San Jose Bike Party's Rapture Ride for October

I'll be leading one of the "feeder" rides for tomorrow evening's San Jose Bike Party. Our ride, the Santana Row start will meet at the Winchester Theaters on Olsen Dr. next to the world famous Winchester Mystery House, across from Santana Row.

Stop by and say hello to myself and all the hardworking B.I.R.D.s. We'll be leaving the parking lot at 8:00 PM.

Here is the complete route sheet for our Santana Row ride. The other rides are listed on the San Jose Bike Party website.

October 19, Upcoming Cycling Events in the Silicon Valley and Beyond

Upcoming Events in the Silicon Valley

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Autumn is here! (Check below for SF Bay Area Map)

New Bike Store in the Valley.
State Bike Shop just opened up in downtown Campbell Last Weekend.
Stop by and say hi to the new owners.
The Shop will be focusing on fixie bicycles and accessories.

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Are you ready for the Rapture Ride. Come celebrate San Jose Bike Party's 4th anniversary. Come dressed ready for the Rapture dressed as an angel or a demon.

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October 21, 2011- Friday - 8:00 PM

San Jose Bike Party - 4th anniversary ride

Rapture Ride

check website in by Thursday for more ride info

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6ix Chix Mini-Randonee and Musical Gathering

Saturday, October 22 · 4:00pm - 7:00pm

6ix Chix presents an end of summer bike and music event. Join us for our first Mini-Randonee (a 20 mile bike ride) to Alviso and back with a short break at Maria Elena's. The ride concludes roughly at 7pm at 6ix Chix farmhouse with dinner, music and drinks.

For more info

October 22, 2011- Saturday - 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM

Pedalfest @ Jack London Square, Oakland

From people who've never been on a bicycle to people who never seem to be off one, Pedalfest has something for everybody.

For families, there's a kid's zone, bike parade and pedal-powered amusement rides. For thrill seekers, there are bike stunt shows by nationally and internationally ranked riders. For those who appreciate the beauty of the bicycle, there's a handmade and vintage bike show. Plus, you can grab a beverage at the... New Belgium beer garden. Add to that a pedal-powered music stage, bike demos, a bike clinic, bike-powered food vendors and bike rides, and you've got one heck of a festival. For a complete rundown of the day's events, visit http://www.pedalfestjacklondon.com

(KRUZ3R MOB) BBQ & Ride with our Union City pals!
Sunday, October 23 · 10:00am - 1:00pm
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167038710046911

(SF)Sunday Streets 2011 Season Finale in the Mission
Mission - 24th and Valencia
Sunday, October 23 · 11:00am - 4:00pm
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111731525601382

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Halloween Family Ride in Willow Glen

Halloween Festival and Kid's Concert
Sunday, October 30
12 noon to 3:00 PM at Treehouse in the Glen.
2:15 PM - Halloween Costume and Bike Parade

Featuring:

• Halloween Arts and Crafts
• Halloween Carnival Games
• Family Fun and Giggles
• Face Painting and Balloons
• Giant Pirate ship and Photo booth
• Costume Awards and
• the Papa Hugs Band

Treehouse in the Glen - 1275 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA

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San Francisco Bike Expo (@COW PALACE)
Saturday, November 12 at 10:00am - November 13 at 5:00pm
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143604952396003

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Bike Soiree - Saturday, November 5, 2011
Campbell Ride - Sal's Pizza and Tread Bikes

A shorter ride and lots of good food (and beer?) 6:30-7:30pm - great pizza & cannoli at Sal's Pizza most likely something over at Tread as well... might be 6-6:30pm or 6:30pm working on something special with both owners (stay tuned for more details) We can use any video, etc on Sal's Pizza TV for our event too! For anyone that wants to bring something, share in the comments field. Route (~15mi): dt Campbell to dt Los Gatos via LG Creek Trail (LGCT) MAP

October East Bay Bike Party:

Friday, November 11 · 7:30pm - 11:30pm

Meet at: TBA

Too see all rides on the map click the link just below the map. Thanks.

View Upcomming Bay Area Bike Events in a larger map

SPUR Lunchtime forum - Fort Mason Streetcar

Tomorrow, Wednesday, October 19, 12:30 PM

The proposed project to extend the historic F-Line streetcar all the way to Fort Mason is making progress. Join Rick Laubscher, president of the Market Street Railway, and Doug Wright, project consultant to Fort Mason Center for details on the project, including its benefits, costs and plans for implementation. 12:30 pm.

