May
2003

New Bike to Work Day sites added


The biggest event in our Bike Week of events is Bike to Work Day, on Wednesday, May 21st. And this year, responding to requests from South Coast bike commuters, we're adding two new event sites to the eight that we had in 2002:

• Daily Grind, 2001 De la Vina Street
• JavaStation, 4447 Hollister Avenue
• Although they won't be the large Goleta, UCSB, and Santa Barbara events, they'll serve more commuters and still offer you free food, T-shirts, and prizes for those who come by bicycle.
• We still need volunteers to help at the Bike to Work Day events listed below. If you can help, please phone the location coordinator.
• Also new for 2003 is the Bike Commute Challenge that will run three weeks, May 12th-30th. The company with the most employees riding the most days during the contest wins a lunch delivered to their workplace by the Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch. The first 100 participants to sign up will also win a free Bike Week rear flashing bike light. Those who bike commute over 5 days will be eligible to win a $100 gift certificate from any bike shop in Santa Barbara County! Details from Erika Lindemann, 961-8919 or elindemann@sbcag.org.
• Other events are scheduled throughout the week: Trail Daze, BMX races, Children's Festival, Bike to the Museum, Bike to the Zoo and more! You'll find event details below.

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Bike to Work Day Locations—May 21

Park Service rejects federal Gaviota preservation



This section of the Coastal Trail between Refugio and El Capitan may remain an isolated segment. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Although the National Park Service (NPS) has determined that the Gaviota area is a splendid example of Mediterranian ecosystem, they say it's not feasible to add it to their park system. Their April report said that Gaviota:
• is an outstanding example of the Mediterranian biome
• it borders a biologically-diverse marine transition zone
• it is home to 1400 plant and animal species, including 24 endangered ones
• it has some of the oldest Native American archeological sites dating back 10,000 years
• it comprises half of the remaining Southern California coastal ecosystem.
• However, because of costs and resistance from current landowners, they recommend that local or state groups, if any, pursue saving the land from private development.
• What does this mean for our envisioned Ellwood-to-Gaviota coastal bike trail? It will be more difficult, or impossible, to attain. The Bicycle Coalition had written letters and submitted a 334-signature petition urging the NPS to include trails in their findings. Not all is lost, but federal preservation of the land is. The rest remains to be seen.

Straight and Predictable

Word from the President, by Wilson Hubbell

• It is amazing how many $5,000 bikes are being pedaled around by cyclists who can't ride a straight and predictable line. You can find hordes of them on big events like the Solvang Century, and most don't know that they're doing anything incorrectly.
• Too many riders spend too much time staring at their own front wheel (or the wheel of the rider in front of them) and not looking down the road toward where they are going. This causes riders to wander all over the roadway and thereby disturb the well being of other road users in general and other cyclists in particular.
• Two good ways of teaching cyclists to ride a straight and predictable line are rollers (look straight ahead at a fixed object and you'll ride straight towards it and stay centered on the rollers) and a velodrome (riding in a pack with a fixed gear and no brakes requires you to concentrate on what is well ahead of you).
• We need to keep supporting Mike Hecker's efforts to get a Velodrome, and maybe our LCI training should include a session on the rollers and a lesson on looking down the road.

Bicycle to Museums

• As part of our Bike Week events, these two museums are offering discounts to bicyclists on May 17-May 25. Just show your bike helmet at the entry door.
• Bike to the Natural History Museum. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is offering free admission to bicyclists. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, Santa Barbara. Museum details at their site www.sbnature.org.
• Bike to the Art Museum. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is offering free admission and a 10% discount in the Museum Store. Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State Street, Santa Barbara. Their web site is www.sbmuseart.org.

