Tuesday, April 22, 2014

SFBC News: Latest on Polk, Marina and a Full Month of Bike Celebrations

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San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Biker Bulletin

April 22, 2014

Dear Kevin,
Your SF Bicycle Coalition membership is current through 12/14/2014. Thank you for being a member!

THIS WEEK:


MAY IS BIKE MONTH and we've packed the calendar with 31 days of bike celebration!
Check out the calendar!


NEWS & UPDATES


It’s Bike & Roll to School Week!

School WeekHooray! This week is the city’s fifth annual Bike & Roll to School Week. This year, over 60 schools across the city are celebrating biking to school. If you’re one of the thousands of parents out there biking with your kids -- hooray! If you’re riding without kids this week, give a cheer and air fives to the families you see rolling by! For even more family biking resources, check out our Family Biking page. Big thanks to Xtracycle, BionX and the New Wheel for donating an awesome electric-assist Edgerunner to raffle off to participating families! See participating schools, get involved and enter the raffle at sfsaferoutes.org

City (Sort of) Funds Biking

Last week, the MTA voted to essentially double funding for biking, but it only jumped from a rounding error (0.46%) to a still tiny fraction of its budget (2%). Unfortunately, the vast majority of this funding is dependent on San Francisco voters approving ballot measures this fall that promise to increase transportation funding. We are heartened that the MTA is moving in the right direction, but concerned that much-needed bike improvements are not budgeted for. The campaign to fund biking is far from over. Learn more and get involved here.

Support More Bikes On-Board Caltrain 

The future of Caltrain is coming! As part of modernizing the system, Caltrain is planning a major electrification project in order to improve safety, reliability and capacity. Right now, Caltrain is drafting the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for this project and will be open to public comment until April 29, when they will submit the final report for review. Our biggest concern? Caltrain’s draft EIR does not consider any improvements for increasing onboard bike capacity or improving access on trains, especially as more people get “bumped” everyday when onboard bike capacity hits its limit. Please take a moment to write a letter today and let them know why this is an issue. Read our latest blog with more information, talking points and how you can take a lead on this issue.

Our North to South Vision Advances

Polk Contraflow_Tim Papandreou creditThis will be a great month for our North to South route as work wraps up on the Polk Street Contraflow and work begins on the San Jose Pilot. Both projects have been at the center of attention for more than a decade as community members organize to make San Francisco a safer and more pleasant place to live. The San Jose pilot will add a northbound, buffered bikeway and remove one lane of traffic south of Randall through the Bernal Cut. Farther up, the Polk Contraflow lane will also allow northbound bicycle traffic to go from Market up to Polk Street, ensuring safe and convenient access to City Hall and businesses on Polk Street. On less encouraging news, the recently approved Potrero Improvements have been delayed by six months, with work now scheduled to begin in late 2014. 
(photo by Tim Papandreou)

A Marina Path for All 

We recently posted a blog that highlighted the need for a clear and open path at the Marina. As a major connection from Fisherman’s Wharf to Golden Gate Bridge, this is one of the busiest paths in the city for people walking, biking, running and much more. The City has been tasked with providing a high quality bicycle and pedestrian experience, but they are being pressured by a small number of boat owners who want to be able to drive and park on this path. There will be one final community meeting in May, so now is the time to influence what is presented at the meeting. Let’s work together to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. Write a letter to the City and Supervisor Farrell to let them know you want to see a clear and open Marina path.  

Get your Orange Ready for the Dutch King’s Day Ride

Dutch King's DayCycling through Golden Gate Park on Kings Day while wearing orange, it truly doesn't get any more Dutch than this! Celebrate the first ever King's Day by joining this free, fun and relaxed bike ride. This is not a Dutch people only event! But you might pick up some Dutch habits...

Saturday, April 26 | 10AM-12PM
Golden Gate Park, Queen Wilhelmina Windmill

The ride will end around 12pm at the Murphy Windmill for the start of the day-long celebrations for the century's first Dutch King's Day (11:30am-5pm) hosted by the Consulate General of the Netherlands. Bicycle activities supported by Login VSI and complimentary valet bicycle parking and provided by the SF Bicycle Coalition. Don't forget to RSVP!

