Meet Whitney, Development Associate

Posted on by Rahul Young

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition welcomes Whitney Libunao as our new Development Associate.

Tell us about your role at the SF Bicycle Coalition.

As the Development Associate, I assist in the strategic planning and allocation of contributed revenue into areas that help maintain the organization’s sustainability and success.

You first joined the SF Bicycle Coalition as an intern. What was your previous role like and how has it been to transition into your new role?

As the part-time Event Planning Intern I assisted our Marketing and Events Manager, Susan Gallentine, in the planning and execution of Winterfest, our annual member party and art show, and learned invaluable information. With a predominantly business-related background, having an internship at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition was an introductory exposure to the environmental sector. As I transitioned to my role as Development Associate, I’ve been fortunate enough to use the skills that I acquired during my internship to lessen the learning curve and hit the ground running.

What about our work excites you?

I love how dedicated and passionate we are about the gradual transformation of the streets and neighborhoods of San Francisco. I love that we are advocating for environmental consciousness by educating and encouraging alternative transportation and therefore, lessening emissions and promoting sustainability. By doing this, we are also making the city more just and inclusive for all.

When did you first start biking? Do you have a favorite biking memory?

Once I got bored of my Barbie beach patrol jeep, my mom taught me how to ride my tricycle in our neighborhood cul de sac in Hercules. My fondest memory was when I first took off my training wheels and built up the courage to finally ride on my own. For one reason or another, I made every turn ridiculously dramatic and would be inches off the ground every time — completely defying the laws of gravity, and somehow I rarely fell over… I’ve come a long way since then.

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

As a full-time graduate student as well, more often than not I’m studying, doing homework, or procrastinating on both of those things. Aside from school and work life, I love being outdoors — away from any sort of fast-paced environment. I enjoy hiking or finding new places around the Bay Area with minimal light pollution to see the constellations and planets. I try to stay extremely active and fit, so I go to the gym daily and am constantly searching for ways to get stronger and faster. At my laziest, I watch, rewatch and watch again my favorite guilty pleasure show, The Office. I can embarrassingly recite most (if not all) of the lines. I also have a long time unconditional love for the Golden State Warriors and will do anything and everything to make sure I watch or go to almost every game.

As our Development Associate, Whitney knows the ins and outs of revenue and fundraising. Support our work in transforming San Francisco’s streets by making a donation today.

Our Quickest Built Protected Bike Lane Yet

Posted on by Charles Deffarges

Over the past six weeks, we’ve seen a huge renewal of the City’s commitment to bike safety and Vision Zero on our streets. While significant change has come to Howard, there’s more to do. Join us to keep pushing for more.

Let’s Keep Pushing

We won change quicker than ever before because Supervisor Matt Haney and Mayor London Breed echoed our call for action. In just six weeks, the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) built a brand new protected bike lane on Howard from Third to Sixth, including the blocks in front of Moscone Center. Just the other week, we were able to tour San Francisco’s newest protected bike lane with Mayor Breed and SFMTA staff.

Howard at 3rd

This new protected bike lane is just a start; there is a lot more progress to be made on Howard and citywide. “I’m happy to see this progress,” said Supervisor Haney. “We will keep the pressure on to make [protected bike lanes on] the rest of Howard happen immediately.”

Join our campaign to keep pushing for the rest of Howard.

What’s Next for Caltrain?

Posted on by Janice Li

Caltrain staff hosted a workshop earlier this month to ask the community how their future electrified fleet could be as bike-friendly as possible. Their board is making a decision in June, so make sure you sign up for updates to stay in the loop.

Get Caltrain Updates

In many ways, this month’s workshop was an experiment. It was the first time two of Caltrain’s advisory committees met jointly, and Caltrain staff was well prepared to receive feedback from committee members and the general public.

Attendees had “game boards” where they could move around different pieces representing bike racks, seats, wheelchair spaces, etc. to understand different tradeoffs in designing the interiors of the new Caltrain cars.

Many bicycle advocates were present, including members of both your SF Bicycle Coalition and Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition. As ideas bounced around the room, many attendees echoed a desire to see an option for three bike cars per train. We will continue working closely with Caltrain staff and strongly encourage them to explore this option as a way to increase accessibility, ensure bike security onboard and maximize the number of bike spaces.

