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March 9, 2010

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

"Last year we were able to show that we could put on an event and what was really exciting was how many locals came to the event."
-- Kevin Carroll, President of the Fisherman's Wharf Community Betterment District, Excitement Builds for First Sunday Streets of 2010, SF Streetsblog, Mar. 5, 2010

A Day of Car-Free Streets Fun This Sunday

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:58:00 -0800

Come out and play with the SF Bicycle Coalition and tens of thousands of people for Sunday Streets, this Sunday, March 14 from 10am-3pm, when miles of the Embarcadero (from Fisherman's Wharf to China Basin) will be transformed into a people-powered party. See the full route and watch a video of Sunday Streets here.

We're thrilled that Sunday Streets is back for a third year, opening streets for people of all ages. Grab your bicycle and your friends and ride the entire route enjoying a range of activities along the way, from yoga to rollerskating to dance lessons. The SF Bicycle Coalition and Presidio YMCA have organized biking activities like urban cycling classes, youth biking and Freedom From Training Wheels (see our Freedom From Training Wheels page for information on how you can help with this unique program!). Stop by a free bike repair station or park your bike with SF Bicycle Coalition's popular and free bike valet at the Ferry Building and at Pier 39. We hope to see you on Sunday enjoying the car-free fun, make sure to stop by our orange tent and say hello.

The SF Bicycle Coalition is proud to be organizing volunteers for Sunday Streets! For each of the nine Sunday Streets events, starting this Sunday, March 14, we will be coordinating more than 150 volunteers to make each event possible. Volunteers get a Sunday Streets t-shirt, lunch, and the great feeling that you helped make Sunday Streets possible. Be part of the Sunday Streets volunteer team by signing up today at sundaystreetssf.com/volunteer!

Two Ways to Make Bike to Work Day 2010 Great

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:57:00 -0800

Be a Bike to Work Day volunteer! Last year, over 300 amazing volunteers helped make Bike to Work Day a roaring success, and we're hoping to be joined by just as many volunteers this year. Volunteer for Bike to Work Day, May 13th on your commute route, meet fellow riders, and dispense treats and cycling advice at our neighborhood Energizer Stations. Bike to Work Day is one of the grandest bike events of the year! We need you to help make it happen -- sign up now at sfbike.org/vol_sign_up_btwd.

Help your workplace celebrate Bike to Work Day. Request a free Bike to Work Day Employer Toolkit for your workplace, complete with an official Bike to Work Day poster, employer resources for Bike to Work Day and more! Request your free Employer Toolkit today at sfbike.org/employertoolkit.

Give the Gift of a More Bikeable and Livable City

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:56:00 -0800

There has never been a better way to say happy birthday, happy anniversary, or welcome a new baby into the family than by giving an SF Bicycle Coalition gift membership to someone you love. Not only will your thoughtful gift be one that keeps on giving, but a gift membership will give back to you all year long, by making your city more livable and bikeable. Now that is a gift worth giving! Gift Memberships start at just $35/year and come with a special card noting your gift. Membership includes benefits like the latest bike news, a San Francisco bike map, discounts at 60+ local and online businesses, and other member perks you love. Use our quick and secure online form at sfbike.org/join_renew or contact tessa@sfbike.org or 415-431-2453 x301 to place orders with special instructions.

Calling All Creatives

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:55:00 -0800

Are you a wordsmith on wheels? The SF Bicycle Coalition has blogging opportunities and writing assignments and is in need of talented writers. Whether you've got great ideas for stories, or would be willing to take assignments, your talents will be put to good use helping spread the good word about bicycling. Let us know your skills and areas of interest, and include writing samples to teri@sfbike.org.

Are you a photographer who wants to build their portfolio? The SF Bicycle Coalition is seeking photographers who are interested in shooting regular features for online use and in publications. Do you love shooting people? Want to get your work published? Send an email with a link to your work to teri@sfbike.org.

Are you a designer or illustrator willing to share your talents? We have exciting projects that we'd love to get your help on. Send samples of your work to teri@sfbike.org.

Building a Better Bike Map: Testers Needed

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:54:00 -0800

The SF Bicycle Coalition is working with the SF Department of Environment, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and 511.org to create a new, online bike mapping application that will provide turn-by-turn directions for people on bikes in San Francisco. We're looking for members who are willing to help test the application before it goes public this spring. You'll test the tool both at home and as a group by plugging in routes and testing the usability of the application. If you are familiar with the streets of San Francisco and can commit to ten hours of testing over the coming two weeks, sign up at: sfbike.org/alpha

Welcome Crumpler: Our Newest Discount Partner

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:53:00 -0800

We're excited to announce the newest SF Bicycle Coalition discount partner, Crumpler Bags! Crumpler now offers all card-carrying SF Bicycle Coalition members a whopping 20% off all bags in their San Francisco store only. Stop by and check out what kind of deals your member discount can get you. Crumpler is located at 835 Market St, inside the Westfield Mall.

Not a member yet? Join the SF Bicycle Coaltion and our 11,000 members who are working for biking improvements all across San Francisco and who are reaping the rewards of great member perks like great discounts at 60+ local and online businesses. See the full list of all the SF Bicycle Coalition's discount partners.

