Eat. Print. Mingle.

The Bakersfield Museum of Art would like to invite you to an interactive evening with the artists of the De La Mano exhibition on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 5 - 7 p.m. This social gathering will mix attendees with the artists, opening for discussion the intentions, techniques and styles behind each of the artworks. You will also be able to enjoy a demonstration of Gesso and Gel Transfers by L.A. based artist and designer, Miles Grobman. After the demonstration, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a quick and easy printmaking project. In the foyer, there will be a cash bar, hors d'oeuvres from La Costa Mariscos and a live DJ.

Ride with us from Bike Bakersfield, enjoy Bike Valet Parking and $1 admission.

This is a Bike for a Buck event. Ride your bike and get in for a buck. Bike Bakersfield is providing Bike Valet Parking, and we'll be riding together from Bike Bakersfield (1708 Chester Ave.) at 5:15 p.m. Please join us!

Download flyer.

Fill Out the Survey for the Kern County Bicycle Master Plan

The final public workshop for the Kern County Bicycle Master Plan took place Tuesday, January 17, at Ridgecrest Council Chambers. If you missed your chance to voice your opinions at the workshops, you can still be heard. Fill out the survey for this project today.

Give Your Input Regarding Rosedale Highway Widening

The Rosedale Highway Widening Project proposes construction of two additional lanes (one in each direction) between Allen Road and Gibson Street, removing the wide shoulder often used by bicyclists.

Public hearings have already taken place, but you can still submit your comments in writing no later than January 24, 2012 via regular mail to Bryan Apper, Southern Valley Environmental Analysis Branch, 855 M Street, Suite 200, Fresno, California 93721 or by email at Bryan_Apper@dot.ca.gov.

Bike Bakersfield's Response to Rosedale Highway Widening

by Board President, Bob Smith

Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to comment on the Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration/Environmental Assessment for the Rosedale Highway Widening Project in Bakersfield.

We do not believe that the Environmental Document accurately analyzes the impact on bicycle transportation and is therefore flawed in its environmental analysis. Specifically as it relates to air quality and environmental justice.

Read Bike Bakersfield's response to the project by Board President, Bob Smith.

Cyclocross: Final Showdown ends the 2011-12 Season

Great weekend ya’ll! Congrats to our 22 Prestige Series Champions and everyone who came to be a part of the finale weekend @SoCalCross. The 2011-12 season has been presented by SPY Optic for which we are forever to help us get to the next level. Thank you as well as Shimano presenting the California Gold Crown – events more than a cross race and showcasing the best talent in CA and the USA!

Read more at SoCalCross.org.

TAKE SURVEY: Help Make Bako Safer For Bicyclists

Bakersfield and surrounding areas could become more bike friendly under a master plan by the Kern Council of Governments. But you need to help by taking part in an online survey.

Read more at KernRadio.com.

NATALIE HORVAT: My evening jog shouldn't be a nightly flirtation with death

On Jan. 4 at about 7:10 p.m., I was almost hit by a car while I was out running. This is turning into a nightly occurrence where I live. Drivers somehow fail to realize that stop signs serve a purpose. I would say that 90 percent of all drivers leaving the Rio Bravo Country Club area run the stop sign at Casa Club and Miramonte drives.

Read more at Bakersfield.com.

Out of the Fog: San Francisco After the Injunction, a photo essay

San Francisco has long been a cycling city, at least by US standards, even though until recently there was as little bicycle infrastructure there as anywhere else in this country. In spite of hills and narrow, crowded streets; in spite of choking motor traffic, bike-unfriendly transit, and a chaotic street layout; in spite of cold winters and often colder summers, and fogs that make a mockery of sweaters, San Franciscans cycled on, developing a proud and persistent bike culture long before bikes were ever hip.

Read more at Bicycle Fixation.

This Mama Bikes in Heels

I've had such a journey with the cycling. Just a few years ago, the idea that I would become as passionate about cycling as I am now would be simply preposterous. How did I get to this place where I voluntarily ride this crazy-steep hill to work everyday...and I still turn out in the office consistently polished and in a dress, heels, lip gloss and perfume? I am not the type of girl to give up my style. That’s the way I ride!

Read more at Momentum.

House Bill Threatens Dedicated Bicycle and Pedestrian Funding

For the past 20 years, the federal transportation program has included dedicated funding for biking and walking. Over the course of twenty years and three federal transportation laws, federal support for bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure projects has slowly ticked upwards. As a result, more and more communities feature safe roads for people who travel on foot or by bicycle.

Read more at the Alliance for Walking and Biking.

Biking and Walking Contribute Millions to Vermont’s Economy

What’s the economic impact? Not surprisingly, that question has been a common theme and focus at this year’s massive Transportation Research Board meeting. And, up in Vermont, Alliance member organization Local Motion worked with a local consulting firm, Resource Systems Group Inc., to answer that question for the Green Mountain State.

Read more at the Alliance for Walking and Biking.

Volkswagen announces two-year partnership with Peopleforbikes.org and Bikes Belong

Our movement is taking a major step forward today. Leading auto company Volkswagen of America announced its sponsorship of Peopleforbikes.org and our parent organization, the Bikes Belong Foundation. VW will donate significant funding to support our key initiatives to improve bicycling in the U.S., including the PFB movement and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, which is dedicated to getting more kids safely biking and walking to school.

Read more at peopleforbikes.org.

2012 Benchmarking report out now!

Bicycling and walking make up 12 percent of all trips and 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and yet receive only 1.6 percent of federal transportation funding. What more do you need to make the case for investments in bicycling and walking?

Read more at League of American Cyclists.

Vehicle Envy

I came upon two boys in South Africa. The sun was getting low in the sky and I was concerned about finding a place to camp. But I had to stop and check out their vehicle. The older boy was pushing his friend along the road. They were both laughing.

Read more at Adventure Cycling Association.

What Makes Japan a Great Cycling Nation?

Mikael Coville-Anderson, of Copenhagenize fame, ranks Japan as the world's third greatest cycling nation behind the Netherlands and Denmark. But just what is it about Japan that makes cycling an attractive transport option to millions of people every day?

Read more at Tokyo By Bike.