The Caltrain Board will finalize their new car designs in June. In addition to supporting three bike cars per train, we also support the following:

  • Maintaining a minimum of 72 bike spaces per train, with a goal of 96 bike spaces on seven-car trains
  • Providing adequate seats in view of bikes
  • Setting a goal of 20% of Caltrain passengers accessing stations by bicycle

Today, approximately 12% of Caltrain passengers arrive at stations by bicycle, and nearly all of them bring their bicycles onboard. When we think about the future of Caltrain, we believe that many more people would connect to transit by bike if options were easy and convenient. That’s why we’re excited that Caltrain has secured $3.5 million to expand secure bike parking at their stations. Combined with expanding bike share, we believe that adding secure bike parking makes this 20% goal attainable as full electrification rolls out.

With Caltrain’s decision coming up in June, now is the time to join our campaign to receive updates about Caltrain and get involved. We need your help as we work towards an even more bike-friendly future for Caltrain.

Update (May 14, 2019): We are planning on holding a member meeting to discuss all things Caltrain on Wednesday, May 22 starting at 6:30pm. We will meet somewhere near 4th and King Caltrain Station. Sign up for updates here to receive an email in the coming days with more details.

Meet Ricky Ramos, SF’s Bike Commuter of the Year

Posted on by San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

Ever since Ricky Ramos moved to San Francisco as an SFSU student in 2011, he has been biking all over the Bay Area. Today, Ricky is a champion for biking and San Francisco’s 2019 Bike Commuter of the Year.

“I think I’ve fallen in love with biking twice,” Ricky says, “Once as a kid, and then again as an adult in San Francisco.” As a kid, biking meant freedom, adventure and an avenue for friendship. Now, using his bicycle for everyday transportation has brought the feelings of joy and community back into his life. “The joys of riding in the terrain of our city and feeling like I was a part of a growing and prominent culture were more than enough to make me fall in love.”

Ricky’s love for biking is contagious. When his friend moved to the Bay Area as a biking novice, Ricky took them on their first ride. “The first time I saw Ricky ride, I knew he was the right teacher for me,” they explained. Many of Ricky’s friends and co-workers nominated him as Bike Commuter of the Year because he has welcomed them into the biking community.

Ricky’s generous spirit extends to his work, too. As the East Bay Program Manager for Street Soccer USA, a national non-profit, he gives youth and teens the tools and confidence to succeed. When he’s not working, he loves to pedal his way up to Twin Peaks from the Sunset and is looking forward to being able to bike from SF to Oakland on the Bay Bridge one day.

To all the first time commuters out there, Ricky says, “You don’t have to be an avid biker to start biking to work — the joy of riding on two wheels starts with just one day!” He encourages everyone to plan their route, create a goal, and find a riding buddy.

We’re looking forward to celebrating Ricky as SF’s Bike Commuter of the Year at our Bike to Work Day rally on the steps of City Hall on May 9. Join us and say hi to Ricky in person!

Ride your bike with Supervisor Safaí

Posted on by Andy Gonzalez Cabrera

With so much going on in the Excelsior, there’s no better way to talk about making the neighborhood more bike-friendly than on a ride with your Supervisor and fellow neighbors. Join us on our District 11 Neighborhood Ride for a chance to meet with Supervisor Ahsha Safaí.

Ride with Sup. Safaí

Earlier this month, the City hosted two opportunities for residents and neighbors to learn about street safety projects in the Excelsior, focusing on Mission Street and Geneva Avenue. Folks from multiple neighborhood groups and families were able to connect with City planners and vote on different proposals.

These open houses gave a chance for SF Bicycle Coalition members to turn out and push for more biking improvements in the Excelsior. “Several people said they do not feel safe biking in these neighborhoods much of the time,” said member Zack Subin. Given that, Zack wants to see a “broader vision” beyond smaller, near-term improvements in the area.

There’s a lot of room for improvement when it comes to making our southeastern neighborhoods more welcoming for people of all ages to bike. If you’re with us, celebrate Bike to Work Day on our District 11 Neighborhood Ride and chat about biking with Supervisor Safaí.

Street Escape of Mission Street between Amazon and Onondaga Avenues. Proposed two-way bike lane connection Amazon and Seneca Avenues. Image from SFMTA.

 

Street Escape of Geneva Avenue between Naples and Prague streets. Proposed extension of existing bike lanes on Geneva Ave. Images from SFMTA.

Bike to School — And Then to Work

Posted on by Nesrine Majzoub

Maelig Morvan’s morning commute often includes a few different stops — first to drop five-year old Eilwenn at preschool, then to drop nine-year old Melor at elementary school, and then to UCSF Parnassus for work. Maelig and his two children ride around all of San Francisco in a non-motorized cargo bike from their home in the Outer Sunset.

