Now Hiring: Summer Interns

Posted on by San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

Spend your summer as part of the SF Bicycle Coalition team. Applications are now open for our Summer 2017 internships. Our interns jump right into the bicycle action and keep us cranking in high gear. We accept both student and practical experience internships, and generally request that interns make a minimum commitment of 10-20 hours per week for a minimum of three months.

This season, we’re hiring for up to five different positions:

  • Bicycle Advocacy Intern: Put on your advocate hat! Join our Advocacy team to support our various street campaigns both inside City Hall and out on the streets.
  • Graphic Design Intern: Adobe Creative Suite is your thing. Make graphics to support our work.
  • Membership Outreach Intern: Extroverts, this one’s for you! Be the bicycle talk of the town and represent our organization at outreach events all over the city.
  • Public Affairs Communications Intern: I bet you have an opinion on the Oxford comma. Help our Communications team copy edit, produce our weekly newsletters and put language to work on behalf of people who bike.
  • Safe Routes to School Communications Intern: Nothing’s cuter than a kid on a bike (unless maybe it’s a kid and a puppy on a bike). Support our Youth and Family program with your media savvy.

In addition to loading up your resume with practical experience, interns get other great benefits like a one-year free membership to the SF Bicycle Coalition, ongoing professional development and networking opportunities, discounts on our sweet merchandise, first dibs on exciting events and opportunities, and more. Still not convinced? See what past interns have had to say about their experiences here and here.

We’re accepting applications now and will be reviewing them on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. What are you waiting for? Apply today!

If you’re not able to commit to a full internship, but still want to get involved, we’d love to have you join us at one of our many volunteer opportunities.

Bike Share Expanding Into New Neighborhoods

Posted on by Charles Deffarges

From North Beach to the Excelsior, how can you support getting more people on bikes? Come to an upcoming bike share expansion meeting and weigh in.

Five workshops will be happening in January and February so that the public can weigh in on new bike share station placement. These open-house style events will be a great opportunity to suggest new locations and provide valuable feedback. Bay Area Bike Share will be expanding into neighborhoods citywide. Take a look at the dates below to see where the next phase of bikes will land. If you live, work or shop in any of these neighborhoods be sure to stop by and let them know where you want to see these new bikes.

North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf
Monday, Jan. 23, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
North Beach Library, 850 Columbus Ave.

Pacific Heights and Japantown
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Hamilton Recreation Center, 1900 Geary Blvd.

Marina and Cow Hollow
Monday, Jan. 30,  6:00 – 7:30 pm
Moscone Recreation Center, 1800 Chestnut St.

Bayview / Third Street
Tuesday, Jan. 31,  6:00 – 7:30 pm
Bayview Opera House, 4705 Third St.

Excelsior, Balboa Park and Outer Mission
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Excelsior Library, 4400 Mission St.

Making these new bikes available in all SF neighborhoods will make sure that the system is convenient and open to all of our city’s residents. Bay Area Bike Share is aiming to be one of the densest bike share systems in North America which means it will be a new, affordable and accessible mode of transportation for San Francisco.

What streets in the area are good bike routes? What businesses could be more accessible by bike? Where do you want to be able to bike to on a shared bike? Let decision makers know at these meetings.

Join Women Bike SF at the SF Women’s March

Posted on by Anna Gore

Join Women Bike SF at the Women’s March in San Francisco on Saturday, Jan. 21!

SF Bicycle Coalition members and friends are invited to join us in support of advocates for human rights reflecting our multiple and intersecting identities.

RSVP HERE

Women Bike SF is an SF Bicycle Coalition program that aims to encourage and support women, trans* and femme (WTF) people biking in San Francisco. As our work begins in 2017, we’re excited to continue taking on new challenges that we and our community face. Against the backdrop of the new, national political landscape, it’s more important than ever that we stand for justice in our community and safety of all San Franciscans on our streets.

Through Women Bike SF, we strive to connect more WTF people to the fun and freedom of bicycling with events and opportunities in a supportive, inclusive environment. We look forward to gathering as a community in solidarity with the Women’s March in San Francisco and hope you can join us.

Women Bike SF @ Women’s March SF
Saturday, Jan. 21, 4:15 – 8:15 pm
SF Bicycle Coalition HQ: 1720 Market St.