Volunteer to Holla, Help, and Haul

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:52:00 -0800

Volunteer for outreach at Sunday Streets: Join the SF Bicycle Coalition under our orange tent and talk to people about our work! Your volunteering gets you a free Sunday Streets t-shirt, lunch, and the great feeling that you helped make Sunday Streets possible. If you are a trained SF Bicycle Coalition outreach volunteer and would like be an outreach hero(ine) email tessa@sfbike.org. Need to get outreach trained before Sunday Streets? RSVP to Tessa to attend the upcoming training on Tue., Mar. 9 from 7:30-8:30pm at SF Bicycle Coalition offices, 995 Market Street #1550.

Help get the next generation on two wheels: The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is looking for volunteers to assist during our Freedom From Training Wheels sessions this year. If you enjoy working with kids or are a parent yourself, we'd love to have your help. See sfbike.org/freedom or contact neal@sfbike.org for more information.

Holla for Haulers: The SF Bicycle Coalition is proud to do all our delivery and events by bike, and we need your help to keep that going. Email Tessa if you're interested in being one of our amazing strong-legged haulers, helping us bike supplies, bike our mail and run bike errands all over town. In addition, we also need a few trailers for our upcoming Tube Times mail delivery. If you can help us bike the Tube Times to the post office, or if you can lend your trailer to the SF Bicycle Coalition please email tessa@sfbike.org today.

Tour de Cure Discount for SF Bicycle Coalition Members

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:51:00 -0800

Spend Sunday, May 2nd, enjoying the splendors of spring in the Napa Valley. Take in the views and aromas of budding orchards and vineyards as you cycle the supported routes of the Tour de Cure and help find a cure for diabetes. Choose between 100, 80, 50, or 25-mile rides, or a family-friendly 10-mile route option. Enjoy the post-ride party with lunch, live music, wine tasting, silent auction and other fun. SF Bicycle Coalition members get a low $5 registration fee with the promo code 'SFBC'. Sign up today at diabetes.org/napavalleytourdecure.

Video: Mayor Newsom Promotes Street Plazas

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:50:00 -0800

Mayor Newsom was out exploring the new street plaza at San Jose and Guerrero streets and helped celebrate this beautiful new gathering space for neighbors by talking to Gillian Gillett, co-chair of the San Jose/Guerrero Coalition to Save our Streets about the evolution of the plaza. The Mayor announced that the City's Pavement to Parks program will be completing 12 more trial street plazas and "parklets" (reclaimed curb parking places) by the end of 2010. The SF Bicycle Coalition's Great Streets Project works closely with the city's Pavement to Parks program to scout good locations and connect community groups and businesses with the program. Get involved in this exciting new effort by emailing info@sfgreatstreets.org. Watch the video here.

Mayor Announces 12 New Street Plazas and Parklets

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:59:00 -0800

Last week Mayor Newsom celebrated the official opening of the "Showplace Triangle" street plaza (at 8th and 16th streets) and announced that the City's Pavement to Parks program will be completing 12 more trial street plazas and "parklets" by the end of 2010. These projects take street space, including car parking spots, and transform them to create gathering spots for the community. The first such plaza opened in May 2009 at 17th Street and Castro streets and has become a popular gathering place for the community. The new parklets build on the idea of PARK(ing) Day, the one-day event that re-purposes street parking spots into extra room for cafe tables and chairs, bike parking, and mini-gardens, giving pedestrians and bicyclists more room. Stay tuned for information about the first parklet opening at Cafe Mojo on Divisadero between Hayes and Grove streets in the next few weeks. The Pavement to Parks program is a wonderful incubator initiative for trialing innovative street reprogramming on a shoe string budget.

The SF Bike Coalition's Great Streets Project works closely with the Pavement to Parks program to scout good locations and connect community groups and businesses with the program. We are organizing volunteers and other resources to help construct and analyze the projects. Get involved in this exciting new effort! If you have carpentry skills and are available March 10, 11 or 12, please contact info@sfgreatstreets.org to help be part of the building crew. If you're more adept with pen and paper and like people watching, contact info@sfgreatstreets.org to be part of the team analyzing the impact of the trial projects. This data is used in deciding whether these trial projects stay, are tweaked or are removed.

SF Bicycle Coalition Members Fight for Muni

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:58:00 -0800

In a split vote on Friday, the MTA Board voted 4-3 to cut Muni service by a whopping 10 percent, the largest cuts in their 97-year history -- but thankfully raising fares for the Senior, Disabled, and Youth passes was avoided. With hundreds of transit riders filling City Hall, Board Chairman Tom Nolan announced that the fare increases were off the table in his opening comments to the relief of many. Unfortunately, the Board voted for the 10 percent service cuts, as well as requiring a 'premium pass' to ride Express Buses and Cable Cars, as well as BART. The SF Bicycle Coalition, working with the Transit Not Traffic Coalition, were able to persuade four of the commissioners to speak out in support of extending parking meter hours with Chairman Tom Nolan saying: "We are clearly moving in the direction of extending parking meter hours to Sunday and will look at that more next week." The SF Bicycle Coalition will continue to push the parking meter extension issue as well as other revenue sources for Muni. In the wake of these service cuts, a member-based organization of transit riders is being launched -- join the mailing list to be one of the first to hear about this exciting new project at muniriders.org.

Another Improvement to Your Wiggle

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:57:00 -0800

Last week we told you that we were on the scene with the Department of Public Works (DPW) showing them hazardous conditions and dangerously rough pavement along the popular Wiggle route. This week, we're thrilled to tell you that the DPW has repaved over parts of the treacherous areas. The southbound lane requires a bit of inter-departmental coordination and will be fixed soon. Thanks to the DPW for their quick response and thanks to all our members who alerted us to the unsafe conditions. See the before and after photos here, and go take a ride of this new, super smooth pavement.

