ISSUE 16 SUMMER 2006 NEWS FROM THE SONOMA COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION
promoting bicycling for transportation and recreation
Bicyclist and Pedestrians
Demand Better Community
Planning Timothy Bacon
On July 12, the SCBC, in cooperation with
the Leadership Institute for Ecology and the
Economy (Leadership Institute) and the Santa
Rosa Neighborhood Alliance, hosted a town
hall meeting on creating a Santa Rosa that is
more walkable and bikeable. Over 120 people
attended the meeting at the Odd Fellows Hall,
including many city employees as well as City
Council members Bob Blanchard and Steve
Rabinowitsh. Assemblywoman Noreen Evans
and Suzanne Wilford, executive director of
Sonoma County Transportation Authority were
also in the audience.
The meeting was moderated by Tanya Narath,
executive director of the Leadership Institute.
Six panel members presented their perspectives
SMART Train heads for the
ballot Beth Galleto
Voters in Marin and Sonoma Counties will
decide whether to fund a Sonoma-Marin
commuter train with a quarter-cent sales tax
November 7. The Sonoma Marin Area Rail
Transit (SMART) District voted 10-to-1 last
month to place the measure on the ballot. The
Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition and many
other organizations have endorsed this measure.
Sonoma County residents want “complete streets.”
www.pedbikeimages.org ITE Pedestrian Bicycle Council
on the importance of and needed changes to
how the City treats pedestrians and bicyclists.
Lynn Walton of Sonoma County Health
Department noted that the health of
communities is directly affected by choices
that encourage walking and biking. Creating an
environment that encourages healthy choices
continued on page 8
The SMART train will run from Cloverdale
to Larkspur on right-of-way already owned
by the public and a pedestrian/bicycle path
will run alongside the tracks for most of the
distance. Trains are expected to run every half
hour during morning and afternoon rush hours.
The trip is projected to take about an hour from
Santa Rosa to Larkspur where commuters can
catch the Golden Gate Ferry.
According to Steve Birdlebough, Chairman
of Friends of SMART, users of the
pathway will be protected by fencing
from any debris in the trains’ wakes.
In addition, the crossing gates for
the trains will be integrated with
traffic signals in cities along the line
to minimize interference with traffic
when the trains are passing through.
Because trains will have only two
cars, and each car is self-powered,
the trains can cross streets quickly,
without slowing traffic.
continued on page 6
 How do you make change? engineers, students, gardeners, bike shop
employees... but they all loved bikes.
Politics and understanding the “system” was new
to most of them. But having a common goal of
making Sonoma County a better place to ride
bikes inspired them jump in and get involved.
I came to the organization with no political
background, I was just sick of being told to
EDITOR We’ve come a long way baby! “Get off the road!” I started attending the
Christine Culver SCBC board meetings and volunteered for any
That is what I think every time I go to thing I could do. That is how I learned.
COPY EDITORS some public or governmental meeting.
Loretta Esparza I’m not talking about our 700+ So can you. One of the things that Lou Salz
Bunni Zimberoff members or that we have an actual talks about in his interview (pg 4) is helping
CONTRIBUTORS
office (my husband was pretty happy our members become advocates and getting in
Timothy Bacon to get his home office back!). I’m there to make the changes that we need. With
Christine Culver talking about our members, the public, this I invite you to sign-up for our e-updates,
Vicki Duggan learning how the political ropes work attend our board meetings and get involved,
Loretta Esparza because it is you and me at the grass root level
Beth Galleto
and where to pull when needed.
that will make changes happen!
Deb Hubsmith When the first folks got together to
PHOTOS create the SCBC, they consisted of
Becky Schuerman Choi people from all walks of life; school
Christine Culver teachers, housewives, retired planners, Christine Culver
Executive Director
SCBC Board of Directors
Bernie Album
Vicki Duggan (Vice President)
Mike Eunice (Secretary)
Local Scene
Tim Gonzales City of Petaluma
Doug McKenzie was approved for a Bicycle
Jeanna Menze Transportation Account Grant
Misty Mesel (Treasurer)
Shannon Peterson for Bike Lanes on Petaluma
Lou Salz Boulevard North. Kudos to
Ken Wells Petaluma for following through
Gary Wysocky (President)
with the promised bike lanes that
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR were not included in the road
Christine Culver repair last year.
MEMBERSHIP The Petaluma
COORDINATOR/ Pedestrian
OFFICE MANAGER
Timothy Bacon
Bicycle Advisory
Committee
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR participated in the Memorial Building. Please check the
We welcome your comments.
2006 Butter and Eggs SCBC website for updates.
Send letters to:
SCBC Parade and had their The new Geyserville bridge has been
