MARIN COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION (MCBC)
WEEKLY BULLETIN
April 30, 2009
“States must spend 3 percent of their [American Reinvestment and Recovery Act] allocation on the Transportation Enhancements program, which is a primary source of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure funding. The remainder of the “highway” money also creates an opportunity to build complete streets. All of the highway funding is flexible, and bicycle and pedestrian projects are eligible. The 3 percent in Transportation Enhancements is a floor not a ceiling.”
--USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood, on his blog on Earth Day
1. MTC’s Regional Transportation Plan increases bike funding
2. Cyclists ride FREE on the Larkspur Ferry during May
3. Call for projects - Suggest one (or many) to your municipality
4. Come Ride With MCBC!
5. Support the adoption of Mill Valley's Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan - May 6
6. Third-grader selected as 2009 Bike Commuter of the Year
7. Piatti's Dine for Dollars supports MCBC
8. Sign up for the Team Bike Challenge
9. Secretary LaHood’s blog supports bicycling infrastructure projects
10. San Francisco Sunday Streets honors the Bay Trail's 20th anniversary
11. 3rd Annual A4B Mountain Bike Film Festival and Party
1. MTC’s Regional Transportation Plan increases bike funding
On April 22, 2009 the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) adopted the Transportation 2035 Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area, which specifies how $218 billion in anticipated federal, state and local transportation funds will be spent in the 9 Bay Area counties over the next 25 years.
MCBC worked with the Bay Area Bicycle Coalition (BABC) and other county bicycle coalitions to win a five-fold increase from the $200 million of funding for the Regional Bike Network promised in the 2030 Plan to $1 billion over 25 years! The new RTP also funds the very successful Safe Routes to Transit (SRTT) and Safe Routes to School (SR2S) programs for $10 million/year each over the next 5 years. MCBC’s Advocacy Director Deb Hubsmith serves as Advocacy Chair for the BABC and helped lead their RTP campaign over the past 2.5 years. Hubsmith says, “Involvement at the regional level is critical for improving bicycle infrastructure in Marin County and the Bay Area, while setting the pace for the nation. We are grateful that MTC has recognized the important role of bicycling for improving safety, increasing mobility, and addressing climate change, which are all core principles of MTCs plan.”
A recent article on Streetsblog has more on the story. Andrew Casteel, Executive Director of BABC, urged commissioners to start funding SRTS, SRTT and bicycle network improvements within the first two years of the RTP. Citing climate action plans in Portland, Oregon, to realize 20 percent of all trips in the city by bicycle by 2030, Casteel said, "The more available infrastructure for bikes, the more people will shift onto bikes as a mode of transportation. The investment in bicycling can be done quickly. Building out that network has a lasting effect after it’s put there. It does continue to create that mode shift."
2. Cyclists ride FREE on the Larkspur Ferry during May
Golden Gate transit has recently completed a $1.3 million renovation project for the parking lot at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal to boost car parking by 217 spaces ($5,990/space - could have given away 1,000 nice bikes). In addition the district was required to spend $50,000 ($1,250,000 less than on car parking) to re-open a bike and pedestrian pathway that had been blocked by overflow parking for most of the past five years. By allowing the path to be blocked the district was in violation of a 1974 San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission permit. Free ferry rides are being offered on weekends throughout May and on Memorial Day as part of a restitution plan.
This special offer is available on May 2 and 3; May 9 and 10; May 16 and 17; May 23, 24 and 25.
Free rides DO NOT apply to Sausalito Ferry service, AT&T Park service, KaBoom service (May 9) and Bay to Breakers service (May 17). For complete details, click here or call 511/TDD 711.
3. Call for projects - Suggest one (or many) to your municipality
Bicycle and pedestrian projects included
The Marin County of Department of Public Works has made funding available to local municipalities for the signing and striping of new bicycle and pedestrian projects. These funds come from the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program. The funding will cover signing and striping for NEW facilities - they can't be used to repair existing facilities.
Do you have a project in mind? A new bike lane? An improved intersection? A new crosswalk? Curb cuts? Safety railing? You get the idea...
MCBC asks that you contact your local Department of Public Works Director or City Contact and suggest a project. If you do, please be sure to copy David Hoffman, MCBC's Director of Planning on your suggestion (david@marinbike.org). If you live in the County's unincorporated area, contact Dan Dawson (DDawson@co.marin.ca.us).
MCBC thanks the County of Marin for making these funds available for badly needed local bicycle and pedestrian projects!
4. Come Ride With MCBC!
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition is offering group rides in Marin
Come join the Marin County Bicycle Coalition for a group ride on May 9, 2009. Riders can join a road ride led by the Marin Cyclists, or a mountain bike ride led by mountain and transportation bike pioneer Joe Breeze. Group rides are a fun way to meet other MCBC members and become a part of Marin’s bicycle culture.
- When: Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 9 a.m.
- Where: Java Hut parking lot in Fairfax, across the street from the MCBC Office ( 733 Center Blvd.)
- What: Mountain or Road ride for beginner and intermediate riders (about 3 hours)
- Fee: Free to MCBC members. Join or renew the day of and receive a special offer!
- Reservations: Contact Jo Ann Richards at 415-456-3469 x7# or joann@marinbike.org
Road: This ride will head out towards Pt. Reyes around the Nicasio Reservoir.
Mountain: This ride will head up Mt. Tam to Lake Lagunitas.
BONUS! Joe Breeze and Michael Schwab will talk about creating the NEW Marin Bicycle Map at BookBeat in Fairfax immediately following the May 9 rides (about 12 noon).
Can’t make it on May 9th? Don’t worry – MCBC is planning a variety of rides for bicyclists of all types and skill levels throughout the year. Future rides will include Marin history tours, nature rides, and a thrift-store ride.
These new group rides are yet another benefit of MCBC membership. Check out our website for more information about the group rides, and all of the benefits of membership. We do the work, you take the ride!
If you have a great idea for a group ride and would like to get involved, please contact Tom Boss at 415-272-2756 or tom@marinbike.org.
5. Support the adoption of Mill Valley's Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan - May 6
Good plan could be a lot better with your support!
On Wednesday, May 6th, Mill Valley will consider adoption of the latest Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for the City. Marin County Bicycle Coalition's assessment is that the plan is good, but it could be a lot better.
We're asking Mill Valley bicyclists to come out on Wednesday, May 6, at 7:30 PM to support adoption of the plan, while also letting the City know how we would like to see it improved. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is the blueprint document that helps to define bicycle and pedestrian projects to be undertaken in the coming years. The plan is only officially updated once every five years.
Specifically, MCBC is requesting:
- That the Mill Valley Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) be reinstated and meet regularly.
- The BPAC to review and recommend that the City adopt changes submitted by MCBC and Transportation Alternatives for Marin (TAM) within the next six months.
- That the City Council to adopt these changes as recommended by the BPAC in as an amendment to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan by the end of 2009.
Click here to download a copy of the letter detailing the changes that MCBC and TAM is requesting.
When: Wednesday, May 6th
Time: 7:30 PM
Where: City Hall - 26 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley
6. Third-grader selected as 2009 Bike Commuter of the Year
Clay Kaufmann rides daily, rain or shine
Feisty, gutsy, and determined. That’s this year’s Bike Commuter of the Year Clay Kaufmann, a third grader at Dixie School in Lucas Valley. Other bike commuters may log more daily miles, but Clay is totally committed. He and his father Mark are often seen riding their bikes in the neighborhood.
Early in the school year when it became apparent that Clay and Mark had not missed a single day riding the one-and-a-half miles to school, Kel Harris, who spearheads the Safe Routes to School effort in the school district, issued a challenge to Clay: if Clay could ride his bike to school every day through the end of school, Clay would receive a special prize. Clay met that challenge, through good days and bad, including rain and foul weather. Dick Dinkelspiel nominated Clay, and says, “Every day, Clay meets the challenge with a smile on his face, standing for the final sprint along the rolling hills to the school, as though he were on the final stage of the Tour.”
