July 2023
Vol. 42 No. 3
Website: www.humbike.org
Email: info@humbike.org
New and Renewed Members of the HBBCA
The following are new and renewed members for 2023. If you haven’t renewed your dues for 2023, they were due on January 1, as all dues expire on December 31. An application is at the end of the newsletter.
Renewed Members for 2023 (since last newsletter)
Jack Nash, Eureka**
Emily Sinkhorn, Eureka***
Cara Barnes, Eureka*
Mitch Higa, McKinleyville**
Chris Whitworth, McKinleyville*
Larry Kluck, Eureka***
Gordon Inkeles, Bayside*
Claudio Freixas, Jr., Eureka
Eric Witt, Eureka**
New Members
Lindsey McWilliams, Arcata***
Elizabeth Rhodes, 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, July24 31, 2023, in Arcata
The next meeting of the HBBCA will be on Monday, July 24th, and is open to all who are fully vaccinated and boosted. 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 before 8 pm. The agenda will be set by those in attendance. One agenda item is set: Netra Khatri, Arcata Public Works Director will attend and will update us on bike projects and operations in the City.
Update on the HBBCA’s Insurance Issues
Last month, Brett Gronemeyer forwarded a message from Rick Knapp to all email members appealing for assistance with funding of our insurance obtained annually through the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). It turns out that several of you didn’t receive the message, as your email preferences caused it to be bounced. And, we didn’t send it to our postal customers. From those that received the message, a total of $390 was received. We reported on those generous members in the April Wheel People. Since that time, another $290 was received from Mark Mueller, Lisa Hoover, Kristi Wrigley, Nancy Reichard and Rick Knapp. That fully covers our insurance deficit for this year and leaves some to apply to next year’s premium. Thanks to all of you who donated!
Construction of the “Final Four” (Miles) Connecting the Bay Trail in Eureka to the Bay Trail at Bracut has Begun
On May 17th, the official ground breaking ceremony for the “Final Four” (Miles) construction project was held along the levee behind the Brainard Mill site owned and operated by Green Diamond. Completion of this project will connected Eureka and Arcata and provide for about 15 miles of interconnected bike trail.
There were about 100 invited guests at the ceremony, many of which have worked toward this outcome for many years, decades for some. A dozen speakers participated in the ceremony. There was no shortage of accolades for Humboldt County Public Works Deputy, Hank Seemann, who has worked tirelessly since 2012 to lead the planning, securing funding, completing design and securing permits to allow this project to get to construction. It was no easy task. There was much controversy along the way and plenty of opportunity to give up. But giving up was not an option for Hank!!!
The project is expected to be completed by Fall 2024. Overall cost is about $16 million. The construction contractor is McCullough Construction.
Buffered Bike Lanes on H and I Streets in Eureka to be Under Construction Soon
On June 6th, the Eureka City Council awarded a contract to Mercer-Fraser Company for a comprehensive project on H and I Streets to included buffered bike lanes along with bulbouts and flashing beacons to facilitate safe crossings for pedestrians. The project will also result in traffic calming and neighborhood enhancement by reducing traffic lanes from three to two on both streets.
The project was controversial in that some residents objected to reducing the capacity of the streets for auto traffic. In fact H and I Streets have substantially less traffic that either Harris or Henderson. As such, motorists can typically drive them much faster by changing lanes whenever they are slowed by traffic in one lane. In the existing configuration, pedestrians typically have to run (for their lives) to cross the streets.
The project includes resurfacing of H and I Streets and pedestrian improvements to 6th and 7th Streets as well. In total, the project was approved by the City Council for $5.4 million, nearly $4 million from State grants. Much of the local funding comes from Measure H funds for the repaving. The Council voted 5-0 in support, which is important since several of the Council members are new since the project was approved in July 2018. The H and I Street conversion from three lanes to two with bike lanes have been encouraged by the HBBCA for over a decade (13 years to be exact). The City first agreed to entertain the idea by making a presentation to the City’s Traffic Safety Commission in March 2013, calling it a “road diet.” Two years later the City applied for a planning grant to formally study the idea which led to the City Council approving the concept of buffered bike lanes in 2018. The City’s consultant presented two alternatives. The other alternative was essentially a sidewalk bike path which the HBBCA vehemently opposed as it would have been ineffective and unsafe.
As of the end of June, no activity has occurred by Mercer-Fraser. Typically, they are spread thin during the summer months when there are many paving projects on the Northcoast. Hopefully, it will be started soon and completed by the end of summer.\
Comments Solicited by City of Eureka for Bike Plan Update
Mark Thomas Associates is updating the City’s Bike Plan. The are soliciting ideas for the update. The HBBCA will submit some “ideas,” but others are encouraged. The HBBCA will suggest that they hold an in-person meeting to discuss the draft bike plan when it is ready. Comments can be emailed to:
bikeplan@eurekaca.gov.
