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SFBC Biker Bulletin

October 26, 2010

"If we want to grow as a city, if we want to ever get denser, if we want to protect our environment and make sure that our residents are healthy and make us a more livable city with a higher quality of life, I think this is a goal [20% of trips by bicycle by 2020] that we need to adopt."
-- David Chiu, Board of Supervisor's President, An Emerging New Bike Plan for San Francisco is a Bold Path Forward, SF Streetsblog, Oct. 19, 2010

Biker Bulletin News

  1. Final Week to Bike the Vote
  2. The Links are Really Adding Up
  3. Connecting the City Gaining Traction
  4. Wine Country Getaways, Shiny Bikes and Hot Bags, Oh My
  5. Get into the SF Bike Expo for Free
  6. Thank You for a Wonderful Season of Sunday Streets
  7. Social Media Intern Needed
  8. Volunteer Night this Week and a Holiday Switch
  9. Hoodie Season Commences: Get Yours Now
  10. SF Bicycle Coalition Rec Ride: Halloween Comic Book Tour
  11. Video: The Future of Bicycling in San Francisco
  12. Upcoming Events

Have you volunteered with one of our endorsed candidates yet?
Help out bike-friendly candidates before next Tuesday's election:
  sfbike.org/vote

Final Week to Bike the Vote

This is the final week before Election Day and if you haven't volunteered with a campaign, now is the time! The success of the SF Bicycle Coalition's work and the future of bicycling in San Francisco relies on electing bike-friendly candidates to the Board of Supervisors. Please volunteer with one of our endorsed candidates, for just an hour or two this week to phone bank or distribute literature, and on Nov. 2 consider being a precinct captain! To find out more about our endorsed candidates and how to get involved, go to sfbike.org/vote!

Also, help us educate biking commuters about which candidates the SF Bicycle Coalition has endorsed. We'll be at 12th and Market streets this Friday (Oct. 29) and on Election Day (Tues. Nov. 2) from 8-10am! If you're trained in outreach and can help Bike the Vote on either of these two days, email Marc.

Vote for these bike friendly candidates on Tuesday, November 2nd:

The Links are Really Adding Up

One mile of brand new bike lane will be striped on Ocean Avenue this week. That's in addition to the five miles of bike lanes that have already been installed since August! The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is thrilled to see neighborhoods across the city being linked with these safety improvements. The Ocean Avenue bike lanes, once complete, will connect City College and the Balboa Park BART station to Alemany Boulevard and the rest of the city! To find out where the latest new bike lanes have been painted recently, go to sfbike.org/link.

Upper Market Bike Lane Improvement is a Go! The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is pleased to announce that the project to improve the Upper Market Street bike lanes has been approved by the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Board of Directors. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition worked diligently with SFMTA staff to bring together neighborhood groups, merchants and the many people who bike along this corridor to keep this project moving in the right direction. This bike lane project will fill in gaps on the Upper Market Street Bike lanes at intersections between Octavia and Castro to create a safer street for everyone. A big thank you to the scores of volunteers who worked with us to speak up in support of this project at various meetings and talk about this project with local businesses -- this project is a go because of your dedication.

Connecting the City Gaining Traction

SF Bicycle Coalition staff have been busy bringing our Connecting the City initiative to city agencies, department heads, elected officials and merchant and neighborhood groups to get their input. This visionary plan is receiving positive feedback -- it's clear that more and more people want to create a city where people of all ages will feel comfortable and safe riding a bicycle. Connecting the City is our biggest initiative to date and is going to require a lot of effective inter-agency coordination, as well as outreach to build the public support so our politicians will to turn these bold plans into reality. We're off to a great start! For months, we've been working with a team of transportation planners, designers, and architects to create the visionary road map that is helping win the hearts and minds of decision makers, and this investment is already paying off.

