June
2009

Bicycling classes and workshops surge



The number of classes, clinics and workshops for each year. More in 2009 will certainly be added later.

• The number of bicycling classes and workshops in our community has increased dramatically this year compared to prior years. Especially impressive are the number of 2009 bike clinics offered to young people this summer.
• For adults in 2009, Bici Centro is offering Learn-Your-Bike beginner and advanced programs; our Bicycle Coalition has Street Skills for Cyclists classes; Chris Carmichael and Vision Quest have cycling training camps; and IMBA and others have trail care workshops.
• For young people, Bici Centro has Earn-a-Bike programs plus a Youth Open Shop at La Cumbre Junior High School. This summer, the large number of youth programs are described in the table below. All summer classes run for one week, Monday-Friday. For additional details on the Bike Adventures, go here; for BMX and Mountain Bike Camps, go here; and for the Triathlon Camp, go here.
• Sign up soon and spread the good word. This is an exciting trend, it portends well for our future.

Summer 2009 youth bicycle programs

Tim Neenan returns to building bicycles



At the May 16th BBQ and Bike Show, Tim displayed some of his creations and the jig he uses to braze the tubes. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• Earlier this year, Tim Neenan made a decision to return to his career love, building meticulously-crafted bicycle frames under his Lighthouse Cycles trade name.
• From his first bicycle in 1975, to a new job creating gourmet cuisine in 1996, Tim had produced over 1000 bicycles. Over the past 13 years, he served as an executive chef—including cooking for Andy Hampsten's cycling tours in Tuscany.
• Now Tim is back doing what he loves most, building custom frames at his shop in Santa Ynez. In appreciation for what we're doing, he is offering a 10% discount to Bicycle Coalition members.
• In addition, Tim is bringing us an Epicurean Century this October, with 70 miles of gourmet food and cycling in the Santa Ynez Valley.
• Learn about Tim and his bicycles at www.lighthousecycles.com, or phone him at 688-6385.

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May Coalition meeting topics

• Our May 5th monthly Bicycle Coalition meeting was held at noon in Downtown Santa Barbara, with 22 participants talking about these topics:
• We discussed the fine success of Santa Barbara's Earth Day.
• SBCAG's Gregg Hart and Caltrans' Scott Eades solicited ideas for bicyclist improvements that might be included in the Highway 101 widening project between Hot Springs and Bailard Roads.
• Michael Chiacos reported 12 people were interested so far in his newly-launched Bicycle Ambassador program.
• Possible changes to UCSB's Ocean Road were considered in a presentation by Ralph Fertig and discussion that followed. A UCSB workshop on bicyclist safety there took place the next day.
• Traffic Solutions' Commute Challenge had started May 1st. Nearly half our meeting participants are competing in it.
• Upcoming Bike Week events were discussed.
• Sarah Grant reminded everybody that the next Street Skills class begins May 14th.

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Pardall improvements help everybody



This shows the widened Pardall sidewalk with new bike racks, trees and cafe seating. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• After years of planning and months of construction, major improvements to Pardall Road in Isla Vista had an opening celebration on April 30th. The objective was to make the community's commercial center a special place with less traffic and more space for the dominant pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Surface changes include wider sidewalks, reduced car parking, plus new bike racks, trees, and lights. There is a mid-block island between Embarcadero del Mar and Camino Pescadero that stops through motorists.
• Pardall Road changes are part of the Isla Vista Master Plan has been under development since 1999. After 60 public meetings dealing with housing, parking and transportation issues, the Plan was approved by the County Board of Supervisors in 2007. Throughout the process, it was understood that bicycling is the major means of travel in the community—and it will continue to be so for a long time into our future.

