EmeraldBay
Tahoe Cycling News
August 2012
Bikeway Updates

Sawmill Bike Path 2A to OpenBFerry

The County of El Dorado's Sawmill 2A Bike Path & Erosion Control Project will be complete and open to the public on August 3rd, 2012. The .6 mile Class 1 bike path is located on the south side of Sawmill Rd. from Lake Tahoe Blvd. to the Echo View Estates subdivision. The project also includes water quality and erosion control elements.

 

In 2013, the county hopes to construct Sawmill 2B Bike Path that will extend 2A to Hwy 50 where the bike bridge meets Sawmill Road.  This 2 mile Sawmill Bike Path section will be a critical link in the County's multi-use path efforts to link Meyers to the 'Y' in South Lake Tahoe.  Also planned for 2014 is the Lake Tahoe Blvd. Bike Path - an erosion control and transportation project that parallels Lake Tahoe Blvd. traveling 2.2 miles from the Sawmill Road intersection to Viking Road - the entrance to South Lake Tahoe High School.

 

For more information about these county projects, contact Brendan Ferry at bferry@edcgov.us or by telephone at 530.573.7905.  Brendan is pictured here on the path happy and proud about the county's progress.

 

Nevada Stateline-to-Stateline Bikeway Project Breaks Ground

The planned 30+ mile Nevada Stateline-to-Stateline Bikeway project broke ground in late July with phase one called the South Demonstration Project.  This first section will travel from Lake Parkway (behind Harveys/Horizon hotels) to Round Hill Pines Beach and becomes the beginning link in a Tahoe-wide bike trail system that will circle the lake - being branded as "America's Most Beautiful Bikeway". This 3.2 mile shared-use trail will provide bike and pedestrian (non-motorized) transportation opportunities, linking recreation areas, businesses, communities and transportation facilities along U.S. Highway 50.  

 

The Demonstration Project is segmented into three sections:  now under construction is Phase 1B:  a 10 foot wide path from Kahle Drive to Elks Point Road that includes expansion of the existing Trailhead at Kahle Drive with 14 additional parking spaces, a restroom, picnic tables and interpretive reader boards and 1 mile of bikeway constructed. This segment will provide linkage to Nevada Beach, Kahle Community Center and the existing Douglas County parking structure. Phase 1A is planned from the California/Nevada stateline on Lake Parkway West to Kahle Drive will the Phase 1C segment planned from Elks Point Road to Round Hill Pines Beach.  Phase 1C is scheduled for construction during the 2013 construction season.

 

For project history or to look for construction updates visit www.tahoetransportation.org and for questions/suggestions contact:  Tahoe Transportation District, Alfred Knotts at 775.589.5503.

  

Sunflower Hill Trail Build Day - Saturday, August 11 trailbldg

On Saturday, August 11, 2012, Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association and Nevada State Parks will be working to complete the connection of the Sunflower Hill Trail.  If you would like to get dirty and help out, then you can meet at Lakeview Gate at 8:30AM for a 4WD carpool up the hill.  Bring your lunch, water, sunscreen and it is advised to wear long pants and long-sleeve shirt and sturdy shoes.  A cooler with refreshments will be provided at the end of the day which is scheduled for approximately 3:00PM.

 

You can ride your bike in from another access point and meet at the bottom of Sunflower hill or on the trail.  For more information about this important trail day contact Kevin.Joell@yahoo.com.

  

BikeBridgeMeasure R Funds to Improve Bike Bridges

On Friday, July 27, the Bicycle Advisory Committee (formed as a result of Measure R) presented its bikeway maintenance recommendations to the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) for consideration.  With some discussion about project priorities, and the timing of the City's grant request for additional funding to repair its bikeway system, the JPA agreed to approve the Advisory Committee's highest and most immediate recommendation for repairing the bikeway bridges spanning Trout Creek and the Upper Truckee River.  The bridge's wooden planks and fastening systems will be replaced and improved upon.

 

The approval came about because the project could be completed this season, be performed by City staff, and was allocated up to $30,000.  This money became available through the voters passage of Measure R last year - the measure that amended the 2000 Measure S bond for recreational facilities and bike paths.

 

TLClogoNews 

Tahoe Lodging for Cyclists (TLC) Launches

The Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition in collaboration with local lodging properties have come together to build the first lodging network with bicyclists in mind.  Called Tahoe Lodging for Cyclists or TLC, each participating lodging property provides secure bike storage, bike wash area, air pump, and discounts and other benefits to the visiting bicyclists.

 

TLC properties are Tahoe's Cycling Concierge - providing bikeway maps and information about places to eat, ride, and activities such as special events and entertainment.

