Advocacy
Proposed Encroachment Permit Would Impact Bike Rides
The Santa Clara County Roads Departments has proposed an ordinance that would require an encroachment permit for “special events”, and declares “An organized procession of 50 or more bicycles shall be considered a Special Event unless the procession will be conducted in accordance with all requirements of the California Vehicle Code Division 11, Chapter 1, Article 4.”
This ordinance is unnecessary and unfair. Existing ordinances, plus routine enforcement of the Vehicle Code, should be adequate to maintain public safety, and ensure that roads are available to all. The great burden that this law will place on event organizers may result in cancellation of charity rides, with the ultimate losers being the sponsoring charities. It could also be applied to club rides and team training rides, and the penalties from failure to obtain a permit could wipe them out.
SVBC Positions
SVBC Response to the Draft Caltrain Bicycle Access and Parking Plan
The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC) appreciates that in the field of public transportation, Caltrain has historically served as a leader in accommodating bicyclists. In the spirit of encouraging Caltrain to continue to occupy that leadership position, we provide the following comments on the Draft Caltrain Bicycle Access and Parking Plan (hereafter called the "Bike Plan").
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Position on Caltrain Bicycle Master Plan [DRAFT 3]
We are trying to meet the needs of cyclists as they ride the train. Bikes on board is one solution, but not the only solution. We would like to encourage every passenger to ride a bike to/from the station. We want something that works. Following is the draft of SVBC's position on the Caltrain Bicycle Master Plan. Please feel free to leave comments sharing your thoughts on this position. These comments will be reviewed by the Board of Directors, who may edit our position before submitting the final copy to Caltrain officials.
