2011 accomplishments
- Reformed the California Traffic Control Devices Committee to include two nonmotorized transportation experts in its ranks. As of February 2012, longtime bicycle advocates John Ciccarelli and Bryan Jones hold seats on the CTCDC.
- Single-handedly improved the transportation bill in the U.S. Senate thanks to a timely press action two days after Senator Boxer released the draft bill in November 2011.
- Generated 1,500 support letters to the Governor for SB 910, our 3-foot passing bill, and developed a base of support of recreational bicyclists. Though it was inexplicably vetoed, the organizing we did on behalf of the bill has helped to create a powerful force for more change on behalf of bicycling.
- Educated thousands of cyclists through our California Department of Public Health-funded Bike Safe California website, lunchtime seminars, safe cycling instructor trainings, and city planner workshops.
- Helped more than 100 city planners and engineers learn how to accommodate active transportation in their community plans through six workshops held throughout the state.
- Convened the California Bike Summit, bringing together more than 100 leaders of bicycling advocacy organizations from around the state to figure out how best to take the next, bigger steps toward a more bicycle-friendly California.
The three main goals of 2012
- Change the rules restricting the kinds of bicycle facilities that are allowed so that cities and counties are free to build the safest protected bikeways that will attract everyone, from the age of 8 to 80, to bicycling. We are combining education and advocacy at Caltrans with a legislative strategy to achieve this goal.
- Pass the 3-foot bill, and get the Governor to sign it!
- Protect bicycle funding in California. Senator Mark Leno, chair of the Senate Budget Committee, is our main ally and legislative leader on this.
- Further strengthen the movement for safe bicycling in California so that we can win even bigger goals in future years!