Clay will be honored at the Bike to Work Day end-of-day party from 4-6 PM at Mike’s Bikes of Sausalito on May 14.
7. Piatti's Dine for Dollars supports MCBC
Eat fine food to help fund our organization
What's more satisfying than dinner outdoors with a watery view? Eating a fine meal while supporting your local bike advocates!
Piatti Ristorante & Bar in Mill Valley is generously supporting the Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) throughout May with a dining offer you don't want to miss. Stop by for lunch, dinner, brunch or a drink and 10% of your check will be donated to MCBC. Ride your bike to the restaurant - a new bike rack is being installed just for you!
Click here to print out their special offer coupon, write your name on it, and present it to your waiter to request an MCBC contribution in your name. We'll be acknowledging all our Piatti supporters on our website and in the upcoming Pedal Press.
8. Sign up for the Team Bike Challenge
Marin can be NUMBER ONE this year
Get ready to pedal everywhere during the month of May. Form your team for the Team Bike Challenge that kicks off on May 1, 2009. Expand the number of Marin teams – let’s have 40 this year – with new participants. Last year’s winning Marin team, Team Tamiscal, came in 3rd place for the region. We’re looking for first place this year!
The Team Bike Challenge encourages bicycle commuters to form teams of 2-5 people and score points for each day any team member rides his or her bike. This friendly competition lasts the whole month of May. Win the grand prize as the team with the most points.
Teams must have at least one novice rider, earning five points. A “Big Wheel” rider (elected official, journalist, executive) earns four points. “Weekend Warriors” (take long leisure rides and/or participate in organized rides/races, but doesn’t commute by bike) earn three points. “Lifestyle Riders” (seasoned and skilled riders who ride 2 or more times per week for transportation) earn two points.
For more information, click here, or contact Jo Ann Richards, MCBC Bike to Work Day Coordinator, at 415-456-3469 x7# or joann@marinbike.org.
MESSAGES FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
9. Secretary LaHood’s blog supports bicycling infrastructure projects
Dept of Transportation Secretary’s post on Earth Day highlights
The League of American Bicyclists announces:
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood posted on his blog, "When I told the League of American Bicyclists National Bike Summit that 'Cyclists are important users of America's transportation systems,' I meant it. And, when I wrote that, 'With DOT, bicyclists have a full partner in working toward livable communities,' I meant that as well." LaHood even titled the post "Bicycling is an Important Factor in Less Carbon-Intensive Commuting." This isn't the answer to all of bicycling's needs but it is definitely reassuring to know that the Secretary of Transportation supports bicycling advocacy.
Furthermore, LaHood is pushing for bicycling projects. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides $48.1 billion for transportation infrastructure projects to be administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Of that, $27.5 billion is for highways and bridges, with three percent of that for state transportation enhancements - a primary source of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure funding. LaHood even places quotation marks around "highway" in the blog and follows the insinuation with these encouraging words, "All of the highway funding is flexible, and bicycle and pedestrian projects are eligible. The three percent in transportation enhancements is a floor not a ceiling." View your state specific transportation funding info here. Read LaHood's blog here.
10. San Francisco Sunday Streets honors the Bay Trail's 20th anniversary
Mother's Day, May 10th.
Maureen Gaffney of the San Francisco Bay Trail writes:
Sunday Streets transforms miles of San Francisco's roadways on Sunday mornings to provide recreation opportunities, inspire physical activity among participants and connect underserved neighborhoods by providing car-free open space.
Starting April 26th, 2009, San Francisco will present six Sunday Streets events. We are pleased to offer an expanded series of events to meet the enthusiastic demand for more.
The route will link underserved neighborhoods with miles of open, safe roads for participants to walk, bike, play on and enjoy.
Program partners will provide a range of activities, from Yoga, to rollerskating, bike repair and cycling education classes, dance lessons, in addition to the simple enjoyment of the car-free roadways and open space.
