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MCBC Weekly Bulletin
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Marin County Bicycle Coalition
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Feb 14, 2008 12:51 PST
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MARIN COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION (MCBC)
WEEKLY BULLETIN
February 14, 2008
1. Caltrans Rejects Richmond Bridge Bike Access Proposal
2. New York Times covers Marin's Safe Routes to School Program
3. Proposals for Steps, Lanes, and Paths projects now being accepted by
County DPW
4. Safe Routes Offers Family Bike Rodeo, Sat, Feb 16, 11 AM - 1 PM in
Sausalito
5. MCBC provides Valet Bike Parking for Tour of California: volunteers needed
6. Golden Gate Ferry Adds a Trip Monday to Serve Start of the Tour of
California
7. Phil Liggett to host Team High Road Presentation at Tour of California
kickoff
8. Coordinator Needed to Provide Logistics for Go Greenbelt! Ride
9. Transportation Solutions to Climate Change, Fri, Feb 22, 9AM
10. S.F. Bike Coalition Hiring Communications Staff
____________________________________________________________
1. Caltrans Rejects Richmond Bridge Bike Access Proposal
After 10 years of study, but it's not over yet
On Wednesday, February 13, Caltrans dealt another blow to efforts and plans
that have been in the works for three decades to allow for bicycle and
pedestrian access on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, the 4.5 mile span that
connects San Rafael and Richmond and is a key component of the Bay Trail.
Throughout the past 10 years, the proposal has been studied three times by
public agencies, and each time the study deemed the proposal to be safe, but
at the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) meeting where the study was presented,
Caltrans did not agree.
This most recent study, which began in 2003 was supposed to be the third and
final proposal which would result in a project that could be programmed,
funded and constructed. After analyzing everything, including automobile
demands through the year 2025, the study called for the installation of a
moveable barrier on the upper (westbound) deck of the Richmond Bridge which
would create an eight foot bi-directional pathway for bicyclists and
pedestrians. During the three hours of morning peak-hour traffic, the
barrier would be moved to the side, allowing for all three lanes to be
utilized by cars. The $55 million plan would have accommodated increased
capacity for automobiles in both directions during peak congestion periods,
and would have allowed for bicycle and pedestrian access. Deb Hubsmith,
advocacy director of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition said, "We thought we
had a win-win situation that would accommodate everyone."
Support for bicycle and pedestrian access was voiced by a vast majority of
the Commissioners at the BATA meeting, and BATA is the agency that would fund
such a project. Several Commissioners expressed frustration that Caltrans
has rejected every proposal for decades, claiming safety reasons. Deb
Hubsmith said, "It seems hypocritical for Caltrans to say that public access
on the Richmond Bridge would be unsafe when they have numerous bridges in the
Bay Area with no shoulders, and when they allow for bicycle access on 1000
miles of freeways without a barrier."
The silver lining is that the Bay Conservation and Development Commission
(BCDC) would need to issue a permit if Caltrans makes a proposal to open all
three lanes of the Richmond bridge to cars. BCDC has the legal authority to
uphold part of their mission for providing "maximum feasible public access,"
and has been the agency that required the past studies. BCDC could require
that bicycle and pedestrian access be provided simultaneously if Caltrans
seeks to increase auto capacity on the bridge.
Read the Marin IJ story here: http://www.marinij.com/marin/ci_8256774
Read the San Francisco Chronicle Story here:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/14/BAPVV1MF2.DTL&hw=Richmond+Bridge&sn=001&sc=1000
____________________________________________________________
2. New York Times covers Marin's Safe Routes to School Program
In "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You" article
The cover of the Lifestyles section in the Sunday, February 10, 2008 edition
of the New York Times featured a story titled "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool
You" (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/fashion/10suburbs.html). The story
indicates that people living in suburbs have a much larger footprint than
those living in cities, largely related to automobile use. The article also
cites what people and programs are being initiated throughout the country to
reduce the carbon footprint of people who live in suburban areas, including
Safe Routes to School.
The article states, "Children in many schools are also being encouraged to
walk or bike to school through the federal program Safe Routes to School,
which has helped build bike paths, train crossing guards, and improve roadway
safety in towns and suburbs around the country. (The percentage of children
who walk or ride bikes has plummeted from 50 percent in 1969 to 15 percent in
2001, according to federal studies.)
"A pilot program started in Marin County, north of San Francisco, in 2000,
where at the time, surveys showed that 21 percent of children at nine schools
surveyed either walked or rode their bikes to school. Two years later, that
number was 38 percent, said Deb Hubsmith, the national director of the
program."
____________________________________________________________
3. Proposals for Steps, Lanes, and Paths projects now being accepted by
County DPW
A part of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program Update
As part of the Board of Supervisors approval in April, 2007, $1,634,000 was
allocated for the Steps, Lanes, and Paths (SLP) program. SLP's are mid-block
paths connecting two streets and are typically the passages that once
provided access to the former rail stations and downtown areas.