UPDATE as of Tuesday, Jan. 17: Bicycles are not allowed to be walked or ridden in the march. We encourage you to arrive to the office by foot or public transit. Bikes cannot be stored at the SF Bicycle Coalition office during the march.

RESCHEDULED: Re-Opening McLaren Park: The Mansell Street People Path

Posted on by Chris Cassidy

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER: This event was rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4. 

The path dedicated to people walking and biking is dramatically improving access to San Francisco’s second-largest park.

Until recently, Mansell Street’s four lanes of fast-moving vehicle traffic divided McLaren Park. To open up access throughout the park and reduce vehicle speeds, SF Recreation and Parks re-dedicated two lanes of Mansell Street to a novel use: people.

The new path for people biking and walking Mansell Street is nearly complete and physically separated from the remaining two lanes of vehicle traffic. The spacious path includes a two-way bike lane, a rubbery running path and ample space for people of all ages to enjoy walking.

Want to ride or stroll it yourself? Join us for the official opening of the Mansell Street people path.

Mansell People Path’s Official Opening
Saturday, Feb. 4, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Mansell Street and Visitacion Avenue

We’ll be there with fellow members, other community groups and City leaders to celebrate a new way for families in the Excelsior, Visitacion Valley and other neighboring communities to access and enjoy McLaren Park.

This project would not be possible without years of dedication from park advocates as well as the leadership of former Supervisor John Avalos. We also thank SF Recreation and Parks for their hard work leading a citywide effort to realize advocates’ vision.

Our Letter to the DMV on Autonomous Vehicle Regulations

Posted on by Janice Li

Hundreds have already signed on to tell the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to strengthen regulations for autonomous vehicles. Today, we’re sharing our recommendations for ensuring that the promise of autonomous vehicle technology can be realized without sacrificing safe streets in the present.

Support Safe Autonomous Vehicle Regulations

Along with Walk San Francisco and members of the Vision Zero Coalition, your San Francisco Bicycle Coalition submitted this letter to the DMV with clear, specific recommendations as they overhaul current regulations for the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles. Smart policies will ensure cities adapt and can reap the benefits that this technology can bring, and now is the time to shape how we get there.

In addition to DMV efforts to strengthen autonomous vehicle regulations, we are also pleased to report that a San Francisco legislator recently introduced a bill to increase penalties for corporations flouting regulations. Assemblymember Phil Ting introduced A.B. 87 to make companies think twice before testing unpermitted vehicles on California streets.

Regulations that put the safety of people biking and walking first, and stiff penalties for corporations sacrificing safety, provide a path towards seeing autonomous vehicle technology improve the livability of our streets. Sign onto our recommendations to state regulators today: Let them know people who care about safe streets are watching.

Celebrating a Year of Family Biking

Posted on by Nancy Buffum

More families are biking in car-free spaces, and more parents and their children are taking to the streets all over San Francisco. Your SF Bicycle Coalition and our Safe Routes to School partners want to make biking and walking safe for everyone in every neighborhood, including families on their way to school. We thank our members, biking parents and caregivers, and the community-based groups that have helped over 3,000 children and parents get rolling in 2016 through an array of events.

Sunday Streets was again our favorite sponsor of car-free events. From Bayview-Hunters Point to the Outer Sunset, your SF Bicycle Coalition helped hundreds of children experience Freedom From Training Wheels and ride with their families in our Test Ride a Family Bike programs last year. Sunday Streets will be back in Spring.

SF Shared Schoolyard Project expanded opportunities for beginning bike-riders. The Shared Schoolyard Project now opens over 30 public school playgrounds every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Look for your SF Bicycle Coalition at kickoff events to celebrate the opening of even more schoolyards in 2017.

Presidio YBike, the youth biking initiative of the YMCA of San Francisco and a Safe Routes to School partner, brings teachers and equipment for learn-to-ride events at Shared Schoolyard events and Safe Routes host schools. SF Bicycle Coalition provides outreach and parent education. Together we’ll add neighborhood rides for the whole family to our family biking workshops in the coming year.

