CAzBike Blog

Meet Bob Beane

2012-01-26T14:30:00.001-07:00

Bob Beane

Bob is the Coalition's President.
My first memories of riding were on a green tricycle when I was two or three years old. Next, I was riding a 20” J C Penny bike when the training wheels came off at about age 5. Before long, my mother was giving me a quarter to ride to a local grocery in our Indiana small town to pick up a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread (I had a basket on the front, so this was as easy as it was fun).
In my later grade school years, my brother and I went everywhere by bike. We also did the equivalent of mountain biking over construction-related dirt piles on our fatter-tire 26” Sears bikes. I broke an axle doing that, so I think that qualifies as serious MTB-ing (for kids).

My first “bicycle advocacy” decision was made when summer-working for the owner of a picture frame shop in Richmond, IN. I bartered for his red Columbia 10-speed (which he had lost interest in after graduating from college and entering the working world) in exchange for two week’s wages (about $235). I wanted to ride to work rather than relying on getting access to the family car, and this was the perfect solution. That bike went with me to prep school in Massachusetts, and it was my source of escape and exploration for two years in the foothills of the Berkshires.

For most of my early adult life, bicycling was forgotten. Then, I moved to Arizona. In the process of recovery from a five-year illness and life-saving surgery, I rediscovered the bike. A neighbor, Winston Benson, was a quite serious and accomplished cyclist. And, a friend at work, Kerr Spencer, sold me a Trek mountain bike to help fund his purchase of a road Kestrel. It all came together and the bike bug bit…big time.

I began to ride a new Trek 1200 on the road for distance and time, very slow and short at first. But, the challenge of metric centuries and the newly discovered El Tour de Tucson were magnetic. Somehow, in the space of two years, I lowered my El Tour 75 mile time from 6:30 to 4:59.

Then, Winston died in a cycling accident in Scottsdale. My friend, cycling hero (Senior Olympics National Silver Medalist) and mentor was gone. I didn’t sleep for a week. That is when my bicycling advocacy passion began.

In subsequent years I helped put on the “Memorial Ride for Safety” for the CAzB. Rich Rumer and Bill Lazenby were mentors and friends. It was a given that we would work together on this ride each year. One year, we also had a “summit meeting” between Rich, myself (a PMBC officer at the time) and the president of ABC, and agreed that clubs would put on rides and help fund the CAzB out of our proceeds. The CAzB would be the advocacy organization and the clubs would focus on rides and channeling some money their way.

I eventually joined the board of the CAzB and was later encouraged to run for president. I have simply taken on this role out of a sense of duty to Winston and other cyclists who have been injured or killed. Also, I do it because of a desire to make Arizona a safer place for all bicyclists. Jean Gorman, Richard DeBernardis, Rich Rumer, Bill Lazenby, Reed Kempton, Matt Zoll, Mike Sanders, Sterling Baer, Daniel Paduchowski, Randy Victory and many others have been my inspiration. I am far from being the complete bicycling expert, but I have read, studied and ridden since the late 1980’s (with only one PBAA platinum medal and no USCF wins, so I never really excelled on the bike), and I serve the cycling community with no agenda other than to make Arizona a better, safer and more fun place to ride. If things go as planned, I will turn over CAzB leadership to an inspired and more capable leader by early 2013. We have some significant programs to accomplish in 2012, and then the torch should be passed. That’s my plan, and I’m sticking to it…

Hearing on Arizona Stop-as-yield bill scheduled

2012-01-24T20:12:00.003-07:00

50th 2nd regular session (2012) HB2211; this bill would allow cyclists (16 years and older) to treat stop signs as yield, similar to the law in Idaho.

HEARING SCHEDULED Thursday 1/26/2012 at 9AM (NOT 9 pm as was erroneously stated... sorry) PM by the House Transportation committee. All video is archived, in case you miss it live.

UPDATE: BILL PASSES out of the Transportation Committee 1/26/2012, on an 8-2 vote. It was passed "DP" (do pass. i.e. passed without any amendment). If you didn't see it live, you can catch it on archived, but it looks like there is a day or two delay...

Lots of background info at azbikelaw.org/blog/tag/stop/

CAzB Member Discount

2012-01-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to CAzB Member's Discount Program.
The Coalition is pleased to announce a new benefit, exclusively for our members; we're teaming up with area bike shops across Arizona to bring you discounts. Simply show your current CAzB membership card and receive special discounts. Not a member? Join the Coalition now.

