Bike Coalition in Support of Measure R

The Coalition Board of Directors, along with other bicycle advocates and community recreation leaders, worked diligently and collaboratively to develop the Measure that could be more responsive to the changing economy and community needs.

This may be the last change to amend Measure S for the following reasons:  1) requires unanimous support of the JPA Board; 2) Takes money ($18,000-$85,000) to place on the ballot, and the JPA is not likely to spend anymore Measure S funds if it has failed twice in its attempt to amend; and 3) requires a 2/3 voter approval.

This is the chance for South Tahoe to approve what most people have been asking for (even the opposition): repaired and maintained bike paths; with the addition of improving the ball fields.  This is a win-win opportunity to enhance the community for residents and visitors for years.

To get more details about Measure R, funding and cost analysis, and other documents, go to www.TahoeBike.org and click on read more under Measure R paragraph. 

When you read this the 3 Feet Passing Law will be in effect in Nevada.  Motorists must now pass a bicyclist no closer than 3 feet (NRS 484B.270).  This law requires a driver of a motor vehicle to overtake and pass a bicycle or an electric bicycle proceeding in the same direction by: 1) moving the vehicle into the immediate left lane, if there is more than one lane traveling in the same direction and it is safe to move into the lane: or 2) passing to the left of the bicycle or electric bicycle at a distance of not less than 3 feet from the bicycle or electric bicycle.

As of this publication, California has a similar law (SB-910) on the Governor's desk waiting to be sign into law.  Statewide bicyclists are hopeful for a winning outcome.  I'll report that outcome as it becomes known.

The events kick off on Saturday with bike tours in Los Angeles.  Saturday night is the opening reception followed by a networking event and party in downtown.  Sunday and Monday will be full of content, where we'll learn best practices in advocacy from around the world and help set the strategic direction of the statewide bicycle movement.  Register by 10/5 and pay only $85.  After 10/5 the price changes to $110.  To register and more info go to www.Calbike.org.

Bike Coalition Developing T.L.C. Program

TLC: Tahoe Lodging for Cyclists

A new program developed and administered by the Bike Coalition is designed to build a network of lodging properties that offer bicycle-friendly services and offers for the visiting bicyclists.  Cycling tourism is increasing around the world and in Tahoe.  Couple this growth with the increase in bike trails and cycling events, it becomes fitting that we provide accomodations and offers to this growing market segment.  For complete details about becoming a TLC property and extending your brand to a large cycling population, contact Ty Polastri at BikeTahoe@aol.com ASAP.

 

 

New Lake Tahoe Bike Trail Map in the Works.

The third edition of the Lake Tahoe Bike Trail Map is in the planning stages for improved accuracy of trailheads, North Tahoe trail system, more mountain bike trails, elevation grid, and generally easier to use and download from the web site.  50,000 copies will be printed.  Funding for design updates and printing are dependent upon grants and sponsors.  Companies, organizations and agencies interested in sponsoring the map and receiving branding and marketing benefits for more than two years, may contact Ty Polastri for details at BikeTahoe@aol.com.

 

 

Lake Tahoe Bicycle Achievement Award Nominations Open

The third annual Bicycle Achievement Award nominations are now open in four categories:  Individual, Business, Agency and Organization.  The Achievement Award is given in four categories for exemplary contribution to advancing bicycling in Lake Tahoe.  Nominations must include a biography, and a detailed description of the advancement of bicycling.  The LTBC Board of Directors will review all nominations and deliberate on whom shall receive this prestigious award.  Nominations end October 25, 2011 and may be sent to BikeTahoe@aol.com or by mail to:  LTBC, PO Box 1147, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448.  Anyone can make a nomination.

 

 

 

New Tahoe Bikeways Moving Forward

The Bike Coalition's vision for Tahoe becoming a world-class bicycle friendly community and destination is moving closer to reality with the announcement of these latest updates:

 

South Tahoe Greenway

This 3.86 mile multi-use trail is the first phase of the originally planned 9 mile Greenway from Meyers to Van Sickle Bi-State Park.  The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) just approved the environmental documents and they must now go before the TRPA for environmental impact assessment - they are expected to be approved.

 

The Greenway route is from the intersection of Barbara Ave. and Sierra Blvd., over a new Trout Creek bridge, past the LT Community College, through Bijou Meadow, to Ski Run Blvd., and end at Van Sickle Park.  It will be a 10-foot wide path with raised boardwalk sections crossing sensitive areas.  The CTC is seeking funding and now with environmental documents approved, they can move more quickly.  With funds the project could begin construction as early as 2013.

 

Stateline-to-Stateline- Phase Two Public Input

Phase Two of the planned 30 plus mile bikeway along the entire east side of the Lake in Nevada is moving along also.  Called the North Demonstration Project this approximately 3-mile, shared-use path would generally include a 10-foot wide paved path with 2-foot shoulders, a section with sidewalks, and some parking. It will travel from Incline to Sand Harbor State Park.

 

Phase One, from Stateline, NV will travel to Roundhill Pines Resort and is schedule for construction in 2012.

 

Public Input Meeting:  Weds., Oct. 5, beginning 6:00 pm at the Chateau at Incline Village, 955 Fairway Blvd., Incline Village, NV.  Send your written responses to Brian Judge, Acting Assistant Branch Chief, at TRPA at PO Box 5310, Stateline, NV 89449. Responses should include the name of a contact person at your agency or organization.

 

Dollar Creek Shared-Use Trail Project

This project is located in Placer County, primarily within Conservancy and NTPUD owned properties, between the intersection of Dollar Drive and SR 28 and the terminus of Fulton Crescent Road.

The approximately 2.5 mile long trail will extend the existing Tahoe City to Dollar Point bike path.

Public Information Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, October 4, at North Tahoe Event Center (8318 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, CA) from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For further information or questions, please contact Peter Kraatz, at 530-581-6230 or by e-mail at pkraatz@placer.ca.gov.

Tahoe City Lakeside Trail

Phase 7 of this multi-purpose trail through Tahoe City is now officially completed through the State Recreation area at the East end of Tahoe City.  Phase 5 and 6 are now under way along the lakefront in front of the Lighthouse Shopping Center and the Boatworks Mall.  Work will continue until October 15, 2011 when all construction in the basin must be suspended for the winter.  Construction will resume in the spring and the trail is expected to be completed by 2012.

 

Ty Polastri

President, LTBC