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Santa Cruz Memorial Bike Ride
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Date:
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Time:
11:30 AM
-
1:30 PM
Event Type:
Vigil/Ritual
Organizer/Author:
Location Details:
Meet at Bayview Elementary School (corner of Bay and Mission). We will gather at 11:30AM and ride at noon.
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.
********
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.
*****
Please contact Micah at (831) 425-0665 or (831) 227-4772 for more information.
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.
********
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.
*****
Please contact Micah at (831) 425-0665 or (831) 227-4772 for more information.
Added to the calendar on Wed, Aug 5, 2009 11:44PM
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"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."
John Myslin was killed because he stupidly tried to pass a semi truck on the right hand side of the road while riding on Mission Street just prior to Bay Street. The truck turned right, or more bluntly, "right" over John. This is known as "The Right Hook". As a cyclist myself, I mean no disrespect to the guy, but he made a mistake that cost him his life. Chris Rock, if I remember, had some hearing issues, as well as some other issues, and should never have been riding on Mission Street to begin with. There was also a woman who had an bike accident near Donnellys Chocolates, but not much was said about that one. The statement that both of these people were riding "responsibly and carefully" is simply not true.
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."
John Myslin was killed because he stupidly tried to pass a semi truck on the right hand side of the road while riding on Mission Street just prior to Bay Street. The truck turned right, or more bluntly, "right" over John. This is known as "The Right Hook". As a cyclist myself, I mean no disrespect to the guy, but he made a mistake that cost him his life. Chris Rock, if I remember, had some hearing issues, as well as some other issues, and should never have been riding on Mission Street to begin with. There was also a woman who had an bike accident near Donnellys Chocolates, but not much was said about that one. The statement that both of these people were riding "responsibly and carefully" is simply not true.
What if she wanted to go to Donnelly's chocolates? You could tell them all to ride on the sidewalk, but then they'd hit people stepping out of the store or walking along where it's narrow.
Not mentioned in this article is the harassment citation Micah Posner got from the SCPD for leading a bike ride on King Street and the subsequent antics of the city attorney's office and courts regarding this ticket. Micah is probably keeping a low profile on this not to antagonize authorities and to keep a focus on the broader issue, but I feel it is quite relevant. Here are some articles on the subject-- not the best, but not that much has been accurately written about it, as far as I know.
Some Relevant Sentinel stories:
King Street bicycle boulevard on hold
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_12196586?IADID=Search-www.santacruzsentinel.com-www.santacruzsentinel.com
Bicycle advocate ticketed for parade without a permit on King Street 5-6-09
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_12304255?IADID=Search-www.santacruzsentinel.com-www.santacruzsentinel.com
Reader input on Posner ticket 5-9-09
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/santa-cruz-sentinel/TNIO9EVN3P5TLQ686/p39
Other websites:
http://www.cyclelicio.us/2009/05/inviting-children-to-ride-in-street-is.html
Some Relevant Sentinel stories:
King Street bicycle boulevard on hold
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_12196586?IADID=Search-www.santacruzsentinel.com-www.santacruzsentinel.com
Bicycle advocate ticketed for parade without a permit on King Street 5-6-09
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_12304255?IADID=Search-www.santacruzsentinel.com-www.santacruzsentinel.com
Reader input on Posner ticket 5-9-09
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/santa-cruz-sentinel/TNIO9EVN3P5TLQ686/p39
Other websites:
http://www.cyclelicio.us/2009/05/inviting-children-to-ride-in-street-is.html
"Donnelly's chocolates"
Pretty simple. You get off your bike and walk for a few feet. Better than having your head crushed by an 18 wheeler. Not sure why this comment was deleted previously.
Pretty simple. You get off your bike and walk for a few feet. Better than having your head crushed by an 18 wheeler. Not sure why this comment was deleted previously.
''John Myslin was killed because he stupidly tried to pass a semi truck on the right hand side of the road while riding on Mission Street just prior to Bay Street''
That's what a bike lane is for- to supposedly separate bike traffic into a different lane to keep bicyclists safe. A truck ran him over because it passed through the bike lane without checking to see if there was a bicyclist in it. That seems like a no-brainer, to me.
I've ridden my bike on Mission hundreds of times, and any cyclist will tell you the same- it's very difficult to control who pulls up in the lane next to you. If that driver chooses to turn right into your lane, there's not a lot a cyclist can do, except slam on the brakes if it isn't too late. Bicyclists move much slower than most cars on Mission, so it's hard to maneuver around cars that aren't paying attention. The bike lane is narrow, cars regularly pass over the lane into it, and the grates along the curb are very dangerous to ride over, especially when wet. The only option is to take the whole lane- but neither the bicyclist nor the drivers appreciate the resulting traffic conflicts.