Thanks to Domenic's, Adventure Bicycle Company, Round Trip Bike Shop, Bicycle Vibe, Two-Wheel Jones, Junction Bicycle, Paragon Cycling, Ajo Bike, and Fairwheel Bikes for being on board with the initial rollout, and supporting the Coalition in its goal of improving conditions for cyclists across Arizona.

Is your favorite shop not listed? Have them contact Chris at cazbike@cazbike.org .... and get on board! All Arizona shops are eligible, and signup is easy and FREE.

We're adding shops all the time, so check back often.

CLICK HERE to see the current shop list.

Phoenix places SLMs and BMUFL signs 48th and Guadalupe

2012-01-18T11:16:00.001-07:00

In very late 2011/ very early 2012, the city of Phoenix has placed some SLM (Shared Lane Marking, a.k.a. "Sharrow") and BMUFL signs (Bikes May Use Full Lane; technically called R4-11) along 48th Street North of Piedmont; this then turns into Guadalupe Road which bends due east and continues over I-10. This is perhaps a bit more than 1/2 mile.

Because of some peculiar geography, the road represents one of the only ways to enter/exit the Ahwatukee (section of Phoenix) and get to e.g. Greater Phoenix, or Tempe. It is the ONLY connection that does not involve I-10. See http://azbikelaw.org/blog/48th-street-piedmont-to-guadalupe/ for more background and pictures.

As of right now, the signs are all up. The markings, however, have not been placed/painted yet on the southern part of the project, and the markings that were placed on the northern half were erroneously painted too far to the right.

The Coalition will continue to monitor the situation, and would like to thank the City of Phoenix and staff engineers Kerry Wilcoxon and (bike coordinator) Joe Perez for the project, and wish for a speedy completion; which is currently being held up while thermoplastic markings are procured... see update

Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 2:35 PM
Ed,
We are in the process of purchasing thermo plastic sharrow markings. These are expensive but should wear like leather and will last longer than the asphalt they are being installed on. When the thermo symbols come in we will have them applied in the center of the curb lane in both directions and will black out the painted sharrows on the right side of the road now. There is also a portion of Guadalupe between 48th Street and the end of City Right of Way near the bridge over I-10 that is scheduled to be repaved in the next year or so. When we install the thermo markings on 48th Street we will correct the markings on Guadalupe in paint and then once the overlay is complete we will install new thermo markings on Guadalupe up to the bridge. On a curvy road like 48th Street and Guadalupe I would much rather have a dedicated bike lane but that would require dropping a thru lane which is not something we have authorization to do at this point.
I hope this helps.
Thanks.
Kerry Wilcoxon,
P.E. City of Phoenix Street Transportation Dept Safety and Neighborhood Traffic Section
Ph.: 602-262-4613
e-mail: kerry.wilcoxon@phoenix.gov

Central Ave Phoenix gets a Road Diet

2012-01-09T13:17:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend, the City of Phoenix successfully completed the addition of bike lanes along Central Avenue from Camelback Road to Bethany Home Road as part of a "Road Diet".
Sunday afternoon, January 8th, there were many bicyclists already enjoying the addition. The Coalition commends and appreciates the efforts of the city of Phoenix and all authorities that continue to work to make forward progress in providing better, safer routes for bicyclists all over Arizona.

The roadway formerly had 3 lanes in each direction, and no specific bicyclist facility; after the "diet" there are 2 lanes in each direction plus a buffer-separated bike lane. There is detailed information from city staff linked at azbikelaw.org including specific engineering data, traffic counts, etc.

Meet Robert Jenson

2012-01-08T16:09:00.001-07:00

Bob Jenson

Bob is the Coalition's Vice-President.
Robert started riding a bicycle about ten years of age, and was inseparable from it through grade school and even University.
He volunteered for several years in the Phoenix Recycles Bicycles program rebuilding bicycles for homeless, schools, job transportation and special needs until the program was shut down by the city as being too expensive. He rode for several years for the MS Society in the Parker Dam Ride, and commuted to work for over thirty years. He was involved in the last two bike maps that were published by Wide World of Maps, and has since been involved in the updating of the MAG bike maps.
Along with Peter Mather, he has been the driving force behind the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists swap meet for the past twelve years, and is now turning over the reins to another group. He has been active in attempting to get more cyclist involvement in the design and building of new facilities that would have previously been designed strictly for motorized travel with no cycling facilities. An active cyclist, heʼs out on the road usually three days a week now since retirement instead of the ﬁve while gainfully employed.
He joined the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists many years ago because of a desire to improve conditions for cyclists and to help cyclists learn how to behave on our roadways. We have too many injuries and fatalities, and the CAzB organization is here to help curb these issues.

