July 2024
Vol. 43 No. 3
Website: www.humbike.org
Email: info@humbike.org
New and Renewed Members of the HBBCA
The following are new and renewed members since the last newsletter. If you haven’t renewed your dues for 2024, please see the application at the end of this newsletter.
New Members
Derek Howard, Eureka***
Renewed Members (since last newsletter)
Melanie Williams, Arcata***
Lloyd McClelland, Eureka***
Eric Witt, Eureka
Those with a ** next to their name gave an additional donation. Those with *** have given a $25 or greater donation. Thanks to all those who have joined or renewed their commitment and those who have given additional donations to support our many causes. Get on board now for all the benefits, including discounts at bike shops. See application at the end of the newsletter.
Next Meeting at Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant on Monday, July 29, 2024, in Arcata
The next meeting of the HBBCA will be on Monday, July29th. The dinner meeting will be at Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant, 13th and G Streets in Arcata. The meeting will start at 6 pm and end by 8 pm. The agenda will be set by those in attendance.
Big Changes Finally to H and I Streets in Eureka
Much to the delight of the HBBCA, the buffered bike lanes along with the downsizing of roadways on H and I Streets to two lanes was completed in May, during Bike Month Humboldt. Since many people have suggested that there aren’t that many bicyclists on H and I Streets and that it was a waste of money, Rick Knapp wrote the following Letter to the Editor of the Times-Standard that was published in the June 23rd edition:
Letter to the Editor, Times-Standard
Bicyclists are hearing from motorists: “What a waste of money, I don’t see any bicyclists in the new bike lanes on H & I Streets.” What most people don’t understand is that:
1. This project was funded by a State grant to respond to the high number and severity of vehicle collisions on these streets.
2. The vast majority of bicyclists in the city have never even considered riding on H & I Streets because they would have to take a lane where motorists are typically driving at 30-35 mph or higher.
The project was designed in a way to respond to the needs of all users:
1. Two lanes to reduce speeds and collisions.
2. Provisions for pedestrians to make it easier for them to cross these streets safely (e.g., Eureka High School students).
3. A buffered bike lane for bicyclists to provide for a safe and efficient route between the Henderson Center area and downtown.
4. Preservation of on-street parking.
Also, this is a project that recognizes that H & I Streets pass through a residential area. The calming of traffic on these streets will allow residents to enjoy their neighborhoods more.
The city should be commended for this project. It is a major asset to the community. Once bicyclists try the new buffered bike lanes, they will find them to be the best streets to ride on in town.
Rick Knapp, President
Humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association
Bike Lanes Coming to Myrtle Avenue in Eureka
According to the “Collector,” a weekly newsletter of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities, the California Transportation Commission has funded bike lane construction for the portion of Myrtle Avenue between Pigeon Point and Freshwater Road. This is a portion with insufficient and poorly maintained shoulders. By next year, we should be able to enjoy proper bike lanes.
Are You Confused About the Various Classes of e-Bikes?
By Rick Knapp
If you are confused by the classes of e-bikes and what each can do, you aren’t alone, I have to reacquaint myself periodically.
Class 1 and Class 3 are pedal-assist, so the motor is activated by pedaling. Class 1 can go up to 20 mph. Class 3 can reach 28 mph. Class 2 have a throttle to activate the motor and can travel up to 20 mph. A lot of people, maybe most, don’t know what Class e-bike they have. When you see them, the easiest to identify are the Class 2 because they can run without pedaling.
A recent Times-Standard article (June 12, 2024) about trails in Arcata specified that Class 1 and 2 e-bikes were welcome on trails. Presumably, the Class 3 is not since it can go 28 mph. But, should Class 2 e-bikes that don’t have to be pedaled at all be invited to ride on trails?
Brett tells me, you have to be at least 16 to ride the Class 3 on a public facility due to the top speed of 28 mph.
To add to the confusion, recent reports indicate that some people are modifying e-bikes so they can go faster than designed. So, don’t be surprised if you encounter some that seem to be going 40 mph. Legislation is pending to make that illegal, but won’t likely stop the disturbing trend.
You won’t be seeing Rick Knapp biking the streets of Eureka for Awhile
Just so you won’t worry, you won’t be seeing Rick Knapp riding locally for 2-3 months, he’s going to have rotator cuff surgery on July 16. While he could still ride a bike, he wasn’t able to do other things effectively—like fly fishing, or even driving a nail. Hopefully, the surgery will fix that.
Arcata Undertaking South Arcata Multi-modal Safety and Improvement Project
The City is undertaking the titled above project, abbreviated as SAMSIP, The purpose is to address the unsafe and inequitable conditions created by the US 101/State Route 255 interchange “which has led to frequent near-misses, collisions, and injuries between motor vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians,” according to the City. The project has been funded by the State. The HBBCA has been invited to participate in the effort. Rick Knapp will join other local transportation safety advocates in staying informed and participating in events and dialogue as the project progresses.
