July 2013

WHEEL PEOPLE            Vol. 32  No.  4               July 2013

Newsletter of the Humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association

P.O. Box 9054 Eureka CA  95502                                                                                          

Website: www.humbike.org
Email: info@humbike.org
 
New and Renewed Members of the HBBCA
 
The following new and renewed members have become members for 2013.
 
New Members
Jennifer Weiss, Eureka**
Andy Van Groenou, Eureka**
Laura and Brian Julian, Blue Lake
 
Renewed Members
Christel Shaughnessy, Arcata**
Roger Tuan, Arcata**
Chris Butner, Arcata**
 
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 July 15th in Arcata
 
The next regular HBBCA meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, July 15th, at Carmela’s Restaurant, 13th and G Streets in Arcata.   Kim Floyd, Project Manager for the Caltrans Eureka-Arcata Corridor project will be in attendance to update membership on the project.  Dinner is optional. Additional agenda items may be suggested by emailing Rick Knapp at info@humbike.org or phoning him at 707-445-1097.                                  
 
Humboldt Bike Month 2013 was a Success
 
Hundreds enjoyed the many events held during May 2013, National Bike Month.  Events included:
  • Energizer Stations at the North Coast Co-Op stores in Arcata and Eureka on Bike to Work Day, with free tune-ups and repairs by Adventure’s Edge
  • Bike to Work Day rallies in Arcata and Eureka with prizes from local bike shops and the HBBCA, and free tune-ups and repairs by Henderson Center Bicycles and Pacific Outfitters.
  • Humboldt Bike Shorts films at the Sewell Gallery in Eureka
  • Several bike rodeos in and near the Humboldt Bay area
Check out photos from this year’s Bike Month events on our website, www.humbike.org.
 
HBBCA, Chapala’s and the City of Eureka Team up to Provide Bike Racks
 
The HBBCA has been holding its regular meetings at Chapala’s Café for several years.   The ownership and staff has been very supportive of the Association.   Rick Knapp asked the owner if he’d be interested in buying a bike rack for the front of his building if the HBBCA matched the purchase with another.   Right away, Ted said “yes.”   Rick was able to get the City to agree to install the racks if we donated them to the City.   Within a few weeks they were installed.   Now members and other patrons can park their bikes in front of the café rather than across the street or against the lone tree.   Funds for the racks came from donations from our membership.   Thanks to all our members for choosing to provide donations in addition to membership fees.
 
City of Arcata Applies for TIGER Grant for Humboldt Bay Trail
 
On June 2nd, the City of Arcata applied for a Federal grant, called TIGER grant in an effort to secure funding for a multipurpose trail along Highway 101 from Arcata to Bracut.  According to Karen Diemer, City Environmental Services Deputy Director, funding is highly competitive, but they are hopeful.   This would be a major first step in getting a multipurpose trail along the Bay between Eureka and Arcata. The City should be commended for this undertaking.  The HBBCA submitted a letter of support for the application.
 
City of Eureka Pursuing Funding for Traffic Safety Campaign
 
The City of Eureka has formally recognized the fact that they have one of the worst traffic safety records in the State for cities its size.   Year after year, the City ranks near the top for collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians in addition to motor vehicles.   On June 18th, the City Council agreed with the Public Works Department and the Traffic Safety Commission that a public traffic safety campaign is needed in an effort to better educate the traveling public in Eureka.  Councilwoman Melinda Ciarabellini, who also serves on the Traffic Safety Commission, stated that “this is the missing link.”   Education, along with Engineering and Enforcement represent the “Three Es,” all of which are needed to improve traffic safety. With this action, the City will pursue grant funding to fund the campaign.

Update on the Community Bike Kitchen
By Emily Sinkhorn
                                               
Thank you all for helping the Community Bike Kitchen at Jefferson School get off to a great start! During our first month of operation we have assisted dozens of youth and adults in finding affordable used bicycles and learning new skills in bicycle maintenance and repair. And we would not be open for these services without the help of all of you - our members, supporters and dedicated shop volunteers!

Please take note that the bike kitchen will be starting new open hours in July and August. Starting Tuesday, July 2 our open hours will be on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm and Saturdays from 11-3. As a reminder all used bicycles, parts and mechanic services are available through volunteering or a small cash donation.

For more information check out the Community Bike Kitchen on Facebook, call 269-2061 or visit the bike kitchen during open hours at the old Jefferson School at 1000 B Street in Eureka.

Thank you for helping to create a learning space to increase bicycle knowledge and transportation security on the north coast!
 
Letter to the Editor
 
Hello Rick and Jean,
 
Thank you for your gracious hospitality and thank you Rick for the education on safe bike riding.  Best wishes in everything and with your upcoming trip to Uganda.                                                
                                                       
Laura and Brian Julian, Blue Lake
 
[Rick conducted a “BikeSmart” on-street training session with Laura and Brian in Eureka.  Laura had said she wanted to learn to be a safe cyclist.]
 
Who to Call When You See a Safety Concern (Rev. 2/9/2013)
 
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
Mark Suchanek, Deputy District Director
445-6393  Mark_Suchanek@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
Monica Campbell,
Public Works Administrative Assistant
822-5957 pubworks@cityofarcata.org
 
Abandoned Vehicles:
Arcata Police Dept. at 822-2424
 
City of Eureka
Kristen Ireland  [New contact 2/2013]
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 (Rev. 1/2012)
 
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 2013 (Rev. 1/2013)
 
The HBBCA is working to improve and encourage bicycle commuting.  Help make it happen by joining now or renewing your membership for 2013. 
 
Your $5.00 annual dues, paid on a calendar year basis, will help pay for youth helmets, this newsletter, our website, BikeSmart promotions, Bike Month activities and 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:
 
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Mail to HBBCA, P.O. Box 9054 Eureka CA 95502-9054