The SF Bicycle Coalition's Good Roads volunteers are increasingly winning better pavement on long stretches of the bike network ensuring longer-lasting smooth roads and increasing the safety for people walking and biking. You can help smooth the way by joining the friendly Good Roads crew this Saturday, Mar. 6 when they descend on the Tenderloin to mark potholes and hazards and report them to '311'. Remember, you can report potholes and small hazards any day of the week to 311 (by phone or online). If you know of larger hazards on the bike network that are in need of fixing, email Neal.

New Member Meet + Greet

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:56:00 -0800

If you've been an SF Bicycle Coalition member for less than a year, you're invited to join us to learn about our advocacy, education and community programs that will make San Francisco a model cycling city, and how you can get involved to keep our work moving forward. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your friendly SF bike advocacy organization and meet other new members. Bring your bike up with you! RSVP to tessa@sfbike.org or (415) 431-2453(BIKE) x301.
Details: Tue., Mar. 9 from 6:30-7:15pm at SF Bicycle Coalition HQ, 995 Market St, Ste 1550

Sunday Streets Wants You

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:55:00 -0800

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is proud to coordinate the volunteer corps that make car-free Sunday Streets events possible. For each of the nine Sunday Streets events, starting on Sunday, March 14, more than 150 volunteers make each event possible. All volunteers get a Sunday Streets t-shirt, a lunch, and the great feeling that you helped make Sunday Streets possible. Do you want to be a part of the Sunday Streets team that helps make it happen? Sign up to volunteer now at sundaystreetssf.com/volunteer!

Want to make an even bigger impact on Sunday Streets? We are now hiring three Volunteer Organizing Interns for Sunday Streets. Do you have the experience and passion for Sunday Streets to lead hundreds of volunteers over nine events across the city? Information and instructions for applying at sfbike.org/jobs.

Commit to Making Your City the Best It Can Be

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:54:00 -0800

Are you trained in SF Bicycle Coalition Outreach and want to volunteer for these events? Email tessa@sfbike.org to help out! Not Outreach Trained? RSVP to Tessa to attend the upcoming training on Tue., Mar. 9 from 7:30-8:30pm at SF Bicycle Coalition HQ, 995 Market St Ste 1550.

SF Bicycle Coalition Outreach at PG+E Wellness Fair: Thu., Mar. 4 | 9am-2pm | PG+E, 77 Beale St. The SF Bicycle Coalition will be doing outreach to PG+E employees about bike advocacy and the benefits of being a SF Bicycle Coalition member.

SF Bicycle Coalition Outreach at Sunday Streets: Sun., Mar. 14, Sun., Apr. 11, Sun., Apr. 18. Sunday Streets is back, providing car-free recreational space for everyone -- get in on the fun! The SF Bicycle Coalition will be out in the streets doing outreach and celebrating the car-free space. Volunteers get a special edition Sunday Streets t-shirt and a free lunch, not to mention that irresistible volunteer glow!

Holla for Haulers: The SF Bicycle Coalition is proud to do all our delivery and events by bike, and we need your help to keep that going. Email Tessa if you're interested in being one of our amazing strong-legged haulers, helping us bike supplies, bike our mail and run bike errands all over town. In addition, we also need a few trailers for our upcoming Tube Times mail delivery. If you can help us bike the Tube Times to the post office, or if you can lend your trailer to the SF Bicycle Coalition, please email Tessa today!

Two Weekends of Family Biking

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:53:00 -0800

Car-Free Family Ride on Sunday, March 7th: Join SF Parks Trust for a car-free family ride through Golden Gate Park on Sunday, March 7th. The ride starts at 10am at McLaren Lodge and fun activities will include a "statue search" at the Music Concourse, trivia at the Stow Lake Boathouse, playtime at the Koret Children's Quarter, and so much more! Meet back at McLaren Lodge at 1pm for a bicycle check-up and celebration. Please bring your own water. Party with free beer and tacos (available for purchase) at McLaren Lodge after the bike ride. Dessert potluck. RSVP to Donalda Watson-Walkinshaw at 415-750-5443 or donalda@sfpt.org by Wednesday. March 3.

Bike to School Day Training on Sunday, March 14th: Want to feel more confident in leading or having your child participate in a "Bike Train" from home to school and back? Join the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for a 2.5 hour training session in preparation for SF Bike to School Day (April 15th) to show families and youth how to improve confidence and safety on the road. The training will empower parents with bicycle helmet fitting, safety checks and skill building drills leading up to a group ride. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent and everyone is required to bring their own bicycles and helmets in good condition. It is especially important that all adult riders "role model" proper helmet usage for youth participants. Pre-register at sfbiketoschoolday.org. Details: Sun., Mar. 14 | 10am-12:30pm | Along the Sunday Streets route, Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, south to China Basin and Terry Francois Blvd.

A.C.T. Bike to the Theater Night

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:52:00 -0800

Beat those winter blues by pedaling to a performance at the A.C.T. Theater on Thursday March 4th to enjoy John Doyle's Caucasian Chalk Circle, a story of love and power in a war-torn country -- and the best part is the SF Bicycle Coalition will valet park your bike and keep it secure while you enjoy the show! Even better, SF Bicycle Coalition members get a $10 discount just for riding your bike to the theater. To receive your discount, purchase your tickets online at act-sf.org and use promo code BIKE5 (Orchestra and Dress Circle tickets only, subject to availability).

