Vote for transportation and trail access in November
This blog post was written by SVBC’s high school intern, Emily Olson
The November election is coming up fast! Your November 3rd ballot will include three key measures: Measure RR, Measure T, and Measure S. SVBC is supporting these measures this year because they collectively support our goal of creating a healthy community through bicycling for people in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. We will also share some opportunities to volunteer for the campaigns below.
Aren’t registered to vote? Find more information and register now!
Yes on Measure RR (Caltrain – San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Francisco Counties):
Measure RR is a ⅛ cent sales tax that will provide dedicated funding for Caltrain. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 70% of Caltrain’s funding came from farebox revenue. Now, that funding has been severely reduced due to the pandemic-induced ridership decrease. Without a source of funding, Caltrain is likely to have to reduce or end service all together. SVBC support this measure because Caltrain is not only a more sustainable form of transportation in and of itself, it is also the largest carrier of bikes of any American transit system. Many people rely on Caltrain to be able to incorporate biking into their daily travel. This measure also ensures that Caltrain can launch its electric service in 2022. Learn more about Measure RR here.
Interested in supporting the campaign?
Sign up here to pledge to support Measure RR and learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Phonebanking and textbanking for Measure RR to save Caltrain has started! Grassroots outreach will be the margin of victory. Click here to sign up for a training and shift coming up.
Follow the campaign on Twitter @YesOnRR or Facebook @YesOnMeasureRR or Instagram @YesOnRR
Yes on Measure T (Open Space Authority – Santa Clara County only):
Measure T is an annual $24 parcel tax that provides revenue for the protection of open spaces in Santa Clara County. It is a renewal of Measure Q, which was passed in 2014, with no increase in tax, and it is designed to continue until ended by voters. This measure provides the revenue necessary to conserve nature, increase access to open spaces for recreation, and protect and maintain existing walking and biking trails. Measure Q funded 26 miles of hiking and biking trails that have served over 300,000 residents each year. SVBC supports this measure because it helps us expand existing bike networks and ensure communities have access to bike trails. This helps our goal of encouraging people to bike for more trips more often. SVBC endorsed this measure (Measure Q) in 2014 as well. Learn more about the Open Space Authority here. More specific information about Measure T can be found here.
Follow the campaign on Facebook @OpenSpaceFriends or Instagram @YesOnMeasureT
Yes on Measure S (Valley Water – Santa Clara County only):
Measure S is a renewal measure of Valley Water’s Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program, which was originally approved in 2012. It requires an annual, countywide parcel tax. These funds ensure a safe, reliable water supply for Santa Clara County. They also provide open space and flood protection for residents. SVBC endorses this measure because it protects open land that can be used for more bike trails for recreational and commuter use. This measure also includes money to bring a more compassionate approach to addressing those who are living along the trails with more resources to bring social workers and those who can help those living outside understand the services and opportunities that may be available to them. Learn more about Valley Water here. Find more information about Measure S here.
SVBC hopes you vote for these ballot measures this year. Thank you for your continued support.
Just a reminder that as a 501c3, SVBC cannot endorse political candidates for office. However, SVBC can share educational opportunities to learn about candidates. Stay tuned for information on upcoming candidate forums and candidate questionnaires.
For state ballot measures, stay tuned for information from California Bicycle Coalition.