promoting bicycling for transportation and recreationNEWS FROM THE SONOMA COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION

ISSUE 23· SUMMER 2009

Supervisors approve Santa Rosa Creek project

On June 23 the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors delivered a major victory for bike riders, approving a project that

will create needed connections between disparate bikeways that link Santa Rosa and West County.

The Supervisors ended a long-fought battle to extend the paved portion of the Santa Rosa Creek Trail (on the north side of the creek). The paved trail currently ends at Fulton Road. The County will now be able to extend the paved trail westward to Willowside Road.

This is a big win for SCBC. We’ve been working on this issue since 2001. That’s because not only is this segment key in a regional bikeways plan, it also connects to two schools and will be suitable year round for all types of cyclists as well as wheelchairs, rollerblades, and walkers.

In terms of the bigger picture, the decision makes way for planned future projects to continue the path all the way to Guerneville Road and connect it with the future Laguna Trail.

The issue of paving was a last hurdle to the project, an earlier phase of which included installing three bridges that now link the path. Before installation of the bridges, adjoining creeks barred bike riders and pedestrians from traveling continuously along this section.

The paving of the path will include grading that will actually reduce negative environmental impacts on Santa Rosa Creek caused by runoff from the existing gravel access road. The new grading will route runoff away from the creek and into vegetation, which will help recharge groundwater.

Creek path users who prefer a gravel path

will still have access to one on the south side of the creek.

Former Santa Rosa City Councilmember and SCBC member, Steve Rabinowitsh, has been involved with the Santa Rosa Creek Master Plan since 1989 when a group of citizens formed to restore the creek. Steve spoke earnestly to the Supervisors, saying “This project will allow

the completion of a major part of the bikeway system, this is huge and important to the community”

Responding to an opponent’s comment, SCBC Executive Director Christine Culver told the Board of Supervisors and the audience, “This is not a trail to nowhere unless you consider West County to be nowhere.”

Opponents of the paving project were present at the meeting, but the Board of Supervisors sided with a large group of supporters. Supervisor Efren Carrillo said, “This is a worthy project that will provide access for everyone.” He also noted that since funding was long ago allocated for this project exclusively, the money couldn’t be used in any other way. Had the Supervisors failed to approve the project it would have to be returned to the government.

Three cheers to all who worked long and hard to win this important component of connected bikeways in Sonoma County.

Sonoma visitor Cynthia Ward and local Loretta Esparza enjoy a trip to

Sebastopol from Santa Rosa.

Genevieve Navar and Donn Slizeski regularly ride the creek trail and are looking forward to when it is paved.

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I’m going to start this article, rant, or whatever you want to call it by stating a fact or two: I own a car, my husband owns a car, the SCBC is not anti-car, and I’d hazard to say that most of our members have cars as well.

Cars are very useful; I use mine when I have many errands which either require hauling more than I want haul by bike or when I need to go farther than I care to ride. Most of us are pretty lucky in our corner of the world and we get to make these choices. The problem is not in making the choice to drive but being in the habit of getting habit of getting habitinto the car for every trip. Climate change is telling us we need to alter these habits and start walking and biking more. But an increase in bike and pedestrian trips may come at the expense of easy auto access.

Back in the spring of 2004, I wrote about the need for our public officials to step up to the plate and make decisions about creating a future we want and not creating a future for what we already have.

Let me explain. When a project comes up,

whether it is a new building, a train or a bike lane we, our public officials, and city/county staff have to decide what it is going to look like and how it is going to work in the future. This is the perfect time to build for a future of walkable, bikeable and livable communities where cars are not the focus.

However, what happens now is that our public servants and the municipal staff do studies, look at current traffic patterns, talk about future population growth, and then, sadly, determine how many more cars will need to be able to get there or through there. This is happening all over Sonoma County: Wilson Street in Santa Rosa as an example. Planning here is focused on optimizing space for cars.

But are we trying to accommodate cars, or people? Cars don’t go to restaurants to buy dinner, or window shop or any

of the things our merchants want so badly. It is people who make our communities vibrant.

Cars take up a lot of space. More than 12 bikes can fit in the parking space of one car. So do you want cars coming to your store or do you want people coming there? Okay, that was a trick question. Sometimes we equate moving cars with moving people. But cars are not people. We need to build our future for people and most likely more people. Do we really want more cars too? Where are they going to be kept? How will they move around? Hovering (it has been suggested)? Okay, now I’m just being silly.

We know this, and it makes sense to most reasonable folks. All’s fine until you start talking about reducing car access to make it easier and safer to walk or bike. When a council member says “we need to remove parking” they risk not getting re-elected. There is so much emotion wrapped up in our cars and the space they occupy. We feel very threatened when these things are restricted. But we need our council members in all Sonoma County cities to step up to this challenge; we must change the way we move people around. There just isn’t room for so many cars, not to mention the health and environmental problems they bring.

Our council members need our support if they are to make choices that are unpopular with a very vocal few. You can help by letting your representatives know that you support adding bike lanes or other bike projects, even if it is at the expense of car access.

Give a call or write a letter to your city council and let them know that bike access IS important to you. They need to hear from the supporters, not just the detractors.

Ride on!Ride on!Ride on!Ride on!Ride on!Ride on!Ride on!Ride on!Ride on!Ride on!Ride on!Ride on!

EDITORChristine Culver

COPY EDITOR/LAYOUT David Abbott

CONTRIBUTORSTimothy Bacon Sarah Campbell Martin Clinton Christine Culver Sandra Lupien Tina Panza Vincent Hoagland

PHOTOSDavid Abbott Christine Culver Sandra Lupien Tina Panza Tanya Narath

SCBC BOARD OF DIRECTORSSherry Adams Tom Bahning (Secretary) Scott Bowen Vicki Duggan Mike Eunice Tim Gonzales Deanna McKenzie (Vice President) Misty Mesel (Treasurer) Barbara Moulton Richard Peacock Ken Wells (President) EXECUTIVE DIRECTORChristine Culver

MEMBERSHIPCOORDINATOR/OFFICE MANAGERTimothy Bacon

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL DIRECTORChristina Panza

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL ASSISTANTSarah Hadler

BIKE TO WORK/EVENTS COORDINATORSandra Lupien

STREET SKILLS INSTRUCTORMartin Clintone-mail comments: Info@BikeSonoma.org

What do you want your world to look like?

