Celebrating the 2017 Bicycle-Friendly Business Awards

Posted on by Anna Gore

In addition to serving and recognizing our Business Members throughout the year, on Bike to Work Day we also recognize businesses large and small for taking steps to make their workplace more bicycle-friendly. We’re honored that so many people from our community nominate their workplace and are impressed by the incredible steps taken by each organization to encourage, support and promote bicycling to work.

This year we congratulate three Bicycle-Friendly Business Award Winners and recognize 10 Honorable Mentions.

2017 Award Winners:

  • Tides – Small Business
  • Quantcast – Medium Business
  • Williams Sonoma – Large Business

Honorable Mention:

Atlassian, Education Outside, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Friends of the Urban Forest, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, Rapha Racing, SFMOMA, Strava, The Orrick Building and Timbuk2

Tides Thoreau Center is a nonprofit organization based in the Presidio. They have a number of bike-related amenities, including a bike-share program, secure bicycle storage rooms, lockers and showers. With a strong bicycle culture, Tides helps to set the tone not just for their staff of 100, but for the over 450 staff of other organizations that share their campus. In 2016 Tides began offering “new hire” tours for staff of their tenant organizations that emphasized the bicycle amenities available on campus. Tides also helps to host the Presidio’s Bike to Work lunchtime BBQ in partnership with the Presidio Trust.

Quantcast is an advertising technology company based in SoMa. To support a growing culture of bicycling, their organization provides everything from Bicycle Commuter Benefits to bicycle-supportive employee facilities. When their office moved to a new location last year, Quantcast upgraded their bicycle parking, now offering in-office parking on each floor of their building. In advance of Bike to Work Day, Quantcast hosts a lunchtime Intro to Urban Bicycling Workshop, and their staff coordinates a Bike to Work Day convoy. You’ll also find Quantcast at the morning Energizer Station at Caltrain.

Williams Sonoma is a retail organization with multiple offices in San Francisco. Employees can enjoy free on-site bike tune ups, discounts on bicycle-related goods and services, and raffles and prizes for bicycling to work. They also offer a bike-share program for SF offices, providing bikes to ride between buildings or anywhere in San Francisco. In the coming year, Williams Sonoma is working to increase participation in their bike share program with more incentives and promotion to their over 1,000 SF employees.

In addition to the recognition, each awardee will also receive a new Saris Hottie bicycle rack for their office.

The SF Bicycle Coalition is working hard to help, encourage and inspire even more people to get rolling in our city. Our work wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of our members as well as the leadership in the business community. Congratulations again to our award winners and huge thanks to all of our Business Members who power our advocacy for more livable, bikeable streets throughout the year.

Victory for Safety on Upper Market

Posted on by Julia Raskin

The SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Board of Directors received the message: You deserve protected bike lanes on the high-injury corridor that is Upper Market Street. And now it’s time to celebrate.

Last Tuesday dozens of people joined us at the SFMTA Board meeting to push for protected bike lanes on Upper Market. Following over 300 letters of support sent, the Board unanimously approved the plan, which is due for near-term implementation by end of the year.

It’s been a few years in the making, but after walking tours, community meetings and even an open letter to the Director of the SFMTA Ed Reiskin, physically protected lanes on Market Street are soon to be a reality.

At the hearing last week we heard straight from people who bike that this project is necessary to keep people biking on Market Street safe. Shawn Grunberger stated that “protected bike lanes are a proven way for the city to get more people on bikes.” Mary Kay Chin followed by saying that she feels safest when biking in protected bike lanes, and Sarah Jones described how these protected lanes would transform her daily commute for the better.

The project features protected bike lanes in both directions from Octavia to Duboce along with a landscaped median, an improved bike crossing at Octavia, pedestrian safety islands and bulb-outs throughout. These changes will calm traffic and address the chronic issue of double parking in the bike lanes, a well-known problem for Upper Market.

If you’re looking to celebrate the victory on Upper Market, you’re in luck: The biggest and best bike day of the year is this Thursday, May 11. Celebrate Bike to Work Day with us by pedaling by an Energizer Station, or better yet, by joining a commuter convoy that ends in a rally at City Hall.

I’m Biking on Bike to Work Day

Celebrating Bike & Roll To School Week 2017

Posted on by Nancy Buffum

San Francisco’s Bike & Roll to School Week broke records again this year. From April 17 to 21, an estimated 6,000 students, parents and school staff at 93 schools citywide enjoyed an extra-special morning commute.

