NEWS FROM THE SONOMA COUNTY COALITION ISSUE 22· FALL 2008 promoting bicycling for transportation and recreation

Bay Area Groups Organize And Win Big For Bikes! n July 23, the Bay Area’s Metropolitan coalitions as well as the regional Bay Area Bicycle Transportation Commission (MTC) Coalition, the Sonoma County Accountable Oapproved a draft Regional Transportation Development Coalition the Transportation and Plan (RTP) that promises hefty increases in bicycle Land Use Coalition, and public health advocates to wage an 18 month campaign that paid off. Our major “wins” include: • Full funding for the Regional Bicycle Network at $1 billion (with the exception of the bridges). This represents a ten-fold increase compared to the previous plan, from $4 million/year to an approved $40 million/ year. • Massive growth to the Safe Routes to Transit program — MTC committed an additional $10 million per Christina Alverez year (over and above the Scott Gee, Kaiser Pediatrician, supported bicycle current $2 million/year) for funding to combat the “shocking number of youth with hypertension and high cholesterol.” the next five years to create more bike parking at transit and pedestrian funds over the next 25 years. The stations, and to provide increases are a major victory for a broad-based funding to build safer access coalition (including Sonoma County Bicycle routes to transit centers. Coalition) that came together to make the case for • A brand new regional Safe more funds for active (meaning human-powered) Routes to School program, transportation modes in the Transportation 2030 with $10 million/year for Plan. the next 5 years. SCBC worked with other county bicycle continued on page 3 See Page 5 After months of uncertainty, ATOC to return mgen Tour of race in the United States, the California will event’s fourth running will Aonce again come be expanded to cover more screaming into Santa than 800 miles over the nine Rosa, thanks to the many days. folks including SCBC ``Nowhere are the fans supporters who helped raise more appreciative of the approximately $150,000 riders or more knowledgeable needed in addition to the than in Santa Rosa,’’ said City’s $20,000 to bring the Michael Roth, vice president Once again in 2009 the Amgen Tour of race back to town. California is coming at you. of communications for AEG, The 2009 race will the sports conglomerate that include stops in 16 host cities over the course of owns the race. ``It’s been a tradition that we truly nine days from February 14-22. Already considered look forward to every year.’’ ’s most important and successful road continued on page 14 No ? I’m going to do a little preaching. No, don’t Some of these records are in huge binders with tiny chicken out and turn the page. I’m talking to you. print and some are on microfi che (it is just as nasty Again, the topic of rude and as you may remember if you’re old enough). But disrespectful bike riders has caused a low and behold, we found language from a Planning rift in a local community. Both you and Commission resolution stating that “public access to I know that it is a very small minority Annadel State Park shall be provided for pedestrians, EDITOR of bike riders with boorish behavior that equestrians, and bicycles via an improved easement Christine Culver has caused this, but we all get to suffer. paralleling the old railroad bed or in a location approved COPY EDITOR/ For over 23 years bike riders have by the Department of Community Development.” At LAYOUT been riding through a quiet community this time the City also determined that bicycles are David Abbott called Wild Oak to get from Oakmont to allowed due to an existing 20-foot “Public Pedestrian CONTRIBUTORS Annadel and back. This is the gateway and Emergency Vehicle Access Easement” that exists Michael Allen to many great bike rides in eastern in the fi nal recorded subdivision maps for the Wild Timothy Bacon Sonoma County and it is also the best Oak subdivision. Consequently, bicyclist would not Martin Clinton Becky Schuerman Choi way to avoid riding on Highway 12. be prohibited from using this easement since the City Christine Culver Now the Home Owners Association of does not prohibit bicycles from riding on sidewalks Vicki Duggan Wild Oak (HOA) wants to keep bikes outside specifi ed areas such as downtown Santa Rosa. Sandra Lupien out; they say too many bikes are now We understand that the HOA is not happy and is still Christina Panza coming through too fast and they often looking at prohibiting bicycles and is in discussion Gary Wysocky scare pedestrians. with the City. As you can imagine, the SCBC is very PHOTOS The SCBC and the Santa Rosa interested in keeping it open and hopes to have the Colleen Abbott David Abbott Cycling Club have been working with “No Bicycle” signs removed soon. Christina Alverez the HOA for months looking for an But, this doesn’t solve the real issue: ill-behaved Becky Schuerman Choi acceptable alternative. We discussed bicyclists. I have often thought that most bike riders Cece Hugo different routes (all fairly costly) and who ride past a pedestrian and startle them have no Veronika Lenzi a launching a media and educational idea what a scary experience they just caused. And Lynne March campaign. But the HOA determined to those who don’t care what mayhem their actions SCBC BOARD OF DIRECTORS that they had a right to stop bikes from cause, may the thorns of a thousand goat heads rest Tom Bahning coming through and didn’t want to wait. deeply in your tires. Vicki Duggan (President) Mike Eunice (Secretary) So up go the signs “No Bicycles.” As I ask you to consider every person you ride by on Tim Gonzales one can imagine, the news of this went a path to be your much loved elderly grandmother and Tom Maunder through the cycling community like wild she has bad hearing and teeters apprehensively with Deanna McKenzie Misty Mesel (Treasurer) fi re and I got tons of calls and emails. the use of her cane. Just say “hi” or “good day” or Richard Peacock One of those calls came from a ring your bell, and if they don’t respond, it is highly Lou Salz past Santa Rosa mayor and planning possible that they just didn’t hear you so slow down Ken Wells (Vice President) commissioner. He told me to dig deep and give them extra space. Fritz Wisor in the old records stored at City Hall. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Christine Culver, Executive Director Christine Culver MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR/ Rail and Trails on the November Ballot OFFICE MANAGER Gary Wysocky and Michael Allen Timothy Bacon SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL Measure Q will ask Marin and In 2006, a similar ballot measure was DIRECTOR Sonoma County voters to approve approved by 65.3% of the voters, a mere 1.4 Christina Panza a ¼ -percent increase in the local percent short of the super majority needed to EVENTS COORDINATOR sales tax to fund the SMART project. ensure passage of this historic initiative. The Sandra Lupien SMART will provide a 70-mile new ballot measure has been improved over the STREET SKILLS INSTRUCTOR Martin Clinton passenger train service between past effort by including weekend passenger train VALET BIKE PARKING Cloverdale and Larkspur on the service, so that recreational uses and opportunities COORDINATOR San Francisco Bay. In addition are greatly increased. Sandra Lupien the SMART project will include a The same old opponents, mainly based e-mail comments: [email protected] parallel bicycle-pedestrian trail that in Marin County, have now been sued by the will connect the 14 train stations in SMART Board of Directors for making false Marin and Sonoma Counties. statements in their Ballot arguments against The long-term plan for SMART Trails is Measure Q. Because this is a two-County to interconnect with existing public lands that measure, the Courts in Marin and Sonoma 2 are now inaccessible to cyclists and pedestrians have been conducting separate trials in both because we lack a central backbone corridor jurisdictions. In Marin the lawsuit is more that would allow for connectivity throughout the extensive because there has been a variety of greater North Bay area. continued on page 9 Local Scene