Flagstaff modernizes their city bike codes

2012-01-07T08:23:00.004-07:00

The Flagstaff City Council gave final approval to Ordinance No. 2011-26, which makes a number of revisions to Title 9, Chapter 5 of the Flagstaff City Code, which regulates the operation of bicycles.
The changes include the following…

Modifies definitions and regulations to (for the most part) match Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS)
Modifies the language of the “ride right” rule to match ARS; adds exceptions for situations when cyclists should leave the right side of the roadway for safety
Removes requirement for bicyclists to ride in a bike lane and replaces it with the “ride right” rule
Removes the “sidepath law” which requires bicyclists to ride on a path adjacent to the road when one is provided
Eliminates mandatory bicycle registration; adds a provision requiring the Police Department to provide for voluntary registration
Requires bicyclists on sidewalks and paths to yield to pedestrians and provide an audible warning when overtaking pedestrians
Removes several sections that were confusing, contradicted the normal rules of the road, and discriminated against bicyclists

These revisions were discussed by the City’s Bicycle Advisory Committee for several years, and are a significant step forward for bicyclists in Flagstaff

You can view the actual ordinace mark-ups at the link above; The Flagstaff city bike page has some more details about the proposals. There's a really great document the Martin prepared that shows side-by-side in colors the old code, new code, and explanation. FlagstaffCityCodeBicyclesRevisions.pdf

You can view Flagstaff's City Code in full online. Bicycle-related codes are in Title 9 Traffic; then 9-05 Bicycles. It usually takes some time until the updates get reflected there.

Here, for posterity, is a copy of the bad codes; all seem to have been passed in 1973 (Ord. 903, 11-9-73), and includes mandatory bike lane use as well as mandatory sidepath use (9-05-001-0005 and 9-05-001-0016 which prohibits leaving a bike lane), plus the "right-hooking cyclists in bike lanes is okay" rule 9-05-001-0015.

Progress in the Santa Cruz Valley

2011-12-23T21:06:00.003-07:00

The Santa Cruz Valley Bicycle Advocate Committee (SCVBAC) has had another successful year. This year's Highlights and Objectives for next year are shown below. We appreciate the continued support and encouragement of Pima County, Sahuarita, ADOT, and the Green Valley Council to make all this happen. For updates to our "Master Plan" and "Projects Completed and Underway" since 2004, pls refer to our website, www.scvbac.org.
Thanks for continuing to make our region a real paradise to live and bike.
-Bill Adamson, Co-Chair SCVBAC

SCVBAC 2011 HIGHLIGHTS
1. FOUR BIKE LANE PROJECTS COMPLETED

SAHUARITA RD (I-19 – LA VILLITA)
I-19 EFR (CONTINENTAL RD – CANOA EXIT)
CONTINENTAL RD (LA CANADA – ABREGO)
WHITEHOUSE CANYON RD (OLD NOGALES HWY – CONTINENTAL SCHOOL)

2. TWO SHARED-USE PATHS COMPLETED

LA VILLITA (SAHUARITA RD – RANCHO SAHUARITA BLVD)
WHITEHOUSE CANYON RD (MADERA RESERVE – CONTINENTAL SCHOOL)

3. ANZA TRAIL

CONNECTED TO ABREGO TRAIL HEAD THRU TORRES BLANCAS GOLF CLUB
ALIGNMENT DEFINED THRU SAHUARITA

4. RIDE OF SILENCE – HELD 6TH ANNUAL RIDE

5. SANTA CRUZ VALLEY BIKE MAP UPDATED & 12,000 COPIES PRINTED

6. INCREASE RIDERSHIP – PLAN DEVELOPED AND INITIATED

7. CONTINUED COORDINATION, PLANNING, AND ADVOCACIES WITH:

PCDOT, SAHUARITA, ADOT, PAG
RTA BIKE/PED WORKING GROUP, TUCSON-PIMA COUNTY BAC
PC BOND ADVISORY COMM, PC CONSERVATION ACQUISITION COMMISSION
PC SHERIFF OFFICE - GREEN VALLEY SUBSTATION
GREEN VALLEY COUNCIL