Transportation Alternative’s cool poster can be purchased at www.transalt.org/support/giftshop.

Christine Culver Executive Director

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SCBC CALENDAR www.bikesonoma.org/calendar.html

Back in the fall, there were a lot of complaints concerning the chip seal which was applied to several Sonoma County roads. The most vociferous were about Pepper Road and Occidental Road, but West Sierra and Grange/Crane Canyon were also mentioned.

Steve Urbanek, who is the pavement preservation manager for the County Department of Transportation and Public Works explained the problem. The rock used on Grange/Crane Canyon is different than that used on West Sierra and Pepper. TPW had planned on using the material used on Crane Canyon for the entire project, but unfortunately this company’s crushing operation broke down before they were able to produce all the material needed for this year’s program. To keep the project on schedule another source of aggregate was needed. The material obtained from another company was slightly larger and a different gradation than the material used on Grange/Crane Canyon. This material was also produced differently; it is made using a cone crusher that produces a more angular, sharper, faceted rock, while the Grange/Crane Canyon material is produced by an impact crusher that produces a more cubic rock that makes for smoother riding.

Another complaint was that on West Sierra and Pepper, some of the liquid asphalt has “dribbled” from the travel way onto the shoulder and is holding chips which makes it difficult to ride on the shoulder which has not been chip sealed. This can happen when starting ambient and pavement temperatures are on the cool side of the temperature range in the mornings when chip seal work begins. With cooler temperatures the asphalt emulsion can take longer to set, and if the road slopes in those

areas we can see dribbles in some locations. That kind of issue will be minimized in future projects as TPW crews continue to optimize this work and become more familiar with issues that affect cyclist’s and chip seal performance.

A pavement preservation program has recently been instituted by TPW. This program prioritizes roads and the kind of maintenance they will receive. One of the major points of this program is to reduce long term costs by more frequent but less expensive surface treatments as opposed to overlays. A method called Cape sealing will be used.

Cape sealing involves the usual chip seal but then a second sealant will be applied over the chip seal. This will provide a smoother surface as well as providing a membrane to prevent water from seeping into the pavement and protects the pavement from exposure to the sun, both of which can rapidly deteriorate the asphalt.

Problems with rock crushers affect chip sealVincent Hoagland

Local architect Jessie Whitesides enjoys Sonoma County back roads.

SCBC BOARD MEETINGS Regularly held meetings on the third Monday of the month at 6:30 pm 750 Mendocino Avenue Suite 6, Santa Rosa

STREET SKILLS CLASSES (Past students can retake for free) Sunday, September 6 Saturday, October 3 Sunday, November 8 Saturday, December 5 Please email to reserve your spot at skills@BikeSonoma.org

SEBASTOPOL FAMILY RIDES SERIES Saturday, September 12 Saturday, October 17 Saturday, November 14 West County Revolution Bicycle Shop (6731 Sebastopol Rd.) 9:30 am - 1 pm Children (ages 10 and up) and parents are welcome. Contact Sarah Hadler at sarah@bikesonoma.org

INTERNATIONAL WALK AND ROLL TO SCHOOL DAY Wednesday, October 7 Join the SCBC Safe Routes to School program in supporting walk and roll to school day at your child’s or your neighborhood school. Contact Tina Panza at Tina@bikesonoma.org

LEVI’S GRANFONDO Valet Bike Parking will be provided Registration/dinner Friday, October 2, Noon – 10 pm Ride Saturday, October 3 Finley Community Center, Santa Rosa www.levisgranfondo.com

SONOMA/SPRINGS BICYCLE FESTIVAL Saturday, October 10 Ride 9:00 am – 11:00 am Festival 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Depot Park, Sonoma

VELOPALOOZA SCBC’s Annual Gala Dinner & Drinks Auction and Raffle Saturday, November 7 5:30 pm Doors Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building Reserve in Advance

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PARTY Saturday, December 2, 6 pm All you fantastic SCBC volunteers, this is a party to celebrate your amazing support. Food, drinks, prizes and lots of fun. Mark your calendar!

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Safe Routes to School SceneStudents win bikes for walking or rolling to School. The Sebastopol USD and Kawana School Safe Routes to School programs both held Spring Frequent Rider Contests during the month of May to encourage families to choose alternatives to single family cars. For four weeks, students kept track of how often they walked, bicycled, carpooled, or took the bus to school. At the culmination of the contest, one name was drawn from each school to win a brand new bicycle. Students who turned in their cards on time and had enough points won prize bags that included a water bottle, a pizza coupon, a bike light or bike horn and other fun bicycle/pedestrian safety items. Thanks to West County Revolution Bicycle Shop and the Kawana School PTA for sponsoring the contest, as well as donations from REI, Planet Bike, Fleet Feet, and Mary’s Pizza Shack. Four Spring Bicycle Safety/Skill Rodeos educate kids. This Spring, the SCBC/Safe Routes to School program sponsored rodeos in the Sebastopol Union School District, at Kawana Elementary School, at the SCBC Bike Swap, and at the Breathe Easy Ride in Rohnert Park. More than 230 children total received helmet fittings, bicycle safety inspections from qualified bicycle mechanics, bicycle safety education from our resident SCBC expert Tim Gonzalez, and direct instruction and practice on four skill courses. Big thanks to all our rodeo sponsors: Santa Rosa Police Department Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Outreach Program, California Office of Traffic Safety, Community Action Partnership, Network for a Healthy California – North Coast Region, Jill B. Nimble. The American Lung Association, The Bike Peddler/NorCal Bike Sport, Trek Store Santa Rosa, West County Revolution, West County Cycle Service,

and Sonoma Bicycle Company. Also, many thanks to the SCBC, parent, police department, and community volunteers who helped make each rodeo a success. Mark your calendars for International Walk and Roll to School Day –