Video: Seattle Mayor Sets Example by Biking to Work

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:51:00 -0800

"Mike Bikes" was the slogan of Mike McGinn's mayoral campaign, promoting himself as the mayor who bikes to and from Seattle city hall everyday, setting himself apart from his competitors. Many of his goals and ideals are geared toward livable streets, and his mode of transportation shows his commitment to the cause. In a city similarly hilly to San Francisco, McGinn proves it is possible to self propel your way to work, and to a mayoral position. Watch the video from Streetfilms here: Biking to Work with Seattle's Mayor Mike McGinn

Senator Hancock says Build the West Span Pathway

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:59:00 -0800

Back in January, the SF Bicycle Coalition, along with our East Bay allies and hundreds of people who ride bikes, spoke out at a Metropolitan Transportation Commission hearing to help win funding for the West Span Bike and Pedestrian Pathway. The voice to bridge this gap in sustainable transportation was heard loud and clear.

Thanks to State Senator Loni Hancock (D - Oakland) for her leadership in introducing Senate Bill 1061 which will give the Metropolitan Transportation Commission the authority to use bridge tolls to fund a Bay Bridge West Span bike and pedestrian pathway creating an important connection from Oakland all the way to San Francisco. The East Span path which is already under construction will end at Treasure Island. The SF Bicycle Coalition has spent years advocating for a shore-to-shore bike pathway on the Bay Bridge, and this is a important step to making it happen. Keep an eye out for action alerts for how you can help push this bill forward.

Take Action: To Pass Garage and Driveway Reform

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:58:00 -0800

Streets and sidewalks for people, or streets and sidewalks for cars? Supervisor David Chiu's excellent garage and driveway reform legislation tackles this question at the ground floor -- it's returning to the Board of Supervisors this afternoon (Tues., Feb. 23) for a second reading, and we need you to take a minute now to speak up and help get it passed. The measure would help protect the livability of the city's most densely-settled neighborhoods by imposing controls on new garages in existing buildings in specific sections of the city's northeast (Chinatown, North Beach, Broadway, and Columbus) and forbidding new driveways on much of Columbus and Broadway, two very important bike routes and pedestrian corridors. Every new garage is an auto trip generator, adding to congestion, noise, and danger; every new driveway is a fresh conflict for pedestrians and bicycle riders.

Please take a moment right now and contact Supervisor Bevan Dufty (Bevan.Dufty@sfgov.org or 415-554-6968) -- let him know you're an SF Bicycle Coalition member, thank him for his Feb. 9 "yes" vote, and urge him to continue to support Supervisor Chiu's measure for the sake of walkable, bikeable streets in District 3.

Speak Out Friday to Save Muni!

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:57:00 -0800

With 700 individual emails submitted to Mayor Gavin Newsom and the SFMTA Board this month, the SF Bicycle Coalition has been the strongest voice advocating to hold the line against fare hikes and service cuts for Muni. This Friday (2/26) at 9:00 am the SFMTA Board will hold a public hearing at City Hall, Room 400, to vote on parking reform to help fund Transit First. We need you to come support our broad coalition, Transit Not Traffic, who are working to make sure everyone has access to reliable, affordable public transit. Read more at sfbike.org/transit -- and we'll see you Friday at 9:00 am at City Hall!

Another Improvement to Your Wiggle

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:56:00 -0800

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and its members saw our hard work pay off with a number of improvements to the Wiggle route in December. We celebrated California's first bike box and a new bike lane on Scott St. and bike racks and sharrows (shared lane arrows) that were added to the whole stretch of this popular bike route. However, recent emails and phone calls from our members indicated some unsafe pavement on Steiner and Sanchez streets on both sides of Duboce St. SF Bicycle Coalition staff and Good Roads volunteers met with Department of Public Works staff on the scene last week to point out the hazardous conditions, and the Department expects to repair one large section on northbound Steiner this week. The extremely bumpy ride over the poorly paved utility trench that runs southbound along the entire length of these two blocks is also slated for smoothing. The SF Bicycle Coalition's Good Roads volunteers are increasingly winning better pavement on long stretches of the bike network. These bigger wins help ensure longer-lasting smooth roads and increase safety for people walking and biking.

Join the Good Roads crew on their next outing, Sat. March 6 when they descend on the Tenderloin to mark potholes and hazards and report them to '311'. Remember, you can report potholes and small hazards any day of the week to 311 (by phone or online). If you know of larger hazards on the bike network that are in need of fixing, email Neal.

Sunday Streets Wants You

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:55:00 -0800

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is proud to coordinate the volunteer corps that make car-free Sunday Streets events successful. For each of the nine Sunday Streets events, starting on Sunday, March 14, more than 150 volunteers will make each event possible. Do you want to be a part of the Sunday Streets team that helps make it happen? Sign up to volunteer now at sundaystreetssf.com/volunteer!

Want to make an even bigger impact on Sunday Streets? We are now hiring three Volunteer Leadership interns for Sunday Streets. Do you have the experience and passion for Sunday Streets to lead hundreds of volunteers over nine events across the city? Information and instructions for applying at sfbike.org/jobs.

