All this week, any form of exercise (like biking) is dangerous for your lungs. Yesterday a garbage truck flies over the center divider and crashes into a truck carrying coffins on 880 near San Leandro. Both drivers killed and 880 closed for 10 hours. This morning, BART 12th street station is shut down due to a bomb threat with bomb dogs and the bomb squad being called in (turned out to be a false alarm.)
Commuting is getting more dangerous every day.
Cyclists from all over will be convening on the Cow Palace in San Francisco for the start of AIDS/Lifecycle 7. This ride will take cyclists 545-miles between San Francisco and Los Angeles in 7 days to raise money benefiting the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Gay and Lesbian Center in Los Angeles.
The first leg of the ride will take cyclists to Santa Cruz, then to King City, Paso Robles, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Ventura and then Los Angeles for the closing ceremony.
Wondering why this is in San Jose Metblogs? It’s simple! I’m one of the 2500 cyclists who have raised a minimum of $2500 to raise over $11 million dollars for such an incredible cause.
Thanks to all who have contributed and supported me on this incredible journey. I couldn’t have done it without you.
So I rushed onto the last car of the San Francisco BART train this morning and noticed some changes in the seat arrangements. Then, be still my beating heart, I saw a bright blue image of a bike on the wall usually reserved for wheelchairs. Then, I looked above this blue bike and saw these words: “Bicycle Priority. Strollers and Luggage OK if Bicycle not Present.” Take that! All you pedestrians who give me the stink eye during my commute. Take that! All those times I wasn’t allowed on the train because it was too crowded. That’s right. I. AM. A. PRIORITY.
Join thousands of Bay Area residents by leaving that smog inducing car at home. Strap that helmet on and get on your bike!
Why? Because May 15 is Bike to Work Day!
As part of this exciting event, there will be a over 190 Engergizer Stations strategically placed throughout the Bay Area where volunteers will be handing out treats, tote bags and bicycling commute-related information.
It’s healthy! It’s economical! It’s environmentally friendly!
I’m taking part! You should too!
The June edition of Bicycle Magazine identified San Jose as the 3rd runner-up for the Most Improved city for riding your bike. They stated that the weather and 200+ miles of bike routes and trails makes San Jose bike friendly. To add to the compliments, the author mentioned that if San Jose were on the East Coast, not competing with the likes of San Francisco, it could be considered a cycling mecca!
I can attest that most of San Jose is bike friendly. Riding 100+ miles a week, many areas of San Jose are a dream. However, there are still many areas that are less than desirable, mostly due to the deterioration of the bike routes, the roads, or simply the lack of a “safe space” for cyclists, particularly on overpasses and freeway entrances/exits.
Quite frankly, the article was a pleasant surprise! Hopefully our city government moves us from 3rd runner of of Most Improved to either the top 3, or runner up for best place to cycle!
Mary Maroon and that guy.
I stopped by the Cupertino Bike Shop to ask about their upcoming bike swap meet. Mary Maroon (got-ta love her name) told me that the swap will be held in the rear parking lot behind the shop. I discovered that over 50 vendors will have great deals on new and used bikes and related items. Cupertino Bike Shop and ROMP will donate vendor space proceeds to help support off-road trails etc.
Cupertino Bike Shop - Sunday Apr 27 - 10493 S. De Anza Blvd, Cupertino California -10 Am - Admission is a mere $2.00 - Bring cash - no plastic or checks accepted at the swap meet. (408) 255-2217
Looking over Silicon Valley from Sierra Road.
2/20: Stage 3 - Modesto to San José:
The race begins this morning in Modesto at 10am. It will be a great triumph just getting to San Jose. The route will take the riders to Patterson then up and over the 4360-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton. This is a beautiful drive by car, but not an easy feat by bike. The weather could add extra caution to the 18-mile descent.
Once here in the valley, the cyclists will be directed north on Piedmont Road and then unbelievably they will be asked to make it up Sierra (Grade) Road. This ‘hill’ of 1,943 feet in 3.7 miles may very well be the decider of today’s race. The downhill run from Calaveras Road to Piedmont Road, and then to City Hall should be a welcome breeze.
The CHP will be restricting motorized traffic during the day:
Calaveras Rd. - closed 1 to 3pm
Rolling Closure Areas:
Piedmont Rd.
Mabury Rd.
becomes Taylor St.
N. 2nd St.
St. James
3rd St. - closed between St. James and San Fernando noon to 6pm
Santa Clara St. - closed from Second to Fourth early morning to 6pm
and from Fourth to Seventh will be closed to 8pm.
Finish @ City Hall
AMGEN’S TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
STAGE 3 COVERAGE BEGINS WEDNESDAY AT 9:30A
Comcast TV
081 VERSUS
Wed, Feb 20, 8:00p - 9:00p
San Jose is an exciting place to live. You never know what ingenious and creative people you will run into. Today, for me, it was Steven J. Cousineau.
Last night on ABC’s American Inventor I saw some interesting ideas. Everything from adult bibs (to wear while dinning in the car) to bicycle wheel covers.
With judge George Foreman’s help, the bib lady made it on to the next level of competition, but Steven J. Cousineau’s bike wheel covers failed to impress the panel of four judges. Steven was so sure that they would see the purpose of his invention that it took some time for him to accept their rejection. Turned down without any kind words of encouragement, he was then escorted out the door. He swore he would succeed anyway. (I’m convinced the judges overreaction was to add drama to the show.)
While driving up Meridian Ave. this morning I did a double-take. Right there on the sidewalk, just before Minnesota Ave., was the bicycle from TV! I carefully put my cab in reverse and parked. After finding Steven around back, he agreed to pose for Metroblogging San Jose.
I don’t know if the wheel covers will ever make it into production, but if my daughter’s bike had been outfitted with Steven’s invention she could have avoided the emergency trip to Kaiser Santa Clara hospital. (Her bag, hanging from the handlebar, got stuck in the front spokes and she fell hard to the street ripping open her chin.)
Last years winner, Mr. Janusz Liberkowski, is from the San Jose area. Take a look at his lifesaving American invention.
As Gary pointed out, ‘May Is National Bike Month’ and this is just one of the 100,000 commuters in the Bay Area using their bikes to get to work today. Those of us stuck in our cars will need to keep our eyes open and give the riders their space.
National Bike Month is to raise awareness about bicycling, and present events to promote safety, “Share the Road” campaigns, along with encouraging people to give bike commuting a try to support cleaner, healthier living.
During Ride-to-Work Week, people are encouraged to cycle to work or school. In the Bay Area Bike Week is May 14-18 and in Santa Cruz County Bike Week is May 12-20.
If you cannot participate by commuting the entire cycling week do not worry, Thursday May 17 is Bike-to-Work Day, where you can take part by riding on this special day. There will be “Energizer Stations” located along commute routes where bicyclists can stop for refreshments, giveaways, and bicycling information.
For more information and to register for a Bike-to-Work Day raffle, check the 511 Website.
