Whitaker and Drayton Street traffic calming proposal dismissed by City Council

We are disappointed by the Savannah City Council’s decision to dismiss the Whitaker and Drayton Street traffic calming proposal presented by the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority at the March 30 City Council workshop. Despite ample evidence that the SDRA proposal (download PDF) would both reduce crashes and deliver economic benefits, council endorsed a counter-proposal that will not be as effective in improving the safety of those who walk, ride bikes, or drive motor vehicles.

That proposal, submitted by the City’s Traffic Engineering Department, maintained design changes are not needed. Traffic Engineering recommended, among other measures, an education campaign aimed at people who ride bikes and walk as a strategy for addressing the alarming increase in car crashes. The traffic engineering report suggested concerns over safety were mostly a matter of perception, but offered to install pedestrian signals at some intersections and relocate a tourist trolley stop. Also proposed was an expansion of the Forsyth Park perimeter sidewalk to allow cycling. That idea would likely require the removal of trees and other vegetation, its projected half million dollar cost is not currently budgeted, and it would do nothing to improve safety on Whittaker and Drayton streets.

The SDRA proposal was endorsed by the Downtown Neighborhood Association, the Downtown Business Association, the Tourism Leadership Council, the Ardsley Park-Chatham Crescent Neighborhood Association, Healthy Savannah and Georgia Bikes. We remain committed to working with these and other partners — and City Council — to advance sensible and forward-thinking efforts to make Savannah better for residents and visitors alike. We also appreciate Alderman Bill Durrence for prioritizing people over fast moving traffic.

If you think Savannah needs streets designed to improve safety for all users, which will make our neighborhoods better places to live, please contact your elected officials.

Help make the season brighter for deserving children by contributing to our Holiday Bike Drive!

Holiday Bike Drive

For the third year our New Standard Cycles volunteers are refurbishing donated bikes for our annual Holiday Bike Drive. Last year we were able to provide dozens of bikes to deserving kids, who would not have received bicycles otherwise, through our partner Blessings in a Bookbag. We also provide helmets to go along with the bikes.

If you are interested in donating a bike, volunteers will be at SBC HQ (1301 Lincoln St.) to accept donations on Thursdays from 7-9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2-4:30 p.m. We will be able to accept donations through Sunday, Dec. 11. To schedule a drop-off at another time, please email info@bicyclecampaign.org. Please do not leave bikes unattended at our office.

If you’d like to help get the bikes ready (no previous mechanical experience necessary) sign up for a volunteer shift today!

Battle of the Bikes 2

We also hope you can join us at Southbound Brewery on Friday, Dec. 9 for Battle of the Bikes 2! See who will win the Bicycle Repair Relay Race! We’ll have teams of mechanics from local bike shops participate in a relay race, where each team has a given number of kids bikes to refurbish and see who can complete the repairs first.

This event will happen during the brewery’s public tour and tastings. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the race begins at 6 p.m.! Tickets are $20 per person – including beer and a souvenir pint glass! — with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Savannah Bicycle Campaign.

Need a dependable used bike at a good price? Want to help a good cause? Come see us at the March 26 Savannah Bazaar!

On Saturday, March 26, we are selling used, but fully reconditioned bicycles at the Savannah Bazaar, from 3-8 p.m. at 101 N. Fahm St.

Bikes are sold on a first come, first served basis, so if you see one you like in the gallery below, make sure to get there early. If you join the Savannah Bicycle Campaign at the time of your purchase, you’ll receive $50 off your bike. Proceeds from sales benefit our New Standard Cycles program, which provides affordable, dependable transportation to deserving people in our community. For more information about our bike sale, email us!

Bike to Bird: We are offering free valet bike parking at Andrew Bird’s Savannah Music Festival show on March 29

We are offering free valet parking for bikes at Andrew Bird’s performance on Tuesday, March 29 at Lucas Theatre. Ride your bike to the show and we’ll look after it while you enjoy the music. Our bike valet will be open beginning at 7 p.m.

The violinist, singer and composer began his career as a member of the Squirrel Nut Zippers before forming Bowl of Fire, and has been recording and touring as a solo artist since 2003. His distinctive voice, wide ranging influences and instrumental versatility contribute to an engaging compositional style that often incorporates sounds and layers rarely heard in pop music, including virtuosic whistling and glockenspiel.

We love it when we discover our favorite musicians are also avid cyclists. That’s the case with Bird. “I feel a certain amount of pride in not using a motorized vehicle to get from point A to point B,” he told Bicycling magazine. “Sometimes I’ll invent point A and point B to justify riding.”

Read more of his interview about how riding intersects with his music: A Ride with Andrew Bird.

Be smart! Ride your bike to St. Patrick’s Day!

Bogata has Ciclovia, Atlanta has Streets Alive! and we have St. Patrick’s Day, a time when Savannah’s streets are closed to cars (except those carrying dignitaries), at least while the parade is in process.

If you are heading downtown to join in the festivities, do yourself a favor and go by bike. Driving a car into downtown and trying find parking on Savannah’s most famous holiday — and, really, anytime between now and Sunday night — is a fool’s errand.