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Wet Willy Sez
by Wilson Hubbell

• Dear Wet Willy: I want to raise my stem to get the handlebars higher. There is an "upper limit" line on the stem neck to indicate how high it can go, but to me it looks like it could be raised two inches more and still clamp within the fork's steering tube—and that would fit me perfectly. How about it? — Humped Over
• Dear HO: There are a couple of reasons why the stem should not be raised above the upper limit line, the most important is that the more stem you have showing outside the fork the less stem there is inside the fork. More stem outside means more leverage on whatever is left inside—and you can potentially pull the stem out of the fork or break off the threaded portion at the top of the fork's steering tube. Either one is a disaster.
• There is a solution and that is the Nitto Technomic stem. It comes with an extra long neck so you can get your bars up and still have plenty of "below the limit line" stem left in the steering tube. These are widely available in bike shops and on-line at places like Rivendell Bicycle Works (www.rivbike.com). It is well worth the money!

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Bike Count needs help

• Around the country, there are stories of increasing numbers of bicyclists on city streets. This June, we'll find out what has happened in the city of Santa Barbara since our last count in 2007.
• The count is coordinated by our Bicycle Coalition. Each of 25 intersection counts will take place during a late afternoon two-hour period on one day, each within June 9-11 and 16-18. If you can help, contact Ralph Fertig at sb-ralph@cox.net or 962-1479, or sign up at our June 2nd general meeting. Further info here.

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UCSB workshop plans for bicyclists



This is today's Pardall tunnel that connects Isla Vista with the UCSB campus. The proposed plan would remove it. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• The University of California Santa Barbara's Long-Range Development Plan includes a major housing project along Ocean Road near the western edge of campus. Of major concern for us is the elimination of two bicycle/pedestrian tunnels that pass under today's Ocean Road. The new design means that all 12 Isla Vista streets will connect on street level to Ocean Road, creating multiple potential traffic conflicts.
• On May 6th, UCSB organized a workshop to discuss bicyclist safety. About 20 people attended, including our Bicycle Coalition's Matt Dobberteen, Wilson Hubbell, Ralph Fertig, Nathan Pfaff, Harry Nelson, and Cynthia Boche. Consultant Matthew Ridgway from Fehr and Peers consultants capably ran the meeting. Fertig gave a slide presentation about probable conflicts and possible solutions.
• After three hours, major recommendations were crafted:
• South of Pardall, have shared bike/car lanes, an Ocean Road median, and give east-west bicyclists the right of way.
• North of Pardall, install 11-foot traffic lanes and 5-foot bikelanes. Control intersections differently depending on whether there's a bikepath east of Ocean or not.
• Run Ocean Road straight north so it intersects El Colegio at Stadium Road.
• Close roads to Isla Vista to cars, either at the IV boundary or at Ocean Road, depending on access needed for the new housing.
• This is just part of a process, however it shows the University's concern for our safety and appreciation of our sustainability.

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Bikes and the Climate Bill
by Michael Chiacos

• The Bicycle Coalition, along with other local organizations and elected officials, signed on to a letter by the Community Environmental Council asking Representative Lois Capps for stronger transportation measures in the Climate Bill. The current draft of this important legislation seeks to reduce America's greenhouse gasses 17% by 2020 and 83% by 2050.
• While the main focus of the Climate Bill is on a cap and trade system to reduce greenhouse gases in the electrical and industrial sectors, transportation is also addressed.
• Transportation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing over one third of emissions nationally. In some car intensive areas with cleaner electricity and little industry, like Santa Barbara County, this figure is closer to half of all emissions.
• Our letter asked for inclusion of policies to develop regional and state transportation greenhouse gas targets. The US EPA would work with local planners to reduce vehicle miles traveled while increasing bicycling and transit use. Low carbon fuels and more efficient vehicles would also make contributions to the targets.
• Similar requests are going into this year's federal transportation re-authorization bill, CLEAN-TEA. This bill seeks to change the business-as-usual federal formula of more freeways and sprawl and may focus on supporting transit and active transportation like biking. This year may see a new age in enlightened transportation policy that leads to more bike friendly communities and more people on bicycles!

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Bike Week 2009 entices thousands onto their bicycles



City Councilmember Grant House biked in to join others at Santa Barbara's Bike to Work Day. Photo by Ralph Fertig.



Ed France, rear left, organized a successful BBQ and Bike Show. Photo by Christine Bourgeois.



