November 2014
WHEEL PEOPLE Vol. 33 No. 6 November 2014
Email: info@humbike.org
New and Renewed Members of the HBBCA
The following new and renewed members have become members for 2015.
New Members
Elizabeth Edwards, Eureka
Juan Reyes, Arcata
Renewed Members
Jim & Gina Christopher, Eureka**
Andre Guimaraes, Fortuna**
Mitch Higa, Eureka**
Lloyd McClelland, Eureka***
Carl & Judy Cooper, Bayside**
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.
The Next Regular Meeting will be Held on November 24th in Arcata
The next regular HBBCA meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, November 24th, at Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant, 13th and G Streets in Arcata. Dinner is optional. Agenda items may be suggested by emailing: info@humbike.org.
HBBCA Successful in Getting Bike Lanes Restriped in Eureka
After periodic requests of the City over the last two plus years, the City finally restriped most of the bike lanes in the City that had been disappearing from wear and weather. Still, in many areas the bike lane legends need to be refreshed. We are pushing for that, too.
HBBCA to Undertake Television Ads to Promote the New 3-Foot Law
At our last meeting, we heard our membership clamoring for more publicity to be given to the new 3-Feet for Safety Act which requires motorists to give at least 3 feet of space when passing bicyclists. As a result, the Board of Directors has decided to commit $1,000 of HBBCA funds toward advertisements to be aired by KIEM Channel 3. In addition, generous members, Will Dvorak and Carole Beaton, have added an additional $150 to allow more ads to be aired. We will be pushing for the majority of ads to be sandwiched around the news broadcasts.
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) created the ad, which Brett Gronemeyer found online. Rick Knapp was able to secure approval from the OCTA to use and edit the ad. It is a humorous, “laugh out loud,” ad, one that shows how uncomfortable regular people can get when others get too close—like in an elevator or a hotel hot tub. We think you will like it and others will enjoy it time after time.
The law itself went into effect on September 16th accompanied by some “one day” media attention. Hopefully, this ad campaign will help more people learn about the law.
HBBCA Seeks Changes to Recent “Improvements” on West Avenue near Tydd Street
In October, the City of Eureka made changes to West Avenue/V Street in the vicinity of the Silvercrest facility. Involved was the widening of sidewalks at driveways and creation of a pedestrian refuge (median). The result was good for pedestrians trying to cross at Tydd Street. The result was not so good for bicyclists who lost four feet of width traveling southbound (uphill) through this section of roadway. After meeting with the City, agreement was reached to return the southbound, 2-lane merge point back to just south of 6th Street. This reduces traffic to one lane on the hill, giving bicyclists back a shoulder, instead of having to ride in a traffic lane. Also, the City will install Sharrow pavement markings and Share the Road signing to alert motorists to expect bicyclists in the lane at the “pinch points” in the vicinity of Tydd Street. According to the City, this project has other work remaining, including additional lighting and Rapid flash LED pedestrian warning beacons.
Sidewalk Riding Ban Opposed by HBBCA in Eureka
Recently, the Police Chief Mills proposed an ordinance which would have banned sidewalk bike riding throughout the City. Currently, sidewalk riding is banned in downtown, Old Town and Henderson Center. The matter was referred to the Traffic Safety Commission by the City Council. While the HBBCA does not endorse sidewalk bike riding, it recognizes that it may be the appropriate thing to do for small children riding in neighborhoods at slow speeds. The issue was discussed at the HBBCA’s regular meeting and as a result, a letter was directed to the TSC with copies to the Chief of Police and City Staff. Subsequently, the item was pulled. We do not believe the Chief will be pursuing the item again.
DMV Driver’s Handbook Needs Correcting
Recently, Rick Knapp was studying the 2014 Driver’s Handbook in preparation for taking his written driver’s test when he noticed an error in the handbook. On Page 64, it said: “Bicycles are lawfully permitted to ride on certain sections of roadway in rural areas where there is no alternate route.” It should have said freeway, not roadway; and, not only where there is no alternate route; and, in some urban areas, too. Rick submitted recommended changes by letter.
Rick noted that in the test he took there was not one question related to bicycles or bicycle facilities. No wonder it takes decades for motorists to learn the rules of the road as they relate to bicyclists and bicycle facilities.
Thankfully, on Page 100 of the Handbook, there was a full page “poster” that outlined provisions of the new “Three Feet for Safety Act.”
