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New Year - New Website
After years of desire, months planning, and hours of browsing opportunities - we finally redesigned our website. Read, learn and participate with the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition and all we attempt to achieve. Please let us know what you think about the new site (good or bad). Hopefully with the help of this new site we can achieve our mission statement of making SLO County a more safe and livable communty for all. We have the ambition, now we only need your voice. Contact us here.
Membership has Even More Benefits: Momentum Magazine
We're happy to announce a new benefit to Bicycle Coalition membership, get Momentum, the magazine for self-propelled people. We really like the advocacy focus and the coverage of bikes as fun, everyday transportation in this publication. We think you'll like it too! You can now get a one-year subscription to Momentum with your current Bicycle Coalition membership for only $15 and they will donate $5 to the Bicycle Coalition. Just another way that membership pays for itself.
SLO City Council approves completion of Morro Street Bike Bvld
On Tuesday night, the SLO City Council voted in favor of completing the Morro Street Bicycle Blvd, which includes repaving the street, installing diverters at the Leff and Buchon intersections to only allow bicycle through traffic, and bulbouts (widened sidewalk corners) at Pismo Street to slow down traffic and reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians. We'd like to thank the many of you who showed up at the meeting or sent in emails of support. Of those who gave public comment, there was not a single voice against the project. Given the city's current budgetary climate, we can almost guarantee that without your support the project would have been put on the chopping block or extremely cut down. Thanks for reminding the Council that especially in tough economic times, we need to promote facilities that help cut down transportation costs. We look forward to seeing the project completed in the next few months.
All Aboard the Railroad Safety Trail
 What if there was a way to ride a bike from Cal Poly all the way to the southern limits of San Luis Obispo without having to deal with auto traffic? That's exactly what is aimed with the Railroad Safety Trail, which will provide a beautiful bike path paralleling the railroad tracks through downtown. This project has had enormous progress recently. Last year, the Bicycle Coalition continued our Bike the Budget campaign, leading a letter writing effort and rallying the community at the San Luis Obispo City Council Community Budget Forum. Our efforts have made the Railroad Safety Trail a high priority project. We've also helped leverage over $1.2 million in state funds and are working to secure over $500,000 in federal funding through the SLO Council of Governments. This summerthe city will begin constructing a new section of the trail from Foothill Blvd to Hwy 101. Cal Poly will also construct a portion of the trail behind Mustang Stadium. Unfortunately, these two sections do not connect and so the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo is leading a $307,000 fundraising effort to complete the missing link. This project has many partners including the Land Conservancy, ECOSLO, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, and many others. The Bicycle Coalition is pleased to join this partnership. We've put in a lot of hours including help with campaign media, writing a grant to supplement the fundraising effort, and in spreading the word about this wonderful bike trail.
For more information about the Railroad Safety Trail fundraising effort and to get involved, visit www.rrtrailfund.orgor contact Morgan Rafferty at ECOSLO at 544-1777.
Check Out Our Lending Library
Want to teach your kids about safety when walking or biking? We just started a lending library of materials on bike safety available to all current members. These are fun books and DVDs to help make learning traffic safety a blast. Materials are available at our office. For more info, call us at (805) 547-2055 or check out the library collection link here.
Start the Low Carbon Diet
 Our friends at SLO Regional Rideshare are rolling out the new Low Carbon Diet. It could be the healthiest diet of them all, not only helping yourself, but the rest of the planet as well. We know that diets are notoriously difficult to stick to, that's why they have given you many options in this diet. Even if you only manage to commit to riding your bike a few days a week or a few days a month, you will still be losing weight!
Start the Low Carbon Diet and you'll automatically be entered to receive a $150 VISA Card. A card will be awarded every month throughout the year. They'll also be recognizing the BIGGEST LOSER each month. Get ready to lose some carbons! To sign up visit SLO Regional Rideshare.
New Year, New Bike Laws
A law was modified in California on January 1, 2008 related to riding a bicycle at night. California Vehicle Code 21201 now requires the following:
(d) A bicycle operated during darkness upon a highway, a sidewalk where bicycle operation is not prohibited by the local jurisdiction, or a bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, shall be equipped with all of the following:
(1) A lamp emitting a white light that, while the bicycle is in motion, illuminates the highway, sidewalk, or bikeway in front of the bicyclist and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle.
(2) A red reflector on the rear that shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.
(3) A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet.
(4) A white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, except that bicycles that are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and the rear need not be equipped with these side reflectors.
The reflectors and reflectorized tires shall be of a type meeting requirements established by the department.
(e) A lamp or lamp combination, emitting a white light, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle, may be used in lieu of the lamp required by paragraph (1) of subdivision (d).
