April 2019

Reporting a Roadway Hazard

Local and state governments are responsible to keep public roadways and bicycle facilities safe for users within their jurisdictions.  Common issues are potholes, debris, traffic signal loops not being triggered by bikes, and low-hanging tree branches.

Reporting an issue will benefit not just yourself the next time you’re at the location, but also all other cyclists who may travel there.  But who do you contact when there is an issue?

The Public Works Departments of the various cities maintain the streets within city limits:

• Coalinga - kanderson@coalinga.com
• Clovis - https://cityofclovis.com/Government/Customer-Service
• Firebaugh - publicworks@ci.firebaugh.ca.us
• Fowler - mlopez@ci.fowler.ca.us
• Fresno - https://iframe.publicstuff.com/#?client_id=806
• Huron - (559) 945-2241
• Kerman - mbarajas@cityofkerman.org
• Kingsburg -  http://cityofkingsburg-ca.gov/requesttracker.aspx
• Mendota - cristian@cityofmendota.com
• Orange Cove - (559) 626-4488
• Parlier - scisneros@parlier.ca.us
• Reedley - chris.tamez@reedley.ca.gov
• San Joaquin - (559) 364-6157
• Selma - https://www.egovlink.com/selma/action.asp?actionid=6182

The Fresno County Department of Public Works and Planning maintains all public roads in unincorporated Fresno County, including in county islands within the cities of Clovis and Fresno like Tarpey Village and Old Fig Garden.                                                                                                 

• Fresno County - RdMaint@fresnocountyca.gov

Caltrans is responsible for maintaining state highways and interstates.  In Fresno County, bicycles are allowed on Interstate 5 and all state highways with the exception of State Route 41 between Central Avenue and Friant Road, all of State Route 99, State Route 168 between State Route 180 and Temperance Avenue, and State Route 180 between Marks and Temperance Avenues.

• Caltrans - https://csr.dot.ca.gov/index.php/Msrsubmit

It’s Almost Bike Month!

FCBC has been busy making plans for Bike Month activities in May.  The traditional Mall to Mall Ride kickoff will occur on May 1. This year, it will be a Mall to Hall Ride, from Manchester Center to Fresno City Hall.  Cyclists will gather on the Blackstone Avenue side of the mall near Sears beginning at 8:00 a.m. Ride-off will be around 8:15 a.m. with a police escort to Fresno City Hall, where riders will be met with dignitaries and will be able to enjoy refreshments.

Bike to Work Day in Fresno will be on Thursday, May 16.  This is being held a day earlier than the National Bike to Work Day so that workers who typically have Fridays off can participate.  The Central Valley Bike Month website (cvbikemonth.com) is expected to be updated to allow riders to record their mileage for the day.  FCBC is planning to host the energy station in the Tower District by the Tower Theater.

The Fresno Cycling Club is organizing the Ride of Silence for Wednesday, May 15.  The Ride of Silence is a yearly international bicycle ride to commemorate cyclists killed or injured while riding on public roads.  It helps to raise awareness among the motoring public of the dangers they pose to cyclists. The time and location have yet to be announced, but in the past the event has started at Steven’s Bicycles in Clovis in the early evening.  The ride is at an easy pace of 12 mph.

Bike prom on May 31 will close out Bike Month.  This will be a family-friendly event at Gazebo Gardens and will begin with a bike ride from Fresno High School at 6:30 p.m.

Bike Valet

One of the services that FCBC provides is bike valet as a way to encourage more cycling.  With bike valet, there is no need to deal with the hassle and expense of parking a car, carry a heavy bike lock, or worry about the security of your bike as you enjoy an event.  Volunteers are always needed to help with this important function. FCBC will once again provide bike valet for Grizzly Fest, to be held at Woodward Park on May 4 and 5.

Tea Gonzalez and Sara Topete providing bike valet at the Yoshi Now! Spring Flea Market on April 13.

Upcoming Events

• Earth Day Fresno, Radio Park (First Street and Clinton Avenue), April 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Smack in da Middle Bike Polo Tournament, Rotary East Park (Cedar and Sierra Avenues), April 20-21 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Mall to Hall Ride, May 1 at 8:00 a,m. beginning at Manchester Center
• Bicycle Safety Rodeo and Smart Cycling Class, May 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Tower Blendz, located on Olive at Wishon Avenues
• Ride of Silence, May 15
• Bike to Work Day, May 16
• Bike Prom, May 31

Next Board Meeting

The FCBC Board meeting will be a couple days earlier this month.  Join us at the Ted C. Wills Community Center on Tuesday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m.  We will be discussing the upcoming activities for Earth Day and Bike Month, among other things.

Have a comment or suggestion or want to volunteer?  Contact us at info@fresnobike.org