PO Box 3088 best showing yet. on the fast track since the old span was
Santa Rosa CA 95402-3088
The crowd applauded badly damaged eight months ago. It is
e-mail comments:
Info@BikeSonoma.org the unicyclists that scheduled to open August 18.
led their group, the Michael Bicheler Valley of the Moon Teen Bicycle
decorated walkers and bicyclists. watches Ron Kuentzel Recycling program is in need of help on
as he navagates his
They distributed bicycle safety pennyfarthing bicycle in every level. They need adults who are
literature, tire reflectors and red the Butter and Eggs Parade interested in bikes and teens. Volunteers
LED flashing lights. can either live in the Sonoma Valley or
Sonoma County Transit is hosting “Way be willing to travel there to work with the kids.
 to Go Expo.” This will be a chance to Donations of used bikes, bike parts, and tools
experience many modes of transportation. are needed. Financial contributions also also
Many different organizations will be present. accepted. For more information call 939-1452.
October 19, 3-6 pm at Santa Rosa Veteran’s continued on page 5
Bike to Work 2006
Loretta Esparza
Thanks to all Bike to Work Day participants for
cycling or volunteering organization time. All
nine counties participated in the 12th annual,
San Francisco Bay Area event on May 18. It
was part of National Bike Month, an annual
recognition of bicycling as a convenient and
fun form of transportation that is becoming
more popular in the United States.
In celebration of Bike to Work Day, thousands of
Bay Area residents rode their bicycles to work on
May 18. The day began with over 19 Energizer
Stations in Sonoma County handing out free
coffee, breakfast treats and musette bags stuffed
with bike-related goodies. Over 1,800 seasoned
cyclists and new enthusiasts chose the healthy
commute on Bike to Work Day.
Bike to Work May was a smashing success
and we are thrilled to announce the winners of
the San Francisco Bay Area’s Inaugural Team
Bike Challenge. Congratulations to The Critical
Macs of San Francisco County with 253 points!
Sonoma County’s PJAMM CYCLES came in
fourth place with 225 points from a total of 105
Bay Area Teams. Kudos to PJAMM CYCLES
teammates, Michelle Lydon, Wendy Woods,
Scott Lewis, Malcolm Manwell and Rowena
Arata for a job well done. Sonoma County had a
strong showing with 10 teams.
MTC Adopts Regional “Complete Streets”
Funding Policy Deb Hubsmith
On June 28 the Metropolitan Transportation
Commission (MTC) adopted a routine
accommodation/complete streets policy which
states that all funds which are distributed
through MTC must consider the needs of
bicyclists and pedestrians. MTC is the San
Francisco Bay Area’s metropolitan planning
organization, and handles transportation
planning, financing and coordination for the
nine-county region. This is an important
victory for non-motorized travelers as nearly
all federal funds which flow to Bay Area counties
come through MTC. The Sonoma County
Bicycle Coalition worked with the Bay Area
Bicycle Coalition and other pedestrian and bicycle
organizations to secure adoption of the policy.
The routine accommodation recommendations
were developed after MTC approved its 2001
Regional Transportation Plan and its 2005
Agilent Technologies
hosted an
interdivisional contest
which was won by
the EEsof Divison.
They also boasted
an outstanding 11
percent participation
for the event day.
Congratulations to
Agilent for helping
its employees ride or
walk to work.
The City of Santa
Rosa Transit and
Parking Depatment
and Lakeside Rialto
Cinemas kicked off
Bike to Work May
with Pee Wee’s Big
Adventure at the Cindy Lewis from the County Center
Rialto Cinemas. The organized a full breakfast!
movie was free to everyone who rode their
bicycles and parked them with SCBC’s valet
bike parking service.
More than one million Bay Area residents live
within five miles of their workplace, an ideal
distance for bicycling. The work commute only
represents 23 percent of all trips, so consider
how you also may be able to bike to shopping,
to school, for errands and for social events.
Participating in Bike to Work Day has inspired
continued on page 7
Transportation 2030 plan with a “call to
action” to develop such a policy. To further
understand the problem, MTC completed a
study to determine why bicycle and pedestrian
facilities were or were not included routinely
in transportation projects. The adopted policy
will now result in the development of a check-
list. All agencies receiving funding from
MTC will be required to indicate through the
checklist how their project will consider the
needs of bicyclists, pedestrians and disabled
travelers. Congestion Management Agencies
in each county must review the project check-
lists, and make them available through their
websites, and to their countywide Bicycle/
Pedestrian Advisory Committees (BPACs).
The routine accommodation policy also details 
other requirements related to the availability of
resources, bike/ped planning, monitoring of the
process, and the composition of BPACs.
 A little bit about the 2006 SCBC board members
Second in a series of three
We asked each of the 2006 SCBC
Board Members a series of questions.

Lou Salz
Q: Why did you want to be on the SCBC board?
Lou: Santa Rosa was a pretty good bicycle
town when I first arrived here. As the
population has increased, it has become more
difficult. I’ve long felt that cyclists haven’t

Photo: by Christine Culver

been considered in community planning and
want to see that change. I think the only way
that will happen is if a group like the SCBC
can work to influence policy towards positive
change.
Q: What is your cycling passion?
Lou: I’ve always loved just going out and
exploring different areas of our county. I enjoy
all the types of bicycle touring ranging from
the organized inn-to-inn tours to my own travels
carrying all my gear without a specific plan.
Q: What is your favorite ride?
Lou: Sonoma County has so many nice rides,
but my two favorites are the Geysers road
loop from my house and the King Ridge loop
returning on Fort Ross Road.
Q: How long have you been involved in
bicycling advocacy?
Lou: I started actively working on finding
out how the system worked in about 1985. A
group of us that worked at Hewlett-Packard at
the time got organized and showed up at some
public hearings and we actually were able to
make a change. I joined the County Bicycle
Advisory Committee in 1993 and have been
engaged in various ways since then.
Q: Do you have a favorite bicycle and what
kind is it?
Lou: I have four bikes I use for various types
of riding. A Seven Axiom is the nicest light-
weight road bike I’ve ever owned. The SyCip
mountain bike is great for the off-road riding.
I have a Trek I use to ride to work that is set
up for my transportation needs. The favorite is
likely my Co-Motion Americano touring bike.
It is great for carrying a heavy load over almost
any type of road surface. I think I like it best
because it can do just about anything the other
bikes can do.
Q: Do you have a particular interest/project
that you would like to see SCBC conquer?
Lou: I was one of the founding members of
the SCBC. My top goal for the SCBC from the
very beginning has been to see it able to speak
with one voice and represent the needs of all
the various different types of cyclists here in
Sonoma County. If we can be successful, we
can influence policy to have many different
continued on page 5

This spring and summer SCBC received funding support from fine
businesses and organizations. Thank you!

