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SFBC Biker Bulletin

June 5, 2007

"I'm interested in the potential of a bicycle to foster community, because when you're out on a bicycle, you're out in the world. Not in a little bubble with the window rolled up."

She's not in a bubble; she's on a bicycle, A Drink With Beth Wacks by Sloane Brown, Baltimore Sun, June 3, 2007

Table of Contents

  1. Wiggle Dragnet — SFPD eases off for now, invites dialogue
  2. SFBC Launches Good Roads Campaign: Fix Pitiful Pavement Now!
  3. Think Globally, Volunteer Locally!
  4. Recruiting Strong Board Candidates
  5. Get yer Discount — Chrome Bags
  6. Get in on the action: become an SFBC intern
  7. Check out SF's Cool New Tool: the EcoFindeRRR
  8. Upcoming Events

Never tried putting your bike on a MUNI bus?
Our expert Suze tells you how:

http://www.sfbike.org/?tt_bus_racks

Wiggle Dragnet — SFPD eases off for now, invites dialogue

Wiggle t-shirt by Stephanie Van Dyke Last week's item about a sudden spike in traffic enforcement by the SFPD against bicyclists in the Wiggle and elsewhere brought a lot of mail, most of it from cyclists who let us know they'd been ticketed; while a few felt they were fair raps, many told us their citations seemed arbitrary and discriminatory. (One fellow got three tickets on a single day's morning commute.) We also heard from some folks who objected to the tone of our item and were glad that self-righteous above-the-law cyclists were getting some of what they deserved after all their flagrant intersection-blasting behavior.

Just to be clear: There are definitely some people riding bikes in this town in a careless, selfish, dangerous manner, and we have no problem with the SFPD citing them. We expect the police to act, as we expect the police to act to stop and cite careless, dangerous motorist behavior. We're doing our part to educate bicyclists about the rules of the road and encourage safe cycling, respecting everyone's right of way and taking responsibility for a safe ride. But we believe there must be a rational prioritization to SFPD traffic enforcement efforts, focusing on those locations and behaviors most associated with collisions and injuries, and recognizing the significantly greater destructiveness of motor vehicle violations when setting enforcement priorities.

The police tell us that they're suspending any further "planned" enforcement efforts until they've had a chance to hear from the public at a Community Forum on June 19 (Park Branch library on Page Street, near Cole, June 19, 6:00 pm), on the topic of bicycle traffic safety and enforcement. We'll be there, of course, and hope that you'll join the conversation with your own stories and suggestions on how to balance real safety concerns with the letter of the law. Meanwhile, ride predictably, take your turn, and show the other guy/gal some respect on the road. (On a lighter note, Wiggle t-shirt is by Stephanie Van Dyke.)

SFBC Launches Good Roads Campaign: Fix Pitiful Pavement Now!

Potholes of SF We're fed up with the increasingly rutted, pothole-filled streets of San Francisco. We hear your frustrated stories of swerving out of the bike lane and into fast-moving traffic to avoid the moon-like craters on Valencia St., and even resorting to riding on the sidewalk to avoid the ridiculous conditions on the 11th St. bike lanes. That's why the SFBC is launching the Good Roads Campaign to convince our city leaders that they need to pay more attention to the deteriorating conditions of our roads.

You'll be seeing a call-to-action soon in the new Tube Times newsletter. Please take time to sign and send the enclosed postcard to the Mayor, urging him to dedicate funding for repaving bike routes in the upcoming city budget, as well as planning for more sustainable long-term funding for repaving. On our new Good Roads webpage, you can find out how to report those pesky potholes on your route home, as well as get a whole new image of "pot hole" in a great new video by SFBC member Greg Rodgers. And mark your calendars for a lunchtime forum about the Good Roads Campaign at the June 14th SPUR forum.

Think Globally, Volunteer Locally!

Want to make a bigger impact on your community? Join the SFBC's corps of amazing member-volunteers who represent the SFBC and our pro-bike agenda at spectacular community events across the city! June 9 is a busy Saturday for SFBC volunteers! Let Kate know now if you would like to help out.

  • Juneteenth Youth Triathlon, June 9. Western Addition. Volunteer Positions: SFBC Table Outreach, Triathlon Assistants. Shifts 7am-9:15am, 8:45am-11:00am, 10:30-1pm.
  • All Things Wheels, June 9. Crocker Park at Geneva and Moscow St. Volunteer Positions: SFBC Table Outreach/Free Helmet Fitting and Give-a-way, Basic Bicycle Mechanic. Shifts 10:30am-12:45pm. 12:15-2:30pm, 2-4:15pm.
  • MASH SF World Premiere, June 9. Victoria Theater, 16th at Mission St. Volunteer Positions: SFBC Table Outreach, Ushers, Bike Valets.

Recruiting Strong Board Candidates

The SFBC is always looking for new, talented leaders to contribute to our grassroots movement to transform San Francisco into a truly world-class bicycling city. Some of the most important leadership positions within the Coalition are on our Board of Directors. We are putting out the word now to recruit great candidates for the Board. If you're interested in knowing more about the Board and election process, see www.sfbike.org/board to see the online questionnaire. The deadline to state your interest in running for a Board seat is August 31st.

Get yer Discount — Chrome Bags

Card-carrying members Being a card carrying SFBC member just keeps getting better and better. We recently added Chrome Bags to the long list of SFBC Discount Partners. Go visit the local shop in SOMA and flash your SFBC membership card for a whopping 10% off in store merchandise. Where does your current SFBC Membership card save you some moola? Check out our grand list (that just keeps growing). Flash it with pride.

Get in on the action: become an SFBC intern

Spend 8-flexible hours a week in a lively office while taking an active part in the SF bike movement and gain some new marketable skills. The Development internship involves planning events, internet research & helping secure some creative community funding for the SFBC. If you are looking to break into the non-profit sector, switching careers or want to boost your resume with impressive skills, the Development Internship is perfect for you. The SFBC is seeking two (2) Development Interns to assist the Development Director. Interested candidates should send letter of interest to Jodie. Open to non-SFBC members.

Check out SF's Cool New Tool: the EcoFindeRRR

EcoFindeRRR Want to know where to recycle/repurpose/and properly dispose of just about everything? From bicycle parts to computers to food donations, the EcoFindeRRR is one of our favorite new tools. (We're asking them to add the Bike Kitchen and the YMCA Bike Program to their list for used bike repurposing). Visit the site to check out this great new resource for reducing your ecological footprint and help SF reach it's goal of ZERO WASTE by 2020. We've got a long way to go!

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Join the SFBC and add your voice to thousands demanding a city-wide network of bike lanes, traffic calmed streets, better access to transit and secure bike parking. Together we can make San Francisco the most bicycle friendly city in the country!

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