Volunteer and Take Action with the SF Bicycle Coalition

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:54:00 -0800

SF Bicycle Coalition Service Station: Thu., Feb 25 | 4:30-6:30pm | Fell and Masonic Streets. Even with a bicycle traffic signal, drivers are still illegally turning left onto Masonic, endangering cyclists and pedestrians using the Panhandle path. The SF Bicycle Coalition is ramping up a campaign to push the SF Police Department to step up their officer education of cyclist rights and increase enforcement city-wide to make sure cyclists and pedestrians are safe. Email Tessa to help out!

SF Bicycle Coalition Outreach at the PG+E Wellness Fair: Thu., Mar. 4 | 9am-2pm | PG+E, 77 Beale St. The SF Bicycle Coalition will be doing outreach to PG+E employees about bike advocacy and the benefits of being a SF Bicycle Coalition member. Are you trained in SF Bicycle Coalition Outreach and want to volunteer? Email Tessa to help out!

Volunteer as a Bicycle Valet in March: The SF Bicycle Coalition will be providing free bicycle parking in March. Will one of these events be your first time working the magic of bike valet? Email LisaRuth for shift times, more details, and to sign up.
March 5: Southern Exposure's Monster Drawing Rally, March 13 or 14: Anarchist Book Fair, March 14: Sunday Streets.

Holla for Haulers! Want to ride all over the city on behalf of bike advocacy? Help us bike our mail to the post office or haul supplies to SF Bicycle Coalition events, and receive perks like event tickets and free admission, not to mention strong legs! Email Tessa for details.

SF Bicycle Coalition Treehouse Talk: Bike Touring 101

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:53:00 -0800

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride your bicycle across the country? Or even just use two wheels to go camping in Marin? If you've never toured before, you'll be amazed at what the bicycle and its engine (you!) can accomplish. This workshop, led by former SF Bicycle Coalition staffer Josh Hart, will go over the basics of bicycle touring -- what you need, what you don't need, and best practices to keep you happy and healthy on the road. You are encouraged to bring your bicycle to check if it is suitable for touring.
Details: Tue., Mar. 2 at 6:30pm at the SF Bicycle Coalition offices, 995 Market St. Ste 1550. Bring your bike up.

Better Biking in the Marin Headlands, but First Some Detours

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:52:00 -0800

Roadway improvements are coming to the Marin Headlands, including some important upgrades for bike traffic (an uphill bike lane running up Conzelman Drive from the Marin-side parking lot to the crest at McCullough Road, for instance). But folks who ride there should know that roadwork will require detours and full closure of several routes in the Headlands starting now and continuing through this fall, so be sure to check these maps and be ready to adjust your ride (and learn more about the project here).

Video: NYC's Pedestrian Plaza on Broadway is Permanent

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:51:00 -0800

Momentous news from New York City -- the new public spaces along Broadway will become permanent features of the city's landscape now that an eight-month trial period has ended. There has been widespread embrace for the plaza, which transformed this formerly grid-locked area. Merchants in other areas of the New York City are requesting similar improvements and surveys reveal that an amazing 74 percent of people who work in the area today are satisfied with the experience of Times Square, compared to only 43 percent in 2007. And the on-the-ground experience has improved as well, with injuries dropping by 40 percent, even as more people walked to those destinations. This trial is a shining example of how streets can be improved for all users -- pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists.

Mayor Bloomberg led the press conference with DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Times Square Alliance president Tim Tompkins, both of whom we brought to San Francisco last year to inspire San Francisco decision makers about the work they are doing in New York City. Watch the video news announcement here.

SF Bicycle Coalition Director to Take Sabbatical in Amsterdam

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:59:00 -0800

What could be more exciting than leading the biggest bicycle advocacy group in the country? How about living among and learning from the locals in one of the best bicycling cities in the world! The SF Bicycle Coalition's longtime Executive Director, Leah Shahum, has announced that she will be taking an eight-month sabbatical starting this May to live, learn and bicycle (everywhere) in Amsterdam.

We're excited for Leah to take advantage of this unique opportunity to immerse herself in a city where nearly half of all trips are made by bicycle, cyclists are respected on the roads, and bike paths connect the entire country. Of course, these are only some of the reasons why everyday bicycling is the most logical form of transportation in Amsterdam and so embedded in Dutch culture. Leah will observe, research, and experience this bike utopia on a day-to-day level to gain a deeper perspective of how San Francisco can model Amsterdam. In January 2010, Leah will return to her post as the Coalition's Executive Director with a world of fresh ideas, innovative plans, and a renewed vision for how the SF Bicycle Coalition can propel San Francisco to a new level of biking greatness.

Renee Rivera, former Chair of the SF Bicycle Coalition Board of Directors, will be the acting Executive Director starting in May, leading SF Bicycle Coalition staff on the next wave of biking campaigns and improvements. You may already know Renee from her long history working with the Bicycle Coalition, whether it was her long tenure on our Board of Directors, her hard work leading the winning campaign for bike lanes on Polk St., or the numerous cultural history bike tours she has led for the Bicycle Coalition. Renee has a strong background in nonprofit management and leadership roles and is passionate about our work to improve San Francisco for bicycling. She looks forward to meeting lots more of you in the coming months.

You can read more about Leah's sabbatical in the Spring issue of the Tube Times newsletter, which will hit mail boxes in April.

