The Temecula Bicycle Coalition will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 1, at the Starbucks on Rancho California Road and Meadows Parkway. Join us!

Check out this video on how the Dutch got bike lanes

The Dutch got bike lanes by community advocacy against the car culture after World War II. They now have the best bicycle infrastructure in the world.  Their victory is inspiring! (The photo on this blog is from there).



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuBdf9jYj7o&feature=youtu.be

First Bike Train a huge success!

Zak Schwank led the first Bike Train, leading dozens of students who rode their bicycles to Paloma Valley Elementary School Thursday. Congratulations to all the students, parents, school administrators who made this possible. And thanks to Paul Gallaher from the Valley News for the story and photos. I am posting one, and here is a link to all of them. Lots of smiling faces, which happens a lot when your ride your bicycle:

http://www.myvalleynews.com/story/58845/




We can see more of these happening in schools, and a community wide Bike Rodeo soon. There are hundreds, thousands of cyclists, and future cyclists, in Temecula. We need to make it safer and easier for them to ride their bicycles, and this event was a great first step.

Today was historic. The first meeting of the Temecula Bicycle Coalition. We function as the advisory committee to the city on cycling issues, education, amenities, facilities. We have projects underway, bike trains for school kids, community bike events, a survey of the city's bicycle lanes (wherever they exist) and more. Our goal is to make Temecula a better place to cycle, and not just for us. We should be raising a whole new generation of cyclists, so let's start early. Getting kids to ride bicycles to school. Get them to safety events. Get their parents involved. We know there are obstacles. We want to remove them from the bike lanes. Help us survey them. We will soon have a map up to track our progress.
Join us. Post a message here or email ricksterrider@gmail.com We are on our way!

Creation of Temecula Cyclist Advisory Committee

Great news! We met with the Temecula City Council subcommittee for the city Master Plan for bicycle lanes and paths. The subcommittee agreed to sanction a Cyclists Advisory Committee, which will gather input from cyclists and report directly to the City Council subcommittee. So here's our chance to discuss traffic signalization for cyclists (how about buttons in the left turn lanes?), connecting on-street bike lanes (there are so many breaks in the system now, that will be a huge task), bike racks (I want them at Home Depot, am I the only person carrying gallons of paint home in panniers? ), education for young cyclists (yes, you can ride your bicycle to school), education for police officers (no, I don't have to ride in the gutter), the list is endless. I have taken the restrictions for comments off this site, so post away (keep it clean, I am still moderating). I have always hoped this site could be used to air ideas, organize, provide momentum for change. All ideas are welcome. We have a chance, it's time to take the opportunity and run with it. 

Mayor smashes car parked in bike lane

Ok, it's not in Temecula, but in Vilnius, Lithuania. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-fWN0FmcIU&feature=player_embedded

New video of riding mixed use bike path on Diaz

 Check out Zak's new video on riding the Diaz Road mixed use bike path. It's a great place to ride, but hard to get to, imho.

http://vimeo.com/27168444

Excerpt from the city's bicycle master plan

The city's survey of residents about what kind of trails would be most useful in Temecula showed that cycling is the No. 1 demand. The only problem, the city last surveyed cyclists in Temecula in 1991, when 24,000 people lived here. That was 20 years and 100,000 people ago.

1. What type of trail activities are you most
interested in?
Respondents were asked to check all categories
that applied to them from the list of seven activities.
The activity with the highest percentage was
cycling with 25 percent, followed closely by hiking/
walking with 23 percent. Running, power walking
and nature viewing had a participation level of
13 percent each, followed by skating/blading with
seven percent and equestrian with six percent.

City updating master plan for bike trails

I was quoted in the Press Enterprise about the city updating its plan for bike trails/lanes. My comment was that the city could do more by adding simple amenities for cyclists -- buttons at stoplights mounted where cyclists can reach them, adjust the sensors so that they are triggered by bicycles, add some bike racks or push for businesses to add them, train police to respect cyclists' rights, educate youngsters about bicycle safety, add more on-street bike lanes -- rather than spend millions of dollars to build off street bike trails that you can't use to get anywhere around town, like to the supermarket to buy a few Cliff bars. My whole comment was condensed to "the city could do more," but all of the above is what I meant. You can read the whole story below. Cyclists need to contact the city about this plan. If you love off street trails, you should tell them so. If you think they are a waste, and would like to see more bike lanes, you should tell them. The city, as far as I know, didn't receive any input from cyclists on this plan. Maybe they should.