Wednesday, October 7. Last October, more than 37 schools participated countywide, twice the number as the year before. This

year, we hope for even more. If you are interested in spearheading this one day event at your child’s school, the SCBC/Safe Routes to School program can help by providing tools, technical support, and incentive prizes. Contact Tina Panza at tinap@bikesonoma.org for more information. SCBC receives grant to coordinate

Safe Routes to School program in South Santa Rosa. The Sonoma County Department of Health Services has awarded SCBC a three-year contract to manage the SRTS education and encouragement programs at 7 schools in the Roseland and Bellevue School Districts in South Santa Rosa. Participating schools will be: Kawana Elementary, Bellevue Elementary, Taylor Mountain Elementary, Meadowview Elementary, Roseland Elementary, Sheppard Elementary, and the Roseland Accelerated Middle School. If you are connected with one of these schools and would like to volunteer and/or support this new program, contact Tina Panza. Welcome new Safe Routes to School employees, Laci Moore, new Safe Routes to School Coordinator for the South Santa Rosa program, and Sara Torf-Fulton, Safe Routes to School Intern. Laci is a JC Student who previously worked with kids at the Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks Department, and Sara is a student at Sonoma State University studying environmental studies with an emphasis in urban planning.

Kids biking on the Safetyville Course at the Bike Swap rodeo.

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Thursday, May 14 was the 15th annual Bike to Work Day, and more Sonoma County residents than ever pedaled their way to work, stopping at one of SCBC’s 27 Energizer Stations. We saw many, many smiling people biking all over the County that morning, and hundreds joined SCBC for the Bike Home From Work Celebration at the Trek Store.

Let it be known that the BTWD volunteers are among the most fabulous, and be it declared that everyone who pedaled on May 14th deserves a gigantic pat on the back. Huge thanks to the Sonoma County BTWD 2009 Sponsors – we could not do this event without you: Sonoma County Bicycle Shops (Bici Sport, Bicycle Czar, The Bike Peddler, Breakaway Bikes, The Hub Cyclery, NorCal Bike Sport, Rincon Cyclery, Sonoma Bicycle Company, Sonoma Valley Cyclery, Spoke Folk Cyclery, Trek Store Santa Rosa, West County Revolution), Measure M, Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, CamelBak, Winzler & Kelly, Santa Rosa Community Market, North Bay Bohemian, Sonoma Wine Company, Traditional Medicinals, Exchange Bank, North Bay Corporation, and W-Trans. (Insert thunderous applause here.)

Thank you to our 2008 Year End Donors! With your help the SCBC is making Sonoma County a better place to ride bicycles.

Joan WoodhullPatricia DahlKeith HowellKen & Amanda EichstaedtChris & Mari CoppingerDavid HarrisAlicia WrayTimothy Bacon

Steve BushWarren & Janis WatkinsITT/BIW Connector SystemsDeb HaarstadTim CampbellJohn & Karen FlemingKen Wells

Kurt WestVictoria DugganTom BahningErika FloricBarbara DenlisSteven SmithAlex GuoMeredith CaplanBunni ZimberoffRichard & Margo

AddisonJan WarnerAndrew EberNoel SchmidtRichard & Karin BurgerAnd to the Santa Rosa Cycling Club for its year-long support.

Bike to work day grows again!

Bicycle commuters of all ages lined up for snacks, drinks and the great newly designed Bike to Work Day bags.

A splendid commute was had by all, volunteers included. It’s clear why Robin Abramson was riding her bike.

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Many sports coaches and personal trainers speak of the value of visualization in achieving maximum performance. If you are aiming at beating your personal best in the high jump, or improving your performance at tennis I believe there is value in that technique. When it comes to bicycling, however, I’d suggest that you carefully consider other factors.

What other factors should you consider? Well, the most important for most bicycling situations one is other road users.

I am reminded of a young BMX bike rider who was really working hard on perfecting his jumps and landings. Practice was going a long way to making perfect, but unfortunately his visualization of competing in the X-Games or somewhere was at odds with the reality of being close to the edge of a busy highway, so that a faulty landing almost had very serious results.

Then there was the triathlete who was aiming for aerodynamic excellence when on the bicycle, and seeing herself cruising towards the bike/run transition at the Ironman race in Hawaii. Her flat-back, head-down position may have been very efficient but she came very close to colliding with a stopped mail-delivery truck that had not figured in her visualization or in her scanning the road for obstacles.

It is also true that on occasion a bicyclist can be led astray by other riders on a recreational or training outing. Whether voiced or not, it’s easy to hold the mental image that your group of friends constitute a break-away from the Tour de France peloton. When this happens the exhilaration of cooperative riding and the fear of losing the “draft” of the group may cause the ride to bunch up and become difficult or dangerous for motor traffic to overtake on a winding road. More awareness of the situation would ideally have riders in a single file, with “gaps” where overtaking vehicles can pull over after every group of three to five riders. I know, it isn’t the image you love, but it makes all the difference to “Sharing the Road.”

OK, so if perhaps I have persuaded you to visualize the reality of riding your bicycle where

traffic is part of the picture, what sort of picture should that be, and how can it help your riding? I recently read of some experiments where an experience was viewed quite differently, depending on what the participant expected. Those who expected a negative outcome noted all the signs that this would happen, while others in the same situation apparently saw only or mostly the positive indications that reinforced their view. I repeat, this was for the same situation, just different expectations.

You may know bicycle riders whose every outing is apparently filled with angry motorists, near-misses with giant trucks, and scary confrontations. On the other hand, when

I personally am out riding I seldom find a problem on the highway, and often meet with courtesy and cooperation from other road users. Are these different environments or are they different expectations? I acknowledge that there are dangers on Sonoma County’s roads, but

those are not my pre-eminent focus when I think about a ride. To a large extent in many situations, “People behave as expected” and so I choose to expect them to behave well.

You might not find it easy to do this, particularly if you have not been riding very long, or if you have had an unpleasant experience, but this is something you can learn. You can even develop this skill at a nearby class (hint, hint). With some understanding of how traffic interacts, and after learning a few simple techniques for claiming your legal space on the road, you too can visualize how you can bicycle with confidence.