Experienced biking families and first-time riders alike proved that biking is a convenient, efficient and fun way to get to school. Elementary school families traveled in “bike trains,” pre-schoolers rode child seats and family bikes, and high school students used their own pedal power to participate. Even more students joined the celebration on foot, on scooters, skateboards, strollers and public transit. The fun continues throughout the spring, with details for all SF family biking events on our calendar here.

Early morning rain did not dampen the spirits at Lafayette Elementary in the Outer Richmond. On Tuesday, April 18, SF Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Brian Wiedenmeier led biking families and teachers from misty Sutro Park to the school. The bike train grew along the way as more biking, scootering and walking classmates joined in.

District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer and leaders of the Safe Routes to School partner organizations welcomed biking families into the schoolyard. Principal Heath Caceres led the congratulations to Lafayette school parents who make environmentally friendly, personally healthy transportation choices.

There’s one more big reason to bike to school: it helps children do better in class.

“I have two very active little boys. I started biking to school as soon as the oldest entered kindergarten,” says Lafayette parent Ellie Denise. “I figured his teacher would thank me! I’m a firm believer that children learn better when they get a little exercise first. Plus, they love it. It gets them out of the house in the morning.”

Fitting new helmets at North Beach/Chinatown Bike Fair.

For upcoming family biking opportunities, please visit our calendar of events.

Completing the Bay Bridge People Path

Posted on by Janice Li

Skies and moods were sunny yesterday as the region came together to celebrate the start of Bike Month with a gorgeous new vista point and weekday hours for the Bay Bridge People Path.

But the refrain was clear: We’re only halfway there.

With beautiful weather and an incredible backdrop of the Bay Bridge East Span, your San Francisco Bicycle Coalition joined the festivities alongside Supervisor Jane Kim and Oakland’s Mayor Libby Schaaf to take in the views and cut the ceremonial ribbon. A swath of local, regional and state agencies joined, from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to Caltrans. A special thanks goes to the hard work of staff at the SF County Transportation Authority, who worked closely with U.S. Coast Guard to turn the vista point into a reality. This new vista point gives a resting point for people biking and walking on the East Span path, especially as both Yerba Buena Island and Treasure Island undergo significant construction.

Now our sights are set on the West Span. Planners estimate that 10,000 people will traverse the completed Bay Bridge People Path every single day, reducing the burden of traffic and BART cars already at capacity.

While funding has been allocated for the current planning efforts, we need to make sure our state legislators prioritize this project for funding to see the planning all the way through to full construction. Will you sign our petition and make this message clear to our Assemblymembers David Chiu and Phil Ting along with Senator Scott Wiener?

Now is not time to rest on our laurels. We need to keep dreaming big and working hard so that some day, in the not too distant future, we can cut the ribbon to welcome the Bay Bridge People Path landing in downtown San Francisco.

Climate Rider Dave Howes Wants to Win us a Bike

Posted on by Gina Schumacher

Firefighter Dave Howes is presently the top fundraiser in the Climate Ride. If he maintains that position, Dave will win a limited edition Republic Bike, which he’s generously offered to donate to the SF Bicycle Coalition. Support Dave’s ride: let’s keep him in first place and win a new bicycle to support our advocacy!

SF Bicycle Coalition: When did you realize you were a bike-enthusiast?

Dave: In 1968, after returning from Army Boot Camp, I went to a local bike shop and purchased my first Raleigh 10 Speed road bike. I rode that bike for ten years until purchasing my first high-end road bike (a Schwinn Paramont with Campagnolo grupo.) Needless to say, I have had many bikes since then. When answering the question “How many bikes are enough for one person?” the best answer is “one more than you currently have.”

Why do you ride your bike?

It’s so much fun. It’s the best way to get around the city with no parking problems.

Why is this year’s ride special?

This is my sixth Climate Ride. In 2011, our team woke up in the rain, road in the rain, and went to sleep in the rain. The next year was beautiful, but was also the start of the five-year drought. While we all have been enjoying the sunshine on the coast, we know the unusual weather patterns have not been a good sign.

This year’s ride is important because environmental issues are under attack. I have seen how the past election galvanized our young people to stand up and fight for our environmental rights. In a recent podcast by Climate One, the panel was comprised of high school kids. These kids, from all over the country, discussed how they are working hard towards a better future in spite of the current president’s efforts to dismantle environmental regulations.

What inspires you to participate in the Climate Ride each year in support of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition?