If you are planning to ride your bike on the big day, make sure to bring lights, in case you stay out later than you thought you would, and your lock to protect your bike from mischief. And, of course, wear a helmet and stay alert for impaired, distracted and aggressive drivers. If you need extra bikes for guests, SBC business members Savannah on Wheels and Perry Rubber Bike Shop offer rentals. Don’t wait until it’s too late, reserve your bikes in advance.

Stay safe, enjoy the parade and have a happy St. Patrick’s Day!

We’re Hiring: Now accepting applications for New Standard Cycles program manager

New Stanard CyclesWe are looking for a new part-time (20 hours per week) program manager for New Standard Cycles. The successful candidate will have the unique blend of skills necessary to continue the success of this program, which provides safe, dependable and affordable transportation to deserving people in our community.

  • The program manager is a competent bicycle mechanic and must be able to share and teach bicycle repair skills to others.
  • The program manager is able to recruit, train, supervise, motivate and retain volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities.
  • The program manager will continue beneficial relationships with our nonprofit partners and establish new ones.
  • The program manager will create and maintain an environment in which volunteers, program partners and bicycle recipients feel welcome, valued and comfortable.

Is this you? if so, NSC Manager Position Description 2016, then email a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information for three professional references to info@bicyclecampaign.org

Walk, ride your bike or take the bus to Parking Matters open house meetings on March 3 and 4

parkingmatters
The Parking Matters Plan is a collaborative effort between the CORE MPO, through the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission and the City of Savannah. Public open house meetings will be held on Thursday, March 3, from 4-7 p.m. (Presentation at 6 p.m.) at the Holiday Inn Express, 199 Bay Street and on Friday, March 4, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Presentation at Noon) at the Metropolitan Planning Commission, 112 E. State St.

Improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is a key part of the Parking Matters plan, so please make plans to attend one of the meetings to emphasize the critical need for investment in safe facilities for walking and bicycling. It’s critical for leaders to hear from citizens who travel by bike. More information is available on the Parking Matters website.

Savannah Bicycle Campaign will give free bike light sets to anyone who arrives by bike, Healthy Savannah will give free pedometers to people who walk to the meetings, and Chatham Area Transit will have bus passes on hand for people who take transit.

The plan is intended to:

Identify the existing conditions with regards to parking supply and demand in greater downtown

Incorporate feedback and suggestions for improving existing parking and transportation mobility options in Savannah from members of the community

Develop strategies for Downtown Savannah’s parking and transportation system that bolster economic development, provide mobility options, and enhance the overall quality for life for residents, employees, and visitors alike.

We are teaming up with Tybee Island to light the night on March 5

The City of Tybee Island Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee is hosting a Light the Night Bike Ride on Saturday, March 5.  Beginning at 6 p.m. at the Memorial Park Pavilion, we’ll be offering free bike safety checks and minor adjustments. We’ll also have helmets available for sale at very affordable prices. Free bike lights will be provided by Tim’s Bike & Beach Gear, and we’ll award a prize for the brightest bike. The ride will start at 7:30 p.m. and end at Bernie’s Restaurant and Bar, 13 Tybrisa St. More information is available on the City of Tybee Island website.

Jan. 30 bike sale benefits our New Standard Cycles program

Are you in the market for a new-to-you ride? On Saturday, Jan. 30, we are selling used, but fully reconditioned bicycles at the Savannah Bazaar, from 3-8 p.m. at 101 N. Fahm St.

Bikes are sold on a first come, first served basis, so if you see one you like in the gallery below, make sure to get there early. If you join the Savannah Bicycle Campaign at the time of your purchase, you’ll receive $50 off your bike. Proceeds from sales benefit our New Standard Cycles program, which provides affordable, dependable transportation to deserving people in our community. For more information about our bike sale, email Jen Colestock.

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Watch inspiring films, ride your bike and maybe even win one at Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah, Jan. 20-23

mfot-savannah-blue

Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour returns to Savannah this month and we are pleased to be working with the festival again this year. The complete schedule is available on the Mountainfilm Savannah website.

telluride2015

The annual TelluRIDE is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. The ride will start at the Kennedy Pharmacy building at 323 E. Broughton Street and end at the south end of Forsyth Park for light refreshments provided by the The Sentient Bean. Helmets are required for children and strongly encouraged for adults. The ride will travel at a leisurely pace along a five mile route. Please let us know you are riding by joining the Facebook event.

raffleitemsAt all Mountainfilm screenings on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, we’ll be selling raffle tickets for some exciting prizes including Pure Fix Arroyo city bike from Vinnie Van Go Go’s and  Perry Rubber Bike Shop, a travel set from Satchel, and a Boardworks Jetty stand up paddleboard from Savannah Canoe and Kayak.

Tickets are $1 each, three for $10 or eight for $20 and  can be purchased with cash or credit card in the lobby of Trustees Theater. Drop your ticket stubs into the bucket next to the prize(s) you want to take home. The winning tickets will be drawn at the Saturday evening, but you need not be present to win.