The County of Sonoma has applied for A big congratulations to Somoma a Bay Area Air Quality Management District County, Cities and Towns for winning recent Bicycle Facilities Program grant to install bicycle CalTrans Safe Routes to School grants for lanes on Occidental Road, between Highway 116 infrastructure projects: (1) Healdsburg won and the West County Trail. a grant for $1,135,000 to construct sidewalks Sonoma County Regional Parks reports and curb ramps and widen the existing bridge that the Cheney Creek Bridge & Trail Project at Healdsburg Junior in Bodega Bay is complete. High and Elementary SCBC CALENDAR Foss Creek Trail in Healdsburg, from Front School. (2) Santa Rosa SCBC Board Meetings Street to the railroad depot, is now in design. received $258,000 for October 27 (note this is a Wednesday) November 17 This will provide connectivity to two of the area pedestrian-activated December 8 (also a Wednesday) bikeways. flashing beacons at Street Skills Seminars City of Santa Rosa has applied to Roseland, Sequoia, (Past students can retake for free) October 4 BAAQMD for a grant for electronic bicycle Whited, and Wright November 2 lockers that can be used with “smart cards.” Elementary Schools. December 6 Reservations are required; please The City has also received additional funds from (3) County of e-mail [email protected] the Highway Safety Improvement Grant for Sonoma, Burbank Velopalooza completion of the Sonoma Avenue bike lanes. Avenue Elementary October 18 Volunteer Party Town of Windsor has a whole lot going on! School received December 4 They have applied for a grant for bicycle lockers $730,000 for a CXSR Cyclocross www.bikemonkey.net for the downtown area and the Town Hall. They pathway; (4) Windsor Doyle Park:- December 4 completed striping bike lanes on Old Redwood received $70,000 to Youth Community Park - November 1 Highway from Pleasant Avenue to Lakewood install in-pavement A Place To Play - December 6 Drive. They will soon be striping bike lanes lighted crosswalks, Dan Galvin Park: January 10, 2009 Juilliard Park: February 14, 2009 and filling in the gaps onWindsor Road and curb ramps, safety Membership meeting and Mitchell Lane. AND they have implemented lighting, signage and Board Elections a new bicycle sharing program for Town striping at the high January 29, 2009 employees. A big thanks to SCBC’s Street school. Skills instructor Martin Clinton for providing his services to town staff!

SCBC thanks its many donors this spring & summer: Santa Rosa Cycling Club $10,000 REI Santa Rosa $2100 Agilent Technologies $1500 Community Market $800

Bicycles, peds to see ‘hefty’ increases in funding continued from page 1 process and will re-emerge in the fall of 2008. The SCBC thanks everyone who spoke with MTC final plan will be brought back to the Commission Commissioners, wrote letters, or attended public in March 2009 for final approval. Between now meetings, and especially Sabrina Merlo with the and then, MTC will be considering a number of BABC for her superb leadership. Public comments policies for how to prioritize their investments as were indeed tallied, and the Commission repeatedly well as considerations such as creating incentives heard about the high numbers of constituents all for transit-oriented development. So, our and your over the Bay Area requesting more funding for work on the RTP isn’t over. We’ll still need to be 3 and bicycling. active to make sure that MTC adopts great policies The complete $200-plus billion, 25-year RTP that give cyclists and pedestrians the greatest package now goes into the environmental review return on these investments. Follow the rules whatever they be Martin Clinton Non-Stop Bicycling? signs where there is space for the circle at an Everyone knows that bicycle riders hate stop intersection, reducing speeds and also reducing signs. Everyone knows that many bicycle riders the urge to accelerate between intersections. But ignore stop signs. You probably also know that in many quiet residential neighborhoods, people the number one complaint about bicycle riders is LOVE their stop signs and sometimes claim not that we (WHO?) don’t obey stop signs! to understand traffic circles or roundabouts! But the question, just like complaints about The use of a stop sign where visibility is poor the weather, is what to DO about the situation? is not an issue; it’s where you can see clearly in Now there is a proposal being suggested in all directions and there is light traffic that auto California that would change the rules about drivers as well as bicyclists tend to “roll through” bicyclists and stop signs, following a precedent the intersection. In most countries other than from the state of Idaho which the United States, there are very few stop signs, for about twenty years has only yield signs to show who has priority at an allowed a bike rider to treat a intersection. Someone proposed that in California stop sign as a Yield! How do stop signs are judged by the same 85-percent rule you like those potatoes? Idaho that applies to setting speed limits: Unless 85 State Code 49-720 specifically percent of drivers come to a true stop at a sign, says: replace it with a Yield sign! The theory is that “A person operating a no more than fifteen percent of the population is bicycle or human-powered dangerous idiots, but I don’t want to argue about vehicle approaching a stop that statistic! sign shall slow down and, if It’s true that car and truck drivers often have required for safety, stop before poorer visibility than cyclists, but that should entering the intersection . . . affect the “yield” speed, not whether a true stop “ a person after slowing is required. to a reasonable speed and One additional point is also being made Some cities have already changed yielding the right-of-way at this time of high fuel prices and potential the laws. Should bicycles be allowed shortages: Stop-and-Go at stop signs is just to yield instead of stopping? if required, may cautiously make a turn or proceed as wasteful and polluting as stop-and-go in through the intersection without stopping.” congested traffic! Maybe this “green” argument So, what’s not to like? It won’t surprise you will help such a program, there is precedence that many in law enforcement don’t like the idea for this type of program: the United Kingdom of having to judge “reasonable speed” instead of systematically removed stop signs in order to judging “stop”! There is also the problem that a conserve fuel during WWII, though admittedly change in traffic law takes a long time to become there was also a sharp reduction in traffic. known to the driving population: think of the So the question remains: what to do about “Merge to the curb before turning right” rule that stop signs? is widely unknown. Wait until most are replaced for all road users? There are some in bicycle safety programs Have different rules for bikes and motor who much prefer to keep to the idea of every vehicles? road user following the same rules and having Or enforce the law as it currently exists? the same rights. This ties in with the idea that Personally I always unclip and take one bicycle education for young people will lead to foot off the pedal when approaching a stop sign, safer use of motor vehicles when the students are so that I’m clearly preparing to stop, if anyone older, IF the rules are the same. can see me. I would suggest that an absolute There is also concern that young riders may minimum is to obey the Precedence rule at stop not have the judgment to estimate speeds and one signs: only Go when it is Your Turn! Remember proposal has been that any new rule should NOT that this will apply even IF it becomes legal to apply to children, who should ALWAYS stop. treat the sign as a Yield! Complicated! Martin Clinton is certified as a Cycling 4 There is growing realization that stop signs are not, in fact, working as the traffic-calming Instructor by the League of American Bicyclists. devices they were once thought to be. Traffic He teaches the class: Street Skills for Cyclists. Call circles work much better than four-way stop- the Coalition office for the next available date. Put it on Your Calendar. Velopalooza is Coming! Sandra Lupien Each fall, SCBC hosts Auction: As usual, there one fabulous fund-raising will be many irresistible items party featuring dinner, drinks, presented in both silent and live discussion, and dancing. You formats. Expect to bid on a brand know what I’m talking about… new scooter from Revolution it’s the annual Velopalooza Gala. Moto, great wines, vacation Save the evening of packages, amazing adventures October 18 — get it in your with your heros, bikes, bike gear, calendar right now — because handcrafted bags, massages, Velopalooza 2008 is going to be jewelry and other wonderful shiny, sparkly, and of course a services, and so much more. lot of fun. Valet Bike Parking (of Location: It’ll be at SCBC’s course): Ride your bike and check “home base:” 655 1st Street, it in at our parking station (staffed in the event space at our office by members of NorCal Velo in downtown Santa Rosa. It’s Women’s Cycling Team), then convenient to transit, there’s come on in and relax knowing plenty of space, and it’s an old your bike is safe and sound (and in bank (complete with teller stations, vaults, and — the good company of other bikes). And you get a no kidding — secret panels), so it leaves lots of free raffle ticket! room for creative decorating. We also know it’s going to be a great Food: We’ll have delicious Mediterranean time. And for just a $35 donation ($50 for food, made from fresh, local ingredients by non-members), part of which you’ll get back Mommy’s Yammys catering. in “Bike Bucks” to use at the auction if you Drink: There’ll be Sonoma County wine, register and pay in advance, you can’t have a New Belgium beer, Taylor Maid Farms coffee better time. Buy your tickests online at and tea and other delicious things to sip. http://velopalooza.eventbrite.com Music: DJ (and bike service guru) Matt or call (707)545-0153 to register now. We’re Wadlow will provide ambiance and get you really looking forward to the event and to seeing dancing. We’re delighted to have him. you there. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR BUSINESS MEMBERS Alta Planning & Design Gary Wysocky CPA 707-575-3820 So Co Agricultural Preservation & Open www.altaplanning.com Halls Executive Gifts & Awards Space 707-565 7360 Bear Valley Inn 415-663-1777 707-546-9220 www.hallsawards.com www.sonomaopenspace.org www.bearvinn.com Jeffrey Kahn, PhD. 707-546-4349 Santa Rosa Cycling Club www.SRCC.com Bici Sport Bike Shop 707-775-4676 Jill B. Nimble/Nimble Training www.bicisportusa.com www.jillbnimble.com Sojourn Bicycling and Active Adventures 800-730-4771 www.gosojourn.com Bicycle Czar 707-280-7691 New Belgium Brewing Company [email protected] www.newbelgium.com Soulcraft Bikes 707-775-2453 www.soulcraftbikes.com The Bike Peddler 707-571-2428 Nor Cal Bike Sport 707-573-0112 www.norcalcycling.com www.norcalcycling.com Spoke Folk Cyclery 707-433-7171 www.spokefolk.com Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant Team NorCal Bike Sport Red Peloton 707-571-7478 www.chelinosrestaurant.com www.redpeloton.com SyCip Designs, Inc 707-542-6359 www.sycip.com Community Bikes 707-579-5811 NorCal Velo Cycling Team www.liteinit.org 707-874-3120 www.norcalvelo.com The Un Club 707-824-0240 www.theunclub.biz Community Market 707-546-1806 North Santa Rosa Physical Therapy www.srcommunitymarket.com 707-523-2848 West County Cycle Service David Peoples, Coldwell Banker Realtor 707-824-0112 Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy www.westcountycycleservice.com www.PeoplesHomes.net 707-571-7615 www.osptclinic.com West County Revolution 707-829-2192 Dow House Graphics 707-494-3900 R.G. Window Cleaning 707-778-1383 www.dowhouse.com www.westcountyrevolution.com REI 707-540-9025 Wine Country Bikes 707-473-0610 Eleanor Guerin, Massage Therapist www.rei.com/stores/santarosa 707-322-6540 www.east-west-massage.com www.winecountrybikes.com Revolution Moto www.revolutionmoto.com Eleven Gear, Rick Pepper Wooden Spoon Technologies, Inc www.elevengear.us Rickshaw Rudy’s Pedal Cab Service 707-523-2222 www.wooden-spoon.com 5 www.rickshawrudys.com Friendly Feed and Supply 707-546-2156 Wordshop Translations 707-829-0305 Rincon Cyclery 707-538-0868 www.wordshoptranslations.com Fun Car Tattoos 707-566-9169 www.rinconcyclery.com www.funcartattoos.com W-Trans 707-542-9500 www.w-trans.com Safe Routes to School, Bike Rodeos get kids on bikes Christina Panza provided helmets and helmet fittings, as well as Bicycle Rodeos are all the rage. education. SCBC Boardmember Tim Gonzalez Have you been to a bicycle safety rodeo enthralled kids with his engaging bike-safety yet? A bicycle safety rodeo is a hands-on bicycle education demonstrations. Finally, NorCal Bike safety and skills event for elementary school-age Sport/The Bike Peddler provided bike safety kids. The event includes: inspections at the SR Park and Recreation and • Bicycle Safety Education: Volunteers teach YMCA Rodeos, and Sonoma Bicycle Company kids about bicycle safety • Helmet-Safety Clinic: Each child has their International Walk helmet checked and fitted properly, and can receive a free or low-cost helmet. and Roll to School • Bicycle Safety Inspection: A local bicycle shop provides free bicycle safety inspections and Day is October 8th minor adjustments. • Bicycle Skills Course: The course allows participants to practice bicycle skills and gain sponsored the Rincon Valley Rodeo. In addition, confidence in their abilities, empowering them to SCBC coordinated two mini-bicycle skill ride on roads without endangering themselves or courses, along with helmet fitting/distribution by other roadway users. the SRPD, at Bicycle Santa Rosa on July 4, and • Bicycle License Station: Children who at National Night Out on August 5. complete the The rodeos would not have been a success course receive without the help of the requesting organizations laminated and the many volunteers who participated. picture ID- A special thanks to Linda Warden of Rincon like “Bicycle Valley School District, Sandra Lemus of SR Licenses.” Park and Recreation, and SCBC members Nancy Through Cummings, Bridget Hayes, Heather Rosales, our partnership Anna