Santa Rosa Cycling Club $10,000 Cambria Bicycle Outfitters $175

Metropolitan Transportation Copperfield’s $150
Commission $5,000 Community Market $67
WHH Foundation $2,500
Agilent Technologies $1,500
 Anonymous Donor $1,000
Bay Area Air Quality Management District/
Community Focus $1,000
SCBC Board continued from page 4
projects completed that help cyclists and the
whole community. I don’t see the SCBC as just
another environmental group. I would like to
think we are focused on making bicycle riding
better for everyone. By doing that, we will be
helping the environment too.
Q: Anything else you’d like to tell our members?
Lou: I would like to reach a point with the
SCBC where all our members would be able
to find out how they can work themselves to
positively impact the bicycling conditions in
their own neighborhoods.
Ken Wells
Q. Why did you want to be on the SCBC
board?
Ken: To use my skills and knowledge to help
my community move towards sustainability
and away from the car
Q. What is your cycling passion?
Ken: mountain biking with long, smooth
single-track, and great, wild vistas
Q. Do you have a favorite ride?
Ken: North Umpqua Trail, 80 miles of
sweeeeet single-track!
Q. How long have you been involved in
bicycling advocacy?
Ken: Since 1987, when I became president
of Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers
(ROMP) in the south Bay Area.
Local Scene continued from page 2
On April 4, the Santa Rosa City Council
adopted Resolution No. 26536 to restructure
the former Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee (BPAC) to a nine member
appointed Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Board (BPAB). The BPAB’s primary charge
remains the same: develop project lists and
priorities for recommendation to the City
Council pursuant to the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission regulations.
On August the appointments were approved
by the City Council. The new chair is Dr. Tom
Cory, and the other 8 members are Christine
Culver, Beryl Zimberoff, Dr Tracey Jones, Paul
Klassen, Michael Eunice, Jenny Bard, Rabon
Saip and Beryl Brown
Elevating the former BPAC to a City Board
means that seven members are instead
appointed by individual Council members.
Q. Do you have a favorite bicycle and what
kind is it?
Ken: I like all my bikes, each for their own use
- a 1996 Litespeed Ocoee for mountain biking;
a 2003 custom Curtlo singlespeed for riding w/
my dog, Buster, and shorter, off-road rides; a
1997 Merlin Extralight CX for road riding and
touring; and my 1989 Ritchey Ultra that’s been
set up for commuting.
Q. Do you have a
particular interest/
project that you would
like to see SCBC
conquer?
Ken: The bike bridge
over 101 at the JC,
(which is almost
accomplished), and
next, I guess would
be to see the bike trail
along the SMART
route get built from
Cloverdale to Larkspur.
Photo: by Christine Culver
Q. Anything else you
you’d like to tell our
members?
Ken: Remember,
we can succeed with
patience, persistence and
passion!
BPAB members serve concurrent terms with
their Council member. The restructure is also
intended to provide Board members a more
direct communication with the Council through
the Council member who appointed them. The
Council went one step further by appointing
two more At-Large members to the BPAB to
represent the senior and disabled community.
The anticipated results of this restructure -
reduced vacancies, more direct communication
with the Council, and a broader approach to
bicycle and pedestrian issues’ - will help bring
more organization and efficiency to both the
BPAB and City staff in keeping the Council
better informed about bicycle and pedestrian
issues in the City. Stay up-to-date with the 
latest BPAB meetings. Check the City’s website at
http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/default.
aspx?PageId=160
 A Measure of Safety Law Loretta Esparza
A bicycle safety law was proposed in the
California Assembly called “A Measure
of Safety Law.” Assembly Bill No. 1941
was introduced by
Assemblyman Pedro
Nava (35th District)
after University of
California Santa
Barbara student and
triathlete Kendra
Payne was killed in
a bicycle accident on
January 11, 2006.
Photo: by Christine Culver
The 21-year-old
Payne died after
a truck driver hit
her while trying to
pass with only one
foot of clearance on
Gibraltar Road in
Philip Sales rides along Hwy 116 Santa Barbara.
during the West County Ride
Nava introduced
the bill because there is currently no required
distance for motor vehicles attempting to pass
bicycles; the law only requires that vehicles
pass bicycles on the left at a “safe distance.”
The bill would also increase the penalty for
hitting a cyclist to a $250 fine and a possible
felony or misdemeanor charge. (The truck
driver was only punished with a $120 fine.)
Legislation similar to AB 1941 already exists
in Arizona, Minnesota, Utah and Wisconsin.
“The tragic death of Kendra highlights the need
for legislation requiring a safe passing distance
between a motor vehicle and bicyclists. I am
honored to carry this legislation in her memory
in order to prevent more tragedies from
occurring,” stated Nava’s official press release.
SMART continued from page 1
Ticketing will be fully automated. Most
riders are expected to have monthly or pre-
paid passes. The plan is to integrate the fare
structure with those of other transit systems so
that ticketing and transfers will be easy.
People who are interested in seeing what it’s
like to ride a modern commuter train can take
a daylong tour run by Friends of SMART. The
organization holds these tours monthly, and
 the next trip will be Wednesday, September
13. The tour covers both sides of the Bay and
features rides on four different types of trains.
The bill went to the transportation committee