Who to Call When You See a Safety Concern (Rev. 7/9//24)
The HBBCA periodically checks with agencies in the Humboldt Bay region to determine appropriate contact personnel to respond to bike-related issues. If you see a condition that needs to be corrected in order to improve safety or convenience for cyclists such as a pothole in a bike lane, accumulated debris on a roadway shoulder, the need to re-stripe a bike lane, the need to clear vegetation encroaching on a shoulder, or a street light that is out, call the responsible agency/person listed below. Of course, if you see a condition that requires immediate attention, like a stop sign knocked down, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency conditions, the following contact information is provided:
Caltrans
Customer Service Liaison, Jessica Henry Gibbs
707-441-5655 online Customer Service Report:
csr.dot.ca.gov
County of Humboldt
Dispatcher RoadsDispatch@co.humboldt.ca.us
707-445-7421
Abandoned Vehicles:
County Sheriff’s Office, 707-445-7251
City of Arcata
Engineering Administrative Staff
707-825-2128
Engineering@cityofarcata.org
Abandoned Vehicles:
Arcata Police Dept. at 707-822-2424
City of Eureka
707-441-4203 publicworks@ci.eureka.ca.gov
Abandoned Vehicles:
707-268-5232
eurekapoliceabatement@ci.eureka.ca.gov;
HBBCA Board of Directors (Rev. 10/2/23)
(all phone numbers have 707 area codes)
President---------------------- Rick Knapp
499-5918(cell) email: info@humbike.org
Vice-President---------------- Brett Gronemeyer
845-2117(cell);
Secretary/Treasurer----------------Gail Popham
502-8030(cell)
Director of Planning-----open/available
Director of Publicity ----open/available
Contact Rick Knapp if you are interested in filing a vacant Board position.
Please Join or Renew Your Membership for 2024
Your membership, on a calendar year basis, will help pay for youth helmets, bike racks, this newsletter, the website, BikeSmart promotions, “Bike Month” activities, prizes, postage, insurance, etc. And, it will help demonstrate your commitment to our goal.
With your membership card, you may request discounts on bike parts and accessories at Revolution Bicycle Repair and Adventure’s Edge. Discounts are typically 10%, but may vary. Membership cards include stickers on the back showing discounts offered by the various bike shops.
Enclosed: $_____dues ($5.00) $_____donation
Name_______________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Phone__________________(h)______________________(w)
____I’d rather receive my newsletter by email. This is my neatly printed email address:
_____________________________________________________________
Mail to HBBCA, P. O. Box 9054 Eureka CA 95502-9054
Website: www.humbike.org
Email: info@humbike.org
New and Renewed Members of the HBBCA
The following are new and renewed members since the last newsletter. If you haven’t renewed your dues for 2024, please see the application at the end of this newsletter.
New Members
Derek Howard, Eureka***
Renewed Members (since last newsletter)
Melanie Williams, Arcata***
Lloyd McClelland, Eureka***
Eric Witt, Eureka
Those with a ** next to their name gave an additional donation. Those with *** have given a $25 or greater donation. Thanks to all those who have joined or renewed their commitment and those who have given additional donations to support our many causes. Get on board now for all the benefits, including discounts at bike shops. See application at the end of the newsletter.
Next Meeting at Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant on Monday, July 29, 2024, in Arcata
The next meeting of the HBBCA will be on Monday, July29th. The dinner meeting will be at Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant, 13th and G Streets in Arcata. The meeting will start at 6 pm and end by 8 pm. The agenda will be set by those in attendance.
Big Changes Finally to H and I Streets in Eureka
Much to the delight of the HBBCA, the buffered bike lanes along with the downsizing of roadways on H and I Streets to two lanes was completed in May, during Bike Month Humboldt. Since many people have suggested that there aren’t that many bicyclists on H and I Streets and that it was a waste of money, Rick Knapp wrote the following Letter to the Editor of the Times-Standard that was published in the June 23rd edition:
Letter to the Editor, Times-Standard
Bicyclists are hearing from motorists: “What a waste of money, I don’t see any bicyclists in the new bike lanes on H & I Streets.” What most people don’t understand is that:
1. This project was funded by a State grant to respond to the high number and severity of vehicle collisions on these streets.
2. The vast majority of bicyclists in the city have never even considered riding on H & I Streets because they would have to take a lane where motorists are typically driving at 30-35 mph or higher.
The project was designed in a way to respond to the needs of all users:
1. Two lanes to reduce speeds and collisions.
2. Provisions for pedestrians to make it easier for them to cross these streets safely (e.g., Eureka High School students).
3. A buffered bike lane for bicyclists to provide for a safe and efficient route between the Henderson Center area and downtown.
4. Preservation of on-street parking.
Also, this is a project that recognizes that H & I Streets pass through a residential area. The calming of traffic on these streets will allow residents to enjoy their neighborhoods more.
The city should be commended for this project. It is a major asset to the community. Once bicyclists try the new buffered bike lanes, they will find them to be the best streets to ride on in town.