Lisa Wiley, Barbara Denlis, Tim Bacon, with the SRPD and Paul Peterson. Also, a big thank-you to Bicycle and Leslie Graves, fitness director at the Sonoma Pedestrian County YMCA, for all her support in making the Safety program, YMCA event a success. funded by the More than 200 kids participated in the Office of Traffic SCBC/SRPD summer rodeos, and more rodeos Safety, SCBC are planned. If you enjoy kids and are interested has coordinated in promoting bicycle safety in a fun, hands-on a number of environment, please think about volunteering at successful our next bicycle rodeo! bicycle rodeos Safe Routes to School Program Update: this summer. Kawana Elementary and Sebastopol Union Young bike riders learn the rules of the road SCBC board School District. on a controled bicycle course. member Tom Tina Panza, Director of the Safe Routes Maunder, to School (SRTS) program, has been hard at Rodeo Consultant extraordinaire, has led courses work launching funded Safe Routes to School for kids at summer daycare programs with the Programs at Kawana Elementary School in Santa Rosa Park and Recreation Department on the Bellevue Union School District, and in the July 10, and the Rincon Valley Unified School Sebastopol Union School District. Funding for District on July 23. SCBC member Claire House the Kawana program has been provided by the of the NorCalVelo Women’s cycling team led a Safe Routes to School National Partnership, “Back to School” Rodeo at the Sonoma County with support from the Robert Woods Johnson 6 YMCA on August 23. Safe Kids of Sonoma Foundation, the Bikes Belong Foundation, and County provided the rodeo kit, and the SRPD’s Kaiser Permanente. Funding for the Sebastopol Community Outreach Specialist, Rafael Rivero, Union SRTS Program was awarded through the with help from helmet fitting expert Iola Buckley, continued on page 15 Humboldt Street Bicycle Boulevard rolling ahead Vicki Duggan retained at the intersections with Lewis Road as The long awaited Humboldt Street bicycle well as at Benton and 7th Streets, but eliminated boulevard is slowly starting to move forward. at the intersections of Humboldt Street and The idea for a bicycle boulevard on Humboldt Silva, Carr, McConnell and Spencer. The two Street in Santa Rosa was originally prioritized by intersections with traffic the Santa Rosa Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory stoplights, Pacific and HUMBOLDT committee in 2001, and was included in the College Avenues, would STREET Santa Rosa Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, have “bike boxes” added adopted in 2001. to the intersections. Bike A bicycle boulevard is a roadway that has boxes are painted areas on been modified as needed to enhance the safety, the roadways, behind the comfort and convenience of bicyclists, and is crosswalks, where bicyclists BICYCLE designed for bicycles and cars to share the road can queue up ahead of cars equally. The modifications are designed to waiting at the stoplights. BOULEVARD provide easier through movement for cyclists, They are designed to reduce and to slow auto traffic. the potential for bicycle/car collisions by locating A public meeting was held on August 6, the bicycles in front of waiting cars, where they 2008 at Odd Fellows Hall on Pacific Avenue in can be clearly seen. Additional improvements, Santa Rosa, with Nancy Adams, City of Santa primarily to enhance pedestrian safety will also Rosa Transportation Planner, and Jason Nutt, be made at those intersections with four way City of Santa Rosa Traffic Engineer, presenting stop signs – Benton Street and 7th Street, and at their concept for the changes needed to create Cherry Street. At these three intersections the a bicycle boulevard on Humboldt Street. crosswalks will be revised to include colored, Approximately 120 local residents attended to stamped concrete and curb “bulb-outs” will hear about the proposed improvements, and be added at Benton and Cherry Streets to to give feedback to the City representatives effectively narrow the street crossing distance for regarding the changes. An overwhelming pedestrians. Additionally, the bulb-outs at the majority of those present appeared to be in Benton Street intersection would be planted to support of the project. Many of those in act as bio-swales to soak up rainwater during the attendance spoke to offer thoughtful comments, rainy season. or ask questions regarding the presentation. One The proposed change with the potential concern of some of the residents in attendance largest impact on auto drivers may be the was the potential for the elimination of on-street prohibition of left turns onto Humboldt Street from parking in some areas. Only 10-12 on-street east and west bound traffic on College Avenue. spaces are projected to be eliminated over the The preliminary cost estimate for the long thirteen block stretch, mainly to accommodate term project is $250,000. The tentative schedule the addition of traffic circles in four locations. for these improvements is as follows: The bicycle boulevard will extend from The Santa Rosa Bicycle and Pedestrian Lewis Road at the north to 5th street at the Advisory Board were expected to hear about south, providing a safe and convenient bicycle the public meeting regarding the plan, including connection from the County Administration comments and concerns raised by the meeting Center to downtown Santa Rosa. The proposed attendees, at their September 18th meeting. The improvements to Humboldt Street include project will then be presented to the City Council specific signage and street markings to identify at a Study Session scheduled for their October the bicycle boulevard at the north and south 28th meeting. The pilot project, with trial traffic extent of the boulevard, plus the addition of circle outlines is due to be installed within the traffic circles at four intersections (at Silva, Carr next 6-9 months. and McConnell and Spencer Avenues). Traffic Information about the project, including circles are considered to be easier for cyclists the power point presentation shown at the to negotiate, because coming to a complete neighborhood meeting, and the comments stop is usually not required. In addition, they collected at the meeting, can be found online typically lower the overall speed of auto traffic by using the term “Humboldt Street Bicycle 7 because they reduce the common action of Boulevard” with a search engine such as Google motorists accelerating away from a complete and looking for the documents with the City of stop. Existing four-way stop signs will be Santa Rosa website address, ci.santa-rosa.ca.us. Hundreds Celebrate Bikes At 1st Annual Sonoma/Springs Bicycle Festival Sandra Lupien to children who needed It all started as a conversation on them. And, SCBC’s chat list. Sonoma Valley residents Chip volunteers Roberson (founder, Sonoma Valley Cyclists) distributed and Sherry Adams (Alternate, Sonoma County 100 sets of Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee blinky bike for Unincorporated Areas) wanted to find a way lights for free to encourage bike riding by more people in the to festival Sonoma, Boyes Hot Springs, Agua Caliente, attendees. and Fetters Hot Springs Area – and they wanted For to see those riding bikes doing so safely. Their kids, there brainstorming turned into the seed of an event was a bike that became -- less than three months later, on decorating Saturday, September 6th -- the Sonoma/Springs and bike Bicycle Festival (SSBF). license The goals for