I’m inspired by the great work the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition does for the city and how they are helping change San Francisco into a bike friendly city.

Deadlines are fast approaching and SF Bicycle Coalition team member Dave Howes needs your support to stay in 1st place to win a new bike. Give Dave the boost he needs to win, and we’ll auction off this beautiful bike at the 2017 Winterfest celebration: Donate today. Don’t forget to ask your employer if they do matching gifts to instantly double your contribution.

2017 Bike Commuter of the Year

Posted on by Susan Gallentine

Ahead of Bike to Work Day, we’re excited to congratulate Maria Stokes, San Francisco’s Bike Commuter of the Year! Maria inspires others to bike with her commitment to commuting daily between the Richmond and her job in Dogpatch. She shares her love of cycling with her husband and two kids, all of whom also regularly commute by bike. We sat down with Maria to find out what keeps her pedaling all these years.

SF Bicycle Coalition: Why did you start biking to work?

Maria: I have been biking to work for more than 20 years and started when I was in New York City, biking across the Brooklyn Bridge to my first job at a PR agency in Manhattan. I bike for so many reasons: for my health, for the environment, to beat traffic, to reduce stress and for fun! With the way that traffic is in SF these days, biking is actually the fastest way for me to commute across town. And, with two young kids, who has time to go to the gym?

How does biking impact your day?

Biking is the perfect way to start my day. Coffee can’t compare! My ride to work at the SF-Marin Food Bank gets my heart pumping and kickstarts my creativity. Whenever possible, I bike to business meetings around town. After a hectic day, biking home helps me decompress, reflect and transition into family time. On my way home, I pick up my kids at school, and we bike the last half mile together.  

What changes have you seen in terms of infrastructure and the number of people biking in the last 20 years?

The changes have been remarkable. I’ve seen changes at every mile of my commute during the last few years, including better traffic/bike signals, more bike lanes, wider bike lanes and more bike lanes separated from traffic. The corresponding boost in people biking has been great; I think there is safety in numbers when it comes to people driving being alert and folks biking. Through all of the improvements, the SF Bicycle Coalition has been a considerable force. I am a proud supporter and so thankful for the changes that SF Bicycle Coalition has brought about that make our city a great place to bike.

Do other members of your family bike?

Yes, my husband is an attorney at The Trust for Public Land and he bike commutes, too. We have been biking our kids to and from school since they were in preschool. My husband takes care of drop off and and picking up the kids from after-school care. With all of the craziness of raising little kids, we were pleasantly surprised that our kids (now 9 and 11) could become a part of our daily biking routine.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about bike commuting?

Give it a go! Start on a beautiful spring day and give yourself plenty of time so you can enjoy the ride and take it all in. After a couple of rides, you’ll be hooked. SF is not as hilly as you think!  Plus, the clever people who make bike maps and apps have figured out the flattest routes.

Bike to Work Day is coming up soon on Thursday, May 11. To see where you can pick-up a free bag of goodies along your commute, or to RSVP to join your neighbors and community leaders on a morning ride to the City Hall rally, check out sfbike.org/btwd.

Mobilizing for Protected Bike Lanes on Market Street

Posted on by Julia Raskin

We have never been closer to getting protected bike lanes on Market Street from Octavia to the Wiggle. Final approvals await at City Hall on Tuesday, May 2 at 1:00 pm, and we’re inviting you to tell the City that we can’t wait any longer.

I’m There

Last month our members flooded the inboxes of SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Board members and the new District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy urging the City to move forward with a protected bike lane design. The full package of improvements features protected bike lanes in both directions from Octavia to the Duboce Bikeway, along with a landscaped median, an improved bike crossing at Octavia, pedestrian safety islands and bulb-outs throughout. These changes will calm traffic and address the chronic issue of double parking in the bike lanes, a well-known problem for Upper Market.

Our members moved the City to action: Supervisor Sheehy expressed his public support, and now the SFMTA is looking to approve the protected bike lane — the final step needed before construction is possible. Now is the time to show up and tell the City that you deserve a smart design on Market that will help people on bikes comfortably get to the Wiggle and beyond. Will you join us at City Hall on Tuesday afternoon?

Team Bike Challenge Begins May 1

Posted on by Susan Gallentine

Team Bike Challenge returns better than ever with a brand new app, complete with Strava integration. Throughout the month of May, join a team of friends or coworkers to log your bike commutes and compete with other Bay Area teams. Get ready for Bike to Work Day on May 11 by getting your team together now. The competition begins May 1 and continues for the duration of Bike Month.