Connecting the City highlights this week:

  • The SF Bicycle Coalition was invited to present our Connecting the City vision at the Transportation Authority Plans and Programs meeting by Supervisor David Chiu this past week. Acting Executive Director Renee Rivera shared our vision for continuous and connected crosstown bikeways as the smartest and most effective transportation investment the Transportation Authority could make. Pres. Chiu's call for re-shaping our streets to encourage 20 percent of all trips by bike by 2020, based on the affordable plans laid out in the Connecting the City plan, will help guide the future of San Francisco's streets.
  • In that same meeting, Pres. Chiu shared his experiences biking in the Netherlands during a fact-finding trip along with other city leaders. This trip helped solidify his support for the ideas laid out in Connecting the City, calling on San Francisco to commit to building a city where everyone feels safe, comfortable and confident on a bike.
  • Connecting the City was reported on by SF Streetsblog, read the story here.

Wine Country Getaways, Shiny Bikes and Hot Bags, Oh My

Winterfest is only five weeks away and the auction catalog is starting to grow! grow! grow!

Come ready to bid and buy some of the hottest auction items around:

  • A two-night stay at Le Tournesol, a spacious Wine Country Home near Healdsburg that sleeps 6-8 and is perfect for a biking get-a-way weekend!
  • A 2011 Trek 7.6 FX Hybrid -- considered one of the most versatile bikes ever and perfect for the streets of San Francisco. Completely exchangeable for your size and style at Valencia Cyclery!
  • A Rickshaw Bagworks Build-A-Bag party for you and nine of your closest friends! Customize 10 Zero Bags, watch them being made and explore the local factory. A truly unique San Francisco experience.

Fabulous deals on local items and the latest bike products will be up for auction at our annual Winterfest member party and fundraiser on Sunday, December 5th (at SOMArts Gallery, 934 Brannan St. at 8th St.). New auction items are being added daily -- be sure to check the catalog. Winterfest is an important fundraiser for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's efforts in making our city great for bicycling, so bidding and buying is a win-win!

Did you know you can get into the party for free when you volunteer at Winterfest? We are seeking you and 249 other SF Bicycle Coalition member-volunteers to ensure Winterfest's success by pouring beer, monitoring the silent auction, selling raffle tickets or valet parking bikes. Sign up today to secure your free entry!

Get into the SF Bike Expo for Free

The SF Bike Expo is back and better than ever with two Pedal Savvy Fashion Shows, BMX Stunt Show, Lowrider Bike Competition, Custom and Vintage Bicycle Show, Bike Swap and more! The event happens Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10am-6pm at the Cow Palace (2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City). Learn more at: sfbikeexpo.com.

There are two ways to get into the SF Bike Expo FREE with the SF Bicycle Coalition:

  • Not yet a member of the SF Bicycle Coalition or it's time to renew? Join, or renew your SF Bicycle Coalition Membership at sfbike.org/join_renew_special and we will give you a free ticket to the SF Bike Expo (act now--offer ends Tuesday, November 2nd!)
  • Volunteer as a bike valet or outreach volunteer, and get a free ticket by going to sfbike.org/volunteer_swap.

Thank You for a Wonderful Season of Sunday Streets

The SF Bicycle Coalition was proud to partner with Livable City for Sunday Streets by recruiting and training more than 1,000 volunteers to open over 20 miles of streets on nine Sundays, in six San Francisco neighborhoods, from East to West! Upwards of 20,000 people of all ages experienced these open streets by bicycling, dancing, rollerskating, doing yoga and hula hooping. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition helped dozens of youngsters learn how to ride without training wheels at the Sunday Streets events through our Freedom from Training Wheels program. More than forty other groups provided free programming for the Sunday Streets events including bicycle rentals, free bike repair, youth bike safety skills and more!

A huge shout out to all the volunteers who monitored intersections, provided local access, set up equipment and made sure everyone had a great time! A special thank you to our Sunday Streets Volunteer Coordinator, Matt Kaftor, and our Sunday Streets interns, Matt Wisniewski and Emma Kemp, for their excellent leadership and hard work running the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's Sunday Streets Volunteer Program. We couldn't have done it without you.