- Sunday, April 26: Waterfront Route running along the Embarcadero-from AT&T Park to Aquatic Park.
- Sunday, May 10: Waterfront Route in the Southeast Sector, highlighting the San Francisco Bay Trail, which is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in May. From AT&T Park to the Bayview Opera House, along the Bay.
- Sunday, June 7: New route for 2009 through the Mission, engaging new neighborhoods in the Sunday Streets movement.
- Sunday, July 19: New route for 2009 through the Mission, engaging new neighborhoods in the Sunday Streets movement.
- Sunday, August 9: Great Highway Route. Connecting Golden Gate Park to the San Francisco Zoo, along Ocean Beach.
- Sunday, Sept 6: Great Highway Route. Connecting Golden Gate Park to the San Francisco Zoo, along Ocean Beach.
Click here for more information.
11. 3rd Annual A4B Mountain Bike Film Festival and Party
Sunday, May 17, 6:30-9:00 PM (happy hour begins at 5:00)
Heidi Adler of Access4Bikes writes:
Join Access4Bikes and the Bicycle Trails Council of Marin at the San Rafael Community Center on for an exciting night of food, drink, live music and movies provided by independent filmmakers and bike enthusiasts.
The evening will feature the Marin premier of Freedom Riders, about “a core group of riders who evolved from covertly building rough and unsustainable trails, to creating a precedent setting relationship with the Forest Service and creating some of the best Freeride trails in the country.” Also, many local, international and student shorts, including Bridge to Forest City, Girl Meets Bicycle and Sixer at Six will be shown.
Tickets are a $25.00 donation and proceeds from the event will benefit non-profit Access4Bikes, a Marin County IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) affiliate organization that is working to establish equitable access for bikes on the public trails of Marin. Access4Bikes and IMBA are working with California State Parks and the Marin County Open Space District to expand Marin’s trail network for mountain bikers.
- When: Sunday May 17, 2009
- Where: San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael, CA 94960
- Films begin: 6:30 pm - 9 pm
- Happy Hour: 5:00 - 6:30 with beer from our finest local breweries - Broken Drum, Lagunitas and Iron Springs, buffet dinner and live music by Red Paint
- Cost: $25.00 donation includes everything! Dinner, beer, live music (Red Paint) and films!
Click here for more information.
The event is made possible with the support of Pacific Sun, Mikes Bikes, Lagunitas Brewing, WTB (Wilderness Trail Bikes) and a host of local bike shops and related companies.
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#, kim@marinbike.org
- Tom Boss, Membership Director, 272-2756, tom@marinbike.org
- Jo Ann Richards, Database and Activities Coordinator, 456-3469 x 7#, joann@marinbike.org
- Bob Trigg, Administrator, 456-3469 x 3#, bob@marinbike.org
- Deb Hubsmith, Advocacy Director, 454-7430, deb@marinbike.org
- David Hoffman, Director of Planning, 456-3469 x 4#, david@marinbike.org
- Andy Peri, Advocacy Outreach Coordinator, 457-0802, andy@marinbike.org
- Wendi Kallins, Safe Routes to Schools Program Director, 488-4101, wendi@marinbike.org
- Laura Kelly, Safe Routes to Schools Project Coordinator, 456-3469 x 2#, laura@marinbike.org
- Peggy Clark, Share the Road Program Manager, Safe Routes to Schools Project Coordinator, 456-3469 x 8#, peggy@marinbike.org
- Aviva Joseph, Safe Routes to Schools Teen Coordinator, 456-3469 x 5#, aviva@marinbike.org
- Gwen Froh, Safe Routes to Schools Teen Coordinator, 456-3469 x 5#, gwen@marinbike.org
- Frances E. Barbour, Safe Routes to Schools Instructor, 577-4601, frances@marinbike.org
- Heather Crawford, Safe Routes to Schools Instructor, 456-3469 x 6#, heather@marinbike.org
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