BIC = Bitches In Control

If you've ever wondered what BIC stands for in Bic Control, it stands for Bitches In Control...psych! It's short for bicycle and is pronounced 'bike control' and sounds like 'mic control,' which is something that we argue cyclists in the U.S. need to enact change.

But I recently learned that BIC also stands for Bitches In Control, a killer riot grrrl street art crew who I think is based in Brooklyn while expanding as far as Berlin:





So so goood! Check out more here.

We're winning...

This article for Yahoo News further reaffirms what we--as young people of today--know. Our current generation is undergoing and has undergone a paradigm shift in terms of how we view automobiles and mobility. This article discusses the paradigm shift that questions automobility but it does not discuss the paradigm shift that has embraced bicycles in major cities across the U.S. For that I'd recommend getting your hands on data from your local MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization), or, for a less technical, more fun yet informative read, I'd recommend the excellent book by Jeff Mapes, Pedaling Revolution. In the meantime...:

Generation Y Giving Cars a Pass

The generation gap is a growing, long-term headache for automakers.

By Jim Ostroff

Selling cars to young adults under 30 is proving to be a real challenge for automakers. Unlike their elders, Generation Yers own fewer cars and don’t drive much. They’re likely to see autos as a source of pollution, not as a sex or status symbol.

Motorists aged 21 to 30 now account for 14% of miles driven, down from 21% in 1995...

“It’s a matter of mind-set far more than affordability,” says William Draves, president of Learning Resources Network, an association that studies consumer trends and provides education and training services...

Moreover, in survey after survey, Gen Yers say that they believe cars are damaging to the environment. Even hybrid electric vehicles don’t seem to be changing young consumers’ attitudes much.

Bold emphasis added. The complete version of the article can be found here.

Tomorrow nite!: Tijuana's Paseo de Todos aka Everyone's Ride

Aside from the all the violence obsessively reported in the San Diego media, there are actually many amazing, important, and (unreported) progressive events taking place in Tijuana. For example, this Friday a very purposeful yet fun bike event--Paseo de Todos--will be taking place. Here's more info from my buddy:

Riders of Tijuana/San Diego

The fourth Paseo de TODOS (everyone's ride) will be taking place this friday, in which TODOS (every) bicycle group in Tijuana will be coming together to give each other strength to be able to peacefully change the way in which society perceives human mobility and transportation.

We will unite so that together we can look after the common good and to make a meaningful presence as a single collective. In general, bicyclists are upset because the measures of a government who claims to be in favor of the bicycle/biciclysts have not been taken in order to benefit the bicyclist, since the two bike paths from Tijuana (zona río y rosas magallón) are impossible to access via bicycles. The pseudo governmental support of such facilities is only used as a political scapegoat.

In the inauguration of the Rosas Magallón sports center, the mayor Jorge Ramos declared: "Today we are planting the seed of hope; today we are investing in making sports a tool that can allow us to keep our children and our young ones from the wrong path." However, without access for pedestrians or bicyclists, it is impossible and very unsafe to access these bike paths unless it is with the use of a vehicle. Children and young people are not able to drive.

The petitions that we have on our first phase are as follows:
A revision to the Rules of Transit.
A restructuring of the Public Transport system so that it is more efficient and not a headache for everyone (it seems impossible in our city, but if we do not unite we will be victims of this all of our lives)
Signaling/Signs that foster respect to the Pedestrian and the Bicyclist.

We believe that if we provide with more security to the urban bicyclist and the pedestrian, society will be even more trustful of riding bicycles more often, which will result in the reduction of traffic in the neighborhoods as well as downtown It is almost unbelievable that in a two-block stretch people have to drive a vehicle (for example: going to the store to get milk).
We invite you to be part of modernization and re-culturization of our city.
This is a world movement.
In Mexico it takes place in DF, Guadalajara, Puebla, Queretaro, Celaya, Monterrey, Oaxaca, Morelia.
In Baja California it takes place in Ensenada and Tijuana.
Friday August 6, 2010. 8pm. Plaza Santa Cecilia (The large Arch right at the end of revolución, near the pedestrian crossing.)
-----------------

Ride Details & Suggestions:

Prior
-Make sure that your bicycle is in good running condition.
-Bring patches and our tubes in order to fix a flat.
-Get together with friends and or family members to assist the ride.
-Involve yourself and join us as a volunteer.

