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| Alternative Transportation Options |
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Bicycling
If you commute less than five miles to work, school or to do errands, bicycling can be a commute option with many benefits:
Get in shape on the way to work
Biking, after an initial investment in equipment, is relatively inexpensive
Do your share to help the environment
Qualify for great Commuter Incentives – ‘Wheels to Reels” Program
Instead of waiting in traffic, you can find alternate routes that are safe for bicyclists. For maximum safety, take your rightful place in traffic and obey all traffic laws. With advance planning, you can find a route that avoids heavy traffic and other potential hazards.
Attention Cyclers! The Prince Memorial Greenway will be closed for construction from June 15 - October 15, 2006. The links below may be able to help you find alternative routes once construction begins.
The City of Santa Rosa offers many resources, and even an incentive program to ride your bike more often:
Bike maps
Bicycle Advocacy Groups
Santa Rosa Bicycle Shops
Never Compromise Your Safety
You should always wear a helmet while riding. A good helmet (with ANSI or SNELL safety certificate) can be purchased for as little as $20. It should consist of an outer polycarbonate or fiberglass shell, an energy-absorbing inner liner made of semi-rigid foam, comfort pads, and an adjustable strap. Replace your helmet if you have an accident and break the foam liner.
It is best to plan a route optimizing Santa Rosa Bike Paths. You can call 543-3325 and request a City of Santa Rosa Bike Map, or click here. It's packed with detailed information you'll need to get going. Use a map to draw a potential route that avoids freeways and steep hills. Explore the area for alternate routes.
Securing your bike
The lack of safe and convenient parking is the biggest problem facing many "would-be" bicycle commuters. Left on the street for hours at a time, bikes are too often easy targets for theft and damage by individuals, as well as damage caused by inclement weather. On-site, indoor bicycle parking provides the best solution. Unfortunately, not all building managers recognize the benefits of allowing employees to bring bikes inside, and many buildings have banned bikes. Does your employer offer bike lockers or showers? If not, you could try storing your bike in a nearby building and carrying your work clothes. Many employers want to help employees use alternatives to driving alone, so ask your employer if lockers or showers can be installed or provisions can be made for bicycles inside your building.
City of Santa Rosa grant-funded bike rack program
The City of Santa Rosa administers a Transportation Funds for Clean Air Grant to support “non-polluting” ways to travel. If your work site does not have a bike rack and there is a concrete area where a bike rack could be installed, the City of Santa Rosa will purchase and install a rack. Usually the ribbon rack or inverted U rack is purchased. Trader Joe’s, Pepe’s on Fourth Street, Becoming Independent, and Southwest Community Health Center have received grant-funded racks.
Ask neighbors and/or co-workers if they ride their bikes to work
Friends who ride to work can give you tips on routes, safety, and parking. If they live near you, ask if you can ride with them for the first few days while you get used to your route and traffic patterns.
Check your equipment
Take an inventory of necessary items. If you already have a bike, be sure it's tuned-up and equipped with reflectors. If you don't have a bike, or want recommendations about the best types of equipment, ask friends and co-workers who ride to work. Talk to fellow bicyclists and check with your local bike shop. They can show you all the newest models and equipment. You'll need a good, comfortable helmet (with "ANSI" or "SNELL" safety certification), biking gloves, and a strong lock. Consider a rear-view mirror, repair kit, a mounted water bottle, bicycling shoes, and wet weather gear if you plan to ride in the rain. Law requires a headlight, if you ride at night.
Ride the route on your day off
Carry the same amount of clothes and other items as you would on a workday. Is the route too steep? Explore alternatives. Imagine traffic conditions during regular commute hours, and remember that your route will look different after dark.
Know in advance where you'll park
Get clearance to use lockers and parking areas. If you park outside, you may want multiple locks. Ask co-workers to be aware of your bike and to interrupt any suspicious behavior.
Know the rules of the road
You are recognized as a legal driver of a vehicle. Therefore, drive your bicycle as you would any vehicle. Obey all traffic laws. Both the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California State Automobile Association can provide you with rules for cyclists.
Safety tips:
Share the road.
Don't assume motorists can see you.
Ride on the right, but not too close to parked cars. Drivers might open a car door without seeing you.
Never ride against traffic.
Follow signs, signals, and pavement markings.
When turning left, merge with left-turning traffic or walk your bike across as a pedestrian if traffic is heavy.
Inform others of turns by using hand signals. These are the same as motorists' hand signals except that for turning right you can use your right arm and point.
Slow down and yield for pedestrians.
Be predictable.
Avoid sudden swerves.
Common sense, courtesy, and caution are the three C's of good cycling.
Watch the road.
The American Automobile Association suggests using an accident avoidance technique called "SIPDA": scan, identify, predict, decide, and then act.
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Santa Rosa Bike Shops:
AA Cycle World
Tel: 707-578-9329
4918 Londonberry Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Specializes in wheel building and custom bikes. |
Ibis Cycles
707-523-1919
11 Barham Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95407 |
Bike Pedaler
Tel: 707-571-2428
Fax: 707-573-0116
www.norcalcycling.com
605 College Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 |
NorCal Bike Sport
Tel: 573-0112
353 College Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
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Cycle Dynamics Bike Shop
707-545-2453
5286 Aero Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403 |
Rincon Cyclery
Tel: 707-538-0868
Fax: 707-538-0879
www.rinconcyclery.com
4927 Sonoma Highway
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
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Santa Rosa Cyclery
Tel: 707-522-6232
Fax: 707-522-6235
2300 Midway Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95405 |
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