City updating master plan for bicycle lanes, trails

TEMECULA: Bikeway and trails map getting an update

		Download story podcast

10:00 PM PDT on Sunday, July 17, 2011

By JEFF HORSEMAN
The Press-Enterprise A map showing Temecula's bikeways and trails is about to get a makeover.
City staff are revising the map, which is available for free at City Hall and on the city's website, www.cityoftemecula.org.
Community Services Director Herman Parker compared the effort to updating a reference book.

Frank Bellino / The Press-Enterprise

Adam Craighead, 30, of Winchester, walks his dogs on the multipurpose trail that runs behind Chaparral High School along Santa Gertrudis Creek in Temecula. City officials are updating the trails and bikeways maps.

The 2008-09 version of the map shows the network of bike lanes on roads and dedicated trails for bicycles and pedestrians.
Temecula has roughly 97 miles of bike lanes and 22 miles of trails, according to the city website.
Besides updating the map -- the current version lists the now-completed Murrieta Creek Trail as expected to open in early 2009 -- Parker said the city hopes to identify some walking routes, some of which use sidewalks.
The goal is to encourage residents to get out and walk, Parker said.

Harveston's trail in Temecula is to be included in a map update. The city has about 97 miles of bike lanes and 22 miles of trails, its website says.

Temecula has a strategic plan showing areas where trails could go in the coming years. But local bicycling advocate Rick Peoples said the city's trail network is lacking.
"Most of the trails start in the middle of nowhere and go nowhere," he said. "They're not really connected."
Peoples said he'd like the city to do more to help cyclists, including adding more bike lanes.
He pointed out that vehicles blocked bike lanes leading to Temecula's Fourth of July festivities.
"There's a lot of other things (the city) could be doing," Peoples said.
Reach Jeff Horseman at 951-375-3727 or jhorseman@PE.com.

Cars parked in bike lanes on Fourth of July

Here is a letter from a Temecula cyclist to the city, and the city's response:

 

 

Wanted to let you all know of a situation I had with a City of Temecula officer on the 4th of July. We live near a lookout point for the annual firework show and wanted to ride our bikes there as a family. Every year people begin parking in the bike lane around 6:00pm. This year I decided to notify the police of the issue and see what we could do about it. 

In short the officer responded, told the offending people that they shouldn't park there, but didn't make them move or cite them. I spoke with the officer and while he knew their actions were illegal he seemed to brush off my concerns for our safety as cyclists. There are typically 75-100 cars that park on the hill and when they leave it is really chaotic. This is a residential area not fit for the kind of traffic volume it sees on the 4th. 

We ended up not riding there and instead watched from our street, even though we couldn't see the fireworks as well. I understand that this is a once a year issue, but the message it sends to motorists is one that says…as long as it's only temporary I can park anywhere. The officer even told me that when he spoke with the motorists they showed him their HOA cards and since they were residents and leaving soon that it was okay. The first cars started parking around 6:00 like I said and the cars didn't leave until 9:30. That isn't temporary. I told him that I completely disagree and that it since it only affects a few people doesn't make it right. 

I did ride to the bottom on the hill after the show and watched as car after car came down the hill, clogging both the bike lane and the lane of traffic. I have several videos I would be willing to share if you are interested. 

For reference the location I'm concerned with is Honors Drive between Vardon and Margarita Rd. in Temecula 92591. 

In my opinion parking in the bike lane needs to be taken more seriously in Temecula. I ride a bike almost everywhere in Temecula and while there are often bike lanes to use, there are often cars parked in them. It only forces me into traffic which is usually traveling at a much greater speed than myself. Not always, but at times cars will honk, yell, or pass extremely close as they do not understand that I have the right to full use of the lane. 

I am looking forward to a positive solution for this issue and would welcome any of you to join me on a ride to show you the conditions in and around Temecula.

Thank you for your time.