Another Successful Bike Month Humboldt
In May, the Bike Humboldt Coalition conducted many events, bringing out a couple hundred cyclists to celebrate bicycling in the Humboldt Bay area. Check out the photo album on the bikemonthhumboldt.org website. Right below the website banner is a title: “See the photo album of 2023 Bike Month Humboldt events.” Below that listing are photos from past years. Thanks go out to Stephen Luther, HBBCA member and staff person for the Humboldt County Association of Governments who developed the new website this year so that we don’t have to rely on the Love to Ride site that was cumbersome and expensive.
Route 101 Indianola Interchange Project Beginning
As reported in the April 2023 Wheel People: After reading that the above titled project was beginning, Rick Knapp inquired to the Caltrans District Director, Matt Brady, regarding the HBBCA’s interest in being kept informed as to accommodation of bicyclists in the construction project. Jeffrey Zimmerer, North Region Construction Chief, responded. He said some tree removal was occurring in February, and that long term work would be going into winter suspension. Significant work that would affect cyclists would start in spring/summer. The contractor is Granite Construction. He said that traffic handling plans require a minimum 6-foot bike lane be maintained during construction. Vertical delineators are to be provided on the fog line whenever a concrete barrier is placed to the right of the bike lane. If you see non-emergency issues, report them to the Caltrans Customer Service Liaison, 707-441-5655.
Update: On June 15th, a Ground Breaking Ceremony was held by Caltrans to commemorate the start of construction. Construction of a full interchange with an underpass at Indianola road should be completed by late 2025.
Who to Call When You See a Safety Concern (Rev. 10/5/2022)
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
Customer Service Liaison, Jessica Henry Gibbs
707-441-5655 online Customer Service Report:
csr.dot.ca.gov
County of Humboldt
DispatcherRoadsDispatch@co.humboldt.ca.us
707-445-7421
Abandoned Vehicles: Wally Williams,
County Sheriff’s Office, 707-268-2509
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:
eureka-policeabatement@ci.eureka.ca.gov;
707-268-5232
HBBCA Board of Directors (Rev. 4/8/22)
President---------------------- Rick Knapp
445-1097(h) email: info@humbike.org
Vice-President---------------- Brett Gronemeyer
845-2117(cell);
Secretary/Treasurer---Gail Popham,
707-502-8030(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 2023 Now
The HBBCA is working to improve and encourage bicycle commuting. 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, 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 for 2023. If you haven’t renewed your dues for 2023, they were due on January 1, as all dues expire on December 31. An application is at the end of the newsletter.
Renewed Members for 2023 (since last newsletter)
Jack Nash, Eureka**
Emily Sinkhorn, Eureka***
Cara Barnes, Eureka*
Mitch Higa, McKinleyville**
Chris Whitworth, McKinleyville*
Larry Kluck, Eureka***
Gordon Inkeles, Bayside*
Claudio Freixas, Jr., Eureka
Eric Witt, Eureka**
New Members
Lindsey McWilliams, Arcata***
Elizabeth Rhodes, 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
The next meeting of the HBBCA will be on Monday, July 24th, and is open to all who are fully vaccinated and boosted. 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 before 8 pm. The agenda will be set by those in attendance. One agenda item is set: Netra Khatri, Arcata Public Works Director will attend and will update us on bike projects and operations in the City.
Update on the HBBCA’s Insurance Issues
Last month, Brett Gronemeyer forwarded a message from Rick Knapp to all email members appealing for assistance with funding of our insurance obtained annually through the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). It turns out that several of you didn’t receive the message, as your email preferences caused it to be bounced. And, we didn’t send it to our postal customers. From those that received the message, a total of $390 was received. We reported on those generous members in the April Wheel People. Since that time, another $290 was received from Mark Mueller, Lisa Hoover, Kristi Wrigley, Nancy Reichard and Rick Knapp. That fully covers our insurance deficit for this year and leaves some to apply to next year’s premium. Thanks to all of you who donated!
Construction of the “Final Four” (Miles) Connecting the Bay Trail in Eureka to the Bay Trail at Bracut has Begun
On May 17th, the official ground breaking ceremony for the “Final Four” (Miles) construction project was held along the levee behind the Brainard Mill site owned and operated by Green Diamond. Completion of this project will connected Eureka and Arcata and provide for about 15 miles of interconnected bike trail.
There were about 100 invited guests at the ceremony, many of which have worked toward this outcome for many years, decades for some. A dozen speakers participated in the ceremony. There was no shortage of accolades for Humboldt County Public Works Deputy, Hank Seemann, who has worked tirelessly since 2012 to lead the planning, securing funding, completing design and securing permits to allow this project to get to construction. It was no easy task. There was much controversy along the way and plenty of opportunity to give up. But giving up was not an option for Hank!!!