Bike events for kids

• This month, there are three bike events that are just perfect for kids:
• Community Bicycle Rodeo, May 3, sponsored by the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department. This is for kids from Kindergarten-8th grade. It's at Girsh Park, Goleta, 10:00-3:00.
• Children's Festival, May 17, sponsored by the Family Service Agency, will take place in Alameda Park in Downtown Santa Barbara, from 10:00-4:00. The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition will be promoting safe bicycling to schools. Details at www.fsacares.org/spotlight.htm.
• Bike to School Day, May 20, events are being arranged school by school. This year so far, Vieja Valley, Brandon, Ellwood, and Mountain View Elementary Schools will participate. If you can help with a Bike to School event at your school this May 20, contact coordinator Jessica Scheeter at 962-7960 or jessica@coast-santabarbara.org.

Ellwood kids and bikes



Lots of bikes locked to a fence across from Ellwood School indicate enthusiasm for bicycling. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• A few years ago, the principal of Ellwood Elementary School in Goleta banned students from bicycling to school. That was because crossing Hollister Avenue by bike was deemed too dangerous. The kids instead biked to a spot across Hollister from the school, locked their bikes to a fence, then crossed on foot.
• Now however, there is a traffic signal providing a safe way to cross the street by foot or bike. So why not allow kids to bike all the way?
• School principal Richard Huff was recently contacted by the Bicycle Coalition. He admits that it might seem strange, but the current bike parking works well for now. He suggests that this fall—after current construction of new classrooms is finished, new students are transferred from El Rancho School, and a new principal comes on board—the Bicycle Coalition should raise the question again.
• If you wish to help, look at the school and determine a good location for bike storage.

Dedicated bicycle commuting



Jonathan and David after a ride to Kid's World with younger son Alex in a bike trailer. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Do a web search with Google for "commuter bicycles" and what pops up first? Bicycle Coalition member David Madajian's page that describes commuter bikes. It came from his quest for a suitable bike for his son Jonathan to get to school. All he found in the US in youth sizes, however, were BMX and mountain bikes. His research did net lots of adult commuter bikes, and his desire to share that information with others led to his site
• David was raised in Oakland where he biked for fun, but not to school because of bike thefts in the area. It wasn't until he entered UC Berkeley in engineering that he started biking 10 miles. Campus parking and traffic were so bad that he could bike to his classes faster than he could drive. Although he trained with the Berkeley cycling team, competition never interested him. Later, at Stanford for graduate work, he just continued commuting by bike, riding with Stanford's cycling team, and mountain biking in the nearby mountains.
• David's most memorable ride was when he lived at a Vermont ski resort one summer and worked 20 miles away for IBM. An afternoon thunderstorm hit and David wondered amidst rain, lightning, thunder, and steep climbing whether he would make it—thankfully, he did.
• Currently, David rides most days with 7-year old son Jonathan a mile and a half to Vieja Valley School, then returns past his home for an additonal 6-mile commute to work at Raytheon. What's his advise to aspiring bike commuters? Start in spring or summer to take advantage of daylight, and get a good commuter bike like those described on his site. Only bike in the winter when you're comfortable with the route and outfitted with rain gear, fenders, lights and reflectors.

Roadway changes for Los Carneros Road



Bicyclists on Los Carneros Road will have to cross a new, continuous right-turn lane onto 101. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Throughout much of Santa Barbara County, Highway 101 presents a serious challenge to bicyclists and pedestrians trying to cross it. It's a challenge for two reasons. Although you might see your destination across the highway, you might have to travel a few miles to get there. And even when there's a nearby crossing, it typically has intimidating high-traffic onramps and offramps that cut across bikelanes and sidewalks.
• The City of Goleta has large residential and commercial areas on both sides of 101, and no crossings without freeway ramps. Although we're promised two crossings separate from motorists—at Ellwood and San Jose Creek—all five existing crossings feature busy freeway ramps across which we must negotiate. Making an already bad situation worse, bicyclists are slowed by climbing uphill to reach the point of weaving through traffic, and with the cresting roadway, it's hard to see pavement lane markings far in advance.

