Busy bike week/weekend ahead!

This a reminder post that we have a busy bike week ahead of use.  If your interested in advocacy and having a say in all the great changes that are sweeping across Reno and Sparks in terms of bicycle infrastructure improvements please come down to this months Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Committee meeting.  It's this Wednesday (tomorrow) at 600 Sutro St. in the RTC planning conference room at 6:30 pm.  One of the topics of discussion is going to be a study of the 4th St. corridor from Keystone Ave. in Reno to Prater Way in Sparks.  I believe their looking at a complete streets design that will improve walking and biking facilities and give us a great new direct route from Reno to Sparks.  Come on down and give your two cents!

4th St. Study Area

If advocacy isn't your thing, then perhaps you'll join us for a casual group ride to celebrate the passing of the "Sweet 3 ft law".  As of October 1st any vehicle passing a cyclist must give at least 3 ft of clearance between their vehicle and the bicycle.  While your results may vary even with the law in effect, it also adds more serious penalties to any vehicle that does cause injury to a cyclist or pedestrian in the future.  Regardless of the total effect, it's great legislation and a step in the right direction to make our roads more friendly for all users.

From the Reno Bike Project site:

3 Sweet Feet Group Ride

When: October 1, Meet at 9:30am to mix and mingle. Ride leaves at 10:30am for Sparks City Hall.
Where: Meet at Reno City Hall Plaza (downtown Reno)
What: 3 Sweet Feet 8 mile round trip Group Ride to celebrate the passage of three laws that support cyclists on the road! YAY!

• Bill AB328 increases penalties for a motorist who causes a pedestrian or bicyclist injury
• SB248 requires motorists to allow at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist from behind. 3 Sweet Feet!
• Starting October 1 using handheld cell phones while driving is illegal! This law will make it safer for everyone on the road!

It is important for cyclists and motorists to know there will now be harsher penalties for motorists who endanger cyclists and pedestrians on the road.

• Family Friendly! Bring the kids!
• Helmets encouraged! Protect your head!
• Ride difficulty: Easy! Come along!
• Expected fun to be had? LOTS and LOTS! Maximum fun! Bring your friends! Bring a date! Bring your grandma!

Who: The Nevada Bicycle Coalition and the Reno Bike Project are partnering to guide this ride.

Ride leaves from Reno City Hall Plaza, meets at Sparks City Hall, and loops back to Reno! 8 miles of fun!

Finally, don't forget on Sunday at high noon the Gonads and Strife Poker ride is an event not to be missed!  If you stick around for the whole event and you have a decent poker face (ok, poker hand) you can win a brand new cruiser from New Belgium Brewing!