Ready for more protected bike lanes in SoMa?

Posted on by Darren Newell

The year might be coming to a close, but we’re not done getting protected bike lanes approved and in the ground.

Join Supervisor Matt Haney and the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) for a community meeting on December 11 where City planners will present and seek feedback on two more bike projects in SoMa: Howard Street (from Embarcadero to Third) and Seventh Street (from Townsend to Folsom).

I’m There

District 6 Traffic Safety Community Meeting
Wednesday, December 11 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Bessie Carmichael Elementary School, 375 Seventh Street

In May, Mayor London Breed challenged the SFMTA to build 20 miles of protected bike lanes in two years. City planners went to work right away using the new quick-build process to upgrade existing bike lanes across the city and build new ones to close gaps in the bike network. The two projects in SoMa are critical to San Francisco because they will close gaps on some of our city’s most popular bike routes and provide protected bike lanes for the entire length of Howard Street and Seventh Street.

We are so grateful for Supervisor Haney’s continued support, especially a time when we are seeing more pedestrians hit and killed on our streets than ever before. It takes leadership like his to bring urgency to designing streets that put people first.

Along with the Supervisor’s support, the quick-build process has given the SFMTA a new tool to get protected bike lane projects in the ground more rapidly, and we’re thrilled with the speed and efficiency at which lanes have been going in as a result. With the quick-build process in place, that means December 11’s community meeting will be a one-stop-shop to view the proposals and provide feedback to City planners so we can get this project approved and constructed soon afterward.

There’s no time to waste when it comes to addressing street safety, so we hope to see you at the community meeting to give your support so we can continue to build more protected bike lanes in SoMa.

Will you join us on December 11? RSVP today.

“Community Bike Build” program becomes “Bike It Forward”

Posted on by Jo-Anne Burgess

Through our Community Bike Build program, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has given away hundreds of bicycles, spreading the joy of biking and providing San Franciscans with an affordable and environmentally friendly way of getting around. Thanks to a city ordinance, we receive abandoned bikes from city agencies like the SFMTA, refurbish them and distribute them to low-income residents across the city through partnerships with community-based organizations.

When the program was started over five years ago, we worked with community members to repair a bike that would then become their own. Since then, the program has changed to reflect an increase in demand and feedback from the community: many people who couldn’t afford to purchase a bike also could not afford to spend the time required to learn to repair a bike. In order to connect more people to sustainable, inexpensive transportation, we no longer ask community members to repair their own bikes. Instead, we focus on the safety of recipients. Recipients are required to attend our urban bicycle education class before they are fitted to their new bicycle, practice safe biking skills, and leave with a helmet, lock, and lights.

This evolution means that the name of our program is now a bit of a misnomer. We no longer “build bikes” with recipients, which has caused some confusion among potential partner organizations, and with people who want to volunteer or donate parts or bikes. We have made the decision to rename the program to better reflect the direction of the program and work that is being done. Bike It Forward, a play on Pay it Forward, embodies the spirit of the program, the way we are able to accomplish the work being done, and the hope that recipients will be inspired to help other community members connect with bikes in the future. We feel that the name will be a better fit as the program continues to grow and evolve.

If you’re interested in helping us get more San Franciscans on bicycles and learning about bike repair, volunteer with us! Any and all skill levels are welcome to wrench with us each and every Wednesday at Community Repair Night. Learn more sign up at sfbike.org/volunteer.

Voters Approve Rideshare Tax

Posted on by Janice Li

Now that all the votes are counted, we have exciting news to share: By passing Proposition D, San Francisco is now the first city in California to successfully tax rideshare companies.

It’s been a long journey to get here, and we have many to thank for this historic win. In particular, we would have never gotten here without the political leadership of Supervisor Aaron Peskin along with all three state legislators who represent San Francisco: Assemblymember Phil Ting, Assemblymember David Chiu and Senator Scott Wiener.

Beginning next year, for every rideshare trip that starts in San Francisco, transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft are required to pay a business tax that will help raise approximately $30 million a year. Half of the revenues will go to Muni to improve transit service and the other half will fund bicycle and pedestrian safety projects.

That means that all those Uber and Lyft rides you see in the city will pay for the kind of protected bike lane projects we see going in the ground right now, like on Fifth Street and Townsend Street. Supervisor Peskin has also promised the revenues will help hire more bus drivers to increase Muni reliability.

We want to also thank Mayor London Breed for her support on this measure and congratulate her on winning her re-election. And lastly, we are so grateful for our members. This measure needed two-thirds voter approval and the current results has Proposition D passing with 67.65% of voters in favor. Every vote mattered, and we can’t thank you enough for being part of the people-powered movement that won this victory that will transform our city.

