NOCBAC

Support Bicycling by Eating Pancakes

2009-10-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Please join the Bicycle Tree at Hart Park in Orange for the Second Annual Pancake Breakfast. Meet really fabulous cycling enthusiasts, eat some pancakes, enjoy a little tofu scramble, and support the Bicycle Tree's efforts to spread the joy of cycling. The invitation below provides all the necessary details. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

RIDE OF SILENCE MAY 20th TWO RIDES IN N. ORANGE COUNTY

2009-05-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

Two choices in N. Orange County for Ride Of Silence
BREA
and
FULLERTON

FULLERTON PARKS & REC Commission Special Meeting

2009-05-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

Monday May 18th 6:30 pm City Council Chambers
Puente Street Biycle/Pedestrian Path

The Parks and Recreation Commission is being asked to review and make a recommendation to City Counsel regaring a proposed project to construct a paved pedestrian/bicycle route from the terminus of Puente st and Rosarita Dr and proceeding north to Puente st and Hermosa Drive.
READ THE PARK AND REC AGENDA WITH OVERVIEW OF PROJECT

Brea also having Ride of Silence

2009-05-14T00:22:00.000-07:00

Join cyclists in Brea on May 20th for a slow-paced 12 mile bike ride. This world wide event is held in silence to honor those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.
For more info..
Put on by www.roadbiking.org

Santa Ana City code for bike parking

2009-05-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

This Monday, the Santa Ana Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on amending the city's zoning code to require the inclusion of bicycle parking in new developments in a similar manner to how automobile parking is required.

This zoning code amendment would help residents from all segments of the city as it would make Santa Ana much more bicycle-friendly. This amendment is also in line with the rhetoric of our city's leaders to go green without creating a burden on businesses or developers. It costs more to purchase a business license in Santa Ana then it would cost to provide the proposed required bicycle parking. This amendment is also supported by the OC Chapter of the Sierra Club.

Because it is an amendment to the zoning code, the Planning Commission will vote on a recommendation on Monday and then it will ultimately be decided by the City Council. Your attendance at this Planning Commission meeting in support of this would be greatly appreciated.

Puente Link : A bridge of opportunity

2009-05-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

The “Puente Link” is a ¼ mile, Class I (paved, off road) bicycle route designed to link the northern and southern segments of Puente Street across the Brea Creek Channel in northern Fullerton and adjacent Brea. This vital transportation link will provide a variety of opportunities for our community. Never has such a small project done so much for so many.
View a Google Map of the "Puente Link"
This bikeway was approved by the Fullerton City Council as part of a proposed Master Plan of Bikeways in the early 1990’s and has been part of the City of Fullerton’s General Plan since 1996. It has been at the top of the Bicycle User’s Subcommittee (BUSC) list of priorities for over a decade.

The reasons for that status are many: this short trail is a critical N/S and E/W link; it connects the isolated northern part of the city to the south; it links to other existing and planned Fullerton bicycle routes and creates a useful commuting route; and it provides access to many other bicycle routes in cities to the north of Fullerton. Further, there are limited safe alternatives to this route. Now, external funds have been acquired and are in place to build this route at no cost to the City.

There is some neighborhood opposition to this project. A number of concerns have been voiced all of which are easily rebutted or mitigated. However, our community must know that no City of Fullerton Municipal Tax dollars will be spent on this project. The bulk of the money comes from Caltrans and OCTA. This is money that is designated to be spent on alternative transportation infrastructure. It cannot be repurposed for any other project or program in Fullerton. Roughly 15% comes from the Brea Dam fund. This is money that must be spent on Brea Dam area projects.
The City Council needs to know that there is widespread support for this route. Please contact Fullerton Council Members (Bankhead, Jones, Quirk, Keller and Nelson) and let them know how you feel.

The email address for the Council members is council@ci.fullerton.ca.us

Also, please come to the special Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commissions on May 18th at 6:30 in the City of Fullerton Council Chambers to lend your support.

If you would like us to update you on further development, send a note to
MIKE@NOCBAC.ORG

RIDE OF SILENCE May 20th Fullerton

2009-05-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

Fullerton Ride of Silence will meet at 6:30pm near the downtown plaza on Wilshire between Harbor and Pomona FOR MAP at 6:30pm. We will ride at 7pm.

http://www.rideofsilence.org
Who:
Cyclists; road, recreation, commuter, race, triathlon. All who legally share
the road

What:
The world wide Ride Of Silence™ bike rally

When:
Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 7 PM

Why:
• to mourn those cyclists already killed by motorists
• to raise awareness (among motorists, police, and city officials) of cyclists on the road
• to have motorists know we only want to share the road we ride on
• to show that cyclists are not going away

THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET
On the third Wednesday of May, at 7 PM local around the world, cyclists will take to the roads in a silent protest of the carnage taking place on the streets.

Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas in 2003 after endurance cyclists Larry Schwartz was killed by a passing bus mirror on an empty road.

The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph for no longer than an hour, and remain silent during the ride.

The ride hopes to raise cycling awareness during bike safety month to motorists, police, traffic engineers, insurance companies, and city officials. The ride is also a chance to mourn, in funeral procession style, those who have already been killed.

The ride requests black arm bands be worn, red only if you have had a bike/motor vehicle accident. Helmets are required; bright clothing and lights are highly recommended for the ride home. There are no fees charged anyone to participate.

Phelan is looking for as many cyclists as possible to join in one of many locations in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, South and Central America and the rest of the world. Last year there were over 300 locations in all 50 US states, and 18 countries including: Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Caribbean, China, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, and Spain.

Bike To Work Week May 11th thur 15th

2009-05-05T00:20:00.000-07:00

It's that time again to commute to work by bike (and to keep doing it if you already do) Check out www.californiabikecommute.com It has information about events in your area. We will see you on the streets.

NOCBAC MEETING May7th at 7pm

2009-05-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

There will be a meeting on Thursday May 7th at 7pm It will be held at Chamber of Commerce meeting room above Starbucks at Chapman and Harbor in Fullerton. You have to take the elevator next to Kinko’s to the second floor. We will be discussing the construction of the Puente Street bicycle and pedestrian bridge across Brea Creek petition.

LA BIKE SUMMIT DON"T MISS IT !

2009-02-22T23:52:00.000-08:00

L.A. BIKE SUMMIT
Saturday March 7, 2009 from 9am to 4pm
Los Angeles Trade Tech College
FREE
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Please Pre-Register by Monday February 23rd to reserve lunch

In Southern California, the growth and interest in bike riding and bike advocacy has increased to the point that the movement could significantly benefit from the formation of a common agenda. Bike organizations, including policy and grass roots groups, need to present a stronger, more unified front and a shared vision by combining communication, outreach, research and educational resources. This partnership will help to not only strengthen the presence of biking as an alternative to driving and a source of physical activity, but will help to create a more livable and sustainable region.

The Los Angeles Bike Summit is the next step to facilitate this discussion and collaboration of bike organizations, support groups, and advocates. Read more about the summit.

Workshop for the OCTA Commuter Bikeway Strategic Plan

2008-06-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

July 12 workshop for the OCTA Commuter Bikeway Strategic Plan update is fast approaching!

All are welcome..
We will be getting together a ride to Santa Ana for this workshop probably from Fullerton with a stop in Anaheim then down the river trail. Please feel free to organize your own ride or we will make plans to meet up with your group.
There is also an online survey OCTA wants everyone to take. PLEASE TAKE A SEC AND FILL IT OUT
..

Long Beach to get a Bike Blvd??

2008-06-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

LONG BEACH - Biking across town will soon get a little easier.

City officials are planning to create two bicycle boulevards - one running east-west and the other north-south - and a bicycle master plan.

WEDNESDAY MEETING/RIDE

2008-06-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

It's Summer and I don't want to spend my beautiful evenings sitting in a meeting so..
We will have our first NOCBAC social ride/meeting.
Grab your city/clunker and come out for a short ride (a few miles). We will be riding our proposed Wilshire Bike Blvd to the Cal State area where we will find a coffee/tea/yogurt/real food place that has a patio where we can hang out and have a casual meeting/get to know you. You could bring a kid or two if they ride. I am open for a suggestion on a place to stop or we will just wing it.
Thanks Mike

When: Wednesday June 25th Meet at 6:30pm ride at 7:00pm
WHERE: Behind Bannings Bikes
WHAT: Social event/bike ride in place of NOCBAC meeting.
HOW: Bring a Bike and lights (city/clunker fine)

MEETING TONIGHT

2008-05-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

There will be a short NOCBAC meeting at Banning’s at 6 PM Wednesday May 28. We will discuss our recent events and future directions. OCTA, County and BUSC updates will be provided.

There is an important Planning Commission meeting at 7 that evening which several members wish to attend ( Amerige Court and GP Housing Element approval, neither of which directly pertains to bicycles).

Ride of Silence Reminder Wednesday May 21st

2008-05-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

The Ride of Silence this year is being organized North Orange County Bicycle Advocacy Coalition NOCBAC.org. We will meet at the Downtown Plaza in Fullerton. The same place we have met the last few years. It is locate on Wilshire between Harbor and Pomona next to the Museum (301 N. Pomona ave Fullerton CA 92832) People are encouraged to meet at 6:30 pm and we will leave at 7 pm. Bring front and rear lights. Wear a black arm band...and always your helmet.
Ride of Silence

Young Environmentalists Protest Anti_Bicycle Policy At Their High School

2008-05-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a great article from Treehugger.com

The students are members of an environmental club at their high school that had raised $2,000 and wanted to use the funds to donate a bike rack to the school. However, they were told that the school did not want to promote cycling due to safety concerns, and thus the gift was rejected. Ironically enough, the rejection came on Earth Day.