Martin Clinton is certified as a Cycling Instructor by the League of American Bicyclists. He teaches the class: Street Skills for Cyclists. Call the Coalition office for the next available date.

Bicycle with confidence: What are you thinking?Martin Clinton

Visualize success!

Consider a monthly membership payment online!

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Alta Planning & Design www.altaplanning.com American Lung Association 707-527-5864 www.alac.org Bear Valley Inn 415-663-1777 www.bearvinn.comBici Sport Bike Shop 707-775-4676 www.bicisportusa.comBicycle Czar 707-280-7691 brooksvanholt@sbcglobal.net The Bike Peddler 707-571-2428 www.norcalcycling.com Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant 707-571-7478 www.chelinosrestaurant.com City of Sonoma www.sonomacity.org Community Bikes 707-579-5811 www.liteinit.org Community Market 707-546-1806 www.srcommunitymarket.comDavid Peoples, Coldwell Banker Realtor, www.PeoplesHomes.netDow House Graphics 707-494-3900, www.dowhouse.comEleanor Guerin, Massage Therapist 707-322-6540 www.east-west-massage.com Eleven Gear, www.elevengear.us Empire Eye Doctors Medical Group, Inc., 707-575-3800Friendly Feed and Supply 707-546-2156Fun Car Tattoos 707-566-9169 www.funcartattoos.com Gary Wysocky CPA 707-575-3820Gianni Cycling Gianni.cycling@gmail.com

Halls Executive Gifts and Awards 707-546-9220 www.hallsawards.comJeffrey Kahn, PhD. Licensed Psychologist 829-1477Jill B. Nimble/Nimble Training www.jillbnimble.comLifeCycle Adventures, LLC, 888-669-2453 www.lifecycleadventures.com New Belgium Brewing Company www.newbelgium.comNorCal Bike Sport 707-573-0112 www.norcalcycling.comTeam NorCal Bike Sport Red Peloton www.redpeloton.comNorth Santa Rosa Physical Therapy 707-523-2848Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy 707-571-7615 www.osptclinic.com Peacepipe Smoke Shop 707-541-7016Perry, Johnson, Anderson, Miller & Moskowitz LLP 707-525-8800 www.perrylaw.net Petaluma Wheelmen Cycling Club http://petalumawheelmencyclingclub.memberlodge.com R.G. Window Cleaning 707-778-1383REI 707-540-9025 www.rei.com/stores/santarosaRevolution Moto www.revolutionmoto.comRickshaw Rudy’s Pedal Cab Service www.rickshawrudys.comRincon Cyclery 707-538-0868 www.rinconcyclery.com

Santa Rosa Cycling Club www.SRCC.comSarah Glade Gurney, Mediator & Collaborative Attorney 707-823-6500 www.gurneyattorney.comSo Co Agricultural Preservation & Open Space 707-565 7360 www.sonomaopenspace.orgSonoma Mountain Village 707-795-3550 www.sonomamountainvillage.comSoulcraft Bikes 707-775-2453 www.soulcraftbikes.comSpoke Folk Cyclery 707-433-7171 www.spokefolk.com SyCip Designs, Inc 707-542-6359 www.sycip.comTrek Store Santa Rosa 707-546-8735 www.trekstoresantarosa.com Undiscovered Country Tours 650-494-1635 www.udctours.com West County Cycle Service 707-824-0112 www.westcountycycleservice.comWest County Revolution 707-829-2192 www.westcountyrevolution.comWine Country Bikes 707-473-0610 www.winecountrybikes.comWooden Spoon Technologies, Inc 707-523-2222 www.wooden-spoon.comWordshop Translations 707-829-0305 www.wordshoptranslations.com W-Trans 707-542-9500 www.w-trans.com

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR BUSINESS MEMBERS

The 2008 Board of Directors took a moment to say goodbye at the yearly membership meeting and dinner in January. Pictured left (l-r): Ken Wells, Fritz Weiser, Deanna McKenzie, Lou Salz, Tim Gonzales, Tom Bahning, Misty Mesel, Vicki Duggan, Richard Peacock, and Michael Eunice. Pictured on right, (l-r), City of Sonoma Associate Planner Wendy Atkins,

City Manager Linda Kelly, and Mayor Ken Brown accept an SCBC certificate of appreciation for their support.

SCBC’s 2008 Board bids adieu at Annual Membership meeting, City of Sonoma jumps on board

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SCBC says thanks to our generous Velopalooza supporters

More than 125 of SCBC’s biggest fans together raised $16,000 for SCBC at the Fifth Annual Velopalooza (October 18, 2008).

Attendees enjoyed a gourmet Mediterranean menu by Mommy’s Yammys, and incredible cookies by Ms. Vicki Duggan. They drank delicious (donated) wine, with Chardonnay by Tandem Windery, Rose by Tin Roof Cellars, and pinot noir made and poured by Emilio Castelli. New Belgium Brewing donated a fabulous selection of beer. Attendees also sipped an array of organic, fair trade coffee and tea, served by Taylor Maid Farms.

Lucky and generous bidders in our live and silent auctions went home with an array of beautiful items including a new scooter, bikes and gear, gift certificates for great services such as massage, chiropractic, yoga and dance classes, energy efficiency consultation, nice new clothes, beautiful jewelry, wine, and much more. Raffle prizes included two Electra Townie 3-speed bikes from Spoke Folk Cyclery.

SCBC is grateful to all the local businesses and individuals who donated auction items.

We thank our rockin’ crew of volunteers without whom Velopalooza would’ve been a flop: Tom Bahning, Gail Birchfiel, Anne Bogges and her daughter Peyton, Meredith Caplan, Jon Dick, Vicki Duggan, Greg Fisher, Laurel Green, Tom Helm, Rob Holt, Amy Hutto, Lauren Lockwood, Misty Mesel, Tamar Mesel, Joe Shaugnessy, Wendy Sternberg, Fritz Wisor, Sarah Zainfeld, Bunni Zimberhoff and anyone else we may have missed.

At the end of the night, those who rode their bikes picked them up out front from the Valet Bike Parking station, operated by members of the NorCal Velo Women’s Cycling Team.

