JANUARY 10: Cyclists to Advocate for Bike Network Expansion at SANDAG Meeting

JANUARY 10: Cyclists to Advocate for Bike Network Expansion at SANDAG Meeting

Bike Coalition encourages cyclists to give public comment in support of better biking infrastructure
Board of Directors to decide on $90-million funding for Regional Bike Plan Early Action Program

WHAT:

The San Diego Bike Coalition encourages biking advocates to attend the SANDAG Board of Directors meeting to offer public comment in support of the TransNet Proposed 2020 Bond Issuance that will improve bicycle infrastructure and connectivity across the region.

If approved, Resolution No. RTC 2020-15 will authorize the issuance of up to $90 million of fixed-rate tax-exempt bonds to support completion of the TransNet Regional Bikeway Early Action Program. The Early Action Program is a $200 million initiative to dramatically expand the bike network throughout the San Diego region with the construction of 70 miles of new and improved bikeways.


WHY:

The adoption of the bond issuance will ensure the construction of a connected bike network that will give San Diego County residents more transportation options, reduce auto dependency, increase safety for bike commuters and move the County toward reduced greenhouse emissions goals.

The SANDAG Board of Directors adopted the Early Action Program in 2013, promising to build 79 miles of high-priority projects in 10 years. That commitment assumed the agency would borrow against funds dedicated to active transportation to keep those projects on track. Now is the time to ensure the board keeps that promise by authorizing the sale of sales tax revenue bonds to fund the 70 miles of projects currently being developed.


WHEN:

Friday, January 10, 2019

SANDAG Board of Directors meeting
9 a.m. to noon
WHERE:

SANDAG Board of Directors meeting
Wells Fargo Bank Building, 401 B Street, 7th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
San Diego Bike Coalition
SANDAG Board of Directors Agenda


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San Diego Bike Coalition is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and protects the rights of all people who ride bicycles. They promote bicycling as a mainstream, safe and enjoyable form of transportation and recreation. For more information, please visit www.sdbikecoalition.org.

(Source: Go Mixte)

Sunday October 27: Ciclosdias Opens Streets in Normal Heights, City Heights and more

I super love CiclosDias events, which is why I'm so disappointed in myself for not getting this up sooner, but Sunday, October 27th is CiclosDias!!

(source: GoMixte) October 27: Mid City to Become Car-Free Playground for CicloSDias San Diego Bike Coalition invites the public to support local shops at open streets celebration WHAT On October 27, streets like Adams Avenue in Normal Heights and El Cajon Blvd. in City Heights will close completely to cars, creating a cyclist’s paradise and encouraging residents and tourists to bike, walk, skate or stroll through neighborhood streets. CicloSDias brings people of all ages together in new areas of San Diego each time to support local businesses and enjoy time outdoors. Live entertainment, activities for kids and food vendors will line the streets instead of the usual motorized vehicle traffic. The event encompasses close to four miles of car-free exploration: click here for the map.  WHY Drawing inspiration from Los Angeles’s CicLAvia and Bogotá’s weekly Ciclovía, CicloSDias brings the public out to open streets to enjoy connecting with communities and local businesses while catching a glimpse of what streets would be like without car traffic. CicloSDias participants will get to rediscover their neighborhood in a more intimate and unique way. VISUALS/ACTIVITIES Hundreds of community members walking, biking, skating through Adams Avenue and other Mid City streets Live music from five bands spread along Adams Avenue Bike maintenance workshops with Bikes del Pueblo Shopping at local shops and food vendors Fair at 44 party with live music and Zumba class led by the YMCA  A SAN DIEGO TRADITION CicloSDias first rolled through San Diego in 2013 in North Park. Since then, the Bike Coalition has engaged community partners, city officials, local businesses and neighbors to host six additional open-streets celebrations in beach and inland communities across San Diego County. WHO This year, CicloSDias is a partnership between the Bike Coalition and: The City of San Diego County of San Diego The California Office of Traffic Safety San Diego Police Department Adams Avenue Business Association City Heights Community Development Corporation Fair at 44 Metropolitan Transit System YMCA Blind Lady Ale House

Sunday Funday with CicloSDias

I am totally excited about Sunday's CicloSDias. After riding around on University after Pride with no cars, a day dedicated to Open Streets is just what this city needs. This was one of Mayor Bob Filner's initiatives earlier this year, and it is a shame with everything going on that he probably won't be around to see it come to life, but I encourage everyone to take part...whether you bike, walk, skate, or scoot, a day without cars is a good thing for everyone and might bring us one step closer to complete streets when people realize the benefits of riding a bike every once in a while. The event is free and family friendly, with the route blocked to cars from 10am-4pm.

"Ciclo­vía," which translates to English as "bike path" was coined in Bogota, Columbia, a city that began experimenting with its model Ciclovia initiative in 1974 as a response to the congestion and pollution of city streets. CicloSDias San Diego is modeled after similar car-free events held in cities around the world, including New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. As of 2012, some 80 Open Streets initiatives are held regularly in North America. CicloSDias is all about connecting communities and giving people a break from the stress of car traffic. CicloSDias San Diego will bring families outside of their homes to enjoy car free streets. The message is clear – we all want a clean, healthy and vibrant San Diego. CicloSDias welcomes everyone in San Diego to walk, ride, stroll and enjoy our streets. Approximately 5.2 miles of city streets will be opened to families, pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, skateboarders, and anyone else interested in using this public space in a new way. The event will include a “Hub” in 4 different neighborhoods in San Diego – City Heights, Logan Heights, North Park, and South Park. These Hubs will feature CicloSDias merchandise, showcase event sponsors, and host a bicycle repair booth. Event participants are encouraged to check-in at each Hub and receive a free entry into our Bike raffle. San Diegans will experience a free ‘open street’ event with activities along the route. Shops and restaurants will be open for business and neighbors and friends from all over will make our streets come alive.

Whether or not you're participating in the Open Streets event, it is important to note that along the route, there will be road closures with only periodic traffic crossing. You can read up on all of those fine details here. I'd just suggest you put your car keys away for the day and join the fun. There will be four hubs with toilets, bike repair, refreshments, and information, but anyone can access the route at any intersection along the way of the 5.2 mile stretch. This is your chance to see parts of the city from a whole new perspective...without cars!

San Diego's Bayshore Bikeway Named #1 Bike Path In US

I'm not generally a supporter of anything Fox News has to say, however today they published an article naming the 19 best bike paths in the United States, and San Diego's Bayshore Bikeway was number one on the list. You can join the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition for an exploration ride covering some of this path this Sunday at 9am.