Cottonwood Gets Sharrows

2011-12-16T22:17:00.001-07:00

Cottonwood, AZ – December 16th, 2011, 12:00 – Bike shop owner Aaron Ruda was the first cyclist to use the sharrows painted on 12th Street in Cottonwood on Friday. The Public Works crew that had just painted the new roadway markings and can be seen driving away. Shared-use lane markings, or "sharrows", are used on roadways which are too narrow for bike lanes. They help remind motorists to share the road with bicycles, and indicate to cyclists the lawful direction of travel. Sharrows were adopted into the Federal Highway Administration's Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) December 16th, 2009 – two years ago. The new shared-use lane markings in Cottonwood are the first to be installed in the Verde Valley. More info on sharrows can be found here.

photo/text Randy Victory

Road Hazard Hotline

2011-12-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

To report a hazardous road condition | email: roadhazard@cazbike.org

If you are out riding and spot some dangerous road hazard conditions (Cattle guards, dangerous longitudinal cracks and rail road crossing pavement buckling, etc. Generally NOT simply debris.).

Please contact us with and include the following information:

Type of hazard (description).
Detailed location.
Date observed.
Your Contact information

A volunteer from the Coalition will bring this to the attention of the relevant jurisdiction. In tough budget times we might be able to help out our local, county and state transportation folks, prevent some bicyclist injuries (or worse) and earn some points toward future cooperation.

To report a hazardous road condition | email: roadhazard@cazbike.org

Meet Mary Kaye Black

2011-12-15T15:31:00.001-07:00

Mary Kaye is the Coalition's Eastern Arizona Representative, and currently serves on the Board of Directors.
I currently live in Gilbert, but I grew up in Graham County. Since I spend a lot of time in Eastern Arizona, I cover that area of the state for the Coalition.
I started cycling a few years ago when I had to use a bike as my means of getting back and forth to school after wrecking my truck. I realized that I just loved the feeling of being able make the bike move faster or slower depending on my effort. One day as I was riding home after class at Mesa Community College, a road cyclist sailed by me with little or no effort, and I realized the cyclist that had just passed had given me a goal.
A few years later I got even more serious about cycling and started tracking my miles, and realized that one of my favorite things about cycling is that it a huge, "humbler." You can ride the same course several days in a row and not have the same experience. Some days are hot, some days you have a head-wind, and some days are cold. The days that keep me cycling and keeping my wanting to learn how to ride better the days are typical sunny Arizona days when the pedals seem to have more than just the power that I give them to turn around, and I feel like I am flying.
I got involved with The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists when I had progressed enough on my own that I wanted to explore roads / highways outside the metro area and saw changes that needed to be mad to make cycling safer for everyone.
Arizona has some incredibly gorgeous scenary and great places where all types of cyclists, be they mountain bikers, road cyclists, those who participate in BMX, or those who are just out for a short ride on a cruiser can relax and have fun. We simply all need to work together and with our state and local governments and communities to make sure we keep cyclists in mind and make thing safer for all of us.

Ride the Vortex: Sedona Verde Valley

2011-12-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

April 14/15, 2012

http://bikeaza.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_AZA_homepage

Meet Ed Beighe

2011-12-13T12:29:00.001-07:00

Ed Beighe

Ed is the Coalition's Webmaster.
Ed has been riding primarily for transportation, and to enjoy the health benefits, from his home in the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix on a daily basis for over 10 years. Ed also enjoys recreational MTB riding on the many trails of nearby South Mountain Park, the "largest urban park in the United States".
A twenty-year computer industry veteran, Ed handles the Coalition's website and technology needs, and also writes a personal blog at azbikelaw.org, covering transportation safety, justice, engineering and other issues, as well as monitoring legal issues of particular interest to Arizona's bicyclists.
Ed was named the Coalition's "Volunteer of the year" in 2009, and currently is serving on the Board of Directors.
.

