Meet Sheila Foraker

Sheila Foraker

Sheila is the Coalition's Southern Arizona Representative. 
I love bicycles. If it has at least two wheels, I'll ride it (two wheel minimum, since I haven't figured out unicycles). Knobby, skinny, 20" - 29," fixed, single or geared, its all good. I love to race, but I'm cool with taking it easy on the bike path.
My first bike was a blue and white girl's 24" Murray Missile. When my friends were getting bikes with banana seats I wanted one, too. My parents said there was nothing wrong with my bike. Sorry mom and dad-wrong answer! I bought a can of gray spray paint, a banana seat and high rise handle bars. Off with the fenders and chain guard and on with paint, seat and new bars. Soon I was crashing with the best of them and loving every minute.
Many bikes have taken me many miles since that Murray Missile, but I've never forgotten the freedom it offered. As a League of American Bicyclst's Certified Instructor, I work to revive that feeling in people I teach. Whether working with kids or adults, road bikes or mountain bikes, its all the same. Getting people on bikes is always a good thing.

Traffic Skills 101: Dec 3 THIS SATURDAY

THIS SATURDAY!
This is our Nation's premiere street bicycling program taught by instructors certified by the League of American Bicyclists. Learn the basics of bicycle and helmet fit. Learn state bicycle laws. Learn how to predict and prevent crashes, and how to bail out as a last resort! Learn how to operate your bicycle in a skillful and confident manner, in any traffic -- any time!
This class is designed to be of value to new and veteran cyclists. Class begins at 9am and finishes at 5pm. Global Bikes, 835 N. Gilbert Rd. #111 Gilbert, AZ 85234
Please visit www.meetup.com/Global-Bikes-Meetup/events/41668692/ for full information.

Meet Randy Victory

Randy Victory serves as CAzBike's Northern Arizona Representative.

Chip & Karen Davis discussing
bicycling with Randy 

Known as "Ranger Randy," Victory works at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood. He often patrols the park on his bicycle, offering his own special brand of friendly assistance to the public. Born in San Francisco, he grew up near Dallas, Texas, not far from six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong's childhood home. After graduating from Redwood High School in Marin County, California –the birthplace of the mountain bike, Victory began cycling in the Rocky Mountains near Denver, logging 10,000 miles a year on his bike.

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Phoenix Political Pedal Power (P4) endorses greg Stanton

During the November 1, 2011 meeting of Phoenix Political Pedal Power (P4), the responses from the Candidates for Mayor of Phoenix were evaluated. P4 sincerely appreciates the time and effort given by each candidate.

The objectives of P4 are to influence the elections and decisions of City policy makers towards the betterment of Phoenix so that our favorite mode of transportation and recreation is encouraged, education is provided on safe and effective use of a bicycle, facilities are engineered in the same way, rules of the road are enforced for all users of the roadways, and how these efforts are progressing is evaluated regularly. Some of the questions included aspects of sustainable living. Cycling and sustainability, particularly the public transit aspects, have a strong synergy. Each benefits from the other, hence this topic was included in our questions.

The members found that a few of the answers were equally in line with our objectives. At the same time each candidate's approach to the role of City Government became apparent. We found that the preponderance of answers by Mr. Stanton were substantially more in line with our objectives. Further, Mr. Stanton's track record of cycling considerations vis a vis question number six was clearly ahead in our judgement.

Therefore, Phoenix Political Pedal Power endorses Mr. Greg Stanton for Mayor of Phoenix and encourages anyone eligible to vote in this November 8 election to vote for him.

CAzbike Officers

The (new) Board of Directors elected the following slate of officers at their first meeting which was held October 17, 2010:

• Bob Beane - President 
• Bob Jenson - Vice President 
• Kathy Mills - Vice President of Education 
• Gail Hildebrandt - Treasurer 
• Sheila Foraker - Secretary

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Results of elections for Board of Director seats at the 2011 Annual meeting held Oct 10:

Gene Holmerud, and Alison Van Uum will be stepping down as board members -- the Coalition would like to thank them for all their hard work over the years. Alison will stay on as Membership Chair, and Gene will continue to monitor Rail safety issues relating to bicyclists.

