CalBike In the News
Articles, editorials, news features, and podcasts
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© California Bicycle Coalition 2023
California’s new daylighting law prohibits cars from stopping, standing, or parking near crosswalks in order to make pedestrians using the crosswalks more visible to drivers
A new multimillion-dollar state fund is offering Californians up to $2,000 each to buy a brand new electric bicycle — if they qualify for the program.
December 13, 2024
California offers $2,000 incentive for some low-income residents to purchase e-bikes
Some Californians will be eligible to receive $2,000 to buy an electric bike in an effort to get more cars off the road and keep more money in their pocket. It also has great health benefits.
December 13, 2024
California Bicycle Advocates Call on Elected Leaders to Protect E-Bike Riders by Curbing Illegal Electric Motorcycles
The California Bicycle Coalition and partners urge leaders to focus on the real threats to safety, and stop hampering the adoption of e-bikes
Low-income Californians can apply for vouchers on Dec. 18 to cover the costs of an e-bike and accessories.
Some California residents could soon be eligible for an e-bike voucher worth up to $2000. State officials say the program will cut pollution and help meet climate goals, while promoting transportation equity for low income Californians.
There is strong evidence that increased bicycle use by seniors could help many people live healthier and more independent lives well into their golden years.
More people in California’s capital city are opting to use bicycles to minimize their carbon footprint. One nonprofit is working to keep streets safe for bicyclists. Kendra Ramsey is the executive director of the California Bike Coalition, or CalBike, and said the organization has come a long way since its inception 30 years ago.
With higher gas prices and an environmentally conscious culture, there has been a resurgence in bicycling.
The agency plans to update its road design guidelines by the end of the year — before a new law that prioritizes pedestrian and cyclist safety takes effect.
CTC is pushing to finish SHOPP guidelines before the Complete Streets law goes into effect.
Governor Gavin Newsom has officially taken action on all 600 bills that landed on his desk in 2024, signing some into law and vetoing others. Of the bills backed by CalBike, seven received his signature while two were vetoed. Unfortunately, eight other CalBike-supported bills did not make it through the legislative process. However, there were also some positive developments, including the passage of two e-bike pilot programs, while one e-bike restriction bill failed to advance.
Bicycle advocates cheered laws that spur bike and pedestrian infrastructure construction, but Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed two bills that advocates hoped would rein in driver speeding.
The City of Santa Monica, SMC Bike Club and Sustainable Works are proud to present: The Street Project Film Screening & Panel Discussion, on October 23rd 2024
Today, CalBike is releasing a new report: Incomplete Streets: Aligning Policy with Practice at Caltrans.
The report details where Caltrans has succeeded in adding elements for people biking, walking, and taking transit when it repairs state roadways that serve as local streets. But the findings also detail, for the first time, evidence of where Caltrans falls short, using data to show pattern and practice at the agency and case studies to illustrate how district staffers downgrade and leave out infrastructure people biking and walking on Caltrans projects.
Long trains cause problems; Climate protestors, oil companies, gas prices; Billions to save minutes? CalBike celebrates 30 years
September 20, 2024
Local Motion, Bike Bills, Hockey Stars, CicLAmini, Monster Trucks and a New World Record
Bike friendly bills are waiting on California Governor Newsom’s desk, reports California Bike Coalition’s Policy Director Jared Sanchez.
Cycling in California is more than just a popular mode of transportation; it’s a way of life for many people. However, with 177 bicyclists killed in California during 2022, understanding and adhering to California’s bicycle laws has never been more critical.
As bicycles, e-bikes, and other forms of micro-mobility continue to gain popularity, California lawmakers are actively refining these laws to enhance cyclist safety and address the challenges faced on the road. Staying informed about these regulations and accident statistics is essential for protecting yourself and others while riding.
August 30, 2024
Senator Wiener’s Bills To Boost Housing Production and Transit, Cyclist, & Pedestrian Infrastructure Head to the Governor
The Legislature passed Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) Senate Bills 312, 937, 951, 960. SB 937 bill provides flexibility for builders amid challenging market conditions.
S.B. 960 has been through the wringer, but negotiations have produced a strong, flexible, much improved approach to ensuring streets are complete – that is, not built solely for cars.
California has been grappling with the question of how much to keep spending on roads versus infrastructure for bikes and pedestrians. A bill poised to land on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk this week would help answer it.
August 22, 2024
CicLAvia, Hollywood Bike Lane, Detroit Bike Ped Conference, UK Infrastructure & Politics
Kendra Ramsey, Executive Director of the California Bicycle Coalition, on last week’s Association of Pedestrian and Biking Professionals in Detroit.
