What We've Been Up To
Image: Some of SVBC's staff at 2019's Silicon Valley Bike SummitIt’s been a whirlwind few weeks. In the first week, we at SVBC felt like we were riding into a nasty headwind, trying to figure out what to do in a COVID-19 world. We have since reframed our work to respond to today’s immediate needs while pedaling towards the same mission, albeit in new ways.Below is an update to you all on what we’re doing with many opportunities to get involved, focused on:
Direct Service: The needs of frontline workers, vulnerable populations, and our safety net systems is a top priority.
Reaching Newbies: Some people have more time and are slowing down. We at SVBC want to encourage new people to ride.
Lobbying: Cities are continuing to move projects forward. We’re working with them to figure out how best to support those efforts.
Specifically, here’s what SVBC staff has been up to, and what we’ll be working on in the foreseeable future:
Working with local partners
Shifted staff to a service organization Two SVBC staff are temporarily working for our partner organization Sacred Heart Community Service to help them process 5,000 applications for financial assistance from low income families and individuals
Seedling deliveries We are partnering with Valley Verde and Almaden Cycle Touring Club (ACTC) to deliver seedlings - tomatoes, zucchini and peppers - to 400 low-income families in San Jose by bike. If you have a way of hauling a 6x8x10 box (or many boxes) of seedlings on your bike, join us on May 9. Did the kids outgrow that trailer? Hook it up and come help deliver seedlings while getting a ride in! More info and sign up on our blog.
Support for public transit SVBC signed a joint letter and shared petitions supporting funding for public transit in the federal stimulus. The federal government appropriated $1.3 Billion for transit in the Bay Area. This funding will keep public transit running during shelter in place for people who depend on public transportation to get to essential jobs and stores.
Ensuring biking remains accessible for all
Protecting biking and bike shops as essential In the first weeks of shelter in place, we reached out to county health departments to ensure that biking was explicitly allowed under the shelter in place order and that bike shops were classified as essential businesses so that you could continue to access parts and repairs. We also signed onto CalBike’s joint letter and shared its petition supporting the state shelter-in-place order to include bike shops as essential businesses. These efforts were successful.
Advocating for slow streets and other bike-friendly policies throughout the area SVBC sent a letter to all 36 jurisdictions with three top recommendations for safe streets during shelter in place and are working with cities to implement these ideas.
#BikeMatchSV Inspired by programs in New York and San Francisco, SVBC is partnering with Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange to match unused bikes with people who need them. Do you have a spare bike to donate? Are you an essential worker who needs a bike to get to work? Or, do you want to donate your time helping to repair bikes?
Getting more and new people biking
Debuted the #JoyRideSV photo contest to get you and new people out on bikes and enjoying nature and fresh air
Started the Weekly Wheeler tips email every Friday sharing resources and ideas for bike riding and updated the SVBC Resources page for those just rediscovering biking
Online Biking Webinars SVBC is partnering with Commute.org to deliver five lunchtime bike webinars every Wednesday starting April 22 through May 20. These will be targeted toward new riders or those dusting off their garage bikes. Sign up and the link and tell your friends!
Suggested bike routes online SVBC is working to update our website with suggested bike rides for you to try solo or with people from your household. SVBC will provide ridewithgps.com maps for our previous infrastructure and fun rides.
Keeping our work moving
Moved SVBC Local Teams to online meetings: Local Teams typically meet once a month in person and we’ve now moved to online video conference meetings to make it easier for you to stay involved during shelter in place
Bike to Work Day is postponed to September 24 but we’ll still have activities for you to participate in in May, stay tuned for more details.
Prepared comments for ongoing projects and plans: Sunnyvale’s Active Transportation Plan, Daly City’s Vision Zero Plan, Colma’s El Camino Real project, and San Mateo County’s Unincorporated Active Transportation Plan.
SVBC is working with cities to figure out how best to do community outreach and engagement. We support jurisdictions swiftly moving to online meetings and different ways to submit public comment. However, not everyone has access to computers and internet so we’re supporting cities in figuring out solutions.
All of this work is possible only because volunteers, donors, and supporters like you continue to devote your time and resources to the bike movement. If you are able, please consider a donation to ensure that cyclists like us continue to have a voice in the decisions that impact our roads, our communities, and our planet.