September
2005

Voters favor bicycle facilities over widening 101 or commuter rail

• On August 17th, results of the crucial SBCAG survey of voter opinion on Measure D half-cent sales tax renewal were released. What it tells us is that voters in Santa Barbara County give top priority to spending their transportation tax dollars on alternative transportation measures—for bike, train, bus or foot—above those for relieving traffic congestion, or maintaining existing streets, or improving public safety. The differences are shown in the pie chart above.
• When individual alternative transportation projects were considered by those surveyed, safe routes for kids biking or walking to school was favored by 84% of the voters—tied for top alternative place with more bus service. Bicycling paths and facilities still had 72% of the surveyed voters strongly or somewhat favored. And neighborhood traffic calming measures that increase our safety by slowing motorists, came in at 73%.
• All three bicycling-related projects were ahead of the proposed and highly-publicized commuter rail between Ventura and Santa Barbara that 69% favored. The bar graph below shows how bicycling measures compare with other alternative transportation measures. Separately, although it's not an alternative project, the controversial widening of Highway 101 between the Ventura County line and Santa Barbara achieved a 70% voter favor—again, less than that for bicycling.
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• With 72%-84% of the voters favoring bicyclist-related projects, it is a strong indication that, if explicitly included in the new Measure D, they will help the measure achieve the two-thirds vote needed to pass. Conversely, if not included, it might jeopardize passage.
• This "Survey of Santa Barbara County Voters Regarding the Feasibility of Renewing the Measure D Sales Tax" is the critical survey that SBCAG's Gregg Hart told us about at our August 2nd Bicycle Coalition meeting.
• Tramutola LLC (web site http://tramutola.com) is the head consulting firm hired by SBCAG to assess and advise on the tax renewal process. They worked with True North Research (www.TN-Research.com) that conducted the survey. At the SBCAG meeting, Tramutola president Larry Tramutola emphasized several times that proper measure components must be crafted for the renewal to pass. He urged government jurisdictions to seriously reconsider the current apportionment where 70% of the Measure D tax goes to the cities and the County for transportation expenses of their choice, and 30% goes to major roadway projects. He further suggested that, out of the 30-year life of the tax, it might include a review of the structure every five years.
• The survey's conclusion is that voters favor a balanced tax plan that includes not only alternative modes, but also programs that address traffic congestion, road maintenance, and public safety. Larry Tramutola emphasized that only if the right package of measures are included in the renewal proposal will it have a good chance of passing. Still, with a 30-year tax bringing in a projected $2 billion, it will only partially fund our mobility needs—so some things will be included in the tax and others left out.
• What's next? SBCAG Board of Directors told their staff to come up with a possible package to be presented to them at their September 15th meeting in Santa Maria. Our Bicycle Coalition will be watching and working to include bicyclist-favorable conditions in the tax renewal package.

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Dobberteen responds to bicyclist conditions

• County Public Works transportation worker Matt Dobberteen has been thankfully taking an active role in addressing bicycling issues within Santa Barbara County.
• First, there was the bicyclist logo overlay problem on Hollister Avenue bikelanes near Goleta. New logos were painted over existing ones, but a different stencil was used, resulting in a confusing pattern as seen in the photo. Dobberteen looked into the situation, and apologized for the work. It was discussed at our monthly meeting on August 2nd, and we agreed to leave the existing logos, but make sure that it doesn't happen again.
• Second, in response to Chris Orr's concerns about overgrowing weeds and deteriorating surfaces on the bikepath connecting Goleta Beach with William Moffett Road (near the Santa Barbara Airport), Dobberteen took action. The vigorous weeds will be mowed in late August, and cost estimates made for repaving the path in 2006/2007 as funds become available. That connecting section of path is popular as a route between Goleta and UCSB, so a safe way of travel is needed.

The Calle Real bikelane on the right of the right-turn lane will be fixed by the County. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Third, the County's section of Calle Real between Santa Barbara and Goleta was recently repaved. However, bikelanes on the mountain side were striped as they were previously, not according to Caltrans' standards. As seen in the photo, the bikelane continues to the right of a dedicated right-turn lane, trapping bicyclists against turning motorists—mostly big trucks heading to the County's transfer station. This section, and a similar one at Turnpike intersection, will be restriped for bicyclist safety. Our thanks to Dobberteen for all these actions that help us all.

