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Tips and Tricks: Get Ready for Bike To Work Day

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If you’re not a regular bike commuter, here are some tips to help you get ready to ride:

1. Make sure your bike fits you properly. Bike size, saddle height and forward/backward position and handlebar height all play key parts in making you comfortable on your bike. If you know someone who can help you with all those measurements, great. If not, your local bike shop can easily help you get a great fit.

2. Get comfortable riding your bike. For many new cyclists, the biggest challenge is just getting comfortable riding – not to mention riding in traffic. Start by riding on quiet streets or empty parking lots, and then test out your skills riding with car traffic. Take it slow and steady and you’ll get the hang of it easily.

3. Remember the rules of the road. Bikes are subject to the same traffic rules as cars. That means stopping at traffic lights and stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, using “turn” signals to indicate where you’re going, etc. And be very aware of what drivers, other cyclists and pedestrians are doing. That’ll keep you safe and make your ride lots of fun.

Riders pose in front of an Energize Station on Bike to Work Day 2013 in Contra Costa County, CA4. Ride with friends or colleagues. One of the best ways to get into the groove of riding is to ride with others. Have friends who already ride regularly? Ask them to help you train. Have colleagues who ride to work? See if you can ride with them. They can all teach you some of the tricks to safe, fun riding and help you build your confidence in the meantime.

5. Be safe. Riding at night? Be sure to “light up” – flashers on the back, lights on the front – so you can be seen coming and going. How about a little extra protection just in case? Gloves for your hands, helmet for your head. If you happen to fall – even at a very slow speed – you’ll be glad to have coverage to absorb the impact.

6. Carrying your stuff. There are lots of ways to carry your stuff to work. Give it some thought so you can pick the one that you like best. From knapsacks to rear racks to front baskets and much more, how you carry your stuff is as individual as you are.

Now it’s time to get out there and ride. We’ll see you on Bike To Work Day!

This post originally appeared on the blog at BayAreaBikeToWork.com. Click here for more information on Bike To Work Day.

Bike Month 2020 Activities and Resources

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Happy Bike Month! We hope you have the opportunity to get some good bike rides in during May.

To help you get the most out of your time on and off the bike, we’ve pulled together some resources and activities you might enjoy. If you know of something that might be a good addition to our list, please send it to us at hello@511cc.org.

Family Bike Activities:
If your family needs some time outside, check out our Walk & Roll Bike Month activities for fun things to do. The Family Walk & Roll Challenge is great for younger kids, and the Walk & Roll Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt will entertain people of all ages. You can even share your Bike Month fun for a chance to win prizes.

Summer Bike Challenge:
Free, fun, and open to people of all ages, the Summer Bike Challenge begins when you download your free Challenge card.

Take the 2020 Summer Bike Challenge in Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Martinez, Oakley, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, or Walnut Creek. It’s a great way to explore your town from the seat of a bike, and from a safe distance. Online prizes and an iPad Grand Prize will be part of the fun!

Free Online Bike Classes: This month, you can take free online classes on a variety of subjects from both Bike East Bay and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Subjects include bike theft prevention, bike camping, urban cycling, biking after dark, and basic bike maintenance. All these webinars are free—just make sure to register in advance.

Virtual BikeMobile: The Bay Area BikeMobile isn’t able to visit schools right now, so they’re hosting a number of webinars on bike maintenance and biking and walking safety. They’ve posted their full schedule, but here’s a quick look at the classes they’re offering from May 12 to May 28:

  • ABC Quick Check and Equipment – May 12
  • Bike Types, Selection, and Fit – May 12, May 13
  • Lock Up Your Bike! – May 12, May 13
  • Flat Tire Repair Clinic – May 13
  • Pedestrian Safety – May 14, May 15
  • Children Behaviors/School Traffic Issues – May 27, May 28
  • Children Behaviors, Driver Behavior Common Causes, Countermeasures, Involvement – May 27, May 28

Bike Mapper – Easily Find Your Ideal Ride Route:
Depending on the kind of ride you’re planning—exercise, grocery shopping, fresh air and sunshine—your needs might vary. Where you might want the shortest route for one trip, you might want the fewest hills or least interaction with cars for another. We created Bike Mapper to help you plan your rides with these criteria in mind.

Visit the Bike Mapper page, enter your desired start and end points, and note your preferences, and we’ll do the rest. The result will be a route map which is a good balance of what you’re looking for. Want to see it in action? Give it a try.

E-bikes Allowed on Select Contra Costa Trails: If your bike is an e-bike, that doesn’t mean you’re limited to riding on the road. Class I and II e-bikes are approved for use on many East Bay Regional Park trails: Alameda Creek Trail (paved only), Big Break Trail, Contra Costa Canal Trail, Delta De Anza Trail, George Miller Trail, Iron Horse Trail, Lafayette-Moraga Trail, and Marsh Creek Trail.

Class I and II e-bikes are ones which stop providing motor-assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph. Since Class III e-bikes will provide assistance up to 28 mph, they are not allowed on Park trails.

As always, when riding your bicycle on Contra Costa trails, remember to ring or call out when approaching and passing.

