November Tahoe Cycling News

Tahoe Cycling News

November 2011

South Tahoe Approves Measure R

On Tuesday November 8, the residents of the South Lake Tahoe voted to approve, by nearly 71%, the amending of Measure S which now allows the accumulating, unspendable, funds to be used for improving and maintaining old existing bike paths and youth athletic fields with no increase in taxes.

This vote is a significant accomplishment by and for the community in general and specifically for the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition who joined with others in taking a leadership role in collaboratively crafting the measure's language and helping inform the community of its intended outcome.

Soon the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) will be announcing applications for the two advisory committees. Part of Measure R was the formation of committees making recommendations to the JPA regarding athletic fields and bicycle paths. When the applications become available, we will let you know about them so that those of you who are interested may apply.

Thank you everyone for voting and particularly those who voted to approve Measure R. Specific thank yous go to the following organizations who publicly joined the Bike Coalition: Lake Tahoe Unified School District, South Tahoe Association of Realtors, Lake Tahoe Community College, Community Athletic Coordinating Council, South Lake Tahoe City Council, South Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce, South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association, Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association, South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, Tahoe Sports LTD, South Shore Bikes, South Tahoe Pop Warner, and the Lake Tahoe Media Group who helped us communicate our message.

Amgen Tour of California Host Cities Announced

May 13 - 20, 2012 - A course of approximately

750 miles

Stage One (Sunday).       Santa Rosa to San Francisco

Stage Two (Monday).      San Francisco to Santa Cruz County

Stage Three (Tuesday).   San Jose to Livermore

Stage Four (Wednesday) Sonora to Clovis

Stage Five (Thursday)      Bakersfield - Time Trial

Stage Six (Friday)            Palmdale to Big Bear Lake

Stage Seven (Saturday)   Ontario to Mt. Baldy

Stage Eight (Sunday)       Los Angeles - Final

TLC: Tahoe Lodging for Cyclists

Several leading lodging properties in the Tahoe area have expressed their excitement for the TLC program by signing up to participate in the program attracting visiting bicyclists to their properties. TLC properties care about visiting cyclists and offer them special bicycle-friendly services and discounts. To become a TLC property or to learn more about the program contact Ty Polastri at

BikeTahoe@aol.com. There are opportunities for TLC properties to have their brand placed on 50,000 Lake Tahoe Bike Trail Maps.

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.

Transportation Enhancements Saved Again!

On Tuesday, November 1, the U.S. Senate voted 60 - 38 against Senate Amendment 821. The amendment, introduced by Senator Rand Paul (KY), that would have eliminated the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program - the nation's largest funding source for trails, walking and biking.

Thank you everyone who voiced their support in defeating 821 - particularly our California and Nevada Senators who understand TE is important to our public, environmental and economic sustainability.

"I Bike. I Vote"

Increasing efforts are being made by members of the Senate to moditfy the Transportation Enhancements bill to minimize funding for bike/ped projects for more highway related projects. The Federal Transportation Bill still has not been updated and approved. We need everyone that bikes to voice their views. There are a couple of advocate groups that you can stay up to date from a State and Federal perspective: www.Calbike.org and www.bikeleague.org. We will keep you informed when issues are timely and need your voice to be heard.

On Trail Sightings



                Kat & Michelle                             Bike Mural - Meeks Building

Report Unsafe Highway Conditions - California

You can go online to report safety issues that concern California State highways that need attention by going to: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/msrsubmit/.

Become a member of the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition & Help Build a Legacy.

The mission of the Coalition is to promote liveable and sustainable communities by encouraging more bicycle/pedestrain-friendly facilities and promoting educational programs in which residents and visitors can safely and conveniently ride and walk on a more frequent basis.

For Membership go to www.TahoeBike.org and click on Membership Tab.

Our next monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 8, 5:30-7:00PM at Design Workshop Conference Roon, 128 Market St., Suite 3 E, Stateline, NV.

Hi Tahoe Bike Buddies,

Wow what a summer. Aside from riding, producing events, and developing new programs for 2012 and beyond, the Bike Coalition spent hundreds of hours working on Measure R so that the South Tahoe community understood and believed it was a win-win for community recreation. I believe South Tahoe's vote approving Measure R is a huge testament to the Coalition's commitment to fulfilling its mission and its promise of helping to improve the bicycle-friendliness of the region.

However, the ultimate success of Measure R is directly attributed to each and every person who took the Measure seriously, gave thoughtful consideration of its intention, and took a stand for improved recreation with their vote. Kudos to everyone in South Lake Tahoe.

We of the Bike Coalition Board of Directors are grateful for your vote and feel our efforts have been justified and your vote validating - and that gives us a feeling of doing well by doing good.

While we are in the glow of success right now, there are other important issues looming on the horizon that we will be bringing to your attention and asking for your voice of support and action. We also hope you recognize the value the Coalition brings to our community and will consider joining our efforts by becoming a member and volunteer. The approval of Measure R demonstrates how a unified community can help shape the future we envision and deserve. Good work everyone!

'Keepin it Real and Rollin'

Ty Polastri

President, LTBC

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