Meet Sheila Foraker

2011-11-29T15:13:00.001-07:00

Sheila Foraker

Sheila is the Coalition's Southern Arizona Representative.
I love bicycles. If it has at least two wheels, I'll ride it (two wheel minimum, since I haven't figured out unicycles). Knobby, skinny, 20" - 29," fixed, single or geared, its all good. I love to race, but I'm cool with taking it easy on the bike path.
My first bike was a blue and white girl's 24" Murray Missile. When my friends were getting bikes with banana seats I wanted one, too. My parents said there was nothing wrong with my bike. Sorry mom and dad-wrong answer! I bought a can of gray spray paint, a banana seat and high rise handle bars. Off with the fenders and chain guard and on with paint, seat and new bars. Soon I was crashing with the best of them and loving every minute.
Many bikes have taken me many miles since that Murray Missile, but I've never forgotten the freedom it offered. As a League of American Bicyclst's Certified Instructor, I work to revive that feeling in people I teach. Whether working with kids or adults, road bikes or mountain bikes, its all the same. Getting people on bikes is always a good thing.

Traffic Skills 101: Dec 3 THIS SATURDAY

2011-11-29T12:09:00.001-07:00

THIS SATURDAY!
This is our Nation's premiere street bicycling program taught by instructors certified by the League of American Bicyclists. Learn the basics of bicycle and helmet fit. Learn state bicycle laws. Learn how to predict and prevent crashes, and how to bail out as a last resort! Learn how to operate your bicycle in a skillful and confident manner, in any traffic -- any time!
This class is designed to be of value to new and veteran cyclists. Class begins at 9am and finishes at 5pm. Global Bikes, 835 N. Gilbert Rd. #111 Gilbert, AZ 85234
Please visit www.meetup.com/Global-Bikes-Meetup/events/41668692/ for full information.

Meet Randy Victory

2011-11-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

Randy Victory serves as CAzBike's Northern Arizona Representative.

Chip & Karen Davis discussing
bicycling with Randy

Known as "Ranger Randy," Victory works at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood. He often patrols the park on his bicycle, offering his own special brand of friendly assistance to the public. Born in San Francisco, he grew up near Dallas, Texas, not far from six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong's childhood home. After graduating from Redwood High School in Marin County, California –the birthplace of the mountain bike, Victory began cycling in the Rocky Mountains near Denver, logging 10,000 miles a year on his bike.
In fact, he lived an entirely car-free lifestyle, handling everything from commuting to shopping, "Although I really don't miss riding through the snow in sub-zero temperatures!"

Volunteerism comes naturally to Victory, who was a Boy Scout and later volunteered as a National Mountain Bike Patroller, a program sponsored by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Besides trail building, he learned a lot about working with the public. "Volunteering really helped the Forest Service and the sense of fulfillment, accomplishment and service was phenomenal," Victory says. "It also ended up leading to my current career!"

"Transportation is incredibly important to human beings. We even have a special symbol for people with mobility limitations. I've always believed that I should be able to freely choose my mode of transportation. If you look at our Federal budget, transportation is second only to defense. At the State level, transportation is the biggest budget item. According to the latest statistics, transportation costs for the average American household are second only to housing costs. So as you can see, we place a high regard on mobility. I'd like to help create a community where individuals actually have realistic choices about how to get to school, or work, or to the park – where they don't just climb into a car because they're afraid to get there any other way, or feel compelled to act as full-time chauffeurs to their kids because they feel the streets are unsafe," Victory says.

Victory was the founder of the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition, a bicycle advocacy group whose membership promotes "share the road" principles, education, and bicycle infrastructure integration on behalf of the local community. Learn more by logging on to the VVCC Web site, www.vvcc.us. The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists asked him to serve on their board for a time, after Victory made three trips to the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C. as part of the Arizona delegation. He also serves on the ADOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Cottonwood Bicycle Advisory Committee. "We don't accomplish anything without the people around us," Victory emphasizes.

In the coming years Arizona will probably be a lot bigger, and one of Victory's goals is to work toward creating complete streets – streets that address the needs of pedestrians, bikes, cars, commercial traffic, kids, people who have had DUI or other license trouble or for some reason can't drive, the disabled and adults – not just adults in cars.

The biggest challenge for cycling is compensating for the past 50 years of no education or bad education, Victory believes. "Education is a big part of the answer to so many of the world's problems, and cycling is no exception. We need to help non-cyclists understand that infrastructure improvements and bicycle facilities benefit the entire community, not just bicyclists, and the time to put these improvements in place is now, while the cost is still low. Retrofits can often be a burden to the taxpayer."

