SF Bike Plan Update

Today on the Board of supervisors agenda was the review of the Bike Plans Environmental Impact Review. Today's meeting wasn't to discuss if the Bike Plan is good or bad for San Francisco, it was to discuss whether the EIR was adequate in it's review. The meeting was held and it was decided that the EIR was through and adequate. Now that the study has been approved it's time for the City Attorney to head over to the judge overseeing the case and have him lift the injunction.

Read up on the bike plan here and here.

Stay safe!

Muni Collision on Market Street Cause for Concern?

The Muni shuttles millions of San Francisco residents everyday. These passengers rely on Muni to get the from point A to B in a safe, efficient manner. Recently though Muni has had two accidents that left passengers injured and has created pressure on Muni to reevaluate its measures to keeps passengers safe.

Mayor Gavin Newsom insists that the Muni is safe, "It is safe to ride Muni," Newsom maintained, but he acknowledged, "It has been a very frustrating few weeks."

Many news outlets have covered these Muni accidents, the first on July 18th injured 42 people when a lightrail operator blacked out causing a collision is the West Portal Station, the second occurred on August 3rd and according to eyewitnesses the Operator was distractedly engaging in conversation with a passenger. Good coverage can be found at SFappeal and KTUV.

So should people be concerned about riding Muni? Read the above links articles and ponder the question. Get back to us with your opinions!

Doyle Drive Danger

Confusing signage is leading cyclists to take the wrong path down Doyle Drive. ChronicleWatch highlights the hazard here.

Get a taste of bike sharing this Sunday

Bike Sharing is a relatively new transportation solution. The idea has been around for a while now, the most recent inception is Paris's Velib sharing program.

Today SFGate tackled the idea of San Francisco implementing a Bike Share Program. In January the Mayors Office announced a bike sharing plan for San Francisco. The idea has drawn criticism from many that the program is starting too small, San Francisco doesn't have the proper bicycle infrastructure to handle a bike share program and a complaint that the bike share program would be funded by Clear Channel.

That being said this Sunday at car -free Golden Gate Park, a mini bike share program, BIXI, will be letting people give bike sharing a shot.

Read more about the plan here.

Matt Gramly on KRON 4

Tonight Matt Gramly is going to be on KRON 4 discussing the controversial helmet law in El Cerrito, CA.

In El Cerrito, the ordinance was never posted, never published and no one knew of its existence until the police dept. went on an "enforcement campaign" and started ticketing bicyclists left and right. One of them decided to fight. Rahman Gramly took his case, took it to trial and received a not guilty verdict. It was not a big case but the principle was important to our client.

Watch him discuss tonight on the KRON 4 six o'clock news.

Cheers!

Transit Cuts

Transit seemed like it might be getting a fair shake via state stimulus funds. Turns out many transit agencies across the country are cutting funding and raising fares.
Streetsblog reports that Illinois is facing the loss of $1 billion of stimulus funds devoted to transit projects and planning as a stop loss measure due to increasing budget woes. Even though transit ridership has increased over 9% in the last five years highway development and improvement projects are given a green light. Meanwhile AC Transit is cutting service by %15, Muni is facing a loss of $61 million over the next tow years and the state as a whole cut transit funding by $536 million.

We'll see what happens. Let's hop on bikes and hope for the best!

Bicycle Helmet Laws in El Cerrito, CA

Matthew Gramly, a partner at Rahman Gramly LLP recently fought and won a case concerning El Cerrito bicycle helmet laws. Check out the press release below.
********

April 8, 2009

Press Release

Bet You Did Not Know that El Cerrito has a Helmet Law for ALL Bicyclists?

On the morning of November 5, 2008 Michael Schaller, a Berkeley resident, boarded BART with his bicycle and rode to the El Cerrito station. As he had done each day for the past year, Mr. Schaller, exited the train in El Cerrito with his bike to cycle the short distance to his office. As he rode his bicycle (in a striped bicycle lane) an El Cerrito motorcycle police officer stepped in front of him and asked, “Where is your helmet?” Mr. Schaller, who was aware that the California Vehicle Code only requires that helmets be worn by cyclists who are under 18 years old, was surprised at being stopped. As it happens, the El Cerrito Police Department was in the middle of a two-day “enforcement campaign” in the area of the BART station, the sole purpose of which was to cite bicyclists not wearing helmets.

Mr. Schaller was issued a citation for violating El Cerrito Municipal Ordinance Section 11.64.100 (c), which reads, “It is unlawful to ride a bicycle as an operator or passenger without wearing a safety helmet.” The citation carried a fine of $127. Mr. Schaller, who prior to receiving his citation had been unaware of the helmet-related ordinance, chose to fight this citation and hired the San Francisco law firm of Rahman Gramly LLP to represent him.