Finally, thanks to Kim Dow for her gorgeous yellow and red Velopalooza 2008 design.

Sound like fun? Save the date: Velopalooza ’09 is November 7. Contact Sandra to get on the Velopalooza 2009 event committee: SandraL@BikeSonoma.org.

Airport ClubAmelia’s Studio SalonAndy HowardArroyo Veterinary ClinicAsti WineryBamboo SourceryBear Valley InnBike Man DanBike MonkeyBistro 29BoureCarole HamannCheckersChristine CulverChristine Dahl SilvaCopperfield’s BooksCountryside Kennel & Pet ResortD’argenzio WineryDavid Di SantoDeb FudgeEast West CafeEchelon Cycle & MultisportEleanor Guerin, Massage TherapistEleven GearErika SmallenEmilio CastelliFinesse Hair SalonFit. Body. BalanceFun Car TattoosGiro

Glass Mountain QuarryJesse McQuarrieJim KaumeyerJon EriksonKamran Azmoudeh, DDSKen WellsKinAestheticsKrissy G, MassageLacey Ellege — Natural ChefServicesLeadership Institute for Ecologyand the EconomyLimerick Lane WineryLiz Sinna Personal TrainerMarietta CellarsMary’s Pizza ShackMeredith CaplanMontecito Health ClubNew Belgium BreweryNorCal Bike SportPatricia Gale, Massage TherapistPaul Hobbs WineryPeet’s CoffeePeg MelnikREIRevolution MotoRialto Lakeside CinemasRickshaw BagworksRickshaw Rudy’sRosso

Sahar PinkhamSandra LupienSanta Rosa Community MarketSanta Rosa Physical TherapyTim GonzalesVista HouseSeasons of SkinSeed RestaurantSees CandySheila Moon ClothingSheryl ChapmanSonoma Bicycle CompanySonoma County ConservationActionSoulcraftSpokefolk CycleryStonestreet WinerySoul Shine ChiropracticTandem WineryTaylor MaidThe Bike PeddlerTom BahningTerriAnne GutierrezTwo Women Doing HairUpper Fourth Bar & LoungeUrban VeloVeronica JacobiWarren WatkinsWest County RevolutionYoga Center of Sonoma County

Velopalooza rocked the SCBC

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Hundreds flocked to Juilliard Park on July 4th to celebrate bike-style with music by the Trailer Park Rangers, and a live performance of The Art Is Medicine Show “bike-powered traveling theater.” Kids enjoyed old-fashioned games and contests, thanks to Leslie Graves and Joy Hermsen of Jill B. Nimble, as well as face-painting and bike decorating. Adults faced off in the flat tire fix contest, and people of all ages tested their balance in the slow bike race.

Attendees connected with local non-profits and bike-related businesses and enjoyed delicious food from local vendors.

The day launched with the annual City Councilmembers Ride, led by SCBC’s Martin Clinton. Santa Rosa City Councilmembers Gary Wysocky and Veronica Jacobi, Windsor Mayor Robin Goble, and Cloverdale City Councilmember Carol Russell were joined by about 45 others for a tour of Santa Rosa bicycle highlights.Brian Scully of San Francisco was extra-lucky. He won a new Trek Allant commuter bike in SCBC’s drawing, sponsored by the Trek Store Santa Rosa.SCBC thanks Bicycle Santa Rosa sponsors and partners (not previously mentioned herein) Santa Rosa City Employees Association, City of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Cycling Club, and Akeena Solar.As always, the event’s success was due in large part to the amazing work of many, many volunteers, and to the leadership of our dear Doug Simon and Sandra Lupien.

6th Annual Bicycle Santa Rosa: A big ol’ time

Riders including Santa Rosa Councilmember Gary Wysocky and Windsor Mayor Robin Goble pause for a photo during the City Council Ride.

The kids’ parade has become a Bicycle Santa Rosa favorite.

SCBC Executive Director Chris Culver gets a workout making frosty drinks on the famous bike blender.

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The fight continues over who has access to the connector path between Annadel State Park and Oakmont. We started working with the Home Owners Association of Wild Oak 17 months ago and it has been almost a year since the NO BICYCLE signs were erected. Here is the latest scoop: The City has made a generous offer to the Wild Oak community in an effort to resolve the bike path issue. It has not been accepted, and they continue to debate the legal principles while

also continuing to negotiate in an effort to resolve the issue amicably. Wild Oak has suggested mediation. The City is interested in that, provided Wild Oak will make a preliminary showing of good faith. The City expects to know if this will be possible in the next 60 days and if they do not come to an agreeable resolution, the City Council will have to consider bringing a lawsuit.

How can you help? Please be considerate

It was wet and so cold when the race zipped through on February 15, some of us actually wondered if the riders might freeze in that trademark compact position. As far as we know, this did not happen – at least not in Santa Rosa. What we’re more certain of is that SCBC kept its members warm and dry on race day, and threw a great party on ATOC Eve.

The night before the ATOC rode from Davis to Santa Rosa, SCBC hosted a Tour Prologue watching celebration. The evening kicked off in a not-so-warm-and-dry way: we sent 12 teams of two literally running through the Downtown Streets seeking clue after clue in a super-fun scavenger hunt. Participants had to decipher seven clues tied to Downtown locations and people in them. The people were SCBC volunteers who did a great job passing on the next clue when found, and playing dumb when a team approached with the wrong password. First place winners Vicki Duggan and her out-of-town friend, Mary received a $100 gift certificate to Bistro 29. Chris and Theresa Coursey came in second place and won a gift certificate for Checker’s Bistro.

Meanwhile, as guests began to arrive, we began screening the Tour Prologue on the First and Second Floor of the building. The second

floor was a low-key wine lounge where volunteer bartenders poured vino donated by Ledson Family Wines in Kenwood. Downstairs, there were kegs of Fat Tire Amber Ale donated by New Belgium Brewing, and food by Worth Our Weight Café.