The following board members will retain their seats:

• Sterling Baer, 
• Bob Beane, 
• Sheila Foraker, 
• Bob Jenson, 
• Mike Kitchen, 
• Kathy Mills.

New board members include:

• Ed Beighe; Ed is currently the Coalition's webmaster.
• Mary Kaye Black; Mary Kaye is the Coalitions Eastern Arizona Representative.
• Wayne Churchman; Wayne is also PBAA's event director for El Tour de Mesa.
• Gail Hildebrandt; Gail formerly served as Coalition president.
• Sheryl Keeme; Sheryl is the founder of Girls Gone Riding., and organization to help and encourage women to participate in bicycling.

Officers will be elected at the next board meeting.
For those of you who plan in advance: the Coalition's 2012 Annual Membership Meeting will be held Monday September 10, 2012.

Coalition Board of Directors changes

Thanks to those who came out for our 2011 Annual meeting. An election was held for board of directors positions.
Gene Holmerud, and Alison Van Uum will be stepping down as board members -- the Coalition would like to thank them for all their hard work over the years. Alison will stay on as Membership Chair.

The following board members will retain their seats:

• Sterling Baer, 
• Bob Beane, 
• Sheila Foraker, 
• Bob Jenson, 
• Mike Kitchen, 
• Kathy Mills.

New board members include:

• Ed Beighe; Ed is currently the Coalition's webmaster.
• Mary Kaye Black; Mary Kaye is the Coalitions Eastern Arizona Representative.
• Wayne Churchman; Wayne is also PBAA's event director for El Tour de Mesa.
• Gail Hildebrandt; Gail formerly served as Coalition president.
• Sheryl Keeme; Sheryl is the founder of Girls Gone Riding., and organization to help and encourage women to participate in bicycling.

Officers will be elected at the next board meeting.
For those of you who plan in advance: the Coalition's 2012 Annual Membership Meeting will be held Monday September 10, 2012.

President’s Report – 2011 Annual Meeting

CAzB President’s Report – 2011 Annual Membership Meeting

• Meeting/Committee Participation – e.g. MAG Bicycle Pedestrian Committee, Glendale Bicycle Advisory Committee
• Phoenix Bicycle Summit participation
• Cover Article for League of American Bicyclists Mar/Apr Magazine – Red Rock Road Extreme Road Makeover (Sedona/VOC Hwy 179 Project)
• Executive Director Hired 
• Clear Channel radio interviews – safe cycling, 3-foot safe passing distance, etc. 
•  Meeting with Verde Valley advocates and Yavapai County transportation staff to improve plans for paved shoulders on Cornville Road 
• LAB “Bicycle Friendly State” evaluation LAB “Bicycle Friendly Community” evaluations – Scottsdale, Tempe, Phoenix 
• Alliance for Biking & Walking Workshop – Tucson (participated and connected with Tucson advocates, ADOT representatives, Tucson Transportation staff and public officials) 
• ADOT Bicycle Safety Action Plan (input) and Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update Committee (participation and input) - ongoing 
• Submitting programs to MAG for funding: (1) Law Enforcement Officer Training, (2) Adult/Teen “Ready to Ride” program – in progress 
• Active Lifestyle Vehicle competition/fund-raising event (October 22) 

Robert A. Beane  President
Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists

CA 3-foot passing bill vetoed

The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists supports the passage of California's Senate Bill 910

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Two ADOT Planning Projects

...that Arizona Bicyclists Should Follow

By Bob Beane, President, Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists

Until about two years ago, when I became president of the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists, the portions of ADOT activity that affected bicyclists were a mystery to me. Well, at times, they are still a mystery. But, I can honestly say that the CAzB has been invited to the table to provide input in several meaningful efforts in the last few years. And, that participation has lifted the curtain on some aspects of how things happen in our state. What I have found is that, if we stay engaged and active, we can make a difference.

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