Use Calendar in this Newsletter to Keep Track of Bike Miles
Included with this newsletter is a calendar for you to keep track of your daily and monthly bike miles. By tracking it through the year you can see if your bike miles are increasing or decreasing. Keep one each year, watch your miles grow and your waistline shrink!!
Who to Call When You See a Safety Concern (Rev.7/5/14)
The HBBCA checked 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
Matt Brady, Deputy District Director
445-6393
Matt.Brady@dot.ca.gov
County of Humboldt
Wendy Meeks, Dispatcher
445-7421 wmeeks@co.humboldt.ca.us
Abandoned Vehicles: Wally Williams,
County Sheriff’s Office, 268-3629
City of Arcata
Alynn Zdawczynski,
Public Works Administrative Assistant
822-5957 azdawczynski@cityofarcata.org
Abandoned Vehicles:
Arcata Police Dept. at 822-2424
City of Eureka
Kristen Ireland
Public Works Administrative Assistant
441-4203 kireland@ci.eureka.ca.gov
with cc: shutchison@ci.eureka.ca.gov
Abandoned Vehicles: Mary Kirby
mkirby@eurekapd.org, 268-5232
HBBCA Board of Directors
President---------------------- Rick Knapp
445-1097(h) email: info@humbike.org
Vice-President---------------- Brett Gronemeyer
845-2117(h); 445-5390(w)
Secretary/Treasurer---Gail Popham,
445-5204(w)
Director of Publicity………… vacant
Director of Planning----- vacant
Please Join or Renew Your Membership for 2015
The HBBCA is working to improve and encourage bicycle commuting. Help make it happen by joining now or renewing your membership for 2015.
Your $5.00 annual dues, paid on a calendar year basis, will help pay for youth helmets, bike racks, this newsletter, the website, BikeSmart promotions, Bike Month activities, prizes, postage, etc. And, it will help demonstrate your commitment to our goal.
With your membership card, you may request the following discounts on bike parts and accessories: 10% (or more) at Henderson Center Bicycles; 10% at Revolution Bicycle Repair; 15% at Adventure’s Edge; 10% at Pacific Outfitters, and 15% at Sport and Cycle. Membership cards include stickers on the back showing discounts offered by the various bike shops.
Enclosed: $_____dues $_____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
Newsletter of the Humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association
P.O. Box 9054 Eureka CA 95502
Website: www.humbike.orgEmail: info@humbike.org
New and Renewed Members of the HBBCA
The following new and renewed members have become members for 2015.
New Members
Elizabeth Edwards, Eureka
Juan Reyes, Arcata
Renewed Members
Jim & Gina Christopher, Eureka**
Andre Guimaraes, Fortuna**
Mitch Higa, Eureka**
Lloyd McClelland, Eureka***
Carl & Judy Cooper, Bayside**
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.
The Next Regular Meeting will be Held on November 24th in Arcata
The next regular HBBCA meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, November 24th, at Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant, 13th and G Streets in Arcata. Dinner is optional. Agenda items may be suggested by emailing: info@humbike.org.
HBBCA Successful in Getting Bike Lanes Restriped in Eureka
After periodic requests of the City over the last two plus years, the City finally restriped most of the bike lanes in the City that had been disappearing from wear and weather. Still, in many areas the bike lane legends need to be refreshed. We are pushing for that, too.
HBBCA to Undertake Television Ads to Promote the New 3-Foot Law
At our last meeting, we heard our membership clamoring for more publicity to be given to the new 3-Feet for Safety Act which requires motorists to give at least 3 feet of space when passing bicyclists. As a result, the Board of Directors has decided to commit $1,000 of HBBCA funds toward advertisements to be aired by KIEM Channel 3. In addition, generous members, Will Dvorak and Carole Beaton, have added an additional $150 to allow more ads to be aired. We will be pushing for the majority of ads to be sandwiched around the news broadcasts.
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) created the ad, which Brett Gronemeyer found online. Rick Knapp was able to secure approval from the OCTA to use and edit the ad. It is a humorous, “laugh out loud,” ad, one that shows how uncomfortable regular people can get when others get too close—like in an elevator or a hotel hot tub. We think you will like it and others will enjoy it time after time.
The law itself went into effect on September 16th accompanied by some “one day” media attention. Hopefully, this ad campaign will help more people learn about the law.
