Month: November 2009

A San Francisco judge issued an order [PDF] modifying the three-year-old bike injunction late Wednesday afternoon, refusing to dissolve it completely, but allowing the "most easily reversible" projects to go forward. It means 10 of the 21 first-year Bike Plan projects -- or about 3.7 miles of new bike lanes -- outlined by the MTA can begin, and when completed, will mark the most significant improvements bicyclists have seen on the streets of San Francisco since the injunction was first issued in June 2006.

Here's something to be thankful for over this holiday break: Kids on bicycles. A beautiful thing. We got so many submissions for this one, it was truly inspiring.

Though we're taking the rest of the week off for the holiday, we thought you'd be excited to see these photos, which represent the first pavement treatments for the new Calm the Safety Zone projects on Market Street, meant to improve pedestrian safety by re-enforcing the separations between motorists and pedestrians. As we reported two weeks ago, this treatment is the next phase after the stop bars were moved back from the crosswalks and fits into the larger rubric of the Better Market Street Initiative.  Thanks to Dennis Lee at the Great Streets Project, who snapped these photos at 4th Street and Market.

"This four-hour in-classroom, introductory course is perfect for new cyclists and those want to feel more comfortable riding on city streets. Class will cover the basics for how to choose the right bike and properly fit a helmet. Learn tips for the safest ways to ride in traffic, techniques to avoid or deal with road hazards and emergency maneuvers along with other useful gems of knowledge, like the best way to lock up your bike and how to use a bike in combination with public transit, and cyclists' legal rights and responsibilities."

"Join us for a slightly different Good Roads ride in December - we're calling it the "Smooth Ride". We'll take a look at some of the freshest pavement all over the City - with many spots the result of direct volunteer efforts and SFBC advocacy. We'll still carry some spray chalk in case we find some pesky crumbling pavement to circle and report to 311, but we will focus on having fun, and surveying the smoothest roads in 2009. As always, we’ll end the ride with drinks and lunch."

"Come and speak your mind about bicycle issues in San Francisco. This eleven member committee meets once a month and advises the Board of Supervisors on all matters bicycle."

"Catch a sneak preview of the SFBC Bike Quilt before Winterfest! Drop by 867 Valencia on your way home for hot cider and quilt viewing. Come December 6, it will go home with a lucky raffle winner at Winterfest."

"Got the gift of gab? Volunteer to phone bank with the SFBC! No cold calling, just simple reminders to friendly lapsed SFBC members that their membership is expired. Come share in the fun. The more the merrier!"

"Fix Masonic is a community coalition working to improve Masonic Ave. for residents, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Fix Masonic was a key ally in getting the Fell & Masonic bike signal installed and is continuing to plan for future Traffic Calming."