Cars Take a Backseat to Bikes on Fourth Bike Local Sunday

San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and Golden Hill Embrace Cycling on July 21

Golden Hill is the place to be on Sunday, July 21. The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (SDCBC), an organization advocating for and protecting the rights of all people who ride bicycles, announces its fourth Bike Local Sunday in Golden Hill. In conjunction with CicloSDias Mini in Golden Hill Park, Bike Local Sunday drives local businesses with a day of bicycling fun in San Diego neighborhoods. A casual organized ride highlights the day. 

SDCBC established this monthly event to encourage any and everyone to hop on their bicycles with friends and family and support local economies in the spirit of healthy fun and liveable communities.

“We wanted to turn the focus from cars to being on two feet and two wheels in our communities. And we’ve seen outstanding response,” says Andy Hanshaw, executive director of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. “Everyone from everyday bicycle commuters to families with young ones on tricycles come to these Bike Local Sundays.”

Golden Hill welcomes cyclists all day, and a group ride will kick the morning off (ride location TBA). The neighborhood tour will wind through the most prized areas of Golden Hill, tour CicloSDias Mini in Golden Hill Park and stop at several local businesses along the way.

In partnership with the San Diego Business Improvement District Council and the Golden Hill Business District, local companies are expected to offer specials and wheel-deals on Sunday for those who bike.

The Bike Local Sunday schedule is:

·    July 21 –Golden Hill in conjunction with Golden Hill Mini-CicloSDias

·    August 18, 2013 – San Diego CicloSDias

·    August 25, 2013 - Bike the Bay

·    Sept 22 – Pacific Beach

·    October 20 – Ocean Beach

Business partners and special offers for Bike Local Sunday events will be released as dates get closer.

For more information on Bike Local Sundays, visit www.bikelocal.com. Also visit www.sdcbc.org for more information on other local cycling events in San Diego County.

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION: (SDCBC) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and protects the rights of all people who ride bicycles. They promote bicycling as a mainstream, safe and enjoyable form of transportation and recreation.  For more information, go to www.sdcbc.org.  

SAN DIEGO BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT COUNCIL: A 501 (c 6) organization. The Council is an association of San Diego’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) whose mission is to assist in the development and dissemination of information, resources, and expertise to its member BIDs, and to improve the physical, social, and economic environments of San Diego’s small businesses. www.bidcouncil.org

Gordy Shields, San Diego Cycling Legend, Passes

By Kathy Keehan, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition Board Member

Gordy Shields, San Diego cycling legend, passed away yesterday from complications from open heart surgery. 

Opening of the H Street to Palomar Street Segment
 of the Bayshore Bikeway (2012)

Cycling record holder (national time trial record holder for the 80, 85, 90 and 95 age groups) and passionate cycling advocate, Gordy was a personal hero to me. We attended many meetings together, most of which were about the Bayshore Bikeway, the regional treasure he championed from the 1970s onward. What struck me most about Gordy was his ability to be a strong advocate for cycling, while still being a warm compassionate person. He was kind to me when I was a new advocate still struggling to find my footing in a confusing bike world. He didn’t care how far I rode or how fast, so long as I spoke up for cyclists. He understood that advocacy took a long time, and  he always said that he hoped the Bayshore Bikeway would be finished before he passed. He never gave up, even during the dark days when it seemed the bikeway would never get started, let alone finished. The legacy of his perseverance lives on in the Bayshore Bikeway, along with other bicycling improvements all throughout the county. In his later years, Gordy was also an inspiring advocate for aging with grace and style, and was recently honored as one of San Diego County’s “San Diego Legends.” 

What made Gordy special to so many was his warmth and kindness. He had a delight in everything he did, and that transferred onto every person whose life he touched. Gordy, we will miss your strength, your spirit, and your joy. Godspeed. 

Groundbreaking for the H to Palomar section (2011)

Opening of the Gordy Shields Bridge on the Bayshore Bikeway (2004)

Bike Friendly Business Spotlight- Snooze

We just wanted to share a great example of bike-friendly business:

One of the pit stop locations on Bike to Work Day was at Snooze AM Eatery in Hillcrest. The lucky cyclists who rode by Snooze that Friday were treated with Noosa yogurt parfaits with Snooze's house made granola while picking up their Bike to Work swag. While we love Snooze for continuing to host delicious pit stops, we really love them how their business embraces bicycling.