(PARK)ing Day Concept to Become Everyday

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:58:00 -0800

The front page of Wednesday's San Francisco Chronicle highlighted the popularity of the "flexible parking" trials the SF Bicycle Coalition facilitated in September in North Beach as a part of PARK(ing) Day (the popular one-day, annual event that transforms metered parking spaces into engaging public spaces). Working with Caffe Greco and Caffe Roma, civic groups, and amazing volunteers, our Great Streets Project team helped transform a whole block of busy Columbus Avenue into a different place -- parked cars were replaced by people. Volunteers constructed raised-wooden platforms that the cafes used in the parking spaces to extend the sidewalk. All day long customers sat under umbrella-clad tables experiencing and enjoying the new outdoor space; in fact, the demonstration was so successful that the city extended this one-day event through the weekend. (See photos of September's PARK(ing) day demonstration here.)

Now this "flexible parking" concept is growing into a permanent program that is likely to go citywide. Stay tuned to sfgreatstreets.org for more news!

Get involved in the Great Streets Project's exciting new placemaking endeavors this spring! We're looking for volunteers to help collect data on our new sidewalk expansion sites. If you're interested, email melissa@sfgreatstreets.org.

Otis Street Bike Lane Striped

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:57:00 -0800

The SF Bicycle Coalition is celebrating another new bike lane on Otis Street which has created an important one block link between South Van Ness and Gough Street. We'll be out tonight (Tues., Feb. 16th from 4:30-6:30pm) to share our love of this new bike lane with evening commuters. Stop by and say hello and learn about new biking improvements that are coming to streets all across San Francisco.

Otis Street is the ninth new bike lane to be striped since December -- other bike lanes have been striped on Beale, Clipper, Howard, Mississippi, Otis and Scott streets, 7th Avenue and Claremont Blvd. These bike lanes are the direct result of years of hard work by SF Bicycle Coalition staff and countless hours of grassroots organizing by committed Bicycle Coalition members. We are pleased to see these new improvements for bicycling being added all across San Francisco and creating important links in the bike network. Stay tuned to all the latest news at sfbike.org.

Love Abounds at Love on Wheels

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:56:00 -0800

At least four new couples pedaled off just in time for Valentine's Day after another round of Love on Wheels this past Friday, our annual dating game for cyclists at the Rickshaw Stop. Check out the Love on Wheels web page for photos of the event and the photo booth that were generously taken by Orange Photography.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the SF Bicycle Coalition at this bike love event, especially DJ Jamie Jams for spinning the tunes, Constance Cavallas for organizing this successful event, Sacha Ielmorini for securing top-notch sponsors and our own the SF Bicycle Coalition's Neal Patel for emceeing. A huge thank you to the 65 member-volunteers who made the event possible by donating their time to sell raffle tickets, valet park bicycles, help at the door and much more. Special thanks also to our awesome sponsors Rickshaw Stop for hosting the party, Balboa Theater, Blue+Gold Fleet, The Exploratorium, Flour+Water, Gialina, The Marsh, Mike's Bikes, Paxti's Pizza, Red Vic, Rickshaw Bagworks, Roxie Theater, Show Dogs, Terzo and Udupi Palace. The next time you visit these places on a hot date, be sure to thank them for supporting the Bicycle Coalition!

Now Hiring: Sunday Streets Volunteer Coordinator and Interns

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:55:00 -0800

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is proud to coordinate the volunteer corps that make the car-free Sunday Streets events possible. We are now hiring a part-time Volunteer Coordinator and three Volunteer Leadership interns for Sunday Streets. Do you have the experience and passion for Sunday Streets to lead hundreds of volunteers over nine events across the city? Information and instructions for applying at sfbike.org/jobs.

Or help promote Bike to Work Day as a SF Bicycle Coalition intern. Gain experience and help make the biggest biking day of the year a success. Apply for one of these rewarding positions today:

Wear Your Bike Pride on Your Sleeve

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:54:00 -0800

Show your bike pride and look good doing it in one of the SF Bicycle Coalition's awesome t-shirts and hoodies. From the SF Bicycle Coalition's 2010 limited-edition t-shirt celebrating San Francisco cyclists to the bicycle movement's classic "Allowed Use of Full Lane" and "One Less Car" t-shirts and hoodies, there is something for every type of rider. All profits from merchandise sales go directly towards the SF Bicycle Coalition's work to make San Francisco a better place to live and ride. Get yours now, while supplies last, at sfbike.org/store.

Happy Biking Stories Air on Bay Area Radio

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:53:00 -0800

The SF Bicycle Coalition is excited to announce a series of new bicycling Public Service Announcements that are airing on seven Bay Area regional radio stations. Tune in to 98.1 Kiss FM, Star 101.3, 106.1 Kmel, Wild 94.9, 103.7 The Band, Green 960AM, and Knew 910AM to hear the good word.

Thanks to Clear Channel San Francisco for generously donating the studio and air time for these five spots. Thanks also to our creative partners at Fresh Public for helping concept the campaign and kudos to the great biking folks who took time out of their busy schedules to be the voices for bicycling.

Volunteer and Celebrate New Bike Lanes and Car-Free Space

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:52:00 -0800

Service Station: Tue., Feb. 16 | 4:30-6:30pm | Otis St. at Gough St. The SF Bicycle Coalition will be at the new Otis Streeet bike lane to energize evening commuters with snacks and chat about new and upcoming bike improvements. Are you trained in SF Bicycle Coalition outreach and want to join the fun? Email Tessa.