Biking has been an important part of Maelig’s life for many years. “I’ve biked and had a bike for as long as I can remember,” he says. Maelig began biking in San Francisco on his first day in the city and hopes to transmit that passion to his two kids.

Eilwenn and Melor love riding to school as a family, although Melor can’t wait to be on his own bike one day. For Maelig, biking his kids to school has many different benefits. “Showing them how sustainable modes of transportation are just as enjoyable as being driven around, if not more,” is a key reason why they choose to bike to school as a family. He adds, “it’s a great dad-kids bonding time that you can’t have while driving.”

San Francisco’s Bike & Roll to School Week took place April 15-19. With a record number of over 100 schools participating across the city this year, parents like Maelig had the opportunity to follow their children’s lead in biking to school.

After dropping the kids off, Maelig loves the freedom of biking to work. “My favorite thing about biking to work is being in control of my commute.”

Join thousands in experiencing the freedom and joy of biking on Bike to Work Day this May 9. Learn more at sfbike.org/btwd

 

Press Release: SF Bicycle Coalition, VIPs biked to school with Rosa Parks Elementary School Students

Posted on by San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

Students, families and City officials biked and rolled into the schoolyard of Rosa Parks Elementary School this morning in celebration of San Francisco’s annual Bike & Roll to School Week. Forming a “bike train” and wearing Vision Zero capes, the youth and VIPs were greeted by Principal Darren Kawaii.

Supervisor Vallie Brown, who represents the district where the school is located, praised the students for riding and rolling to school. “Biking matters,” she said. “We’re working toward protected bike lanes — that’s key to making it a safe and easy choice.”

More than 100 schools citywide are celebrating Bike & Roll to School Week, with an estimated 6,000 youth and adults participating. “Young people are showing us the way to a more sustainable future,” said Senator Scott Wiener. “We can follow their lead by walking, biking and taking transit to school and work.”

“These students are the heroes,” said Christopher White, Program Director of the SF Bicycle Coalition. “Pedaling, scooting, walking and rolling to school is fun and a small step they are taking to change the world.”

SFMTA Director of Transportation Ed Reiskin and SF Unified School District Commissioner Jenny Lam were also in attendance supporting the young bikers and rollers. Representatives attended from many organizations working for street safety, including Walk SF, the YMCA’s YBike program, and Tenderloin Safe Passage. And the Vision Zero Hero, mascot of the City’s commitment to eliminating traffic-related fatalities by 2024, handed out yellow capes to students and officials alike.

Bike & Roll to School Week continues through Friday, with schools across SF holding local events and celebrating biking, scooting, rolling and walking to school. Bike & Roll to School Week is organized by the SF Bicycle Coalition and made possible by the Safe Routes to School Partnership, a program funded by an Active Transportation Program grant from the California Department of Transportation.

 

Progress on Better Market Street

Posted on by Charles Deffarges

We’ve got one goal for Better Market Street: get it approved this year.

Help us win a better Market Street

Better Market Street has been in the works for close to a decade. Hundreds of our members have attended open houses, community events and hearings to weigh in on the design that will shape the future of San Francisco’s main thoroughfare.

Thanks to your hard work, we now have world-class designs for Market Street. Sidewalk-level bike lanes and protected intersections will transform this crucial biking corridor into a safe, inviting, livable street. Great designs on paper, though, don’t benefit the thousands of daily riders on Market. We’ve waited long enough — now is the time to get this project approved and in the ground.

The good news is that real, fast progress is possible. This summer, the City will be piloting sidewalk-level bike lanes on Market from Gough to Page. This will be an opportunity for us to experience the future of Market Street and provide feedback. After the pilot, we’re pushing for approvals of the project in fall 2019 so that Better Market Street is shovel ready by the end of the year.

This is an aggressive timeline and the first time we’ve had real, attainable goals for building this transformative project. The next six months are crucial, and we’ll need people power more than ever to win. Join our Better Market Street campaign to stay in the loop on upcoming actions and outreach opportunities.

 

Meet Climate Rider and Staff Member Kristen Leckie

Posted on by Jen Gennari

For years, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition members and staff have been participating in Climate Ride to call attention to the ways in which bicycling is one of the easiest and most fun ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In June, Community Organizer Kristen Leckie is taking up the challenge to complete the nearly 300 miles down the California coast to support the work of the SF Bicycle Coalition.

