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WOBO works to improve neighborhood quality of life in Oakland by making walking and bicycling safe, accessible, easy and fun.

  Word on the Street title
Thurs, Aug. 20th
Victory: Bike Lanes on Oakland Ave

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In This Issue:

Next Volunteer Meeting (and Socializing) - Thurs, Aug. 27th @ 7:30pm

Please note that this month's Volunteer meeting breaks from our normal schedule. Instead of being on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm (as next month's meeting will be), we're having the meeting on a Thursday at 7:30pm. Why the change? People have been asking to get out and socialize after meetings, so we thought we'd help make that happen.

The meeting will be all of 30 minutes. We'll talk about the status of WOBO's campaigns, with a focus on the Urban Paths and Oakland "Sunday Streets" projects. After the meeting, attendees will have the chance to socialize at some nearby walkable/bikeable watering holes. Which ones? That's up to those who show. It's democracy in action! (NOTE: The meeting is an official WOBO event, but the socializing afterward is unsponsored.)

DETAILS: Thurs, 7:30-8pm at BAWT - 2301 Broadway (enter on 23rd Street).

Victory: New Bike Lanes on Oakland Ave

Earlier this month, WOBO got to claim its latest victory: new bike lanes on Oakland Ave! You can check out the photos of this beautiful new stretch of striping here.

WOBO extends our thanks to all the City staff involved in making the new Oakland Ave bike lanes happen. They are an important addition in the Oakland bike lane network and step up the neighborhood's quality of life by improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians. At a time when resources are scarce, paint on the pavement is an inexpensive win for everyone.

We continue to work with the City toward future improvements in the HarriOak corridor, including the soon-to-be-finalized Community-Based Transportation Plan that includes a three-to-two lane conversion (adding bike lanes on Harrison Ave), pedestrian improvements such as bulb-outs and improved crossings, and bike lanes on Oakland Ave north of I-580.

Things Are Looking Good for "Sunday Streets" in Oakland!

What do Bogota, San Francisco, Miami and Oakland have in common? Sunday Streets, that's what!

WOBO has been working to launch a "Sunday Streets" event in Oakland, where a stretch of Oakland streets over a mile long will be opened up to Oaklanders of all ages for people-powered recreation such as strolling, rolling, dancing, hooping and cycling! Working with City staff and businesses, Team WOBO has made significant progress toward a mid-October event! Our goal is to secure event funding for promotion, permits, street barricades and coordination by early September to make the event fly.

Want to work on the nuts and bolts of kicking off an Oakland "Sunday Streets" event? Contact Jen@walkoaklandbikeoakland.org or come to our next committee meeting on Monday, August 31st at 7pm at 2301 Broadway (entrance on 23rd St). If you or a business you know would like to sponsor this car-free event, contact Roger@walkoaklandbikeoakland.org. You can also donate to help get this car-free extravaganza off the ground!

Nickels For Non-Profits in August (Whole Foods & WOBO)

On August 9th, the WOBO crew was outside Whole Foods in the blazing sun, fixin' up bikes and talking to folks about the many issues cyclists and pedestrians face here in the O. Why were we at Whole Foods?

WOBO is the beneficiary of Whole Foods-Oakland's Nickels for Non-Profits program for all of August! Whenever you shop at the Oakland Whole Foods this month, make sure to BYOB (bring your own bags). For each bag you bring and use, Whole Foods will give you the option of a nickel refund or a donation. Choose "donation" when the cashier asks and you'll be contributing money to WOBO! The Oakland Whole Foods is located at the intersection of Vernon St, Bay Place and Harrison Ave (map).

Scouting Oakland's Urban Pathways (Through Sep. 18th)

Now through September 18th, Oakland Urban Paths and WOBO are teaming up to walk the 250+ pathways throughout the city to record the physical condition of these paths and stairs. Come out and play with other volunteers and discover these terrific community assets. District Team Leaders will instruct you on using the inventory tool and demonstrate the simple beauty of the tape measure and $4 level. Contact Team Leaders directly to join, or email Paul Rosenbloom for more information about the inventory project:

Bike Swap to Benefit WOBO - Sun, Sept. 13th

Need a new seatpost? Looking for a better set of handlebars? Considering a custom frame? Pick up sweet deals on gear, check out local handbuilt frames and enjoy the biketopia that is the first-annual Bike Love Festival. This "swap meet plus" features discounted and used gear from bike shops and bike geeks, free coffee and donuts, and a raffle.

WOBO is the beneficiary of this first-time event, so we'll be on hand to talk about our mission (or bikes and walking, if you like), hand out our popular (free) WOBO-brand stickers and send out positive vibes. And if you're not a WOBO member, the Bike Love Festival is the perfect time to join as we'll be offering an event-special annual membership for just $20!

DETAILS: Sunday, September 13th from 8am-2pm at 2400 Valdez St in Oakland.

Want to get involved? We need volunteers to help staff the WOBO table - handing out information and signing up new members. If you'd like to pitch in for a few hours, email shannon@walkoaklandbikeoakland.org.

German Marshall Fund Bringing European Bike Gurus to Oakland

The German Marshall Fund is bringing a team of European bicycle planning professionals and political representatives to visit Oakland in September. The focus of their visit will be to offer insights on how Oakland can overcome barriers and successfully implement a world-class bicycle network. WOBO is a local partner for their visit and will be engaging the City's elected representatives, staff, and community members in learning about Oakland's potential to become a world-class cycling city.

The delegation's final itinerary will include a bicycle/van tour of Oakland, meetings with community leaders and key City staff, and an open house presentation for community members and City representatives. More information is coming, but the open house is slated for Monday, September 28th, so save the date!