The project is expected to be completed by Fall 2024. Overall cost is about $16 million. The construction contractor is McCullough Construction.
Buffered Bike Lanes on H and I Streets in Eureka to be Under Construction Soon
On June 6th, the Eureka City Council awarded a contract to Mercer-Fraser Company for a comprehensive project on H and I Streets to included buffered bike lanes along with bulbouts and flashing beacons to facilitate safe crossings for pedestrians. The project will also result in traffic calming and neighborhood enhancement by reducing traffic lanes from three to two on both streets.
The project was controversial in that some residents objected to reducing the capacity of the streets for auto traffic. In fact H and I Streets have substantially less traffic that either Harris or Henderson. As such, motorists can typically drive them much faster by changing lanes whenever they are slowed by traffic in one lane. In the existing configuration, pedestrians typically have to run (for their lives) to cross the streets.
The project includes resurfacing of H and I Streets and pedestrian improvements to 6th and 7th Streets as well. In total, the project was approved by the City Council for $5.4 million, nearly $4 million from State grants. Much of the local funding comes from Measure H funds for the repaving. The Council voted 5-0 in support, which is important since several of the Council members are new since the project was approved in July 2018. The H and I Street conversion from three lanes to two with bike lanes have been encouraged by the HBBCA for over a decade (13 years to be exact). The City first agreed to entertain the idea by making a presentation to the City’s Traffic Safety Commission in March 2013, calling it a “road diet.” Two years later the City applied for a planning grant to formally study the idea which led to the City Council approving the concept of buffered bike lanes in 2018. The City’s consultant presented two alternatives. The other alternative was essentially a sidewalk bike path which the HBBCA vehemently opposed as it would have been ineffective and unsafe.
As of the end of June, no activity has occurred by Mercer-Fraser. Typically, they are spread thin during the summer months when there are many paving projects on the Northcoast. Hopefully, it will be started soon and completed by the end of summer.\
Comments Solicited by City of Eureka for Bike Plan Update
Mark Thomas Associates is updating the City’s Bike Plan. The are soliciting ideas for the update. The HBBCA will submit some “ideas,” but others are encouraged. The HBBCA will suggest that they hold an in-person meeting to discuss the draft bike plan when it is ready. Comments can be emailed to:
bikeplan@eurekaca.gov.
Another Successful Bike Month Humboldt
In May, the Bike Humboldt Coalition conducted many events, bringing out a couple hundred cyclists to celebrate bicycling in the Humboldt Bay area. Check out the photo album on the bikemonthhumboldt.org website. Right below the website banner is a title: “See the photo album of 2023 Bike Month Humboldt events.” Below that listing are photos from past years. Thanks go out to Stephen Luther, HBBCA member and staff person for the Humboldt County Association of Governments who developed the new website this year so that we don’t have to rely on the Love to Ride site that was cumbersome and expensive.
Route 101 Indianola Interchange Project Beginning
As reported in the April 2023 Wheel People: After reading that the above titled project was beginning, Rick Knapp inquired to the Caltrans District Director, Matt Brady, regarding the HBBCA’s interest in being kept informed as to accommodation of bicyclists in the construction project. Jeffrey Zimmerer, North Region Construction Chief, responded. He said some tree removal was occurring in February, and that long term work would be going into winter suspension. Significant work that would affect cyclists would start in spring/summer. The contractor is Granite Construction. He said that traffic handling plans require a minimum 6-foot bike lane be maintained during construction. Vertical delineators are to be provided on the fog line whenever a concrete barrier is placed to the right of the bike lane. If you see non-emergency issues, report them to the Caltrans Customer Service Liaison, 707-441-5655.
Update: On June 15th, a Ground Breaking Ceremony was held by Caltrans to commemorate the start of construction. Construction of a full interchange with an underpass at Indianola road should be completed by late 2025.
Who to Call When You See a Safety Concern (Rev. 10/5/2022)
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
Customer Service Liaison, Jessica Henry Gibbs
707-441-5655 online Customer Service Report:
csr.dot.ca.gov
County of Humboldt
DispatcherRoadsDispatch@co.humboldt.ca.us
707-445-7421
Abandoned Vehicles: Wally Williams,
County Sheriff’s Office, 707-268-2509
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:
eureka-policeabatement@ci.eureka.ca.gov;
707-268-5232
HBBCA Board of Directors (Rev. 4/8/22)
President---------------------- Rick Knapp
445-1097(h) email: info@humbike.org
Vice-President---------------- Brett Gronemeyer
845-2117(cell);
Secretary/Treasurer---Gail Popham,
707-502-8030(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 2023 Now
The HBBCA is working to improve and encourage bicycle commuting. 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, 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