Read more

Orange County Bike To Work Week May 12 -16

2008-05-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

Pledge to ride to work and you could win prizes from OCTA

California Trails & Greenways Conference in San Diego this month

2008-05-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

Another follow-up action item from last night's NOCBAC meeting. TheCalifornia Trails & Greenways Conference will be later this month inSan Diego (May 29-30-31). It's a mixed gathering of equestrians,hikers & cyclists. It can be quite informative, with workshops onfunding and other useful information for advocates. Some peopleexpressed an interest in knowing more, so here is a link: California Trails & Greenways Conference

Keynote Speakers are
The author of the book "Last Child in the Woods" Richard Louv,
and Wildlife Conservationist Joan Embery.
You won't want to miss either of these inspiring speaking engagements.
For more information on the speakers, check out their following bios.
 Richard Louv (90kb, pdf)
 Joan Embery (53kb, pdf)

League of American Bicyclists Names 11 new Bicycle Friendly Community

2008-05-01T23:24:00.000-07:00

...with Portland getting the highest level "Platinum"
Today, eleven communities were honored with the League of American Bicyclists prestigious Bicycle Friendly Community designation and eleven communities renewed their designation. “This round brings into focus both the geographic and demographic diversity of designated communities,” League President Andy Clarke said. “These are all cities that are realizing the potential of bicycling to address the challenges of climate change, traffic congestion, rising obesity rates, and soaring fuel prices.” Read more.

OCTA Commuter Bikeways Strategic Plan Update TAKE THE SURVEY

2008-05-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

The OCTA Commuter Bikeways Strategic Plan Update will provide an updated inventory of all existing bikeways in Orange County. It will also identify all of the bikeways that have been proposed by the 32 OC Cities and the County of Orange, qualifying these jurisdictions for funding from the California State Bicycle Transportation Account. Strategic gaps in the existing bikeways network and key regionally-significant projects will be identified for priority funding.
Do your part as an OC cyclist and Take the survey.

Bicycle-Sharing Program to Be First of Kind in U.S.

2008-04-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

Starting next month, people in DC will be able to rent a bicycle day and night with the swipe of a membership card. Read more from the New York Times

NOCBAC MEETING Wed. April 30th 6pm @ Banning's

2008-04-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

There will be a NOCBAC Meeting at Banning's Bikes on Wednesday the 30th at 7pm. All are welcome PLEASE come. Banning's is at 206 N. Harbor Blvd Fullerton CA 92832
Here is a proposed agenda for the meeting.

North Orange County Bicycle Advocacy Coalition

Agenda: April 30, 2008: 7:00 PM

Self-introductions

Past and Future Events

Library Transportation Day, Saturday May 24

Santiago Creek event

Debrief of Green Scene/Social Responsibility event.

BUSC/OCTA/ County Trails reports
NOCBAC logo/ Banner
Discussion of last month’s guest speaker: Ron Milam
Newsletter
Other items: bike sharing/bike boulevard
Ride of Silence May 21 7pm
Next meeting: May 28?

Adjournment

RIDE OF SILENCE May 21st 7pm

2008-04-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

THE RIDE OF SILENCE? WILL NOT BE QUIET

On May 21, 2008, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence? will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

The Ride of Silence this year is being organized by North Orange County Bicycle Advocacy Coalition NOCBAC.org. We will meet at the Downtown Plaza in Fullerton. The same place we have met the last few years. It is locate on Wilshire between Harbor and Pomona next to the Museum (301 N. Pomona ave Fullerton CA 92832) MAP
People are encouraged to meet at 6:30 pm and we will leave at 7 pm. Bring front and rear lights. Wear a black arm band.

NOCBAC Speakes at Social Justice Summit CSUF

2008-04-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 19th was a busy day for NOCBAC. As well as the Green Scene we were invited to speak for the 4th annual Social Justice Summit at Cal State Fullerton. I (Mike) met with Paul from the The Bicycle Tree and did a work shop on the importances of coalitions and non profits that support bicyclist. We were well received and met some great students who would like to get involved.

Fullerton Critical Mass this Friday!

2008-04-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder: Fullerton's monthly Critical Mass ride is this Friday.

We meet at 6PM at the Depot. Bring your friends, lights, noisemakers, flowers and be prepared for a great time!
The address is 120 E. Santa Fe Ave (South of Commonwealth between Harbor and Pomona) and here's a map.

If you have any questions, contact fullertoncriticalmass@gmail.com

Hope to see you there!