Promoting the bicycle as a preferred mode of transportation, Victory advises, "Just do it! Riding a bike is patriotic! And, if you're going to do it, remember cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as operators of vehicles. Some folks ride their bikes in a manner driven by fear. So, they ride illegally and unpredictably." A League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructor, Victory advises bicyclists not to do anything on bicycles that they wouldn't do in cars, like riding on the sidewalk or against traffic.

There's never a dull moment in Victory's life. "After so many years acting as a full-time bicycle advocate, it's nice to be able to branch out." he says. He is still active as a cycling advocate, a National Mountain Bike Patrol Instructor, teaches beginner mountain bike classes, spends a fair amount of time riding & wrenching on bikes, and even gets to hang out at the local bike shop!

It's not surprising that Victory's favorite quote is Albert Einstein recalling conceptualizing the Theory of Relativity, "I thought of that while riding my bike."

Phoenix Political Pedal Power (P4) endorses greg Stanton

2011-11-01T21:37:00.001-07:00

During the November 1, 2011 meeting of Phoenix Political Pedal Power (P4), the responses from the Candidates for Mayor of Phoenix were evaluated. P4 sincerely appreciates the time and effort given by each candidate.

The objectives of P4 are to influence the elections and decisions of City policy makers towards the betterment of Phoenix so that our favorite mode of transportation and recreation is encouraged, education is provided on safe and effective use of a bicycle, facilities are engineered in the same way, rules of the road are enforced for all users of the roadways, and how these efforts are progressing is evaluated regularly. Some of the questions included aspects of sustainable living. Cycling and sustainability, particularly the public transit aspects, have a strong synergy. Each benefits from the other, hence this topic was included in our questions.

The members found that a few of the answers were equally in line with our objectives. At the same time each candidate's approach to the role of City Government became apparent. We found that the preponderance of answers by Mr. Stanton were substantially more in line with our objectives. Further, Mr. Stanton's track record of cycling considerations vis a vis question number six was clearly ahead in our judgement.

Therefore, Phoenix Political Pedal Power endorses Mr. Greg Stanton for Mayor of Phoenix and encourages anyone eligible to vote in this November 8 election to vote for him.

CAzbike Officers

2011-10-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

The (new) Board of Directors elected the following slate of officers at their first meeting which was held October 17, 2010:

Bob Beane - President
Bob Jenson - Vice President
Kathy Mills - Vice President of Education
Gail Hildebrandt - Treasurer
Sheila Foraker - Secretary

Results of elections for Board of Director seats at the 2011 Annual meeting held Oct 10:

Gene Holmerud, and Alison Van Uum will be stepping down as board members -- the Coalition would like to thank them for all their hard work over the years. Alison will stay on as Membership Chair, and Gene will continue to monitor Rail safety issues relating to bicyclists.

The following board members will retain their seats:

Sterling Baer,
Bob Beane,
Sheila Foraker,
Bob Jenson,
Mike Kitchen,
Kathy Mills.

New board members include:

Ed Beighe; Ed is currently the Coalition's webmaster.
Mary Kaye Black; Mary Kaye is the Coalitions Eastern Arizona Representative.
Wayne Churchman; Wayne is also PBAA's event director for El Tour de Mesa.
Gail Hildebrandt; Gail formerly served as Coalition president.
Sheryl Keeme; Sheryl is the founder of Girls Gone Riding., and organization to help and encourage women to participate in bicycling.

Officers will be elected at the next board meeting.
For those of you who plan in advance: the Coalition's 2012 Annual Membership Meeting will be held Monday September 10, 2012.

Coalition Board of Directors changes

2011-10-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those who came out for our 2011 Annual meeting. An election was held for board of directors positions.
Gene Holmerud, and Alison Van Uum will be stepping down as board members -- the Coalition would like to thank them for all their hard work over the years. Alison will stay on as Membership Chair.

The following board members will retain their seats:

Sterling Baer,
Bob Beane,
Sheila Foraker,
Bob Jenson,
Mike Kitchen,
Kathy Mills.

