Solving the problem of Jamacha Boulevard with a lawsuit
Since we last wrote about the k-rails blocking the bike lane on Jamacha Boulevard, San Diego County has sued the builder, Pointe Communities of San Diego, responsible for placing the krails in the bike lane. The complaint was filed on September 22, 2009 and the case has been assigned to Judicial Officer Laura Whitcomb Halgren.
While a lawsuit is hardly the way to resolve any conflict speedily, we're glad that more the county is finally taking a more proactive approach to solving this problem.
Naval base obtains easement to allow completion of Coronado Bikeway
In a military town like San Diego, it is always helpful when the branches pitch in to help with promoting bicycling. San Diego's Navy newspaper, the Navy Compass, is reporting that the Navy has requested an easement from the city which will allow the final section of the Coronado Bikeway to be completed. From the story,
Along with the easement, NBSD is moving back 30 yards of the fence line along the wet side of the base just south of 8th St, so the bike path can be built. “For the safety of the community on the bike route, we are working with the cities of San Diego and National City to ensure the Bayshore bikeway is constructed safely,” said Captain Rick Williamson, NBSD commanding officer. “If we hadn’t moved our fence line back a little, the bike path in the area would not have been as safe for those using it. We felt this was in the best interest of our community and our Sailors.”
Read the rest of the story here.
Google to add By Bike function to Maps
Hot on the heels of the launch of Ride the City San Diego, Google Maps has announced that "soon we even plan on providing you with biking directions." It's going to be very interesting to compare and contrast the two different bike mapping services. We take it as an indication that bicycling in gaining some legitimacy as a form of transportation. Heck, if Google says I can ride my bike, it must be true.
Read the post on Google's Long Lat Blog.
Interview with Aloha Bicycle Courier
As part of our ongoing project to profile bicycle businesses in San Diego, this week we have an interview with Kenton of Aloha Bicycle Courier, San Diego’s only dedicated bicycle courier service*.
BikeSD: According to your website, you've been around since 2000. What made you want to start a bicycle courier business in San Diego?
Aloha: I was in Indianapolis working as a graphic designer in corporate communication. I was offered the opportunity to buy the design firm I worked at as the owner was looking to retire. I was 30 at the time, and it just didn't feel right. I wanted to live somewhere it didn't snow, I wanted to do something involving bicycles and I wanted to start my own business from scratch. So I did all three.
BikeSD: What logistical challenges have you faced as delivery riders in San Diego?
Aloha: The biggest challenge, which I have given up on, was trying to convince clients that making deliveries by bike outside of the immediate downtown area was economical and still able to be done in a timely manner. I stopped trying to convince people I can ride two miles to make a delivery in Hillcrest (it takes all of 8 minutes by bike). Anyway, I gave up. I still go to Hillcrest and Old Town, but not as often as I could.
BikeSD: What sorts of businesses utilize your services?
Aloha: Smart ones. The building industry, architects, engineers, etc.
BikeSD: How do customers, or potential customers, react to the idea of using a bicycle courier?
Aloha: They think it's novel and by using us for one delivery every 10 years they think they are saving the planet or something. I think they get a bigger kick out of the idea of using a bicycle messenger, as opposed to ACTUALLY using a bicycle messenger. I have at least a dozen "clients" I've never done a delivery for. They always tell me they use us for deliveries, but the reality is we deliver TO them for our clients.
BikeSD: Are your riders ever hassled by drivers? How do they diffuse potentially volatile situations?
Aloha: If you call being called an asshole, or "hey you are going to get f@ck4i$g killed, asshole" as hassle, then, ah, yes. I try to just ignore it. Car big, me small.
BikeSD: What is the most unusual or challenging delivery you have made?
Aloha: A breast pump.
Aloha maintains a very comprehensive website, with detailed information about the services they provide. You can also contact Aloha at info[at]alohabicyclecourier[dot]com.
*Other companies do use bicycles for courier services, and there’s Manivela Food Delivery, of course.
Midweek Reading: Infrastructure, Programs and Polices to Increase Bicycling
A pre-publication draft of a forthcoming article in the journal Preventative Medicine (February 2010) has become available in PDF format, and can be read here. The article is by John Pucher (Rutgers), Jennifer Dill (Portland State), and Susan Handy (UC-Davis), and features fourteen case studies of cities around the world to determine the most effective policies to encourage greater bicycle use. It's a good read for anyone interested in this kind of work, plus it's short and has pictures!
Most of the evidence examined in this review supports the crucial role of public policy in encouraging bicycling. Substantial increases in bicycling require an integrated package of many different, complimentary interventions, including infrastructure provision and pro-bicycle programs, as well as supportive land use planning and restrictions on car use.
Read the full article here.