Use this thread to bring cyclists together and bring real change to the cycling landscape of San Diego.

i think bike advocacy is going to be one of the most important things to happen in San Diego for all of us. If we can all pull together to make this city more bike friendly and make drivers pay more attention to us, I think real things could change.

i have worked w/ animal advocacy for many years and have found that change can come from small numbers if you do it righ, and would be more than willing to apply what I learned from that into helping this city take on a more bike friendly approach to things.

Jim Baross is a great man to meet: he has seen many years behind the handlebars, and can teach almost anyone a thing or two about cycling in traffic. I'll gather up some of the local advocacy groups and post them up here.

I was not a fan of the San Diego Bike Coalition, but lately, have been kind of changing my mind. Despite some issues with a few of their members (who tend to be really really exclusive, but when you meet them in person, are complete idiots and scared of their own shadow ~ in traffic), they have been accomplishing a huge amount of things.. You might call them "little" but they are a collective, and have the ear of government in a professional way that most of us don't.

I have a friend in Portland,Ore., bike Messenger and I think that they have instituted some new bicycling programs, I'll try to get a hold of him and see what is hapening up there.

In Europe, don't some of the cities use streets designated only for bikes

I can't wait to get a bike and start riding, because I would be going every where,

The times I have learned the most are when I've been out with experienced riders. Whether it has been asking questions or just observation, I've learned a lot to keep myself safe. I would love to see an occasional bike safety ride. A few experienced riders in a group of newbies that are willing to answer questions and offer suggestions could make San Diego a safer place to ride. I know there's a lot more I can learn from how to maneuver vehicle traffic, the best ways to make myself visible, riding in groups, choosing routes, all the way down to the best tools to keep in my bag. While I know I can go in to Velo Cult and ask any question I can come up with, there's a lot of things I only think of while I'm out and about. Though not a fully formed idea just yet, it's something that I would be willing to put a lot of effort in to, as it would make commuting more regularly a better option.

Hello everyone,

I'll try to keep this short.

A while back, I had attended a SDCBC meeting, and had "listened in" on their email listings. What struck me was their disconnect from the younger crowd. Many viewed the younger crowd, and Critical Mass as counterproductive. When I suggested they attempt to "bridge the gap", it was scoffed at, almost as a whole. In disgust, I decided not to join SDCBC. SDCBC seemed hesitant to work with CM, perhaps to retain their image as a legitimate organization that works with local government in a productive "let's solve the issues" light.


The other side.

When I suggested to Critical Mass attendees and some of the younger riders that SDCBC was an option. Most either didn't know about SDCBC, or derided them as "crotchy old folks". Critical Mass has some major detractor issues as well, to wit, negative interaction, and also some CM people just show up for the mass anarchy that is CM. SDCBC was viewed by many as part of the government (which they are not), and thus, not legitimate.


In looking at this objectively from a detached standpoint, it seems both groups have a similar end state desired. And while the methods are objectionable to both sides, there is a common energy.

So, what I suggested is that the CM folks come to SDCBC with their energy, focus, and drive. And that SDCBC step in as well, and welcome come of the younger/CM crowd too. Sadly, I lost focus, and didn't pursue it as vigoursly as I could have.

Scott, a friend of mine from Fraser Cycles, went to the last SDCBC meeting the other week, and proactive pushed for SDCBC to set up a booth at the Fountain prior to CM. In a phone message, he told me that they agreed to attend. I need to call him, and get a hold of the SDCBC rep, as I'd love to help.

My hope is that the two groups can find some common ground. The outcome, is that SDCBC gets an infusion of "new blood" that represents the greater cycling community, and that people who attend CM out of frustration have a viable, perhaps more productive way of identifying problems that has a positive ear of local government. My intent is work solely as liaison between the two groups, starting by engaging both sides at CM. With new members, and perhaps a new focus, SDCBC can tap into the huge ground swell that CM has enjoyed over the last year, and with that work towards making San Diego the bike friendly city we know it can be.

But, to do this, I'll need help. We need to have people who can talk to the CM crowd about the benefits of SDCBC, and as well, people who can talk to the SDCBC about their frustrations, problems, concerns and issues. My idea is a very broad one, and truthfully, I have no clue as to how to focus efforts or what direction to push. But, the ground work being, that a dialogue is started. Anyone wish to help? Perhaps people who are willing to come to CM to at least work with the booth, mingle with the crowd, and start to figure out where we need to go, and just "listen" to what has to be said on both sides...

I think one of the coolest placest I've visited was Amsterdam. There were bicycles EVERYWHERE - and I think most bikes had never seen a drop of oil in their life. Professionals and young people all use bikes as their major mode of transportation. It would be so rad if one day San Diego could be like this. I just wanted to share some photos from Amsterdam. I love the bicycle "parking lot" by the train station. Also, bikes have their own lanes and signals.