for its first round of approval, but was strongly
opposed by truckers unions and the American
Automobile Association. The controversy was
over the responsibility for injuries and damage
settlements. The issue was so controversial,
that it did not pass committee and is currently
on hold for future review.
Pedro Nava and Kendra’s family, friends, and
teammates are trying to gain more support
for the bill from counties statewide. As per
Nava’s website, Kendra’s father Richard Payne
talked about his family’s loss and the safety of
others, “This legislation is not about us, it’s not
about my daughter, it’s not about my wife, and
it’s not about me. Motorists must realize that
cyclists are not simply objects that slow them
down on their way to a destination. Cyclists
are human beings, with families and friends
who love them.”
Payne also said, “Nothing can bring Kendra
back, but we need to do everything we can to
prevent this from happening again. You should
take this personally. It’s not just someone
else’s daughter. Next time this could be you,
or your daughter, or someone you know.”
Nava encourages all community members to
inform their friends and family throughout
California to write letters of support for this
important legislation to his office and to their
respective legislators. To lend your support
to “A Measure of Safety Law,” AB 1941, visit
Assemblyman Nava’s website at
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a35/
ab1941.htm.
To find the legislator in your district or to track
the status of AB 1941, visit the California State
Senate website at http://www.sen.ca.gov.
It includes trips on the Golden Gate Ferry plus
rides on the San Francisco light rail, CalTrain,
AMTRAK, and BART, with a stop for lunch in
Jack London Square.
Friends of Smart is a
citizens’ group whose
charter is to inform the
public on the benefits
of rail service in the
North Bay. For more
information, visit
www.northbayrail.org.
Bike to Work continued from page 3
many first-time bicyclists. Survey research has
determined that once people try bicycling on
Bike to Work Day, more than one-third continue
to ride regularly.
Perhaps you are already a bike commuter,
but want to encourage co-workers or friends.
Consider advocating for a bicycle commute
program at your workplace; see http://
bikesonoma.org/EmployeerB2Wb.htm. Often,
people don’t realize how feasible it is to bike
to work. Following are the top ten worries that
people have about bike commuting, and logical
reasons and options that you can offer to help
them get on their bikes.
1) I need my car for errands.
Try to consolidate your errands to a few days,
drive on those days and ride the others. Many
tasks can be handled just as well or better on a
bicycle. Riding even one day will save gas and
wear on your car, not to mention reducing the
impact on traffic, noise and air pollution.
2) I would have to get up much earlier if I rode
my bicycle.
Because of traffic in urban areas,
cycling generally takes less
time than driving for distances
of three miles or less, and
about the same time for
trips of three to five
miles. If your commute
Thanks to our Energizer Station Hosts and Sponsors!
Windsor Bicycle Center
Petaluma Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
is longer, 30 minutes of extra
sleep won’t be as invigorating
as a bike ride. You’ll arrive
at work or school alert and
Photo: by Becky Schuerman Choi
refreshed and the ride home
will leave you more relaxed.
Combining a workout with
a commute is also a time-
efficient way to exercise.
3) I’m out of shape.
Allow plenty of time and ride
at an easy pace. Generally
you’ll find cycling no more
difficult than walking. As you
ride more, you’ll gradually This Petaluma Cyclist understands that it
ease into better shape. Still takes more than one day to make a difference.
nervous? Try your commute route on the
weekend when you’re not pressured by time
constraints. Then you will have a better idea of
how much time to allow.
4) I can’t afford a special commuting bicycle.
You probably don’t need one. Often your old
bike gathering dust in the garage will suffice if
properly adjusted and maintained. If you have a
recreational bicycle, it might be possible to outfit
it with a lightweight rack and bag. With the fixed
cost of operating a car at approximately $.30/mile,
the money you would save commuting by bicycle
on an average 10-mile round trip would buy you a
$400 bicycle in six months time.
continued on page 11
 Town Hall continued from page 1
in diet and that makes walking and biking city is willing to listen to its ideas. The alliance
attractive to more people can help make our is also interested in helping new neighborhood
communities healthier. associations get up and running.
Alan Strachan, a local developer, believes The executive director of the SCBC, Christine
that “smart growth” which includes denser Culver, sees no reason why Santa Rosa can’t
development that makes biking and walking become a premier bicycling/pedestrian city.
more practical is financially viable in today’s Safer streets will induce more people to get
marketplace. The projects must be large out of their cars, which is a must considering
enough to be feasible (1O acres as opposed that Santa Rosa is projected to grow by
to one acre), but if marketed properly will be 40,000 people. The city needs a commitment
successful. He feels that such developments to “complete streets,” which means routinely
promote social interactions that are essential to accommodating travel by all modes of
humans which he called a “group species.”
Susan Gorin, Santa Rosa Planning Commission,
reviewed the transportation goals included in
the General Plan for Santa Rosa. She noted that
there is a disconnection between the goals of the
plan and what is actually happening in the city

