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Tahoe Bike News |
July 2013 |
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 Tahoe Bicyclists Make Impact
This year's two week long Tahoe Bike Challenge had 357 registered riders and 51 teams traveling a combined 29,692 miles and when converted into Green Miles, that represents over 10 tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere. That alone is significant, but you when we also look at 809,475 calories burned and over a million feet of elevation gained, we know that Tahoe locals are also serious about their personal health.
Organizers are currently evaluating the event and making plans for ramping it up for next year's Challenge, June 7-20, 2014. Please submit suggestions on how to make the Challenge more fun and impactful, and also let us know if you would like to help out by sending an email to BikeTahoe@aol.com.
One Mile of 30 Mile Bike Path Dedicated
On June 20, an assembly of public officials, agencies, private contractors and Tahoe Bicycle Coalition were on hand to celebrate the first completed mile of the 30 mile Stateline-to-Stateline Bike Path. Known as the South Demonstration Project, it travels from Kahle Drive through Rabe Meadows and connects to the Elk Point Drive Bike Path. This summer, construction of the second phase of the three phase project will begin by continuing the Bike Path along the lakeside of Round Mound and connecting to Round Hill Pines Resort. Phase three of the project will come later, from Stateline Blvd. behind Harvey's Resort Hotel, and connecting to the trail head at Kahle Drive.
A North Demonstration Project is also in the works, traveling from Incline Village to Sand Harbor. The East Shore of Lake Tahoe has some of the most scenic vistas and primitive landscapes that appeal to many seeking pristine beaches and recreational resources away from the hustle and bustle of the more urban settings. Plans for the entire bike path are near completion while funding is being south to connect the East Shore with the bike path system growing on the California side.
(Pictured above is Joanne Marchetti, Executive Director, TRPA) |
Bike Award Recipients Announced
The 2012 Lake Tahoe Bicycle Achievement Awards were announced during the Tahoe Bike Challenge Wrap-up Party, June 14. Each year, the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition (LTBC) honors those that have made significant advancements to helping Tahoe become more bicycle-friendly.
The 2012 Award recipients are:
Tom Wendell, Individual Category, for his longstanding bicycle advocacy work: helping found one of the earliest bike organizations, the Tahoe Regional Advocates for Cycling and serving as its President. Tom was also instrumental in helping that organization transition into what is now the LTBC.
Design Workshop, Business Category, for its consultancy in bike/ped community planning, bike path design, and volunteerism - helping bicycle advocacy organization's advance their missions.
Barton Health, Organization Category, for its leadership in offering bicycle safety education, bike handling clinics, fitness training and having its 30 of its leadership members show up to clean the bike paths in preparation for the Tahoe Bike Challenge.
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Agency Category, for building and maintaining single track mountain bike trails, most notably the nationally known Flume Trail, and helping organize and support Tahoe's only Bike Patrol (similar to Ski Patrol) that informs, educates and assists riders on the trails.
And new this year was the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Service Award given to Rudy Pakes for his efforts (and his sons) in coming to the aid of a seriously injured bicyclist and helping apprehend the hit and run motorist.
(Pictured above from left to right: Rudy Pakes, Ben Fish (Design Workshop), Monica Scuito (Barton Health), Ranger Bill Champion (LT Nevada State Park). Tom Wendell could not attend) |
 Tahoe's 2nd Bike-Friendly Community Announced The League of American Bicyclists (LAB), the oldest bicycle advocacy organization in the US, founded in 1880, reviews, evaluates and awards, or not, the Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) designation to communities that have demonstrated their commitment to "providing safe accommodation and facilities for bicyclists and encouraging residents to bike for transportation and recreation". This spring, the LAB awarded Eastern Placer County (Tahoe City) with a Bicycle-Friendly Community designation at the Bronze Level. Now, Tahoe City joins the City of South Lake Tahoe in demonstrating their progress in continually improving the conditions for bicyclists - for if they don't, the LAB can withdraw the BFC designation. |
Bike Safety Rodeos for Youth Gaining in South Tahoe
One of the greatest needs for the bicycle community's future is safety education for youth and South Tahoe is ramping up its efforts. Spearheaded by the Lake Tahoe Bike Coalition, and partnered with California Highway Patrol, City of South Lake Tahoe Police Department, Boys and Girls Club, Slowrollers bike club, South Shore Bikes and the City of South Lake Tahoe's Parks and Recreation department, Bike Safety Rodeos for middle school youth are becoming an annual event.
The Bike Coalition and its partners offer education materials, helmets, bike safety checks, proper helmet fitting, instruction and a bike riding course designed to help improve bike handling skills and gain experience riding with traffic. It is the intention of the Coalition to help facilitate more bike rodeos throughout the Basin. |
 Pilot Bike Sign Project in the Works
On any given day, one can encounter confused bicycling visitors wondering how to get from their lodging in the Stateline area to South Tahoe's many recreational resources along the bike path system. And local residents may also wonder what route is the most efficient path of travel. The Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition (LTBC) recognizes this public need and understands how a low-cost way finding signage system can significantly increase the safety and the positive experiences of our bicyclists. To that end, the Coalition has prepared a bicycle way finding proposal and submitted it for the City of South Lake Tahoe's consideration.
The pilot project initially calls for signs to be placed along the bike path within City Limits - indicating destinations, direction, distance and distinction. Once installed, the City and the Coalition will conduct public opinion surveys to learn about bicyclists' approval and further needs. If deemed appropriate and necessary there may be refinements to the project before scaling it up to include a sign system along Pioneer Trail - connecting Stateline to the Meyers area.
According to the Lake Tahoe Region Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan 2010, "Way finding and signage are an important component for path users. Visitors who feel comfortable and empowered will keep coming back to the area, and an effective sign system is key to creating that comfort level". Stay tuned. |
Advisory Committee Meets for South Tahoe's Recreational Future
On June 6, 2013, the City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County hosted the first meeting of the Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC) for the Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan. MPAC members, made up of key stakeholders, agencies, organizations and busin esses, will provide advice and direction to the Project Team during the planning process. This was the first of five MPAC meetings.
MPAC members were asked to participate in a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats/Challenges) analysis of the South Lake Tahoe's parks, recreation and recreation resources.
The consultant team will use the results of this meeting and the recently conducted stakeholder interviews to begin describing current conditions and issues related to the planning process. This will be combined with additional data provided by the City and County to present an overall picture that tells us "Where we are now." The next meeting is scheduled in August with the Master Plan recommendation deadline due in May of 2014. |
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Bike To Work Banner Missing
Sometime between June 12-14, the Bike to Work Week banner was removed from its outdoor display at the Visitors Center in South Lake Tahoe. It is a 3' x 15' white vinyl banner with large green lettering. Anyone that knows the where abouts of this valuable banner, please contact the Bike Coalition at BikeTahoe@aol.com or return it to the Visitors Center. Thank you. |
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Hey Tahoe Bike Buddies,
Like what you see happening in Tahoe? We can do more with your help. Whether it be volunteering your time, expertise or becoming a member. Your contribution will join others in Helping Tahoe Become More Bicycle Friendly. That's our mission.
And, for all of you that participated in the Tahoe Bike Challenge - Thank you. Your participation made a noticeable impact in our community that will yield dividends in the coming years. And, there is more good news coming.
Keepin real it rollin,
Ty Polastri
Editor/Publisher
Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition |
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