We will have a booth at The Fullerton Green Scene

2008-04-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend the 19th and 20th we will have a booth at The Green Scene at the Fullerton Arboretum on the Cal State Fullerton Campus. Please come by and say hi, or if you have some free time we could use some volunteers to help with the booth. Email me Mike@NOCBAC.org

NOCBA MEETING Wednesday night

2008-03-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

We have an important NOCBAC meeting this week, Wednesday March 26 at an earlier time, 6:00, and in a different location, the Bushala Building 110 E.Walnut immediately south of the Depot adjacent to Harbor Blvd.( but access is easier of you enter Walnut via Lemon or Highland

We have arranged for a guest speaker: Ron Milam, Organizational development consultant, former founding Executive Director of Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, board member and trainer for the Thunderhead Alliance and policy analyst for Surface Transportation Policy Project. He will advise us on a bunch of organizational stuff.

Link to map

Bicyclist killed in Santa Ana crash

2008-02-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

The OC Register writes about a crash between a bike and a truck.
Not much more is known at this time. I will try and keep you updated.
Read more...

LA’s Bicycle Master Plan Workshops; Road Service or Lip Service?

2008-02-21T17:18:00.000-08:00

An article I found on the LAist website

"The City of Los Angeles is in the process of updating its Bicycle Master Plan, a component of the Transportation Element of the City’s General Plan...
..... Read More"

If they got'em ..Why can't we??

2008-02-19T20:58:00.001-08:00

NOCBAC MEETTING Weds night Feb 20th 7pm

2008-02-19T20:14:00.001-08:00

NOCBAC Meetting will be at Bannings Bikes 7pm on Wednesday the 20th. Please attend.

Semiotics of the Ride work shop this Sunday

2008-02-19T19:56:00.001-08:00

They are trying to drum up a few more participants for the final bike route signage workshop this week. Check out the their blog to see a recap of the last 2 workshops.

Thinking Outside The Bike Lane:
An Exercise in Communal Co-Design.

Sunday February 24th | Noon

Participants needed to take part in an effort to rethink how bicycle route signage can work in our city.

The goal of the project is to create a new "unofficial" signage system for LA's Fourth Street Bicycle Route, one that represents the needs of real cyclists and can serve as a model for future routes. Over the last few weeks members of the LA cycling community have been helping determine the shape of this system. Now we need your input!

This three hour workshop will be looking at the form & structure of the signage system as well discussing ways to best promote the route and encourage its use.

The workshop will take place at:
Self-Help Graphics
3802 Cesar E. Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90063

OH NO..Not Sheldon

2008-02-04T20:42:00.001-08:00

I while back I wanted to learn to do a proper wheel truing. I was tired of bugging my friends (real bike mechanics) and I think they were tired of me bugging them too... So I asked the interweb in all its glory and where did it send me?? Yep.. to Sheldon Brown.

I'm sure everyone has a story like this or better like the time 10 years ago at interbike when I think I saw him walking down an isle, but couldn't decide if it would be in good practice to ask for his John Handcock..lol

Anyhow.. The man, the myth, the riding encyclopedia (I don't want to say walking encyclopedia) of everything bike is not with us anymore. May he RIP (Ride In Peace) and his wife Harriet have comfort.

Sheldon Brown 1944-2008

Slam i pho bi a:

2008-02-04T20:33:00.001-08:00

Fear of car doors opening suddenly

I took this picture of a LA metro bus with my cell phone. I think its kinda funny. I think I want to make it into a shirt....
..any one else have any good cell phone pics?? (umm..bike related) I think I'm gonna make this a new "Post Label"

St. Louis Cyclists Fight Back

2008-02-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

I Found this on Cycling Dudes blog and had to repost it.

David Fiedler, of David's Bicycling Blog, at About.com, has spread the word of a great story out of St. Louis.

Cyclists in that city have stood up and said they have had enough.

Tired of being struck by hit-and-run drivers -- the latest being a pair of incidents that injured three cyclists recently -- bicyclists in St. Louis have created a reward fund that pays for information to bring the miscreants to justice.

"If each of us put in, say twenty or forty bucks, I bet we would start grabbing people's attention," wrote Patrick Van de Turin, the guy who got the ball rolling on a local bicycling message board. "I'll start the pot with $100.00."

As you can well imagins the response was quite interesting.

Within a day, the fund had reached over $1,000. Then the Politicians got wise, heh, heh!

The mayor pledged an additional $500.

THEN the local media smelled a story.

Newspapers and TV Stations added to the pot and the fund -- now officially administered by the St. Louis Regional Bike Federation -- continues to grow.

Like David, I wonder wether it's enough "to capture the dirtbag that clipped two cyclists, running them off the road with his truck and horse trailer, or to nail the one who struck a cyclist and then drove off, leaving him lying broken in a downtown intersection".