Photo: by Christine Culver

presently. There are often conflicting priorities
that must be balanced in each individual case.
Jenny Bard of the Junior College Neighborhood
Association reviewed her group’s activities
in dealing with Santa Rosa Junior College’s
parking structure. She noted that the city has
Design Review Guidelines that were very much
in alignment with her group’s goals for their A pedestrian on Stony Circle walks in the
area, which include a pedestrian/bike-friendly street to get to Santa Rosa Public Works
Mendocino Avenue. Her group is eager to work transportation, not just the automobile. Wording
in the General Plan that is stronger in mandating
accommodation of bicycles is very important.
A question session followed the panel
presentations. Questions were raised as to
how the General Plan is adhered to and how
to ensure that it is. A walker noted that some
bicyclists are very inconsiderate when passing
and that they should announce themselves
Photo: by Christine Culver

before passing (Culver observed that a bike can

be as threatening to a pedestrian as a car is to
a bicycle). Several members of the audience
were passionate about getting people out of
their cars and onto their bikes.
Tanya Narath summarized the main points
of agreement. The General Plan needs
Pedestrians are told to take a hike at West 9th street and Stony Point Road.
to be implemented and probably needs
with the city to fulfill the vision of the General to be amended with stronger language
Plan and Design Review Guidelines. accommodating the needs of bikes and
John Sutter of the Santa Rosa Neighborhood pedestrians. A full-time bike/pedestrian
Alliance (NA) stated that there is a new breeze coordinator to work with the involved
of civic involvement in Santa Rosa with over departments would be a big step forward in
a dozen neighborhood associations. The list emphasizing the city’s commitment to bike/
 includes: Juilliard Park, Luther Burbank, Saint pedestrian equality with cars. There should be
Rose, historic Cherry Street and many others. a follow-up meeting organized by the city in
The NA meets monthly and believes that the two months to respond to the ideas generated
at this meeting.
 SCBC CALENDAR
Bicycle Santa Rosa Fourth of July Festival SCBC Board Meetings
offered downhome fun! Vicki Duggan Regularly held on the third
Wednesday of each month at
The third annual Bicycle Santa Rosa Fourth project and its associated road and bicycle 6:30 pm at the SCBC office,
445 Orchard Street Suite 205,
of July event at Juilliard Park was the best path closures and detours. in downtown Santa Rosa, (open
ever! A huge thank you to SCBC members Santa Rosa Cycling Club member Bill
to the public).
and volunteers Vicki Duggan and Doug Sonoma County Bicycle
Oetinger offered a more ambitious Coalition Street Skills Classes
Simon for their tireless efforts to make sure alternative bicycle ride at the same time www.BikeSonoma.org
that this event was from Juilliard Park to Glen Ellen and back. Saturday September 23
a real success. Many thanks to both Janice and Bill for
Sunday October 8
Saturday November 18
The day’s events coordinating and leading these rides. The August 19 Annual Bike Party
started with a number of participants in both rides was a and Fund-raiser
“Mayor’s Ride” great indication that there are many people October 3 Take Back The
Streets, March and Rally
– a bicycle ride who care about cycling in Sonoma County
October 4 Walk and Roll to
on the Prince and that bike culture here is on the rise! School Day
Greenway, Joe Other events at Juilliard included live music October 19 Way to Go Expo
Rodota and Santa from The Pulsators, featuring SCBC board (please go to www.bikesonoma.
Rosa Creek org for more information on
of director member these events)
bicycle Doug McKenzie on
From left to right: Jessica Wysocky, October 14 Active 20-30 Club
Hope O’Hearn and Vanessa French trails. The guitar; food booths Bicycle Giveaway
enjoyed the face decorating. ride was www.20-30Club.com
and free activities
led by longtime coalition volunteer for kids, including
Public Meetings:
(and founding coalition member) Santa Rosa BPAB Bicycle and
a bicycle decorating Pedestrian Advisory Board
Janice Eunice and had over 70 contest, bicycle (707) 543-3334
participants, including Santa Rosa parade, poster and Petaluma Bicycle and
Mayor Jane Bender, Santa Rosa City Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Photo: by Christine Culver

sidewalk chalk art, - Second and fourth Wednesday

Council members Janet Condron, face painting, water (707) 778-4360
Steve Rabinowitsh and Mike Martini; balloon toss, an County Bicycle and Pedestrian
Sebastopol Mayor Sarah Gurney and inflatable jump castle
Advisory Committee - Second
Thursday,
Sebastopol City Council members and the raffle of a (707) 585-7516
Sam Pierce and Larry Robinson; cool black and red Countywide Bicycle and
Cotati Mayor Janet Orchard; Rohnert cruiser bicycle. Pedestrian
Advisory Committee
Park Mayor Tim Smith and Rohnert (707) 565-5373
Park City Council member Jake Announcer Zach Mesel tests
Santa Rosa Police
Santa Rosa Cycling Club -
Mackenzie and Healdsburg City out the Trek Cruiser bike Department volunteer Iola Second Wednesday
before he raffled it off. Beckley provided free www.srcc.org
Council member Kent Mitchell. The
participants got to see firsthand how cyclists bicycle helmets for kids, and
are affected by the Highway 101 widening volunteers from the California
Highway Patrol, the Bay Area
Air Quality Management District
(BAAQMD) Spare the Air
campaign and SMART provided
information related to non-
motorized transportation options.
Many thanks to all of the
other volunteers who worked
hard all day to help with the
Photo: by Christine Culver