MEMBERS ONLY: New Member Meet & Greet
Wed, April 23 | 6-7:30PM | 833 Market St., 10th Floor 

New Members, join us for tomorrow’s New Member Meet and Greet! If you’ve been a member for less than a year, we warmly invite you to come to this event where you can chat with fellow members, check out the SF Bicycle Coalition headquarters, learn more about your friendly SF bike advocacy organization, and find out about the many different ways you can get involved. Did you know that May 8 is the 20th Anniversary of Bike to Work Day? We'll tell you all about the big day and our Bike Month festivities as well. 

We have plenty of indoor bike parking, so don't forget to bring your bike up! RSVP here.

Bike to Work Day Volunteer Sign-ups Will Close on May 2

Bike to Work DayBike to Work Day is one of the most fun and invigorating days of the year to volunteer and 

we need your help tomake sure thebig day is a success! We have 26 Energizer Stations across the city where we’ll be giving out coffee, snacks, hi-fives and those oh-so-popular tote bags. Check out the available volunteer roles and sign up today! This energetic and inspiring volunteer opportunity is only open to current SF Bicycle Coalition members. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Ride With a Commuter Convoy on Bike to Work Day

Get your morning bike-commute started by joining neighbors and city leaders on a leisurely bike to downtown together. Commuter Convoys meet at 11 locations across the city and depart for downtown at 7:45am on Bike to Work Day–May 8th! All Convoys will end at City Hall for the Bike to Work Day Press Conference. Riders have the option to stay for the event or head off to other locations. Find the ride closest to your home and RSVP.

Farewell to our Deputy Director, Kit Hodge


We are saying goodbye to Kit Hodge, our Deputy Director (and former Great Streets Project Director) after five years of high impact advocacy at the SF Bicycle Coalition and many, many more years as an advocate in New York and Chicago. Kit has been responsible for too many wins and program advancements to list in one paragraph! After she leaves us at the end of the month, she’ll be continuing her work to increase bicycling by launching a company that will lease cargo bikes, with a focus on serving families and businesses. Huge thank you to Kit for years of dedicated service to the SF Bicycle Coalition, and best wishes for her new venture!

CHAIN OF EVENTS


Check out our online calendar of events. To add your bike event to our calendar, simply email the details to us.

Wednesday, April 23


New Member Meet & Greet
6-7:30PM | SF Bicycle Coalition HQ, 833 Market St., 10th Floor
If you’ve been a member for less than a year, we warmly invite you to come to our New Member Meet & Greet! You can chat with fellow members, check out the SF Bicycle Coalition Headquarters, learn more about your friendly SF bike advocacy organization, and find out about the many different ways you can get involved. Don’t forget to bring up your bike! REGISTER NOW

Bike to Work Day Training
6-8PM | SF Bicycle Coalition HQ, 833 Market St., 10th Floor
Volunteers are the heart and soul and muscle and sinew of Bike to Work Day, and we want YOU to come volunteer with us this year! Come to one of our Bicycle Ambassador trainings to get up to date on what’s going on with the SF Bicycle coalition, and learn how to sign up new members. This training will also prepare you to volunteer at races, festivals, Service Stations and other events. RSVP required.

Bike to Theater Night
8-10:30 PM | ACT Theater, 405 Geary Street
Enjoy The Suit, a simple yet surprising tale set in Apartheid-era Johannesburg. This haunting production integrates virtuosic musicians directly into the action. Ticket and Event details. Complimentary valet bicycle parking provided by the SF Bicycle Coalition. To volunteer to valet park bicycles, sign up online.

Thursday, April 24


SF Bicycle Coalition Service Station
7:30AM-9AM | Corner of Fell and Baker Streets
Stop by for a cup of coffee on your way to work and celebrate Bike and Roll to School week with us. Our friendly Bicycle Ambassadors will be out on the street, spreading the word and lots of goodwill. Join or renew for the discounted rate of $25. Plus, we’re giving away free flags to anyone who helped a child bike to school (while supplies last). Stop by and say hi! If you’re a trained Bicycle Ambassador and want to volunteer, sign up online.