 

Zak Schwank

 

Here is the city's response:

Mr. Schwank,
 
I want to thank you for your email outlining your concerns regarding
the parking issues during the July 4th festivities in and around Ronald
Reagan Park.  As was obvious, this event, with the conclusion of a
fireworks display draws not only a generous representation of Temecula
citizens but also attendees from other municipalities.  The attendance
was even more profound with the removal of other events from neighboring
cities. As a result, our parking lots and streets become inundated with
additional vehicles.  Due to the impact of these vehicles, parking for
this event certainly came at a premium.
 
As a result, the city must weigh the impact of this event with the
impact it will have on its citizens.  For the Temecula Police Department
we have two options.  The letter of the law dictates that all those
vehicles parked illegally should be subject to a parking citation.  In
the case of the incidents you raised, that at a minimum would have
resulted in a roughly $35.00 ticket to 75-100 vehicles.  The citations
would be legitimate, however the perception would be the city used this
event as a tool to generate money in the form of fees and fines.  The
second option is to view the circumstances under the spirit of the law. 
We understand that our vehicular traffic is going to jump and that a
mass amount of persons are going to try and congregate in a centralized
location.  Therefore it is understandable to a point that there would
not be adequate parking for all of these vehicles and it is likely that
vehicles may park in the bicycle lane.
 
Each year at events such as this and others, an assessment is conducted
to try and determine what things can be improved and what changes can be
done.  These suggestions are presented to the city and to Temecula
Police Department management in an effort to minimize the negative
impact for all citizens.  I understand and respect your frustration on
this day and I will address this with representatives from the City of
Temecula to see what may be done.  Consideration could be made which may
result in the stringent enforcement of the vehicle code as to parking,
riding a bicycle on the sidewalk or the wrong side of the roadway,
pedestrian issues, etc.  The opposite also is possible that
consideration may be made to suspend enforcement of parking related
infractions during events where the crowd expectancy may outnumber
available parking.  All potential scenarios will and should be
considered. 
 
I again appreciate your concern and I apologize that it had a negative
affect on your July 4th celebration.  I will bring up these issues at
our July 4th debriefing with staff and city officials.
 
Regards,
 
Lt. Ron Heim
Temecula Police Department
Traffic Division
30755-A Auld Road
Murrieta, Ca. 92563
(951) 696-3000 

 

Why we can't ride in the bike lane in New York either

http://youtu.be/bzE-IMaegzQ

Why we can't "ride in the bike lane!!!!"

Motorists who aren't yelling "Get that thing on the sidewalk!!!" are sometimes yelling "Stay in the bike lane hippie!!!" I was followed by a guy in a white pickup truck for about half a mile until he could roll his passenger window down and yell the last one at me. I simply responded, "I can't. And you're too close." He can't see or doesn't care that there are rocks, glass, and sand bags in the lane. It was worth it to him to nearly kill me with his vehicle to make a point, and he was completely wrong. I could ride in the middle of the lane, but I wasn't. By state law, Vehicle Code 21202 (a), I am to ride "as far to the right as practicable." Not as far right as "possible." Someday I will post my back and forth with the editor of the local newspaper's transportation column on that issue. She was wrong, she argued with me that she shouldn't have to correct her column, and then relented and was forced to quote a CHP officer who agreed with me. It's the law.
This link goes to a great video of the kinds of things we seen in "bike lanes" (quotes added for emphasis) around Temecula.  
http://vimeo.com/21580758
Check it out. Thanks Zak!

Red Trolleys add bike racks

My wife and I were pedaling around Temecula the other day when we were passed by a Red Trolley. I said, I wish they had bike racks on those. Well presto! From my one comment, RTA has added bike racks. Ok, it could have happened that way, but it didn't. I like seeing bike racks on buses and trolleys. In a place like Temecula where public transit usually doesn't go anywhere near where you need to go, adding a bicycle changes everything. If you can get close, you can go the rest of the way by bike. Even for recreational rides, it lets you start your fun ride miles from home, without starting your car. http://www.pe.com/localnews/transportation/stories/PE_News_Local_E_wracks26.3fcdf5d.html Kudos to RTA for the new racks. And when they add a third rack to the regular buses, some of us won't have to wait for the second or third bus to come for an open spot. Nothing worse than standing at a bus stop only to see it pull up with both racks filled. You could buy a folding bike and carry it on, but a lot of people who survive on public transit are probably not going to have the cash to spend the money on a good folder. The cheap ones are no fun to ride.