A young student stands by his steed at Hollister School on Bike to School Day. Photo by Don Lubach.

• Bike Week 2009 is over, but its spirit continues with increased excitement about bicycling within our county. We promoted 16 Bike Week rides, parties, workshops and more this year, attracting cumulative thousands to enjoy the fun of bicycling.
• Looking ahead to 2010, we're seeking your comments and thoughts on how we can promote our favorite means of travel even more. Come to our upcoming general meetings to tell us about what could be improved, added, dropped, or changed.

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Update on Measure A at June 2nd meeting

• Santa Barbara County's 30-year, half-cent transportation tax will take effect in April 2010, just as the current Measure D that it replaces will expire.
• Measure A is considerably more favorable toward funding alternatives to the car than its predecessor tax was. There are several Measure A programs that will benefit bicyclists, and it is important that we take an active role in monitoring the funding.
• To learn more about what's happening with the Measure's Citizens Advisory Committee and the Strategic Plan (it details how funding will take place), come to our June 2nd meeting. SBCAG's Gregg Hart will join us to explain what gears are currently turning, what is yet to happen, and how we might best be involved in assuring the brightest future for people who currently bicycle, plus all those who are watching their wallets, fitness, and environmental degradation while seeking a solution that addresses them all in one pedaling swoop.

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New Carpinteria Public Works Director

• The city of Carpinteria has appointed Charlie Ebeling as their Public Works Director. Previous with the County's Public Works department, Ebeling says that he will work with our Bicycle Coalition and the County's Matt Dobberteen to improve bicycling opportunities in the area.

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Jesusita Fire claims trails and bikes

• The third major South Coast fire in a year swept through our area, scorching 7800 acres and burning 90 homes. The Jesusita Fire left many local trails blocked with rocks, trees and soil. As this goes to print, the cause remains unknown, however it is believed to have been sparked by power tools on the Jesusita Trail. Fire investigators have been talking to trail groups. Chris Orr from the Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers states that virtually all their trail work is done with hand tools, and only a few Forest-Service approved individuals use power tools, and only outside fire season.
• Another major loss on May 6th was hundreds of boxed bicycles stored in a barn in the fire area. Most were shaft-driven Inclines, but there were also Kogas and custom Workman trikes, according to Commuter Bicycles' Eric Schwartz. The Inclines were intended to serve a local bike-sharing program, but they and the others are now sadly lost forever.

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Johan Montoya will bicycle again
by Ralph Fertig

• Many will recall reading about the awful crash between Johan Montoya and an SUV on April 7, 2008. Local newspapers covered it with serious concern and photos of police tape closing off the crash site on Mission Street under Highway 101 in Santa Barbara.
• At the time, the 23-year old Johan was commuting 26 miles a day by bike from Isla Vista to his job in downtown Santa Barbara. He survived after days in critical condition and months of rehabilitation. "I was in the best physical shape in my life at the time of the crash," he notes. "That, and my wearing a helmet, probably saved my life."
• His job at Strategic Healthcare Programs in Santa Barbara was held open for him, and in February he returned from rehab in Los Angeles to our area and his job. "The people here have been unbelieveably supportive," he says.
• Johan has not been bicycling because his bike was mangled and, since it's evidence, the police won't let him fix it. I told him about Bici Centro and the possibility of finding a renovated bike. He promised to visit soon.
• Although he nearly died, and spent months with disorientation and recovery, Johan says today that he believes that he lived for a reason. The pain from the crash was tiny, he notes, compared to the positive joy of life and outpouring of compassion and love that he has experienced since. Each day, he looks forward to life, going to work, and enjoying what could have so easily not been his.