the SSBF were to be a Cece Hugo plate-making family event aimed providing participants the The Monkey Bike Race was a huge hit. booth. And opportunity to have a great time while learning a many of the kids and some adults faced off in the lot about cycling. And we met those goals. slow race and the monkey bike race; the winners Those who of those contests received a pack from Camelbak gathered in Sonoma’s or the monkey bike they rode, respectively. Depot Park were greeted Camelbak provided 3 paks for the festival by the live Bluegrass raffle, and Sonoma Valley Cyclery donated the music of the David Thom bike – a Trek 7100 hybrid. Charlie Hughes of Band, as they parked their Santa Rose was the delighted winner of the bike. bikes in SCBC’s Bicycle Interspersed throughout the activity were Valet Parking lot. Local inspiring speakers: Mayor Sanders, County food vendors The Red Supervisor (District 1) Valerie Brown and her Grape, E Saan Thai, and opponent in the upcoming election, Will Pier, Primavera were there to be Councilmember Gallian, League of American sure people had plenty of Bicyclists President Amanda Eichstaedt, food. And, SCBC’s bike- and SCBC’s own Christine Culver. Sonoma blended smoothie booth Councilmember Ken Brown emceed the event. was a huge draw, as usual. In terms of education and information, SCBC worked in partnership on the festival with Sonoma Valley Cyclists (SVC) and the the festival launched with City of Sonoma to produce the festival, a ride around the Sonoma/ with the goal of creating an annual event. Cece Hugo A happy festival attendee with a free helmet Springs region, led by The City of Sonoma – at all levels – was from Safe Kids of Sonoma County in hand. SCBC’s Martin Clinton. supportive and thrilled with the idea of The route highlighted what’s great for cyclists having the festival, and so were local businesses. SCBC, SVC, and the City of in the region, and provided tips for navigating Sonoma are grateful to presenting sponsor difficult areas. 52 people (including Sonoma The Red Grape, and sponsors Elliot Carter Mayor Joanne Sanders, Council Members Steve Chiropractic, Sonoma Valley Cyclery, Barbose, Stanley Cohen, and Laurie Gallian) Safe Kids Sonoma County, Three House participated in the ride, including a number of Multimedia, The David Thom Band, children. At the park, booths provided expert Enologix, The Basque Boulangerie, Sonoma Old School, Sonoma Chevrolet, Sonoma advice and information on safety skills, bike Off-Broadway Cleaners, Café la Haye, and commuting, Safe Routes to School Programs, Sonoma Dog Camp and dozens of super 8 bike programs for seniors, local and county volunteers for making the festival possible. bike planning, and more. One booth provided See you at the 2nd Annual Sonoma/Springs helmet fittings to children and distributed 43 new Bicycle Festival in 2009! helmets (donated by Safe Kids Sonoma County) Petaluma sets records, Mayor’s ride shows support Becky Schuerman Choi Bike to Work/School Week is a significant took to the streets. Counts conducted at three project of the Petaluma Pedestrian and Bicycle Energizer Stations and five participating schools Advisory Committee, so we are thrilled when we documented 873 bicyclists, up from 619 in 2007. witness so many of our residents getting into the Here in Petaluma, contests are also held to spirit of the week. encourage bike ridership on Bike to Work/School Bike to Work/School Week was launched Day. Anyone who with the second annual Mayor’s Bike Ride on bicycles during the May 10. This year’s event was particularly week may enter a special as it began with a ribbon cutting drawing for great ceremony to commemorate the completion prizes generously of a new trail on the SRJC-Petaluma campus. donated by Construction of Petaluma businesses this trail closed a and supportive major gap in the citizens. Businesses Petaluma Ring vie for the coveted Trail located within Sprocket Trophy Becky Schuerman Choi Petaluma Mayor Pam Torliatt relaxes with the urban separator presented to the Bernie Album (l) and Yuri Hauswald (r) on the east side company with the after this year’s ride. of Petaluma, and highest percentage of employees biking to work offers easier access that day. Once again, Sonoma Technology won to Leghorns Park, the award but the competition was fierce. Schools Kenilworth Junior are also bestowed with a one-of-a-kind trophy High School, the creation (fabricated by our own Bernie Album) SRJC, Parkway and cash prizes for the most bicycling students. Plaza Shopping Casa Grande High School, Kenilworth Junior Center, and several High School, and Corona Creek Elementary other trail systems School won, but PBAC would like to recognize on the east side. La Tercera Elementary and Meadow Elementary Becky Schuerman Choi After she cut the Craig Sawyer helps his sons get Schools for their enthusiastic and considerable ribbon, Mayor ‘energized’ in Petaluma. participation. Pamela Torliatt led the 40 participants on an easy Becky Schuerman Choi is a former Pedestrian and six-mile ride with a police escort. Nothing makes Bicycle Advisory Committee member. bicycling more enjoyable than freely riding through intersections as a few of our friendly The Petaluma Pedestrian and Bicycle police officers stop traffic. Advisory Committee would like to thank Thanks, in part, to high gas prices and all the businesses and citizens that heightened environmental awareness, bicyclists supported our Bike to Work/School Week activities this year, not to mention all the were prevalent during Bike to Work/School enthusiastic bicyclists who participated to Week. And even though Bike to Work/School make the week well worth the effort. Day was a scorcher, record numbers of bicyclists SCBC Board Endorses SMART continued from page 2 asking voters to consider the following: “SMART misstatements made in the ballot argument such will provide us with a second corridor of travel as that the tax was in perpetuity (not true as this through the North Bay area. What can be is a 20 year tax measure); and that 60 car freight better than taking 1.5 million cars of the road, trains would be routinely running through Marin every year? We will reduce our greenhouse gas County (gross exaggeration). In Sonoma County, emissions by 124,000 pounds, each and every Judge Elaine Rushing moved rapidly to rule in day. I can’t think of a more important action we the favor of SMART and ordered the opponents’ can take for the North Bay than to vote for the ballot arguments to be rewritten. The Marin trial Train in November” 9 is undecided as of this writing. Michael Allen, ’06 SMART campaign Deb Fudge, Vice-Chair of the Smart Board, Treasurer, and Gary Wysocky, a longtime Friend of and a founding board member of SCBC, is SMART and founding board member of SCBC. class for kids has strong beginning

Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks’ first mountain biking classes for kids brought a bit of exhilaration, a little sweat, and countless smiles from the 50-plus kids who participated in the two classes over the summer. Participants between the ages of five and 13 brought their bikes to Howarth Park to learn from over a dozen volunteer cyclists, several of whom are professional caliber athletes. They learned about balance, braking, shifting, trail conditions, uphills and downhills, and so much more. But perhaps the biggest grins came from riding over a 3-foot tall teeter-totter. Just imagine the confidence these children developed as they rode towards a ramp that appeared taller than they were and pointed toward the sky. One mother of two boys in the class left us these comments: “Oh my gosh, they had soooooooooooooo much fun! The boys can’t stop talking about how great it was.” Class coordinator Scott Bowen, who helped Veronika Lenzi spearhead the presentation of the classes, shares A young mountain biker maneuvers through his thoughts on the positive feedback he has the cones as parents and students look on. received about the classes: parents… ‘are you sure this isn’t too difficult for “Seven year you?’ Madi’s reply; ‘No way, we did this in class. old Madison Come on!’ And when Madi’s dad asked her the Glenn had yet to other day what her favorite sport was, the answer venture beyond only made sense after seeing how happy she was her single speed, on the trail.” coaster brake The SCBC extends special thanks to Scott bike. But when Bowen and Carlos Perez as well as all the other her parents volunteers for making the classes such a great heard about the success. mountain biking In the first two sessions, our hopes were class for kids, confirmed. Kids love mountain biking. If you they figured, give them the opportunity, they will jump at ‘why not?’ And it. And the parents agree that biking is a great with little to no activity for their kids. So the natural question is: experience on a how do we get more of these mountain biking bike with gears classes for kids? Well, it starts with you. We or hand brakes, need instructors. If you have interest and time Veronika Lenzi she set off on to join us for two hours, two days a week in Volunteers were on hand to help would- a borrowed be thrill seekers get through the scary the afternoon during the spring and summer of parts of mountain biking. Specialized Hot 2009, let us know. We’d love to see this program Rock 7-speed. grow. The kids, the parents, and the city all want And even though she was a bit timid at the start, this program to grow. Next summer it has the by the end of the 2-day class, Madison was potential to bring hundreds, perhaps thousands of charging at the ‘Super Teeter-totter’ with an ear- kids with smiles like those we saw on the nearly to-ear grin. 60 who participated this year. “Days later, Madi was asking her parents 10 to take her to the trails. They grabbed their If you are interested in volunteering for the bikes and rode out together. The timid classes please contact Tim Bacon at rider was gone and Madi pedaled down the [email protected] or 545-0153. singletrack despite the questions from her Fifth annual Bicycle Santa Rosa searing success Deanna McKenzie SCBC’s Fifth Annual Bicycle Santa Kids’ Bike Rosa Festival took place on July 4. SCBC, in Parade. This collaboration with the City of Santa Rosa Parks year it was & Recreation Department, hosted the celebration led by Dennis of bicycles as a viable form of transportation, Rutkowski, a great form of recreation, and a powerful tool aka Rickshaw for building stronger, healthier, more vibrant Rudy, with communities. Hundreds of adults and kids showed Martin up and spent the day — our largest turnout yet. Clinton and city council member David Abbott Susan Gorin Megan Kalstad and Gary Wysocky show their go-slow skills riding in his rickshaw. Shortly after the parade, a few rounds of kids’ games kicked off. The sack races and water balloon tosses were led by Leslie Graves Sonoma County Family YMCA, who reported many of the kids had never been in a sack race and had a lot of fun learning a “new” contest. The SRPD’s Helmet Giveaway and Skills Course was set up on the A Street side of the park, to make sure the kids on bicycles were safe. The jumphouse was available for those kids with David Abbott energy to burn and the popular art table was there A 4th of July reveler poses with one of the two for a quieter pace. prizes from this year’s drawing. Adults were The festival kicked off at 9 a.m. with the City invited to get into Council Ride, planned and led by SCBC Street the spirit with our Skills instructor Martin Clinton, in collaboration second ever slow with the Accountable Development Coalition. This race and first-ever year’s ride highlighted getting in and out of the tube change contest. City’s parks on a bike, as well as showing riders Former SCBC four ways to get across Highway 101, which is a Board President major concern for many area cyclists. More than Gary Wysocky a dozen elected officials and candidates from won the slow race throughout Sonoma County went on the 14-mile after a year of ride to learn about what’s great for cyclists in serious training. Santa Rosa, and what needs work. In all, over 100 Community people participated in the ride. The Santa Rosa Bikes provided David Abbott Cycling Club hosted a longer ride to coincide with the supplies and In the absence of a dunking booth, the balloon drop was the splash hit of the the start of festivities. officiated the tube Fifth Annual Bicycle Santa Rosa. Rides returned to the park around lunch time, change contest, and were joined by many more for a fabulous which was won by David Abbott despite some festival, featuring local food vendors. Most were serious challenges being thrown down by new to the event this year, including Community executive director Chris Culver. Prizes for the Market, Mommy’s Yammy’s, and Trisha’s adult contests were provided by the Windsor Lumpia House. Back for a second year was Doug Bicycle Center. Simon’s BSR Hot Dog Stand and the SCBC Bike Speaking of prizes, The Bike Peddler Blender Smoothies The smoothies were a great donated not one, but two bikes for our raffle this hit, with discounts offered to those who blended year. A cruiser bike and a commuter bike were their own drinks—just in case they didn’t get up for grabs, and the happy winners were Vickie enough riding earlier. Lingron and Sandi McGuire. 11 NorCal Velo Women’s Cycling Team hosted A host of displays by non-profit and community a bike decorating booth and helped both kids and organizations was on hand. Being an election adults gussy up their bikes in anticipation of the continued on page 15 Bike to Work Month 2008 overwhelming success Sandra Lupien Increased participation, fun at Bike-to-the- clothes, and other stuff. Many SCBC members Movies, Bike Swap, More… donated items — including about a dozen bikes ay was Bike to Work Month 2008 — for SCBC to sell at this fund raiser. A number and it was packed with great events. of other vendors showed up with their wares. Thanks to the stellar efforts of Among them was Brooks Van Holt, proprietor of M the new Santa Rosa used bike shop, Bicycle Czar. hundreds of volunteers, and the support of an incredible group of sponsors, it was a tremendous Brooks and his daughter made the front page of success. Here are the highlights: the Press Democrat the next day in a fabulous Bike to Work Day photo of them riding Brooks’ Swing Bike (not for It was the kind of day when, even if you the faint of heart, believe me). In the afternoon, wake up at 5:00 a.m., you’re immediately sweaty Food Not Bombs showed up with home-cooked, when you step out of the shower. But, the heat delicious food for shoppers and vendors to enjoy didn’t stop people from getting out on their free of charge. In all, SCBC raised just under $3,000 that day, which bolsters our ability to advocate for better conditions for cyclists. A huge thanks to Doug Simon for planning and setting up the space, and to Michael Teller and Jon Dick for their invaluable help matchmaking people with bikes and bikes with parts. Bike to