At 8 p.m., YMCA volunteers and spin instructors Leslie Graves and Jo Hoppin led a stationary bike contest with bikes on loan from NorCal Bike Sport. Can you say “stiff competition to ride the fastest mile?” Richard Peacock and Doug McKenzie tied at 1 minute, 43 seconds, but then Andy Bunnell came in after the competition ended, and beat them by 1 second.

Last, but not least, Santa Rosa-based indie-rock band “The Flyover States,” played a couple of great sets. These guys donated their time and talent (on Valentine’s Day) to bring some tunes our way.

On race day, SCBC kept bikes relatively dry and totally secure in valet bike parking area in three locations: 655 First St., Railroad Square, and at Sonoma Bicycle Company on Fourth. Meanwhile, SCBC members flocked to 655 First St. to stay warm and dry in our race-side, members-only VIP Lounge. We screened the live stream from ATOC’s website, so guests could follow the race while sipping New Belgium Brewing beer, wine from Limerick Lane Winery poured by Ross Batterby — they offer free tastings to guests who arrive by bike. Guests also enjoyed a feast coordinated by super-volunteer Doug Simon. Folks had to get a little wet to go out to the circuit for the women’s race (it was worth it), but the men’s circuit went right past our bank of windows, so we saw all the action.

Some 75 volunteers, including scouts and leaders from the Order of the Arrow, helped pull off SCBC’s event and bike parking over the weekend. Their stellar work made it all possible.

Thanks also to The Bike Peddler, we were able to raffle off a gorgeous Specialized Globe Vienna commuter bike. The raffle raised $950 for SCBC. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets. The winner was the aforementioned Leslie Graves.

SCBC celebrates Fourth Tour of California

What’s up with the Wildoak/Oakmont path?

David AbbottBike valet volunteers joined the raucous crowds outside the SCBC offices, where a nice warm and dry party took place.

Continued on page 12

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Barbara Moulton:Q. Why did you want to join the SCBC

board? The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition is a

great organization, which I have supported since I discovered its existence. A particular interest I have in serving on the board is the relationship with the SMART train and trail. I’m a long-time supporter of SMART, worked hard to get it

passed, and now am one of the liaisons between Friends of SMART and the bicycle coalition. As a board member I see working on the implementation of SMART— particularly regarding the bike and pedestrian path, & bike amenities on

trains and at stations—as a major focus.Q. What skill or skills do you bring to the

SCBC board? I am passionate about promoting cycling for

transportation, and have volunteered with SCBC in a variety of ways over the years. I’m currently enjoying helping with Safe Routes To School.

Q. What type of bike rider are you?Road biking is now my primary mode of

transportation as well as my major mode of recreation. I take every opportunity to tell people what a great way to get around cycling is, and what a significant mood elevator—on days when I can’t ride and have to use a car, I find myself getting depressed. Oh, those endorphins!

Q. Tell us about your favorite bicycle.My favorite bicycle was the one I took to

Europe in 1974, a cream colored C. Itoh 10 speed that I lost to theft some years later. The trip was a life-changer, a high point, a marvelous way to see a country, meet people, and feel wonderful.

Meet more new board members on pages 14 and 15

SCBC welcomes new board members

On February 6 it was pouring rain, yet a dedicated group of Santa Rosa High School and Montgomery High School students arrived at school on their bikes, wet but smiling. These students were participating in the last day of their five day bike-to school contest sponsored by the Climate Protection Campaign, the SCBC, Nor Cal Bike Sport/The Bike Peddler and the City of Santa Rosa. The objective of the contest was to highlight safe cycling and safe routes to school, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the Amgen Tour of California. Nik Kronick, an 11th grader at Santa Rosa High School said “I live 6 miles away. I usually bike to school only once a week, and never in the rain. I biked every day this week. One less car.”

At each school, student “green teams” hosted and promoted the contest. At Santa Rosa High School, a record 35 kids rode their bikes to school on Tuesday February 3. In fact, there were significant increases in the number of cyclists to each school every day. On the last two rainy days, when normally bicycling would

be almost nonexistent, 21 kids biked to SRHS on Thursday, and 13 biked on Friday. Amber Peters, a 10th grade student, said “I almost always bike to school, but not usually in the rain. I had to squint a lot, but it was actually fun biking in the rain. I’d do it again.”

Students had consciousness raising activities every day, including a fix-a-flat bike workshop, and a lunchtime “Jeopardy” game show emphasizing bike safety and alternative transportation. All contest participants received a coupon for a free bike tube or water bottle, and all “100 percent” participants received a

$10 gift certificate. One lucky Montgomery student who biked every day, Gracie Burroughs, won a $100 gift certificate, and one lucky SRHS student, Kevin Miller, won a new Specialized commuter bike, all donated by Nor Cal Bike Sport/The Bike Peddler.

“The contest really boosted the students’ spirit and inspired them to think of more ways they can continue to promote climate protection through alternative transportation.” said Maitreyi Siruguri, Cool Schools Program Coordinator for the Climate Protection campaign.

Wet weather didn’t deter green-minded students

Tina PanzaNik Kronick (top) and Amber Peters had to squint a lot in the wet weather, but it didn’t dampen their commuting spirit.

12

On the evening of Thursday, December 4, 60 amazing people gathered at SCBC’s space in Downtown Santa Rosa. Although none teleported (as far as we could tell) or wore a cape to the party, SCBC wants you to know every single person in the room that night is a superhero without whom SCBC could not function. No, it was not a Marvel Comics convention. It was, of course, SCBC’s annual volunteer appreciation celebration.

Everyone at SCBC loves to see our volunteers, and it’s quite a change to see them when they’re not working so hard – we get a chance to know folks at the party while they’re taking a break, having some good food and drink, enjoying each other’s company…

This year, we treated our volunteers to food from Mommy’s Yammys, New Belgium Brewing Beer, an array of wines, mulled organic apple cider, and homemade cookies.