Employees at all six Snooze locations (one in our County) participated in Bike to Work Day- and even had a friendly competition between stores. They had 3 Snooze vs. Snooze competitions to see which stores could reduce single occupancy driving miles the most. Great news from Robert Butterfield of Hillcrest Snooze- "I'm proud to say that our Hillcrest store had more biking miles, and fewer driving miles, than our VERY bike friendly brethren in the downtown Denver store!! We're winning!"

We are happy to hear it Robert! Friendly competition is a great way to encourage employees to bike more. What if more businesses operated this way? 

Show Snooze some love by stopping by on your bike for breakfast. Park your bike in one of the first bike parking corrals installed in San Diego- located nearby, eat your heart out and ride off the food coma when you're done! 

BLAH & Tiger!Tiger! Raise Money for SDCBC

Our friends at Blind Lady Ale House and Tiger!Tiger! once again held a fundraiser for SDCBC during Bike Month, this time by raffling off two brand new Linus bikes. Tickets were sold all month along, with proceeds to be donated to SDCBC. Read one of the winner's story below:

Winner of the BLAH Bike, Jonah

"I was in my kitchen making myself dinner actually wishing that I had money to go to blind lady and get a pizza when I got the call. I was extremely excited when I found out I was practically jumping around. I wasn't really expecting to win and when I got the call it blew my mind.

My only other bike is a beach cruiser. I wanted this one because I had been looking for a new one to take with me when I go to school up in Oregon. My beach cruiser is old and wouldn't last a semester in all the rain that they get up in Oregon.

I usually ride to either get from place to place or to get my dogs some really good exercise without having to run myself or drive to a dog park. 

All I'd really like to add is a big thank you to you guys for the bike. You just took a very big ticket item off of my packing list for school :)"

- Jonah

Tiger!Tiger! Bike Winner

SDCBC Bike Month Drawing

Congratulations to the winner of our bike month drawing- Johanna Broeren!

Johanna joined the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition on Bike to Work Day. (what better day to join huh?) She rides her bike to work often and this was her second year participating in the Bike to Work Day festivities.

Born and raised in Holland, riding a bike is in her blood. Not only is she a bike commuter but she also rides recreationally with her boyfriend on weekends. She goes along on 30+ rides with him as he trains for the RAGBRAI.

We were happy to hear that Johanna has already taken the new bike out for a spin. Where did she pedal first after she brought it home?

"From home to OB dog beach along the river bike path.  It's a really nice bike! Thank you!" she said.

Thank you, Johanna-we are glad you like it! Thank you to Mike, our friend and donor, who gave us this Specialized bike to use for this purpose. And thank you everyone who participated! We have lots of new members and were able to raise more than $2,000 for bike advocacy and education.

Mission Hills - The Place to be on Bike Local Sunday, June 16

Car-free movement encourages folks to ride bikes to local businesses

SAN DIEGO, June 4, 2013 – The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and the San Diego Business Improvement District Council announce Mission Hills as the next Bike Local Sunday on June 16. In conjunction with the second CicloSDias Mini in Presidio Park, Bike Local Sunday encourages folks to ride bikes to local businesses and support neighborhood economies.

Bike Local Sunday rolls into Mission Hills on June 16 with family-friendly themes and specials at numerous businesses for those on bikes, including Brooklyn Girl, The Red Door, Meshuggah Shack and The Gathering. Simultaneously, CicloSDias Mini opens Presidio Park for bicycles and pedestrians to enjoy without the hassles of car traffic.

Mission Hills welcomes cylists all day, but those seeking a more organized ride should meet at 10 a.m. at the Mission Hills Bike Shop, on the corner of Front Street and 1^st Avenue, to participate in a neighborhood ride that winds through the CicloSDias Mini in Presidio Park and returns to Mission Hills Business District.

“Bike Local Sunday is an all day affair for folks to enjoy when they can,” said Andy Hanshaw, executive director of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, which advocates for and protects the rights of all people who ride bicycles. “Grab your family, friends and bicycles and roll into Mission Hill’s Bike Local Sunday at your own pace.”

This Bike Local Sunday is brought to the community by San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, San Diego Business Improvement District Council and the Mission Hills Business District, which will make Treasure Seekers local discount cards available at the Mission Hills Bike Shop.