This event is hosted by SPUR.
SPUR is located at:
654 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105

This event is free to members. $10 for non-members. OK to bring lunch.



- Posted from my iPhone

Location:S Mathilda Ave,Sunnyvale,United States

San Francisco Begins On-street Car Sharing Pilot

11 on-street spaces to be tested during six-month pilot starting today.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which manages transportation in the City, today joined Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Board of Supervisors President David Chiu to announce an on-street car sharing pilot program. Through this pilot, eleven on-street parking spaces will be dedicated to car sharing, enabling members of City CarShare to pick up and drop off car sharing vehicles in convenient locations. The six-month trial will include nine neighborhoods citywide.




“Placing car sharing vehicles on-street can make them more visible and accessible,” San Francisco Board of Supervisors President David Chiu. “Making car sharing more convenient supports the City’s Transit First policy by reducing dependence on private automobiles.”

The SFMTA is implementing this pilot under the SFpark umbrella of parking management using an agreement with the City Administrator’s Office and City CarShare. The pilot will test the feasibility and effectiveness of on-street car sharing spaces.If successful, the SFMTA will implement a citywide expanded program.

On-Street CarShare Pilot Locations

The following on-street locations were launched today:

Polk and Greenwich streets (Russian Hill)
Taylor and Pacific streets (Russian Hill)
38 Harriet Street (South of Market)
Valencia and 17th streets (Mission)
Clay and Fillmore streets (Lower Pacific Heights)
The SFMTA also plans to launch the following six spaces in November:

Carroll and 3rd streeets (Bayview)
3rd and 22nd street (Dogpatch)
Bosworth and Brompton (Glen Park)
Judah & 12th Ave (Inner Sunset)
Judah & 43rd Ave (Outer Sunset)
Judah & 44th Ave (Outer Sunset)
According to the agreement with

City CarShare, the SFMTA will receive $150 per space per month during the pilot. This includes the median cost for a reserved car sharing space in SFMTA parking garages along with all costs involved with implementation, including the cost of signage. The locations were selected in coordination with each district supervisor and area merchants. City CarShare continues to reach out to neighborhood and merchant groups about the pilot.

In June joint legislation was introduced at the Board of Supervisors by Mayor Lee and Supervisor Chiu to make the necessary changes to the Transportation Code. The SFMTA Board of Directors authorized the changes at their August 2 meeting. The public hearing regarding the placement of the on-street car sharing spaces took place in July.

Car sharing can help the SFMTA achieve its goals for parking management and overall goals for transportation by reducing parking demand and greenhouse gas emissions while improving mobility. While car sharing trips are still vehicle trips, car sharing can reduce private vehicle ownership rates and vehicle miles traveled. The new parking zones created by the changes in the Transportation Code will encourage car sharing by increasing the visibility, making it more convenient and increase the number of location options.


- Posted from my iPhone

Bus Stop Improvement Underway through February 2012

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is upgrading bus stops, surrounding sidewalks and streets to provide better access for VTA customers through February 2012. Due to the construction, bus stops will be temporarily relocated close to the original stop, but safely away from the actual construction site. The work will occur during the day, taking anywhere from two days to two weeks to complete each of the sites listed below based on the scope of work.

Improvements will be made at the following locations:

City of San Jose
West Williams Rd./Winchester Blvd.
East Hedding St. near Coleman St.
West San Fernando St. near 7th St.
East Julian St. near 13th St.
East Julian St. near 17th St.
North De La Cruz Blvd at Montague Expy
South Capitol Ave./Alum Rock Rd.
North Senter Rd. near Singleton Rd.
South De La Cruz Blvd. near Clyde Ave.

City of Cupertino
South Stelling Rd. at Pepper Tree Lane
South Miller Ave. near Bollinger Rd.
West Stevens Creek Blvd. at Wolf Rd.
North Wolfe Rd. at Pruneridge Ave.

City of Mountain View
East California St. near Rengstorff Ave.
West California St. near Mariposa Ave.