We honor every volunteer, but each year we choose a few people whose efforts really stand out. This year, those people are:• Vin Hoagland is the retired head of the Sonoma State University chemistry department. He’s also an avid cyclist who rides for transportation as well as recreation. This year, Vin organized a Bike to Work Day Energizer Station, helped out with many other BTW tasks, represented SCBC by tabling at a number of events, and helped distribute safe cycling information. Finally, Vin helped survey students at the Kawana School for the Safe Routes to Schools National partnership. • Wendy Sternberg is new to SCBC, and joined us as a volunteer at the Sonoma Springs Bicycle Festival in September. She worked the whole day (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and really helped make a brand new event run smoothly. She also helped prepare for our Velopalooza gala in October. And, check this out: at the end of Velopalooza dinner, Wendy made sure every single dish, glass, and piece of flatware got washed. No one even asked her to do it. • Lee French and Jack Lambert are students at New Horizons High School in Santa Rosa. They’ve worked dozens of Valet Bike Parking events this year, starting with the Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market. These guys have really learned what’s needed in terms of the parking set-up, and they have a lot of stamina.

In November, they worked the Bike Monkey CXSR race, and got drenched pretty much all day. Even so, the very next day, they worked an event with us in Sebastopol. • Victoria Rodriguez has been doing lots of work for SCBC’s Safe Routes to Schools program. She’s a parent of a student at the Kawana School in Santa Rosa, where SRTS has launched a new program this year. Walk and Roll to School Day at Kawana was a huge success, thanks in large part to Victoria’s work.• Mia Champion has also done incredible work for Safe Routes to Schools. Mia is a parent at Brook Haven Middle School in Sebastopol. She’s participated in planning meetings and is a member of the SRTS Task Force. Her work analyzing data collected from Brook Haven parent surveys has been instrumental in helping to create an action plan

for SRTS Sebastopol. Each of the above-named

volunteers received a certificate and a small gift to thank them for their incredibly great contributions.

Each attendee received raffle tickets and we held drawings throughout the night for gift certificates, t-shirts, gear, and more.

It was a lovely party, mainly thanks to the presence of so many lovely people.

Annual party honors outstanding volunteers

David AbbottVolunteers such as Dave Ballo, shown here at the Fourth ATOC last February, make it

possible for the SCBC to function.

as you pass other trail/road users. Let folks know that you are passing and remember, they may not be able to hear you. It is best if you slow down when you pass and give plenty of room as you go by. Also, you can print our petition and collect signatures for the Santa Rosa City Council requesting that they remove the “no bike” signs. Petitions can be downloaded at www.bikesonoma.org/HotIssuesCampaigns.htm, and returned to the SCBC office at 750 Mendocino Ave Suite 6, or mailed to PO Box 3088 Santa Rosa, CA 95401

This is a excruciatingly slow process and the SCBC has been working very hard behind the scenes to get these signs removed to this public right of way. Thanks for all your support.

An extra shout out to Jeremy Olsan and SCBC Business Member Perry, Johnson, Anderson, Miller & Moskowitz LLP for their direction and support.

continued from page 10Wild Oak Path

13

Alan BloomAlan HollandAlbert BruinAllyson StewartAmy HuttoAndrea Hagan-SchmitzAnna GuinAnne AbramsAsa BrownAshley DanielsAutumn BussBabs BradyBarbara DenlisBarbara MoultonBarrie MasonBecky Schuerman-ChoiBenjamin LeRoyBernie AlbumBeth DadkoBill HaluczekBradley SaulBrent CrouseBrian GullyBridget HayesBrooks Van HoltBunni ZimberhoffCaitlin IoliCaitlin WallCarlos PerezCarole HammandCece HugoCharity Grace KirkCheryl StoneChip RobersonChristiane RoedelChristina McGuirkChristine Dahl SilvaClaire HouseCole ColemanCommunity BikesCreighton BellDave TownsendDavid AbbottDavid BalloDavid GoodisonDeanna McKenzieDennis RutkowskiDoug Simon

Ellen LaBruceEllen Setchko-PamerleeEmmy KaplanFlora HaluczekFrank OddyFritz WisorGary WysockyGeoffrey SkinnerGreg CenicerozGreta FrydenlundHarris FreemanHeidi PedrazzettiJack FranceJack LambertJakob ParsonsJan BorromeoJan KandemanJanice EuniceJayaJenny BardJim KeeneJo HoppinJon DickJona ConsaniJudi MarleyJulie BlumKaren PriceKatherina HaugKathy StorinKen BrownKen WellsKerri FutchKevin GarrisonKevin RichardsonKris GauseKyle RogersLarry WoelfelLaurel GreenLaurie PetersonLee FrenchLee WeissmanLeslie GravesLeslie PerlmanLinda KellyLinda PictonLinda WalshLoretta EsparzaMarco Arredondo

Marie RaudeMarin BaityMarjorie BalloMartin ClintonMatt AppelMatt MetzlerMatt WadlowMaureenKirkpatrickMegan KalstadMia ChampionMichael TellerMiguel CrawfordMike EuniceMike LeRoyMike WintersMindy SimonsenMisty MeselMonique BuchmanNancy CummingsNikolai MathiesonNorCal Bike Sport/Bike PeddlerPaola HarrisPatrick BandPaul PetersonPeter WintersPhil FiferPhil GrintonPortia SinnottRalph HarmonRay MyersRebecca BozelliRichard PeacockRichard StoneRob HoltRoberta CardwellSahar PinkhamSarah BettmanSarah GurneySarah HadlerSarah HaggebergSarah ZainfeldSeamus RaffertySean ButlerShannon PetersonShaun RalstonShelly Lopez

Sherry AdamsSonoma Bicycle Company Sonoma CountyFamily YMCAStan QuarantaStefan LeRoyStephanie O’HearnSteve ReddieSteven SchmitzSusan GorinSusan NobleTamar MeselTaylor BlackTerrie JohnsonCity of Santa RosaThe ClimateProtection CampaignTim BaconTim EsparanzaTim GonzalezTom BahningTom HelmTom MaunderTom RobinsonTricia HoffmanValerie KnibbVicki DugganVictoria RodriguezVin HoaglandWade BelewWendy AtkinsWendy SternbergWest County CycleServiceWest County RevolutionYuri HauswaldZach Mesel

Here is a list of our volunteers. If we missed you, please let us know.