Contribute to the Tom Nuckols Fund
Tom Nuckols has long been a leader on the Coalition Board of Directors in structuring our organization and fundraising. In November his term as treasurer ended and he will be moving on his next journey. The Bicycle Coalition would like to reward his hard work by setting up the Tom Nuckols Fund to be used for bike advocacy and education. If you'd like to honor his hard work, visit our membership page and click on "additional donation.
Wider Bike Lanes in San Luis Obispo 
Over the last year in the city of San Luis Obispo many arterial roads have been repaved and bicyclists now enjoy wider bike lanes. These roads include Foothill Blvd, Madonna Road, Higuera St, and Johnson Ave. Take a look at the fresh pavement on Los Osos Valley Road, where bike lanes are now three feet wider. Three cheers to the City of SLO! These Coalition triumphs are due to our advocacy efforts to support Measure Y and making the roads safer for everyone. It's one example of how your membership with the Bicycle Coalition is making a difference. If you are not a member or if it has been awhile since you've renewed, now is a great time to get involved. We invite you to join us!
Bike the Vote: November 4th, 2008
Election day was November 4th, 2008. To help your vote be an informed one, we asked the candidates their views on bicycling and transportation issues. To view the responses, simply click on the link for each candidate. All candidates were given an opportunity to participate. We have included each response in its entirety. Thank you for voting on November 4th. It really does make a difference!
Governor Signs Complete Streets Bill into Law
California has become the first state in the nation to adopt a statewide Complete Streets policy for all local roadways. Gov. Schwarzenegger signed the Complete Streets Act into law on Sept. 30. Thanks to all of you who wrote letters of support to the governor. Your effort made a difference.
The new law now requires all cities and counties to ensure that local roads and streets adequately accommodate the needs of all users of the road including bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders. Co-sponsored by the California Bicycle Coalition and AARP, the bill was endorsed by the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition and the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments. We regret that our Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee and Senator Abel Maldonado both opposed the legislation.
California joins a national movement that has seen Complete Streets policies adopted by dozens of cities across the U.S. Read more.
SLO City, Lois Capps, and Local Educator Given Livable Community Awards
On May 29th the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition presented two individuals and one organization with the Livable Community Award. Coalition executive director Adam Fukushima comments: "The award is presented annually for innovation, forward thinking or extraordinary commitment to making our neighborhoods better places for bicycling and walking. We are extremely privileged to present the awards this year to two individuals and the City of SLO for extraordinary work."
Bob Mionske Visits the Central Coast
On July 19th the Bicycle Coalition welcomed Bob Mionske, two-time Olympian, and now cycling attorney to talk about his new book "Bicycling and the Law". Featured as the main speaker for the Pedal to the People Benefit, Mionske gave an exciting talk on his stories of being a professional bike racer. He then exhorted all cyclists to get involved in the national movement of bicycle advocacy. Mionske's talk was followed by a spirited discussion about our role as advocates and our legal rights on the road. Thanks to all of our sponsors and to the many volunteers who helped make the event possible.
Pictured are Bicycle Coalition executive director Adam Fukushima, Bob Mionske, and Coalition board member Shaba Mohseni.
Peruse your Paths Bike Tour, Saturday June 28th
What's going on with the Bob Jones Trail? Where will the next Bike Blvd go? What in the world is a Sharrow? Where are the worst problem areas for bikes? Find out what the Bike Coalition is doing to improve your bike network. Join us Saturday, June 28th, as we take a leisurely ride and show you first hand what we're up to. Join in and share your ideas on this special bike tour. This ride is not to be missed and will be led by our own Adam Fukushima and Dan Rivoire.
Where: Start at the Bicycle Coalition in the offices of our sponsor, Clever Ducks Computer Network Services (1413 Monterey Street, SLO)
When: 2PM-4PM, Saturday, June 28th
This leisurely ride won't be more than 5 miles. Nobody gets left behind.
The Tradition Continues this May: Bike Month 2008
This year's theme is "Wheel Experience". Have a Wheel Experience this May and leave your car at home: arrive by bike! You will also be experiencing a healthy lifestyle and helping everyone in San Luis Obispo County experience cleaner air and reduced traffic. Best of all: biking is great fun. Take part in Bike Month 2008. You'll have an experience of a lifetime.
 * Commuter Bike Challenge returns with new and improved features.
* Over $1,000 dollars available in mini-grants to put on YOUR own bike event.
* Make the Grade Ride-riders including some well known politicians ride over the Cuesta Grade.
* Executive Commuter Bike Challenge-sign up and take the pledge. You'll be acknowledged in the Tribune and posters.
