Santa Cruz Memorial Bike Ride

Dear Cyclists,

It's time to ride for our rights. Please join People Power on Sunday, August 16th, at Bayview Elementary School (corner of Bay and Mission). We will gather at 11:30AM and ride at noon.

This Friday marks the two year anniversary of the death of John Myslin, a High School Teacher who was run over by a truck at the intersection of Bay and Mission. Several months after his death, on April 8th, 2008, another experienced cyclist, Chris Rock, was run over and killed by a truck at the same intersection.

What has the City of Santa Cruz done to create a safer route along the Mission Street corridor? Not much. In fact, the City Public Works Department and Police Chief Skerry have expressed opposition to proposals that would improve conditions for cyclists along the Mission/King corridor.

Cyclists deserve respect from the police and drivers, as well as a safe alternative to Mission Street. PLEASE come on the ride and bring other cyclists. And PLEASE help promote this ride by distributing flyers (available from the People Power office) and telling people you know.

We will meet at Bayview Elementary School (near the Corner of Mission and Bay) at 11:30AM on Sunday, August 16th, and ride on Mission and King Streets, in group style, while respecting and being considerate of other street users. Please wear a helmet and wear white or yellow.

If you have questions or concerns, wish to confirm your attendance, or to get flyers or posters to distribute, please contact Micah at (831) 425-0665 or (831) 227-4772.

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Some History:

1998 - 2001: Cal Trans and the City of Santa Cruz widened Mission Street to accommodate more automobile traffic. No safe place for cyclists was created on the street.

August 2007: Cyclist John Myslin dies after being run over by a truck at the intersection of Mission and Bay. People Power starts a petition drive to ask the city to create a safe alternative route on King Street.

2008: No action has been taken to improve cycling safety on Mission Street. On April 8th, Chris Rock is killed at the Mission/Bay intersection. In both fatalities, cyclists were riding responsibly and carefully.

April, 2008: Assemblymember John Laird calls a Task Force to address bicycle safety along the Mission Street corridor. The City and County elected officials agree to address the problem in part by creating “safe alternatives to Mission for cyclists.”

May, 2008: Cal Trans offers to put up signs on Mission Street informing users that California Vehicle Code 21202 applies to the street: “bicycles may use the full lane.” Police Chief Skerry, Captain Clarke and the City Attorney object to the sign, but offer no recommendation on the safe use of the street. Cal Trans modifies the signs to avoid a controversy while asserting our right to use the lane.

September, 2008 to present: Ecology Action develops an educational campaign for truck drivers and cyclists in an attempt to make the area safer.

May, 2008: People Power and King Street Neighbors work together campaigning for a safer alternative to Mission on King Street. After countless hours going door to door in the neighborhood and convening regular meetings, a consensus emerges with neighbors, teachers, and the City Transportation Commission around a plan for a bike boulevard on King Street. The bike boulevard would use diverters to limit automobiles on King to non-through traffic, creating a safe route for bikes and pedestrians. A neighborhood meeting called by the Public Works Department and subsequent questionnaire show that the majority support this plan.

February, 2009: Police harass longtime cyclist Ken Foster for riding in the lane on Mission Street. Foster asks for a ticket so to be able “to fight it in court”. The police decline to issue the ticket.

April, 2009: The Public Works Department, refuses to draw up plans for a Bike Boulevard because they don't want to put more car traffic on Mission. Both the City's Transportation Commission and the City Council direct them to draw up the plans despite their opposition, but give them two years to do it. It remains to be seen whether or not the Public Works Department will work towards a Bike Boulevard on King.

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Please contact Micah at (831) 425-0665 or (831) 227-4772 for more information.