California

California State Assembly. ACR 152 designates June 2024 as “California Mountain Biking Month.”

From CAMTB.org

Sacramento, CA (June 10, 2024) – The California Mountain Biking Coalition (CAMTB) is thrilled to announce the passing of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 152 (ACR 152) by the California State Assembly. ACR 152 designates June 2024 as “California Mountain Biking Month.” and recognizes the deep roots mountain biking has in California as its birthplace. ACR 152, originally authored by Assemblymember Damon Connolly and Senator Brian Jones, is sponsored by the California Mountain Biking Coalition. The bill received broad support, picking up fifty-nine (59) additional co-authors prior to the Assembly vote on June 3, including principal co-author Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (28th District).

ACR 152 now moves on to the California State Senate for the anticipated final approval.  The legislation is Bipartisan, or authored and widely supported by both democrats and republicans alike; and Bicameral, or residing in both state legislative bodies.  Additionally, it highlights the numerous benefits mountain biking and sustainable trail design provide to Californians and communities across the state, including mental and physical wellness, economic uplift, environmental protection, and community development.

The resolution cites mountain biking as a health-promoting activity that builds cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance. It also underscores the mental health benefits of mountain biking and its ability to reduce stress and foster community. The resolution points to the significant volunteer efforts of mountain biking clubs and organizations that maintain trails and support public lands. It also notes the major economic impact of mountain biking, contributing over $2.3 billion to California’s economy annually.

Photo by Mauricio Gutiérrez on Unsplash

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Ohm on the Range – Davis, California

From Bikemag.com

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Ranked #1 in the People for Bikes Annual City Rating for Midsized Cities, we take a closer look at how this Californian city transformed itself into ‘Bike City, USA’ and continues to evolve.

In the expansive tapestry of California’s cycling culture, Davis emerges as a vibrant thread, woven with passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of two-wheeled excellence. Nestled in the fertile Sacramento Valley, this unassuming town has become synonymous with cycling, earning its stripes as a veritable mecca for riders of all stripes. To understand the genesis of Davis’ cycling prominence is to embark on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of a community deeply entrenched in the saddle.

Davis’ Rich Cycling History

Long before the advent of carbon frames and electronic shifting, Davis was already pedaling its way into the annals of cycling history. The seeds of its cycling fervor were sown in the 1960s, a time of burgeoning environmental consciousness and a nascent desire for alternative modes of transportation. As the countercultural waves swept across California, Davis stood at the vanguard, embracing bicycles not merely as recreational tools but as instruments of societal change.

Photo by Mark Stosberg on Unsplash

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The 10 Most Bikeable Cities in California

From Redfin.com

California, a state renowned for its stunning coastlines, towering redwoods, and vibrant cities, offers more than just picturesque views. It’s also a haven for cycling enthusiasts, with numerous cities that prioritize bike-friendly infrastructure.

In this Redfin article, we delve into the top bikeable cities in the Golden State, exploring everything from the tech-savvy streets of Mountain View to the sun-drenched paths of Santa Monica. Join us as we pedal through the most bike-friendly cities in California.

1. Mountain View, CA

Bike Score: 92
Median Sale Price: $1,850,000
Median Rent Price: $3,280

Mountain View, a suburb of San Jose, is the most bikeable city in California with a bike score of 92. One of the most bikeable cities in the country, the region boasts several cyclist-friendly neighborhoods, like Old Mountain View and Monta Loma. These areas contain bike lanes and numerous attractions accessible by bike.

Photo by Jack Finnigan on Unsplash

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Clean Air and Active Transportation Groups Seek $50M for CA E-Bike Program

Sacramento, CA – Today, a coalition of environmental, public health, and active transportation organizations have sent a letter to California state budget leadership requesting an additional $50M for the California Air Resources Board’s Electric Bicycle Incentive Project. The coalition argues this funding will “…help the state transition to clean transportation in order to meet its ambitious climate goals.”

The coalition submitting this request includes: Active San Gabriel Valley, California Bicycle Coalition, Coalition for Clean Air, Environment California, Safe Routes Partnership, and the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR).

E-Bikes: A Great Climate Investment for California

Callifornians are eager to begin replacing car trips with e-bike trips. The conversion of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) from auto to active transportation can dramatically improve air quality for children and elderly in our polluted cities. It’s also a climate-transportation win-win.

“The Coalition for Clean Air is proud to be a part of a coalition advocating to increase funding for the Electric Bicycle Incentive Project. We believe this program will reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions, lower VMT, promote equity, and improve quality of life for Californians if properly administered and funded,” said Sofia Rafikova, Policy Advocate at the Coalition for Clean Air.

Photo by Himiway Bikes on Unsplash

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California will launch e-bike incentive program this year

From SpectrumNews.com

BY SUSAN CARPENTER

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s highly anticipated e-bike incentive is expected to begin within the second quarter of the year, the Air Resources Board announced Wednesday.

The $7.5 million program will be limited to state residents ages 18 or older with a gross annual household income less than 300% of the federal poverty level.

The base incentive is $1,000 but can be as much as $2,000.

Qualifying individuals can receive an additional $750 for cargo and adaptive e-bikes and another $250 if they reside in a disadvantaged or low-income community or have a gross income that is 225% or less than the federal poverty level.

Only one incentive is available per individual.

Photo by Himiway Bikes on Unsplash

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California’s Big Bike Year: 2022 in Review

From CalBike.org

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What can we say about 2022? We didn’t get everything we wanted, but thanks to advocacy from CalBike and our supporters and allies, it was a fantastic year for biking and walking in California. Here’s a short stroll down victory lane.

More money for biking and walking

California shows its values where it spends its money. Today, active transportation projects represent just a tiny fraction of the state’s transportation spending, but in 2022, that fraction got a little less tiny.

A diverse constituency advocated for $2 billion for bikes in the budget passed in 2022, and unfortunately, we came up short of that ambitious goal. However, we did secure the most funding ever for active transportation projects: $1.1 billion, a more than fourfold increase from prior years.

As communities across California scramble to fund projects to create Complete Streets and increase safety for people biking and walking, this extra money is crucial. It meant there was $1.6 billion available for the most recent funding round (Cycle 6) of the Active Transportation Program. As Streetsblog reported, this led to many more projects receiving funding and in a few years, we’ll see more protected bikeways and intersections as a result.

Of course, it’s still not enough. Every cycle, the ATP receives more excellent proposals than it can fund and has to turn away a higher number of worthy projects. Cities and towns understand that safe streets for all modes are essential for creating livable, sustainable communities. It’s time for the state to understand that too, and devote more money to bikeways and less to freeways.

 

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