the Movies This is the best: Ride your bike. Get free valet parking. Sit in a comfy chair, eat popcorn and candy, drink New Belgium beer or a soda, watch three inspiring films about bikes as transportation, and support Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. Lynne March Bike and movie fans gathered in Santa Rosa REI staff members Ashley Daniels, Brent at the 515 Orchard Street Performance Gallery Crouse & Kris Gause flipped pancakes for bike commuters at the Santa Rosa City Bus for the Bike to Work Month Bike-to the Movies energizer station in front of City Hall. event. The lucky attendees viewed the classics “We Are Traffic! A Film About Critical Mass,” bikes in Sonoma County, and the temperatures and “Return of the Scorcher,” as well as a very weren’t the only record-breakers: Bike to Work special preview about a group of elementary Day 2008 saw a 50 percent increase in ridership school students who launched a bike to school over Bike to Work Day 2007. There were also club in Albany, California. The event really did more energizer stations, 24, than ever. SCBC feature fresh-popped popcorn with real butter, volunteers set up food and drink stations in and delicious beer donated by New Belgium locations throughout the county, serving an Brewing. As if all that wasn’t enough, the folks array of breakfast treats to bicycle commuters at 515 Orchard provided a cozy fire in their from 6-9 a.m. Volunteers counted some 3,300 woodburning stove, and resident musician Mark cyclists during those hours, and many more went Growden gave an impromptu solo concert on uncounted. It’s hard to say what combination of his accordion (and those who arrived early high gas prices, concern for the environment, marveled at his ability to play bicycle handlebars fitness concerns, or (insert hypothesis here) like a flute). While guests relaxed inside, their motivated all those riders to get out there, but one bikes were safe outside in SCBC’s valet bicycle thing is clear: SCBC’s message that cycling is parking corral. One lucky attendee won a a fun, healthy, environmentally-friendly, viable drawing for a Camelbak “Hoss” Commuter Pack. form of transportation is getting out there. And, everyone went home very happy at the end SCBC’s Annual Bike Swap/Flea Market of the night. Next up for Bike to Work Month was a Bicycle Commuter of the Year/Team Bike 12 fun day out in the sun at Santa Rosa Veteran’s Challenge Memorial Building. We filled up a big chunk Bike to Work Month features two contests: of the parking lot with bikes, bike gear, parts, continued on next page Commuters of the year and Team Challenge step up continued from previous page

Bicycle Commuter of the Year and Team Bike Challenge. In the Spring edition of the SCBC newsletter, we introduced Tom Robinson, Bicycle Commuter of the Year 2008. SCBC loves to honor everyone nominated for that award, and of course the winners of Team Bike Challenge. So, what better way to ground and celebrate the whirlwind that was May than by honoring some of the Sonoma County folks who exemplify bike commuting as a totally possible lifestyle choice? So, on June 5, SCBC held an awards reception. We gathered at 6 p.m. in Downtown Santa Rosa at the Upton Building. SCBC served beer donated by New Belgium Brewing Company, This year’s BTW winners: as well as soft drinks, some light snacks, and Pesto Tortellini donated by Amy’s Kitchen. The Team Bike Challenge: guests mixed and mingled; among them were Santa Rosa City Council Candidates Marsha Vas ECO LEADERS (pictured above) Dupre and Gary Wysocky, and Sonoma County Shelly Lydon (Team Captain) Board of Supervisors District 5 Candidates Efren Tanya Narath Carillo and Rue Furch. Rob Anderson Each Bicycle Commuter of the Year nominee Jennifer Dawes received prizes donated by Bike to Work 2008 Laurie Martin (not pictured) Sponsors: a Camelbak commuter pack, and gift certificates to G&G Market. Bicycle Commuter MEADOW RIDERS: of the Year Tom Robinson also received a Beth Power (Team Captain) plaque and a gift basket of teas from Traditional Scott Doughty Medicinals. Frances McCorkle Team Bike Challenge ran throughout Bike to Stephanie Chan Work Month and is aimed at creating new bike Alexia Underwood commuters by mixing them with seasoned riders and, of course, luring them with prizes. Riders Bicycle Commuter of the form teams of two to five people (most often the Year: Tom Robinson teams comprise co-workers); at least one rider must be a novice (someone who rarely rides a Timbuk2 commuter bag, a thermal water bottle bike and is not yet a bike commuter). Riders earn from ElevenGear, and a gift basket of teas from points for their teams each day a member makes Traditional Medicinals. a utilitarian trip by bike (to work, the store, The reception was such a nice event. It was school, etc.). Novice’s rides are worth the most wonderful to bring together this inspiring group points. of cyclists, and in some cases, their families and This year, SCBC opted to award not only the friends. first place Sonoma County Team, but the second place team as well. This, because the contest was neck-in-neck throughout the month, and because The SCBC staff extends deep gratitude to the second place team, the Meadow Riders everyone who volunteered their time to (teachers/staff at Meadow View Elementary make Bike to Work Month 2008 a really big deal. And, we thank our Bike to Work 2008 School in Roseland) comprised four novices and Sponsors: Sonoma County Independent Bike one “Lifestyle Rider.” Each of the 5 Meadow Shops; Measure M; Santa Rosa Community Riders won a Timbuk2 commuter bag, and a Market; Sonoma County Agricultural and Open G&G Market gift certificate. Space District; North Bay Bohemian; Susan The first place team for 2008 is the Eco Noble, Realtor; G&G Markets; Traditional 13 Medicinals; Camelbak; and North Bay Leaders (graduates and staff of the Leadership Corporation/Santa Rosa Recycling. Institute for Ecology & the Economy). Each member of the Eco Leaders team received a SCBC sponsors ‘spandex-free’ leisure rides SCBC member Barrie came to us recently provide a ride that virtually anyone can go on; asking if we knew about any rides for people kids, people on three speeds, people on trikes, who aren’t interested in moving at a fast pace or people who are experienced riders and those who climbing, or training for longer, more strenuous are not — that goes at a leisurely, inclusive pace. rides. We love the idea and want to develop it It’s a community-building experience. We’d love with our members throughout Sonoma County. to be able to help promote at least one such ride If you want to host, with SCBC’s support, and a month anywhere in Sonoma County. Looking lead (or arrange for a leader) one of these rides forward to hearing your ideas. in your community, contact Sandra Lupien at Barrie led the first “Spandex-Free Ride” on [email protected] or 707-545-0153. Sunday, September 7th. Seven people gathered The ride can be whatever you want it to be — a in Santa Rosa at the Stony Point entrance to the gentle ride on a bike path, a ride to a specific Santa Rosa Creek Trail and rode the North side destination such as a brunch, a farmer’s market, of the trail to Willowside, and returned using the karaoke night, a soccer game, a festival, a tour south side of the trail. It was a low-key, fun ride, of historic sites in your town — whatever your and everyone enjoyed talking with each other, imagination comes up with. The idea is to and was enthusiastic about future rides.