Intro to Urban Bicycling Workshop
6-7 PM | SF Bicycle Coalition HQ, 833 Market St., 10th Floor
Bike to Work Day is two weeks away! Has it been a long time since you’ve been on a bike or are you new to riding in the city? Come learn the basics of bicycling at our Intro to Urban Bicycling Workshop and get ready to pedal your way to work on May 8th. The course is a one-hour presentation covering the most basics of how to pick the right bike for everyday riding in SF, the rules of the road, and route planning. This course is a great introduction for anyone considering bicycling, or looking to brush up on skills.

Eventbrite - Bike to Work Day - Intro to Urban Bicycling Workshop

Friday, April 25 

Bicycle Film Festival *
Friday, Saturday| Victoria Theater, 2961 16th St.
KIND Healthy Snacks presents the 13th edition of the preeminent arts event celebrating bicycles: the international Bicycle Film Festival. Films from around the world, directed by established and emerging filmmakers, will screen at the Victoria Theatre in The Mission over the evenings of Friday, April 25th and Saturday, April 26th. Event Details


Saturday, April 26

Cycle 4 Sight *
All Day | Justin Siena High School, 4026 Maher St. Napa, CA 94558
Choose from three scenic 50, 25, and 15 mile courses that wind among the hills and vineyards of the World Famous Napa Valley. Proceeds will go to two local organizations, Enchanted Hills Camp For The Blind & Visually Impaired and The California Veterans “Pathway Home Project.” Event Details


Orange Bicycle Tour – Dutch King's Day Celebrations *
10AM-12PM | Golden Gate Park Dutch Windmill, 1690 JFK Drive
Celebrate the great Dutch King’s Day (in honor of the King’s birthday) by wearing orange and joining this free group bike ride. The ride will end around 12pm at the Murphy Windmill for the start of the day-long celebrations for the century’s first Dutch King’s Day (11:30am-5pm).

Bring your own bike, and be ready for a lovely group ride. The ride is free to all and appropriate for ages 12 and up. Sponsored by the Consulate General of the Netherlands and supported by the SF Bicycle Coalition. Bicycle activities supported by Login VSI and complimentary valet bicycle parking and provided by the SF Bicycle Coalition.

Eventbrite - Orange Bicycle Ride: Dutch King’s Day Celebrations

Sunday, April 27


Napa Bike Fest *
8:30AM-4PM | 500 First Street, Napa, CA
Head up to wine country to support Napa County Bicycle Coalition’s annual community-building festival that includes bike rides, a bike swap meet, live music, great food and beverages, and much more. Event details

Traffic Skills 101-2: On-Road Workshop
10AM-4PM | Park Police Station1899 Waller St. 
Practice what you learned in the Traffic Skills 101-1. This on-bicycle class follows a comfortable progression onto city streets, beginning with a short review of the lessons from the 101-1 course. After a basic bike maintenance session, the class will practice bike maneuvering skills in a car-free practice area before riding on the streets in small, intimate groups led by instructors. You will gain experience riding alongside moving traffic in different traffic conditions, and apply the safe riding techniques practiced in the car-free space into real-life situations. Adults and anyone over 14 years of age are welcome; bicycle, helmet and pre-registration required. Please bring your lunch.

Eventbrite - SF Bicycle Coalition Traffic Skills 101-2: On-Road Workshop

Rec Ride: Let's Practice Together!
10AM-12PM | Conservatory of Flowers, Pompeii Circle
New to biking? Need help to get ready for Traffic Skills-101? Come practice with Juli, alumna of the SF Bicycle Coalition Adult Learn How to Ride Class and/or Catherine, a dedicated Coalition member. We’ll do an easy ride in Golden Gate Park's car-free space, then ride a bit in traffic, and end with tasty treats in the Richmond District!

No hills and experienced cyclists will be around to accompany us. Feel free to leave early if you're not ready for street traffic. Put your bike on the bus or rent one close by and join us! Email juli@sfbike.org with questions about the Rec Ride. RSVP

Monday, April 28


Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting *
6:30-7:30PM | City Hall, Room 408
The committee meets monthly to consider bicycle transportation projects and policies to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, the SFMTA, and other City and County agencies. 


(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!

Become a member and join a diverse group of 12,000 people who are committed to transforming city streets into more dignified places to ride a bicycle. Add your voice and keep bike improvements moving forward in San Francisco!


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833 Market Street, 10th floor
San Francisco, CA 94103

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