City of Santa Clara
South De La Cruz Blvd. near Clyde Ave.
North Adrian Dr. near Amador Dr.
North Bowers Ave. near El Camino Real
South Murillo Ave. near Quimby Rd.
North Bowers Ave. near Monroe St.
South Murillo Ave./Chemin De Riviere

The budget for this project is $524,400. Last year, bus stop improvements were completed (primarily in the Story Road area in San Jose) with a budget of $724,000. Eighty percent of the improvements were funded by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration and twenty percent by local funds.
- Posted from my iPhone

San Bruno Caltrain Station Moves to Temporary Location Oct. 18

Beginning Oct. 18, Caltrain will begin serving a new temporary station in San Bruno. The move is necessary to construct the grade separation that will elevate the Caltrain tracks over San Bruno, San Mateo and Angus avenues. The temporary station is located just south of and adjacent to the current station.

Train service will not be affected by the move. Tickets may be purchased at ticket vending machines at the temporary station. For safety reasons, Caltrain asks that all passengers follow the directions given on posted signs, as well as those given by ambassadors at the station and conductors on board trains.

Construction on the future permanent station and the elevated structure will begin at the end of the year and is expected to be completed by fall 2012.

The $147 million San Bruno Grade Separation Project will improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians and reduce traffic congestion to and from Highway 101 in the City of San Bruno.

In addition to the new station, there will be a parking lot with 201 spaces and a “kiss and ride” lot. The project includes three pedestrian underpasses - one in the vicinity of Sylvan Avenue, one at the new station and another between Euclid Avenue and Walnut Street. Additionally, elevators will provide easy access for Caltrain customers. Streets and sidewalks, including those at Posy Park, also will be improved.




- Posted from my iPhone

VTA to Host Public Meetings and Bus Tour on El Camino Real Rapid Transit Project

Bus tour will showcase site-specific upgrades to corridor, forums to highlight plan for enhanced service


The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will host four, open-house style public meetings and a bus tour (reservations required) to provide information to the community about the El Camino Real Rapid Transit Project.

The project would make changes to El Camino Real and to The Alameda between the Palo Alto Transit Center and downtown San Jose that would improve transit service and potentially change the character and use of the streets. The project proposes to speed up bus service throughout the corridor, including the route 522 Rapid Bus service, by installing bus-only lanes and light rail-like stations to allow for faster boarding. Project features also include bike lanes, sidewalk improvements, and high-tech upgrades to allow for real-time schedule monitoring.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011
From 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. - and- from 6p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
City of Santa Clara City Hall, Council Chamber
1500 Warburton Avenue, Santa Clara

Thursday, October 20, 2011
From 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. - and- from 6p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Hearst Education Conference Center
Jamplis Building, 3rd Floor, Rooms A & F
795 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Space is limited on the bus tour and advance reservations are required.
The bus tour will make stops at key locations along the El Camino Real corridor.
Staff will discuss the project and answer questions showcasing site-specific examples.

Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 9 a.m. until noon
The bus tour will begin and end at the Palo Alto Transit Center located at 95 University Avenue in Palo Alto.

To make reservations for the bus tour, or for more information, please visit: www.vta.org/rapidtransit, call VTA Community Outreach 408-321-7575, or email at community.outreach@vta.org.



- Posted from my iPhone

San Jose Bike Party Celebrates 4th anniversary

This Friday's San Jose Bike Party ride celebrates four years of community building nighttime rides.

This month's theme is the Rapture rid,e a fun take off on Reverend Harold Camping's second rapture prediction after his first prediction flopped.

This month, the ride will leave from four different locations providing "feeder" rides to the first regroup area. Come join the fun.


- Posted from my iPhone

New bike shop opens in Campbell

I had a chance tonight to meet the new owner of State Bicycle Company which is opening up tomorrow in downtown Campbell. Katie and her husband are opening up their shop in the bustling Downtown Campbell Business District.

I wrote last week that business is so good on Sundays that Tread bike shop opens at 9:00 am on Sundays in addition to being the only bike shop in the area to rent bicycles.


Katie mentioned how excited they are to be in downtown Campbell which Is drawing dinners, shoppers, and event goers who are attracted by the quiet and safe street, access to light rail and the Los Gatos Creek trail, and the recent streetscape improvements.

They plan to focus on fixies, accessories, and clothing. The shop is located right near the light rail tracks at 416 E. Campbell Ave.

The couple chose to open this weekend to take advantage of the popular Octoberfest festival. Stop by the store and say hello and welcome the couple to downtown Campbell.