August 22, 2024
Legislation to Speed Up Development of Bike Lanes, Walkways in Coastal Areas Goes to Governor
Legislation by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to cut unnecessary red tape in the development of bike lanes, dedicated transit lanes and pedestrian walkways along California’s coastline passed the Senate on Thursday and was sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In California, the dual nature of state routes often means they serve as both highways and main streets, creating complex urban thoroughfares that blend high-speed travel with local accessibility. Beach Boulevard, also known as State Route 39 (SR-39), is a prime example of this phenomenon.
The bill is part of an effort to reverse entrenched patterns in traffic engineering and speed up the adoption of safer infrastructure for people walking and biking.
Ever since the federal government gave up on including electric bikes in its broader electric vehicle incentive programs, alternative incentives at the local and state levels have been met largely with success—except, of course, in California.
Introduction by Laura Tolkoff, SPUR; Testimony by Laura Keenan, Families for Safe Streets
We have to give Caltrans credit for doing a few projects solely for the benefit of pedestrians and bike riders – although, without pressure from advocates across California, we might not have even these. However, even when Caltrans focuses on Complete Streets, it leaves out critical elements.
The program’s launch has been delayed for two years, and currently “there is no specific timeline” for it. Plus the administrator, Pedal Ahead, is getting dragged, but details are vague
July 23, 2024
Incomplete Streets Part 2: District 12 Ignores Caltrans Policy on Bike and Pedestrian Needs
Caltrans has a policy requiring Complete Streets in its projects, but Caltrans Districts routinely ignore it
Caltrans has a history of failing to follow its own policies around Complete Streets.
The good news is that there will be a Cycle 7. But it will be small, and there will be hard choices about what gets funded.
Legislative update: Bills to require streets that are safe for everyone and to limit Class III bikeways (sharrows and signs) are amended to reflect little more than the status quo
What does it mean to give bicyclists 3 feet while passing? California law requires that drivers maintain a minimum 3-foot buffer when passing a bicyclist (California Vehicle Code section 21760).
The California legislature and governor worked restore the $600 million cut from the Active Transportation Program in the governor’s May Revised Budget. The final budget, announced last weekend, restores $100 million in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, with another $100 million promised for 2025-2026.
CalBike urges you to weigh in with the Assembly Transportation Committee on the Complete Streets Bill, which would require Caltrans to ensure safety for people biking, walking, and taking transit.
The Building Standards Commission is updating its code, which means it has to update bicycle parking standards. Weigh in!
May 31, 2024
California Legislature Rescinds Deep Cuts to Active Transportation Program in Latest Budget Proposal
In a significant move, the California legislature released its budget proposal today, reversing the severe cuts to the Active Transportation Program (ATP) that were initially suggested in the Governor’s Budget.
May 24th marked the halfway point for Active Transportation Bills in the California Legislature for this year. All bills needed to be voted out of their originating house to continue progressing. Here’s a look at where CalBike-supported bills stand halfway through the 2024 legislative session.
On Friday, May 24, bills had to be voted out of the house where they originated.
Only two of the bills supported by the California Bicycle Coalition died in committee, and one we opposed was amended so we were able to switch our position to neutral. The legislative process includes many amendments along the way, and we continue to fight for changes to make our measures stronger as our legislative agenda passes to the next house.
The team at the California Bicycle Coalition tracks bills that affect active transportation.
It would have zeroed out the entirety of Cycle 7 – but the legislature has rejected the cuts.
As California Alps Cycling increases its advocacy footprint, last month’s California Bicycle Summit was an especially well-timed event.
The Oakland Alameda “Access” Project, the Gilman Interchange, the Yolo Causeway—why is there always money for car infrastructure, but the pittance allotted to bike and walk projects is the first to get cut?
The Newsom administration wants to cut the ATP because Caltrans is tired of having its state highway funding tapped.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revise of the California budget, issued today, increases the cuts to the Active Transportation Program from $200 million to $600 million. The program pays for critical pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements and is the only transportation program singled out for significant cuts.
Transit, climate advocates concerned but appreciative that those budgets weren’t gutted
“I want to know who is at fault.”
Too many sessions and conversations to cover!
A radio show dedicated to the idea that people should be able to ride bikes safely, and roads aren’t just for cars.
An interview from the California Bike Summit with Kendra Ramsey, California Bicycle Coalition Executive Director.
“Persistence with kindness.” “Keep trying different things.” “You have to be kind of annoying.” “Light up their phones.”
Last summer, Jeanie Ward-Waller began speaking up to her superiors at Caltrans about the planned expansion of Interstate 80 outside Sacramento. She suspected the agency was being dishonest about the project’s true impacts on things like air pollution and climate change — something that Caltrans denies.
Ward-Waller was the opening speaker at last week’s California Bicycle Summit, which took place in San Diego. KPBS spoke with her about her case and what it says about the state’s commitment to climate action.