We need a safer way to move through this city, and bike corridors are a great start.
That's what a bike lane is for- to supposedly separate bike traffic into a different lane to keep bicyclists safe. A truck ran him over because it passed through the bike lane without checking to see if there was a bicyclist in it. That seems like a no-brainer, to me.
I've ridden my bike on Mission hundreds of times, and any cyclist will tell you the same- it's very difficult to control who pulls up in the lane next to you. If that driver chooses to turn right into your lane, there's not a lot a cyclist can do, except slam on the brakes if it isn't too late. Bicyclists move much slower than most cars on Mission, so it's hard to maneuver around cars that aren't paying attention. The bike lane is narrow, cars regularly pass over the lane into it, and the grates along the curb are very dangerous to ride over, especially when wet. The only option is to take the whole lane- but neither the bicyclist nor the drivers appreciate the resulting traffic conflicts.
We need a safer way to move through this city, and bike corridors are a great start.
theres no bike lane on mission, kai, so the truck couldnt have crossed the bike lane lane...
but youre right anyways, it perfectly illustrates the NEED for a bike lane or an alternate bike corridor on/around mission.
and i'm right there with you about the blame the victim thing: for a cyclist to blame another cyclist for his death at the hands of a car is distasteful to say the very least. whota prick
i like riding on mission, personally,
but that area must absolutely be made more accessible to beginning bike commuters/people who are afraid of cars for obvious reasons/people with handicaps like chris rock. anything else is discrimination against cyclists and impinges on their right to movement. screw this car-centric BS
but youre right anyways, it perfectly illustrates the NEED for a bike lane or an alternate bike corridor on/around mission.
and i'm right there with you about the blame the victim thing: for a cyclist to blame another cyclist for his death at the hands of a car is distasteful to say the very least. whota prick
i like riding on mission, personally,
but that area must absolutely be made more accessible to beginning bike commuters/people who are afraid of cars for obvious reasons/people with handicaps like chris rock. anything else is discrimination against cyclists and impinges on their right to movement. screw this car-centric BS
Might have been nice to get this info a few days earlier. Hope the turnout was good.
Take the full lane on California or King. Riding on Mission for any length of time is taking too big of a risk.
Take the full lane on California or King. Riding on Mission for any length of time is taking too big of a risk.
"I've ridden my bike on Mission hundreds of times..."
"The bike lane is narrow,""
These two statements contradict each other. Anyone who's biked on Mission even ONCE knows there is no bike lane. That's part of the problem. However, whoever called somebody a "prick" for simply pointing out that Myslin made a mistake is totally out of line. As a fellow rider, it is quite obvious that he made a foolish move. However, that does not mean there aren't serious issues on the westside. But namecalling simply because someone disagrees with you (and is more factually accurate than you) doesn't help.
"The bike lane is narrow,""
These two statements contradict each other. Anyone who's biked on Mission even ONCE knows there is no bike lane. That's part of the problem. However, whoever called somebody a "prick" for simply pointing out that Myslin made a mistake is totally out of line. As a fellow rider, it is quite obvious that he made a foolish move. However, that does not mean there aren't serious issues on the westside. But namecalling simply because someone disagrees with you (and is more factually accurate than you) doesn't help.
Micah Posner will be speaking on Free Radio on my show sometime between 6 PM and 8 PM on Thursday August 13. Tune in to 101.1 FM or http://www.freakradio.org. Call in at 831-427-3772. Micah will also be on Louis La Fortune's evening show Friday August 14th (6:30-8 PM).
One thing I think about this incident is the necessity for "evil car drivers," of which i occasionally am, to always always use their frickin turn signals and not at the last second!!! i'm a super experienced bike rider and totally agree that when a car turns into you, you gotta react super quick or else...definitely this incident a tragic accident & says not that we need emphasis on bike lanes, but separate bike areas where we can ride on our own path, not with cars. don't think bike lane would've helped out this situation. they are more important for not getting crowded/bumped by cars from side in my estimation...i also think king street is a pretty safe biking street, as well as california, and can see hesitancy of making it into bike boulevard by city staffers....
http://www.radiolibre.org/brb/brb090813.mp3 (First hour of the audio file)
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