Information about the Hit and Run Justice Fund - a Press Release (PDF) from the St. Louis Bicycle Federation.

Donate to the Hit and Run Justice Fund online, or you can send the donation to the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation, Hit and Run Justice Fund, P.O. Box 23086, St. Louis, MO 63156.

A Tip of the Hat to David for this story.

Roger Kramer, Belleville, Ill. (And St. Louis, Mo., too, since it's only 20 mi. down the Bike Lane!) Premier BikeBlogger, has been on the story as well:

Anti-cyclist rant on St. Louis radio station.

Reward offered in hit-and-run accidents that injure cyclists.

Tracking bike problems in St. Louis.

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the North Orange County Bicycle Advocacy Coalition - 01-23-08

2008-02-02T23:53:00.000-08:00

Check out the minutes from our last meeting. Thanks Bill B. for being the unofficial secretary.
NOCBAC Meeting Minutes Wednesday night at 7pm Jan. 23 2008

Portland's Blueprint for better Biking

2008-01-30T00:44:00.000-08:00

“Blueprint for Better Biking: 40 Ways to Get There”
Plan to Ensure Portland is America’s Bicycling Hub

In October 2005, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance released its “Blueprint for Better Biking: 40 Ways to Get There” report, listing the 40 projects the group believes would most improve biking in the Portland Metro region.

This could be a great "blueprint" for all us. Check it out, read though it..... http://www.bta4bikes.org/docs/blueprint.pdf

Letter to Mayor Pulido - Santa Ana

2008-01-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

Below is an email that I sent to Mayor Pulido - Santa Ana. What interests me is the lack of designated bicycle thoroughfares throughout many of the cities in North Orange County. This not only impacts the recreational rider, but commuter and many residents in the area that utilize bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. I believe that these individuals are particularly at risk since many do not wear a helmet, have appropriate lighting / reflectors and reflective or light colored clothing when riding at night. Additionally, they are often seen utilizing the sidewalks, often traveling against traffic, which we know increases the risk of a bicycle and motor vehicle collision.

I had previously contacted a number of departments within the City of Santa Ana via email and phone and have received no response to date.

=====================================
Dear Mayor Pulido:

The City of Santa Ana is poised at the cross roads of viable economic development and quality of life for all of Santa Ana residents. This is certainly evident in thought put into the Santa Ana Renaissance Plan. Always a balancing act for yourself and the entire City of Santa Ana Staff,
as I am sure you would agree.

Mayor Pulido, I have made a number of phone calls into different City of Santa Ana Departments regarding the safety of bicycle travel within the city, recommended routes for cyclist transiting through Santa Ana for commuting purposes and the safety and use of the Santa Ana River Trail, an exceptional resource to all of us in Orange County, during the day and in the early evening for commuting purposes. I have only received a response and an attempt at assistance from one City Employee. All communications have yielded no response, which disappoints me.

Additionally, I am sure that you are aware that there are a large number of people within Santa Ana who utilize the simple bicycle as a primary means of transportation. I often see these individuals riding at night without:

Helmets
Lights
Appropriate Reflectors
Wearing Dark Clothing

It concerns me greatly for the safety of these individuals and the potential for serious injury or fatality from bicycle and vehicle collision. These individuals are often riding on the sidewalk and against traffic which puts them at an extremely high risk of being hit by a motor vehicle that is
looking to their left to enter the flow of traffic and will not see a moderate speed cyclist coming from their right. This is particularly true, as I mentioned above, for these individuals who are not easily seen at night.

With regards to the Santa Ana River Trail (SART), the Santa Ana Police Department discourages any use of SART other than during daylight hours. I was told that there are often muggings for bicycles, gang related activity and of course the homeless taking shelter under a number of the bridges over the Santa Ana River. I have also gathered incidental information regarding criminal activity on the trail to include a bicycle shop employee being mugged for their bicycle, a middle aged man having a bicycle thrown into his path and two individuals attempting to steal his bicycle and were unsuccessful due to the individuals personal efforts to protect himself and
his property and a military officer, now in Iraq, who was accosted by a group of youth that resulted in a serious crash and potential life altering injuries to the cyclist - broken neck.

Santa Ana, like many of the communities in North Orange County have paid little to no attention to providing bicycle lanes along major thoroughfares or secondary streets. This results in additional obstacles and safety concerns for all bicyclists traversing through the City of Santa Ana. If you would take the time to look at the Orange County Transportation Authority bicycle map you would see a dramatic difference between North Orange County and our neighbors to the South. It must be a joint effort between the City of Santa Ana, Orange County, the State of California and the surrounding communities.

OCTA
Bikeways Map

Bikeways Master Plan

Mayor Pulido, I would greatly appreciate being directed to the appropriate individual within the City of Santa Ana who is tasked with addressing the melding of pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicle safe travel corridors within the City of Santa Ana.

