Author: admin

ABC member killed on organized ride in Florida

Sad, tragic news from ABC:
Bob King, a long-time member of ABC, was killed last Wednesday, March 30th, after being struck from behind by a fast-moving pick-up truck. Bob was on a week-long Bike Florida Spring Tour. The driver, a young man, was said to be distracted using his cell phone when his vehicle drifted into the marked shoulder where Bob had been cycling. We are all saddened and shocked by the passing of Bob! He had many friends in the club. He always seemed to be smiling!


Bob’s funeral will be this Saturday, April 9, at the Shadow Mountain Mortuary (2350 East Greenway Road in Phoenix) at 11 AM. Shadow Mountain Mortuary is just east of Cave Creek Road on Greenway. Visitation will be Saturday before the funeral service from 9 AM -11 AM. There will be a reception following the service at the Best Western on Northern and 16th St.
A burial service will be held Monday at 10:30 AM at the National Cemetery on Cave Creek Road.

This is a blog about Bob by BikeFlorida the saftey ride Bob was participating in.

There is a forum page at Bob King memory book. Please visit this forum and write your condolences, comments, memories. Pictures can also be posted there and are encouraged. If you are not currently an ABC member you can read this page and email any information you would like to post to azbikeclub@gmail.com.

The board is starting a memorial project and will now be connected to the Ghostbikes.org. We plan to have a ghostbike for Bob in phoenix and maybe a second in Florida. The memorial page is Memorial Page . If you would like to work with on the Ghost bike for Bob send us an email and we will keep you in the loop.

News articles about the incident here and here.
Here is a very thoughtful article from commuteorlando.com about Bob’s death and inattention / distracted driving.

Safe Routes to School Project Approvals

Coalition representative Bill Lazenby reports that on March 24 the SRTS Review Committee met and the following projects were approved. For more info about SRTS, visit saferoutesinfo.org.

Infrastructure Projects
1. City of Apache Junction–Safe Bicycle/Ped Routes ——— $399,598.
2. Pima County–Coronado Cougars–Walkway/Bike path —- $399,382.
3. Town of Springerville–Round Valley in Motion ————– $399,728.
4. City of Tucson—Liberty Ave School —————————- $399,880.
5. Yuma Proving Grounds–Price Elementary School ————-$104,904.
6. Apache County–St Johns SRTS———————————– $327,600.
7. City of Flagstaff–Pine Knoll FUTS / Bike Lanes————— $385,128.
8. City of Tucson-Gila Panthers Tracks —————————– $352,177.

The next step is for Brian Fellows to present these approved applications to the State Transportation Board this summer and the monies will be available for the projects by the start of school in September,2011.

Cycle # 6 will start by September and all applications need to be into Brian at ADOT by December 31, 2011

SanTan Wheelie Jam : April 23

Get ready for a new bike festival on April 23rd at Steele Indian School Park in downtown Phoenix, the SanTan Wheelie Jam. EVERYONE should be there, and bring all your friends too.
This is an all local festival, local bike groups, local beer (SanTan brewing), local food, local bands, local bike shops. TBAG is getting it going, and all beer sales proceeds will go to Phoenix groups.
Event info on facebook.
More info at T.B.A.G.

Livable Communities Coalition day at AZ Transit Assn Conference

The Livable Communities Coalition, of which CAzBike is a participant, is teaming up with the AZ Transit Association (AzTA) and ADOT for participation in their April Conference. We can attend one day for a reduced rate of $100. More info on the program for April 12 and how to register.

ADOT 5-Year Program available online for review and comment

With limited funding and a need to identify the state’s top transportation priorities, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking public input on the Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, a work plan outlining highway, transit and aeronautic projects from 2012 to 2016.
Transportation is funded by ALL OF US, so let our voice be heard!

Visit www.azdot.gov/Headlines/index_031111.asp to review and comment on the Tentative Program, along with information about how to read the program document, and a special video message from ADOT Director John Halikowski.
ADOT needs your voice, Arizona, and thanks you for participating. Please provide your comments by June 3.
Three public hearings also are scheduled to help community members comment before the program is finalized:

9 a.m., Friday, March 18 in Sahuarita
Town of Sahuarita Council Chambers
375 W. Sahuarita Center Way
Sahuarita, Ariz. 85629

9 a.m., Friday, April 15 in Phoenix
Arizona Department of Transportation Auditorium
206 S. 17th Avenue
Phoenix, Ariz. 85007

9 a.m., Friday, May 20 in Flagstaff
City of Flagstaff Council Chambers
211 W. Aspen Ave.
Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001

The State Transportation Board will consider all public comments before adopting the final Five-Year Program, which is expected to occur as part of its June 17 meeting. Transportation affects all of us. Don’t miss these opportunities to share your views

Bike and Hike: Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers Saturday Mountain Bike Rides / Sunday Hikes

Ranger Randy Victory. Mountain
bike rides will include talks
on Maintenance, Bicycle Physics,
Turning/Braking, Climbing,
Descending, and Riding in Groups.

Beginning Saturday, March 26th and going on until Sunday, May 8th, Park Rangers at Dead Horse Ranch State Park (directions) in Cottonwood will offer guided mountain bike rides on Saturdays and ranger-led hikes on Sundays. The hikes & rides are free, however the regular entrance fees to the park will apply. Annual Passes will also be honored.
“Mountain Bike Basics” will take place every Saturday afternoon at 2:00, and go until 4:00, “or when everyone gets tired”, according to Park Ranger Randy Victory. “These will be beginner trail rides on the dirt, with a little instruction on the pavement.” Victory, a certified cycling instructor, will offer everything from basic riding techniques to trail etiquette.
Although the rides are oriented towards beginners, everyone is welcome to attend (minimum age is 15). “There’s always a certain amount of interaction between riders,” explains Victory. “Group rides where the beginners are supportive of each other, and more experienced riders can offer their insight are an excellent way to build skills, and have a great time doing it. The focus is on fun!” Riders will be REQUIRED to wear a helmet and complete an acknowledgment of risk form (parents must sign for riders under 18 years old). They should also bring water and make sure their bike is in good working order. Riding gloves are recommended. The rides will start at the Raptor Trailhead at the top of Roadrunner Road at the park.
“Nature Walks” will start on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am, and last for 1-2 hours. The guided hikes will meander along riparian areas or stroll through the high desert trails within the park. Hikers need to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing; sturdy shoes, a hat. Says hike leader Ranger Margie Sanchez, “You might want to bring binoculars and a camera, too. These hikes are a great opportunity for wildlife sightings and photo ops.” Most hikes start at the Quail Loop Campground – inquire at the gate for starting points.
Anyone is welcome to show up for the hikes & rides at the park. The day use fee is $7.00, or an Annual Pass can be used. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email Ranger Victory at rvictory@azstateparks.gov or Ranger Sanchez a msanchez@azstateparks.gov with questions.
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Swap meet a success

Thanks to all those who came out and participated in the 13th annual CAzBike Swap Meet that was held last Saturday at the Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The weather was great, a picture-perfect mid-March Arizona morning. About 100 vendors, and several hundred swappers came out to find a great deal on bikes, parts, and anything else. The Coalition sponsors the event as a service to the bicycling community;
there are no fees for buyers or sellers. The event was organized, manned, and run by Bob Jensen and Peter Mather — thanks guys for a great meet! Hope to see you in 2012. Be sure and sign up on our email list in order to receive annoucements for future events.