THIS WEEK:
Despite the cold spell, three SF elementary schools still had big bike and walk to school trains last week! Congrats to our Safe Routes to School Partners for getting more families rolling. NEWS & UPDATES City Bicycle Counts Show a 96% Increase in Ridership!
We’re thrilled, though not surprised, to see that more and more people are discovering how easy, fun and convenient biking is in San Francisco. More biking means a better San Francisco for everyone — safer streets for everyone, more open seats on Muni and more available parking spots for people who really need them. No other mode of transportation is growing as fast or has a higher return on investment in terms of improving our city for everyone. It’s time for the City to truly invest in our bicycle network, and ensure that our City’s streets are welcoming and comfortable for the growing number of people riding. Read more about the counts and download the Report here. Business Leaders Show Support for Bike/Ped Improvements
While there have been a few vocal merchants opposing bike projects (namely on Polk Street), the hearing revealed that many San Francisco business owners understand and have experienced first hand that bikes are good for business. In San Francisco, adding bike lanes has already benefitted local businesses, as many merchants testified. If you own or work at a local business that supports bike and pedestrian improvements to your street, let our Business and Community Program Manager, know at paolo@sfbike.org. Or become a business member and make your workplace more bike-friendly. The holidays are a great time to use your SF Bicycle Coalition member discount to save while you shop all over town! Plus — by shopping at the over 65 discount partner bike shops, cafes and stores you can take pride in knowing that your holiday gift is supporting a local bike-friendly business. Visit our website for the most up-to-date list of discount locations and flash your membership card for special discounts! The San Francisco Fire Department has come out in opposition to bike and pedestrian safety projects around the city, saying these projects may reduce response times. These officials are charged with ensuring public safety, and this misperception is patently wrong and dangerous. As SF Streetsblog points out, the Fire Chief even went so far as to publicly blame the victims, stating erroneously that in collisions pedestrians are responsible for being hit 74% of the time, when in fact the City data shows unsafe driving to be the cause of majority of the injury collisions. SF Bicycle Coalition staff recently went on a ride with the Fire Department to see the city from their vantage, and it was clear: bike lanes and bulbouts actually make it easier for their large vehicles to get through busy streets. Bulbouts are much easier to drive over than parked cars at corners, and bike lanes provide critical, extra room for cars to pull over, allowing for easier access for the trucks when responding to emergencies. Currently, the Fire Department is trying to block bike and pedestrian improvements on 2nd Street and Masonic, two of the city's most unsafe corridors for people biking and walking. We need to send the message loud and clear that safer streets are non-negotiable. Email the San Francisco Fire Commission (cc: paolo@sfbike.org and mayoredwinlee@sfgov.org) to voice your support for safer streets for all. Lessons from CycleTracksThe San Francisco County Transportation Authority recently announced some of the findings from its relatively new CycleTracks phone app. According to data created by CycleTracks users, San Franciscans were willing to bike twice as far if they were in a bike lane, and infrequent riders were willing to bike almost four times as far. Even more evidence of the power of our Connecting the City vision. Geek out on more bike data, and/or download the app.VIDEO: Fire Trucks and Bike Lanes
CHAIN OF EVENTSCheck out our online calendar of events. To add your bike event to our calendar, simply email the details to us. Wenesday, December 18 SF Bicycle Coalition Volunteer Night This twice-monthly SF Bicycle Coalition tradition has been happening for as long as we can remember and newcomers are always welcome. So stop by, snack on tasty treats, chat with fellow members and bike enthusiasts and help us keep our organization rolling. Dinner is provided. Bring a friend -- the more the merrier! Don't forget to bring up your bike to the office. No RSVP necessary. Special thanks to Rainbow Grocery for generously providing snacks for our volunteers. Mission SF Bicycle Coalition Member Committee Meeting Join us for our monthly SF Bicycle Coalition Member Committee meeting for the Mission District meeting. Discuss current and potential campaigns to make the Mission safer and enjoyable for people biking. Columbus Beautiful Come join this community-based group in our push for a safer Columbus Avenue. We want improved biking on this historic street along with wider sidewalks to make the experience on Columbus even better. Can't make it? Email Janice to learn more and write a letter to Supervisor Chiu in support of the plan!
Thursday, December 19 The "JRA". A Ladies Only Bike Ride! * Come on a nice easy ride and meet other women who bike in the City. The JRA is a place to: share stories/safety tips/favorite commute routes, ride through neighborhoods you don't usually, appreciate the beauty of San Francisco, make new friends, unwind after work, introduce your daughter to biking in a big City, try something new or build your biking community in a real, positive way.
Saturday, December 20 Rec Ride: Solstice Sunset Beach Party Ride * Celebrate the shortest day of the year with Rock the Bike. Ride at 4PM to Ocean Beach to watch the sunset before we ride back. Possible beach bonfire. El Arbol will be in attendance. May be cold. Dress appropriately. Bring lights! Event details Cycle Chic Films // SF Screening & Party * Earlier this year, Vancouver Cycle Chic produced a series of short films to highlight the diversity, creativity, and humanity of two-wheeled transportation, and inspire others to consider giving it a try. Producer Chris Bruntlett is in town for an exclusive screening and party to talk briefly about how and why they were made. Please join them for a drink, a chat, a bite, and maybe a few surprises. Doors are at 5pm. Films start at 6pm. Event details (Events not sponsored by the SF Bicycle Coalition are marked with an *) Join the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and make San Francisco great for bicycling
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San Francisco Bicycle Coalition - 833 Market Street, 10th Floor - San Francisco, CA 94103 |  |
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