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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Did you hear? SVBC is bringing back the Silicon Valley Bike Advocacy Summit!
I know you thought I was going to tell you we're giving out McRibs, but hopefully a day full of networking and learning about bike advocacy issues that affect us all is more exciting that a pressed meat product sammie of unknown origins and dubious food product credentials. I dunno, just me, maybe.
Monday evening I attended the Healthy Communities Forum in San José, put on by the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club and co-hosted by a number of organizations, including Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.
The SVBC San Jose Team meets each fourth Wednesday of the month. Dinner and networking start at 6:00 pm, then get the meeting rolling at 7:00.
Come join us to meet your cycling neighbors and get involved in local bike advocacy! Policy suggestions from the local teams will be submitted to the SVBC Policy Advisory Committee and help shape our advocacy efforts. We'll also plan for fun events and work on strategies to expand and improve bike facilities in and around San Jose.
UPDATE: The dinner portion of tonight's meeting has been cancelled. Please join us at 7:00 pm for the regular meeting.
Come join us and participate in bicycle advocacy in Palo Alto and the surrounding communities.
This group, a grassroots collection of advocates that reports to the SVBC Policy Advisory Committee, meets the second Thursday of each month to discuss bike issues and events in and around Palo Alto. Learn about the latest bike projects, fun events, and ways you can help expand and improve bike facilities in your community.
“Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia.” – H.G. Wells
“To see that wheel turning was very soothing, very comforting. I liked the idea of having a bicycle wheel in my studio.” – Marcel Duchamp
Since its invention, the bicycle has served as transportation, inspiration, and tool for revolution. In a modern world facing global warming, oil wars, and economic crisis, the bicycle and other self-powered modes of transportation are increasingly important as means of keeping society healthy, safe, and connected. More than toys or transportation, the bicycle and its motor-less brethren can soothe, inspire, and provoke.
If you missed the Annual Winter Party last week, you're probably kicking yourself right about now after hearing how great it was. Allow me to deepen that regret with a quick photo recap of a really fun night!
About 90 people showed up for the getdown at Palo Alto Bicycles. The valet bike parking was well used, and everybody that rode to the party spent a bit of time out in the corral, comparing bikes, lights, and other accessories.
Photo credit Patt Baenen, Scaled-Up Productions.
At the end of Tuesday’s very successful Fourth Annual Dinner, someone told me, “I hope you don’t get post-event syndrome.” I told him that I never knew such a thing existed, but now I’m thinking there might be something to it.
First, I should start at the beginning. As you may know, my colleagues and I have been working very hard the last couple of months to plan, organize and put on the best SVBC Annual Dinner anyone has ever attended. We booked great speakers, found a great venue, and gathered amazing auction items.
This week, we are dropping our team registration for the upcoming Echelon Palo Alto Challenge and Gran Fondo on September 17, to make room for the many other worthy beneficiary organizations. But the good folks at Echelon still want to support SVBC. As a result, they are offering our members a $15 discount off the price of registration. Additionally, for each member that takes advantage of this offer, Echlon will donate $10 to SVBC to support our ongoing advocacy campaigns!
This is an exciting time for cyclists in Silicon Valley! From bike rodeos at schools to new bike bridges across 101 to the Silicon Valley Bike Advocacy Summit connecting advocates with policy makers, SVBC is at the forefront of promoting the bike for everyday use.
I just stumbled across this footage from the fixie trick jam at last year's ViaVelo. Seeing those crowds of people gathered 'round to watch the tricks made me remember what a great day it was. I heard plenty of people who had never seen a 180 on a track bike (and didn't know what a track bike was), telling each other how much fun they were having at San José's first open streets event.
A little visual reminiscence after the jump...
Many thanks to Palo Alto Bicycles for once again hosting SVBC's Winter Party. Over 70 people showed up and had a great time enjoying each other's company and some tasty snacks from Hobee's.
Over 70 people showed up for Monday night's Netherlands Bicycle Study talk - a great turnout for a room that holds 58!
SVBC Board member Shiloh Ballard discusses her experience in the Netherlands. Photo by Ray Hosler.
Attendees enjoyed the VIP treatment.
If you missed Park(ing) Day 2010, you missed some great conversions of street parking into inviting public spaces. Not to worry! SVBC was there (with a Park(ing) Spot of our own) to check out the asphalt alterations and report back.
