April
2003

UCSB & County plans effect bicyclists



This shows the new bikepath on the north side of the housing, and roundabouts on the south.

• As years of planning head toward finalization this year, they will definitely effect thousands of bicyclists in the University of California Santa Barbara and adjacent areas.
• On March 5, a "scoping meeting" was held to determine final concerns before heading into the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) stage for two related projects: UCSB's new San Clemente student housing and changes to adjacent El Colegio Road.

The current bikepath parallel to El Colegio Road accommodates thousands of bicyclists each school day. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• The San Clemente project will house 976 graduate students in a four-block complex north of El Colegio between Los Carneros on the west and Stadium Road on the east. The County will change the road itself—to either a 5-lane road with bikelanes and signalized intersection control; or a 2-lane road with bikelanes, parallel parking, bus pull-outs, and roundabouts.
• We have many concerns, identified by the Bicycle Coalition's Ralph Fertig and UCSB's Dennis Whelan:
• By moving the El Colegio bikepath north of the new housing, bicyclists may shun the longer route and fill up the street instead.
• Although both El Colegio Road designs call for bikelanes, how safely will students navigate roundabouts in the 2-lane design, and dodge buses stopped in the bikelane in the 5-lane design?
• Whereas the present bikepath crosses Stadium Road with good sight distances for motorists and bicyclists, the new design hasn't determined where and how it will cross the street, but likely it will be worse. An ideal solution is a tunnel under the road.
• What will happen to bicyclists in the new bikelanes when they continue west of Los Carneros Road? Currently, there are no bikelanes there at all.
• Where will El Colegio bikelane traffic go at the University entrance? How will the lanes deliver bicyclists to and from on-campus paths?
• Where will thousands of bicyclists go during two years of construction? Can the new path be constructed first?
• A draft version of the EIR will be available for public comment in a few months. We'll be scrutinizing it and let everybody know what they can do to help.

Highway improvement funding suspended

• They are still going ahead, but later than expected. California's spending cuts have led the Transportation Commission to temporarily suspend funding for over 20 projects in Santa Barbara County, some of which effect bicyclists. Thanks to Caltrans' Pat Mickelson for information of projects that effect us:
• Tunnels under Highway 101 at Cabrillo Boulevard in Montecito and Cacique Street in Santa Barbara.
• New bikeway west of Highway 217 in Goleta.
• Wider shoulders and repaving of Highway 246 between Buellton and Lompoc.
• Wider shoulders and repaving of Highway 166 between Santa Maria and Guadalupe.

Buy a Bike Week flag

• Our 4'x6' Bike Week Flag has a white bicyclist logo on a terra cotta color background. It's heavy nylon with two grommets at the top for hanging. It's a deal at $30 plus tax and postage.
• Want one? Write a check to Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition for $35.33 per flag (or $33.00 if it's going to a non-California address), mail to Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, PO Box 92047, Santa Barbara, CA 93190-2047. Tell us where to ship it and include a phone number just in case.

Dan Henry's Birthday

Word from the President, by Wilson Hubbell

• He is a sight so common and enduring that Santa Ynez Valley residents accept him as a permanent part of the scenery—like oak trees and mountains. Most can't recall a time when the lone cyclist on the vintage Rene Herse was not there, and even the County Bike Route signs bear his name: Dan Henry.
• Seasoned cyclists also can't remember when he was not already a legend. He serves—now and always—as a tireless and willing ambassador for bicycling, promoting our sport to one and all in print and in person. After nine decades and countless cycling adventures, Dan Henry is still out there riding his daily 20 mile loop at a pace that belies the years—and probably always will.
• And he is forever tinkering with bikes and bicycling, and constantly seeking ways to improve both. Many of Dan's ideas have been adopted by others, like:
• "Dan Henry Arrow" is the generic name for cycling event pavement markings, worldwide.
• The first sew-up (tubular) tires with butyl tubes were produced for Dan by Clement in Italy. Nearly all sew-ups now have butyl tubes.
• Dan designed—and rode—bicycle suspension systems decades before the mountain bike was invented.
• Dan created—and swears by—the sling saddle that is his trademark.
• Once, long ago, Dan traveled the world as a pilot for American Airlines. His bicycle went with him—of course—at a time when bikes on airplanes were novelties and bike boxes with baggage handling fees were unheard of. He retired when commercial aircraft changed from propellers to jets, and hands-on flying was replaced by remote controls. Is it any wonder, then, that Dan has a passion for cycling and the hands-on purity of the bicycle?
• Dan turned 90 the other day and we celebrated as we traditionally do by joining him on his 20 mile loop around the Santa Ynez Valley. Cycling friends came from far and near to ride in the morning sun and celebrate a living legend once again. It was great!
• Happy Birthday, Dan.