Thanks to everyone who helped the SCBC in 2008

14

Scott Bowen:Q. Why did you want to join the SCBC

board?I can’t think of another invention, sport,

or hobby that comes anywhere close in bringing people enjoyment, utility, efficiency, environmental stewardship, health, and wellbeing. I have been touched by how the diversity of cycling’s benefits brings happiness to so many people in such different ways, and I’d like to help share that with more people.

Q. What skill or skills do you bring to the SCBC board?

I have a sales and business background, I’ve worked as the membership and development director for Bikes Belong, a national bicycle advocacy group dedicated to getting more people on bikes more often, and I have an MBA in Public and Nonprofit Administration. I am also a very proud father of three young girls who also love cycling, and I share cycling with kids through a kid’s mountain bike class I organize with the City of Santa Rosa Rec & Parks. And lastly, I’m working with a dedicated group of people to bring an all encompassing, one of a kind bicycle recreation center to Sonoma County (Sonoma Velo Project).

Q. What type of bike rider are you?I started mountain biking at age 13, raced

for Team Nishiki at age 15, picked up the commuting bug during school at Cal Poly, and didn’t start road riding and racing until just after graduating. I still race a few times a year, but one of my favorite activities is going on a ride with the family.

Q. How long have you been involved in bicycling advocacy?

Four years now with most of that being at Bikes Belong. My primary responsibility there was to broaden the membership base, create new and innovative partnerships, and ultimately drive the organization’s mission and financial growth. I’d like to help do the same for SCBC.

Q. Tell us about your favorite bicycle.It has to be my latest: a Specialized

Enduro Pro. The bike, with its massive travel, is completely unlike me. My mountain bike passion has usually been centered around efficiency, not downhill and big air. But this bike has changed the way I ride. I feel like a

kid again! The bike has made it more about enjoying the riding experience, which I love!

Q. Do you have a particular interest/project that you want to pursue as an SCBC board member?

I would say that there are 2 fronts I’m particularly interested in. The first relates mostly to getting more people to ride bikes

more often, with a focus on kids. I believe that if we don’t ride bikes in our youth, then we are less likely to ride them for any reason as we get older. The second area relates to building the membership base, partnerships, and financial security of SCBC so that the organization can continue to find success in its mission.

Q. Anything else you’d like to tell our members?

We are incredibly fortunate to live in Sonoma County. For bicycling, it’s hard to imagine better scenery, terrain, weather, back roads, trails, and everything else that makes riding so wonderful here. SCBC, and Chris in particular, have made it an even better place to be a cyclist. As Levi has said, he can’t think of a nicer place to live and ride your bike (not a bad compliment from someone who’s traveled the world riding his bike). But there is always more we can do and more people that can share bicycling for whatever reasons appeal to them – be it recreation, transportation, the environment, competition, health and fitness, or for social reasons. Everything SCBC does; it’s lobbying for paths, trails, and bike lanes, its Safe Routes programs, bike rodeos, skills classes, events, and the list goes on, makes the SCBC the heart and sole of “change” for bicycling in our community. But as others more notable than myself have said, “change starts with you.”

If you’re part of the SCBC, if you want to share cycling, if you want better road conditions, new class 1 paths and bike lanes, more mountain bike trails, and more people riding bikes, than take action. Volunteer, spread the word, get more people involved, take others riding with you, encourage people to join the SCBC, and most of all, be active and stay active. This is a beautiful cause and you’ll be glad you did.

SCBC welcomes new board members

Scott and his amazing girls.

Continued from pages 11

15

Sherry Adams:Q. Why did you want to join the SCBC

board?I’m really impressed by the cycling

community in Sonoma County. There are so many folks doing great work and there is so much right here. But there is also untapped potential. “Be the change you want to see...”

Q. What skill or skills do you bring to the SCBC board?

For better or worse I spend a significant amount of my waking hours thinking about bike-related issues. I think that I can contribute new ideas. I’ve moved around a bit and based on what I’ve seen in other places have some ideas of things we might try in Sonoma County.

Q. What type of bike rider are you?First and foremost a utilitarian rider

(i.e., transportation) and with whatever energy I have left I like hilly road rides and I occasionally get in a mountain bike ride. I got into riding through long distance touring and I still think that spending several months riding a bike in a previously unknown place is one of the most excellent experiences in life.

Q. How long have you been involved in bicycling advocacy?

Since the mid-1990s Q. Tell us about your favorite bicycle.How dare you suggest I do not love all of

my bicycles equally!? Q. Do you have a particular interest/

project that you want to pursue as an SCBC board member?

One idea I have is for a road hazard elimination program. The idea is there would be a form which any bike riding member of the public can fill out with complaints about drainage grates hazardous to cyclists, traffic lights they can’t trip, gaping holes in the pavement along the shoulder, and the like. The SCBC would be a conduit, relaying these concerns to the appropriate public works department. It would provide a service to the riding public, reach out to potential new members, and strengthen our relationship with public works departments.

I also think there is potential for us to reach out better to low income people. These are tough economic times and for people on a tight buget, the bicycle is a great option, since it can be so much cheaper than driving. There is an opportunity for the SCBC to help such people learn how to use their cars less.

Q. Anything else you’d like to tell our members?

I am a volunteer mechanic at Community Bikes. We are a volunteer-run shop where you can use our tools to fix your bike, learn how to fix bikes, buy refurbished bikes, earn a bike through volunteer service if you can’t afford one, buy hard-to-find parts for older bikes, and take classes. If you have an unwanted bike please consider donating it to Community Bikes. 4009 Sebastopol Ave, Santa Rosa 579-5811.

SCBC welcomes new board members, continued

Check out Humboldt Street in Santa Rosa:

Sonoma County’s First Bicycle Boulevard! Give it

a spin and let the City know what you think, call

707-543-3828

SONOMA COUNTY BICYCLE COALTION PO BOX 3088 SANTA ROSA CA 95402·3088

707·545·0153 WWW.BIKESONOMA.ORG

promoting the bicycle for transportation and recreation

You can now join or renew your membership online at www.BikeSonoma.orgSonoma County Bicycle Coalition Membership Form