Not yet a member of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition? Join or renew your membership today.

Meet Darya, our September Membership Giveaway Winner

Posted on by Melissa Lewis

In September, we offered the chance to win a sweepstakes package worth $700 to anyone who joined as a member, renewed their membership, and/or became a monthly giver. Out of the hundreds who joined our movement during the month of September, Darya Soofi (who uses she/her pronouns) was our winner! Darya is a Conservation Manager for the San Francisco Unified School District Sustainability Office, and has been a member since 2016. We checked in with her to see how the $700 sweepstakes prizes were treating her, and to find out more about why she continues to renew her membership annually.

What made you want to join SF Bicycle Coalition as a member?

I wanted to join the SF Bike Coalition because I believe the work you do is important in creating a safe and equitable biking community. In other places I’ve lived, there were no such things as a protected bike lanes or sharrows. I had always thought biking was something fun you did in the parks, and never considered it to be a form of commuting. It wasn’t until I moved to San Francisco that I started to see and experience this biking culture that is both lovely and unique.

We advocate for the bicycle as a form of everyday transportation, and to make that happen, all of our work is based in one or more of our core values (transportation justice, people power, joy and sustainability.) Which of those core values resonates with you the most and why?

Transportation Justice! Not all people learn to ride a bike, nor have access to getting a bike. I like that this organization gets out into the communities and offers these resources at no cost.

What does a bike-friendly San Francisco look like, and mean to you?

It means that everyone, no matter what age or background, feels safe and eager to ride their bike around the city.

Lastly, how’s the membership package you won been treating you so far? 

AMAZING. I couldn’t believe how many items were in the package. I have already taken some friends out with the gift cards to the local eateries, and am super excited to get my bike fitted. Thank you!

It’s Time to Win Page Street

Posted on by Kristen Leckie

Your SF Bicycle Coalition, our members, and neighbors have worked tirelessly alongside City staff for years to create a safe and comfortable Page Street for people biking and walking. On November 19, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Board is set to approve this project. Can we count on you to turn out for the win?

I’m There!

Earlier this year, Supervisor Vallie Brown pushed for an aggressive pilot on Page Street after years of delays. City staff revealed the proposals at a well-attended open house in August, which included traffic diversions, a protected downhill bikeway, an uphill bike lane and turn restrictions. Since then, the SFMTA held additional community outreach events with merchants and neighbors along Haight and Page streets to address concerns and refine the proposal. Now, they’re ready to bring it before the SFMTA Board of Directors for final approval, and we need you there.

We’ve collected data, interviewed stakeholders, and hosted numerous open houses over the years. Let’s finally put to rest the planning process and get solid improvements in the ground to address the chronic and dangerous vehicle congestion.

Let’s keep putting walking and biking first on Page Street. Join us and win the project on November 19.

If you can’t make it to City Hall on November 19, write a letter of support to the SFMTA to make your voice heard.

SFMTA Board of Directors
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1:00 PM
City Hall, Room 400

We Can Win Safe Routes to Golden Gate Park

Posted on by Kristen Leckie

We love our parks, but it’s hard to enjoy them when it’s not the easiest to get there by biking or by walking. Before you’re able to take in the beauty of Golden Gate Park, it usually involves crossing busy streets with complicated intersections.

We have the opportunity to fix that thanks to funding from Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer, who has been vocal about the need to make our streets safe for pedestrians and to encourage more bicycling in the Richmond. Let’s work together as City planners look to bring bicycle and pedestrian improvements to Fulton Street by next year. Can you take a few minutes today to fill out this survey so we can win safer entrances to and from Golden Gate Park?

We Can Fix Fulton Together

In recent years, street safety projects in the neighborhood have consistently been watered down due to pushback around parking loss, traffic diversion and in general, change. Your SF Bicycle Coalition pushed for more ambitious street safety measures on Arguello Boulevard and Eighth Avenue and rallied members to open houses and City Hall meetings to no avail.

Let’s change that. We’ve known that Fulton is a dangerous corridor and the data makes this clear: between January 2014 and June 2019 there were 230 collisions on the street, including 54 collisions involving someone biking or walking.

Take the Fulton survey today and make sure City planners know that we can’t keep watering down projects if we are going to end traffic fatalities on our streets. This is your first chance to provide direct feedback before the SFMTA dives into the design process. As we gear up for a full campaign to create safer routes to and from the City’s landmark park and the district more broadly, your advocacy matters most now.