 

The TLC properties are Lakeside Inn & Casino, Aston Lakeland Village, Tahoe Keys Resort and Howard Johnson - all located in South Tahoe on or near a bikeway with immediate access to the Lake and shopping areas.  For more information about each property and their specific bicyclist offers go to www.TahoeBike.org and click on the Lodging tab.  Other lodging properties interested in becoming a TLC property may contact Ty Polastri at BikeTahoe@aol.com for more information.

 

Tell your visiting family and friends to stay at a TLC property and receive valuable offers and authentic hospitality.

B&GBikeDonate 

Bike Coalition Donates Bikes & Helmets

The Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, through a grant received from the American Century Pro/Celebrity Golf Tournament and the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, purchased three BMX style bicycles, 50 bike helmets, and 500 Kids Bike Safety Coloring books to donate to the Boys & Girls Club and the upcoming Bike Rodeo scheduled for August 17, 2012. 

 

The Bike Rodeo is open to the public to help develop safe bicycling skills for kids.  On hand at the Boys & Girls Club in South Lake Tahoe will be a bike safety check performed by South Shore Bikes, and the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition to guide the bike handling skills course.  The event begins at 3:00 PM and bikes and helmets will be provided if children do not have them.  For more information, contact Ty Polastri at BikeTahoe@aol.com.  Additional information is forth coming.

 

Feature

BikWalkCmtyTwelve Takeaways from the Bikeable & Walkable Community Workshop

1.       We are ALL pedestrians

2.       1/3 of the population do not drive automobiles and we must accommodate for them

3.       Walking and bicycling are good for the economy, environment and public health

4.       Communities must provide safe and connected access equally to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists

5.       The highest incidents of crashes are at conflict points (intersections, driveways, left turn lanes)

6.       As roadway speeds increase so too the severity of crashes.  As speed decreases bike/pedestrian use increases

7.       Pedestrians want and need to cross the street safely and will do it where it is most convenient for them

8.       Traffic calming (speed reduction measures) and crossings are good for pedestrians (safety)

9.       Bikeways need to be part of a connected network (OK to combine various types - including on and off street)

10.   Bike Boulevards are preferred over diversionary bike routes (thoroughfares offer most direct route to places and businesses located on the route, slower speeds good for pedestrians, bicyclists, and residents; and cyclists will choose thoroughfares anyway because of direct route).

11.   Cannot design roadway system for peak traffic demands, but rather the demand 24/7, year-round

12.   Create an authentic, connected and accessible community to live and work and the tourists will follow

 

  Sightings - South Tahoe BMX State Qualifer

July 28, 2012

BMXFocus
Pre-race Focus
BMXComp
High Stake Competition
LaurenBMX
Lauren Thomaselli
   
 
Our Mission at the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalitionlogo is promote livable and sustainable communities by encouraging more bicycle/pedestrian-friendly facilities and to promote educational programs and events in which residents and visitors can safely and conveniently bike and walk on a more frequent basis.
 
To learn more go to www.TahoeBike.org and join our Facebook page.
Hey Tahoe Bike Buddies,
 
Wow Tahoe is hopping with Tourists and bike projects.  Of course you have noticed the construction and congestion while riding your bike - it's a cone zone outbreak.  The good news is Tahoe is transforming as a result of years of planning, negotiating and keeping focused and committed to building a more livable and sustainable bio-region.  The funding for these highway projects were allocated many years ago and we are not finished, but rather in a ramp-up mode for more bikeable, walkable and storm water drainage facilities around the Lake.
 
We also need your assistance in staying focused and committed to doing your part in holding the stakeholders (city, county, TRPA, TTD, Caltrans, NDOT and others) accountable for building the highest and best bike/ped facilities; electing city/county representatives who embody the Tahoe active lifestyle and are aligned with our views for a more people-centric community (not auto-centric); and have the necessary background and experience to make cost-effective decisions for our economic and social sustainability.
 
The roads of change are not easily built or traveled, and you will see significant improvements shortly and in the coming years.  Please participate in this process of community transformation and most importantly "trust the process".  A process is always laden with multiple visions, ideas, concepts, spoken and unspoken agendas, and plans that continually evolve over time.  Your participation can help influence and shape the direction and outcomes that serve the highest good for community, environment and economy.
 
There are three future projects I would like to direct your attention to and they are:  Downtown Kings Beach, and Harrison Street and the Loop Road in South Tahoe.  Each of these projects have the potential to build a more walkable and bikeable community that can increase safety for all road users, stimulate economic growth, and provide an authentic community experience for us and our visitors. But for this to happen, we need your vigilance and committed action to ensure the designs and build out serve the highest and most sustainable good for our community.
 
Ride with the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition as we take a stand to promote and encourage the building of and the maintenance for a more bicycle/pedestrian-friendly community and world-class bicycle destination.  Thank you.
 
See ya on the bikeways,
 
Ty Polastri
Editor & President information about your orgaoe Bicycle Coalition