Upcoming Spandex-Free Rides Charity Kirk, co-owner of West County Revolution bike shop, will lead a series of Spandex-Free Rides to get participants acquainted with (or just out on) the Joe Rodota and West County Trails. Here are the details: Sunday, September 28 at 3pm Sunday, October 12 at 3pm Sunday, November 23 at 3pm Bring your bike, whether new or old, and join us on a venture down the bike path from Sebastopol to Santa Rosa and back. It’s straight sailing on a flat path and we’ll take some stops along the way. Remember to bring water and a snack if you desire. Rides alternate between Rodota and West County trails, starting with Rodota on September 28th. Meet at Sebastopol’s West County Revolution Bike Shop at 6731 Sebastopol Ave (aka Hwy 12 at Morris St). For more information call Charity at 481-9137. Watch for information on rides in Rohnert Park, and more rides to come in Santa Rosa. Professional Bike Racers to Return 2009 continued from page 1 Olympic medalists that include Tom Boonen, In its first three years, the Amgen Tour of Paolo Bettini, Fabian Cancellara, George California has become the most successful race Hincapie, Oscar Freire and Bobby Julich. Winner in the United States with regards to attendance, of the 2007 and 2008 Amgen Tour of California, economic benefits to the state, global recognition Santa Rosa resident Levi Leipheimer of the Astana and the caliber of the cyclists participating. In team has had a strong season since his Amgen 2008, the race drew 1.6 million spectators, Tour of California victory earlier in the year and continuing to set records for a single sporting represented the United States in the Olympic event in the state of California, as well as any Games. cycling event ever held on U.S. soil. Each year “Winning the Amgen Tour of California has the race has generated $100 million in economic been a goal of mine from the beginning; no matter growth for the state. which races I compete in,” said Levi Leipheimer. The Amgen Tour of California kicks off “This has always been a top priority for me.” 14 the professional road cycling season each year For further information on the 2009 and continues to draw some of the world’s most Amgen Tour of California, please visit renowned and respected riders, such as top Tour www.amgentourofcalifornia.com. de France competitors, World Champions and continued from page 6

Safety program. Two Bicycle Rodeos have been scheduled in South Santa Rosa, at the Bellevue Union School District’s Health and Wellness Fair at Bellevue Elementary School on September 27, and with the Community Action Partnership at Martin Luther King Park on October 4. “I’m looking forward to working with the school teams at both Kawana and in Sebastopol Union to plan a robust SRTS program that will encourage kids and parents to walk and bike more often,” said Tina. “A successful SRTS program will decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality around the school, and improve kid’s health.” Successful, Safe Routes to sustainable Safe Routes School Funding to School programs are a Needs: The good folks at Bike Peddler pump tires, lube community-wide effort. chains and make sure bikes are ready to ride Community members can Kawana Elementary Cycle 1 Caltrans SRTS grant, administered assist with volunteering, School needs a by the City of Sebastopol Public Works additional funding, and many other forms of secure bicycle Department. Tina has been working with school parking cage, administration as well as recruiting parents, support. Please contact Tina community members, and school staff to be Panza if you would like additional bicycle involved in school SRTS teams. This summer, to get involved with the racks, and SRTS she also gathered Kawana parents, the principal, existing SRTS programs at incentive prizes. If staff, law enforcement, and representatives from Kawana or in Sebastopol, you can help, please or if you are interested Santa Rosa city public works, to participate contact Tina Panza. in a walking audit at Kawana Elementary in championing an SRTS School, in order to assess the walking and program in your own bicycling conditions around the school and school. make recommendations for infrastructure Are you interested in improvements. starting a Safe Routes to The first major event will be International School program at your neighborhood school? Walk and Roll to School Day (IWRTSD) on Support for grass-roots SRTS efforts is now October 8, but plans are being formulated for available through SCBC, thanks to funding by other encouragement and education activities the Sonoma County Transportation Authority, both before and after IWRTSD. A “helmet safety using transportation tax funds generated by day” is planned for September 26 at Kawana Measure M. Please contact Tina Panza if you Elementary School, with support from the Santa would like additional information. Rosa Police Department’s Bike and Pedestrian BSR 2008 throughout the entire day parking nearly 300 bikes. continued from page 11 Thanks to the dozens of volunteers who made the festival a great success. It could not year, we invited the League of Women Voters have been done without you. Please support to register new voters – let’s hope this get more the sponsors and donors to this event: NorCal/ bicycle friendly folks to the polls (and elected) this Bike Peddler, the North Bay Bohemian, Oliver’s November. Live music was provided throughout the Market, Santa Rosa Cycling Club, Sprint Copy day by “inBlack,” a jazz combo composed of local Center of Sebastopol, and the Windsor Bicycle high school students. Center. See you there next year. 15 The SCBC Valet Bike Parking crew reached Note from SCBC staff:: A huge thanks to an amazing milestone and parked its 10,000th event chair Deanna McKenzie for her fantastic bike. Our indispensable volunteers were busy organizing. skills. NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE SONOMA COUNTY PAID BICYCLE COALTION PERMIT No. 25 PO BOX 3088 SANTA ROSA, CA SANTA ROSA CA 95402·3088

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