SVBC’s Proudest Moments of 2016
For many, the end of the year is a time for self-reflection, to review and celebrate hard work and successes. Here at SVBC, there have been many. Below are some of our proudest moments from 2016. (And stay tuned because in the next ebulletin we’ll reveal SVBC’s goals for 2017.)More Money! Measure B, a half cent sales tax measure in Santa Clara County was passed by 71% of the voters. SVBC fought for and won inclusion of two important bike elements. 1) $250 million for bike/pedestrian projects and 2) Complete Streets Policies. This last part is particularly important because it means money spent to repave, restripe, and redesign roads, will also carry with it a requirement that cities do their best to make sure those streets are “complete” by including good bikes lanes and quality sidewalks.Bike Education: Through our bike education programs, SVBC taught 7,000 kids to safely ride bikes, helping to develop healthy transportation habits in our children that we hope will stick for a lifetime.Vision Zero: In partnership with California Walks, SVBC worked with the City of San Jose to perform 14 walk audits to determine how to reduce to zero the number of serious collisions on our streets. Out of those walk audits, a two-year implementation plan was developed that will be adopted by the City Council in early 2017.Page Mill/280: After the fatal collision of a cyclist at the Page Mill/280 intersection, SVBC worked closely with the County of Santa Clara, Supervisor Joe Simitian and surrounding jurisdictions to design and fund an interim fix to create a safer environment for bicyclists.Bike Share: Spurred by SVBC’s advocacy, 2016 saw the expansion of bike share throughout the Peninsula and South Bay. San Mateo’s Bay Bikes debuted on Bike to Work Day with 50 bikes, San Jose’s system will increase to 1,000 bikes, and Palo Alto voted to approve a 350-bike system.Local City Work: SVBC continues to work with cities at the local level to adopt high quality bike lanes and networks. This year, SVBC supported local advocates who helped Palo Alto to advance nine bike boulevard projects and urged Menlo Park to commit to a one–year pilot of an east-west bike boulevard on Oak Grove that includes buffered bike lanes. In addition, SVBC worked with multiple stakeholders on the Millbrae Station Area Specific Plan and Circulation Study. And, with a lot of grassroots organizing, SVBC helped beat back the threat of removing a new road diet on Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen.Regional Bike to Work Day: 2016 was the first year that SVBC took over the management of regional Bike to Work Day, overseeing the program for all nine counties in the Bay Area. Approximately 100,000 people rode their bike that one day, May 12th.Bikes + Transit: In 2015, SVBC scored a big win when the Caltrain Board of Directors agreed to increase bike capacity on future trains and dedicate funding for bike parking improvements. This year, SVBC and SFBC continued that momentum to get a third bike car added to Bombardier train sets, making the number of bikes allowed on board each train consistent at approximately 70 bikes.Bikepool: With funding from the Knight Foundation, SVBC launched a bikepool program. The LupeBikePool allows those who aren’t yet riding to overcome their fears and ride safely with a group of bicyclists up the Guadalupe Trail, waving hi to Lupe the Mammoth along the way.You, the membership of SVBC help make this possible by donating money and showing up when needed at city council meetings. Thank you for your help to advance a pro-bike agenda. In early 2017, find out what we plan to do in the coming year and how you can continue to be involved in a world of bike ubiquity!Support the mission and work of SVBC! Make your end of year contribution today:
