Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "bikes"

Ask the County Law Librarian-Bicycles and Sidewalks

2011-11-03T22:12:00Z

Q. I just moved to Sacramento and have noticed many people riding bicycles around town. Biking to work would be ideal, but I’m worried about dealing with traffic in certain areas and would be tempted to ride part of the way on sidewalks. I have a hunch this is illegal, yet I see cyclists doing this pretty often. Could I be ticketed for riding my bike on a sidewalk?

- Dan

A. Sidewalks are invariably appealing to bicyclists: smooth, level surfaces that facilitate cruising and offer a cushion of safety from approaching vehicles and their drivers, some of whom may still be using handheld devices to talk or text. Despite popular belief, sidewalks can be lawful segments of bicycle routes, but we recommend researching local county and city ordinances, relevant signage, and the area’s official bike routes before risking a potential citation, or worse. Pedestrians will always have the right-of-way on sidewalks, and cyclists should always exercise caution, especially riding in areas with heavy foot traffic.

Bike laws are generally a municipal matter, so your research should begin with the local county and city codes: the Sacramento County Code and the Sacramento City Code are available online and in print at the Sacramento County Public Law Library, or your local county law library. Sacramento County Code, Section 10.12.010 (b) states “notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (a) of this section, any person may ride a bicycle on a sidewalk which is designated by the director as a part of the County bike route system and which is identified for such use by appropriate signs giving notice thereof. A bicyclist using a sidewalk as authorized by this subdivision shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian using the sidewalk.”

The Sacramento City Code is even more specific in Section 10.76.010 (A): “Except as authorized under subsection B of this section, no person shall ride a bicycle on a sidewalk except within a residence district or where a sidewalk is designated as part of an established bicycle route. Pedestrians shall have the right-of-way on sidewalks.” Subsection B lists exempted groups, such as medical personnel, law enforcement, and those with special permits.

Both the city and county ordinances reference “bike routes” as an exception to the prohibition of bicycles on sidewalks, and that these routes will be identified by signs. The next step, then, would be to research designated bike routes in the area and the signs that indicate their locations. Many counties and cities will have this information online; Sacramento County's website offers information on bikeways, as well as a map of existing routes. Also available on the website is the Sacramento County Bicycle Master Plan, adopted in April 2011, which includes descriptions of different bike paths and their corresponding signs. If you have additional questions, you may want to contact the transportation department of your city or county.

Do you have a question for the County Law Librarian? Just email sacpress@saclaw.org. If your question is selected your answer will appear in next Thursday's column. Even if your question isn't selected, though, I will still respond within two weeks.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Congresswoman Matsui Introduces Safe and Complete Streets Legislation

2011-05-05T19:42:49Z

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011, legislation that would require each state’s department of transportation and metropolitan planning organization to put in place a Complete Streets policy that ensures all Federally-funded transportation projects accommodate the safety and convenience of all users. Complete Streets policies ensures roadways are built with all users in mind – including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, motorists, freight vehicles, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. This bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Congresman Steven LaTourette (R-OH).

“Complete Streets policies are a win-win for local communities: they save lives and create forward-looking projects that provide lasting value,” Matsui said. “I have seen firsthand the interest in Complete Streets on the local level, and a Federal Complete Streets standard will ensure a consistent approach for all of our transportation investments.”

“We are so pleased to have Congressional champions who are committed to creating safer streets,” said Barbara McCann, Executive Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition. “Representatives Matsui and LaTourette are being responsive to communities across the country that are adopting state and local Complete Streets policies and want to see a consistent commitment to safety reflected in federal transportation investments as well.”

The Urban Land Institute has estimated that carbon emissions from transportation would be 41 percent above today’s levels in 2030 if driving is not curbed, and a recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute found that providing more travel options, including public transportation, bicycling and walking, is an important element in reducing traffic congestion. The study concluded that congestion was responsible for an annual $78 billion loss in fuel during traffic jams in 2007, an increase from $57.6 billion in 2000.

“Especially at a time when gas prices are putting enormous pressure on the pocketbooks of American consumers, more and more people are looking for alternatives to driving,” added Matsui. “However, far too often, our roads are designed with one thing in mind – trying to move vehicle traffic as quickly as possible. The risks of such design are apparent in the number of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths and injuries we see every year, and often discourage more people from considering other transportation methods. By completing our streets, we can open up our roadways to pedestrians and cyclists – helping to ease congestion and providing an alternative to gas powered vehicles. In doing so, we take strides to fight air pollution and global warming and improve our public health and safety.”

In 2008 alone, over 5,000 pedestrians and bicyclists died on U.S. roads and more than 120,000 were injured. One study found that designing roads for pedestrian travel by installing raised medians and redesigning sidewalks and intersections reduced pedestrian risk by 28%. That means that seniors walking to the grocery store or church and children walking to school are put at unnecessary risk.

Congresswoman Matsui’s home state of California was one of the first states to put a Complete Streets policy in place, and the Sacramento region’s Blueprint for growth has been a model for other metropolitan areas. The Blueprint incorporates Complete Streets polices on the local level, and the Safe and Complete Streets Act would do so on a national level.

“Complete Streets polices are designed to ensure streets, intersections and trails are designed to make them easier to use and maximize their safety," said Mike McKeever, Executive Director of Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG). "This legislation will encourage Americans to live more active and healthy lifestyles, while also providing more travel options, and cutting down on traffic congestion. SACOG applauds Congresswoman Matsui’s leadership in helping to implement our region’s Blueprint policies on a national level.”

Terry Preston, Complete Streets Coordinator for WALKSacramento, added, "WALKSacramento applauds Rep. Matsui for her strong leadership in support of Safe and Complete Streets in our communities. The Safe and Complete Streets Act will provide needed direction and guidelines for Federally supported road design and construction. Pedestrians are consistently overrepresented in traffic injury and death statistics due to poor road design. Yet, our need for sustainable communities calls on us to support more walking trips to the park, the bus, our children’s’ school and elsewhere. We need safer, healthier and more complete streets. WALKSacramento looks forward to working with Rep. Matsui on developing and enacting a Federal transportation measure that will complete our streets and meet the needs of all users regardless of age, race, income or disability. Our roads belong to all of us."

A copy of the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 is available HERE. A copy of a Dear Colleague letter being circulated in support of the legislation is available HERE

Mara Lee is the Communications Director for Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

City wants 65th Street bike lanes

2011-03-15T00:35:46Z

New bike lanes could be added to 65th Street if the city receives enough cash from the state.

The City Council is expected to approve the application for funding to install bicycle lanes on 65th Street between Fourth Avenue and Folsom Boulevard. The issue will be reviewed at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

The city’s transportation department estimates the new bike lanes will cost $337,000 to install. California would pay most of the project’s costs if it selects the city’s application for the state’s Bicycle Transportation Account grant program. The city would pay 10 percent of the cost from revenues from Measure A, a local half-cent sales tax applied to street projects, according to Ed Cox, the city’s bike and pedestrian coordinator.

“The city is seeking to put bike lanes at this location because there are few opportunities to cross Highway 50,” Cox said in an e-mail Monday.

Bike lanes at the 65th Street site would link bicyclists to several key spots, he said.

“This location happens to connect existing student housing at Fourth Avenue to the (Sacramento) State campus,” Cox said. “It also connects East Sacramento residents to the new Target store, and it connects residents south of Highway 50 to the 65th Street light rail station.”

Tricia Hedahl, executive director of the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates organization, spoke positively about the city’s plans. She said bike lanes on 65th Street would link with the T Street bikeway, allowing bicyclists more access to points such as Sacramento State.

“This is a really important connection,” Hedahl said.

At the same time, she said she is concerned about the high traffic on 65th Street. If the city moves forward on the project, it should ensure that bike lanes are 6 feet wide and “very visible,” she said.

The city could create the bike lanes by October 2012 if the state decides to fund the project, according to Cox.

Read the report by city staff on the bike lanes proposal here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Easyriders Bike Show Tour

2011-01-16T20:35:34Z

This is not a news story. It is not even opinion so much as it is a few words to accompany the photos attached to them. If the old saying has any truth, each shot is worth 1,000 words.

The Easyriders Bike Show Tour traditionally makes its annual Sacramento pilgrimage this time of year and unlike last year, the weather did not present any hindrance to the literally thousands of motorcyclists who parked their bikes on J Street and on every other street around the Sacramento Convention Center. Although the show caters to all motorcycle enthusiasts, the vast majority of those in attendance hold allegiance to one brand in particular – Harley Davidson.

As one might expect, the majority of the megabuck customs displayed inside the convention center reflect that allegiance. Those who know the culture, know; and those who do not, do not, but regardless of one’s level of acquaintance with this lifestyle, it is perfectly clear to anyone who happened to be downtown on January 15th and 16th that there is a huge commitment of both time and money to our “hobby.”

Although I am admittedly a Harley aficionado, it does not mean my entire life revolves around them. But at the same time, other aspects of my life neatly dovetail into what can be viewed as a serendipitous opportunity to express my art in terms of my passion. I do not create the custom painted and chrome plated works that were on display yesterday and today, but I can and do create the words and pictures that document them. Yesterday was one big Kodak moment and a few of the results of that moment can be viewed here.

Art has no bounds…

Tips for deterring bicycle thieves

2010-12-05T16:54:50Z

Bicycle theft in Sacramento’s central city is an ongoing problem, but cyclists can take steps to minimize their chances of becoming victims.

“People come in here every day telling me their bikes got stolen,” said Simon Garcia, assistant manager of City Bicycle Works at 2419 K St. “Every day. I’m not exaggerating.”

The obvious tip for keeping a bike from being stolen is to lock it up, but it isn’t that simple, according to Garcia.

“I consider all locks deterrents,” he said. “(But) if someone wants the bike, the lock won’t stop them.”

Having said that, he added that some locks are better than others, and U-locks like the ones pictured below are the best easily transportable locks for securing a bicycle.

He said a 50-pound steel chain and lock would be stronger, but they are not easy to carry around.

Midtown resident and cyclist Caitlin Mee said some U-locks with cylindrical key holes can be opened by thieves armed with Bic pens.

Garcia said that was a problem on some brands of U-lock produced about five years ago, but new locks are built more sturdily.

“A quality lock these days will not have that problem,” he said.

U-locks cost between $40 and $45 at his shop, Garcia said, and cheaper locks are available as well.

Cable locks are less expensive, running close to half the cost, but Garcia said they are more susceptible to thieves armed with bolt cutters or even a really good pair of scissors.

“With the right tools, anybody is going to cut through it,” he said.

Even bicycle racks at City Hall recommend against using cable locks, as pictured below.

With all locks being deterrents to theft, Garcia said there are ways to make bikes less-appealing targets to criminals.

Those include locks that bind the seat to the frame and pins that go through the wheels and lock so thieves can’t undo a quick-release mount and walk off with a piece of the bicycle.

“The key is to lock as much as you can,” he said. “Run (the lock) through the frame and the rear wheel, and if you can, take the front wheel off and run the lock through it as well.”

According to police, there are other steps to take that will help prevent bicycles from being stolen.

“Try not to leave it in areas that aren’t well-traveled,” said Sgt. Norm Leong, spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department. “Try to keep sight of it as much as possible. The reality is that if someone wants to get it and they’re good enough, they’re going to get it.”

Garcia recommended taking bicycles inside overnight.

“If you can avoid leaving it outside overnight, the chances of a theft go down drastically,” he said.

Leong said bicycle theft is a crime of opportunity, and if your bicycle is stolen, he said it is important to file a police report either online or at one of the police stations so your bicycle can be returned if it is recovered by police.

When police stop bicyclists, they check the serial numbers to see if it has been stolen just like they do for license plates on cars at vehicle stops.

In that case, Leong said, police will contact the rightful owner.

If a report has not been filed, but police determine the bicycles were stolen, the recovered bikes go to one of several places.

“We have programs that help disadvantaged kids within city schools,” Leong said. “Some go to auction, some go within the department for various functions, and some go to other cities’ departments that can use bikes. Others go to the Bike Kitchen as donations.”

Garcia added that though bicycle theft is a problem, it shouldn’t stop people from having them.

“It’s a good sport,” he said. “Don’t let the evil out there deter you.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Facebook page shines light on Midtown bike thefts

2010-11-29T08:10:32Z

Midtown resident Sheila Wages treasured her brand-new bicycle – a seven-speed cruiser her boyfriend had put a lot of effort into picking out for her. She kept it in her back yard, from where it was stolen in August.

Wages started a Facebook page for stolen Midtown bicycles within the next couple of days.

“It started out as a joke,” she said, adding that the Facebook page has since taken on a life of its own, where users will post details of their stolen bikes and possible places to look out for them.

“When my bike was first stolen, I didn’t realize what an epidemic (bike theft) was,” Wages said. “You’ve got to lock them up and take them inside if you can.”

According to Wages, one of the posters on the Facebook page had locked a bike up to a tree, which thieves cut down to steal the bike.

“I didn’t know how serious it would be when I started it,” Wages said of the Facebook page. “At the time, I was just messing around and posting pics and info.”

Recently, the site, which currently has more than 230 friends, started seeing a lot more activity, and Wages said she is considering starting a Facebook Groups page as well as a photo gallery of stolen bicycles, and generally working as something of a virtual neighborhood watch program.

“It might take quite a bit of work,” she said. “I’m open to suggestions on what people would like to see.”

Midtown resident Caitlin Mee had a bicycle stolen several years ago, and she takes every precaution to keep her current bicycle from being stolen.

“I had a big, heavy beach cruiser I left locked up at a Midtown business when I was living in Natomas,” she said.

The shop was broken into, and her bike was stolen. She said it had been given to her by her dad, and it had sentimental value.

“I really would like to still have it,” she said.

Her current bicycle used to belong to her grandfather, and she said she rides it to Davis for exercise, but she is always afraid it will be stolen.

“I don’t take it anywhere unless I can keep it in my sight,” she said. “It’s the most frustrating thing. This is a lot of people’s mode of transportation. It’s like getting your car stolen.”

Mee said she likes the “whole neighborhood watch feel” of the Facebook page, and she thinks it’s a good way to spread awareness of the problem and help serve as a deterrent to would-be thieves.

“I still haven’t given up hope on finding my bike,” she said.

Wages and Mee both filed police reports when their bicycles were stolen, and Mee said she is frustrated with the lack of police investigation into the issue.

Sacramento Police Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong said Sacramento has high levels of crime, and other crimes such as murder, felony assault, auto theft and robberies take priority.

He added, however, that police do what they can to stop the crimes, and the department uses “bait” bikes to catch thieves as well as public outreach to help owners protect their property.

“We had thefts happening at sheds in East Sac, and we took a proactive approach,” Leong said. “We went out and showed people their bike’s serial number and did engravings for them.”

Leong said that filing a police report without knowing the bicycle’s serial number or being able to provide a description that makes a bicycle unique makes it very difficult for police to solve the crimes.

Serial numbers are typically located on the bottom of the bicycle’s frame and can be read when the bike is turned upside down, he said.

When cyclists are stopped by police, officers run the serial numbers through computers the same way license plates are during a vehicle stop. If the serial number shows it is stolen, police contact the rightful owner.

“We get a lot of people saying, ‘I know it’s my bike,’ but if they can’t prove it, there’s nothing we can do,” Leong said.

Check back next week with The Sacramento Press for an upcoming article on ways to protect your bicycle from theft and what to do if your bicycle is stolen.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Pedal Hard opens

2010-11-02T01:21:43Z

A shop called Pedal Hard opened Friday in Midtown, becoming the newest addition to Sacramento's growing bike scene.

Sacramentans Tom Hoang, 27, and his buddies – identical twins Robert and Tom Johnston – have launched the city's only single-speed and fixed-gear bike shop and clothing boutique.

The idea was to create a skate shop vibe for a bike store, said 28-year-old Robert Johnston.

"We want it to be a place for people to hang out and talk about bikes," Hoang said.

Hoang and the Johnston twins got into bike culture just a few years ago after discovering fixed-gear bikes. The niche was already big in cities such as San Diego, Portland, Chicago and New York and the entire state of Wisconsin. Now it's growing faster in flat-terrained Sacramento than many other cities.

"I love riding. I love bicycles," Johnston said. "It gets you back in touch with the joy you had when you were a kid."

They initially ran an online bike part delivery business making free deliveries as far away as San Jose and San Francisco. Now they've turned the online business into a laid-back little store, where they primarily make custom road bikes and upgrade bike components. They set up a couch, a bench, a small TV set and classic Nintendo for customers inside the shop at 1703 T St.

The trio spent a month rehabbing a roughly 600-square-foot store that housed a Chinese herbal shop until about two years ago. Bike frames and wheels now hang from a wall. Urban street clothing including jeans, flannel shirts, jackets and caps line another wall decorated with a graffiti mural of the store's name. Clothing lines include Ambiguous, Shine Clothing, Immigrant Village Clothing and Construction Destruction.

They're self-taught mechanics who've built all their own bikes. They'll also sell used bikes and used bike parts, convert old road bikes into fixies or single-speeds, and track down vintage parts. Later, they’ll also sell BMX gear.

The store will carry two main bike brands, Eighth Inch and Leader Bike USA. Custom bikes will average $500 to $1,200. They can build Eighth Inch Scramblers for $400 and will soon start selling 1980s converted road bikes for about $200.

"We want to hook people up the way we are," Hoang said.

Hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon - 4 p.m. Sunday. Pedal Hard can be reached at 801-5545.

3rd Annual Clean and Sober Poker Run to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters

2010-09-17T20:10:16Z

The 3rd Annual Clean and Sober Poker Run benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Great Sacramento will be taking place this Sunday, September 19th. The fee for each rider is $20, which includes a meal, ride pin (for first 1,000 riders) and best high and low hands. Enjoy a live band, raffle, bounce house, food, beverages, fun and so much more! The starting point is at Folsom Harley Davidson, located at 115 Woodmere Rd., Folsom, Ca 95630. Registration is at 10am and the run starts at 11am.

Also, this afternoon is the Poker Run Pre-Party taking place from 4pm-7pm at the Folsom Harley Davidson. There will be music, food, beverages, raffles and more. Showgirls in bikinis will wash your motorcyle for for a $20 donation and/or take a picture on your bike for a 5$ donation. The first 200 to pre-register for the Poker Run at the pre-party receive a T-Shirt.

The 3rd Annual Clean and Sober Poker Run is presented by Nor Cal Clean and Sober Living. For more details visit norcalcleansober.com. For questions regarding the poker run contact Ryan at 916-459-0942 or cleansoberpokerrun@gmail.com.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters:

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. We have been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children, ages 7 through 15, in Sacramento, Yolo, South Placer, Yuba, Sutter and San Joaquin Counties.

Bikes at the Drive-in

2010-09-13T23:57:59Z

A festive, county fair sort of atmosphere prevailed as people milled around with frames yoked over their shoulders, talking bikes, and revving their engines Sunday at the Vintage Bicycle and Motorcycle Swap Meet.

A line of eager cycle enthusiasts stretching a quarter mile waited for the gates to open as early as 7 a.m. Sunday morning where Sacramento 6 Drive-in hosted the Vintage Bicycle and Motorcycle Swap Meet. Up to 1,000 people showed up to the event, which Marshall Topping of Topping Events, Inc. called “the world’s largest motorcycle garage sale.”

“There was a guy here today who ran into the man he bought his first bike from,” Topping said, pointing excitedly. “They haven’t seen each other since ’64.”

Some were getting reacquainted with friends around steaming Styrofoam containers of greasy food; others sat chatting in camp chairs and watched the air show from across the freeway.

My principle goal in attending was to learn more about the vintage pedal bicycles, but the vendors were meager in comparison to the hardcore classic motorcycle and Harley Davidson devotees. However, Marshall assured me that there would be more of what I am looking for at other bike events hosted by Topping Events.

The So-Cal swap meet on Sept. 26 will feature around 600 vendors, and according to the flier, no one even slightly curious about bikes will be lacking for gear to gander at. The Long Beach Veterans Stadium hosts the event – the largest monthly bike trade fair in the United States, according to Topping.

“People don’t just come for the good deals on parts. They come for the social aspect,” Topping said. “They come for the truly unique things they can’t see anywhere else. Someone took an old moped engine and made it into a go-cart. You’ll find stuff like that that you can’t find on eBay.“

For more information on future swap meets, visit toppingevents.com or call 1-800-762-9785.

BMX Tour Starts at Arco Arena

2010-08-30T04:44:51Z

Sixteen of the top BMX riders in the world, including contest veteran Ryan Nyquist, competed in the Megaramp ASA Triples Tour at Arco Arena Saturday night to the delight of about 5,000.

Fans oohed and aahed and occasionally screamed incomprehensible gibberish as riders from Australia, Mexico and the United States dropped in from a 25-foot-high ramp and flew over two 25-foot-long ramps, flipping and whipping their bikes to advance to the next round in a ladder-style competition.

Winning a competition like this is as easy as clapping your hands behind your back while inverted 20 feet in the air. Brett Banasiewicz, 15, from South Bend, Ind., found that stunt to be no problem and took first place. Pat Casey, 16, from Yorba Linda took second place.

One rider who was getting a lot of love from the crowd was A.J. Anaya from Chihuahua, Mexico. He was eliminated five minutes into the competition.

“I’m the first loser!” Anaya shouted excitedly.

In the second-chance “lucky loser round,” Anaya had the chance to get back into the competition and broke out a big superman, the biggest front flip he could muster and a 180 double tailwhip, bringing out the biggest cheers of the night. As soon as he stuck his third trick, he shot up to the top of the second ramp and started playing the cheerleader, pumping his fist, shouting and smiling. The crowd was loving Anaya.

The judges loved him less and eliminated Anaya a second time, a decision met with great waves of booing from the crowd. Anaya gave the judges a mock-surprised look and then laughed.

He later said the judges made the right decision in eliminating him because he did tricks that pleased the crowd but weren’t as technically difficult as his opponent’s that round.

“A lot of times, if you can win over the crowd, you can win over the judges,” he said. “For me competition is like 30 to 40 percent competition and like 70 percent fun. I always have a good time — that’s why I ride a bike. If I didn’t have a good time, I wouldn’t come.”

Nicholi Rogatkin, 14, the youngest competitor that night, was also quickly eliminated after failing to land a backflip tailwhip three times, sprawling across the Masonite sideways with each attempt.

“I got hurt pretty bad during practice, so I didn’t get a chance to practice much,” Rogatkin said. He didn’t seem too bothered about being eliminated.

After the show was over, fans jockeyed for position to get closer to the riders for an autograph or conversation. Children wearing oversized baseball hats held out posters and trinkets to be signed while parents and older fans seemed just as eager to get a piece of the action. It’s not exactly Bieber-level fame—these athletes have thousands of fans, not millions—but it’s a spectacle just the same to see two boys without driver’s licenses held up as the object of so much adoration and excitement.

That extreme sports such as BMX are such an equalizer where age is concerned didn’t escape Casey, who seemed happy with second place. He was competing with—and had just triumphed over—men who had been riding bikes since before he was born.

“It’s definitely a dream come true to be competing with guys I watched as a kid,” he said.

The tour will continue across the country next month.

Photos by Marc Mclaughlin.

City offers free bike racks

2010-05-25T03:53:28Z

Businesses in the heart of Sacramento still have time to order free capital city-inspired bike racks as National Bike Month winds down.

The city's Department of Transportation has installed 81 racks since a pilot bicycle parking program launched last year. That means there are still another 19 left out of 100 rack installations planned to help build a bike-friendly downtown.

Their unique appearance has earned them the nickname "Sac racks." Each green rack comes with a Capitol bicycle logo — an identifying symbol made from fusing the silhouette of a tiny two-wheeler inside the outline of a Capitol dome, said city Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Ed Cox, who designed the logo.

The bike racks have been installed all over the central city and a few other high-traffic areas in front of businesses, from coffee shops and restaurants to yoga studios and bike shops, including Practical Cycle in Old Sacramento.

Since late 2008, the city has also converted about 100 old parking meter poles into bike racks by chopping off the meter heads and adding metal rings.

The racks are needed to encourage cycling as an alternative to driving downtown, to cut down on car traffic and to alleviate some of the burden on businesses that must supply off-street parking to operate, said Cox, a founder of Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates.

"In the last few years, we had been getting a lot of people requesting more bike parking in one form or another," he said.

Businesses must qualify for free racks and installation. The bike racks were designed to hold two bikes each and are only set up in areas with good visibility, where thieves are less likely to strike, he said.

However, companies that demonstrate the need for more bike parking may qualify for a larger rack that can hold six bikes.

The transportation department also has been increasing bikeways within city limits. Sacramento now has 270 miles of on-street bike lanes and 80 miles of off-street paved bike paths, which include parts of the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, also known as the American River Bike Trail; the Ueda Parkway Bike Trail, which starts at West El Camino Avenue and heads north to Main Avenue; and the Sacramento Northern Bike Trail, a rails-to-trails conversion that starts near C and 19th streets, close to the historic Sacramento Northern Railway's former station location now occupied by Blue Diamond.

The city has added 60 percent of the 450 miles of bike lanes and nearly half of the 170 miles off-street bike paths set out in the 2010 master plan. In addition, more than a dozen “complete street” projects adding bike and/or pedestrian facilities are either finished, under way or expected to begin soon, according to transportation department staff.

The bike racks are paid for with money from Sacramento County's Measure A transportation sales tax for efforts to increase bike use and from downtown development fees earmarked for improving the movement of people downtown. None of the funding comes from the city's general fund, Cox said.

The city hopes to give away the rest of the bike racks soon. Based on demand, the city's transportation department will now determine how much funding to set aside for more racks for the next fiscal year, which starts in July, he said.

Business owners could easily spend $1,000 putting in bike racks themselves. Bike racks installed by the city cost about $300 total because nearly all the work is done in-house. City installations also ensure they get put in the right place.

"By us putting them in, we can assure they will get put in in a way that won't be a problem for accessabiity of the disabled," he added.

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter covering business and development for The Sacramento Press.

Sacramento Motocross Season Is Here!

2010-04-22T19:56:09Z

With the nights finally getting warmer, Sacramento Raceway opens its doors to motocross fanatics.

This facility is definitely one of Sacramento’s gems. Motocross is a very popular sport and it is very important for our city to support its riders. The fact that Sacramento is able to provide local riders with a race track is very convenient for those who are unable to travel far for practice. The 2010 season has begun recently and you can catch its second race this Friday, April 23. Enjoy watching your local racers battle it out on the track!

This outdoor facility provides riders with an exciting supercross-design track for all riders to enjoy. The track is fully lighted at night and is about 3/4 mile long. The course design is also changed at mid-season to give the Fall Series racers a new layout.

Alex House, 23, is no stranger to the sport. He has spent majority of his life on a bike. House swears that it is one of the most exciting and addictive sports out there. The Sacramento Raceway is definitely on his list of places to ride this season.

“It’s nice that it’s so close to home and doesn’t cost a lot to race. I have had many great races there and made many friends,” says House.

If you are looking for things to do in Sacramento, this is one of them. Whether you are a rider, or just an admirer of the sport, you are bound to have a great Friday night! It happens twice a month, at the Sacramento Raceway, located at 5305 Excelsior Road in Sacramento. All rider entries are just $30. Spectators are just $10 and kids under 12 get in free.

Race Schedule: April 9, 23 - May 14, 28 - June 11, 25-July 9, 23 - Aug 13, 27 - Sept 10, 24 - Oct 8, 22

K Street Mall ready for bicyclists

2010-04-15T04:40:47Z

From now on, Doug Koleada will be a law-abiding citizen when he rides his bicycle on the K Street Mall.

The city of Sacramento has installed new signs on K Street that list rules for bike riding. Cycling can now commence legally on the Mall from Seventh to 13th Streets and in the tunnel between Second and Fourth Streets.

Koleada was riding his bike near the Westfield Downtown Plaza Wednesday afternoon. He readily admitted to biking on K Street in the evenings; his nighttime rides will now be perfectly legal.

The Pyramid Alehouse Brewery employee said he knew about the city’s former ban on bicycling on K Street Mall, so he didn’t bike there when police officers were in sight.

Koleada also didn’t bike when children were walking on the Mall. “If some idiot’s speeding on their bike, it could lead to an ugly accident (with a child),” he said.

The new signs were ready for the public Wednesday, according to Linda Tucker, spokeswoman for the city’s Department of Transportation.

Tucker noted that cyclists will still need to walk their bikes through the Westfield Downtown Plaza.

The City Council unanimously voted on Nov. 24 to let bicyclists ride on K Street Mall. Installing the signage was the last step in the city's process of legalizing bikes on the Mall.

The speed limit for bicyclists on the K Street Mall is 10 miles per hour.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Bamboo bikes star at swap

2010-04-12T02:39:17Z

The Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen and the Friends of Fremont Park held the first Sacramento Bicycle Swap in Midtown on Saturday.

Dozens of people turned out to sell, buy, trade or just talk shop at Fremont Park.

The swap offered a little of everything, from well-worn Bianchis to classic banana seats and cutting-edge bamboo machines.

Danilo Masuelli and his crew from Masuelli Bicycles in Stockton were there to show off their sustainably built, locally grown bikes. The bamboo frames take 40 to 60 hours to make by hand and use bamboo grown in Rocklin, said Masuelli, a native of Argentina.

While Asia has long had bikes made of bamboo, the Stockton shop is one of no more than four making bamboo bikes in California and about eight in the country. Masuelli said Portland and New York each have a shop and Colorado has one or two.

Depot Bikes and Cafes Offers Opportunities for Sacramento Bicycle Commuters

2010-04-10T21:27:32Z

Depot Bikes and Cafes, a conjoined bike repair and retail shop, cafe and social area, plans on opening its doors at 431 I St, Suite 102, in mid-May.

This location sets the business at the convergence of the Sacramento Amtrak and Capitol Corridor train stations, SacRT bus station and Sacramento light rail stations. Owner Tim Fallis said he hopes the shop will foster a stronger trend of bicycle commuting and commerce in Sacramento.

Fallis' family has always been full of cycling enthusiasts. The business venture started as Fallis began reselling Strida compact bicycles independently from the manufacturer. His success pushed him to pursue opening a specialized bike shop, focusing on commuter and commercial-use bicycles.

Fallis contacted his sons Mike, who has made a career in food and wine sales, and Chris, who attended the United Bicycle Institute in Ashland, Ore. with his proposal. The brothers agreed to offer their services and together came up with idea of a cafe, lounge area and bicycle shop under one roof.

In his market research, Fallis found that similar businesses were popping up around the United States and Europe. Sacramento presented itself as a prime location.

According to the Bicycle Commuting Trend's survey from 2000-2008, Sacramento is No. 4 of the 70 largest U.S. cities in terms of population that commutes by bicycle daily. The Sacramento Capitol Corridor station is rated No. 1 from here to San Jose in terms of bicycle-to-train interaction.

Depot Bikes plans to offer a wide variety of services to this large and ever-growing population of cyclists. The shop includes commuter and commercial bike sales, bike rentals, indoor bike valet and storage, quick turnaround repair, cafe-style food and drink service, lounge area for train layovers and repair wait, a historical library of the Sacramento area and a map service for train and bus routes, bike trails, river access and downtown neighborhoods.

"Our main focus is to get people out of their cars as much as we can." Fallis said, "and to show them bikes are functional for commuters and commerce as well enjoyment."

Depot Bikes will be hosting a preconstruction party from 5-8 p.m. Saturday.The event is invitation-only, but local businesses, community members and other interested individuals are encouraged to contact Fallis for additional information.

For more details and contact information, e-mail: info@depotbikesandcafes.com

Practical Cycle officially opens

2010-04-03T03:46:23Z

Practical Cycle bike shop opened Thursday in Old Sacramento.

On Friday, Tim Castleman and his son, Cassidy, were busy unloading a shipment of at least 35 Worksman bikes at the store at 114 J St.

The grand opening will be held on April 22, Earth Day. But fans of Worksmans and electric bikes already have started stopping by to talk about their favorite rides, Cassidy said.

The shop has bikes made in the United States for sale and for rent, as well as accessories. They include Pedego electric bikes and Worksman models such as cruisers and two-person side-by-side trikes.

The Castlemans said they expect bike rentals to pick up as word gets out that Old Sacramento once again has a rental shop. And once spring really hits.

"As the weather warms, we're looking forward to seeing crowds of people renting these bikes," Cassidy said, "and getting out on the bike trail."

Sacramento Tweed Picnic Ride

2010-03-24T18:38:48Z

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Sunday marks the Sacramento Tweed Picnic Ride, an event where bicyclists dress up as old-fashioned dames and gents.

'Tweed' can conjure up the classic image of a newspaper boy yelling the morning headlines, which is exactly why the sight of more than 100 passing bicyclists, cloaked in tweed, would cause a double-take. The bike ride will start at 8:30 a.m. at The Zebra Club for breakfast and finish at 4:30 p.m. at Hot Italian for dinner.

After breakfast, riders will cruise to The Sacramento Bike Kitchen where coffee will be provided by Temple Coffee. Riders will then trek over to the Capitol, capture a group photo and make their way to Land Park for a picnic.

Organizer Rick Houston, who said he thinks of "West Sacramento as our own Brooklyn," made an effort to incorporate the district in the Tweed Ride. The last stop before finishing at Hot Italian will be The Shady Lady, which is spiking up a punchbowl for participants.

The Tweed Run was established in 2009 in London, and since then, chapters have popped up in cities around the United States. Sacramento was the fourth city in the country to develop a Tweed Run, following San Francisco, Boston and Chicago. The first Sacramento Tweed Ride was Nov. 8 so the chapter is still young.

Rick Houston, wife Erin Astleford Houston, friends Brad Gleed and Rick Mahan, owner of restaurants OneSpeed and The Waterboy, joined forces and witnessed their event grow from 35 friends to 100. The unexpected number of bicyclists once again finished at Hot Italian and "totally destroyed the restaurant for the day," Houston said. Chapters have also been established in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Dallas, Portland, and Washington, D.C. Saturday, the day before Sacramento's Tweed Ride, Berkeley will be hosting its first attempt at tweed. Rick Houston even spoke with Mayor Kevin Johnson, who said he was interested in participating in the next event.

Raffle tickets will be sold at the Tweed Ride to benefit California Bicycle Coalition. Two ticket holders will have a chance to win a bicycle donated by the Bicycle Business. Visit www.calbike.org for more info on the CBC. Also, Prizes will be awarded for dapperest chap, snappiest lass, and best mustache (real or prosthetic).

The Houston's said they believe in the Slow Bicycle Movement, which Rick Houston explains is "to go slowly, but purposefully."

Apart from bicycles, the Houstons' lives honor the same motto. Both Rick and Erin don't own cars, live in Midtown, sleep in a Murphy bed, and use a bike and public transportation to get to work, which is impressive considering Erin works at the University of California, Davis. Rick Huston is organizing this event to promote sustainable transportation because he said he believes "Sacramento has the potential to become a first-class bicycle city."

Visit http://sactotweed.blogspot.com for more information about this and upcoming events.

Interested in attending, but don't have tweed to wear? Erin Astleford Houston tailored a thrift store find for husband Rick Houston's tweed, costing only $4. Rick recommends thrift stores for last minute shoppers, SacCityChic for tips on "how to look good while riding a bicycle," and B. Spoke Tailor for more classy fitted garments. Links are provided at Sacramento Tweed's Blogspot.

Photos: Sacramento Tweed

Bikers come thundering into Sacramento Convention Center

2010-01-19T07:00:27Z

Hundreds of motorcycles lined both sides of J Street in front of the Convention Center on Saturday while their owners attended the annual Sacramento stop of the Easyriders Bike Show Tour.

Although the rain Sunday reduced the number of bikes parked on the streets, attendance at the two-day event was as good as or better than last year, said event manager Kari Roben.

Inside the Convention Center, the main floor was full of exhibitors and vendors displaying custom motorcycles and related goods and services, including accessories, apparel and custom fabrication.

Sacramento was the second stop on a five-city tour that started in Pomona on Jan. 9. “This is our second biggest show,” Roben said. “Only the last show, the invitational in Columbus, is bigger.”

Roben said that the Sacramento show owes its success to a large number of subscribers to Easyriders magazine, local support from Harley Davidson of Sacramento and other vendors, and the fact that the city is centrally located.

“Sixty to 75 percent of our vendors return year after year,” she said.

In addition to vendors and row after row of custom motorcycles, there was live music and entertainment. And clowns roamed the exhibit floor, entertaining young and old alike.

Woodland resident Meagan Murphy, also known as "Denim Jean," created balloon animals for all who happened by the booth of Anne Nix, owner of Sacramento-based Anne’s Badass Boutique (or Anne’s Incredible Bodywear, depending on her clientele).

“This is my 12th or 13th year,” Nix said. “I’ve been doing biker shows all over the U.S. for 16 years.”

She said the economy has significantly affected her business and that she was not sure how much business the show would generate. Other vendors, though, were more optimistic.

James Dean, owner of Rebel Design, a local custom motorcycle paint and fabrication venture, said, “This is the best show I can do all year.”

Dean said he receives “eight to ten jobs out of the show.” But another local vendor, Mike Armtrout, owner of custom-parts manufacturer Bigger Pimps, from Grass Valley, said he was there “mostly for exposure.”

Many national vendors also were exhibiting.

Representing Iowa-based J&P Cycles, Patrick Garvin said the show was “at least as good as or a little better than last year.”

A large motorcycle parts and accessories vendor, J&P Cycles distributed free catalogs for Harley Davidson, vintage and metric motorcycles.

John and Christi Huddleson were exhibiting for the first time at the bike show, traveling to Sacramento and Pomona from their home in San Diego.

The Huddlesons' business, Patch World, generates its income entirely at motorcycle events, John Huddleson said.

“These shows have been better than expected,” he said. “If I had known, I would continue (with the entire tour).”

Some booths had a more philanthropic bent.

“Spurz,” who declined to give his real name, is the state founder of Bikers Against Child Abuse. He said that although one goal of his booth is to raise donations, “our primary purpose is to raise awareness.”

Calvin Jefferson, also known as "Redbone," has been riding motorcycles for 35 years.

“I’ve been coming for the last five years and this is better than last year,” he said, adding that it’s still not as well attended as years prior, “probably because of the economy.”

Robert and Maggie Sanchez were attending their first Easyriders event with their granddaughter Alexia, 2, who was enchanted by Denim Jean. Sanchez has attended the similar Street Vibrations show in Reno but enjoyed Sacramento's version better because it's more family-oriented.

Although the show focuses mostly on V-twin powered street motorcycles such as the venerable Harley Davidson, there was something for every enthusiast.

The show attracted attendees from outside the Sacramento area as well.

Dorain and Christine Sallee traveled from Santa Rosa to view the exhibits and visit the various vendors.

“Last year there seemed to be more Harley stuff,” Dorain Sallee said, adding that he rides a Honda Gold Wing.

A large variety of custom motorcycles were exhibited, some worth more than $100,000.

Lane Shipp, Matt Toro and Andy Clark were checking out their favorite motorcycles Sunday.

“I’d like to see more bikes and less booths,” Shipp said. “I like the simple ones. Less is more.”

In reference to the image of the "outlaw biker," many attendees said that it has faded.

“A lot of that stigma has gone away," said longtime motorcyclist Jim Warnken of Livermore. "It’s not like it used to be.”

Christine Sallee added, “Bikers get a bad rap. It’s not deserved.”

The next stop on the Easyriders Bike Show Tour is in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 23-24.

For more information, visit the Easyriders Events website

Photo captions for images 1-8

Rebel Designs owner james Dean talks to a potential customer in his booth at the Sacramento stop of the Easyriders Bike Show Tour

Mike Armtrout, owner of Grass Valley's Bagger Pimp exhibited at the show to increase his company's exposure

Two year Alexia proudly wears her balloon hat crafted by 'Denim Jean' the clown.

Dorain and Christine Sallee of Santa Rosa talk to one of the vendors exhibiting at the show

Christi and John Huddleson exhibiting for the first time at the Sacramento event. Their company, Patch World, exhibits at 30 different shows per year

Lance Shipp, Matt Toro and Andy Clark made their way from Placer County to look at the custom motorcycles

Ron Mitchell and Jim Warnken from Livermore eye a bright blue custom fabricated motorcycle

Clown 'Denim Jean,' also known as Meagan Murphy, from Woodland, entertains bike show attendees

Fall in Sacramento

2009-12-01T02:45:39Z

Below are images from photographer David Roberts, taken during his bike rides around Sacramento.

Check back for more from his series of photographs

Thankful for the 2009 Appetite Enhancement Bike Ride

2009-11-27T05:56:17Z

Thanksgiving normally brings family and friends together around the dinner table, but only a Sacramento Thanksgiving brings them together around the Capitol Mall roundabout, whooping and yelling on bicycles. Give thanks for the Appetite Enhancement Bike Ride.

The annual underground bicycle parade attracted over 500 people to the California Stage early Thursday morning. R and 25th streets were littered with road bikes, penny-farthings, low-riders, vintage cruisers, every bike imaginable, plus a giant toaster mobile. DJ Larry Rodriguez' international beats and raffle ramblings rang out over the block.

What started out as a casual ride with a dozen bikers 21 or 22 years ago — no one can really remember — is now a full-fledged fundraising event. The Sacramento Bicycle Messenger Association organized the ride this year, electing to donate the raffle funds to Bikes to Rwanda, a non-profit organization that provides cargo bikes for Rwandan coffee farmers.

"Unknowingly they're giving to charity," said Vincent Sterne, founder and former organizer of the ride, stressing that people come for a good time, give money because they always have fun. "It's joyful for everybody."

The joy spread through the streets of Downtown Sacramento, east on P Street and Capitol Mall, north through Old Sac and along the Sacramento River, ending at picturesque Discovery Park where the party continued.

"You can kind of recapture Sacramento," said Scott Beardsley, a Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen volunteer offering on-site tune-ups. "There's no cars on the streets usually — it's just you and Sacramento roads."

For the food and drink, raffle prizes, awesome bicycles and sense of place and community, give thanks.

The Day of the Dead-ly Davis Derby

2009-11-02T00:34:42Z

In a flurry of face paint, furry costumes and fixies, around 50 people raced through downtown Davis on bikes Saturday afternoon, a mad dash to the Death Star — a.k.a. the Social Sciences Building at UC Davis — to find a map that would lead them through the rest of the ride: the Day of the Dead-ly Davis Derby.

The Halloween ride was the fifth installment of the Davis Deadly Derby, a DIY bike race that changes form with each occurrence. Usually it involves a scavenger hunt, once it involved music performances at each checkpoint, and always it ends in celebration and beer. The makeshift race was organized by members of the Davis Bike Collective, with donations benefitting their new location at Bike Forth on Fourth and L streets.

Seasonally appropriate challenges on this costumed race included a persimmon toss and trick-or-treating. Teams had to climb to the roof of the Cruess Hall food science building with at least one bike in tow. The race concluded with each team recounting their adventures in rhyming couplets with ukulele accompaniment.

The next Davis Deadly Derby is rumored to be in April 2010. Forget the Amgen Tour, man. This is the most spirited of bike races.

Spike in Bike Theft in Sacramento

2009-10-25T19:52:59Z

I am still reeling from a theft of 2 bikes stolen at Onespeed last night. My heart is in my throat as I write this account of horrible loss. Some will say its just a few bikes but in my sphere of influence it brings great sorrow.

2 well loved commuter bikes were stolen last night by 2 lost caucasian teenage boys wearing black T shirts and short haircuts. They were short and thick around the ankles with heavy and slow shifty eyes which earmarked them as up to no good.

One said they were waiting for a ride and the other noted he had 4 bikes in the shop, one a Torker another a Cannondale when they commented on my delivery bike outside of Onespeed Pizza. They waited what seemed a half hour when they decides to make their move. After I went inside I went to the back of the restaurant where I witnessed these 2 riding the bikes through the back alley to make their getaway. A car chase came up empty as they must have used the light rail to lose me.

im writing this unfortunate experience as a call out in getting these bikes back and as a wake up call to all cyclists. We must all double lock our bikes with both cables and bar lock. Most bike theives cary one tool.

Prevention is our best weapon on this heart breaking problem.

One bike is a newly painted Italvega size 51cm with bullhorn bars and a leopard bianchi seat and a fixed gear.

The other a SWOBO commuter single speed all black.

Thanks for your time reading this unfortunate news

Sacramento to be part of 2010 Amgen Tour of California

2009-10-23T05:17:30Z

At about 9 a.m. Thursday, three-time Amgen Tour of California winner Levi Leipheimer announced via a "tweet" that he was going to defend his title in 2010. It was part of a high-profile Twitter conversation started by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that went something like this:

"@schwarzenegger: Great news for American cycling fans and CA. The 2010 Amgen Tour of California will be better than ever. @lancearmstrong will you join us?

@lancearmstrong: Absolutely! @schwarzenegger, I've decided to ride the #Amgen Tour of California in 2010. Can't wait. What about you @levileipheimer?

@levileipheimer: I'll definitely be racing the 2010 Amgen Tour of California, defending my title."

Then at 4:30 p.m., the defending champion spoke at a press conference for the 2010 race at The Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento.

"It was a lot of fun being in the announcement today on Twitter, so I feel like I'm really a part of the race," Leipheimer said to a crowd of about 50, which included the mayors of Sacramento, Nevada City and Davis, and local legislators.

"Right from the fall of 2005, when we first announced the Tour of California was going to happen, I felt like this was something that I needed to be involved with, and I think that's been the secret to my success the last three years," he added. Leipheimer has won the last three Tours of California.

Mayor Kevin Johnson also expressed excitement that Sacramento be will be involved in the tour again. In addition to hosting the pre-race team presentation and gala on May 14, downtown Sacramento is where the first stage of the tour will conclude May 16, after a start in Nevada City.

"That allows us to have four or five days of activities and make it a really special weekend event," Johnson said. "We're going to have about 70,000 spectators that will participate over the weekend. This event brings in $8 million dollars, and that is very significant."

He also addressed last year's "hiccup": During the race, Lance Armstrong's time trial bike was stolen in Sacramento. The mayor joked that although the chief of police had promised tighter security, riders should bring their own locks, just in case.

Davis's Mayor Dr. Ruth Uy Asmundson and Nevada City's Mayor Reinette Senum said they were honored that their cities were part of the race as well.

A big change in the 2010 tour is that it will be held in May instead of February.

"We did it to showcase the state of California in a better way," said Andrew Messick, president of Anschutz Entertainment Group and tour director. "There's a lot of terrain you can't get to on a bicycle in the wintertime."

Moving the tour dates also means that it will overlap with the peak of the European cycling season. As a result, it is unclear whether Europe's top racers will choose the Tour of California over the Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy).

"There are probably some Italians who will end up going to the Giro, but I don't think that we're going to see any impact because of the two races conflicting," Leipheimer said. "(The Tour of California) is better preparation for the Tour de France in July."

Leipheimer, Armstrong, and most of last year's Astana team will ride together, but have moved to the newly-formed Team Radioshack. A 2007 Tour de France doping scandal, near financial collapse and a talent overload (three of the top four 2009 Tour de France riders) sent many former Astana riders elsewhere for 2010.

Oktoberfest Bikes & Brews Crawl

2009-10-09T04:50:33Z

Oktoberfest meets BikeCrawl

Welcome to the 3rd "bicycle-themed" Grubcrawl.

When: Thursday, October 15, promptly at 5:00 for the pre-party, we're off to the first spot at 6:00.

Where: Bikes and Bites, 1013 12th street @ 12th & J, Downtown Sacramento.

Starting off with the HOPPIEST Kick off party on the planet!

HOPPY BREWING COMPANY has offered to help get thing hoppin’ before we even leave the starting line. HOPPY BREWING COMPANY will be bringing 4 of their nationally renowned brews for all the registered BikeCrawlers to sample. Not only that, HOPPY BREWING COMPANY has also offered to supply scrumptious snacks to compliment their excellent choices in brew. What a kick off! And all you have to do is show up. How great is that?

Well it doesn’t stop there: there will be door prizes, t-shirts, games and giveaways. You don’t want to miss this party. Get your ticket soon before they are all gone! Grubcrawlusa.com in partnership with Bikes & Bites presents the third of many Bikecrawls, rollin' spot to spot enjoying FREE APPETIZERS and DRINK SPECIALS all night long! Soooo, how do I get involved you might ask. Bring your cycles, trikes, and appetites! And come join us @ Rubicon, Brew It Up, and Pyramid Ale House.

Bring a Bike, Rent-A-Bike, or catch a Pedi cab!

Option 1 – Bring your tour cycle, beach cruiser, road or mountain bike, or even a tandem cycle.

Option 2 – For only $15.00 Bikes and Bites will loan you a ride from their vast fleet of bikes, with everything you will need. Call for reservation: (916) 448-1799 or Bikes & Bites @ 1013 12th street.

Option 3 – Enjoy a Pedi Cab, why use your own legs when there are plenty of young, energetic pairs of other peoples pedal pumpers to propel you and your friends around the Grubcrawl route. Dial-a-Bike Pedi cab provides free, door-to-door transport between restaurants and back to your car at the end of the night! Ride in style with Harmon (the owner and Pedi cab guru) and his crew of fit, fun, upbeat, & young drivers,… just be sure to tip them for their prompt and professional service!

Join the Leisurely Cyclists and the Avid Bikers alike as we embark on this "Riders Romp" to the best eats & drinks Sac has to offer! We pedal "en-masse" to 3 of your favorite BEER drinking stops; for FREE APPETIZERS, DRINK SPECIALS, PRIZES, and other GIVEAWAYS,... spending about an hour at each location.

REGISTER NOW!

NO EXCUSES... IT'S FURLOUGH FRIDAY THE NEXT DAY... SO NO NEED FOR SLEEP... JUST BREWS AND EATS!!!

See what Sac Media Moguls have to say about the previous BikeCrawl:

http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/11162/Tour_de_Sac_ends_with_Pub_Crawl

Come join the fun: Plenty of specialty beers, tasty appetizers to recharge your system, and a whole lot of fun and excitement inside, with prizes and giveaways, while we are meeting and eating with the popular party crowd. Don’t forget this is a Furlough Friday for all you State Workers out there! For those who can stay out past curfew, Grubcrawl is taking it til last call and you can party with us all night!

Register now @ Grubcrawlusa.com, call Cline @ (916) 730-0977, or just show up Thursday night with a $20 in hand.

BikeCrawl II

2009-08-20T23:19:57Z

Rollin' on the BikeCrawl II
The 2nd "bicycle-themed" Grubcrawl is Wed. Aug. 26, promptly at 5:30 starting @ Bikes and Bites, 12th & J st, Downtown Sac..... Grubcrawlusa.com in partnership with Bikes & Bites presents the second of many Bikecrawls, rollin' spot to spot enjoying free appetizers and drink specials all night long! Soooo,....Bring your cycles, trikes, and appetites! Join us @ Brew It Up, Sofia's, Three Fires @ the downtown Marriott, Table 260,...and other Sacramento Hot Spots. See ya there!

Rent-A-Bike or bring your own!
Bring your tour cycle, beach cruizer, road or mountain bike, or tandem to the starting venue at 5:30 pm, with $25 and your appetite!

Or for an additional $15.00 borrow a ride from the fleet of rental bikes: which includes both men’s and women’s classic single speed beach cruiser style bikes, a combination lock, front and rear light set, an optional helmet, and a front-mounted basket. Call to reserve: (916) 448-1799 or visit 1013 12th st. @ Bikes & Bites.

Jump in our Pedicab!
Don't wanna ride onder your own power? Why use your OWN legs when there are plenty of young, energetic pairs of other peoples pedal pumpers to propel you and your friends around the Grubcrawl route. Dial-a-Bike Pedicab provides free, door-to-door transpo between restaurants and back to your car at the end of the night! Ride in style with Harmon (the owner and pedicab guru) and his crew of fit, fun, upbeat, & young drivers,...just be sure to tip them for their prompt and professional service!

Join the Leisurely Cyclist and the Avid Biker alike as we embark on this "Riders Romp" to the best eats & drinks Sac has to offer! We pedal "en-masse" to 5 of your favorites; for FREE APPETIZERS, DRINK SPECIALS, PRIZES, and other GIVEAWAYS,... spending about an hour at each location.

See what Sac Media Moguls have to say about the previous BikeCrawl: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/11162/Tour_de_Sac_ends_with_Pub_Crawl

Wheeeew! Thank Gawd! It will cool off for the Bikecrawl this Wed. Not only are we starting in the shady of the city after the heat breaks, the Delta breeze off the river makes this Crawl the coolest place to be in Sac! As we slide from one air-conditioned venue to another, cooling the engines with refreshing drinks and recharging the system with tasty appetizers,... The outside temp. will steadily drop... while the fun and excitement inside grows and builds, with prizes and givaways meeting and eating with the popular party crowd. Have to work Thursday??? Don't worry!!! We pull up to our last destination, 9:30 or so, for scrumptious snacks and a nightcap. If you gotto go then, in order to get to work in the morning,..say goodnite and be home by 10:00pm!! For those who can stay out past curfew, Grubcrawl is taking it till last call and you can party with us all night! Reg. now @ Grubcrawlusa.com or call (916) 730-0977.

The lights are on on the R Street viaduct

2009-08-18T05:49:54Z

The viaduct that crosses I-5 from R Street to Front Street is largely completed. Though still not officially open, the lights are up and operating, and a new access to the Sacramento River is a reality.

Tour de Sacramento

2009-07-07T04:47:37Z

The Tour de Sacramento kicked off today and will continue for three weeks of activities and ride-alongs around the Sacramento area.

The event coincides with the Tour de France. The three-week event in Europe is a world-famous race, but tour organizer Dawn Dais says that the Tour de Sacramento has a different feel to it. "We don't really want to encourage a competition. Its going to be super laid back and fun."

Dais has written a book called "The Noncyclist's Guide to the Century and Other Road Races," that details her training for a bicycle race and breaks down the process to encourage people of all backgrounds to participate in cycling.

Today, a bike safety check and a Safe Cycling Clinic took place at the Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen. The safety checks are sponsored by Ycycle.org and coach Myron Dong will be on hand to provide expert cycling opinions. "He is informed about safe ways to ride bikes. has real advice. and personalized coaching advice," said Dais.

People are encouraged to bring their bicycles to the Sacramento Bike Kitchen for maintenance and check-ups before the ride. If participants do not have bikes, Dais said renting bikes is also an option, "and you get a discount with the Tour de Sacramento."

The Tour is about bringing people together, and they don't necessarily have to participate, according to Dais. "Every ride we're going to be accepting bike donations with Cycles4Hope even if you don't want to ride."

The routes planned for the Tour vary in length and type. There will be day rides on standard bike trails that will be up to 12 miles long, and night rides through streets in places like historic Folsom. "The night time rides are more leisurely and about exploring the city," said Dais.

There will also be a "Grub and Crawl" ride, and for a $25 fee, participants can enjoy restaurant hopping, food tasting, and end the night at a popular night club.

"Cycling is just a really fun way to be active," said Dais. For her first book, "The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women," she recalls not having an enjoyable time training for a marathon. "I was expecting to find the same thing in cycling, but I enjoyed it. It's a flat route and not too strenuous. While you move you get somewhere. It's more of a destination type of thing."

She adds, "It's a lot cooler, hipster wise, than running."

Dais feels the cycling event will work well with the Sacramento community, because of the enthusiasm for bike riding in the area.

The Tour de Sacramento will take place from July 6 to 26. Registration for the event is free.

For more information about the event and registration, click the following link:
Tour de Sacramento

Riding Cool?: fixed-gear bikes without brakes

2009-07-06T00:53:38Z

Jonathan Smalley, an employee at City Bicycle Works, said he has been stopped three times within the past five months for riding his fixed-gear bike without brakes, but has managed to evade a citation each time by playing the "ignorance card."

Of the people in Sacramento who ride brakeless, knowing that it's illegal, Smalley suggests some do it as a "f--- the cops" gesture, while others do it because "they know what they are doing." Smalley said he rides without brakes because he, too, "knows what he is doing."

"It's a purely cosmetic thing for me," he said. "I like the minimal look."

Wayne Sigmund, service manager at Mikes Bikes, said that by subtracting brakes from fixed gears -- bikes where you are already constantly pedaling -- ups the risk factor, and coolness factor in the younger community, of the bike.

"It can help you reach a different level of riding, it elevates the danger of the bike ... you have to be more aware, otherwise you put yourself in a lot of trouble very quickly," Sigmund said.

Sgt. David Valdez of the central bike unit of the Sacramento Police Department said that although fixed-gear bikes are becoming a trend, it is against the law in California to ride without a brake.Valdez explained that riding without a brake system is considered dangerous by the police department, even if brakeless, fixed-gear riders use alternate stopping techniques such as side-skidding or pedaling backward.

"I'm sure that there are people that are talented on them, but ultimately [riding without brakes] is not safe" he said.

He added that with an increase in the number of people riding without brakes there will likely be an increase in the number of accidents, which has prompted police to "move away from education and closer to enforcement." He said that a failure to comply with the biking regulation could result in either a fix-it ticket or a violation citation, based on the officer's discretion.

Smalley said although he recognizes the potential danger of riding without brakes, he said he avoids dangerous situations using foresight, making sure to prepare for stops well in advance.

"I just don't put myself in a situation where I need brakes," Smalley said.

Sigmund said he has noticed a large increase in the number of people who get cited for not having bike brakes. "They come in looking for brakes and wanting to get their fix-it ticket squared away," he said.

"Honestly I think it's just cops that just have nothing better to do, so they look for people with bikes that don't have brakes and then they pull them over and give them a ticket," said Jason Martel, a mechanic at Bicycle Chef.

Martel said one his friends got a ticket three or four months ago, and another friend got a ticket just the other week.

When asked what the advantage is to riding a fixed gear without brakes, he said, "Nothing, really, it's actually a lot less safe." Like Smalley, he said that brakeless bikes offer a cleaner look. "I think [it] is why people like fixed-gears so much...When you have a regular road bike there's all these gears, all these cables, all these extra things on there to add weight to the bike," he added.

Martel said he has also been riding a brakeless fixed-gear for fours years and has never gotten a ticket. "I've just learned how to be able to control the bike without needing a brake. I definitely have had my accidents in the past. You have a whole different level of awareness to cars and stuff like that because you have to be more cautious knowing that you can't stop as fast as you would with a brake.

"It's good that people are getting on bikes, in my opinion, even if it's starting to become the trendy thing to do...It's still better than driving a car," Martel said.

Local cyclists to ride fixies in AIDS Lifecycle

2009-05-01T09:48:16Z

The statistics are staggering.

There are nearly 200,000 people currently living with HIV/AIDS in California.

In the United States, 1.1 million people have HIV.

Throughout the world, 33 million people live with the virus.

These statistics, taken from a number of sources, including the Joint United Nations Program on AIDS and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention also say that the estimated cost of treatment for a person with HIV is $20,000 dollars per year. Funding -- for services and treatment for those who have HIV/AIDS, not to mention prevention for at-risk groups -- is much needed.

A number of Sacramentans, including friends Danny Gutierrez and Douglas Vincent, will be doing their part by participating in the AIDS Lifecycle, an AIDS fundraising bicycle event which takes place May 31 - June 6. Each participant must raise a minimum of $3,000 for the race, which will cover 545 miles and stretches from San Francisco to Los Angeles Proceeds go to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.

Gutierrez is normally a production manager for Java City Coffee Company, but he's been volunteering as a cleaner and organizing kids’ programs at the Sacramento Bike Kitchen, which educates people on how to perform their own bicycle maintenance. Vincent is currently an analyst for the state's Department of Corrections and rides 200 miles per week for fun.

Gutierrez and Vincent have known each other since "sometime in high school," are training partners, make up a fundraising team named Lugged Nutz, and are former band mates for the band Amber Inn. They have been riding together every weekend recently, trying to get in shape to complete the nearly 80-mile-per-day ride.

"On the weekends, Doug and I will take about 50-mile rides, so from about Old Town to Folsom and back," Gutierrez said.

They also plan to do a 100-mile day as part of their training. According to their blog, they are called Lugged Nutz because they planned on "doing this ride on vintage steel-lugged, fixed-gear conversions."

"Danny and I both started riding [fixed-gear bikes] because they're fun, Vincent said. "As far as riding around town, riding through the streets, they're a much funner mode of transportation. Danny and I both have this attitude that we would be more proud if we did it on a fixed gear, plus, the route we're taking - there aren't that many hills."

This means that Vincent and Gutierrez will not be able to coast, and must pedal constantly. However, the ride is very well supported with cars assisting riders on the road and booths full of drinks every now and then.

Also, anyone who does not complete the day's ride after 10 hours will be picked up and taken to the next campsite. Team Lugged Nutz does not anticipate the need for this service.

Still a month away from race day, the two have not yet earned the $3,000 that they pledged to raise before the race. "Times are pretty hard, and it's been hard for us to raise money, but we've had a lot of other support other than financial, which is great," Gutierrez said.

"The whole cause has really brought a lot of good out in people," he added.

Asbestos Press hand-printed posters while New Order Ink and Splash Promotion printed T-shirts for sale at a fundraiser the bikers are holding this Saturday, May 2. The $5 cover and all proceeds from T-shirt and poster sales will going to Team Lugged Nutz's race fund.

Saturday, May 2, at 8 p.m. five local bands, including Vincent's band Flounder and Gutierrez's band Exhale, will be rocking Lugged Nutz's fundraising concert at the Kennel Club. Donations will be accepted.

The man on the streets

2009-04-20T21:56:11Z

We have a position at SacPress called a "shucker" that is part of our marketing department. There seems to be lots of questions about what it is they do so I would like to answer a few questions.

Does the biker ride their own bike? No we customize the bicycle and trailer. We work closely with Signs By Tomorrow building custom wraps and marketing panels for each specific bike.

Do they get paid to ride the bike? Yes, but riding is only part of the job. Shuckers also interact with the public while answering questions and introducing people to SacPress. They also communicate with our editorial staff and report breaking news.

What kind of trailer is that? It is a B.O.B trailer

How many miles does the biker travel in a day? We have been recording this number and currently we average about 25-30 miles a day.

Pedicabs: How We Got Here

2009-04-12T07:20:54Z

If you took a trip to, say, Phnom Penh, you would expect to be able to take a pedicab from your hotel to a restaurant and then afterwards around the city for a tour. The same would be true for most cities in Southeast Asia. But these days you might be surprised to do the same in Frankfurt or Delft … or even more recently in Boston or Sacramento.

Pedicabs are being introduced in cities across Europe and America. The reasons are varied. Certainly they are a green alternative to cars or other forms of internal-combustion transport. There have been some technical innovations such as the electric assist that have made them more user-friendly. I like to think of their emergence in modern industrial cities as a desire to return to a slower lifestyle – a humane pace. The following is a brief look at the evolution of the pedicab:

The Rickshaw
These two-wheeled carriages are entirely powered by a footman pulling by two long shafts mounted to the carriage. The wheels are huge in diameter and proved to be a tremendous improvement over the wheel-less palanquin carried laboriously atop the shoulders of two porters. The original name was “jinrikisha” whose translation is “man-powered car.” Who first invented the rickshaw is a matter of debate, but beyond dispute is the fact that they were popularized in Tokyo and Osaka in the late 19c, not long after Admiral Perry opened up Japan for trade with the West.

Bicycle Rickshaws
Also known as “pedicabs”, these vehicles are generally three-wheeled and offer the mechanical advantage of a bicycle with pedals and gearing to provide efficient propulsion. They have maintained a constant presence in the crowded cities of less-industrialized Asian countries for decades. Bangladesh, Cambodia and Indonesia, for example, have had them operating in various geometries and formats since before WWII: some with the driver in the rear; some with driver at the side; most with the driver in front and pulling their passengers. In the US, the primary manufacturer is Main Street Pedicab out of Broomfield, Colorado

Modern Pedicabs
Three innovations put modern pedicabs in a new category: an integrated electric system including a motor in the front hub, recumbent seating for greater pedal power, a modular carriage that both protects the passenger and is an advertising platform. These three features are best embodied in the CityCruiser from Berlin, Germany – the brainchild of Daimler–Chrysler engineer Ludger Matuszewski, who in 1997 saw the potential for just such a vehicle and quit his job to embark on its creation. It is now the best selling pedicab on the European continent.

GM’s PUMA
Borrowing from the gyroscopic technology of the Segway, the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility vehicle is clearly a technical achievement. Two side-by-side seats balance atop two wheels mounted on a transverse axle; the vehicle propels forward at speeds of up to 35 mph for a range of 35 miles. But is this truncated chariot a practical means of personal mobility? Would a tandem bicycle work better? It might be suitable for very specialized applications – much like the Segway has found a limited but useful niche in mall security. Or maybe it’s just GM’s way of saying “we are thinking outside the box - desperately”.

As the world moves into a post internal-combustion era, alternative means of transport will undoubtedly be developed and offered up for public consumption. As well, old designs will be rehashed with modern components and better materials. It’s a good bet that pedicabs in one form or another will continue to be in the mix.

Bicycle group puts the "bike" in Sacramento

2009-03-26T00:22:41Z

Imagine, for a moment, our city without traffic: Families safe to walk through downtown, cross the street, take their time to look at historic buildings and storefront window displays. No cars in sight. Bikes, skaters, and runners in the middle of the street and people out to play and have a great time.

This is how Sacramento could look thanks to a local bicycle advocacy group, Bikeramento, which wants to create a more bike-able Sacramento. They have already secured the first Sunday of every month for Sac Sunday Streets, an event which closes Capitol Avenue to traffic between 18th and 28th streets, to take place every month from May to September from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The idea is this: take out the cars, add some street vendors performers into the mix, and tap into the seemingly unending possibilies for family-oriented fun and creativity.

The group began over a meal at Dad's Kitchen, when a group of friends got to talking about how great it would be to connect the American River bike trail to Old Sacramento through a "Central City Bikeway."

Sac Sunday Streets is just the beginning said the members of Bikeramento. At their latest Tuesday night meeting at Capsity Offices, a weekly occurrence, they discussed Bikeramento's five year multifaceted plan. One goal is the creation of the Velobahn – the group’s version of the famous German Autobahn expressway. The idea is a highway of interconnected bike paths throughout Sacramento, as well as an improved Sacramento-Davis Causeway bike trail.

Capsity Offices offer rental office space for professionals and entrepreneurs, and Capsity co-founders Jeff Louie and Ricardo Robles also sit in the Bikeramento meetings. Robles coined the term "Bikeramento Velobahn," and both provide moral support. Ed Cox, Sacramento's alternative transportation coordinator, also advises the group.

"We are a bronze [level of bike-ability]; we are not even silver or gold, but the ultimate goal is to have the city reach that platinum level that Boulder or Davis have," said Lorena Beightler, a member of Bikeramento and Sacramento Press employee, who markets the Press by riding a bicycle around Sacramento.

"This all starts off with culture. It's about how you live with the bike," added Linda Khiev, who works at the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce.

"It's going to take time, but we're trying to get more people involved. We currently have a list of 100 people on our newsletter and we're trying to get more people to sign up on our website," Louie said. "We're really trying to promote bikeramento.org, so you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and all the social media sites."

Makiko Yamashita, who just moved to Sacramento, loves the concept of Bikeramento. "It's a great idea. I lived in Tokyo and in Japan everyone bikes; it's a very common thing, but here it's very difficult," she said. "One of the things I liked in Chicago, where I lived before I moved here, was that most people were taking the initiative to make the city more bike-able. I found this group and thought it was perfect and wanted to take part in it."

Yamashita became a member of the group after attending every event in Bikeramento Week, which is a week-long event highlighting bicycles that happened last month in Sacramento.

Several members of the group said during their meeting that one potential benefit of the Velobahn is an increased sense of community. Khiev noted that people from the Bay Area tend to simply say they are from the "Bay Area," while people from Sacramento say they are from "Downtown" or "Midtown." Increasing the connections between areas such as East Sacramento, Downtown, Midtown, will give new meaning to the "Sacramento Area".

It will also give businesses a great chance to increase their customer base, members of the Bikeramento group say. "When you're in your car, driving past [a business], you don't know what's there, but when you're biking or walking, you know what's there. That will create a great opportunity for businesses around the area," said Beightler, who blogs at SacCycleChic.com.

Brian Fischer, who works for Midtowngrid.com said, "Beyond business, it's perspective of your own city [that the Velobahn will add]. You look at every building from a different angle, and you see the architecture of the houses."

He added, "Why do we take it for granted? Perspective could be altered during this event, and while we're hoping it drives a friendliness towards bike-ability, it's also about walk-ability. When a city empowers its adults and children to relate to each other in a different way, it creates a sense of creativity and optimism."

The group needs volunteers. Fischer hopes to get over 200 volunteers by Earth Day.

"As much as we are driving it, so to speak, it doesn't belong to us in many ways," Fischer said. "It really is a hope to change the city. As many people from the city and region who can support it, and invest their time and energy into it, that's really what it's going to come down to. If people don't participate, it's not going to matter."

If people are interested in volunteering, they can email the group at their website, and sign up for their newsletter.

Photos credit Anthony Bento, and Bikeramento.

College Cyclery to host "Pro-Am" bike sale and demo

2009-03-23T23:47:18Z

Eight professional mountain bike riders including world-renowned rider and course builder Randy Spangler, will be at College Cyclery this weekend selling their bikes and gear. A nice thing about being a pro rider is that sponsors throw down big bucks to ensure that their riders have the best equipment. This is your chance to find out what they ride, how they ride and get crazy deals on top-notch bikes and gear.

College Cyclery has been around since 1936 making it the oldest shop in town. Known as the kings-of-kustoms, this shop puts out some of the baddest looking bikes in town. The public is also allowed to open "shop" temporarily at the "Customer Appreciation Sidewalk Sale" and sell their bike(s) and bike related gear.

Company reps will also be on deck giving away swag and College Cyclery will be serving up fresh coffee. Customers who make a purchase will receive a free ticket to attend the first public viewing of the "College Compound" to witness the pro's ride the dirt track and partake in the family style B-B-Q. The "after-party" starts at 2 p.m. Folks wishing to sell at the event should contact info at collegecyclery.biz or call (916) 456-2042 and ask for Loreen or shop owner and dragster race, Terry Cox.

Pro riders include:

Randy Spangler

Jamie Goldman

Alex Reveles

Josh Bender

Ryan Howard

Kyle Jameson

Duncan Riffle

Brad Benedict

Fixed gear festivities

2009-03-23T06:22:10Z

A few days ago, while I was eating a gigantic hamburger at Nationwide Freezer Meats, I noticed a flier advertising for the second annual Sacramento Bike Games. This upcoming Saturday, March 28, was given as a date, but no location was revealed.

My interest was piqued, so I checked the MySpace address listed on the flier, only to find the games’ location listed as "TBA." Viewers of the page were encouraged to check back regularly for information on where the games are to be held.

However, other pertinent information was revealed. The games focus on fixed-gear bikes, with events like Bike Polo, Footdown (essentially chicken played on bikes), Jousting, and several other bike maneuvers. Spectators can expect to see an impressive array of gravity- and traffic-law-defying tricks, bike frames both flashy and minimalist, and some of Sacramento's most bike-knowledgeable citizens.

The entry fee is six dollars, with food and drink available for contestants and spectators.

Fixed gear aficionados will enjoy watching their favorite kind of bike do the things only it can do, and more casual spectators might be interested in the novelty of bike polo or bike jousting, in addition to the barbecue and brew provided.

Any readers with knowledge of the location are encouraged to post it and enlighten the rest of us. My inquiries will continue, and an update will be posted when all the facts are in.

Armstrong's Stolen Bike Returned

2009-02-19T03:14:45Z

At a press conference held at the Public Safety Center on Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento Police confirmed that cyclist Lance Armstrong's bicycle, stolen on Sunday, February 15, has been returned by an anonymous citizen as of 10:30 this morning.

The bike, which was identified by serial number, was described by the spokesman as being '"in good condition," despite being delivered with the wheels detached from the frame. Police do not believe that the bicycles were specifically targeted by thieves. A police spokesman said, "Our one concern was that the bike would be discarded," once the thieves realized the identity of the bike's owner.

Police declined to comment on the identity of the citizen who returned the bicycle, saying that the while the "Good Samaritan" who returned the bike did provide details, the police department would not be discussing the particulars of the case due to the ongoing investigation. It was confirmed that the citizen who returned the bicycle is not a suspect.

As of this writing, police are still searching for two additional bicycles from Team Astana, which were stolen along with Armstrong's. Initial reports that three additional bikes were stolen proved to be incorrect, as one of Team Astana's missing bikes was discovered to have been misplaced and had been sitting in hotel storage.

Police allowed that they did have multiple suspects, but refused to go into further detail, again citing the ongoing investigation. A police spokesman described the department's attitude as hopeful, saying "We are actively following leads," but cautioned against early speculation.

Sacramento Police were flooded with calls from media outlets and cycling enthusiasts from all around the world, and officers patrolling downtown were stopped and advised by concerned citizens actively looking for the stolen bike.

That the high-profile theft took place in downtown Sacramento was described as an 'unfortunate circumstance' by police.

Armstrong is expected to receive his bicycle in 24 to 48 hours, although at the press conference police stated that they had not been in direct contact with Armstrong's Team Astana.

An article that isn't about bicycles

2009-02-14T09:29:16Z

This article will be about all kinds of things but, aside from the title, it won’t mention bicycles. Well, except for that first sentence where I had to write “bicycles” to establish the point. And again, just now, in sentence two – but the use of bicycles in that sentence was purely explanatory. Wait…damn.

Hmmm…maybe the reason half the articles here are about bikes is that apparently it’s impossible to avoid writing about them, as I learned above. Why, I bet that we can’t even get through today, a perfectly average Saturday in Sacramento, without some further mention of bicycles.

Anyway, on to non-bicycle related news. I was walking in midtown today, minding my own business, when a bicycle messeng…hold on now, this is ridiculous. Mostly ridiculous because I wasn’t even walking in midtown today. Unless crossing a street counts. And I’m betting you had more of a mental image of casual strolling. So, in all honesty, I was mostly driving in midtown today. Well, this evening really. Trying hard, of course, not to hit any poorly lit cycli…argh!

OK, I give up. I was going to recount a truly interesting story about a man with a handlebar moustache and a bit of a spare tire, who coped with saddle sores and chain letters until they wheeled him away. But it all seems a bit futile now, like a fish trying to ride a….

*^#@!

One week left to support mountain biking in national parks

2009-02-11T06:48:25Z

It's always been a struggle for me when I bring my bike to Yosemite or any other national park. Because of the difficulty of siting any kind of mountain bike trail, you're stuck on the paved roads with the Winnebagos and tour buses. Frankly, that scares the snot out of me. I wind up riding in places I shouldn't be, and that's bad too. The International Mountain Bike Association has been working for years to improve off-pavement bicycle access in National Parks and many other places. The Park Service has finally come up with a proposed new policy which will make it a little easier to site some trails in national parks. There is one week left for you to get your comments in on the new rule. You can read more about it and find a sample letter at the IMBA web site.

On the Sacramento front, SAMBA has been fighting for local trails for five years now. The newly updated American River Parkway Plan provides for an off-pavement bicycle trail network in between Parkway miles 2 and 6. These areas are known as Woodlake and Cal Expo. We could have up to 6 or 8 miles of trails in these areas, mostly on existing roads that are used by rangers and the folks who maintain the power lines. There is still some legislative work that needs to be done, so those trails probably can't happen until 2010, and even then there are some conditions we will have to meet regarding signage and buffer zones. SAMBA will be working on that over the next few years and needs your help.

These trails are going to be a great spot for family riding and also for people who are new to the sport. The terrain is mostly flat, and there are very few places--actually, no places--that require expert skill or nerves of steel. What folks in Sacramento and everywhere do need is more fun ways to get exercise that don't involve driving up to the mountains or out to the coast. Keep the fun local, and save the gas. Visit SAMBA on the web to get more info and the latest events.

Lance Armstrong comes to Sacramento

2009-02-03T03:58:35Z

Come Valentine's Day, Sacramento will be home to America's largest cycling event, the Amgen Tour of California. Lance Armstrong, the seven-time winner of the Tour de France, will be participating as a member of the Astana Cycling Team. Sixteen other teams from around the world will also be competing.

The Tour of California is a Tour de France-style road race. The Sacramento stage of the race will take place on the Capitol Mall and begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, with an estimated end time of 4:00 p.m. Since the 2009 race begins in Sacramento, this stage is called the 'prologue' and will consist of riders completing the course one at a time, racing against each other's time. "Thousands of spectators are expected" to attend, said Julio Villa, a Tour course marshall and part-time bike mechanic.

Two days before the race, Thursday, Feb. 12, the Memorial Auditorium will host a black-tie optional Team Presentation and Gala, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts and supporters to meet with the world-class cyclists participating in the tour.

"Not only will this event bring a substantial economic boost to this community, it allows us to foster community pride by showcasing Sacramento on a world stage and bringing some of the world’s best athletes to our city,” said Steve Hammond, president and CEO of the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, in a press release on the Tour website.

Tickets start at $300 and can be bought by calling 808-8984.

The first Tour of California was held in 1971 and was organized by Peter Rich, a Berkeley bicycle shop owner. Due to a lack of funds, it was not followed by another until 2006, but since then it has been an annual occurrence, drawing the attention and money of the international cycling community to California. 2009 is the first year the Tour will be covered by Eurosport, a European satellite and cable TV company.

The Tour is being sponsored by Amgen, a biotechnology company focused on disease research and treatment. In 2005 it founded Breakaway from Cancer as a complement to its sponsorship of the Tour. Amgen is also partnered with the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Armstrong has said that he chose to race in the Amgen Tour of California because of "the race's record of supporting cancer awareness and research." Armstrong is a survivor of testicular cancer.

Who in our readership is planning to attend? Does anyone have stories from previous Tours?

Look what I saw today

2009-01-21T02:15:07Z

So I was riding my bike down 19th and as I passed the Safeway I noticed a spoke card on the rear wheel of a bike that was locked to a small tree. Seems pretty normal, but in my world its a bit more interesting. We created green stickers a little while back, and a few of the people who work at sacpress have them on their bikes like spoke cards, just for fun. So to see this extend outside of our small staff is so neat!

The interesting part is I have know idea who this bike belonged to, a complete win in my world. As we use the "bicycle" more and more in our marketing its fun to see the cycling community embrace what it is we are doing.

Building a new world with broken bikes

2009-01-17T19:17:33Z

The Sacramento Bike Kitchen (SBK) has been open for a week and the buzz is all over town. A DIY bike workshop that spreads bike culture with its unique approach to getting 'er done. Volunteers help YOU know your bike by showing you how to fix and maintain it. The result is that you are much more at cause over your 2 wheeled friend NOT the effect. Your affinity skyrockets for all things bicycling and simply cannot go anywhere unless it's on a bike. Well alright thats a little over the top but I hope you get my point.

At the kitchen we have a theory that most entry level bicyclists have had their hearts broken with the box store variety of bicycles that are not long for the dumpster. Poorly fitted and ill advised in keeping their bikes in working condition, most bikes from Walmart, Kmart etc. end up given away or even abandoned on the street. A once promising idea of going green filed away in the bad idea category of our memory banks.

We highly recommend one find a local bike shop and let them earn your business with their great service. Many come to mind like Steve Loebach from Carmichael cycles, Whit Brooks from the Bicycle Chef and Terry Cox from College Cyclery, just to name a few. These tireless experts can assist you in making your cycling goals come true. Others like Steve Rex can build a bike that's so beautiful you will never want to drive a car again.

The SBK is a nonprofit organization built on the goodwill of area bike enthusiasts. Our shop subsists or thrives on the donations of like minded folks that want to spread the idea that the bike is the most genius from for moving the body from A to B. We here have plans shoulder to shoulder with the local bicycle shops to increase the numbers of commuters that will make Sacramento the place it should be, a great place to live, work and play. A place free from noise polution, congestion, bad air and most importantly the disconnection from our fellow man. You see, a cyclist is more likely to wave at complete strangers on the road. He has so much fun he or she must share it with someone else!

Here at SBK our natural enemies are pollution, obesity, body apathy and doing nothing for the greater good. Our friends are all people who want to make a difference including those here at Sacpress who have given us the chance to blow our horn.

Please join us in making Sacramento the greatest biking city in California and then who knows what other goals we can tackle.

Portland and Amsterdam watch out!

John Boyer

SBK donations
1915 I street
(916)-442-3177

Donations gladly accepted 8-10am M-F and Wed,Thurs and Friday evenings 6-9PM

Alley Cat Racing in Sacramento

2009-01-15T00:39:40Z

Friday evening, you may have run into a crowd of cyclists pedaling their way downtown, uptown, and back again. The racing term for this group is a peloton. These rather enthusiastic riders were in the midst of the Sacramento Alley Cat bike race.

The Alley Cat is an unsanctioned bike race, checkpoint-to-checkpoint, where the emphasis is placed not on speed, but on knowing the layout of the city. Races are always open course, taking place in street traffic.

40 riders took off for the five checkpoints of the race which stretched from Lucky Lefty's on 16th Street all the way to West Sacramento and back.

Many others who came chose not to race, but remained at Lucky Lefty's, watching a bike-trick exhibition in the parking lot next door. Most people attending planned to go to the Sacramento premier of Macaframa, a feature-length film of track bike riding and tricks, being held at the Crest Theatre.

Alley Cat racing originated in the bike messenger community of Toronto in 1986, but it has since spread all over the world, with races being held from Atlanta to Australia, and of course, Sacramento.

While bike messengers are the driving force behind the production and organization of these races, non-messengers are free to enter and participate. Most participants ride fixed gear track bikes, and while most are welcoming to newcomers, some look down on people riding geared or single speed bikes.

The Alley Cat was largely organized by Lucky Lefty's, a streetwear boutique that recently opened up in the space formerly occupied by the Kehlet Typewriter company.

Are any of our readers bicycle racing enthusiasts? What do they think of this sort of bike race? Did anyone see the race or stumble into the midst of it?

Photos courtesy of Timothy Mar.

What are fixed gear bikes?

2009-01-15T00:05:55Z

Recently, fixed-gear biking has become rather popular among young urbanites. Some readers might be asking, 'what exactly is a fixed gear?' To answer their questions, I put together a brief FAQ on the subject.

So what makes a fixed gear bike different from any other bike?

The most distinguishing and easily identifiable characteristic of a fixed gear bike is that it cannot coast like other bikes, because the bike's single gear is directly connected to both the chain and wheel. Whenever the wheels of the bike are moving, the pedals are moving. Because of this, it is possible to slow and stop the bike by applying rearward pressure to the bike pedals. Most fixed gear bikes are track bikes, originally meant for cycling in velodromes, oval-shaped track arenas, but any type of bicycle can be converted to a fixed gear.

Why Fixed Gear?

Fixed gear bikes, having only one gear, are considerably lighter and easier to maintain than other bikes. They only get lighter and simpler when the brakes are removed, as they often are. Avid cyclists say that the constant use of leg muscles in pedaling and stopping increases muscle suppleness and pedaling rhythm.

No brakes?

That's right. The rationale behind removing brakes is to remove weight and potential maintenance trouble. Stopping the bike can be done by pushing back against the pedals, as noted previously, or by executing a bike trick known as a 'skid,' where the rear wheel is removed from the ground briefly by the rider leaning forward, and locking the pedals in place, which causes the bike to skid to a halt. The lack of brakes has led to accidents and at least one death. While some fixed gear riders chose to keep the front brake, most discard them entirely, citing either performance or stylistic reasons.

Do any readers ride on of these fixed gear bikes? What do they think of this FAQ? Has anyone had an experience in traffic with one?

Photos courtesy of users gromgull and veganstraightedge on flickr.com.

The Elusive Sacramento Bike Messenger

2009-01-08T21:42:47Z

A common scenario for a Sacramento bicycle messenger: I enter an elevator in one of the taller office buildings downtown. A thirty-something man in a very expensive suit and glistening hair enters with me, holding a laptop case and perhaps a Starbucks grande et cetera (cliché, but very true). A few seconds into the ride to the 23rd floor he turns to me with a smirk and says, “You a runner? A court runner?”
I glance back and say, “Sort of. I do a lot of court filings, but I work for an independent company rather than a law office. I’m just a general messenger.”
Despite the obvious clues (bike gloves, heavy-duty shoulder bag, short-bill cycling cap, some grease on my right calf), he asks, “So you ride a bike? You’re a bike messenger?”
Maintaining patience, I smile back. “Uh, yes. Yes I am.”
Still smirking, his brow wrinkles and he says, “Huh, that’s strange. Like the kind in San Francisco? I’ve never seen any here in Sacramento…”
At this I can only chuckle and shake my head a little, knowing that I’ve been delivering envelopes to his law firm on the 23rd floor nearly every morning for countless months. The elevator doors open and he steps out first, striding away without another word as if he had ridden all the way up here alone.

It would seem surprising that Sacramento doesn’t employ more humans on bikes. Being the political hub of the wealthiest state in the union makes for an incredible amount of legislative paperwork along with all of the obligatory legal malarkey carried out in private firms and various courts (these are our primary clients). And yet, the bike messenger population in Sac only fluctuates between about 13 and 24 people, split up between six or so companies. To give a sense of scale, for a brief time I worked at a single company in SF that employed over fifty people on bikes. I never even had a chance to meet all of my fellow employees while I was there. That one company could have handled two downtown Sacramentos with bikes to spare.

And it does make sense; 13 Sacramento blocks equals about a mile, so all of these courts and law offices and state departments are squeezed into a square grid two miles in diameter. The bicycle affords quite a bit more freedom of travel through a city environment than a car, which allows us to get from the reception desk at the top of a high-rise to another on the other side of the grid in well under 10 minutes. This ensures that the most time-sensitive rush delivery will most likely make it on time, which eliminates the need for separate crews of short and long-range riders, a common feature of messenger life in larger cities like San Francisco or New York.

Compared with these other places, Sacramento’s need for bicycle messengers is an entirely different beast altogether. The common assumption is that, like other cities, our bread and butter is hauling odd boxes and poster tubes with blueprints inside. But the average Sacto courier resembles a legal secretary far more than a cardboard packhorse. The majority of my deliveries throughout the day involve small envelopes and legal documents to be filed at the state and federal courts. Distributing information packets from lobbyists throughout the offices of congress in the capitol building is routine, and every messenger in town can be found, at some point in the day, standing at the civil filings counter at superior court, debating with a clerk on the particular department an action in a lawsuit must be received in.

Ironically, the lingo of the Sacramento messenger is typically the lingo of the lawyer and politician, which makes for an interesting juxtaposition since many of us do fit the gnarly, unkempt, post-apocalyptic description of the archetypal messenger and are able to carry out legal discussions with attorneys in elevators. However, this is rare; most of them just mention the heat of summer, the cold of winter, or ignore us, preferring to escape from the suit-and-tie over a cell phone call to a golfing buddy. Accepting this, I wait intently for my floor, several paper careers entrusted to my bag.

Appetite Enhancement Ride

2008-11-28T06:43:47Z

Food, drink and riding bikes sums up the Appetite Enhancement Ride in a sentence.

This event has been taking place for over 20 years. This year was my first experience with the event and due to its traditional occurrence on Thanksgiving I only had a chance to be there an hour or so in the morning.

All it took was a quick ride over from our office at 431 I street, to the Towe Museum on Front Street. By the time we rolled up there were already a couple of hundred people there, scattered throughout the parking lot.

The spread was impressive; there were great looking, and tasting, pastries, coffee and even oysters.

People were working the crowd selling raffle tickets for $1 each. The proceeds went to charity.

The people attending the event were completely varied. There were middle aged cyclists in full cycling gear, bearded younger guys, people in wigs, and one uniting factor, a whole lot of crazy bicycles.

Many of the bicycles are pictured in the slideshow above. A few of the notable standouts were a high wheel bicycle and a bicycle welded to another bicycle for the purpose of supporting a mobile drum kit.

The mood was festive, people were talkative and the bikes were impressive.

Next year I plan on sticking around for the actual bike ride.

Did you attend the Appetite Enhancement Ride this year? Have you attended it in years past? Tell me about it in the comment section below.

Bike and product placement

2008-11-24T22:22:02Z

Just a photo update on our new bike and shot or two of tools around town. More to come.