SB neighborhood plans traffic calming



Dan Burden leads a traffic-calming workshop for Lower Riviera/Upper Eastside neighbors. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• The City of Santa Barbara has been working since last year with residents in the Lower Riviera/Upper Eastside neighborhood on traffic calming issues. A three-day workshop with consultant Dan Burden in mid-March attracted about 50 individuals, and resulted in a consensus among participants that their proposed changes are very desirable.
• From a toolkit of measures that can better manage motorists on city streets, workshop participants selected several that could fullfill their desire for a quieter, safer, and more beautiful neighborhood. Because nearly all conflicts occur at intersections, changes are concentrated there. Twenty-one problem intersections and streets were identified, and these treatments were proposed:
• Small roundabouts to replace stop signs
• Curb extensions and medians
• Parking on alternate sides of narrow streets
• Stripes to visually narrow streets.
• Although no special facilities are being proposed for bicyclists, the slower motorist speeds that these designs produce will enhance our safety.
• The City has set aside $300,000 that, depending on design and location, could pay for a third of the proposed treatments. This is the first area that the City is considering as part of its residential Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, and it will be a model for other parts of the city. As an indication of similar program successes, Burden noted that Seattle has installed 700 roundabouts so far, resulting in a 93% reduction in collisions.

Midwest AAA members want bike/ped projects

• A poll of 3,000 Midwest Automobile Club members asked how they would allocate transportation funds. They responded 7% for bicycle and pedestrian projects, 16% for public transit, and the rest for new and existing roads. Auto Club members want bikeways!

Cell phone on bike: ban it or not?

• There's a bill before the California Assembly, AB 45, called the "California Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act of 2003." It calls for banning hand-held cell phone use while driving a motor vehicle. AB 45 is only for motorists, but the question was raised by the bicycle coordinator at UC Davis, David Takemoto-Weerts, whether we should request that it include bicyclists as well. He observes, "...almost every student here at UC Davis has a cell phone, and seeing people using them while pedaling is not uncommon. I once saw a guy cycling down a busy Davis street at night with a cell phone in one hand and a flashlight in the other!"
• The reaction from bicyclists has been mixed. Some say ban them:
• It is very easy to use a headset or pull over to talk. In fact stopping a bike to talk is much easier than stopping a car to talk.
• Unless one has three hands, one cannot signal turns, steer, and talk on a hand phone at the same time.
• It's all right with a hands free ear piece, but it is dangerous when riding a bike with only one hand, so I would say no ban for hands free just as they are starting to do for cars.
• And others say don't ban them:
• The last thing we need is another law against bicyclists. There are simply too many places where riding and calling are not dangerous.
• It is the role of government to protect people from others, not from themselves. Please give up on this idea!
• Motor vehicles are regulated because of the danger they pose to other road users. Bicycles are regulated because they share the road with motor vehicles. We currently have many laws that restrict us unnecessarily because of this.
• And some say maybe ban them:
• By talking into a handheld device of any type, one is much more involved in the device, and thereby distracted by the device, than by any other method of verbal communication. But before we add one more law to be enforced and perhaps cause more annoyance than good, let's get the statistics about accidents related to bicycles and cell phones first.
• After considering the responses, Takemoto-Weerts concludes, "I tend toward including cyclists in the bill for a couple of reasons. One is same roads, same rights, same rules. The other is that I have seen a number of examples of poor cycling behavior among riders using phones." He adds, however, that the cycling community may just want to steer clear of active involvement at this time.

Coalition continues work on RR trail

• The opportunity to create a trail that replaces a 4.9-mile section of abandoned Santa Maria Valley Railroad is moving ahead with Bicycle Coalition support.
• On March 18, the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Commission approved a recommendation that will go before the City Council on April 1st. If adopted, it will give assistance to "interested community groups" to develop an action plan for "future acquisition and development" of the right-of-way within the City, and if the group wishes, also help for the right-of-way outside the City.
• The Bicycle Coalition is working with Tailwinds Bicycling Club, Central Coast Peregrine Pathfinders (a walking club), bike shop owners in the area, and others.
• In a letter to the Santa Maria City Council, we urge them to adopt the Rec and Parks' recommendation: "We urge you to envision the City's future and adopt the recommendations of the Recreation and Parks Commission before you on April 1."
• If you can speak to the City Council in favor of saving the corridor on April 1, please do so.