* Support cycling in the community sponsorship opportunities.
* Bike Breakfast on the Blvd and other bike breakfasts hosted by local companies.
Ride on over to the Bike Month website at www.rideshare.org
BIKExperience Art Show Opens May 2nd
 "BIKExperience - a circuitous journey back to your bike" is a bike art show that runs during San Luis Obispo's countywide Wheel Experience Bike Month celebration in May. See a showcasing of bicycle inspired art of all media.
A portion of the art sales and event donations will go to benefit the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition. Meet the artists and experience the visual journey This Friday May 2, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at 1060 Osos St. (next to Woodstock Pizza) in SLO during Art After Dark. Regular gallery hours will be Thursday nights during Farmer's market, Fridays at lunchtime, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 7:00 PM. Look for more times posted at the gallery.
"BIKExperience - a circuitous journey back to your bike" is a bike art show that runs during San Luis Obispo's countywide Wheel Experience Bike Month celebration in May. See a showcasing of bicycle inspired art of all media.A portion of the art sales and event donations will go to benefit the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition.Meet the artists and experience the visual journey This Friday May 2, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at 1060 Osos St. (next to Woodstock Pizza) in SLO during Art After Dark.Regular gallery hours will be Thursday nights during Farmer's market, Fridays at lunchtime, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 7:00 PM. Look for more times posted at the gallery.
Share the Road Campaign Rolls On With New Billboard on Hwy 101
 A billboard debuted as part of our continuing Share the Road campaign. It's was visible from Hwy 101 northbound as you pass the Sunset Drive-In in SLO. The billboard educated over 50,000 people who travel this corridor each day. Thanks go out to the SLO Council of Governments and director Adam Lisagor for helping make the campaign all possible. Our Share the Road campaign now has TV, radio, and billboard components.
SLO County Getting Better for Bikes: Read our 2007 Annual Report
2007 was a great year for bikes and you were part of it. Read about the triumphs in our campaigns and programs. Thanks to all of our members, volunteers, supporters, and partners. We couldn't do it without you! Click hereto download a PDF copy of the report.
2007 was a great year for bikes and you were part of it. Read about the triumphs in our campaigns and programs. Thanks to all of our members, volunteers, supporters, and partners. We couldn't do it without you!
 Office party was a blast!!!!
If you weren't there, you really missed out. A good time was had by all on July 24th as we celebrated the grand opening of our new office with good wine, beer, food, and wonderful company. Thanks to all who made it such a great time, especially Central Coast Brewing, Jaffa Cafe, Monterey St Wine Co, Om Zone Yoga, and Splash Cafe. If you missed it, feel free to stop by our new place on 1413 Monterey Street in SLO to check it out.
Presenting the 2007 Livable Community Awards 
On May 31st, the Bicycle Coalition presented three individuals with the Livable Community Award for their remarkable achievements in making SLO County morefriendly to walking andbicycling. Presented during the festivities of Bike Fest, the Bicycle Coalition presented the awards to Pete Jenny and Jan Di Leo of County General Services and County Supervisor Jim Patterson for their hard work on the Parks and Recreation Element which was adopted by the County in December of last year. The Element is an amendment to the County General Plan and will help ensure that the future of the county will include a network of trails for bicycling and walking. Against enormous opposition by various interest groups, these three individuals made an enormous contribution in making sure that future generations have options in transportation and physical activity. We applaud their hard work.
Bill Roalman Bike Blvd in SLO Now Open - Take the Lane Today!
 It's finally here--the Bill Roalman Bike Blvd is now open on Morro Street, paving the way for easier bike travel between the Railroad Safety Trail and downtown SLO. This is historic as SLO now has the first bike blvd in California south of the Bay Area. What is a bike blvd, you ask? It's a shared roadway where the through movement of bicycles is given priority over motor vehicles on a local street. To make this all possible, the City has flipped a few stop signs for easier travel down the blvd, painted big bicycle symbols on the asphalt, and added new signs designating the bike blvd. So, don't be afraid to ride in the middle of the lane. It's there for you! In fact, ride it as often as you can, as it helps us urge the City to build a whole network of these around town. What do you think of the new bike blvd? Drop us a line at info@slobikelane.org with your thoughts.
Bob Jones Trail to Finally Get Makeover
The County Board of Supervisors has approved a motion accepting as easement on the Bob Jones Trail near the Avila Estates. The section of trail was formerly under private property and had been in pretty bad shape with vegetation and tree roots breaking up the pavement in many areas. Now that the county finally owns the land, they will be repairing the pathway in the next few months. We look forward to the new improvements!
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