International Walk to School Day - Bring It to Your School

This fall, on October 7th, schools around the world will celebrate International Walk to School Day. Encourage your school to join with millions around the world and participate in this important program to increase physical activity and reduce pollution.

Walk to School Day is just one small part of a much larger initiative, the Alameda County Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Program. The Safe Routes to Schools campaign includes a fantastic free puppet show assembly, classroom education, encouragement activities, increased traffic safety, parent and student surveys, and engineering support. They'll also provide support for Walk to School Day in the form of prizes, stickers, banners, and a how-to manual.

SR2S provides a Site Coordinator to assist schools and in turn seeks to find a school champion (a parent or staff volunteer) who leads the school's SR2S involvement. For more information on Safe Routes to School or Walk to School Day, contact Nora Cody - Director of Alameda County's Safe Routes to Schools program - at SR2S@transformca.org or call (510) 740-3150.

Pothole of Shame - Oakland Ave and Santa Clara

You can find this month's winner (loser?) at the intersection of Oakland Ave and Santa Clara (both of which are dedicated bike routes!). The position of these two bad boys couldn't be worse: cyclists heading North on Santa Clara have to swerve to avoid 'em, and so do cyclists heading east up Oakland Ave. What's worse, folks waiting for the bus have to stand clear of passing motorists or else risk being splashed by a torrent of stagnant water. Gross!

Seen any other potholes that need attention? Contact the Oakland DPW and let 'em know what's up!

Other Upcoming Events:

Oakland's 2nd Kidical Mass WOBO Event
Sat., Aug. 22nd | 10:30am | Frog Park, Hardy St & Claremont Ave

An opportunity to get to know families who get around Oakland by pedal power. Bring the kids on the the trail-a-bike, the trailer, the Xtracycle, on their own bikes or however you happen to make it work. No kids? No problem! Come out and share the joy of a casual social ride. We'll hopefully spend a few minutes talking about the future of Oakland Kidical Mass, so please be ready to share ideas for future rides. Ride meets at Frog Park between 10-10:30am with expected departure about 10:45am - destination is Lake Shore Park. Ride is about 3 miles - expect a leisurely pace and relaxed atmosphere.

ArtQuest 2: 40th St Corridor Artwalk
Sat., Aug. 22nd | 5 - 9pm | Manifesto Bicycles, 421 40th St.

One night only - Come one, come all to the 40th St Corridor for art receptions, a treasure hunt and community fun! Put on in part by the good folks at Manifesto Bicycles. Click here for more info.

Oakland Chinatown Streetfest
Sat., Aug. 22 & Sun., Aug. 23rd | 10am - 6pm | Chinatown District

On August 22 & 23, the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (OCCC) will be presenting its 22nd Annual Chinatown StreetFest. In celebrating the Year of the Ox, the Chinatown StreetFest will attract thousands of people from all over the Bay Area to come savor the taste of Asia, and to experience the traditions that Oakland's Chinatown has so diligently preserved. Free admission.

Oaklandish Radio Regatta
Sun., Aug. 23rd | 1 - 7pm | Lake Merritt Sailboat House

This summertime party is located at the Lake Merritt Sailboat House and includes DJ's, food and beer, and free gondola rides. You can also go out for a spin on the Lake on other half-priced boat rentals. Bring your radio, because the event also features an FM microbroadcast so you can listen to the music while out on the water. This event is free for all ages.

Oakland Critical Mass
Fri., Sept. 4th | 6pm | Frank Ogawa Plaza

While this ride is not organized nor endorsed by WOBO, we have a keen interest in happy bicycling every day in Oakland. To that end, we encourage all participants to ride courteously and respectfully. Click here for more info.

Tour de Fat 2009
Sat., Sept. 26th | 9am - 4pm | Speedway Meadow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Kick off this ballyhoo of bikes and beer with a fun and mellow bike cruise through Golden Gate Park with your most fabulous bike costume. Then enjoy the all-day solar-powered jamboree with live music, tasty eats, free bike valet, and, of course, delicious New Belgium beer! Join us for this fun-filled day in the park sponsored by our friends at the New Belgium Brewing company. New Belgium generously donates all the proceeds of this fun day to the SFBC and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council.

For more bike/ped events in the Bay Area, check out the Streetsblog, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and East Bay Bicycle Coalition calendars.

Fun Links: WalkScore, Riding Pretty and the "Performance" Video

From our friends at Walk Score, figure out the most walkable parts of your neighborhood, map nearby amenities, get walking directions and find the Walk Score of any location. Pretty useful when you're looking at apartments or houses. Check it out at WalkScore.com. They even have a free iPhone app.

Last week I gave you a link to a bike fashion/culture site across the Atlantic. I'm happy to say that I discovered Riding Pretty, a cool site that does something similar here in California. My favorite photo: Sir Paul McCartney as a bike dad!

Last but not least, the big bike buzz this month has been a humorous vid making the rounds by email, Facebook and other social media. It's all about Performance:

Want to Get More Involved with WOBO?

WOBO is always looking for more folks to get involved with our all-volunteer crew!  Here's how you can help:  

  • Join the WOBO Group on Facebook and let us know what you think, do or feel when it comes to walking and biking in Oakland. Your pet peeves, favorite walks and rides, areas that need improvement – we want to hear from you!
  • Can you volunteer in any of the following areas? We especially need help with our campaign to create a bike corridor on Broadway:

Like what you see? We'd like to grow the WOBO membership – forward this message to a friend!

 Walk Oakland Bike Oakland  |  (510) 269-4034  |  PO Box 10945 |  Oakland, CA 94610