A call for projects has been issued for this program. Cities and towns in
Marin are invited to submit proposals; proposals are due by March 7.
Proposals will be scored based on ranking and scoring criteria adopted by the
NTPP Advisory Committee last year. Final funding decisions will be made by
the Board of Supervisors.
For more information and submittal requirements, visit the Projects and
Programs page at
http://www.walkbikemarin.org/documents/SLP%20Call%20for%20Projects.pdf
.____________________________________________________________
4. Safe Routes Offers Family Bike Rodeo, Sat, Feb 16, 11 AM - 1 PM in
Sausalito
Part of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California festivities
There will be fun for the whole family on Saturday, February 16 in Sausalito
from 10 am to 2 pm as part of the big kickoff for the Tour of California.
Kids can test their bicycle skills at the Safe Routes to Schools rodeo from
11 AM to 1 PM at the Big Bike Tent on Spinnaker Drive, Downtown Sausalito
(see link below to view the flyer).
Children will learn basic safety skills and bicycle control through a series
of four fun stations. The rodeo is part of a whole day of events including
music and a trick rider show by X games champion, Chris Duncan. There will
be raffle drawings for bicycles and other great prizes. Mike's Bikes will
provide bike safety and maintenance checks. Admission is free and is
sponsored by the City of Sausalito.
Download the event flyer at
http://www.marinbike.org/News/Bulletin/Images/RodeoFlyer.pdf.
Safe Routes to Schools is a program of the Transportation Authority of Marin.
____________________________________________________________
5. MCBC provides Valet Bike Parking for Tour of California: volunteers needed
Help us promote bicycling at this exciting event
The Tour of California is a highly popular biking event, and there will be
many spectators arriving on bicycles for the start of the race. MCBC is
providing Valet Bike Parking for spectators who choose to ride to the event
rather than drive - a much preferred option!
Come join the fun at our bike corral and stay to check out the Bike Expo or
the Biker's Brunch! Volunteer Valet Bike Parkers get to schmooze with the
cycling community while helping to encourage bicycling as transportation.
Shifts are 9 to 11:30 AM, and 11:30 AM to 2 PM.
MCBC bike parking volunteers get the following perks:
o MCBC's Valet Bike Parking T-shirt
o Tour of California Event T-shirt
o Front row center seats at Race Start
o Parking is adjacent to the staging area: see the cyclists' pre-race gear up
and stretching
o Two passes by cyclists - one at the start, one after cycling through
Sausalito
o Excellent location near Sausalito restaurants and other amenities
Please call Stephen Hesson at 415-606-7209 to get involved.
____________________________________________________________
MESSAGES FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
____________________________________________________________
6. Golden Gate Ferry Adds a Trip Monday to Serve Start of the Tour of
California
9:30 AM departure on Monday, Feb 18, from San Francisco to Sausalito
Mary Currie of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District
writes:
A special departure has been added from San Francisco to Sausalito to get
fans of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling road race to
Sausalito in time for the Stage 1 start time at 11 am. The added trip departs
San Francisco at 9:30 am and arrives in Sausalito at 10:00 am, with plenty of
time to find a great spot to watch the race start at 11 am.
To view the complete Monday ferry schedule, visit
http://goldengate.org/news/ferry/PresidentsDayGGF2008.php.
____________________________________________________________
7. Phil Liggett to host Team High Road Presentation at Tour of California
kickoff
Team High Road announces:
Please join us for a highly informative presentation hosted by legendary
cycling commentator, Phil Liggett. Come along at the start of a new journey
for Team High Road as we present our entire roster on February 15th in Palo
Alto, prior to the start of the Amgen Tour of California. Team High Road is a
professional international men's and women's cycling team, made up of 42
riders from 14 nations the team has a strong emphasis on youth, with a
majority of the riders aged under 25. A light lunch will be served at 1:00pm,
and following the presentation there will be time to meet with the team.
It's your chance to meet a remarkable group of individuals as they head into
a new season and an Olympic year with new goals and clear ambitions. Meet the
team management and get an insight into the team's philosophy and methods.
Additionally, you'll hear about the team's partners and the products and
technologies that keep the team constantly improving, as well as a new
partner of which Team High Road will pursue a global philanthropic program.
The mission of Team High Road is to win by fair means and to be a progressive
force in the sport. The team is bursting with top young talent led by
respected leading athletes in the sport. In 2008 the team has 20 men and
women, which we believe represents a bright future for the sport. In 2007,
the men's team was one of top teams in the ProTour in terms of wins and the
women's team finished the season ranked number one in the world.
Space is limited for this event. If you would like to attend this media
event, please RSVP by February 8, 2008 to Christine Eastman at Sandbox
Marketing, LLC at ceas-@cox.net, or (949) 677-0309
Learn more about Team High Road at http://www.highroadsports.com/.