When things calm down after the opening I plan to talk to Katie and her husband to find out how they got started in the business and why they chose Campbell.

BART to hold Clipper Card outreach

BART to hold Clipper outreach events throughout service area

Get a free Clipper card!

BART is transitioning away from paper discount tickets to the Clipper card, the regional transit fare payment system. Their ticket sales network will shrink over the next six months, so get your card now.

If you already have a Clipper card, add cash and use your card on BART. For your convenience, you can load value onto your card at ticket vending machines in any BART station.

Tag your card to the disk and follow the on-screen instructions, then don't forget to tag your card to the disk again to load value and go. You don't need tickets anymore. No small leftover values to consolidate, and magnets are your friend again. When you get to the fare gate, tag, open and go!

If you have a RTC identification card, you are ready for smooth sailing on BART. Your ID card is already a Clipper card. Go to a ticket vending machine and load your fare onto the card. No more red tickets!

Need a card? BART staff will be at outreach events to hand out adult cards and to dispense senior cards to eligible customers 65 years and older. Children 12 years and younger can bring their applications (signed by a parent or guardian) with appropriate identification and our staff will validate the information and get a youth card sent to the listed address. No need for red or green tickets anymore. Best of all, you will always be able to travel at the discounted rate because as long as you have your card, your can add fare to it at any station.

Come to one of the following locations and get your card. See you there!

Your Customer Service Crew,
Julie, Georgene, Mike, Mike and Carol will be available to answer your question.

Upcoming events include:

Oct. 18: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
VFW Hall at 1919 Wendell Lane, Pleasant HIll

Oct. 19: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
VFW Hall at 1919 Wendell Lane, Pleasant Hill

Oct. 22: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Pedalfest on the Water
Jack London Square, Oakland

Oct. 25: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
Dublin/Pleasanton BART

Oct. 28: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Fremont Senior Center
40086 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont

Oct. 31: 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Livermore Senior Center
4444 East Avenue, Livermore

Nov. 2: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
San Ramon Senior Center

Nov. 3: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Summerset 4
Summerset Residents Only, Brentwood

Nov. 4: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Walgreen's Balfour
2271 Balfour Rd, Brentwood

Nov. 7: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
Fruitvale BART Station (Spanish)

Nov. 8: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
St. Mary's Gardens Senior Center
201 10th St, Oakland

Nov. 9: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
Bayfair BART Station

Nov. 10: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Walnut Creek Senior Center
1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek

Nov. 11: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
Hayward BART Station

Nov. 11: 8:30 am - 3:15 pm
School for the Deaf
Student Event Only, Fremont

Nov. 14: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
South Hayward BART Station

Nov. 16: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
Fremont BART Station

Dec. 5: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
Millbrae BART Station

Dec. 7: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
San Bruno BART Station

Dec. 9: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
South San Francisco BART Station

Dec. 12: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
Colma BART Station

Dec. 14: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
Daly City BART Station

You can also get more information on the main Clipper website or in the section specifically about using Clipper on BART.

Alameda County to hold workshops on transportation sales tax ballot measure

The Alameda County Transportation Commission is holding the last three workshops on planning a ballot measure to extend and possibly raise the county half cent sales tax for transportation.

Commissioner staff will discuss and accept comments about the proposed ballot measure which is scheduled for November 2012, as well as possible road and transit projects to be funded.

The two-hour meetings are:

• 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the East Oakland Senior Center, 9255 Edes Ave., Oakland.


• 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Union City Sports Center, 31224 Union City Blvd., Union City.
• 6:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Dublin public library, 200 Civic Ave., Dublin.

For information about the ballot planning, go to www.alamedactc.org/ and click on "transportation in Alameda County."


- Posted from my iPhone

Location:Oakland, Ca

VTA seeks public input on Highway 85 express lanes

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is proposing to convert the existing HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes on SR 85 between South San Jose and Mountain View to express lanes. This project will allow solo drivers the option of paying a toll to use the express lanes. The general public is invited to attend the community meeting to learn more about the project. Project exhibits will be available for review and the project team will be available to answer questions.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 19th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Saratoga Senior Center located at 19655 Allendale Avenue in Saratoga.


- Posted from my iPhone

New Santa Clara bicycle improvements

While cycling along Monroe St. in Santa Clara this morning, I got the chance to see the city's recently installed bike lane and lane reduction project.

