The Bicyclean! Program was also awarded Best Program of the year at Bike Summit 2020. Click here to read more.

Abstract: As an avid bicyclist and outdoor enthusiast, I’m drawn to the beauty of the foothills and canyons of the Santa Cruz mountains, full of streams, ferns and Redwood forests. However, my eyes are on the roadways, and many are clogged with litter. From the casually tossed coffee cup, beer or soda can, or cigarette butt, to the abandoned detritus of an auto accident, to the travesty of a trailer’s entire contents poured down a hillside. A driver’s left side and low seat position blocks their view of these. They drive by too fast to notice, and can’t stop in traffic lanes. Hikers have cleaner trail options and walking with a bag would quickly become burdensome. As Cyclists, we’re not only better positioned to see litter, but to do something about it. We can stop quickly and out of the roadway. “Pickers” can weigh almost nothing and be mounted to a bike with 1 or 2 rubber bands. Plastic bags can be dangled between brake levers or from handlebars. Tandems offer higher capacity and a sense of togetherness. “BicyClean Up” is a great group activity, even following “Social Distancing” guidelines, for riders of varying abilities. The lead rider is the one who stops! You needn’t pull a trailer, though It gives everyone else somewhere to empty their bags. After the 1st time cleaning any road, if it is revisited with any regularity, it’s unnecessary. We’re the main benefactors of our efforts, enjoying vistas uncompromised by trash. But the main benefit to the cycling community is good PR-Drivers see us, slow down and say “Thank You” consistently, something most cyclists have never experienced using what drivers often consider “Their” roads.

From Rick @ Bicyclean! : Join a NON VIRTUAL Bicyclean! session Saturday and/or Sunday Aug 8 & 9, 8am at Bicycle Outfitter, 963 Fremont at Foothill, Los Altos. Bring:

Mask, for when we meet and talk!

Bicycle you don’t mind laying down

Shoes you can pedal AND walk in.

Full finger gloves-I’ll have a box of the disposable type you can use as liners or by themselves.

Grocery type plastic bags

I will bring pickers, but you can as well if you have one.

Water, snacks, and sunscreen as needed

No time minimum commitment, we’ll head out in different directions (North on Saturday, South on Sunday) and meet up afterwards to swap stories. If you promise to “Bicyclean!” More, I will mount it to your bike, and you can KEEP the Picker!

Click here to view other posters.

Click here to know more about Annual Bike Summit 2020.