set-up and break-down of

the event, staff the SCBC
information booth, cook over
a hot barbecue grill, provide
free valet bike parking, and
help with all of the day’s 
activities. The event could
Can you name all the council members? (Included in the picture is John
not have happened without
Sutter of the Northwest Neighborhood association is on the far right). all of your help.
 SCBC LAUNCHES BIKE SAFETY CAMPAIGN
Timothy Bacon
SCBC, in conjunction with the County Bicycle
and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, is
sponsoring a bicycle safety campaign in 2006.
Chairman of the effort is Bernie Album. His co-
chairs are Vin Hoagland and Steven Schmitz.
The first phase of the campaign focused
on bicycle commuting and coincided with
California Bicycle to Work Week May 15-
19. Three major
safety issues were
emphasized: riding
on the right side
of the road, using
appropriate lights
when riding at night,
and using a helmet at
all times when riding.
These three safety
issues were part of an
advertising campaign
in the Bohemian, on the lighted sign on 101 in
Rohnert Park and in all Cinema West movie
theaters for the months of May, June and July.
As part of California Bike to Work Week, signs
with safety messages were placed at strategic
locations in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Graton,
Healdsburg, Boyes Hot Springs and Sonoma.
The signs were placed by Andy Bunnell, Tim
Gonzales, Jeanna Menze, Warren Watkins, Tom
Maunder, George Gallegos and Lynn Gallegos
The City of Petaluma was impressed enough
by the temporary signs that it applied for and
received a grant to put up 40 permanent bike
safety signs.
Over 2,000 safe bicycle riding kits have been
distributed through most bicycle retailers
in Sonoma County. The kits include age
appropriate safety information, which include
comic books for younger riders as well as
brochures for older riders. Safety kits were
also made available to church groups, Boys
and Girls Clubs, and other organizations in
the county. The kits were assembled by Tom
Maunder, Becky Choi-Schuerman, Kit Looftus,
and by Dave and Anna Webster.
The next phase of the safety campaign will
emphasize putting lights on bikes as summer
ends and the nights get longer. The plan is
to place ads in newspapers, newsletters, and
bulletins distributed locally in every community
in the county. Flashing red safety lights and
bells for handlebars will also be distributed.

SCBC Volunteers Are The Best!

Thank you Valerie Robertson Shanna Franklin
David Robertson Kevin Garrison
Bicycle
Santa Rosa Nick Robertson Sondra Gilbert
ks !
Than
Adrienne Ruggles Joy Gipson
volunteers! Dave Ruggles Rich Gird
Tim Bacon Lou Salz Anna Guhin
Tom Bahning Doug Simon Bruce Hagen
David Ballo Gary Wysocky Flora Haluza k
Jessie Wysocky Craig Hamley Jeanna Menzie
Avi Ballo Sarah Miller
Iola Beckley Bernie Album Mark Gonzalez
John Gorman André Morand
Wade Belew And thank you Russ Mortensen