Plans are already underway for Sunday Streets 2011, so stay tuned for details.

Volunteer Night this Week and a Holiday Switch

Wednesday volunteer nights have been happening for as long as we can remember, and the next one is Wed., Oct. 27. Join us to help stuff envelopes, do inventory and whatever else needs to be done to keep your friendly Bicycle Coalition rolling. Newcomers are always welcome, so stop by, snack on tasty treats, chat with fellow members, and help us keep our organization moving forward. Dinner is provided. Bring a friend -- the more the merrier! Don't forget to bring your bike up to the 10th floor (833 Market St.) for secure parking. Questions? Email Kate or just show up!

Reminder: In November and December Volunteer Nights switch to second and fourth Wednesdays for the holiday season, starting November 3, 5-8pm.

Social Media Intern Needed

Always on Facebook? Constantly Tweeting? The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is looking for a Social Media intern to enhance our online presence, produce original content for our news page, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

If you are a creative thinker and punchy writer who is ready to own and introduce new ideas, and wants to offer enthusiasm and commitment to our cause, apply today!

Hoodie Season Commences: Get Yours Now

Get one of our fashionable hoodies to show your bike love, stay warm, and support the work of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition at the same time! From the SF Bicycle Coalition's 2009 limited-edition "Languages" hoodie (pictured), to the bicycle movement's classic "Allowed Use of Full Lane," a hoodie is waiting for your wardrobe at sfbike.org/store_sweatshirts.

Remember, all profits from merchandise sales go directly toward the SF Bicycle Coalition's work to make San Francisco a better place to live and bike. Get yours now, while supplies last!

SF Bicycle Coalition Rec Ride: Halloween Comic Book Tour

San Francisco has a long history of comic book culture-- from the seminal underground movement in the '60s to the modern Wonder-Con comic book convention. And in honor of San Francisco's love for great costumes year-round, comic characters included, the Halloween Comic Book Tour will meld the two into one. Costumes and kids are encouraged on this Rec Ride; note that there will be some hills. SF Bicycle Coalition recreational rides are free for members (a $5 donation from non-members is appreciated). Rain cancels rides.
Details: Sat., Oct. 30, 12pm | Meet-up at Mission Comics and Art, 3520 20th St.

Video: The Future of Bicycling in San Francisco

David Chiu, president of the San Francisco's Board of Supervisors and regular bike commuter, called for a presentation on the state -- and future -- of bicycling in San Francisco at the Transportation Authority Plans and Program meeting. In this coverage of the hearing, City staff present the state of biking in the city; then, President Chiu recounts his recent trip to the Netherlands to research bike infrastructure.

Following on the heels of Pres. Chiu's excitement for the next generation of bike lanes, Acting Executive Director Renee Rivera lays out the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's bold plan for San Francisco's bicycling future, Connecting the City. Take a look at the SFGTV coverage of this meeting here.

Upcoming Events

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

** Tuesday, October 26th **

SF Bicycle Coalition Board Meeting
6:30pm | SFBC HQ, 833 Market St, 10th Floor

Everyone's invited! Contact Renee at 431-BIKE x306 or renee@sfbike.org for agenda and details.

Bike Maintenance Class: Bearing Systems *
7:30-9:30pm | Box Dog Bikes, 494 14th St

In this intermediate level class learn about the basic bearing systems of bikes and perform an overhaul of your headset, bottom bracket or hub; your choice. $35 for the class; Take two for $65, three for $90, or four for $120. Contact: dan@boxdogbikes.com with questions or call 415-431-9627 or stop by the shop to sign up.

** Wednesday, October 27th **

SFBC Volunteer Night
5-8pm | SFBC HQ, 833 Market St, 10th Floor

This twice-monthly SFBC tradition has been happening for as long as we can remember, but newcomers are always welcome. So stop by, snack on tasty treats, chat with fellow cyclists, 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! Questions? Email tessa@sfbike.org or just show up.