• Los Carneros overcrossing of 101 is about to become worse and there seems to be little to help us. The main problem is the new Willow Springs housing development that will add 235 units. This is not urban infill near existing services and destinations that people can easily walk or bike to, but suburban expansion that will generate lots of trips by car. One of the two subdivision entries joins Los Carneros Way just before entering Los Carneros Road, about 350 yards before the freeway onramp to Santa Barbara.
• The problem is that the bikelane is on the right side of three traffic lanes, one of which will become a dedicated right-hand turn onto the freeway about halfway up the hill. Motorists will be changing into and out of the right lane as bicyclists will be crossing to a bicyclist slot one lane to the left.
• What's the best treatment for bicyclists safety? We have two suggestions:
• Install an R4-4 sign before the weaving of traffic—shown above.
• Dash the bikelane across the righthand lane to the between-lane bike slot.
• The R4-4 sign will alert motorists that bicyclists may be weaving across their lane. The dashed lane likewise tells motorists that they are crossing a place where bicyclists might be. The alternative to the dashed lane is to have the right side bikelane end and the center bike slot appear, but this may lead to hesitation, misunderstanding, and even greater danger.
• In approaching any freeway entrance like this, look in your mirror, find a gap in traffic, and signal your intention to shift lanes. Given the difficult Los Carneros situation, this may be the best treatment and action possible.
• Otherwise, please hurry up Goleta with separate bike/pedestrian crossings and plan new 101 crossings with no freeway ramps.

Federal transportation act being rewritten

• Reauthorization of the massive, six-year Federal transportation act "TEA-21" is happening this year. What is done in Washington this year will effect funding and quality of bicycle projects in Santa Barbara County and elsewhere for years to come.
• There is a coalition—America Bikes—of eight national bicycle groups that are helping members of Congress forge a favorable act for us all. They have identified four major items to include in the new act:
• support a Safe Routes to School program
• continue the funding that is building bike facilities in communities across the country
• help develop a seamless bicycle transportation network
• insure that new road projects are safe for bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Since the outstanding ISTEA transportation act of 1991, and its successor TEA-21 in 1997, the acts have brought 1137 bicycle and pedestrian projects to California worth $107 million.
• As the act moves through Congress, we will sieze opportunities to speak out as they appear. With a weak economy facing our nation, calls for cuts in non-motorist programs are being heard. For more details on this struggle and America Bikes, go to www.americabikes.org.

Right to have access

• The right to have access to every building in the city by private motorcar in an age when everyone possesses such a vehicle, is actually the right to destroy the city

• — Lewis Mumford

County responds to Coalition's request



With no shoulder and more traffic, Purisima Road is increasingly dangerous for bicyclists. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Purisima Road, just north of Lompoc, is a popular road for bicyclists, but it's also a major connector road between Highway 1, La Purisima Mission, and Highway 246. Traffic is increasing significantly as new housing projects are being built along Purisima Road and Highway 1, and the Allan Hancock College Lompoc Valley Center increases enrollment.
• The Bicycle Coalition, the Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club, and individuals in Lompoc urged the County Supervisors to add shoulders to the narrow, two-lane road. Our thanks to Joni Gray for moving this project into the Project Study Report (PSR) stage. Funding and construction will follow, but it's moving ahead.

Andy Singer

Cathedral Oaks path opens in Goleta



Few things are as nice for bicycling as the new, smooth Cathedral Oaks bikepath. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Another section of bikepath along the mountain side of Cathedral Oaks Road in Goleta has just been finished. It's part of a long-planned path between La Patera Lane on the east and Winchester Canyon on the west.
• Although some question the need for a separate path next to a road that has bikelanes, few will argue that for young children and those uncomfortable riding next to fast roadway traffic, it makes sense. Try the nice new, mile-long segment when you have a chance.

