DISCUSS BIKE TO WORK DAY
Heather Sowers presented a program "Bike to Work Day" sponsored by the California Bike Coalition (CBC) & Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). Bike to Work Day is May 20, 2004 and OCTA is the lead agency for the County. The goal of the program is to attract new cyclist. The City plans to participate and wants to know if the BUSC was interested in expanding this City-wide. The BUSC was in favor of expanding Bike to Work Day City-wide.
The BUSC had concerns that people are safe and that they have working equipment. Staff has contacted Jack's Bike and they have offered discount maintenance for participants and staff will contact other shops to solicit participation in the program. The CBC also has a power point presentation on safety that is available to participants.
California State University Fullerton has a bike to work program that offer incentives to staff that bicycle to work.
The City could contact large employers to participate and each company would target their own participation goals.
Member James questions if liability was an issue if the City sponsors the event and was it possible to incorporate a release in the pledge form if necessary. Staff responded that they will confer with the City's Risk Management Division.
Member Lamontagne stated that bike safety awareness needs to be incorporated into the event.
The ways to promote the event may include a banner across Harbor Boulevard if the banner is not already booked, notification of the Chamber, publication in the newspaper, Experience Fullerton could be an event to hand out information if the Chamber supports, but no booths are provided for the Experience Fullerton event.
Member Olmsted stated that if the event is successful parking and storage could be a problem. Staff has spoken with Jack's Bike and they have volunteered to supply some racks if necessary. Member Lindstrom stated that Boeing (Long Beach) participation attracted approximately 12 new cyclists at previous events.
It was suggested that the downtown businesses should be notified and get involved because they have expressed concerns about parking problems and this is a good example of an area that would benefit from employees using an alternative mode of transportation. The bike route map could also be put on the City web site.
Ways to encourage participation include employers offering incentives and installing posters, City could offer water bottles, shirts could be purchased through the CBC ($14 each), and participation in OCTA countywide drawing for prizes. It was suggested that stickers be provided that state "I biked to work today".
Staff will proceed with promoting the event and report back to the BUSC.
Staff will look into adding link from City web site to cycling and may include safety tips or checklist, bike routes, licensing, how to promote Bike to Work Day and applications to participate in English and Spanish.