Sunday Streets: Sun., Mar. 14 | 10am-3pm | Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39, south to China Basin and Terry Francois Blvd. Come play in the streets for the first Sunday Streets event of 2010! Sunday Streets create car-free recreational space for people of all ages. Get involved today. Volunteer as a Route Rabbit or Intersection Monitor. Or you can help the SF Bicycle Coalition under our orange tent by talking to people about bicycling and our work. If you are outreach trained and want to volunteer at our tent, email Tessa.

Holla for Haulers: Want to ride all over the city on behalf of bike advocacy? Help us bike our mail to the post office or haul supplies to SF Bicycle Coalition events, and receive perks like event tickets and free admission, not to mention strong legs! Email Tessa for details.

Interactive Charrette: Creating Our Own Market Street

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:51:00 -0800

Join SF Bicycle Coalition staffers for an interactive charrette to examine what it takes to make a great street -- then use those principles to re-envision Market Street. Neal Patel, SF Bicycle Coalition Community Planner and Kit Hodge, Director of our Great Streets Project will be leading small groups through the charrette, along with Jeff Tumlin of NelsonNygaard, Tim Papandreou of the SFMTA, Jill Manton of the Public Arts Commission, Kim Havens of Wilson Meany Sullivan and Karin Flood Eklund of MJM Management. This event is a collaboration of SPUR, Next American City and the American Institute of Architects.

Details: Tue., Feb. 23 | 6pm | SPUR, 654 Mission Street. Free for SPUR members and Next American City subscribers. General admission includes a year's subscription to Next American City. This event will sell out -- reserve your spot today!

Video: Mayor Newsom Showcases 175 Bike Rack Installations

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:50:00 -0800

Last week, Mayor Newsom took his weekly YouTube show to the Mission and met up with the SF Bicycle Coalition's Leah Shahum to highlight all the biking improvements hitting SF streets. And what better thing to celebrate than the 175th sidewalk bike parking rack installed (since December) outside Flour+Water restaurant. Bike racks are being requested at record pace -- upscale restaurants, banks, and hair salons are not unusual on a list of 1,000 sidewalk parking rack requests that the SF Municipal Transportation Agency has received. The city plans to install an additional 600 bike racks by the end of the year. Well-located and convenient sidewalk bicycle racks are an important link when riding a bicycle to work, to the store, or to a restaurant. Request a free bike rack at your favorite location today. Watch the YouTube show here.

Cupid Takes Aim at Bicyclists this Friday, Feb. 12

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:59:00 -0800

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's Love on Wheels, the only dating game for bicyclists, is this Friday, Feb. 12 at Rickshaw Stop (155 Fell St. between Franklin and Van Ness), just in time for two-wheeling singles to go tandem for Valentine's Day. Just like the '70's Dating Game on TV, watch hot bicyclists pair up on stage when lovelorn lovebirds quiz three possible dates (hidden from view) and choose one to ride off with. Meanwhile, phone numbers, emails, and bike stats are exchanged by single cyclists while those not-so-single cyclists cheer on their single friends.

Get your photo taken by Orange Photography in the rickshaw photo booth, win sweet raffle prizes from Love on Wheels sponsors, like the sexy Globe Roll bicycle or a hot night on the town, and shake a leg to the tunes of DJ Jamie Jams.

Be a contestant. Email love@sfbike.org to be a contestant and tell us which way your wheels spin: Boy-Boy or Girl-Girl; (Girl-for-Boy and Boy-for-Girl categories are full). Only SF Bicycle Coalition members can be contestants.
Volunteer and get free admission and a complimentary ticket to the Balboa Theater. Help at the door, sell raffle tickets or help clean up after the event! Sign up to volunteer at sfbike.org/vol_sign_up_love.

Money can't buy love, but it can improve your ride. All proceeds from memberships, admission and raffle sales go directly toward bringing new bicycle improvements like separated bike lanes and abundant on-street bike parking to you. Thank you for showing your bike love at Love on Wheels!
Admission is $5 for members (with membership card); $10 for non-members (or free if you become a Bicycle Coalition member at the door). Keep your bike secure in our complimentary valet bike parking area -- one more great reason to love the SF Bicycle Coalition! All the details at: sfbike.org/love.

Email Today and Help Save Muni

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:58:00 -0800

The SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is proposing the most severe transit service cuts in Muni's 97-year history due to further budget shortfalls. Almost every line would suffer cutbacks, with fewer buses and trains, arriving less often, crowded with more riders. We're very concerned that such service reductions could throw Muni into a downward spiral that would take years (decades?) to recover from. Muni matters -- affordable reliable public transit is essential to building a better city, good transit options reduce the number of car trips, calming streets and improving your ride while keeping cyclists and pedestrians safe. Transit First means transit first -- no service reductions, no fare increases, price parking fairly!

Act Today! Take a minute now and tell the Mayor why service cuts should not be an option. More than 450 emails have already been received: from schoolteachers telling tales of students who are late to class due to crowded buses to waitresses needing late-night service to get home from their job. Why is Muni important to you? Use our online form to send an email today!

Now Hiring: Sunday Streets Volunteer Coordinator and Interns

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:57:00 -0800

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is proud to coordinate the volunteer corps that make car-free Sunday Streets events possible. We are now hiring a part-time Volunteer Coordinator and three Volunteer Leadership interns for Sunday Streets. Do you have the experience and passion for Sunday Streets to lead hundreds of volunteers over nine events across the city? Information and instructions for applying at sfbike.org/jobs.