Riverside follows up on Bronze medal cycling friendly community

If you want to read about one city's commitment to cycling:


http://www.pe.com/localnews/riverside/stories/PE_News_Local_W_wbicycle01.3bc1623.html

My reasons for bicycle advocacy

Everyone gets involved in causes for different reasons. I've been a cyclist my whole life, starting at age 10 when I was able to scrape together $120 to buy a Schwinn Continental. It was a beautiful bike and let me go anywhere. I have lived in the valley for 25 years. Cycling here has changed. The place is just busier now. About five years ago, I attended the dedication of the Vietnam memorial at the Duck Pond. Feeling great, I got on my bike and headed east on Rancho California, which used to be two lanes with a wide shoulder for cyclists. But things had changed. It had become three narrow lanes, no shoulder. (City staff said, "We have to move cars.") I got about 50 feet up the road when I felt a truck mirror brush me. No big deal. We all get that. The toy hauler he was pulling nailed me. I went over the curb and landed upside down on the grass, still clipped in. The event was breaking up, the crowd flowed out and people started stepping over me. Am I invisible? One woman stopped. "That guy didn't even stop!" she said. "Are you OK?" I was, but I started thinking we need to do something. A bunch of like minded cyclists began lobbying the city. Has anything changed? We did start the Ride of Silence, now in its fifth year. Each year cyclists support that event. We honor our dead and wounded. But we should be doing more. Lots more. At the last Ride of Silence, there was interest in taking another shot at lobbying the city for cyclists again. We live in a town that attracts cyclists from far and wide for its beauty and climate. But we also live in a town where bike racks are as hard to find as a bathroom after your last Starbucks stop and you can't remember how many times some red faced motorist is shouting for you to "Get that thing on the sidewalk."  We can change it. Look at Riverside. They have a cycling plan. They are hiring a cycling consultant. They have Bronze medal as a Bike Friendly Community. We can do the same. We can do more. Where's that competitive spirit that makes you sprint for the doughnut store? It can happen.

What's wrong with these pictures?

The top photo is of the Bike Velibe system in Paris, rent a bike with a credit card at any kiosk in town. When I was there, most of them were checked out they are so popular. The same system is being used in progressive US cities. The second photo is the new bike rack at Temecula City Hall. Wouldn't it be nice to see a few bikes in the rack? Wouldn't it be nice to see a few bike racks in front of businesses in Old Town?

Why is the bike lane chained? -- The city responds

We asked why the bike lane on the east side of Murrieta Creek at Rancho California Road was chained. Here is the city of Temecula response:

The area in question is an old ADA access ramp that used to lead to a crosswalk at the old traffic signal, it is not a bicycle entrance to the multipurpose trail.  The trail serves many users, including pedestrians, not just bicycles.  The chain and posts serve a dual purpose, yes the posts prevent vehicles from entering the paved pathway, but it also alerts pedestrian that this is not an appropriate place to cross the street, particularly a blind pedestrian.

Another bike lane blocked

This is a bike lane on La Serena blocked by a contractor. This happens all the time, forcing cyclists to swerve into the traffic lane with little warning. Any solutions to this one?

Why is the bike lane chained?

There is a bike path on the east side of the river starting at Rancho California Road. It is chained off. Does anyone know why? Too narrow between the poles for a car to enter the bike lane. Cyclists must dismount, push bike around the posts. The Fix: Remove the chain. The cost: Nothing. Sending to city staff.

Picture of chained off bike path

Bicycle Temecula

Welcome to Bicycle Temecula. The Temecula/Murrieta Valley in Southwest Riverside County is a wonderful place to cycle, but it is not without problems. We envision this site to be a place where you can post concerns, questions, concerns and more about cycling in the Temecula/Murrieta Valley. We need a place to post concerns about cycling -- chained off bike paths, bike paths that start in the middle of nowhere and go nowhere, lack of bike racks and parking, debris and obstacles in bike lanes, unsafe traffic design, threatening motorists, threatening dogs, interactions with law enforcement/city/county officials -- and get answers. Collectively we can make this area better, safer, for cyclists. Start posting and we can get the conversation started.