During
-Use lights and reflectors on your body or your bicycle.
-Always ride on the indicated lane, try to yield to the vehicles whenever necessary.
-Help out during intersections, supporting the volunteers, remember that the Paseo es de TODOS (it is everyone's ride)
-Follow instructions of volunteers and law enforcement.
-Maintain order and respect towards motorists, pedestrians and other bicyclists.
-Avoid screaming things that could offend the integrity of others.
-Avoid littering.
-Avoid consuming drugs and alcohol during the ride.
-Pay attention while crossing intersections.
-Be responsible for minors that are riding and their education, or tell your mom/dad to take care of you.
-Remember that you are the only one responsible of your safety to transit the street and taking care of others helps you become a part of a harmonious society.
-Enjoy the ride.

After
Take advantage of the experience that you gained during the ride and share it with other bicyclists.

Remember:
-This ride is fun and festive, violent attitudes are not welcome.
-The motorist is a potential bicyclist...smile and explain to him that this is el Paseo de TODOS (everyone's ride) and thank him for waiting



It's great to see an event taking place in Tijuana that combines direct purposeful action, well-thought-out advocacy goals w/ clear objectives, and never forgets the importance of fun. If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong.

This Saturday: Tour De Fat at Balboa Park

This Saturday Tour De Fat--the traveling bike carnival sponsored by New Belgium--is coming to San Diego. At Balboa Park (6th & Laurel) from 10am to 4pm, the day will be packed w/ bike parades, car funeral processions, and performances. Beer will most certainly be served.

Here's the schedule:

• 9:00 a.m. - Bike Parade Registration
• 10:00 a.m. - Bike Parade
• 11:00 a.m. Performances Begin
• 1:30 p.m. - Funeral procession for the car belonging to the Car-for-Bike Trade volunteer
• 3:30 p.m. - Car-for-Bike Trade Celebration
• 4:00 p.m. - Curtain Closes

Come out, ride some crazy mutant bikes, and have some bevvies. A significant portion of SD Tour De Fat will benefit the SD Mountain Biking Association the SD County Bike Coalition. SDCBC is a non-profit who works hard to improve bicycling conditions for all cyclists throughout the county. So come support!

More info: http://www.newbelgium.com/content/san-diego-balboa-park

Tomorrow: SD Bike Polo to Play Match In Between Horse Polo

So punk gettin' on this bill! Can't believe I'm seeing what I'm seeing. Awesome.

Right f*cking now!: Benefit Race/Party for Local Messenger, Willy

From Bryan:

This Sat. meet at the balboa fountain @ 6pm, race starts @ 7pm SHARP!!!

Bring $5, bag, lock, pen, and optional map if you need it.

Afterparty with awards, trackstand, beer, etc. at Space 4 art. Hosted by GS Cicleria. No admission to the afterparty unless you register to race.

This is a benefit to help pay for Downtown Wet-Willie's $20,000 uninsured medical bills, 100% of race donation fees go directly to his bill!!!

sponsored by: SAN DIEGO BIKE SHOP, PENNYFARTHINGS, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UNITED MESSENGERS, ADAM'S AVENUE BICYCLES, TREE-TREE CYCLEWORKS, ETC.

Tomorrow: Chula Vista Bike Plan Public Workshop

Help fix Chula.

Tomorrow (Sept. 22) you can play a huge role in doing so! The City of CV is holding a Bicycle Plan Public Workshop and you're invited. City staff and urban planners will be present to take notes of your suggestions to include in the Master Plan. Your comments help (1) define what will get done and will (2) determine what projects get priority in getting complete first.

The meeting is being held from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Heritage Elementary School, 1450 Santa Lucia Road.