Q: What inspired you to sign up to do Climate Ride?
I’ve been wanting to do a charity ride for a long time. What better cause than fighting climate change? I’m a strong believer in the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s mission to promote biking for everyday transportation and I am excited to have a chance to let friends and family know what I spend my days working on as a community organizer. Also, I’d like to see more nonbinary folks on rides like this, and my hope is that my signing up will help other people feel more comfortable participating.

Q: What’s the longest bike ride you’ve ever done?
To be honest, the longest bike ride I’ve ever done was a few weeks ago, up Grizzly Peak Boulevard. This is my first time doing long-distance riding, so I definitely have quite a bit of training to go before June in order to make it through the toughest portion of the ride! We’ll be biking 72 miles on Day 3, the most mileage in a single day. Did I mention it’s almost 6,000 feet of elevation along the way?

Q: This year’s route is from Santa Cruz to San Luis Obispo, with some serious elevation gain. How do you feel about hills?
This is truly a challenge for me as the most elevation I’ve done to date was 2,000 feet in one day. But I know it’ll be worth it to bike down the Central Coast. Every year, people bike this same route so it’ll be a blast even with the hills.

Q:  Do you have a favorite place in the Bay Area to ride?
I love to bike to any and all coffee shops and enjoy a nice book. I ride my bike mostly to get from point A to point B. If I feel inspired post-coffee on a Saturday morning, I’ll go for a ride to Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. If you climb all the way up into the hills, you get one of the best views in the Bay. On a clear day you can see all the way to the San Mateo Bridge.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most?
Definitely enjoying the views while biking. I’ve always wanted to bike down the coast but never thought I’d get the opportunity. This is a bucket list item I get to check off and raise money for a great cause to boot! I also can’t wait to camp in state parks and enjoy nature after a long day of bike riding.

Want to help this organization advance climate justice? Support Kristen’s efforts by making a donation today!

You can also meet Kristen in person at the SF Bicycle Coalition team fundraiser on April 25!

Bike Mechanics, At Your Service

Posted on by Kelsey Roeder

Does your bike need a little TLC? Stop by an Energizer Station with a bike mechanic on Bike to Work Day May 9 for a quick check-up on the way to work!

When was the last time you checked your brakes, greased your chain or adjusted your seat? Local bike shops will help you get ready for Bike to Work Day, and they’ll be there for you on May 9 at 17 different Energizer Stations across the city. Stop by, say hi and take advantage of this awesome, free bike repair service to support you on your way to and from work.

Map your route to a bike mechanic at one of the stations below.

MORNING ENERGIZER STATIONS:

Alamo Square: Fulton Street & Scott Street (7:30 – 9:30 am) (Freewheel)

Caltrain Station: Fourth Street at Townsend Street (7:00 – 9:30 am) (Caltrain Bike Station)

Civic Center: City Hall, Polk Street steps (7:00 – 10:00 am) (Huckleberry Bicycles)

Downtown: Market Street at Sutter Street (7:30 am – 1:00 pm) (CIVIC+Sprocket)

Embarcadero: Ferry Building (6:30 – 9:30 am) (Pedal Revolution)

Mid-Market: Market Street at 12th Street (7:00 – 11:00 am) (Market Street Cycles)

Mission: Valencia Street at 17th Street (7:00 – 11:00 am) (Valencia Cyclery)

Mission Bay: 16th Street at Owens Street (7:30 – 9:30 am) (Velocipede Cyclery)

Panhandle: Fell Street at Masonic Avenue (7:30 – 9:30 am) (Avenue Cyclery)

Presidio: Main Post, Halleck Street at Lincoln Boulevard (6:30 – 10:00 am) (Roaring Mouse Cycles)

SoMa: Folsom Street & Columbia Square (7:00 – 10:30 am) (The Bike Connection)

 

EVENING ENERGIZER STATIONS:

Caltrain Station: 4th Street at Townsend Street (5:00 – 7:00 pm) (Caltrain Bike Station)

Mission East: Harrison Street at 17th Street (5:00 – 7:00 pm) (Sports Basement)

Mission West: Valencia Street at 19th Street (4:30 – 7:00 pm) (Mission Bicycles)

Octavia Island: Market Street at Octavia Street (5:00 – 7:30 pm) (Box Dog Bikes)

Panhandle: Fell Street at Masonic Avenue (4:30 – 7:00 pm) (Avenue Cyclery)

SoMa: Howard Street & Eighth Street (5:00 – 7:30 pm) (Mike’s Bikes)

Want to help make Bike to Work Day happen? It takes over 300 member-volunteers to create the best biking celebration ever — sign up to volunteer today!