Great project in LA ...Semiotics of the Ride

2008-01-21T22:27:00.000-08:00

Semiotics of the Ride is the blog for an ongoing project to explore how graphic designers can work with communities to create flexible & meaningful information system
Check it out Semiotics of the Ride
We need to get some NOCBAC folks to the workshops.

MEETING..MEETING ..COME ONE.. COME ALL

2008-01-20T19:44:00.000-08:00

We will be having a meeting of NOCBAC this Wednesday January 23 at Banning’s at 7ish. Bring a friend, bring some paper and pen, bring a snack.. or just bring yourself..

Banning's 206 N harbor blvd fullerton ca 92832

Students use legs to power supercomputer By: Sharon Gaudin IT

2008-01-03T10:44:00.000-08:00

Guinness World Records. Google Inc. and a bike company have sponsored a contest called "Innovate or Die," with contestants having to use bike power and post a video of their submission on Google Inc. unit YouTube. The prize is US$5,000 for the team and a bike for each member.
Read More

What’s Your Consumption Factor? By Jarad Diamond NY Times

2008-01-03T10:29:00.001-08:00

The average rates at which people consume resources like oil and metals, and produce wastes like plastics and greenhouse gases, are about 32 times higher in North America, Western Europe, Japan and Australia than they are in the developing world.
Read More

Do you like posts like this?? Please Comment

Questionable Quote

2007-12-18T22:45:00.000-08:00

“If these nitwits don’t leave me alone, I’m going to go after the trail bike riders next.”

Former Madison, Wis., Mayor Paul Soglin, saying he was tiring of the hullaballoo over a comment he made on his blog that bicyclists who ventured onto streets during a recent snowstorm "should be taken out and shot," which quickly made its way across the Internet and drew hundreds of comments, ranging from impolite to profane, from winter bicyclists from as far away as the Yukon

Volunteers need for bicycle traffic count.

2007-12-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

Fullerton city engineering staff is cooperating with Brea on a neighborhood meeting to discuss the Puente Street bike bridge. Bicycle traffic counts will help the cities and neighbors understand what kind of cyclist traffic can be expected. Volunteers are needed to apply a methodology for bike counts and conduct a simple count. Tasks will include sitting for a half day (or several half days) at one of three locations and counting the passing cyclists. This will probably include two work days and one day on a weekend.
Please let NOCBAC know if you are interested in participating.
NOCBAC@earthlink.net

Banning’s Bikes celebrated 1st year

2007-12-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

In Fullerton bicycle news, Banning’s Bikes just celebrated their first anniversary on Saturday, December 8^th. It was a wonderful party with many friends of the shop joining in reunions casual and heartfelt, with everyone sharing the latest news and enthusiastically encouraging each other to continue enjoying the benefits of the atmosphere that Banning’s brings to cycling and the Fullerton area. Friendships were re-kindled and new acquaintances were forged with good music, well stocked refreshments and food and a raffle that pleased many attendees and benefited a couple of local charities.

Edited by Bill B.

Bike news

Fullerton "Loop" Users news

2007-12-11T18:43:00.000-08:00

The City of Fullerton's Department of Parks and Recreation is actively seeking ways to mitigate potential conflicts between different users of the Fullerton Loop. There are plans to investigate and implement solutions which will allow hikers, equestrians and cyclists to continue using the trails as they have evolved, while allowing equestrians and hikers to travel without having to compete with cyclists for the same patch of trail. The emphasis appears to be on the concept of “multi-use” with all users having equal access to their favorite features of the trail.

If you have the least interest in cycling or other issues in and around the Fullerton area, it would be beneficial for all of us to attend as many events as practical which address subjects concerning the Fullerton Loop and cycling and walking in the North Orange County area.

The City of Fullerton is currently updating the General Plan for the direction of the city’s future and is actively listening to and observing the citizens who are participating and speaking up about the issues they care about.

Now is the time to stay visible and insist that Fullerton take the lead in pursuing and encouraging healthy and beneficial activities such as cycling, hiking and horseback riding.

Happy Trails

Bill B.

New Fullerton Mayor

2007-12-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

This week, on Tuesday, December 4^th a number of NOCBAC members attended the City Council meeting for the installation of a new mayor for the City of Fullerton. After a vote of 3 to 2, Mayor Pro-Tem Sharon Quirk was chosen to be the 6^th female Mayor for the City of Fullerton. She is the Council member who has been conducting monthly “Walk and Talk” community outreach sessions on the first Saturday of the month, soliciting views and opinions from interested members of the greater Fullerton community.

Edited By Bill B.