HBBCA Seeks Changes to Recent “Improvements” on West Avenue near Tydd Street
In October, the City of Eureka made changes to West Avenue/V Street in the vicinity of the Silvercrest facility. Involved was the widening of sidewalks at driveways and creation of a pedestrian refuge (median). The result was good for pedestrians trying to cross at Tydd Street. The result was not so good for bicyclists who lost four feet of width traveling southbound (uphill) through this section of roadway. After meeting with the City, agreement was reached to return the southbound, 2-lane merge point back to just south of 6th Street. This reduces traffic to one lane on the hill, giving bicyclists back a shoulder, instead of having to ride in a traffic lane. Also, the City will install Sharrow pavement markings and Share the Road signing to alert motorists to expect bicyclists in the lane at the “pinch points” in the vicinity of Tydd Street. According to the City, this project has other work remaining, including additional lighting and Rapid flash LED pedestrian warning beacons.
Sidewalk Riding Ban Opposed by HBBCA in Eureka
Recently, the Police Chief Mills proposed an ordinance which would have banned sidewalk bike riding throughout the City. Currently, sidewalk riding is banned in downtown, Old Town and Henderson Center. The matter was referred to the Traffic Safety Commission by the City Council. While the HBBCA does not endorse sidewalk bike riding, it recognizes that it may be the appropriate thing to do for small children riding in neighborhoods at slow speeds. The issue was discussed at the HBBCA’s regular meeting and as a result, a letter was directed to the TSC with copies to the Chief of Police and City Staff. Subsequently, the item was pulled. We do not believe the Chief will be pursuing the item again.
DMV Driver’s Handbook Needs Correcting
Recently, Rick Knapp was studying the 2014 Driver’s Handbook in preparation for taking his written driver’s test when he noticed an error in the handbook. On Page 64, it said: “Bicycles are lawfully permitted to ride on certain sections of roadway in rural areas where there is no alternate route.” It should have said freeway, not roadway; and, not only where there is no alternate route; and, in some urban areas, too. Rick submitted recommended changes by letter.
Rick noted that in the test he took there was not one question related to bicycles or bicycle facilities. No wonder it takes decades for motorists to learn the rules of the road as they relate to bicyclists and bicycle facilities.
Thankfully, on Page 100 of the Handbook, there was a full page “poster” that outlined provisions of the new “Three Feet for Safety Act.”
Use Calendar in this Newsletter to Keep Track of Bike Miles
Included with this newsletter is a calendar for you to keep track of your daily and monthly bike miles. By tracking it through the year you can see if your bike miles are increasing or decreasing. Keep one each year, watch your miles grow and your waistline shrink!!
Who to Call When You See a Safety Concern (Rev.7/5/14)
The HBBCA checked 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
Matt Brady, Deputy District Director
445-6393
Matt.Brady@dot.ca.gov
County of Humboldt
Wendy Meeks, Dispatcher
445-7421 wmeeks@co.humboldt.ca.us
Abandoned Vehicles: Wally Williams,
County Sheriff’s Office, 268-3629
City of Arcata
Alynn Zdawczynski,
Public Works Administrative Assistant
822-5957 azdawczynski@cityofarcata.org
Abandoned Vehicles:
Arcata Police Dept. at 822-2424
City of Eureka
Kristen Ireland
Public Works Administrative Assistant
441-4203 kireland@ci.eureka.ca.gov
with cc: shutchison@ci.eureka.ca.gov
Abandoned Vehicles: Mary Kirby
mkirby@eurekapd.org, 268-5232
HBBCA Board of Directors
President---------------------- Rick Knapp
445-1097(h) email: info@humbike.org
Vice-President---------------- Brett Gronemeyer
845-2117(h); 445-5390(w)
Secretary/Treasurer---Gail Popham,
445-5204(w)
Director of Publicity………… vacant
Director of Planning----- vacant
Please Join or Renew Your Membership for 2015
The HBBCA is working to improve and encourage bicycle commuting. Help make it happen by joining now or renewing your membership for 2015.
Your $5.00 annual dues, paid on a calendar year basis, will help pay for youth helmets, bike racks, this newsletter, the website, BikeSmart promotions, Bike Month activities, prizes, postage, etc. And, it will help demonstrate your commitment to our goal.
With your membership card, you may request the following discounts on bike parts and accessories: 10% (or more) at Henderson Center Bicycles; 10% at Revolution Bicycle Repair; 15% at Adventure’s Edge; 10% at Pacific Outfitters, and 15% at Sport and Cycle. Membership cards include stickers on the back showing discounts offered by the various bike shops.
Enclosed: $_____dues $_____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