Matthew Gramly, a partner with the firm of Rahman Gramly LLP, represented Mr. Schaller at the March 24, 2009 hearing in the Superior Court of Contra Costa County. Mr. Gramly argued that the City failed to post any notice about their helmet law, as required by El Cerrito’s Municipal Code Section 1.10.010, the citation should be dismissed. Mr. Gramly also argued that as the California Vehicle Code is at odds with the City’s helmet law, the California law should pre-empt the local ordinance.

The police officer who issued the citation testified that despite many years as an officer, he could not recall ever having issued another citation under El Cerrito’s helmet law.

After taking the matter under submission, on March 26, 2009, the Court determined that Mr. Schaller was not guilty and the citation was dismissed. Mr. Schaller and his attorneys were pleased with the result, however, Mr. Gramly noted “My partner and I represent many cyclists and as a result of the often devastating injuries we see, we encourage all of our clients to wear protective gear, including helmets. The issue for Mr. Schaller was one of fundamental fairness.”

Be warned. El Cerrito has a helmet law and they are enforcing it.

Bike to Work Day 2009

Celebrate Bike to Work Day on May 14th by dusting off an old bike that has been sitting in the garage or by checking the air pressure on your well loved ride.

Bay Area Bike to Work Day is an annual event that encourages cyclists of all ages and skill levels to participate in a friendly, safe, commute to work, play or school.

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has set up some amazing resources to make the event the best if can be from Commuter Convoys to Energizer Stations.

Take a look at last years pictures and click this link for more information about this years Bike to Work Day!

MTA Releases Revised Budget Proposal, List of Muni Service Cuts

The Municipal Transit Authority is currently racking up a $129 Million budget gap for 2009-2010. Yikes! What does that mean for the average Muni rider who already has to deal with surly bus drivers and sub par arrival times?

According to this Streetsblog article, the MTA has a few proposals including: a 50 cent fare hike for a single adult rider, $15 increase of an adult Fast Pass raising from $45 to$60 as well as some serious cuts in service to major lines in the city.

"There's no doubt that these options, especially option three, would significantly reduce service to Muni customers," said MTA spokesperson Judson True, who added that where possible, alternative service has been identified and will be improved to make up for reduced service.

You can speak up at the upcoming hearings and meetings

• Tuesday, April 7, 2 p.m., MTA Board of Directors Meeting and Public Hearing, City Hall, Room 400
• Tuesday, April 14, 9 a.m, MTA Board of Directors Policy and Governance Committee, One South Van Ness Avenue, 2nd Floor Atrium Conference Room
• Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m to 2 p.m, MTA Information Meeting on Proposals to Balance Budget, One South Van Ness Avenue, 2nd Floor Atrium Conference Room
• Tuesday, April 21, 2 p.m., MTA Board of Directors Meeting and Public Hearing, City Hall, Room 400
• Thursday, April 30, 2 p.m, Special MTA Board of Directors Meeting on Fiscal Year 2010 Budget, City Hall, Room 400

Lead law likely to still apply to dirt bikes, ATVs

The Consumer Product Safety Commission decided against recommending an exemption for all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes. the bikes and ATV's have higher than allowed levels of lead in various components. The law is called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Creating a ban on the sale of youth dirt bikes and all terrain vehicles, leads to a bigger concern among parents and advocates for the exemption; that parents will now buy adult sized ATV's and dirt bikes for thier kids.
Read the full article here.

Great SfGate Article on San Francisco Hills

San Francisco is notorious for it's super steep hills. I have heard many a public transit commuter say that they only reason they don't ride a bike in the city is because of the hills. According to Sf Gate there are three categories of hill riders; avoiders, acceptors and lovers.

Learn more about your San Francisco hill riding style is here.

MTA Mulls Scenarios for Moving Bike Plan Forward

Streetsblog has a very informative article concerning options for moving San Francisco's stalled Bike Plan forward.
The process for re-adopting the Bike Plan is fairly long due to bureaucratic process. While the final Environmental Impact Review will be done sometime in late June, that doesn't mean new bike lanes will start being constructed July 1st. As the article describes, the process goes something like this:

• Planning Department prepares responses to comments on DEIR, publishes comments and responses document (Final EIR), probably sometime in June
• Planning Commission deliberates and certifies EIR
• MTA Board deliberates and adopts the Bicycle Plan
• City Attorney goes back to Judge Busch and asks him to lift the injunction
• MTA Board deliberates and approves bike network improvement projects
• MTA issues work orders and begins implementing new bicycle facilities and other improvements like bike racks and sharrows

Take a look for yourself and see what projects can move forward, stay put or have the possibility of rejection.

SF to Replace Parking Meters?

"San Francisco wants the parking meter to be your friend. It's rolling out a next-generation model that can take credit cards and coins, raise rates automatically, and beam news of that rarity of city life, an empty slot." Sounds good for drivers but what about city cyclists who rely on parking meters to lock their bikes to? Considering the gross lack of bike parking in the city, it seems that a new generation of parking meter will only hurt cyclists more.
Each new parking device as they're called will replace 8 parking meters. Figure two bikes per parking meter that's 16 spaces taken away for use as bicycle parking. 6,000 are to be installed this year, including installation in SF city parks, which currently don't charge for parking.
That being said, the idea of congestion pricing in San Francisco is a good one that could reduce traffic flow downtown. Also we are in a serious budget crisis, raising revenue via parking charges may not be such a bad idea.
Form you own opinion on the matter, read the article here.

