SVBC member spreads the word about sharrows
Irvin Dawid, an SVBC member from Palo Alto, recently wrote a Guest Column in the San Mateo Daily Journal. The subject was sharrows; those increasing popular stencils found on city streets with the bicycle symbol below two directional arrows pointed in the direction of traffic.
Irvin also wrote a guest column in the August 4, 2009 edition of the Palo Alto Daily News on the same subject. It seems as though Irvin has become quite the local expert on sharrows; his motivation stemming from an incident involving a high school classmate in New York City. Megan Charlop swerved into traffic to avoid being “doored” by a motorist.
What stood out about Mr. Dawid’s opinion piece was that it was extremely positive and also thanked many of the hardworking staff at the city and county level. In addition he thanked the citizens on the Burlingame Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission.
What appears at first glance as something so simple as painted signs on the roadway actually requires money, city staff, and the input from local residents. In these times, as city staffing gets leaner, it is important that we thank them for their hard work in making bicycles an integral part of the transportation picture.
It is encouraging when cyclists phone, write, and visit the Santa Clara County Board meetings, or sign petitions for the removal of the “No Bikes” signs at the San José International Airport. At a time when Bicycle Advisory Committee meetings are being reduced due to reduced city staffing levels, it is extremely important that we continue to speak up for all cyclists.
So please continue to do what you do; calling, writing, volunteering, or attending meetings. If you are new to bicycle advocacy stop by one of our car-free happy hours to share notes with other cyclists. If you live in San Mateo County drop in on our monthly Peninsula Committee Meetings at Lada’s Thai Restaurant in Redwood City. We meet on the first Thursday of every month.
Photos: San Mateo Daily Journal and Mike Keenly