____________________________________________________________
8. Coordinator Needed to Provide Logistics for Go Greenbelt! Ride
500 mile ride around the Bay to support Greenbelt Alliance
Brianna Swartz of Greenbelt Alliance writes:
Go Greenbelt! is a week-long 500 mile ride around the Bay to support
Greenbelt Alliance's work to protect the San Francisco Bay Area's farmlands
and natural areas. If you're looking for a great ride, great people, and a
chance to help preserve the Bay Area's quality of life-its open space and
vibrant cities-Go Greenbelt! is for you!
The Greenbelt Alliance is in search of a group or company to take on the
logistical components of this event. If you or someone you know would be a
good candidate for this, please contact our Development Department at (415)
543-6771 x 304.
____________________________________________________________
9. Transportation Solutions to Climate Change, Fri, Feb 22, 9AM
League of Women Voters of the Bay Area's Annual Bay Area League Day
The League of Women Voters of the Bay Area (LWVBA) announces:
LWVBA will hold its annual Bay Area League Day on Friday, February 22, 2008
at Preservation Park's Nile Hall in Downtown Oakland. This year's theme will
be "Transportation Solutions to Climate Change." The event will include
appearances by Therese McMillan of the MTC, Stuart Cohen of TALC, Robert
McCleary of the Contra Costa Transit Authority, Bob Allen of Urban Habitat,
Jim Smith of BAAQMD, Rochelle Wheeler of the Alameda County Transportation
Improvement Authority, and Robert Raburn of EBBC.
For a complete program schedule, visit
http://bayareamonitor.org/feb08/leagueday.html.
Registration opens at 9AM. The program will begin at 9:30 AM and goes until
2:30 PM, and will include a keynote speech, a number of panel discussions,
and lunch.
The cost is $25 prepaid ($15 without lunch) and $30 at the door. The deadline
for pre-paid registration is Wednesday, February 13, after which the cost
increases to the day-of-registration fee of $30. To register and pay online,
please click on one of the two links below:
Registration:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=editor%40bayareamonitor%2eorg&item_name=Bay%20Area%20League%20Day%20Registration&amount=25%2e00&no_shipping=0&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8/
Registration without lunch:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=editor%40bayareamonitor%2eorg&item_name=Bay%20Area%20League%20Day%20Registration&amount=15%2e00&no_shipping=0&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8/
Please call (510) 839-1608 for more information.
____________________________________________________________
10. S.F. Bike Coalition Hiring Communications Staff
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) announces:
The SFBC is looking for two talented, motivated individuals to join our
growing staff.
We are looking for a Communications Assistant on a part-time, temporary basis
(1-to-3 months). This position will begin as soon as possible. See the full
Communications Assistant job description at http://www.sfbike.org/?jobs_ca.
We are also hiring a full-time Communications Director to oversee the
organization's communications programs, including our website, Biker
Bulletins, newsletters, as well as graphic design projects for events and
programs. See the full Communications Director job description at
http://www.sfbike.org/?jobs_cd. And a big thanks to outgoing Communications
Director Gus d'Angelo for his energy and commitment to spreading the SFBC
word. We wish you well, Gus!
____________________________________________________________
Marin County Bicycle Coalition
P.O. Box 1115
Fairfax, CA 94978
Office Location: 733 Center Blvd., Fairfax, CA 94930
(415) 456-3469 - phone
(415) 456-9344 - fax
http://www.marinbike.org
The MCBC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You donations are
tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
We are a membership-supported group. If you are not already a paying member,
please join today. Printable membership forms are on our website,
http://www.marinbike.org.
Thank you for being a part of the solution.
To reach the MCBC Staff:
* Kim Baenisch, Executive Director, 456-3469 x 1#, ki-@marinbike.org
* Jo Ann Richards, Membership and Outreach Coordinator, 456-3469 x7#,
joa-@marinbike.org
* Bob Trigg, Administrator, 456-3469 x 3#, bo-@marinbike.org
* Deb Hubsmith, Advocacy Director, 454-7430, de-@marinbike.org
* David Hoffman, Director of Planning, 456-3469 x 4#, dav-@marinbike.org
* Andy Peri, Advocacy Outreach Coordinator, 457-0802, an-@marinbike.org
* Wendi Kallins, Safe Routes to Schools Program Director, 488-4101,
wen-@marinbike.org
* Laura Kelly, Safe Routes to Schools Project Coordinator, 415-456-3469 x2#,
lau-@marinbike.org
* Aviva Joseph, Safe Routes to Schools Teen Coordinator, 456-3469 x5#,
avi-@marinbike.org
* Frances E. Barbour, Safe Routes to Schools Teacher, 577-4601,
fran-@marinbike.org
* Heather Crawford, Safe Routes to Schools Assistant Instructor,
415-456-3469 x6#, heat-@marinbike.org
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