New board members include:

Ed Beighe; Ed is currently the Coalition's webmaster.
Mary Kaye Black; Mary Kaye is the Coalitions Eastern Arizona Representative.
Wayne Churchman; Wayne is also PBAA's event director for El Tour de Mesa.
Gail Hildebrandt; Gail formerly served as Coalition president.
Sheryl Keeme; Sheryl is the founder of Girls Gone Riding., and organization to help and encourage women to participate in bicycling.

Officers will be elected at the next board meeting.
For those of you who plan in advance: the Coalition's 2012 Annual Membership Meeting will be held Monday September 10, 2012.

President’s Report – 2011 Annual Meeting

2011-10-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

CAzB President’s Report – 2011 Annual Membership Meeting

Meeting/Committee Participation – e.g. MAG Bicycle Pedestrian Committee, Glendale Bicycle Advisory Committee
Phoenix Bicycle Summit participation
Cover Article for League of American Bicyclists Mar/Apr Magazine – Red Rock Road Extreme Road Makeover (Sedona/VOC Hwy 179 Project)
Executive Director Hired
Clear Channel radio interviews – safe cycling, 3-foot safe passing distance, etc.
Meeting with Verde Valley advocates and Yavapai County transportation staff to improve plans for paved shoulders on Cornville Road
LAB “Bicycle Friendly State” evaluation LAB “Bicycle Friendly Community” evaluations – Scottsdale, Tempe, Phoenix
Alliance for Biking & Walking Workshop – Tucson (participated and connected with Tucson advocates, ADOT representatives, Tucson Transportation staff and public officials)
ADOT Bicycle Safety Action Plan (input) and Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update Committee (participation and input) - ongoing
Submitting programs to MAG for funding: (1) Law Enforcement Officer Training, (2) Adult/Teen “Ready to Ride” program – in progress
Active Lifestyle Vehicle competition/fund-raising event (October 22)

Robert A. Beane President
Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists

CA 3-foot passing bill vetoed

2011-10-04T12:27:00.002-07:00

The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists supports the passage of California's Senate Bill 910

Mr. Jim Brown
Communications Director
California Bicycle Coalition
1017 L Street, #288, Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: 3 Foot Safe Passing Distance Law

Dear Mr. Brown:

The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists would like to express our support for enactment of a three foot safe passing distance law (requiring motorists to allow a safe passing distance when coming upon and passing bicyclists from the rear) in California.
With respect to any assertion that this type of law may cause some major difficulties or “mayhem”, we simply have not found that to be the case in Arizona where the law has been in effect for over ten years.
This law has been added to the driver’s manual, and a related question is in the driver test rotation. Our organization provides periodic media messages (primarily radio) and ADOT has some safety messaging and has a created a video on Sharing the Road that includes this concept.
Enforcement is generally confined to collision incidents where it is clear that a violation has occurred.

Sincerely,
Robert A. Beane
President, Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists
(501 c 3 bicycling advocacy and education organization directly representing over 3,000 individual and club member bicyclists in Arizona)
(623)252-0931

Two ADOT Planning Projects

2011-09-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

...that Arizona Bicyclists Should Follow

By Bob Beane, President, Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists

Until about two years ago, when I became president of the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists, the portions of ADOT activity that affected bicyclists were a mystery to me. Well, at times, they are still a mystery. But, I can honestly say that the CAzB has been invited to the table to provide input in several meaningful efforts in the last few years. And, that participation has lifted the curtain on some aspects of how things happen in our state. What I have found is that, if we stay engaged and active, we can make a difference.

But, there are only so many of us with so much time to review, discuss and comment. And, we only live in certain places and are aware of a certain basket of issues as a result. So, I am reaching out to the AZ bicycling community asking some of you to become more involved…represent your club, your community, your riding buddies or just yourself as a commuting or touring bicyclist. Get a bit more involved. Get up to speed on a few active programs that are in progress, think about the issues and concerns you have and provide some ideas and constructive input.

There are two planning projects currently in progress that Arizona Bicyclists should follow. Via these projects, every AZ bicyclist has some potential opportunity to affect access and safety on state roads and highways in Arizona. So, if you have contributions to make, your first step is to know about these programs, what they are trying to accomplish, who is working on them and how to register your input.