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SAFETEA-LU signed

• The massive $286.4 billion federal transportation act was finally—after two years of haggling—approved by Congress and signed by our president in August. The acronym SAFETEA-LU will serve for cumbersome real name. Implementation details for programs described in the 1000+ page document will emerge in coming months. In general, it appears to be a success for bicyclists, but only if we actively seek funds for projects. Otherwise, others get the money.

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CycleSmart bicyclist education news

• Road 1 Course in Ventura
• We have no Street Skills class scheduled for September because there will be one in Ventura following the Walk/Bike California conference:
• Classroom Workshop, September 16, 5:30-9:30 PM ($30)
• On-road Workshop, September 17, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM ($30)
• The basic nine-hour course is perfect as a primer for those cyclists who wish to gain a full understanding of how to safely operate a bicycle in a variety of situations. The class includes learning how to perform a bicycle safety check, fix a flat, learn on-bike crash avoidance skills, practice gearing, and manage in traffic. There will be a student manual and an interactive multimedia discussion. Students will gain confidence by knowing that they are riding legally and safely. The class is open to all adults and children over 14.
• Students who pass both the classroom and on-road workshops, obtain a LAB certificate of completion. The classes are limited to 30 students who must have:
• Street legal multi-speed bicycle
• Bicycling helmet
• Ability to ride at least a couple miles.
• There are four League Certified Instructors (LCIs) teaching this course: Jim Baross, Chris Quint, Tim Bustos, and Lance Christensen.
• You can register online, using the conference registration form found at www.walkbikecalifornia.org.

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We thank our active members

• Please thank and support the following Bicycle Coalition business members:
• Bicycle Bob's, Santa Barbara & Goleta
• Commuter Bicycles, Santa Barbara
• Jeffrey Stoutenborough, Architect, Santa Barbara
• King Cycle Group, Portland OR
• Nett & Champion Insurance Services, Santa Barbara
• Open Air Bicycles, Santa Barbara
• Pedal Power Bicycles, Santa Maria
• Piekert Group Architects, Santa Barbara
• We welcome our newest Bicycle Coalition members Carol Tokar, Susan Garrett, Peter Grim, Aubrey Spilde, Scott & Stacia Young, and Anne Chen. We additionally thank those who renewed their memberships: Mark McClure, June & Alex Pujo, Robert Young, Ken Yamamoto, Ron Williams, Annemarie Horner, Dennis Thompson, and Richard Duane Rosenbaum.

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Quick Release online

• It's taken Bicycle Coalition webmaster Ralph Fertig nearly a year, but he just finished reformatting all 165 issues of Quick Release for our web site. They were reworked for several reasons: old photos needed color and contrast improvements, coding was inconsistent from one year to the next, and newer browsers are now expecting more recent standards.
• Recreated using Dreamweaver software, they now use a template that can be altered or updated at any time, and all 165+ issues will automatically be updated as well. Also, they now conform to XHTML format standards, so they should be good for years.
• Next, he plans to create a new standard for all other site pages. And other content is coming. Check back on our history in old issues, and watch for new things.

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Coalition Member BBQ a fun time for all



Dru van Hengel with new family member Riley enjoy the day at our Member BBQ. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Thanks to Gastón Renjel, Drew Hunter, and Michael Kwan for organizing our fourth annual Member Appreciation BBQ. This year it took place at Arroyo Burro County Park on July 31, bringing 25 members and family together for a pleasant afternoon near the ocean. Good food everywhere, great company, and sack races to keep us hopping. What a fine way to spend a sunny afternoon!

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Stage race coming to our county in 2006

• The Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España are well known cycling stage races, and now California is joining them. The Tour of California will take place in February 2006, and it's passing through Santa Barbara County.
• Details are still being negotiated, but it seems certain that one day's stage will begin in San Luis Obispo, and the next day's stage will end in Thousand Oaks. It's probable that Santa Barbara will be the in-between stop—the Tour management has already booked 350 rooms in local hotels.
• Former Los Angeles Mayor and avid bicyclist Richard Riordan is overseeing the project for California. He notes, "... the visibility generated from the Tour of California will reinforce our efforts to showcase many of California's magnificent and diverse tourism attractions".
• California Pro Cycling's Ken Bishop is organizing the event. Bishop enthuses, "The United States needs a high profile international stage race and California has the terrain, scenic beauty and major media markets that will make this one of the biggest annual sporting events in the world."
• We'll be hearing more as this exciting race comes zipping through our county.

