December 15, 2020
Dear Motherlode Bicycle Coalition Members,
Thanks for being a member!
We hope this newsletter finds you safe, outside, riding and healthy. The MLBC Board Members are optimistic about the new year. We are committed to making our roads safe for bike riding and being a public partner in all Caltrans District 10 and county public work road projects.
Our 2021 scheduled bike ride plans include Covid safety procedures in place and a continued commitment to exploring the Gold Rush Towns in the Motherlode.
The new year is looking better than March 2020 when all things bike related were cancelled: RideandWalk4Art, Monthly Pop Up bike rides in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties and MLBC in person board meetings.
We did meet as a Board using Zoom to discuss advocacy actions that would support safe bike routes. Also, we shared our collective voice with Caltrans and county transportation agencies.
Active Transportation Plans were updated with your comments and suggestions.
We held our holiday party on Zoom which included a presentation from Youth Bike America. Our special guests included SFUSD Teacher Andy Padlo, a Senior Projects Teacher from the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts and three recent graduates: Emmet Forde, Dasha Yurkevich and Julian Jordan. They shared their Bike Ride Across America during the summer of 2020!
2020 Highlights
Provided comments to improve the Active Transportation Plans in Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties.
Provided comments to Caltrans District 10 SHOPP Improvements
Conducted summer Bike Event Director’s Meetings, co-sponsored by Cycle California Magazine, to plan bike events post Covid 19.
Submitted Caltrans and county road maintenance requests on Murphys Grade, Highway 4, and Highway 108.
Supported CalBike Cycling Tourism Study to improve and encourage recreational biking in the Motherlode. https://www.bikevalleytosierra.com/about
2021 Agenda
Advocate for the formation of a Caltrans District 10 Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
Reschedule Monthly Pop up Bike Rides led by MLBC Board Members featuring our favorite Gold Rush rides.
Organize youth bikes rodeos in the Motherlode.
Take an active role in supporting the California Bicycle Coalition 2021 Advocacy Agenda.
Come ride with us! Become a MLBC Member in 2021.
With your energy, experience, and membership, we can work together to:
● Build bicycle-friendly communities
● Break down barriers to cycling
● Improve air quality and public health
● Educate cyclists and motorists on Sharing the Road
● Promote bike rides and routes in the Motherlode
● Organize more bicycle events to promote cycling, increase public awareness, and have fun.
Safe riding in the California Foothills in 2021
Motherlode Bicycle Coalition Board Members
Rob Williams
Carl Baker
Jack Becker
Nikki Grimes
Robert Leibold
Dwight Follen
Carolyn Ryder
