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East Shore
30 Mile Bikeway Being Planned
The proposed 30 mile long Nevada Stateline-to-Stateline Bikeway was presented to the public in July for their feedback on three proposed alternate routes. According to Alfred Knotts, project manager, representing the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), "this is a very ambitious project with many challenges that must be overcome like: private property access, topography, endangered species, and indigenous cultural sites." A member of the audience asked, 'what is the estimated completion date if on a fast track? Carl Hasty, District Mgr., TTD, replied, "the earliest is possibly 10-15 years". Carl went on to mention that the first project is planned to break ground within the next year or two in South Shore. It is the Shared-Used Bike Path that travels behind Horizon Hotel, along the Edgewood Golf Course, connecting to the Kahle Meadow bike path, and ending at Round Hill Pines Resort. For more information, contact Karen Fink at kfink@trpa.org. |
 West Shore
Caltrans Petition Gains Ground
Affected residents and visitors on the West Shore are signing a petition asking Caltrans to repave a former Class II Bike Lane that has been neglected for years. It is in such deteriorated condition that cyclists and pedestrians are forced into the traffic lane for mobility.
You can sign the petition at the following locations:
Westshore Pizzeria (Tahoma), in Tahoe City - New Moon Market, Alpenglow Sports, Olympic Bike Shop, Grind and Gear Cafe, and in Incline at Village Ski Loft, Truckee at Paco's and Cyclepaths. For more information contact Shelley at willpedalforfood@hotmail.com.
Homewood Bike Path Meets Opposition
The proposed Class I Bike Path through Homewood has met some opposition from homeowners in the region. Upon initial investigation by members of the Coalition, it was learned there was an aggressive door-to-door campaign with misleading information that mobilized some residents to get organized and now threaten the project with a lawsuit. Tahoe City PUD and their partners are shifting gears to avoid spending valuable dollars on legal fees and are directing their efforts and resources in more productive ways - like continuing the existing Class I Bike Path from Sugar Pine Point State Park to Meeks Bay.
Meanwhile, the planned renovation of the Homewood Ski Resort embraces and integrates bicycle and pedestrian pathways in its master plan. The Coalition is hopeful the Resort's leadership will demonstrate the value and convenience of mobility by foot and pedal in the Homewood community, and that residents will inevitably shift their views to be more harmonious and aligned with the greater community. The Coalition will track this project and assist in appropriate ways leading to a mutually agreeable solution that is the highest and best outcome for the community. |
| North Shore
Steps To Bicycle Friendliness
A combined effort by Tahoe City PUD, North Tahoe PUD, North Tahoe Resort Association, Chamber of Commerce, Town of Truckee, Incline Village Improvement District and others are working together, with the help of the Coalition, to gather the data and apply for the Bicycle Friendly Community designation granted by the League of American Bicyclists.
It is the goal of the Coalition to have the entire basin designated as a Bicycle Friendly Region on or before 2012. |
South Shore
Tahoe Welcomes Cycling 4K for Cancer Riders
27 John Hopkins University students stopped in SLT for a bit of R&R and genuine local hospitality as they cycled across America for Cancer awareness - traveling from Baltimore Maryland to San Francisco, CA. This is the second consecutive year 4K for Cancer has passed through our town - another group will be coming through next year.
It was surprising to me that so many of them were not frequent cyclists before they set out to ride across the country - they just thought it was a cool idea. General comments were about how nice and generous people were along the way- especially Tahoe locals. Many thanks go out to the Inn By The Lake for generously welcoming the troupe with lodging and showers for two nights, and Gary Moore, Dir. CSLT Parks & Rec, who made available the BBQ area for a monday night dinner. Yours truly was Chef de Jour.
CSLT General Plan Seeks Input
 Every 20 years, cities and counties must update their general plan to help guide its decision making into the future. New this year is the inclusion of the Complete Streets Act, approved by the State of Calif., which states that communities must consider and make provisions for all road users: cyclists, pedestrians, disabled, elders, and children.
Your Coalition is currently reviewing the plan with a keen focus on the Complete Streets policies, measures and the bicycle circulation grid, and will be submitting its comments for improved connectivity, safety, and traffic calming measures on or before the August 15 deadline.
You too can comment by visiting http://www.sltgpu.com/docs.html. |
Bicycle Achievement Awards
It is the time of the year when the Coalition recognizes those that have made significant contributions to the advancement of cycling in the region. There are four categories to be awarded: Business, Agency (public), Organization (non-profit), and Individual. Last year's winners were: Tahoe Daily Tribune, California Tahoe Conservancy, Tahoe Rim Trail Association, and Curtis Fong.
You can submit nominations in any or all categories. Please include a biography, press clippings, and/or description of the contribution(s) your nominee has accomplished to advance cycling in the region. Photos are also encouraged.
Send your nominations to BikeTahoe@aol.com or mail to: LTBC, PO Box 1147, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448. The Deadline to receive nominations is Friday, September 4, 2009.
Tahoe Bike Ambassador Program
A new program is in development and the Coalition would like to learn about your level of interest in it. The program is called the Tahoe Bike Ambassador. On a regular basis, many of us assist our cycling brothers and sisters while we are on our ride. We help them make navigational decisions, suggest places to go, share local knowledge about being prepared for the weather, altitude, and need for hydration. We may even help them change a tire or direct them to a local bike shop for repairs, purchase or rentals.
The Coalition would like to be a little more organized about assisting others and let it be known that knowledgeable cyclists are available to be of assistance. We are preparing the Ambassador guidelines and would like to produce a bike jersey that identifies a Tahoe Bike Ambassador. If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, have suggestions or a graphic idea for the jersey, let us hear from you. Send us an e-mail at biketahoe@aol.com.
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 Log Your Miles
You can still log your miles during the summer and have a chance to win prizes. Go to: Tahoe Bike.
Upcoming Events
Tour de Tahoe. Sunday, Sept. 13
Pedal There Thursdays, Every Thursday to Tahoe City Farmers Market
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Hi Tahoe Bike Buddies:
You can see by some of the news items mentioned above that our bicycle community is growing. Public agencies and private businesses are participating in increasing numbers, bicycle advocates are joining together, and the Coalition is being asked for guidance and suggestions for improving our communities bicycle friendliness.
In all, there are many positive indicators that our region is moving in the right direction. And, while we are being successful in our efforts we can benefit from your passion, expertise and membership to increase the Coalition's capacity to increase our effectiveness in helping Tahoe become a more livable and sustainable bio-region.
I invite you to become a member, a sponsor of one of our events or programs, and/or a collaborator in helping us mobilize our efforts and resources to a vision of Tahoe that many have held close to their heart for a very long time. Now is that time. The winds of change are at our back calling us to recommit to our vision and join the momentum for positive healthy change that is sustainable. Act now and be a part of history in the making and take pride in knowing that you played an important role in Tahoe's sustainable future.
Keepin' it real and rollin',
Ty Polastri
President
Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition | |
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