride that involved students from various schools.
On Thursday October 16th, National City is celebrating several bicycle corridor enhancement projects with a bicycle day! Festivities will include a Bike Rodeo, free bike tune-up, safety tips for families, fun prizes for kids, National City bike maps, and more!
Information at EventBrite- HERE





Tuesday, September 23, 2014

New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat to Stop in San Diego on September 27 for A Day of Bikes, Beer and Bemusement

Don’t miss this day of crazy costumes, New Belgium libations and local electronic dance trio, Beats Antique
 
Ft. Collins, Colo., September 5, 2014 – It’s the best way to celebrate the end of summer, complete with costumes, bikes, music, performers, contests and beer. New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat is coming to Golden Hill Park in San Diego, Calif. on Saturday, September 27, 2014. The daylong event is free, yet all donations and proceeds from beer and merchandise sales go to San Diego-area non-profits. In total the 2013 season raised nearly $536,000, with the San Diego stop bringing in more than $40,000. This year, all funds raised in San Diego will go to San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and San Diego Mountain Biking Association.

At Tour de Fat friends, family and neighbors are all invited to come enjoy eclectic entertainment, brewing education, a bicycle revival and even a fashion show of the best Tour de Fat costumes. In the afternoon, the stage heats up with the Bay Area-based headlining act, Beats Antique, which is an Electronica/World fusion dance trio. The trio is renowned for its outrageous live performances and creates a uniquely communal experience in the expression of their most recent album, A Thousand Faces. From choreography to costumes and the music itself, Tour de Fat festivarians are in for a wild ride. 

Before the acts take to the stages, Tour de Fat kicks off with a costumed bicycle parade that winds through city streets. The parade begins and ends in Golden Hill Park, where the rest of the day’s entertainment shines from musical acts to yo-yo performers, bike contests and even vaudeville acts. This year will also include some brewing education and feature a “Bicycle Revival” to inspire festivalgoers to believe in the power of two-wheeled transportation.

Throughout the day, kids of all ages can ride funky bikes in the bike corral, eat delicious fare, relax in the grass, and participate in games and activities such as a “Thousand Person Dance Contest,” which will determine the winner of a 2014 New Belgium Cruiser Bike. Everyone 21 and older can sample new and classic favorites from New Belgium. The main beer station will offer the brewery’s flagship beer, Fat Tire, and Ranger IPA, Tour de Fall, Snapshot Wheat and 1554 Black Lager. For those looking for more esoteric libations, the Lips Lounge will feature selections of the acclaimed Lips of Faith Series, including La Folie, Gruit Ale, Rampant Imperial IPA, Gratzer Ale, Carnie’s Blood and FoCollaboration.

“This is our 15th year of Tour de Fat and it’s been an incredible journey. This really is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday – there isn’t much that can beat the fun that comes with dressing up, riding a bike, drinking beer, listening to music and just having a great day with old and new friends,” said Matt Kowal, New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat Impresario. “There really is no excuse not to experience the magic yourself!”

Car-for-Bike Swap
This year, New Belgium will once again encourage one brave role model to step on stage to trade in his or her car keys and pledge to live car-free for one year. Each swapper is awarded a stipend to buy his or her own commuter bike. We’re now on the hunt for a swapper in San Diego. Car-for-Bike Swappers are chosen after submitting an application describing why they are ready to give up their vehicle for the gift of two wheels. To apply, visit: http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat/san-diego.aspx.

Tour de Fat Details
Sign language interpreting will be provided at this year’s San Diego Tour de Fat!

Date:                                       
Saturday, September 27

Location:                               
Golden Hill Park

Registration:             
10:00 a.m.

Ride Times:                          
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Entertainment/Revivalation:                      
12:00 p.m. — Fashion! (Best Costumes of the Tour de Fat)
12:20 p.m. — The Reals Band (https://www.facebook.com/therealsband)
1:20 p.m. — The Slow Ride Race
1:40 p.m. — The Handsome Little Devils (http://handsomelittledevils.com)
2:30 p.m. — Car for Bike Trade
2:45 p.m. —Yo-Yo People (http://www.yoyoshow.com)
3:35 p.m. — 1,000 Person Dance Contest – winner receives a New Belgium cruiser bike!
4:00 p.m. — Beats Antique (http://beatsantique.com)
5:00 p.m. –– Finale

Benefitting:                           
San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (http://www.sdcbc.org)
San Diego Mountain Biking Association (http://www.sdmba.com)

Price: 
Admission – FREE!
Donations for non-profits are accepted
Beer – $5

Pre-Registration
You can pre-register and donate to receive a limited edition Tour de Fat license plate, bike light or sunglasses at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tour-de-fat-san-diego-registration-11454325195?ref=ebtn.

See https://www.facebook.com/TourDeFat?ref=br_tf for the Tour de Fat credo, schedules, videos and to submit an entry to swap your vehicle for a fancy new bicycle. For more on the San Diego stop, visit http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat/san-diego.aspx.

