E-Newsletter November 2009
South Shore 
Bike Path Maintenance Funds Saved!
Measure B, the measure attempting to amend Measure S in order to redirect the bike path maintenance funds, was narrowly defeated.
 
Now with the election behind us the Coalition is taking steps to gather all Measure S documents to more fully and accurately understand the Measure's obligations and accounting.  This review will enable the Coalition, along with others, to be better informed and prepared for future discussions about initiatives and possible measures to protect bike path maintenance funds and understand the other recreational needs of the community.
 
The Coalition wishes to thank everyone who voted to defeat Measure B and preserve the integrity of Measure S and the bike path funds.  We would like to extend particular gratitude to the following Tahoe Bike Buddies who courageously took a public stand before the City Council, wrote letters to the Editors, and joined with others to prepare a rebuttal:  Tom Wendell, Jeff Miner, Jerome Evans, Erie Claudio, Charles Nelson, Garry Bowen, and others.
 
We are hopeful this event has awakened the bicycle community to the need for becoming more organized, unified and action oriented.  We invite you and your family and friends to become members of the Coalition. 
 
East Shore 
Nevada Stateline-to-Stateline Bikeway on the Move
The 30 plus mile shared-used bikeway along the east shore of Lake Tahoe, Stateline-to-Stateline, continues to move along the process.  This month, all stakeholders and consultants making up the working group presented three alternative routes, and in some cases a fourth hybrid solution, for the public to review and offer their input.
 
You are encouraged to participate in these processes because your specific local knowledge may be helpful in suggesting best routes.  There are several challenges in routing and some of them include:  private property, natural and cultural resources, topography, hydrology, and construction costs.  You may check out the project by visiting www.nvtahoebikeway.com.
 
The Draft Feasibility Report is planned to be completed in spring of 2010 at which time a public workshop will be scheduled to present the report and solicit public input.  We will notify you of the time of place of these presentations.
 
South Demonstration Project - Stateline to Round Hill Pines Resort 
Phase One of the Nevada Stateline-to-Stateline Bikeway will be a shared-used bike path, 10 feet wide with two foot shoulders, from Stateline Blvd., behind the Casinos, to Round Hill Pines Resort.  Currently, the Environmental Analysis Phase is studying the impacts of the two potential alignments.  The analysis is planned to be completed by late spring/early summer and then will be circulated for public comment.  The final design is scheduled to be complete by winter 2010/2011 so that construction can be initiated during the 2011 construction season.
 
North Demonstration Project - Incline Village to Sand Harbor 
TRPA and NV State Parks are reviewing the analysis of this feasible/permitable alignment along this corridor.  If it is determined that the information and recommendations in the reports are viable, then this segment of the Project would proceed to Scoping and a Public Scoping meeting scheduled in Winter 2010 after which the project would proceed to environmental analysis during spring/summer 2010.
 
People on the Move 
 
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Shelley Purcell, founder of north shore's Pedal There, is cycling through South America with her husband Mark.  They have been riding in Ecuador and are now traveling through Peru.
 
 
 
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Ty Polastri, LTBC President, has returned from Cost Rica where he joined with leading bike event promoters and advocates to begin discussing the steps to increasing bicycle friendliness and safety in the country - shoulders and signage on streets, and reflectors and helmets for cyclists.  Costa Ricans in the country use cycles as a primary mode of transportation and there are many major bike events and competitions throughout the year. 
 
 
Tips
Chip, a passionate cyclist and sushi chef at Naked Fish, shares a mountain bike tip.  Should you be riding in the forest and get a flat tire and have no patch kit or spare tube, nor near any assistance, then completely pack the tire with pine needles and dirt and you can ride home or to the nearest assistance. 
 
Coalition to Incorporate
Your bike coalition is taking a significant step in its organization growth, influence and sustainability - incorporation in the state of Nevada as a nonprofit corporation and the filing with the IRS for tax exempt status.
 
This important step will enable the Coalition to apply for governmental and foundational grants, and provide tax deductions for members and donators.  The Coalition has been using the Sierra Nevada Alliance as its fiscal agent and receiving the benefits of nonprofit status through the Alliance.  We thank the Alliance for all the great work it does for so many organizations (over 100) and in particular their support of the Coalition's mission.  We look forward to our continued membership with the Alliance and more collaborative opportunities in the future. 
 
Become a Member of the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition
and Help Shape Tahoe's Future.
 
visit www.TahoeBike.org to become a member
 
 Join Our Mailing List
Dear Tahoe Bike Buddies:
 
Thank you again for voting to defeat Measure B.  It was a real challenge for us all to understand the Measure, get organized and intelligently respond in such a short time from when we first learned about it.  While it feels good to win, and reaffirm the community's desire for bike paths, our work is not over.  This Measure and the way it was promoted clealty demonstrates the immediate need to build and organize our bicycle community to help ensure that the Democractic process thrives and moves us toward a more bike/ped friendly and sustainable community.
 
Also, when you have friends and colleagues cycling through the world or have a bike tip to share, send me a photo and a brief description and I'll place it in the newsletter.  It will display another example of our growing cycling culture.
 
On behalf of the Coalition, I would like to send you all best wishes for sustained health, wealth and good riding on and off the snow during this winter season.
 
Keepin it rollin,
 
Ty Polastri
President 
Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition