March 2013
WHEEL PEOPLE Vol. 32 No. 2 MARCH 2013
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 2013.
New Members
Sandra Rosas, McKinleyville**
Andre Guimaraes, Fortuna**
Kyle Landsberger, Eureka***
Liisa Schmoele, Arcata
Mitchell Higa, McKinleyville**
Renewed Members
Betty Jain, Arcata**
Melanie Williams, Arcata**
Nancy Noll, Arcata***
Gary Scarola, Eureka
Jim & Gina Christopher, Eureka**
Rees Hughes, Arcata**
Richard Will & Cynthia, Eueka**
Oona Smith, Arcata***
Claudio Freixas, Jr., Eureka
Jack Nash, Eureka***
Bob and Sonja Shultz, Eureka**
Patricia Anne & George WinterSun, Eureka***
Victor Dumlao, Eureka***
Dan & Carol Stafford, Eureka***
Will Spurling, Eureka**
Daryl & Phyllis Chinn, Arcata**
Lisa Hoover, Blue Lake ***
Philip Lescano, Eureka
Ian Goddi, 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.
The Next Regular Meeting will be Held on March 25th in Arcata
The next regular HBBCA meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 25th, at Carmela’s Restaurant, 13th and G Streets in Arcata. Dinner is optional. We will discuss events in the planning stage for Humboldt Bike Month 2013. Additional agenda items may be suggested by emailing Rick Knapp at info@humbike.org.
Fellow Cyclist, John Mello, killed in Tragic Collision near Big Lagoon
John Mello, 57, a McKinleyville resident, and experienced cyclist, was riding his bike southbound just south of Big Lagoon, on the freeway shoulder when he was hit by a Nissan Titan pickup truck. John was killed in the collision. The truck was driven by Brian Bresee, 26, a County Park employee driving a County truck.
According to the California Highway Patrol, drug or alcohol impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash, which is still under investigation. Bresee reportedly allowed his vehicle to enter the paved shoulder, hitting John. In his obituary, John’s family stated, “We want to bring awareness from the loss of my Father. Please be aware of cyclists at all times; it only takes one second of distraction to result in tragedy. Ride the golden roads now Daddy....we love you!”
You may sign the Guest Book at www.Times-Standard.com.
Humboldt Bike Month 2013 Activities
The Humboldt Bike Month Coalition has begun meeting to plan activities for May 2013, National Bike Month. Included will be the annual Bike to Work Day activities:
Bike to Work Day Rally in Arcata—May 9th, noon, at the Plaza
Bike to Work Day Rally in Eureka---May 16th, noon, Old Town Gazebo [drinks and snacks courtesy of Eureka Natural Foods]
Energizer Stations will be held at the Northcoast Co-op in Arcata and Eureka on the mornings of rallies in each city, drinks and snacks courtesy of the Co-op.
Other events such as bike rodeos, film festival, and more will be held. Times, dates and locations will be posted on www.humbike.org website, Calendar of Events tab. Also look for details in the May Co-op News.
Do You Need Assistance to Prepare to Become a Bicycle Commuter?
Rick Knapp has acquired a book entitled “The Bike to Work Guide,” written by two individuals, one who was formerly the Executive Director of the California Bicycle Coalition, Paul Dorn. It is an excellent resource. He’d be happy to loan it out. Also, Rick is anxious to take anyone out for an hour or two of instruction to help prepare them for bike commuting. Rick has almost 40 years of experience to draw from.
Two Percent of Transportation Development Act Funds to Be Set Aside for Pedestrian and Bike Improvements
The Transportation Development Act provides most of the funding for rural transit operations in the State. There is a provision in the law which allows regional transportation planning agencies to set aside up to 2 percent of annual funding to be used for pedestrian and bicycle improvements. The HBBCA has periodically urged the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) to do the “set aside.” Until now, this has not happened.
According to Marcella Clem, Executive Director, the HCAOG Board, in February, approved the set aside for fiscal year 2013/14. A total of about $85,000 will be set aside. As funds accumulate from year to year, cities and the County can apply for funding from this source to do pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Marcella attributes this happening to HBBCA member, Oona Smith, who is currently working for HCAOG. Oona prepared the staff report and recommendations to the Technical Advisory Committee and the Board. Thanks, Oona!
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 Pro Sport Center, 10% at the Outdoor Store and 15% at Sport and Cycle. Membership cards include stickers on the back showing discounts offered by the various bike shops.
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Mail to HBBCA, P.O. Box 9054 Eureka CA 95502-9054