· First, the ADOT Bicycle Safety Action Plan (Recommendations and Next Steps to Improve Bicycle Safety in Arizona) – This plan is partly in response to the fact that in 2008 Arizona ranked 9^th highest in the nation for bicyclist fatalities per million residents. Also, between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008, there were 1,089 recorded bicycle-motor vehicle crashes. This plan is very data-driven in that it will emphasize addressing locations and causes identified from the above statistics/incidents. Potential improvements are expected to come from the following: (1) engineering solutions, (2) education of bicyclists and motorists, (3) improving enforcement of laws and regulations. The goal is to reduce the number of crashes by 12% by 2018. How ambitious this goal is depends on what happens with population, development and numbers of bicyclists riding on state roads in that period, but it is never-the-less a goal of reducing crashes by 26 per year. As background information, a location analysis indicates that most of the high-frequency spot locations are freeway ramp intersections or frontage roads. However, three of four segment locations (stretches of road) where crash frequencies are high are in Flagstaff. Only 2 of the top 15 segments (rated by crashes per mile per year) are in Maricopa County, and only 5 of the top 15 are Maricopa or Pima County…most are in the mid-sized communities around the state. The plan seeks to strengthen accommodation requirements when engineering projects, recommends a Complete Streets policy and more bike-friendly freeway interchange designs and stresses both education and enforcement improvements with respect to both motorists and bicyclists. People working on this plan include ADOT staff, a consulting firm (Kimley-Horn and Associates), FHWA staff and a few selected advocates (CAzB being one) around the state.

· Second, the ADOT Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update – This plan review and update is intended to continue guidance for the ADOT Bicycle and Pedestrian program. The current update is likely to set a tone for more equal footing for bicyclists and pedestrians in roadway design and construction. It will approach that goal, in part, by seeking input from bicyclists and pedestrians as to wants, desires and unmet needs related to use of those modes instead of motor vehicles. There may be specific recommendations regarding changes to AZ laws, ADOT policies, design guidelines and other challenges to the “status quo”. And, education and enforcement recommendations will almost certainly be included. People working on this plan include ADOT staff, a consulting firm (Kimley-Horn and Associates), FHWA staff and a number of bicycling, walking, health, livable community, law enforcement, transportation and other advocates (including the CAzB).

As opportunities for public input are scheduled, ADOT will be communicating those to a variety of constituent representatives, one of which is the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists. The CAzB will, in turn, make a best effort to inform the Arizona bicycling community of those times and means of providing input.

But, you don’t have to wait.

For more information on these programs, as it becomes available, you may visit ADOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian program web site at www.azbikeped.org and/or contact Michael Sanders atMSanders@azdot.gov.

If you want to support the ongoing efforts, but don’t feel that you have the time or expertise to comment, rest assured that the CAzB will be deeply involved in both of these projects. Your memberships and donations help us maintain our overall ongoing efforts (note that we are a non-profit 501 c 3…board members and officers are unpaid volunteers…but, we do have a paid Executive Director who works 30+ hours per week and we have other expenses to support our advocacy and education efforts on your behalf).

Eric Post Law Named Bicyclist Friendly Business

2011-09-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Eric Post serves the Coalition's Legal Advisor:

The League of American Bicyclists announced the Law Office of Eric Post is a Silver Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB), in a diverse and groundbreaking number of 111 new BFBs across the United States. The variety in the type and size of businesses applying for the BFB award shows the many different ways to create a Bicycle Friendly Business. The Law Office of Eric Post has worked hard to increase bicycle friendliness in the workplace... read more from Tucson Endurance Sports | Examiner.com

BFC: Scottsdale gets gold; Tempe renews silver; Phx gets honorable mention

2011-09-14T10:05:00.001-07:00

League Announces Fall 2011 Bicycle Friendly Communities

Scottsdale was awarded Gold level, up from Silver. Tempe renewed their Silver level. And Phoenix for the first time received Honorable Mention.

Arizona communities currently enjoying BFC status are

Gold -- Tucson/East Pima Region, Scottsdale
Silver -- Tempe, and Flagstaff
Bronze -- Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Sedona

Read the LAB press release here.

CAzBike Membership ANNUAL Meeting: Monday October 10

2011-09-12T18:30:00.001-07:00

Notices: Our regular September meeting has been cancelled; and our regular October meeting will be held one week earlier than usual.

Our next scheduled meeting will be our ANNUAL meeting:
Monday October 10, 2011. 6:00PM. Location: Boulders on Broadway Bar and Grill (map) 530 W. Broadway in Tempe AZ 85282, 480.921.9431

Annual elections for board seats will be held.