Santa Barbara fixes tile crosswalks



Santa Barbara's broken tile crosswalks are being replaced with brick set in concrete. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Although State Street's tile crosswalks looked beautiful when they were installed in Downtown Santa Barbara, they have always been slippery when wet. Plus, they've broken and been patched, making conditions hazardous.
• Thankfully, the City is replacing them with brick. They'll be more durable and give better traction. Thanks for making the most popular bike street in town safer for us all.

April meeting topics

• Our April 1 meeting took place in the evening at Sizzler Restaurant in Goleta. A small group of topics were discussed.
• Pierre Delong and Ralph Fertig are coordinating Earth Day activities. We will have bike mechanics offering free check-ups, a bike park area, raffle prizes for those who bike to the festival, and a separate booth.
• The Santa Maria City Council was meeting the same evening to vote on saving the SM Valley railroad corridor for a future trail.
• The Goleta Valley Cycling Club is seeking projects to support. We discussed replacing missing or vandalized bikeway signs, Eastside and Westside Santa Barbara bike workshops, and bike lights to give away.
• The transportation content of the Isla Vista plan was found lacking in encouraging bicycling.
• Bicyclist counts at South Coast schools, started by Steve Morris, should be continued.

Rail-to-trail rejected by Santa Maria Council

• On April 1, the Santa Maria City Council chose not to help others obtain an abandoned 5-mile section of railroad for a new trail. The Bicycle Coalition had sent a letter to the Council urging their support of the project. At the meeting, Larry Moore, John Klingensmith, Jim Atchison, and Bailey Hudson spoke in favor of a trail; several farmers spoke against it. Allan Hancock College president Ann Foxworthy was concerned about student safety if a trail or excursion train runs there.
• Councilmember Marty Mariscal made a motion to support the 1.5-mile railroad corridor that's within the City limits, and does not cut through agricultural land, but it was defeated 2-to-3, with Mariscal and Bob Orach voting for it. A motion to do nothing passed, 3-to-2.
• Is this the end? Perhaps, unless a group comes forth to save the corridor without the City's blessing.

Coalition helps guide new Goleta Plan



Workshop participants broke into small groups to list desirable community attributes. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• During the week of March 23, there were five public meetings that started a two-year process of writing a state-required General Plan for the City of Goleta. At each meeting, about 50 people participated, bringing ideas about what they envision for an ideal community.
• Ralph Fertig represented the Bicycle Coalition at one of the meetings when he spoke for bicycling facilities—especially bikelanes and bikepaths, the need for safe routes to school, and the benefits that exercise brings to our sedentary-lifestyle neighbors. Several other people likewise mentioned bicycling, so it went on record as a serious transportation consideration. Off-road biking was not mentioned, although several people did talk about the need for open space and parks.
• There will be many opportunities to speak out and comment during the process that will be finalized in late 2004. Of special interest to us is the Circulation Element that is a required part of the General Plan. That element will determine whether motorists will dominate Goleta's future, or whether residents will have a real choice how they get around: by car, foot, bike, or bus.
• This was only the beginning. Watch the local newspapers, Quick Release, and our email list for updates. If you live in Goleta, definitely become part of the process.

Active members

• Please thank and support the following businesses that are Bicycle Coalition members:
• King Cycle Group, Shasta Lake
• MarBorg Industries, 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 member Kathleen Boehm from Santa Barbara. Plus we're very grateful to the following who renewed their memberships: David & Teresa Bothman, Burt Romotsky, Erika Lindemann, Eva Inbar, Chuck Anderson, Nicola Gordon, and Grant House.

Bikepath cleanup



Iceplant growing over path. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Our thanks to Claude Garciacelay at County Parks for immediately fixing the overgrown bikepath at Goleta County Beach. It took a photo of the condition emailed from Ralph Fertig to Wilson Hubbell, who sent it on to Garciacelay. Within two days, the iceplant that had covered half of one lane was gone. "We just happened to have a crew of workers on site and it was good timing," wrote Garciacelay. "Glad to help when we can."