April 19, 2024
Speeding cameras, lower speed limits, new technology: How advocates want to make San Diego streets safer
Cycling advocates and government officials touted some big new ideas to make streets safer Thursday during the 2024 California Bicycle Summit.
The ideas included cameras that can ticket speeding vehicles without a police officer present, a new state law making it easier for cities to reduce speed limits and technology limiting the speeds of vehicles driven by city workers.
Ethically, we should reduce highway lane miles, not expand them. In this episode, I chat with Jeanie Ward-Waller, who made national news last fall when she was let go from Caltrans, the California state DOT (Department of Transportation), after she blew the whistle on a process being employed to cut corners and add an additional freeway lane
Bills to allow Marin County to pass an age and helmet restriction on Class 2 e-bikes, prohibit ATP funds from being used on useless Class III bikeways; and make it permanently illegal to charge bike riders and pedestrians tolls on bridges.
The San Rafael Police Department has received requests for information specifically about what defines an electric bicycle (E-Bike) and information about the laws governing them. Many state/local agencies and community groups have produced extensive materials regarding definitions, use, best practices and operational legal requirements. Attached to this post are links to the California Highway Patrol, Department of Motor Vehicles, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, Transportation Authority of Marin, Safe Routes to School and the California Bicycle Coalition, all answering the routinely asked questions.
The biannual Bike Summit will take place April 18-19 in San Diego, and it’s packed.
March 6, 2024
CalBike Summit Preview: Complete Streets Bill Would Require Caltrans to Implement Its Own Policies
Caltrans districts and local cities have bike and pedestrian safety plans, but too often Caltrans uses excuses – including cost and delay – to avoid following them. This bill would stop that practice.
Register for the Bike Summit soon – but first, here’s a preview session.
A radio show dedicated to the idea that people should be able to ride bikes safely, and roads aren’t just for cars.
Priorities: Heads of Active Transportation Organizations on their legislative Priorities: Kendra Ramsey, Executive Director of CalBike.
The citizen-led initiative on the March 5 ballot aims to hold city officials accountable for previous promises to increase street safety.
Calbike has an action alert that allows its members to write directly to legislators with their feelings on whether or not the ATP funding should be restored before the legislature votes on the budget in June.
February 21, 2024
Here is a New State Law That Will Drive Some Eureka Drivers (and Car-Parkers) Absolutely Insane
There is a certain class of Eureka citizen that loses their minds quite easily when it comes to their motor vehicular freedom. It seems that any new development that threatens their ability to drive speedily in a straight line to their desired destination and to park their motor vehicle right in front of that destination, freely and without restriction of any sort, will cause members of this class of citizenry to panic and grumble anew.
February 15, 2024
A New California Bill Would Make it Mandatory for E-Bike Riders to Need a Driver’s License
The proposed legislation would also ban e-bikes for riders under 12 years old.
Two California lawmakers want to crack down on kids riding electric bicycles, citing safety concerns in the wake of a series of high-profile crashes.
Training is important, but requiring a license to ride a e-bike would have other negative consequences.
As electric bicycles become more popular in California, there’s also a growing concern about the safety of these vehicles and how they could be regulated to keep riders safe.
February 5, 2024
Proposed state law to streamline bike lanes in the coastal zone advances to Assembly
A bill that would streamline the process for adding new bike lanes within the coastal zone passed the state Senate Jan. 29. The bill, SB 689 by Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), would eliminate a requirement for cities to complete a traffic study when they want to convert a vehicle lane into a bicycle lane.
January 25, 2024
Cycle Jerks Podcast Ep 131 – Kendra Ramsey Executive Director of California Bike Coalition
Cycle Jerks covered what Calbike’s working on currently as well as “safe Routes to School” and some of the challenges of securing funding. E Bike’s are also playing a big role in planning and expanding opportunities to improve cycling infrastructure for on and off road.
Speed-governor bill S.B 961 would also require trucks to have safety guard rails. A companion bill, S.B. 960, would mandate Caltrans to build for safety
In California, our transportation sector contributes more than any other sector to climate pollution. The Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI) lays out a limited set of plans and goals for reducing emissions from transportation. However, it’s not enough. And climate change isn’t a problem we can push off into a hazy future; it’s here now.
Jeanie Ward-Waller started this week as director of transportation advocacy for Fearless Advocacy. Her first clients at Fearless will be nonprofits ClimatePlan, TransForm and the California Bicycle Coalition, where she previously served as policy manager.
It’s electricity storage that can feed power into the grid for more than four hours. That’s the limit for most of the lithium-ion batteries that constitute the majority of the state’s storage right now.
Want to make your streets safer without spending a ton of dough? Implement an LPI.
Transportation officials in the San Francisco Bay Area are working on a plan to use Glydcars — small, electric and autonomous vehicles — to make last-mile connections to more traditional forms of transit.