The Bike Local Sunday schedule is:

·    June 16 - Mission Hills in conjunction with Presidio Park Mini-CicloSDias

·    July 21 – Golden Hill in conjunction with Golden Hill Mini-CicloSDias

·    August 11  – San Diego CicloSDias

·    August 25  - Bike the Bay

·    Sept 22 – Pacific Beach

·    October 20 – Ocean Beach

For more information on Bike Local Sunday, visit www.bikelocal.org. For more information on the Mission Hills Business District and its Treasure Seekers local discount cards, please visit www.ourmissionhills.com. Also visit www.sdcbc.org for more information on other local cycling events in San Diego County.

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION: (SDCBC) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and protects the rights of all people who ride bicycles. They promote bicycling as a mainstream, safe and enjoyable form of transportation and recreation.  For more information, go to www.sdcbc.org.  

SAN DIEGO BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT COUNCIL: A 501 (c 6) organization. The Council is an association of San Diego’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) whose mission is to assist in the development and dissemination of information, resources, and expertise to its member BIDs, and to improve the physical, social, and economic environments of San Diego’s small businesses. www.bidcouncil.org

Top Safety Tips For Rural Bike Riding In San Diego County

by Derek Roach, guest blogger

San Diego’s diverse terrain and favored climate makes it an ideal place for bicyclists to ride.  A majority of San Diego’s cyclists take advantage of the designated lanes within the inner city. However, not too far from the urban setting – East County to be specific - riders can cruise the dirt trails and paths for a ride in the great, yet unpredictable outdoors.  As beautiful and serene as this environment can be, you can be introduced to potentially harmful obstacles or events that may not be found within the city.

To prepare for these unforeseen elements when out riding in the countryside , its best to apply the following procedures to avoid injury or discomfort while enjoying the wind on your face, the hum of your tire, and the splendor of East County San Diego.

Bike Safety Tips To Implement When In Rural Areas

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This is not a reminder to wear your helmet or keep your bicycle mechanics in top condition (you should already be doing this). These precautions are more specific to riding on San Diego roads and trails out east. Also, I am involved in removing bees so there is some emphasis on protection from bees and other insects – honeybees can create quite the ruckus.

Have A Bike Buddy

Venturing out to the adventurous trails in East County is nice change in scenery from the usual concrete jungle, but travelling too far from civilization introduces lots of the unknown. Riding with a partner will offer quick assistance if injured and keep you company while cruising – besides, being in the middle of nowhere can get lonely. But if you do decide to be a lone rider, at the very least tell a friend or family member of your route.

Carry An Epinephrine Injector

This is especially applicable when riding in nature, although you can encounter stinging insects and develop an allergic reaction in urban environments as well. If you are allergic or not sure it’s best to keep this handy medication dispenser on-hand to prevent severe allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock. The chemical inside an epinephrine injection helps narrow blood vessels and keep air passage ways open during an allergic reaction.

Plan Your Route

It’s easy to lose track of the distance travelled while touring America’s Finest City and its surrounding areas. The sights and sounds of the city or the serenity found towards inland territories may have you out riding longer than expected. Unless you’re headed in a circular route, remember the miles you trek out, are the same miles you have to trek in. So before heading out, set a designated route and stick closely to that path. Not only will it keep you from getting turned around, but help you with finding news areas to explore.  

Wear Your White Or Light Threads

Save the tye-dye or neon-colored shirts for the next racing event. Wearing light-colored clothes will not only help you stay cool in the few months of the year that it’s actually hot in San Diego, it will keep you from attracting bugs that have you confused for something else. Plus, no one wants a bug trapped between their skin and garments.

Use Caution Going Downhill

San Diego is far from flat, coastal and inland terrain alike will have some elevated spots. So when descending steep trenches, follow this procedure to avoid skidding: stand on pedals, stay low, lean back to transfer weight to the rear of the bicycle, and apply brakes with more pressure on the back brake.  Try not to use your breaks in gravel or loose dirt. Putting the center of gravity towards the rear of the bike will allow you to get down hills safely.

Correctly Removing & Treating Stings

In the unlikely case – if you followed the above tips – you are stung by a bee, there is a four-step process to get you back on your bike quickly. Here is a visual guide to demonstrate how to properly treat a bee sting. It’s understandable that you have limited supplies while out riding, so you can use substitutes in place of the items mentioned in the guide.

For example, you can clean the affected area with some water from your water bottle. After cleaning, apply the side of the water bottle to the sting to reduce any swelling. Most importantly, remember to scrape the stinger off immediately with a flat edge – fingernails work fine.

No matter where you’re riding or for what purpose, have these tips in mind to create a safe and memorable biking experience with all San Diego County has to offer. Just remember, always be attentive, prepared, and ride with a partner – then you should be just fine.