SFBC Bike Quilt: Biker Quilting Bees*
6-9pm | At Nancy's house off the Wiggle, email nancy@nancybotkin.com for address and to RSVP

Join us for an evening of snacking and yakking while contributing to a work of art that will raise money for the SFBC. The 3rd annual Bike Quilt is ready for quilting! Quilting bees held Wednesdays from September 22 to November 3. No experience necessary, hand-sewing instruction and homemade treats provided. The quilt will be raffled off at the SF Bicycle Coalition's annual member party and fundraiser, Winterfest on December 5th. For more info: http://www.sfbike.org/?wf_crafts_10

** Thursday, October 28th **

SF Bicycle Coalition Treehouse Talk: Taming the Bike Commuter Beast
6-8pm | SF Bicycle Coalition HQ, 833 Market St, 10th Floor

Come hear Timbuk2 CEO Mike Wallenfels talk about his 38-mile commute from Novato to San Francisco's Mission District. Mike will share his secrets to bike commuting success that will get you off the fence and on your bike.

SF Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting *
Fourth Thursdays of the Month - 6:30pm, City Hall Room 408 (Polk and Grove Streets)

Come and speak your mind about bicycle issues in San Francisco. This eleven member committee meets once a month and advises the Board of Supervisors on all matters bicycle. Check the BAC website (sfgov.org/bac) to confirm these dates and read the agenda. Contact Bert Hill (sfbac7bert@aol.com), chair of the BAC, to place an issue on the agenda or to request notice of meetings.

** Friday, October 29th **

Bike the Vote
8-10am | 12th and Market

Help get out the bike vote and help us maintain a bike-friendly majority on the Board of Supervisors. We'll be out every Friday in October with coffee, snacks and information about the SF Bicycle Coalition endorsements. Email Tessa@sfbike.org if you're outreach trained and can volunteer to make a huge difference in this election!

** Saturday, October 30th **

SFBC Valet Bicycle Parking at the Ferry Building Saturday Farmers Market
8am-2pm | Harry Bridges Plaza

Pedal to the Ferry Building to fill up your panniers with local bounty and park your bike with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. All 52 weeks a year, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition will be providing complimentary valet bike parking in Harry Bridges Plaza (look for the orange tent)

SF Bicycle Coalition Rec Ride: Halloween Comic Book Tour
12pm | Meet-up at Mission Comics and Art, 3520 20th St.

San Francisco has a grand tradition of dressing up for Halloween, and an even longer tradition of supporting comic books, from the seminal underground movement in the '60s to the modern Wonder-Con comic book convention. This Rec Ride mashes the two up as it tours the internationally famous SF comic book scene. Costumes and kids strongly encouraged; there will be some hills.

SF Bicycle Coalition recreational rides are free for SFBC members (a $5 donation from non-members is appreciated); rain cancels rides.

** Sunday, October 31st **

NOPA VELO: The Monster Mash Halloween Ride *
9:30 am to 12 noon | Meet at Mojo Bicycle Cafe, 639 Divisadero, between Hayes and Grove

Get your Spook and Ghoul on with NOPA VELO, the North Panhandle's bike group for neighbors and friends. Scare the caffeine out of Mojo folks and spin out to find the forlorn maiden who haunts Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park. Riders will be Monster Mashing and Ghost Busting all over NOPA afterwards. All level riders welcome, kids on own bike OK if with guardian. Pets on leash too. Lunch follows. Info: Lenore lmcjunker@gmail.com or check BIKE NOPA ibikenopa@blogspot.com

The Bride of Trickster Treat *
1pm | Registration at the GG Park Polo Fields

Come out for this annual Halloween bike race and scavenger hunt, with all proceeds benefiting Up On Top, a Tenderloin neighborhood afterschool program for low-income elementary school students. http://trickstertreat.blogspot.com

** Tuesday, November 2nd **

Bike the Vote!
7am-8pm | All over town

It's Election Day, and the SF Bicycle Coalition will getting out the bike vote all over town.


(Events not sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition are marked with an *)

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