Fullerton Bicycle Users Subcommittee Update

2007-12-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

Last week, on Tuesday, November 27^th, the Fullerton Bicycle Users Subcommittee observed a comprehensive presentation given by Trails4All detailing the preliminary effort to map and plan potential bicycle routes that would follow Coyote Creek to the ocean. This plan might also include links to major and minor bicycle routes that would lead to and from Coyote Creek from neighboring communities.

Edited by Bill B.

NOCBAC is looking for other bike shops in north OC to host our monthly meeting

2007-11-30T01:18:00.000-08:00

NOCBAC would like to find bike shops in other cities in north Orange County to help host our once a month steering committee meeting. It is on the last Weds at 7pm and last 1-2 hours and we usually have around 10 people. If you are interested please contact Mike this blogs moderator.

OC Register article on Santa Ana River Trail "Parkway"

2007-11-30T01:12:00.000-08:00

Link

Cal State Fullerton students to unveil design for Santa Ana river 'parkway.'

Bike news Orange County

Santa Ana River Parkway

2007-11-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

There is a Public Meeting and Presentation
Thursday, November 8th, 2007 at 4:30 to 6:30 pm
300 North Flower Street, Santa Ana, Room B10
(Basement Conference Room).

The meeting is for the purpose of soliciting ideas
for projects along the Santa Ana River to
Improve aesthetics and increase native habitat
Enhance and add to the river's recreational features
Improve trails and BIKEWAYS along and connecting to the river
Enhance communities adjacent to the river

For questions please call:
Jeff Dickman at (949) 923-3761 or Sherri Miller at (714) 834-3137.

Funds available from CA Safe Routes to School

2007-10-17T14:47:00.001-07:00

Forward from Calbike Report

Late last week Governor Schwarzenegger signed CA AB57
Safe Routes to School!
$52 million is currently available for California State
Legislated Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Funds!
Application Deadline is November 16, 2007

Please spread the word that funds are available for
State Legislated Safe Routes to School (SR2S) projects.
These funds are not to be confused with Federal Safe
Routes to School (SRTS) funds associated with
SAFETEA-LU.
Applications must be for capital projects such as
sidewalks, pathways, bike lanes, traffic calming, etc.
(with up to 10% available for non-infrastructure
activities such as education, encouragement and
enforcement). Only cities and counties are eligible to
compete for these funds; please spread the word to
Public Works Officials. Approximately $52 million is
available for two fiscal years worth of projects
(06-07 and 07-08). The deadline for applications is
Friday, November 16, 2007.
Start preparing your grant applications now!

To view the updated SR2S Guidelines and Application,
please visit:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LocalPrograms/saferoutes/saferoutes.htm.

Fullerton City Council Tues Oct 16th

2007-10-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

 Fullerton City Council
meeting is a consent calendar item on the Puente and the
Youth Way/Bastanchury paths. It should be approved with
no problem, but it would be good for some people to be
there in case there are questions. Council meetings now
start at 6:30 and this should come up in the first half
hour. It is item #4

The OCTA CAC Bicycle ad hoc committee

2007-10-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

1. The OCTA CAC Bicycle ad hoc committee:

Bicycle Ad Hoc Meeting
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
12:00 noon to 1:15 p.m.
Orange County Transportation Authority
600 South Main Street, 8th Floor
Conference Room 829

SHARE THE ROAD ..IT'S THE LAW

2007-10-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

Signs that I would like to see on Harbor blvd and other high traffic thin streets that are popular with bike riders.

ASES National Solar Tour Sat Oct 6th

2007-10-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

The ASES National Solar Tour is the largest tour of sustainable energy features for buildings in the U.S. Now in its 12^th year, some 100,000 people across the nation will see how neighbors are using clean sources of energy to save on energy bills and protect the environment. Through a series of open-houses and informative tours participants learn about renewable energy options, energy efficient design, real-world costs, current rebates available, and other valuable insights.
http://socalsolartour.com
Has put together a tour of So Cal homes. There are a few that are within a short riding distance from us ie: Placentia, Orange and Villa Park.
Long Beach has a very large tour that has a caravan. Last year we did most of it on bikes.
Please check out the link and support this tour.
http://socalsolartour.com/tour2007.txt

Fullerton Street Paving Practices

2007-09-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Many, if not all, of Fullerton's streets are shared between motor vehicles and bicycles. Yet, the way the city maintains the streets often leaves the cyclist at a disadvantage. It seems to be standard practice to resurface "traffic lanes", leaving the shoulders of the roads in rough condition.

Examples can be found on Rosecrans, between Beach Blvd and Gilbert, on Acacia between Orangethorpe and the south city limits, on Brea Blvd between the north city limits and Rolling Hills, and on Malvern between Gilbert and the west city limits. On Acacia, there is a marked bicycle lane that was left unpaved when the "traffic lane" was resurfaced.