Moving on from the SF Bicycle Coalition

Posted on by Charles Deffarges

It is with mixed emotions that I have decided to move on from my time at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. As I prepare for my last week and upcoming challenges, I can’t help but think back over the time I’ve spent on staff here and feel grateful to so many.

I first started at the SF Bicycle Coalition as an intern in 2014. I remember walking into our former 10th-floor office and seeing dozens of bicycles hung up on the wall. “These are the people I want to work with,” I thought to myself. 

Charles in 2014, when he first started at the SF Bicycle Coalition.

Cut to over four years later and I feel so incredibly proud of the work that I’ve been able to do with those same people and so many others. From siting thousands of sidewalk bicycle racks as bicycle parking coordinator to chanting for Market Street on the steps of City Hall just this week as senior community organizer (we won by the way), we’ve accomplished so much together.

None of the work that I’ve been able to be a part of would have been possible without you, our members. Whenever I’m asked what the best part of my job is at the SF Bicycle Coalition is, the answer is easy: working with our membership. Thank you for your advocacy, partnership, and friendship as we’ve taken on project after project, and I can’t wait to see what you all continue to make happen.

So where am I going? I’ve accepted a position to do on-street outreach as a member of the SF Homeless Outreach Team. As a San Franciscan, I can no longer stand by or just volunteer my time while our most vulnerable neighbors just barely hold on. This is a decision years in the making and I’m excited to wholly dedicate my time to working on the issue of homelessness which has so clearly reached crisis levels in this City.

As a final favor, I need your help in making sure the SF Bicycle Coalition’s advocacy remains strong as ever. We are hiring community organizers and we need someone great to lead victories for protected bike lanes citywide and real grassroots solutions to our city’s transportation problems.

Apply Today (or share this out!)

See you in the bike lane,
Charles Deffarges

Our New Bicycle Valet Program Coordinator

Posted on by Christopher White

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition welcomes Chris Luu as our Bicycle Valet Program Coordinator!

Tell us about your role at the SF Bicycle Coalition.

I manage our Valet Bicycle Parking Program, where we offer free, convenient, safe, and monitored bike parking at public and private events. These events range from small community events to all events at Chase Center and all SF Giants home games. I am responsible for day-to-day operational tasks, managing a team of bike valet attendants, logistics work, and the overall program. 

What do you love so far about your job?

I enjoy the opportunity to get experience in a little bit of everything in this Program Coordinator position. Being able to do everything from managing valet attendant staff, logistics work for events where we’re offering Bike Valet, and all of the program development work is exciting for me as I’m growing as a young professional. Going to all the events that offer Bike Valet has also been great, both to get a better feel for how Attendants work at various events (so I can do my job better knowing how the Bike Valet Attendants do theirs), and to give me an opportunity to see all that is going on in San Francisco!

After recently moving to the Bay Area, what do you like about it?

I really like the fact that I don’t have to drive to get everywhere. Coming from SoCal, where everything is at least a 20-30 minute drive, it’s nice utilizing other forms of transportation (walking, biking, public transportation) to get around. I appreciate the fact that I’m getting to hang out with friends up here that I wasn’t able to hang out with as much living in SoCal. I’m enjoying all of the new experiences that I’ve had since moving. Overall, I’m excited about starting the next chapter of my life here in the Bay Area!

When you’re not working or biking, what fills your time?

I watch at least 5-10 hours of pro wrestling a week from a variety of promotions and countries. Professional wrestling is the perfect mix of sport, performance art, & athleticism, and is the coolest thing anyone can be into. I watch Youtube videos on various topics (food, minimalism, mindful living, fitness, etc,) listen to a variety of podcasts (NPR affiliated, The Ground Up Show w/ Matt D’Avella, Tim Ferriss, etc,) and go to various concerts and music festivals. I’ve also been consistently weight training for over five years (mostly powerlifting and bodybuilding, but I’ve been dabbling in Crossfit recently.) 

Get to know Chris and park your bike with us at Chase Center events!

We Won a Car-Free Market

Posted on by Charles Deffarges

Today we made history. We came together, rallied, spoke out and demanded that our City leaders pull cars off of Market Street and build protected bike lanes in their place. We won, and starting this year, Market Street will be forever changed for the better.

Following hours of impassioned public comment, the SF Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors unanimously approved the Better Market Street Project, a plan decades in the making that will restrict private vehicles and build protected bike lanes on Market Street from Embarcadero to Octavia. 

The approvals came after a midday rally where hundreds of SF Bicycle Coalition members joined elected officials and city leaders to call for visionary changes to Market Street and demanded that they are made as soon as possible.