Or help promote Bike to Work Day as a SF Bicycle Coalition intern. Gain experience and help make the biggest biking day of the year a success. Apply for one of these rewarding positions today:

Spread Bike Love as a Volunteer

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:56:00 -0800

Service Station: Otis St. at Gough St., Wednesday, February 17, 4:30-6:30pm. The SF Bicycle Coalition will be at the new Otis St. bike lane to energize evening commuters with snacks and chat about new and upcoming bike improvements. Are you trained in SF Bicycle Coalition outreach and want to join the fun? Email tessa@sfbike.org to volunteer! Rain cancels.

Valentines for Caltrain: Our BIKES ONboard team will be making valentines for the awesome conductors of Caltrain. Come to SF Bicycle Coalition volunteer night on Wed., Feb 10 and help make cards. We'll share the love by passing out the valentines to conductors on Fri., Feb. 12 from 7-9am and 5-7pm at the Caltrain depot (4th and King). Can you give a few hours to help show Caltrain some bike love on Feb. 12? Email bikesonboard@sfbike.org to help.

Take the Market Street Survey

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:55:00 -0800

Do any of your trips by bike take you on Market Street east of Van Ness? The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has been hard at work improving bicycling on this major bike route and transportation corridor. We're continuing to work with the SF Municipal Transportation Agency to develop the next in a series of trials. Right now the Market Street trials include traffic diversions at 10th and 6th streets, a separated bike lane between 9th and 10th streets, and other traffic calming features that are testing out ideas to improve the street.

We want to hear how your bike commute has been affected by these changes. Please take this short survey so we can continue to push for smart safety improvements on Market Street.

The SF Bicycle Coalition's Great Streets Project has worked hard to help launch these trials in anticipation of a complete repaving of Market Street in 2013. These trials are an opportunity to test and keep good ideas that improve Market Street and make it more attractive for bicycling, walking, transit and shopping.

Seeking a Food Sponsor for Volunteer Nights

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:54:00 -0800

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is looking for an in-kind food sponsor for our Volunteer Nights. In 2009, Chipotle was our food hero fueling volunteers with tasty burritos, and Bi-Rite Market has just signed on to be our fabulous Volunteer Night food sponsor for the next three months. Thanks Bi-Rite! We are always looking for additional sources of tasty food to feed our hard-working and dedicated volunteers. In-kind volunteer food sponsorship can be everything from a one-time-only commitment to six times a year. Sponsorship perks are plentiful, so if you have solid connections to restaurants or caterers, please email jodie@sfbike.org.

Give the Sweetest Valentine: SF Bicycle Coalition Gift Membership

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:53:00 -0800

Show your love this Valentine's Day by giving an SF Bicycle Coalition gift membership to your sweetie. Not only will they love your thoughtful gift, but a gift membership will give back to you all year long, by making your city more livable and bikeable. Now that is a valentine gift worth giving! Gift Memberships start at just $35/year and come with a special card noting your gift. Membership includes benefits like the latest bike news, a San Francisco bike map, discounts at 55+ local and online businesses, and all the member perks you love. Use our quick and secure online form at sfbike.org/join_renew or contact tessa@sfbike.org or 415-431-2453 x301 to place orders with special instructions.

Is your Valentine already a member? Make a special gift to the Bicycle Coalition in their honor in an amount that is significant to you ($25, $50, $100, $500) and they will see how much you care every time they ride: sfbike.org/specialgift.

Reserve Your Spot in a Free Urban Cycling Workshop

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:52:00 -0800

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition hosts two-part urban cycling workshops for new cyclists who want to learn how to ride in traffic safely, and for experienced cyclists who want to brush up on their skills. Classes in 2010 are in full swing, including a class this Saturday (Feb. 13) in the Sunset District. Classes cover loads of information including how to choose the right bike and properly fit a helmet, tips for the safest ways to ride in traffic, techniques to avoid or deal with road hazards, the best way to lock up your bike, how to use a bike in combination with public transit, cyclists' legal rights and responsibilities, and much more. We encourage you to attend an in-class session now if you plan on taking the on-road portion in the Spring or Summer. Sign up today!

Another Step Forward for Smoother Streets

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:51:00 -0800

The Good Roads Campaign continues on its quest to smooth your bike commute -- in addition to thousands of potholes being reported and repaired, we've also succeeded in getting the Department of Public Works (DPW) to fix dozens of sunken utility covers. You've likely encountered these hazards on your commute: manhole covers with crumbling pavement, grates with sharp edges or small utility covers many inches below the street. Thanks to the diligence of our Good Roads volunteers who have marked and reported these often hidden hazards, over 50 of these have been fixed in recent months. We commend the DPW on their commitment to prioritizing a smooth bike network, and we encourage you to report any street hazard to 311.

Be a Bike Model

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:50:00 -0800

PUBLIC (a new venture to encourage people to drive less and smile more) is looking for everyday men and women, ages 20-70, who are willing to be photographed. Visit studioforbes to learn more.

Video: Pedaling Love at Love on Wheels

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:49:00 -0800

Join other single cyclists this Friday at the SF Bicycle Coalition's dating game for bicyclists. Cheer on bike bachelorettes and bachelors as they pair up, just like the hilarious 1970's TV show. Watch this video and see the live action at Love on Wheels.