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We thank our active members

• Please thank and support these Bicycle Coalition business members:
• Bicycle Bob's, Santa Barbara
• Nett & Champion Insurance Services, Santa Barbara
• Pedal Power Bicycles, Santa Maria
• Chris King Precision Components, Portland, Oregon
• Hazard's Cyclesport, Santa Barbara
• Dr J's Bicycle Shop, Solvang
• Big Bang PR, www.bigbangpr.net, Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Pedicabs, Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Bike Repair, Santa Barbara
• WheelHouse, Santa Barbara
• Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go, Santa Barbara
• We welcome our new members Mark Bradley, Kent Epperson, Sonja Lindstrom, Nathan Pfaff, Jocelyn Quick, Marian Cohen, Mary Raven, Steve Davis, Elizabeth Soriano, Earl Johnson and Donald Janelle.
• Plus we greatly appreciate those who renewed their memberships: Lorna Owens, Daniel Boffey, Mark Mittermiller, Cheryl Everett, Dave & Christine Bourgeois, Nicola Gordon, Robert Goettler, Kathleen Blake, Mark Gibson, Bob Swinney, Mary Byrd, John Fisher, Keith Coffman-Grey, Courtney Dietz, Sam Chirman, Edward Barrier, Caroline Tesiorowski, Andy Cranmer, Connie Styrwoll, Tom Towle and Dan Gira.

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Santa Barbara Ciclovia, why not?

• Sarah Grant, Santa Barbara's Mobility Coordinator, organized online participation in an hour-long presentation about Clclovias and mobile street festivals. About 10 people in Santa Barbara participated, listening to descriptions of programs in NYC, Miami and Chicago. Our following discussion considered logistics of local street closures, organizing various activities (biking, skating, walking, aerobics, yoga, music, and more), linking neighborhoods, and extending existing activities (like Solstice or Farmers Markets). It's still an idea floating in our minds, however we welcome ideas.

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Carpinteria Council approves new bridges



The Carpinteria City Council listens to public comments. From the Left Councilmembers Clark, Reddington, Carty, Stein and Armendariz. Photo by Ralph Fertig.

• A special session of the Carpinteria City Council was held on May 18th to consider alternative plans for new bridges and other changes in the Highway 101 area in eastern Carpinteria.
• Most of the $70+ million dollars go to replace freeway bridges at Linden Avenue and Casitas Pass Road. The new bridges will be higher, have more traffic lanes, and include bikelanes and sidewalks on both sides.
• Of special interest to bicyclists is moving the bikepath under Highway 101 at Carpinteria Creek out of the creek bed and up onto the western bank.
• Several members of the public, plus Councilmembers Al Clark and Kathleen Reddington, questioned spending so much money and feared that the city was losing its small town feel. "We don't want to turn into Goleta," one speaker said, referring to Goleta's wide roads and freeway bridges.
• Our Bicycle Coalition president Ralph Fertig addressed the Council, praising the overpass bikelanes and higher bikepath along Carpinteria Creek. When asked by Councilmember Reddington whether the 6% reduction in traffic on Carpinteria Avenue, and 2% reduction on Casitas Pass Road could be accomplished without the highway project, Fertig responded "yes."
• The Council finally approved a $73 million alternative that includes a traffic roundabout, with the understanding that opportunities will occur in the future to modify it as the Environmental Impact Report is finalized and the project is considered by the Coastal Commission. It's still years away, but coming closer.

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Tour of California moves to May

• Because of the Amgen Tour of California's stages in Santa Barbara County over the past four years, our area has benefitted in three ways. First, local residents could view, cheer and be inspired by world-class cyclists up close. Second, international TV coverage seen by millions showcased our area as a bicycling destination. Third, visiting fans spent money locally.
• For 2010, the Tour has moved from February to May in order to avoid bone-chilling rain and possibly include a mountain stage in the Sierras. In 2010, it will take place May 16-23, coinciding perfectly with our Bike Week.
• Carol Petersen, co-chair of the Solvang organizing committee confirms that they will again propose a Time Trial in Solvang like one that has attracted thousands of fans to the city over the past three years.
• As for Santa Barbara, there have been stage finishes or starts, or both, in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Barney Berglund, the local committee chairman, would love to see it return in 2010. However, it requires substantial support that has not been forthcoming. A meeting on May 28th will explore possibilities. We'll let you know what happens as we find out.

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