Help shape our urban future by making Chula a better place to ride a bike.

Tomorrow! PARK(ing) Day to be celebrated at vacant Peason Ford lot

International PARK(ing) Day is happening tomorrow, September 16, and livable streets advocates will be meeting at the giant vacant parking lot (Fairmount & El Cajon Blvd.) formerly occupied by a Ford dealership in City Heights from noon to 5pm. A few more organizations are spearheading PARK(ing) Day events throughout different parts of SD.

The El Cajon Blvd. Business Improvement Association and the International Rescue Committee are taking the lead on PARK(ing) Day in City Heights this year by transforming the vacant unused lot into a park for people accompanied by plants, sustainable furniture, and a BBQ party. Feel free to bring some grillables. If you don't have any to bring, some will be provided. The only requirement for free grub is that you must be a human being, and not a car.

PARK(ing) Day is about taking back public space for people, rather than the space being designated for the exclusive use of temporary automobile storage.

One reason why City Heights was chosen is because it's one of the most dense neighborhoods in San Diego, yet remains one of the most park deficient.

Last year was the first-known official PARK(ing) Day celebration in San Diego. In an optimistic sign for livable streets advocates in this extremely auto-centric city, the SD Union Tribune published a photo of SD (PARK)ing Day on their front page last year.

9/17 update:

SD PARK(ing) Day 2010 in action. People in Little Italy turn a space normally used by an unoccupied sitting automobile into a mini-park; all while feeding the meter.

Calling all working class bike jerks---L.A. is on the phone

According to one of my favorite Missing Persons songs, 'Nobody walks in L.A.'...I've realized that this is because they're all riding bikes...Okay, well some are. Actually, lots are!

L.A.'s bike community is booming. And this weekend people from bike communities in Phoenix, Bay Area, SAN DIEGO and more are visiting L.A. for a couple of reasons.

1. The POLO-Q Labor Day BBQ/friendly invite is goin' down Saturday and Sunday from 3-8pm each day. Ponder your memories of laborious toil and then raise your mallets in the air for polo unity and celebration!:



Act! 11455 Magnolia Blvd. I'll be there along w/ the core SD polo kids.

The other reason (#2) some SD heads are makin' the trip to LA is for the Bike Film Festival!

Which reminds me, the SD Bike Film Festival is goin' down next week/weekend, September 9-12! Don't miss it.

And while I'm in L.A. this weekend I'm gonna see what's up w/ the Fuck Yeah Festival. Hopefully I'll get to see San Diego's 90s hardcore band Unbroken and !!!, one of my favorite bands for live shows and for riding music.

Put simply, LA is goin' off.

Next weekend, however, it's all about SD.

Out!

Tomorrow at 5pm!: The Cretins Present First-Annual PUNKOLYMPICS

This is gonna go off!


(Flier by Muerte).


(Flier by Acamonchi).

Tonite at 6pm: Manivela Delivery Alley Cat Race

San Diego's own bicycle-drive food delivery service, Manivela, is organizing their second-ever alleycat race tonite:



If you get into a crash tonite Manivela will deliver you a band-aid, most likely for free. Food, however, costs $5 anywhere in the center/mid-city area. Support.

Ride safe tonite, homies.

Cyclist Struck From Behind By Motorist Suffers Severe Head Injuries

A cyclist riding on Clairemont Mesa Blvd on August 25 was struck from behind by a motorist. The motorist was going so fast that the cyclist "went over" the hood of the car after being struck from behind by the motorist. Severe head, pelvic, and facial injuries were/have been sustained by the cyclist.

Fortunately, the motorist did not flee the scene. According to the Advisory Message report released by the SDPD, 'The driver of the car did not see the bicyclist due to the sun in his eyes.'

Analysis w/ possible solutions for crash prevention:

Obviously, the driver should have used more discretion when driving under conditions that prevented him from having the ability see. But what does the law say?

