Better Bikeways Party Tonight in Bakersfield

Bakersfield-area cycling supporters have a chance to make an impact on the city's cycling infrastructure today by attending a unique fundraiser hosted by the California Bicycle Coalition.

The California Bicycle Coalition’s board of directors is holding its biannual meeting in Bakersfield this weekend. On its agenda is a revision of its strategic plan to better incorporate equity into its advocacy work. To kick off the meeting, local advocacy group Bike Bakersfield will host a Better Bikeways Party tonight in Bakersfield. You can find information about it, and RSVP for the event, on the group’s Facebook page.

The bicycle coalition, also known as CalBike, has advocated for improvements in bicycling in many ways since its founding in 1994. Recent victories include the three-foot law, requiring cars and trucks to give bicycle riders space, and specific language added to the DMV Driver Handbook on awareness of bicyclists. CalBike is also active in efforts to increase funding for active transportation throughout the state.

In addition, Caltrans recently incorporated one of CalBike’s key goals--to triple biking in California--as one of its own.

The Better Bikeways Party will support Bike Bakersfield as well as CalBike’s campaign to increase funding to build more protected bike lanes. The grand plan for the organization is to have protected bike lanes in all California cities. To achieve that goal, board members are meeting face to face with supporters at events like Better Bikeways Parties. Several of these events have been held in larger cities like San Diego and San Francisco, and now Bakersfield is getting its chance to host one.

The fundraisers are informal gatherings, hosted in art galleries, eateries, and local businesses. Food, friends, and beverages are the order, as is getting together with citizens who are interested in expanding cycling.

To understand more about CalBike’s mission and history visit the group's webpage.