When the shoulders of streets are in rough condition, bicyclists are encouraged to ride further to the left, where the pavement is smoother. This may increase the danger of a bicycle / motor vehicle collision. Fullerton should resurface the entire width of a street when it needs attention, not just the portion of the roadway on which motor vehicles travel.

The Dream of a Wilshire Bike Way

2007-09-29T12:02:00.001-07:00

There has been talk among us about using Wilshire Avenue (which runs east - west from close to State College on the east to Euclid on the west) as a special kind of street that encourages bicyclists. This week, that idea got a little further from reality, when the city added another stop sign at Wilshire & Ford.

Ford runs north - south from Chapman to Amerige, in front of the Fullerton Library. It is a total of three blocks long. I do not have access to traffic counts, but I am quite certain that stopping ALL traffic on Wilshire is not justified by cross traffic on this street.

This new stop sign is just one more example of why Fullerton deserves the nickname "The Stop City". There is a stop sign at Wilshire & Jefferson; Jefferson is ONE block long, running from Chapman to Wilshire. Stop signs were added a few years ago at Wilshire & Berkeley, and Wilshire & Lincoln. I wrote an e-mail to the city complaining about them. The answer I got said that no, traffic didn't justify the stop signs, but the residents complained about Fullerton City College traffic (although Lincoln is a full three blocks east of the edge of the campus). I ride regularly across Wilshire, and by my informal observation, there is no cross traffic at Jefferson 98% of the time when I pass by, and over 90% of the time at Lincoln.

Other egregious examples of unnecessary stop signs can be found on Las Palmas Dr. and Hermosa Dr. between Harbor and Puente streets. Some years ago, people headed to work at Hughes Aircraft would use these streets as an alternative to Imperial Hwy. The stop signs were placed to deter drivers from making this choice. However, there is no longer any Hughes traffic, as there is no longer a plant at Gilbert and Malvern. Nevertheless, the stop signs survive.

I'd have to ride the entire length of Wilshire with the express aim of counting signal lights and stop signs, but I believe that there are two traffic signals (Harbor and Lemon) and thirteen stop signs (Jefferson, Woods, Richman, Ford, Highland, Malden, Pomona, Lawrence, Berkeley, Lincoln, Raymond, Acacia, and State College) on the street, in the three miles from Euclid & Wilshire to Revere & State College. Obviously, some of the signals and stop signs are justified where Wilshire crosses busy streets. However, at least four stop signs could not be justified by traffic concerns.

Maybe we could press the city to revisit their decision to choke traffic, waste gasoline, and increase air pollution with these unneeded stop signs, and at the same time, open up some of our streets for bicyclists.

Hi everyone and welcome

2007-09-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

It's just a start but it will give people a way to see NACBAC in action. I have sent the steering committee an invite to be able to post. I am new to using this but we should be able to get it dialed in quick. This blog can also be place on our new web site when we get to that.
See yah soon,
Mike Miller
Blog Mod

Currently we support the following activities and concepts:

2007-01-01T12:01:00.001-08:00

• Monitor development of bicycle plans in Fullerton and by OCTA to ensure that bicyclists are heard and represented in the final documents.
• Encourage the hiring of a fulltime bicycle coordinator by OCTA
• Implement a bicycle boulevard in Fullerton
• Create safe bicycle commuting routes to Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton Community College, St. Jude Hospital and other major employment and transportation centers
• Encourage employers and public agencies to implement policies that encourage bicycle commuting.
• Implement all bike lanes and off-street bike paths adopted within general plans of north Orange County cities.
• Adopt and develop the Coyote Creek Regional Bikeway Plan within the County of Orange and Cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma and Los Alamitos.
• Adopt and develop the Santiago Creek Vision Plan by the county and City of Orange.
• Build and sustain support for county protection and enhancement of the Santa Ana River Trail.
• Develop Pacific Electric Rail Trails on the La Habra Branch to Brea as an extension of the Whittier Greenway, and on the Santa Ana Branch from La Palma and Cypress to Garden Grove and Civic Center Drive.

Who is NOCBAC

2007-01-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

NOCBAC is a newly formed bicycle advocacy organization that seeks to promote a safe, enjoyable and convenient environment for bicycling in north Orange County. Our primary approach to achieving this goal is through making government agencies aware of the needs of bicyclists and of opportunities to make their communities bicycle friendly. In order to achieve this goal, we support projects that integrate cycling in local and regional transportation strategies, bicycle events and educational efforts. As we grow and evolve so too will our list of activities and accomplishments.
We are now comprised of a steering committee that meets monthly at Banning’s Bikes in Fullerton and an e-mail list of individuals who want to remain informed of advocacy activities and participate when needed. If you wish to join our e-mail list or participate in the steering committee. Please provide us with your name and e-mail address. MIKE@NOCBAC.ORG