Andy Singer

Portland’s CCC directors visit us



From the left, the CCC's Daniel Bohn, Porter Childs, and the Bicycle Coalition's Eva Inbar. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Catch phrases for the Community Cycling Center in Portland, Oregon, are simple: "Reaching Kids, Recycling Bikes, Restoring Communities." On March 19, four Bicycle Coalition members met with their director Daniel Bohn and event coordinator Porter Childs to discuss what we might learn from the CCC program.
• The Community Cycling Center recycles thousands of bicycles a year and teaches hundreds of kids bike maintenance and safe riding. They have a "Create A Commuter" program that helps low-income adults get to jobs. Their programs' successes have propelled them with 200% growth in the last three years due to careful planning and sensible ideas.
• Childs said they have lots of events all year around to keep their message and program recognition alive. Fun events, even if they don't make money—like a ride to an ice cream parlor—provide high visibility, press coverage, and photo opportunities for politicians. Their money comes from grants and gifts from those who approve what they're doing.
• The CCC is seeking communities where their ideas might take hold. Check their web site www.communitycyclingcenter.org and consider how we might use their ideas here.

March meeting topics

• At our March 4th meeting, a large number of topics were discussed and actions taken:
• The Coalition wrote to support a Semana Nautica criterium race in Santa Barbara.
• Daniel Bohn from Portland's Community Cycling Center will meet with Bicycle Coalition members on March 19.
• There is a field trip via Amtrak to the Long Beach Bikestation on March 27.
• Ralph Fertig and Wilson Hubbell will represent the Coalition at the UCSB-County meeting on El Colegio Road changes.
• Mike Hecker will lead velodrome meeting to consider organizational changes.
• Ralph Fertig reported on the Santa Maria Rec and Parks Commission meeting where they favored a Santa Maria Valley RR trail.
• Dru van Hengel said that the long-proposed bikepath in Pershing Park in Santa Barbara is looking promising.
• Santa Barbara's Granada Garage and bikestation are in jeopardy because bids came in $6 million over estimates.
• Pierre Delong and Ralph Fertig will pursue Earth Day participation that may include prizes to those who bike there.
• The Bicycle Coalition Board will meet on March 24.
• The City of Santa Barbara succeeded in phase 1 of 2 toward winning "Bicycle Friendly Community" recognition from the League of American Bicyclists.

Buellton transforming Avenue of the Flags



This photo of Coast Village Road in Montecito shows what Buellton lanes and parking may look like. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• A wonderful transformation is coming to Buellton. The original Coast Highway became the Avenue of the Flags when Highway 101 was built, and now that broad avenue is part of a downtown revitalization. RRM Design is helping Buellton achieve its vision.
• The 4-lane road with parallel parking will get wider sidewalks, two lanes, diagonal parking, and space for bicyclists. The central 80-foot median will become a community green with paths, gardens, a bandstand, and gathering areas for public events.
• Whether a bikelane will be striped like it was in Montecito along its part of the former Coast Highway that now has diagonal parking, remains to be seen. But whatever happens in Buellton, it's a welcome change that will make the city more friendly to bicycling residents and visitors alike.

Active members

• Please thank and support the following businesses that are Bicycle Coalition members:
• King Cycle Group, Shasta Lake
• MarBorg Industries, Santa Barbara
• Oasis Design, Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Infrared, Santa Barbara
• Nett & Champion Insurance, Santa Barbara
• Tri Paradise Sports, Santa Barbara
• Rincon Cycles, Carpinteria
• Lightning Cycle Dynamics, Lompoc
• We're pleased to welcome new Bicycle Coalition members Browning Allen, Eric Schwartz, Nancy Mulholland, and Rob Dayton. Plus we're very grateful to the following who renewed their memberships: Jessica Altstatt, Lee & Anita Carter, Alex & June Pujo, Alex & Nancy Trieger, and Brad Heavner.

Lifetime bicyclist Kathleen Boehm
by Dru van Hengel and Kathleen Boehm



Kathleen Boehm arrives for work at City Hall. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Since Santa Barbara City Hall's most faithful bicycle commuter will soon retire, we chose to interview Kathleen Boehm this month:
• Why do you use your bicycle for transportation? It has been the best means of transport since I was a kid. Even when I got my first car in 1970, it didn't always function. It was cheaper to bicycle, and parking wasn't a problem.
• Have you had any bicycle adventures? I have cycled with GVCC since 1978. My first date with my husband was a ride up Gilbraltar Road and across Camino Cielo.
• Any advice for bicycle commuters? Travel before 7:30 AM and after 5:30 PM. I also wear lots of reflection and have a powerful lighting system. I do find it more and more necessary to take a defensive posture with distracted drivers. I steer clear of bicyclists who disobey the traffic rules. Also, if you don't have a secure place for your bike, get yourself a trusty commuter at the police auction.
• How would you improve bicycle conditions here? Totally separate bicycle paths like those in Holland would be a dream. I would like to educate motor vehicle drivers about how to make right turns when passing a bicyclist, using turn signals, and to appreciate the advantages they enjoy because bicyclists free up road space for them. I would like to see road designers be more conscious about bicyclist and pedestrian hazards.
• What's in store now? Less time behind a desk and more time on the bicycle. Also, I plan on doing volunteer work in the schools, and teaching youth the joys of bicycling.
• Is bicycling in Santa Barbara special? On my commute I listen to the birds, see the changing landscapes with the seasons, and even watch families grow up. I have been taking the same route downtown since 1979 so I have had a lot of opportunities to appreciate the beauty.