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Safe Routes to School partner Walk SF coordinated the biggest Walk & Roll to School Day yet in October 2016. Upwards of 13,000 participants at 93 schools joined on foot, bicycle, scooter and public transit. Your SF Bicycle Coalition, Walk SF, SF Unified School District and SF Environment support families and school staff with regular walk and roll events for San Francisco schools. Congratulations to the families who have activated neighborhood playgrounds as the starting point for a “walking school bus” or “bike train” to school. We’ve seen other groups walk and roll from cafes, parklets and church steps. Check out our free resources to start a walking school bus.

The Excelsior Collaborative awarded a Community Action Grant to kickstart Safe Routes to School’s first “Walk & Roll to School Hub” at Excelsior Playground just over one year ago. Now every Tuesday morning during the school year, caregivers and children meet at Excelsior Playground for a little community building before families walk and roll to four nearby public schools: Cleveland Elementary, Denman Middle School, Monroe Elementary and SF Community School. On Dec. 6, then-Supervisor John Avalos presented the Excelsior Playground Hub with an award of recognition from the Board of Supervisors to commemorate its first anniversary celebration.

Bicis del Pueblo’s biking students led the way for Bike & Roll to School Week last April. The SF Community School’s middle school bike class rolled out from Excelsior Playground with then-Supervisor John Avalos, community leaders and hundreds of students biking, walking and scooter-rolling to school. We’ve continued our collaboration, hosting bike trains from the Excelsior Hub to the nearby schools weekly when school is in session.

Thanks again to all our partners and the dedicated members and biking families who helped make 2016 a year of family-biking success. Check out our family biking events calendar, and see you in the New Year.

We’re Hiring: Bicycle Education Outreach Specialists

Posted on by San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is seeking energetic and organized individuals interested in providing first-class outreach efforts to come be a part of our Bicycle Education team as Bicycle Education Outreach Specialists. Help spread the word about our no-cost bicycle safety classes while doing light-touch safety education. Candidates must have availability primarily on weekends and occasional evenings. If you’re energetic and outgoing and want to further the mission of the SF Bicycle Coalition by encouraging San Franciscans to bike, we’d love to hear from you!

Hours: Occasional part-time work, one to two days per month. Includes primarily weekends and some days and nights
Reports to: Program Coordinator

Bicycle Education Outreach Specialists oversee outreach events at fairs and festivals citywide. Bicycle Education Outreach Specialists are responsible for helping the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition reach thousands of people with bicycle education opportunities and information. Bicycle Education Outreach Specialists are also responsible for materials transport before and after events, and set-up and maintenance at events.

Job Components
A Bicycle Education Outreach Specialist:

  • Promotes the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s Bicycle Education Program at assigned events and locations which could include community events, Sunday Streets, and other fairs and festivals in San Francisco;
  • Educates the public about the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s Bicycle Education Program, including class types, class schedule, Rules of the Road, and more;
  • Arranges transport of supplies (including table, tent, display items, etc.) to and from event site; sets up and breaks down supplies at events;
  • Ensures appropriate location signage and banners are displayed, outreach materials and signage are displayed on table, educational posters and interactive activity are displayed and visible;
  • Engages with event attendees in a friendly, welcoming manner and encourages event attendees to stop and talk, participate in a short interactive activity, and/or sign up for class updates;
  • Distributes informational material to event attendees to describe program services and opportunities;
  • Tracks interactions with event attendees and maintains detailed records;
  • Interfaces with on-site event staff;
  • Is responsive to problems on-site facing the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Bicycle Education Outreach Program and can direct inquiries to Project Coordinator when appropriate;
  • Is sensitive to opportunities to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of San Francisco Bicycle Coalition work;
  • Maintains an effective manner and demeanor and sets an example for others.

Qualifications:

  • Friendly, outgoing personality with strong customer service skills;
  • Excitement and interest in urban bicycling and ability to convey that enthusiasm to others;
  • Commitment to providing a top-quality experience for all those who interact with outreach station;
  • Ability to work individually and as part of a team;
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (fluency in Spanish, a Chinese language or Tagalog a plus);
  • Strong organizational skills;
  • Ability to provide schedule and availability up to three months in advance for scheduling;
  • Must have own bike and be comfortable biking in San Francisco;
  • Comfortable working outdoors, ability to lift 15-20 pounds, ability to pull trailer of supplies weighing approx. 50 pounds (trailer provided by SF Bicycle Coalition);
  • Ability to stand, walk and move about for up to 8 hours at a time;
  • Is punctual, dependable, and able to follow instructions and incorporate feedback;
  • Experience working with underserved communities desired;
  • Experience with our Bicycle Education program is a plus.