About New Belgium Brewing Company 
New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, is recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses. The 100% employee-owned brewery is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of World Blu’s most democratic U.S. businesses, and a Certified B Corp. In addition to Fat Tire, New Belgium brews nine year-round beers; Ranger IPA, Rampant Imperial IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Snapshot Wheat, Sunshine Wheat, 1554 Black Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsener, Abbey Belgian Ale and Trippel. Learn more at www.newbelgium.com.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Three Feet for Safety Act

News: California Road-Sharing Law Goes Into Effect September 16th

The “Three-Feet-for-Safety Act” legally mandates that California motorists give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing them on the road and also provides a way for law enforcement to enforce safe passing.  The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, the Automobile Club of Southern California,   California Highway Patrol-Border Division and San Diego Police Dept. will launch locally the “I GIVE 3 FT” safety awareness campaign on Tuesday, Sept. 16, the day the law goes into effect.  The traffic safety groups are urging motorists to give bicyclists at least 3 feet clearance when passing. Read more…

The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition was proud to play a role in getting this law passed by supporting the “Three-Feet-for-Safety-Act” in conjunction with the California Bicycle Coalition, who led the state-wide efforts to get it passed. 

View the new California Vehicle Code Section 21760.

Now that we have this important safety measure as law, the Bike Coalition will continue to work with local law enforcement to help educate the public about the new law and its importance to all of us who share the road. 


Support our “I Give 3 Ft” bicycle safety awareness campaign by donating or becoming a member of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition today.

Spread the word on Facebook + twitter

Friday, September 12, 2014

CALIFORNIA ROAD-SHARING LAW GOES INTO EFFECT SEPT. 16

SAN DIEGO ORGANIZATIONS LAUNCH “I GIVE 3 FT”  BICYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN  

WHAT:    The “Three-Feet-for-Safety Act” legally mandates that California motorists give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing them on the road and also provides a way for law enforcement to enforce safe passing.  The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, the Automobile Club of Southern California,   California Highway Patrol-Border Division and San Diego Police Dept. will launch locally the “I GIVE 3 FT” safety awareness campaign on Tuesday, Sept. 16, the day the law goes into effect.  The traffic safety groups are urging motorists to give bicyclists at least 3 feet clearance when passing. 

Similar awareness campaigns are being launched by law enforcement, cyclist groups and non-profits in other counties to get the word out about the law.
                       
 SEE:       Visual demonstrations including 3-ft measurement tips and ride-a-long demos with passenger vehicles and bicyclists; Safety tip cards being distributed to 200,000 motorists via AAA Roadside Assistance statewide and safety groups. I GIVE 3 FT window clings affixed to AAA and other vehicles.

WHO:     
      • Assemblyman Steven Bradford, author, 3 Feet for Safety Act
      • CHP-Border Division Chief Jim Abele
      • San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman
      • San Diego County Bicycle Coalition Executive Dir. Andy Hanshaw
      • Auto Club Public Affairs Specialist and Bicyclist Marianne Kim  
WHEN:     10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, press conference, b-roll and post-press conference interviews.

WHERE:   Auto Club San Diego branch parking lot, 2440 Hotel Circle North, San Diego  92108.  Branch telephone: 619-233-1000.

WHY:        California’s new bike-passing law will go into effect Sept. 16 and is designed to increase road safety and reduce crashes by reminding motorists to give bicyclists more safe space while passing on the road.  Twenty-five other states have similar laws. 
                 
Contact: Auto Club, Jeff Spring and Elaine Beno, 714-885-2333
                      CHP Public Information Officer Armando Garcia, 858-650-3669

###

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Bring Your Bike and make history at the People’s Climate March San Diego!


Have you heard?!  On September 21st people from around the nation and the world will come together in an unprecedented citizen mobilization for the People’s Climate March in New York City. As world leaders meet at the United Nations climate change summit, hundreds of thousands of marchers will demand the world we know is within our reach: a world with an economy that works for people and the planet; a world safe from the ravages of climate change; a world with good jobs, clean air and water, and healthy communities. Other marches will take place around the world as we collectively call on our leaders to act now on climate change. 



The People’s Climate March San Diego will be on Sunday, September 21. We will gather at City Hall at 12:30 to call for a strong Climate Action Plan, stop at America Plaza / Santa Fe Station to highlight transportation alternatives, and end at the County Administration Waterfront Park, where we will hear from local leaders representing different communities. Confirmed speakers include San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria and Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council AFL-CIO, Richard Barrera.

One of the key issues we are raising is transportation - getting people out of their cars and switching to biking, walking and transit.  We are inviting cyclists to be in a big group up at the front of the march to emphasize this. Biking, walking, and transit will be addressed specifically at our stop at America Plaza. 

There are four organized bike rides to this event: two from the North (University City and Mission Bay); from the East (SDSU); and from University of San Diego. Each bicyclist attending the march will receive a special People’s Climate March Bib (see below).

Click here for more information and to RSVP for a bike ride.

The People’s Climate March San Diego has been endorsed by a coalition of over 35 environmental, health, labor and civic organizations, including the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.

Help make sure our leaders get the message loud and clear! Join us on September 21.

Click here to RSVP, for all the details, and for resources to share the information with your friends, family and colleagues. Together, we can make sure our leaders take serious climate action!

See you there,