Photo: by Christine Culver

Andy Bunnell Duane Habkirk
Dave Coleman
Bike to Work Alex Guglielmini. John Muela
volunteers! Misti Harris Sabrina Muela
Jon Dick Sammy Nasr
Vicki Duggan Joe Andrews Bob Hasenick
Tim Bacon Jason Hiatt Dick Nosker
Loretta Esparza Eve O’Rourke
Janice Eunice David Ballo Vin Hoagland
Andy Barclay Kimberly Hoffman Shannon Peterson
Michael Eunice Tom Popenuck
Tim Gonzalez Anya Bawden Kelly Hoofer
Wade Belew Ashley Isaacs Paula Potter
Laurel Green John Prouty
Donna Hewitt Jake Booth Mike Ivory
Ken Brown Jim Janakes Shaun Ralston
Skyler Hewitt
Andy Bunnell Jim Jarvis Steve Reddie The SCBC held a drawing for a
Alan Holland Rubin Rios Trek Cruiser bike for our Bike to
Kathy Kellison Karin Burger Martin Johnson
County Center Jim Keene Ron Ruggles Work volunteers, the lucky winner
Donn King Adam Russell is graphic artist Leslie Williams
Deanna McKenzie Becky Choi Lindsy Lee Keel
Michelle Codding Rhett Lewis Javier Sanchez
Brian Mealins Steven Schmitz Michael Teller
Barbara Denlis Cindy Lewis
10 Misty Mesel
Zach Mesel Jock Dixon Ted Lin Jill Scott
Cherice Silva
Doug Uyehara
Connie Van Driet
Debra Naeve Vicki Duggan Marsha Sue Lustig
Mark Elo Nancy Marinski Bill Simon Leslie Williams
Janice Oakley Peggy Songster Al Willits
Linda Picton Edmundo Feria Neil Martin
Sulema Flores Manuel Mejia Kathy Storin Sarah Zainfield
Russ Powell Patrick Sutton Santa Rosa Kwanis Club
Thanks to these businesses for Special thanks to:
Craig Gaevert, our volunteer database guru.
supporting the SCBC Wooden Spoon Tech for donated book-keeping
and computer tech service.
Member Bicycle Retailers Member Bicycle Teams Sonic for donated Web Hosting.
The Bike Peddler and Clubs
605 College Avenue North Santa Rosa Physical Therapy
Santa Rosa Cycling Club
Santa Rosa 1400 North Dutton Avenue, Suite 1
www.srcc.com
(707) 571-2428 Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma Valley Cyclists (707) 579-4217
Cambria Bicycle Outfitter www.sonomavalleycyclists.org
2885 Santa Rosa Avenue, Suite B, Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy
NorCal Velo Cycling Team 795 Farmers Lane, Suite 10
Santa Rosa
www.norcalvelo.com Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 579-5400
Member Businesses and (707) 571-7615
Nor Cal Bike Sport
425 College Avenue
Organizations Port of Sonoma
Santa Rosa Bear Valley Inn 270 Sears Point Road
(707) 573-0112 PO Box 58 Petaluma, CA
Olema, CA The Results Group
REI
(415) 663-1777 (707) 577-0818
2715 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa Chileno’s Mexican Restaurant So Co Agricultural Preservation & Open Space
(707) 540-9025 1079 4th Street 747 Mendocino Avenue, Suite. 100
Santa Rosa, CA Santa Rosa, CA
Spoke Folk Cyclery
(707) 571-7478 (707) 565-7360
201 Center Street
Healdsburg Community Market SOULCRAFT
(707) 433-7171 1899 Mendocino Avenue PO Box 2631
Santa Rosa, CA Petaluma, CA (707) 775-2453
Member Bicycle Tour Groups (707) 546-1806
Sojourn Bicycling and Active Adventures SyCip Designs, Inc
Empire Eye Doctors Medical Group 111 5th Street
929 Ferry Road
720 4th Street Santa Rosa, CA
Charlotte, VT
Santa Rosa, CA (707) 542-6359
(800)730-4771
(707) 544-3147
Wine Country Bikes Wooden Spoon Technologies
Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce Santa Rosa, CA
61 Front Street
217 Healdsburg Avenue (707) 523-2222
Healdsburg, CA
Healdsburg, CA
(866) 922-4537
(707) 433-6935

Bike to Work continued from page 7

5) I have to dress nicely for work/school.
Ride in casual or cycling clothes and change when
you arrive at your destination. Carry your change
of clothes in a pack or in panniers or transport
them on days when you don’t ride. Some bicycle
commuters simply ride in their business attire,
which seems to earn respect from motorists.
6) There’s no secure place for my bike.
There is probably a storage room or closet where
your bike can be secured behind a locked door.
Consider also locking it within this area. Or
check to see if parking/storage is available in
nearby buildings or garages. Otherwise, secure
it to an immovable object, preferably where you
can see it.
7) I can’t shower at work/school.
Depending on the weather, you may not need a
shower of you ride at a leisurely pace. If you
need to clean up, take a washcloth, soap, towel
and deodorant and employ the rest room sink.
Or look for a public facility or health club within
walking distance of your workplace/school
where you can shower. Encourage installation of
showers at your workplace.
8) I can’t ride if it’s rainy or cold.
Start as a fair weather bicycle commuter. If the
forecast is bad, don’t bike. Even if you only ride
in favorable weather, it will still make a dramatic
improvement. The more you enjoy bicycle
commuting, the more you’ll look forward to your
daily ride. You might eventually decide to invest
in cold weather gear and rainwear so you can
commute year-round.
9) I would have to ride in the dark.
Wear light-colored and/or reflective clothing
and buy a good lighting system—one of the best
investments you can make. Adding reflective tags
and/or bands to your attire, pack or panniers will
help with visibility.
10) It’s not safe to ride in traffic.
Minimize risk by riding properly—think
visibility and predictably. Know and practice
the rules of the road. Always wear a helmet.
You may also be able to use a less-congested
secondary road. You may travel an extra mile,
but you’ll be able to enjoy the ride, a worthwhile
trade-off. For more information about rules of
the road and bike safety visit www.sctransit.com/
bikesafe and http://bicycling.511.org/safety.htm.
The SCBC offers a street skills class presented
by Martin Clinton, certified by the League of
American Bicyclists.
For more information visit
http://bikesonoma.org/events.html.
11
Note: Statistics are from 511.org and Sonoma
County Bicycle Coalition Web sites.
 NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
SONOMA COUNTY
BICYCLE COALTION PERMIT NO 25
PO BOX 3088
SANTA ROSA CA 95402·3088
707·545·0153
www.BikeSonoma.org
promoting the bicycle for transportation and recreation