****Forwarded********* The City of San Diego is in the first phase of updating the San Diego Bicycle Master Plan. The Bicycle Master Plan establishes citywide goals, objectives, and policies that guide the development of the city's bicycle facilities and bicycle-related programs. The current Bicycle Master Plan was prepared in 2002. The updated Bicycle Master Plan will provide a renewed vision and action plan to support bicycling in San Diego based on evaluation of the current plan and changes in San Diego's bicycle user needs, growth, development, regulations, and policy context. To participate and stay informed about the plan's development: - Visit the City's Bicycle Planning web page <a href="http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/transportation/mobility/bicycle.shtml">Planning web page</a> - For information related to the plan and to take the bicycle user survey <http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=HwtIfqNHHL939XC2ZosA3w_3d_3d> .<a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=HwtIfqNHHL939XC2ZosA3w_3d_3d">Bicycle user survey</a> - Attend the public workshop on June 6, 2009! - Distribute the attached project fact sheet to interested friends and colleagues and encourage them to get involved. Please take the survey by March 13th, so that there would be adequate time to analyze the data. Thank you for your participation.

i filled it out this morning.

I have a problem: I'm not sure this list was distrubted in a manner that reaches as many cyclist as it could: so, if you've got a message board you post too (other than here) email list, blog, what ever: please put it out. It would be best if it more accurately represented san diego.

There has not been much talk about advocacy yet. Any events happening soon or maybe classes? I guess the first thing is to simply get more people riding so there is more of a "voice". The Down Townies ride is great i think. Hopefully it will get non-riders showing up. That would be the best possible outcome. Then perhaps we can have more weight with the city.

I'm going to go to CM early to help hand out SDCBC flyers: they said they will have thier banner up and current packages to hand out. Unfortunately, I'll head home after that. I have 4 250 word essays AND a final to study for. Night school.. sucks.

just had a friend send me this link to a SD Bicycle survey
[[_linker_]]
please fill this thing out...every little bit counts

and folks I don't mean this as a flame and let me first say I'm a big supporter of critical mass. But people PLEASE do not ride the sidewalks down the Prado when you take off for CM.
People are attending gallery functions, the theatre and the Prado Restaurant. Are you going to encounter an automobile on those sidewalks? No. You may hit a pedestrian (not the enemy) and it may be someone elderly. Worse yet, it may be someone elderly and highly influential in city affairs. This does NOT help the cause. In fact it could hurt it tremendously. So please by all means enjoy CM and the rolling wave of anarchy, but please always ask oneself, is this action productive or counterproductive. The true joy of an actual anarchic situation is one doesn't need rules as everybody 'governs' their own behavior. If you were taking you moms, or grandmoms out for a meal and or a evening of culture, having it ruined with a trip to the hospital because of such an action would definitely sour ones perspective.

peace all, rubber side down:face-smile:

thats because there are not enough bike lanes in San Diego...

What about writing and keeping on hand some 'jerk' tickets like for people who park in ridiculous ways in parking garages? But for bike lane violators. Jeez, midway through typing that sentence I realized it seemed like more hassle than it'd be worth.

<blockquote><cite> kyle:</cite>"WHO'S RESPONSIBLE: Hasan Yousef, who can be reached at (619) 527-7504 or hyousef@sandiego.gov. "</blockquote>

Good stuff!

I reported a couple of traffic lights in low traffic area that wouldn't detect bicycles to the city's Street Division website. I *think* they fixed it so it became more sensitive, but maybe it was just my luck. When I did it a couple years ago, they emailed me updates up to the completion of the service request.

http://apps.sandiego.gov/streetdiv/

and folks, there is a Bike to the Ballpark ride coming in June. (June 7 I think) We need to have a petition for us Up-Towners so we can get bike lockers (like at the Coaster Stations) installed at the Ball Park. We have no transit lines and can be downtown on 2 wheels in under 10 minutes.
Bike lockers and bike related promotions as such need to be supported and used. How nice would it be to have a CM to the ballpark?

Don't forget to recruit non-cycling coworkers to ride on Friday, Bike to Work Day. Once people see how much nicer their commute is, it might mean a few more cars off the road.

It took me several dedicated weeks to get into the groove of commuting by bike. You have to figure out what to wear, what to carry, how to carry it, what route to take, how long it will take, etc. Once you get it all figured out its great, but one day, I agree, can be more aggrevating than inspiring.
I was actually really looking forward to riding in on Friday to see if there was a noticable turn-out, but I have to stay at work overnight on Thursday, so I won't be commuting in. Bummer.

if at all possible pick a person or two that shows interest in bike commuting, ride to their house and escort them to work and back. it's going way out of your way but it's only for a day and you may be getting someone else on a bike. they can learn from you and you would be showing them the correct route.

im going to hang out in front of the shop to see if i can help anyone. lots of people use 30th for commuting.

im not even sure where these stops are. is there a list somewhere? thats a good idea