Rick Knapp, President
Humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association
Bike Lanes Coming to Myrtle Avenue in Eureka
According to the “Collector,” a weekly newsletter of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities, the California Transportation Commission has funded bike lane construction for the portion of Myrtle Avenue between Pigeon Point and Freshwater Road. This is a portion with insufficient and poorly maintained shoulders. By next year, we should be able to enjoy proper bike lanes.
Are You Confused About the Various Classes of e-Bikes?
By Rick Knapp
If you are confused by the classes of e-bikes and what each can do, you aren’t alone, I have to reacquaint myself periodically.
Class 1 and Class 3 are pedal-assist, so the motor is activated by pedaling. Class 1 can go up to 20 mph. Class 3 can reach 28 mph. Class 2 have a throttle to activate the motor and can travel up to 20 mph. A lot of people, maybe most, don’t know what Class e-bike they have. When you see them, the easiest to identify are the Class 2 because they can run without pedaling.
A recent Times-Standard article (June 12, 2024) about trails in Arcata specified that Class 1 and 2 e-bikes were welcome on trails. Presumably, the Class 3 is not since it can go 28 mph. But, should Class 2 e-bikes that don’t have to be pedaled at all be invited to ride on trails?
Brett tells me, you have to be at least 16 to ride the Class 3 on a public facility due to the top speed of 28 mph.
To add to the confusion, recent reports indicate that some people are modifying e-bikes so they can go faster than designed. So, don’t be surprised if you encounter some that seem to be going 40 mph. Legislation is pending to make that illegal, but won’t likely stop the disturbing trend.
You won’t be seeing Rick Knapp biking the streets of Eureka for Awhile
Just so you won’t worry, you won’t be seeing Rick Knapp riding locally for 2-3 months, he’s going to have rotator cuff surgery on July 16. While he could still ride a bike, he wasn’t able to do other things effectively—like fly fishing, or even driving a nail. Hopefully, the surgery will fix that.
Arcata Undertaking South Arcata Multi-modal Safety and Improvement Project
The City is undertaking the titled above project, abbreviated as SAMSIP, The purpose is to address the unsafe and inequitable conditions created by the US 101/State Route 255 interchange “which has led to frequent near-misses, collisions, and injuries between motor vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians,” according to the City. The project has been funded by the State. The HBBCA has been invited to participate in the effort. Rick Knapp will join other local transportation safety advocates in staying informed and participating in events and dialogue as the project progresses.
Who to Call When You See a Safety Concern (Rev. 7/9//24)
The HBBCA periodically checks with agencies in the Humboldt Bay region to determine appropriate contact personnel to respond to bike-related issues. If you see a condition that needs to be corrected in order to improve safety or convenience for cyclists such as a pothole in a bike lane, accumulated debris on a roadway shoulder, the need to re-stripe a bike lane, the need to clear vegetation encroaching on a shoulder, or a street light that is out, call the responsible agency/person listed below. Of course, if you see a condition that requires immediate attention, like a stop sign knocked down, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency conditions, the following contact information is provided:
Caltrans
Customer Service Liaison, Jessica Henry Gibbs
707-441-5655 online Customer Service Report:
csr.dot.ca.gov
County of Humboldt
Dispatcher RoadsDispatch@co.humboldt.ca.us
707-445-7421
Abandoned Vehicles:
County Sheriff’s Office, 707-445-7251
City of Arcata
Engineering Administrative Staff
707-825-2128
Engineering@cityofarcata.org
Abandoned Vehicles:
Arcata Police Dept. at 707-822-2424
City of Eureka
707-441-4203 publicworks@ci.eureka.ca.gov
Abandoned Vehicles:
707-268-5232
eurekapoliceabatement@ci.eureka.ca.gov;
HBBCA Board of Directors (Rev. 10/2/23)
(all phone numbers have 707 area codes)
President---------------------- Rick Knapp
499-5918(cell) email: info@humbike.org
Vice-President---------------- Brett Gronemeyer
845-2117(cell);
Secretary/Treasurer----------------Gail Popham
502-8030(cell)
Director of Planning-----open/available
Director of Publicity ----open/available
Contact Rick Knapp if you are interested in filing a vacant Board position.
Please Join or Renew Your Membership for 2024
Your membership, on a calendar year basis, will help pay for youth helmets, bike racks, this newsletter, the website, BikeSmart promotions, “Bike Month” activities, prizes, postage, insurance, etc. And, it will help demonstrate your commitment to our goal.
With your membership card, you may request discounts on bike parts and accessories at Revolution Bicycle Repair and Adventure’s Edge. Discounts are typically 10%, but may vary. Membership cards include stickers on the back showing discounts offered by the various bike shops.
Enclosed: $_____dues ($5.00) $_____donation
Name_______________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Phone__________________(h)______________________(w)
____I’d rather receive my newsletter by email. This is my neatly printed email address:
_____________________________________________________________
Mail to HBBCA, P. O. Box 9054 Eureka CA 95502-9054