The main funding sources were from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's (BAAQMD) Transportation Fund for Clean Air and TDA BEP (Transportation Development Account- Bicycle Expenditure Program) funds.


The road diet is on Monroe Street from Scott Boulevard west to San Tomas Expressway connecting to the recently completed San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail. To see how the roadway looked prior to the work see the satellite image map below. Let's hope the city continues with the project to the west of San Tomas given that the four lanes encourage drivers to speed through a residential neighborhood.



The project does include a portion of the bike lane that is colored green at the intersection of Scott and Monroe (see picture), but the green paint is surely need as you cross San Tomas Expressway.


- Posted from my iPhone

Location:Monroe Street and Scott Blvd., Santa Clara, Ca

October 12, 2011 - Cycling Events in the Bay Area

Upcoming Events in the Silicon Valley

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Autumn is here! (Check below for SF Bay Area Map)

Thanks to all who showed up for last night's BIRD meeting. We had a great turnout. Thanks to Justin and Yoshi for leading the meeting. Next week's ride is going to be a great evening thanks to all of the great BIRD volunteers.

Are you ready for the Rapture Ride. Come celebrate San Jose Bike Party's 4th anniversary.

 Come dressed ready for the Rapture dressed as an angel or a demon.

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October East Bay Bike Party: ZOMBIE HOMECOMING

Friday, October 14 · 7:30pm - 11:30pm

Meet at North Berkeley BART Station

Volunteers Needed!
Middle School Bike Party: Hoover Middle School San Jose

Saturday, October 15 · 10:30 am - 4:00 pm

Come help lead middle school students on an amazingly fun ride to two local colleges! (SCU & SJSU) We'll start with an on-campus obstacle course (which you will run, events flexible to your taste/comfort but I have plenty of stock ideas too), then we take off cruising through town with a small group, leave-no-kiddo-behind, teaching the love of cycling (and safe lane positioning) with every pedal stroke

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October 21, 2011- Friday - 8:30 - 10:00 PM

San Jose Bike Party

Rapture Ride

Ride details to be posted next week.

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6ix Chix Mini-Randonee and Musical Gathering

Saturday, October 22 · 4:00pm - 7:00pm

6ix Chix presents an end of summer bike and music event. Join us for our first Mini-Randonee (a 20 mile bike ride) to Alviso and back with a short break at Maria Elena's. The ride concludes roughly at 7pm at 6ix Chix farmhouse with dinner, music and drinks.

For more info

October 22, 2011- Saturday - 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM

Pedalfest @ Jack London Square, Oakland

From people who've never been on a bicycle to people who never seem to be off one, Pedalfest has something for everybody.

For families, there's a kid's zone, bike parade and pedal-powered amusement rides. For thrillseekers, there are bike stunt shows by nationally and internationally ranked riders. For those who appreciate the beauty of the bicycle, there's a handmade and vintage bike show. Plus, you can grab a beverage at the... New Belgium beer garden. Add to that a pedal-powered music stage, bike demos, a bike clinic, bike-powered food vendors and bike rides, and you've got one heck of a festival. For a complete rundown of the day's events, visit http://www.pedalfestjacklondon.com

 (KRUZ3R MOB) BBQ & Ride with our Union City pals!
Sunday, October 23 · 10:00am - 1:00pm
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167038710046911

(SF)Sunday Streets 2011 Season Finale in the Mission
Sunday, October 23 · 11:00am - 4:00pm
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111731525601382

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Halloween Family Ride in Willow Glen

Halloween Festival and Kid's Concert
Sunday, October 30
12 noon to 3:00 PM at Treehouse in the Glen.
2:15 PM - Halloween Costume and Bike Parade

Featuring:

• Halloween Arts and Crafts
• Halloween Carnival Games
• Family Fun and Giggles
• Face Painting and Balloons
• Giant Pirate ship and Photo booth
• Costume Awards and
• the Papa Hugs Band

Treehouse in the Glen - 1275 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA

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San Francisco Bike Expo (COW PALACE)
Saturday, November 12 at 10:00am - November 13 at 5:00pm
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143604952396003

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October East Bay Bike Party: 

Friday, November 11 · 7:30pm - 11:30pm

Meet at: TBA

Too see all rides on the map click the link just below the map. Thanks.

View Upcomming Bay Area Bike Events in a larger map