E-Newsletter October 2009
Regional 
Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan Online
The draft sections of the Lake Tahoe Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan are now up on the internet for your review and comments.  Visit them at:  http://www.tiims.org/Science-Research/Document-List.aspx.  Look for all four and they are:  Draft Maps, Draft project Lists (zoom in to read), Draft Goals, Policies, and Actions, and The open-house posters, which request your input.
 
Please note, you can DOWNLOAD the documents to your computer -- look for the file name in a blue box on the upper left-hand corner of your screen.  For some reason this box does not catch your eye at first.  You may provide comments on these documents up to Nov. 16.  A full draft of the document is expected to be available in Jan. 2010.
 
 For more information, contact Karen Fink at kfink@trpa.org, 775.589.5204
HwodbikllnNorth Shore 
Tahoe City Expands Bike Path System.
This month, the Tahoe City PUD plans to go to bid to extend the Lakeside Bike Path, at an estimated construction cost of $4 million.  This first of three phases of the one mile path connects the existing shared-use path at Commons Beach, currently terminating at the end of Grove St., and traveling east toward the Tahoe City Marina.  It travels along the lakeshore traversing private, commercial and public property ownerships and in some locations traversing active business operations.  This crossing of multiple ownerships and business operations (with easements) demonstrates a collaborative effort recognizing the greater community value of a connected shared-use bike/ped path through their community. 
 
The Coalition extends kudos and congratulations to each member of the community who has helped make this community asset possible.
 
Funding partners for this project may include the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC), the North Tahoe Resort Association and the TCPUD.
 
Cindy Gustasfson, TCPUD General Manager, at a recent CTC Board meeting, explained that shared-use paths play an important role in the TCPUD's master plan by providing alternative transportation options to shopping downtown and easier access to recreational and community resources -- which all contributes to a positive Tahoe City experience for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
South Shore
Attempt to Grab Bike Path Maintenance Funds
 
logoThe South Lake Tahoe Recreation Facilities Joint Powers Authority is attempting to grab (needing a 2/3 vote) the bike path maintenance funds authorized by Measure S (a bond approved by voters in 2000) to pay for additional athletic fields. 
 
This effort is called Measure B and is scheduled to appear on the November 3 election ballot.  Sadly and unjustly, the measure's proponents have intentionally omitted the fact and publicly stated there is no opposition to the measure.This tactic is not only misleading the community but is false and unfairly prejudices the electorate -- a non democractic process.
 
Additionally, Measure B provides no plans, no budget, and no sunset clause of when their spending of funds terminates and how the monies will be spent.  The district has built the ice rink, recreational facilities at Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement district, a ball field and practice field area at the community college -- with cost overrides.  And now, the District wants to be rewarded by taking the most difficult funds to acquire (bike path maintenance) and spend them on yet to be defined project(s).
 
A rebuttal to Measure B will soon follow.
 
TV Commercial to Include Cyclinglogo
Last month, a TV production crew was in town to produce a new commercial promoting the attributes of South Lake Tahoe.  The Coalition was asked to assist in suggesting mountain biking trails that would show cyclists enjoying the natural beauty of the area and the ease of access to that beauty by bicycle.
 
The commercial is part of a new marketing campaign to be announced by the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA) in early spring.  The Coalition is delighted to assist the LTVA and other organizations interested in promoting cycling in our region because it helps move us closer to the Coalition's vision of Tahoe becoming a world-class cycling destination.
 
Hi Tahoe Bike Buddies: logo
 
WOW!
 
Tahoe City's commitment to and understanding of the economic and environmental value for a connected bike path system is ever so apparent when you visit and  use its facilities.  Tahoe City is Tahoe's best example of a collaborative community working together with the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants Association, North Tahoe Resort Association, private and public landowners, commercial businesses and funding agencies to build and maintain a high valued system for all users.  Their success is in stark contrast to the environment in the southern park of the Lake.
 
South shore continues to demonstrate the need for new and fresh leadership to help build a more friendly and collaborative community.  The need for experienced professionals who hold community trust as the highest standard of leadership is essential.  In 2010, three City Council seats will be terminating -- providing an excellence opportunity for positive healthy change.
 
Let's get together and continue our efforts for manifesting the vision and reality of Tahoe that we share.
 
Keepin it rollin and real,
 
Ty Polastri
President 
Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition