SVBC is your best source for bicycling information in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Check this page to learn about interesting events, volunteering opportunities, and current issues facing bicyclists.
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I spent a couple hours at the San José City Hall today, tabling at a commute alternatives fair hosted by the City's Green Team. In addition to the SVBC table, there were representatives from the City of San José Department of Transportation, 511.org, Valley Transit Authority, Clipper, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and others.
A pair of local leaders - Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO Carl Guardino and Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager - were featured in a recent article in Eucalyptus Magazine, in which they discussed their great daily bike commutes on Santa Clara County trails. Regarding his car-free commute, Guardino says "It is a great and healthy way to start and end each day—burning carbs rather than carbon, getting some exercise, and enjoying the beauty of the Los Gatos Creek Trail."
A recent poll by Stanford's Parking and Transportation Services Department shows that 52 percent of the university's employees choose some sort of alternative transportation, such as cycling or public transportation.
From the Stanford Report:
"Reaching the point where more than half of the university's commuting employees chose alternative transportation instead of driving alone is a major milestone for Stanford," said Brodie Hamilton, the department's director...
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has developed a bicycle wheel that works as an energy storage system, electric motor, bluetooth interface, trip computer, and electric toothbrush. I may be mistaken about the electric toothbrush part, but hey, why not?
San Francisco cyclists can now download CycleTracks, the free app that generates maps and statistics of your rides that you can share with friends. The app is now available on Android phones and iPhones.
UPS has recently introduced bicycles to their Silicon Valley fleet of delivery vehicles. The move is an attempt to keep costs down - the company is notoriously efficient - but has also garnered some welcome publicity for the company. I, for one, am happy to oblige. Social movements usually gather extra steam when they are backed by corporate interests, so if UPS wants to share my bike lane, I say welcome to the club. The bicycle movement can use some high-profile help, and the UPS "riders" are nothing if not visible.
Well, look here: SVBC member Joe Walton guides us through the steps involved in bringing your bike along on a VTA bus ride.
Thanks, Joe!