Check out the new website, iTunes or Google Play. The app has the capability to sync with your Strava account, meaning logging your rides is easier than ever.

Steps to create a team:

  • Download the app
  • Create a new login (if you participated in last year’s Team Bike Challenge, you will need to create a new account)
  • Join an existing team or create a new team
  • Bike throughout the month of May and log your rides

The team with the most points at the end of Bike Month wins prizes and some serious bragging rights. Last year 2,519 people participated in the challenge, collectively riding 374,080 miles. The Challenge begins May 1, so gather your team and get ready to pedal.

Weigh in on Future Designs for Folsom and Howard

Posted on by Charles Deffarges

Coming up: an opportunity to shape future SoMa streets. On April 27 and 29, the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) will present designs for reenvisioned Folsom and Howard streets.

These two open houses give you the space to provide feedback at an early stage in planning and inform the final preferred design. Led by the SFMTA, transportation planners are set up around the room to present details about the project, answer your questions and record your feedback.

Folsom-Howard Open House #1
Thursday, April 27 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Bessie Carmichael Elementary School at 375 Seventh St.

Folsom-Howard Open House #2
Saturday, April 29 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Bessie Carmichael Elementary School at 375 Seventh St.

RSVP

The Folsom and Howard Streetscape Project will bring important improvements to two of our busiest bike routes. Currently, the experience of biking in SoMa is filled with passengers unloading in bike lanes and speeding drivers on four-lane streets. Biking is more popular than ever as a way to commute to and from SoMa, and people of all ages and backgrounds need to feel welcome when biking on Folsom and Howard streets.

Several design alternatives for the two streets will be presented at these two open houses, and City staff seek for your feedback. Both open houses will be identical, so show up to whichever works best.

Can’t make it? Email charles@sfbike.org.

Big Safety Education Shoes to Fill

Posted on by Chris Cassidy

Are you passionate about education, sustainability and improving the health of SF communities? We’re hiring a Program Coordinator to lead our education work with professional drivers as well as both people who bike and the bike-curious.

Interested in learning more about the role? Program Coordinator Libby Nachman, who is moving on after Bike to Work Day on May 11, shared with us some of her fondest memories below from three years on the job.

SF Bicycle Coalition: What inspired you to join the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition staff?

Libby: I was already interning for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition in 2014 when I had the opportunity to join the staff. As an intern, I was extremely impressed by the smart, talented and dedicated staff working tirelessly to improve San Francisco’s streets. Sustainability is really important to me, and I could see firsthand how successful the SF Bicycle Coalition team was at getting people onto bicycles. I knew that I wanted to be a part of that team of bicycle advocates and contribute to better biking in San Francisco.

Can you describe some of your fondest memories from you safety education work with the SF Bicycle Coalition?

Working on the bicycle education program has given me the opportunity to meet all sorts of people. I’m proud of the fact that we offer free classes to people of all skill and ability levels. I can’t pick a favorite class, but I do love our Practice Ride series, which offers rides on car-free streets in Golden Gate Park for people who have just taken our Adult Learn to Ride course. The ride is designed to help people who are new to biking feel more comfortable and practice the skills they’ve just learned. Last month, I joined a ride with four women who were all new riders. I was so inspired to see both their determination to succeed and their joy in doing so.

I’ve also had the opportunity to teach a number of professional drivers with our expanding work into driver education. In 2016, I taught over 500 Google shuttle bus drivers how to safely share the road with people on bicycles. Multiple drivers asked incredibly thoughtful questions about how to safely navigate the streets in a variety of situations. At the end of the course, many drivers thanked me for my time and confirmed their commitment to safe streets. It reinforced my belief that no matter how we get around San Francisco, we all ultimately have the same goal: arriving safely.

What are you going to miss the most about working at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition?

Everything! Is that cheating? I’m so grateful to have gotten to work with our fabulous staff, incredible volunteers and inspirational bicycle education students. I’m thankful to have had so many opportunities to meet and learn from our members through my work.

Any tips for someone interested in the opportunity to head up our education work?

Go for it! This role is amazing, because you have the opportunity to literally change people’s lives. We have profile after profile of former students who can now get around their city in a brand new way after taking our classes. As our newest Program Coordinator, you’re going to be responsible for bringing a lot of joy into a lot of people’s lives. That’s pretty special.

Want to bring the joy of biking to people’s lives? Apply to lead our education work as our next Program Coordinator.