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New Santa Ynez Valley bike touring business

• Bicycle touring enthusiasts Corey Evans and Tim Gorham have opened a new business in Santa Ynez called "Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours."
• Gorham brings knowledge and experience from tours both he and his wife took abroad in Italy and Portugal. Evans, a native resident and owner of Dr J's Bicycle Shop in Buellton, as well as promoter of local races, has bicycle toured through the Central Coast and Northern California. They both want to share the cycling paradise of northern Santa Barbara County with others.
• They are offering half-day and full-day guided bicycle tours around the Santa Ynez Valley wine country, modified to match the skill level of any rider. They also rent road bicycles for those who wish to pedal off on their own.
• In addition, they offer a multi-day tour through Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. It is all-inclusive, with four-star inns, bike rentals, SAG support, wine tasting, airport pick-up, gourmet dining, and more. They expect to add other tours in the future.
• In a few weeks, they will have a grand opening, but until then, check out their site www.winecountrycycling.com. Phone them any time at 686-9490.

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Infrequent rider Malone shifts gears
by David Madajian



Neil Malone with his new commute bicycle in front of the secure bicycle cage at Raytheon. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Neil Malone is an engineer who was transferred to Raytheon in Santa Barbara about seven years ago; he then bought a house about one mile away. Up until the Team Bike Challenge, his main mode of transportation was to drive his car alone. He tried to walk a few times, but gave it up because of the additional time it took. Neil grew up on a farm where his main mode of transportation was a bicycle, but didn't ride much as an adult except for an occasional trip to the beach. Neil is a competitive person and the idea about competing against other teams appealed to him when he was recruited by a co-worker tasked to find an "infrequent rider" to participate on the Raytheon Bike Challenge team.
• Neil purchased a very basic bike for $200 new, but was very impressed with the technology and found it much superior to the bikes of his childhood. Neil entered the Bike Challenge and soon found that by cutting across Girsh Park he could avoid one stop light and get to work faster than he could be car. Neil has been riding daily ever since and finds the benefits are stress relief and relaxation. He can't imagine making it though the day without his morning bike ride with mountain views.
• In addition to living close to work, the other advantage Neil has is that Raytheon has a secure covered bicycle cage so he doesn't need to bother with a lock and chain.
• Neil lived in Seattle for 10 years and is eager for us to have a winter Challenge with bonus points for riding in the rain.

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Bike Challenge fills wallets and cleans air

• Traffic Solutions' successful Team Bike Challenge last June was not only fun for all team members, but it saved us money and cleaned our air. Kent Epperson reports that the month-long event took bicyclists on an estimated 44,794 miles. By biking instead of driving, we saved:
• 16,126 dollars
• 2,196 gallons of gasoline
• 1,598 pounds of polluting emissions.
• Perhaps better, there was a 24% increase in trips by bicycle after the Challenge ended. We're looking forward to the Team Bike Challenge 2006—and in the meantime, feeling pretty healthy.

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Bike traffic signals now allowed here

• There may or may not be uses for separate traffic signals dedicated to bicyclist traffic in our county, but a California bill now allows them. In a Davis experiment, their use greatly reduced crashes at an intersection. San Francisco, Palo Alto and San Diego have installed them or propose to. Think about where they might help us locally.

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Walk/Bike conference for all of us

• This coming September 14-16, the second biennial "Walk & Roll California 2005" conference will attract people to Ventura. In addition to the conference itself, there are pre-conference workshops, and post-conference events, including weekend tours of Santa Barbara. Details are available at www.walkbikecalifornia.org, but here are some highlights:
• Design for Bicyclists in California workshop
• This half-day Caltrans workshop (8:00 AM-12:00 noon) was developed for local agency planners and engineers, transportation and traffic consultants, and community managers/planners who are involved with projects for bicyclists. The course will be run by Dr. Xudong Jia, a transportation professor at Cal State Pomona; and by Maggie O'Mara, Senior Transportation Engineer at Caltrans. Cost is $40.
• Design for Pedestrians in California workshop
• This is the companion workshop (1:00-5:00 PM) to the above bicyclist session, conducted by the same two instructors. Cost is $40.
• The Conference

This is one image from Ralph Fertig's presentation on marketing bicycling; it shows increases in web site visitors since 2000.