This victory belongs to you, to our members and advocates, our city partners, volunteers, and San Franciscans who never gave up demanding a better Market Street over the years. We could not have done this without you.

Come celebrate this victory with us at Winterfest, our annual holiday party for our members and people who bike! It’s not every day we get to come together and rejoice in a hard-fought victory like Better Market Street. Purchase your ticket today.

We’ve Partnered With Redwood Credit Union

Posted on by Melissa Lewis

When Redwood Credit Union (RCU) opened its beautiful new San Francisco branch on March 11, 2019 at the corner of Market St. and Hayes St., it marked the beginning of its innovative partnership with the SF Bicycle Coalition. In 2019, this partnership has included:

  • Sponsorship of SF Bicycle Coalition events, including Bike to Work Day and Winterfest
  • A generous grant to support our Bike it Forward program
  • Membership for the SF Bicycle Coalition 
  • A comprehensive package of benefits for SF Bicycle Coalition members who open RCU accounts
  • A unique new bike loan offering 

Join/Renew your Membership with the SF Bicycle Coalition Today

This summer, the SF Bicycle Coalition opened checking and savings accounts with Redwood Credit Union. SF Bicycle Coalition members who open personal or business accounts with RCU will receive the following Select Employer Group (SEG) benefits:

  • $25 Cash Reward for Direct Deposit*
  • FREE Box of Checks with New Checking Account
  • One-time 0.25% Rate Reduction**

Additionally, RCU Members enjoy:  

  • FREE Online / Mobile Banking and Bill Pay Service
  • Access to 30,000+ free network ATMs
  • Reimbursements for up to 4 non-RCU ATMs a month

Open an Account with RCU Today and Apply for a Bike Loan

RCU’s new bike loan for SF Bicycle Coalition members include the following terms:

  • Loan amounts up to $20,000
  • Flexible terms from 36-60 months
  • Rates as low as 6.99% APR
  • Includes new or used bicycles, electric bicycles, and equipment

Try out RCU’s new Bicycle Loan Calculator

To celebrate our partnership with Redwood Credit Union, we’re planning a fun-filled afternoon on October 22, 2019 at their branch at 1390 Market Street, complete with food and giveaways:

  • Free taco (meat or vegetarian) from Al Pastor Papi
  • Free bicycle-ready water bottle
  • Everyone who is a member, or becomes a member, of either Redwood Credit Union and/or the SF Bicycle Coalition can enter to win:
    • A road bike ($1,500 value)
    • A Benno Boost e-bike ($4,500 value)

Join us, eat delicious food, enter to win an e-bike or road bike and help us to celebrate RCU’s new branch on Market Street and its partnership with the SF Bicycle Coalition!

Celebrate with us on October 22nd

Certain restrictions may apply. Special offers subject to change without notice. Proof of San Francisco Bicycle Coalition membership may be required when you join RCU. *Checking account will be credited $25 after first direct deposit is received. All SEG benefits must be applied for and/or redeemed within 90 days of becoming a Member of Redwood Credit Union. **One-time rate reduction available for consumer loans, excludes mortgage loans and credit cards.  

2First two non-RCU ATM fees reimbursed with active checking; first four non-RCU ATM fees reimbursed with checking and active RCU loan or credit card. Active=at least one transaction or payment in prior month. Casino/gambling and ATMs outside U.S. excluded.

3Rates effective 10/01/19. All rates, terms, and special offers subject to change. Bicycle may be financed up to 120% Loan-to-Value of the bicycle including the cost of accessories. Certain restrictions may apply. Bicycle Loan payment example: 36-mo. term, pay $30.88 per $1,000 borrowed at 6.99% APR.

Taco and water bottle available while supplies last. 

NO PURCHASE OR OBLIGATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
Official Rules: To enter, RCU Members or San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) members must submit a drawing ticket at RCU’s San Francisco Branch between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on 10/22/19. One entry per person, odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Winner will be selected by random drawing on October 22, 2019 after 6:30 p.m. at 1390 Market Street in Fox Plaza. Must be present to enter but need not be present to win. Winner will be contacted by an RCU representative to arrange for pickup at the SF branch. One winner will receive a prize of a road bike, valued at $1,500 and one winner will receive a prize of a Benno Boost e-bike, valued at $4,500. Winner is responsible for all applicable taxes and must provide a valid Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number with a completed W-9 certification. Must be 18 or over to enter. Employees of RCU, RCUSG, and/or SFBC, volunteer Officials, and their family members not eligible to win. Void where prohibited.  

Federally insured by NCUA.