Pay is $18/hour.

How to Apply:

Write a compelling cover letter and resume, and submit by clicking “Apply for Position” below. Be sure to mention where you saw the position advertised. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply via mail, please enclose your resume and cover letter in a sealed envelope and mail to:

Christopher White
San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
1720 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

You are also welcome to drop the envelope off in-person.

APPLY FOR POSITION

About the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition:

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition works to transform San Francisco’s streets and neighborhoods into safe, just and livable places by promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation. Our work is guided by our five-year strategic plan and the core values of Transportation Justice, Sustainability, People Power and Joy. The organization’s culture reflects its grassroots origins and professional advocacy in equal measures. Our active membership of over 10,000 represents San Franciscans of all ages and backgrounds from all neighborhoods who are working towards safe, sustainable and more affordable ways to move around our city. The SF Bicycle Coalition is the largest city-based bicycle advocacy group in the nation and one of the largest member-driven groups in San Francisco.

A Functional Townsend Street

Posted on by Charles Deffarges

Whether on a bike, in a car, riding the bus or walking, Townsend Street is kinda busted. Like many crucial connector streets in SoMa, Townsend needs real solutions that work for the different ways that people get around. Here is an opportunity to shape those solutions.

When it comes to biking, Townsend Street is a key route for the many who commute to Caltrain by bike every day. But regardless of mode, poor pavement conditions, lack of protection for the bike lane and missing sidewalks make Townsend challenging for all street users.

Take the Survey

The Townsend Corridor Improvement Project is kicking off this year and covers Townsend in its entirety from Eighth to Embarcadero. This is our chance to make Townsend safe and enjoyable for all users. This SFMTA project is in its very early phases which means now is the time to let City staff know what we want to see out of the new street. The more we ask for now, the more we’ll get on the ground.

Your input at this phase of the project is very valuable and goes a long way towards making sure that initial designs reflect street-user’s needs.

2017 Member Discounts

Posted on by Paloma Rezende

SF Bicycle Coalition members enjoy a number of benefits, including discounts at over 70 business all around town. Members can take pride in their purchases when shopping at these bike-friendly business. Not only do you get great discounts, but you support the local bicycle-friendly businesses that keep our advocacy going strong.

New to our list of Discount Partners in 2017 is velofix, a mobile bike shop that brings bicycle repair right to your door. velofix is offering members 15 percent off parts and accessories and $50 off of a full overhaul tune-up package. Plus SF Bicycle Coalition Business Members can enjoy $100 off a corporate-sponsored and onsite service day.

Start your year with a discounted tune up to make your ride safer and smoother. For more information check our discounts page here. Or visit our Business Membership page to find out more about how a membership can help your workplace get rolling.

Curious about all our membership perks? Join today, support our ongoing advocacy and help make SF a better place to bike and live.

Now’s the Time: Speak Up for Folsom and Howard

Posted on by Charles Deffarges

What does it mean to “be heard” when it comes to advocating for better biking?

Your San Francisco Bicycle Coalition often encourages members to “speak up” or “add your voice” when it comes to different street projects throughout the city to improve biking and get more protected bike lanes in the ground. Throughout the lifespan of a bike project, there are times when your input is very valuable, especially as design options are being weighed.

The planning for Folsom and Howard Streets began with two open houses led by the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). They received great feedback at those open houses, especially from bike advocates. To keep this momentum going, we’re asking you to take a moment and fill out their survey. This is a prime opportunity to “be heard” in a meaningful, impactful way.

These surveys will help inform the decisions that SFMTA planners will make to ensure the improvements benefit those who use Folsom and Howard Streets. When the SFMTA holds its next public meetings, they will take the input received from this survey to summarize what the community needs are. Every voice counts.

Your Response Needed

2017 will be a huge year for Folsom and Howard. Thank you for supporting us into the new year as we strive towards SoMa streets that are safe for all people walking and biking.