New Bicycle helmets provide better fit for kids!

Correct fit of a child's bicycle helmet is critical. Bicycle helmets are the only thing between getting seriously hurt or walking away with a headache. The Seattle Children's Community Education website, has a Quick-Fit check as a simple, quick guide to ensure proper fit. Ensuring proper fit is something that Bell Helmets is passionate about as well. They've recently released a new "True Fit" helmet that has an elasticized band that fits over the back of the head. This helps the head stay covered on the forehead and back of the head. Here's the link to the article if you'd like to read more!

Bike Safety and the Law

Rahman Gramly LLP's very own Shaana Rahman, gave her expertise about riding visibly on city streets. Without giving too much away, the article focuses on how cars perceive cyclists, how that prerception leads to motor v. bicycle crashes and what to do to remain visible while riding.

Enjoy!

Car Free Market Street?

Market Street, San Francisco's main thoroughfare is the center of a car-free study. city Supervisors and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority agreed Tuesday to a comprehensive study of whether to restrict cars on the downtown section of Market Street.
Initially advocated by Supervisor Chris Daly, a car free Market street met some resistant from business owners and advocates of car first policies. The study will be done within three months.

Cyclists Beware....

Cyclists beware: Market/Octavia Intersection is a Potential Death Trap, was the title of a January 25th Fog City Journal article by Luke Thomas.

Highlighting a false sense of security created by the small median between the bike lane and the traffic lane. Having the median makes a biker feel protected from drivers potentially making illegal right hand turns, this sense of safety is a false one. San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Program Director, Andy Thornley had this to say to Fog City Journal; “Does the bike lane at the Market and Octavia inbound – does that express a false sense of security? Yes, just the same way that a green light extends, probably, a false sense of security. I would advise, and I advise your readers, that at every intersection, don’t trust the green light, don’t assume that that’s adequate, assume that everyone is going to break the law, and ride defensively.”

Rider spoke up at a recent rally against the removal of a section of the Market Street Bike lane at Octavia. Cyclists won that fight but it's up the them to stay defensive out on the road.

Read the full Fog City Journal article here

Bikers get breaks in Stimulus Package!

The Bicycle Commuter Act gives companies a $20 tax credit each month for every employee that rides to work! This act went into effect Jan 1st, so ask you employer about! The more co-workers you can get to gear up and ride to work the more your company will save. This $20 Tax Credit is a great incentive for businesses to encourage their employees to get fit and be green! Read more about the act.

Potential Removal of Market and Octavia BIke Lane

You read the title correctly, SFMTA is proposing to remove a short section of the Market Street bike lane where it intersects with Octavia Blvd. Since the 2006 opening of the Freeway ramp there have been 16 car/cyclists collisions. Read more about the removal here. Also check out the SFBC rally against the removal from 7:30-10:00 am on Friday, January 16th. Also, be sure to check out the SFBC's Press Release and learn how to say no to this removal if you can 't make the rally.

Safe Bicycling in San Francisco

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is a 10,000 member strong organization that represents cyclists in the San Francisco. Encouraging safe cycling, the SFBC has many resources concerning safety and security. One of the resources is Urban Bike Training.

Taught by longtime bicycle advocate, Burt Hill, the Urban Bike Training course is a two day course offered for free here in San Francisco. Check it out! It's great for new cyclists or seasoned pros looking to refresh their street skills.

Beyond the SFBC, San Francisco's Municipal Transport Agency has a comprehensive bike program that includes links to San Francisco's Bike Plan, riding safely in SF, commuting to work, bike parking and many other links to what the MTA has to offer the urban cyclists.

Brooklyn Bike Lanes

The New York Department of Transportation has been working hard over the years to make New York City greener. Some attempts haven't worked, while others have had resounding success.

The latest green initiative, aptly called The Brooklyn Greenway Initiative, is a local project that aims to install a 14 mile bicycle and pedestrian friendly path.

Taking the first steps in planning, the Department of Transportation has painted 1.75 miles of bike lanes along the Brooklyn waterfront. This small stretch of bike lane has set off a bigger debate among residents and advocates of the initiative.

Dangerous North Beach Intersection...Yikes!

Thanks to neighborhood safety advocate, Richard Sheldon, North Beach might become a little bit safer.

The intersection of Pacific Ave and Columbus Ave has been flagged by Sheldon and the Municipal Transportation Authority as on of the more dangerous intersections in North Beach because of Southbound Pacific Ave traffic confusing Kearney Street with Columbus Ave. The drivers get confused when they see one way Kearney street causing them to accelerate onto Columbus directly into a busy crosswalk. Read the article here