Coalition asks Capps to help bicyclists

• The Bicycle Coalition asked US Representative Lois Capps to help fund two regional projects, one in the South Coast, the other in the Santa Ynez Valley. The projects are:
• Bikelanes on Hollister Avenue. The sections of Hollister between Goleta and Santa Barbara has deteriorating or missing bikelanes. Funding would upgrade everything to great conditions.
• Bikelanes on Roblar and Refugio Roads. Widening these roads and striping bikelanes will give bicyclists a nice 10-mile loop between Solvang and Los Alamos.
• With luck, these bikeway projects will be included by Lois Capps with other "high priority projects" in the upcoming reauthorization of the TEA-21 Federal transportation bill. Projects that are selected and placed in the bill are given special, earmarked funding. Though controversial, these projects accounted for less than 5% of the 1998 TEA-21 program.

Ojai Trail conflicts

• Bicycle Coalition member Jeffrey Stoutenborough experienced trail problems on the Ojai Valley Trail in early March. Incidents with teenagers on motor bikes left him and friends intimidated. However, instead of saying nothing, he immediately phoned the police with his cell phone, and emailed us later. We forwarded his message to fellow advocates at the Ventura County Bicycle Coalition.
• Among others, Judy Willens responded, "Jeff, thank you for speaking up. I know many people are reluctant to get involved. It requires remaining in harms way, carrying a cell phone and delaying the ride to wait for authorities. Most people are there for the ride and just assume the problem will go away."
• So do like Jeff did and report problems to the police so they can keep our trails safe.

Goleta projects advance with Coalition urging



Where will the bikepath go? At Calle Real, it will replace the concrete cap on the columns' right. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• On March 3, The Goleta City Council considered eight transportation projects that they inherited from the County government. There are about 70 projects total, but these eight are the major ones. For bicyclists, three are of special concern:
• Ellwood bike/pedestrian bridge over Highway 101
• San Jose Creek bikepath north (Cathedral Oaks to Hollister)
• San Jose Creek bikepath south (Hollister to Goleta Beach).
• Bicycle Coalition Board officers Gary Wissman and Ralph Fertig spoke in favor of the projects, as did other members of the public. There was a general Council concern over estimated project costs that have grown due to inflation and "project creep" where the original project grows as components are added. Here's what the Council decided:
• Ellwood bike/ped bridge. Cost estimate $6.2 million, Goleta will pay 7%, construction in 2005-2006. People were alarmed at the cost, part of which is now due to long wheelchair ramps. Jean Blois and Cynthia Brock commented that the bridge is needed for students' safety in both directions. It was decided to proceed with design and right-of-way purchase, but to hold off construction until it's all funded.
• San Jose Creek bikepath north. Cost estimate $3.0 million, Goleta to pay 5%, construction in 2006-2007. Part of the project is in the County, part in Goleta. The County would be the "lead agency" on the project and pay for it through the environmental impact study, then each jurisdiction would pay for design and construction of its own segment. The path will go from Cathedral Oaks along the creek, under Calle Real, Highway 101, and the UP Railroad, and end up as a bikelane on Kellogg at Hollister Avenue. Jonny Wallis called it "a true transportation corridor." It was agreed to proceed with the environmental study.
• San Jose Creek bikepath south. Cost estimate $2.2 million, Goleta to pay 5%, construction in 2006-2007. Again, the project is partly in Goleta, partly in the County. It runs along Kellogg as a bikelane, becomes a path on the bank of the San Jose Creek channel, and passes under Highway 217 before connecting with the Atascadero Creek bikepath near Goleta Beach. Again, the County would be the lead agency through the environmental phase of design. The Council agreed to continue the project in coordination with the County.
• In general, the Council had favorable comments about these three projects, although they had concerns about costs. It helped to have bicyclists speaking up. Members of the Council peppered comments about all eight projects with concerns with bicyclist and pedestrian safety. Overall, we did well.