• Walk & Roll California consists of a kick-off reception at City Hall, an opening plenary session, 32 individual breakout sessions to chose from, and an evening party at the Museum of History. Cost for the conference is $349. There will be presentations by Bicycle Coalition members, as follows:
• Eva Inbar, on AB 1886, the school zone double fine program in Santa Barbara. Thursday, 9:45 AM.
• Dru van Hengel, Santa Barbara's sidewalk infill program, Thursday, 11:15 AM.
• Dru van Hengel, safe routes to school program, Thursday 1:35 PM.
• Erika Lindemann, our CycleSmart program, Thursday, 2:50 PM.
• Ralph Fertig, our marketing of bicycling and Santa Barbara Car Free's programs, Friday 9:45 AM.
• Santa Barbara Recharge
• Following the conference, we're offering a "Santa Barbara Recharge" weekend for participants. It consists of two organized Saturday events—a bike facilities tour led by Ralph Fertig, and a walking tour led by Eva Inbar. Both tours are free, but preregistration is required. The Recharge weekend is described at this location: www.sbbike.org/recharge/SB.pdf.
• The free bike facilities tour is limited to 30 people. Conference people are given priority; however, if you're interested in joining us on the 30-mile, 4-hour tour, phone Fertig at 962-1479 or email him sb-ralph@cox.net. It will be a chance to meet bicycle people from elsewhere in California.

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Oregon staves off obesity trend with biking

• A recent study released by Trust for America's Health documents an increase in obesity for all US states—except for Oregon.
• While Oregon's adult obesity rate of 21% is less than California's 22% and way below Mississippi's 28%, it's still above least-heavy Colorado at 16%. However, Oregon is the only state to have stemmed the tide of weight gain. What is different there?
• A recent article notes that 10% of Portland residents bike to work on the network of bikepaths in the city. The urban design encourages outdoor activities like walking and biking that make a difference. Obesity expert Tom Farley notes that in America "Physical activity has been engineered out of our world. It should be natural and normal to be physically active." The lesson is that we must provide an urban structure that encourages activities—like biking.

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Bikestation progress in Santa Barbara



The Granada Garage is moving upward quickly. The Bikestation will occupy the corner shown here, appropriately next to the Coffee Cat cafe. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Our county's first Bikestation is under construction as part of Santa Barbara's Granada Garage structure. Work is accelerating in order to open the parking area by Thanksgiving. The Bikestation portion, however, will follow—it's set to open for bicyclists in early 2006. It will be an unattended subscription service providing secure bike parking—and maybe more amenities—to members. Thanks to the City's Dru van Hengel for shepherding this project through for us. Just hold onto your bikes for now, it's coming!

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August Coalition meeting topics

• Our August 2nd Bicycle Coalition attracted 9 people to our new meeting place at the Santa Barbara Bank & Trust's Community Room in Santa Barbara. We discussed these topics:
• Ralph Fertig reported that UCSB's "restorative justice" process over impounded bikes took place, and results will be officially released later.
• Erika Lindemann reported that June's Team Bike Challenge exceeded Traffic Solutions' most optimistic expectations, and they are considering 2006 improvements suggested by participants.
• SBCAG's representative Gregg Hart talked about Measure D tax renewal, and the importance of a 1000-voter survey being conducted shortly. The survey will indicate whether the renewal has any chance of passing. Results will be given to SBCAG board on August 18.
• Ralph Fertig described the upcoming Walk/Bike California conference in Ventura, and urged people to participate.
• Matt Dobberteen led a discussion about bikelane logos on Hollister Avenue in Goleta; it was decided to let current ones alone, but to pay more attention to future logo consistency.
• Ralph Fertig described Jose Gonzalez' interest in teaching a cycling class for kids in 2006 as part of Santa Barbara's Parks & Recreation summer program.
• The new SAFETEA-LU federal transportation bill has been passed by both houses of Congress, and now needs the president's signature. It's looking promising for bicycle facility funding.
• Drew Hunter reported that our Member BBQ was a success, with about 25 people there. Thanks to Gastón Renjel for paying for the park rental.
• A possible conflict between kids biking to Santa Barbara High School and proposed intersection bulb-outs on Anapamu was discussed.

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More bikers at Elings



Dirt racers have little time to enjoy the scenery during the tough hour-long events. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Mike Hecker, manager of the Santa Barbara Twilight Dirt Crits reports that participation has increased this year over 2003 and 2004. The series of six races ran each Tuesday between July 26 and August 30, attracting 40 racers by the time the third race in the series took place.
• Elings Park provides a splendid bike course, with unparalleled views in all directions. Thanks to Hecker for organizing this top-notch series of summer races.