According to the California Vehicle Code's Basic Speed Law,

CVC 22350. No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

[Italicized emphasis has been added]

Sounds like the motorist violated the Basic Speed Law since the sun was in his eyes and failed to safely control his car and yield. It's nice to know that there was a law that's meant to protect us from such situations. However, this law did not protect this innocent cyclist. One innocent man may have the mental and physical quality of his life comprised forever, while the other is sitting fine.

So, what can be done? Prosecution of the above-mentioned motorist is certainly desirable.

How can these crashes be prevented in the future? One SD Bike Coalition email list contributor suggested that California create a Strict Liability Law that is similar to countries in Europe:



In summary, as far as I understand, a motorist involved in a crash w/ a vulnerable road user (such as a cyclist) is assumed to be guilty and must prove how he/she could NOT have prevented the crash from happening, under the Strict Liability law.

It's reasonable to assume that under the Strict Liability law, drivers would drive far more cautiously. Doing so would create a safer and more pleasant society for all road users; cyclists, other motorists, pedestrians, the disabled, the elderly, and children.

To get involved, contact your local political representatives and/or the California Bike Coalition to learn how you can help.

If you have any info in regards to the above-mentioned crash please contact the SDPD investigators who are working on this case. More info on the crash and contacts here.

Our thoughts go out to the cyclist and his family.

Edit to original entry: Meant to italicize 'visibility' rather than 'weather' when citing the Basic Speed Law. Thanks to the reader who pointed this out. My mistake. Now fixed.

Saddle up tomorrow nite at CM and keep it posi

The last official CM of the summer is goin' down tomorrow nite. Same place and time that's been for several years.

Please remember the following:

Keep it posi.

Communicate. See something you do or don't approve of? Then use your voice, positively, in a constructive manner.

Thank motorists for waiting. This goes a long ways.

Please stay off the bridge--it's unsafe.

And most importantly ride safe, look out for one another, and have fun.

This is a huge weekend for bikes, so check the following entries for more on what's goin' down.

Band Touring On Bikes Set to Ride/Play SD this Wednesday

Kentucky-based cellist, singer, songwriter Ben Sollee and his band have chosen SD to kick off their bike-powered tour of the U.S. This tour, known as the Ditch The Van Tour which has pulled sponsors like the League of American Bicyclists, is extremely impressive. The band will be riding--with equipment in tow!--from SD to SF to Colorado to D.C. and more in between.

The Ditch The Van Tour is about going car-free, minimizing your carbon footprint, discovering one's preferred pace of life, it's about the city and its infrastructure, and about connectivity not just across the country but about connectivity to towns and to the people who live in them.

Connect w/ the first leg of the tour this Wednesday, Aug. 18 when Sollee and band ride to Sushi Art (390 11th Ave) in Downtown SD to perform. Sollee and band are asking people to join them on the SD ride. This ride meets at Velo Cult at 5pm, departing at 6:30pm to head downtown for the show.

Come support this working-class bicyclist on the mic.

Tomorrow: Tour De Five Cities, B.L.A.H. Benefit for Bike Coalition

Blind Lady Ale House (B.L.A.H.) and Adams Ave. Bike Shop are organizing a bike ride and benefit for the SD County Bicycle Coalition tomorrow, Sunday Aug. 14. The ride meets at Adams Ave. Bikes at 8:30am. The group will then head down to the ferry landing to catch the ferry into Coronado and ride down the Strand, around the bay, and back up to Blind Lady Ale House. B.L.A.H. is a bike-friendly restaurant/ale house who is sponsoring the Bicycle Film Festival and is a member of the SD Bike Commuter Discount Program.

15% of all purchases made at B.L.A.H. on Sunday, Aug. 14 will be donated to the Bike Coalition, who works to improve bicycling for all cyclists in the entire county. So come support a group who takes action to make life better!

This Weekend!: SD Bike Polo Invite & BBQ!

Super stoked for this!

I heard that players from Utah, Arizona, LA, and Claremont (the City) are coming down for this. Technically it's not a tournament--it's basically a friendly invite for comp. gaming and a polo fest w/ party elements.

Either way, it's gonna be awesome. Be there. Saddle up and mallet up.