National Bike Challenge:
This is a fun, friendly biking challenge for social groups, individuals and businesses that runs from May through September. Participants set goals and support each other in trying to reach them.

You can set one or more one personal goals:

Groups can also set goals, which helps to build camaraderie and makes things more exciting.

Register to participate or learn more at the National Bike Challenge website.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2020 Transit Service (January 20)

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On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, January 20), some transit agencies will provide regular weekday service while others will run on modified schedules. Below, we’ve collected information on Contra Costa holiday transit service for easy reference.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

New Transportation Laws for 2020

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A number of transportation-related laws take effect on January 1, 2020. Below, we’ve highlighted those affecting most road users. To read the full text of any law, click the link to the right of the headline.

  • Bicyclists May Travel Straight Through Turn Lanes (AB 1266): Cyclists will be allowed to proceed straight through turn lanes (both right and left) at intersections, as long as the traffic light signal indicates that vehicles may travel straight through the intersection.
  • Motorized Scooters Will No Longer Require a Motorcycle License to Operate (AB 1810): In 2019, you could use an electric scooter if you had either a driver’s license or learner’s permit. However, operating other types of motorized scooters required a motorcycle (class M1 or M2) license. In 2020, no specialized license will be required for motorized scooters – a driver’s license or learner’s permit will suffice. Note: Motorized scooters cannot be ridden on sidewalks, and a helmet is required when using one.
  • Extension of Program Allowing Low-Emission Vehicles to Use HOV Lanes (AB 544) An existing program allowing low-emission and transitional zero-emission vehicles access to HOV lanes, regardless of vehicle occupancy, has been extended. In 2020, the DMV will issue orange decals to qualifying vehicles. They will be valid until January 1, 2024.
  • Illegal for Vehicle Passengers to Consume Marijuana (AB 1810): The exemption allowing passengers to consume marijuana while in a bus, limousine, taxi, pedicab, housecar or camper expires at the end of 2019. The exemption allowing passengers in these types of vehicles to drink alcohol will remain in effect.

For more laws taking effect in 2020 that affect motorists, visit the DMV website.

NOTE: Starting Oct. 1, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require U.S. residents to have a federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, to board domestic flights. The DMV encourages Californians to apply for their REAL ID when they renew their driver’s license or at their earliest convenience. For more information, check out the FAQ for getting a REAL ID.

New Year’s Eve 2019 & New Year’s Day 2020 Transit Schedules

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On New Year’s Day 2020, all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will be on Sunday or Holiday schedules, except for County Connection and the Richmond Ferry, which will offer no service. On New Year’s Eve 2019, Tuesday, December 31, BART will offer regular weekday service until 8pm, then special service until 3am. Wheels and WestCAT are the only agencies providing modified or holiday service on Tuesday. All other agencies will be on a regular weekday schedule.

Special Note Regarding BART: San Francisco-bound Antioch and Richmond trains will not stop at Embarcadero Station after 8pm on New Year’s Eve. Passengers may exit at Montgomery Street Station for the fireworks show.

After the San Francisco fireworks show is over, passengers bound for Antioch and Richmond must use Montgomery Street Station. Trains on these lines will not stop at Embarcadero Station on their way out of San Francisco.

Free Transit:

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

New Year’s Eve (Tues., December 31)

  • WestCAT:
    • Dial-A-Ride, Local Fixed Route, C3, JPX, 30Z, JX – Modified Service 7pm close (approx.)
    • Lynx- Limited Service (last outbound from SF at 8PM)
    • JR/JL – Regular Service
    • No other service
  • Wheels (LAVTA): Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15, and 30R on a weekend schedule; no other service
  • All other transit on regular Tuesday schedule

New Year’s Day (Wed., January 1)

Transit Passes: Buy One, Get One Free

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Stretch your commuting dollar by taking advantage of our ‘Buy One, Get One’ offers! 511 Contra Costa has partnered with county transit agencies to offer two-for-one deals on the following cards and passes:

 

  • WestCAT – 31-Day Lynx Transbay Pass
  • Tri Delta Transit – Commuter 20-Ride Pass
  • SolTrans – Monthly Pass for Routes 78 & 80
  • Fairfield & Suisun Transit – 31-day pass for SolanoExpress Green Express Line or Blue Line.

Taking advantage of the offer is easy – just download a form & apply. You’ll find application forms, including offer details, on the 511 Contra Costa Promotions Page.

Christmas 2019: Holiday Transit Schedules (Dec. 24 & 25)

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lightsOn Christmas Day, all transit agencies serving Contra Costa will be on holiday schedules, with County Connection & the Richmond ferry offering no service. On Christmas Eve, only Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, and Wheels will be on holiday schedules.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

Christmas Eve (December 24)

  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394, 395, and 396 will operate on a Sunday schedule; no other service
  • WestCAT:
    • JR/JL: Regular service
    • Lynx: Limited service (last outbound from SF at 8PM)
    • Dial-A-Ride, local fixed route, C3, JPX, 30Z, JX: Modified service 7pm close (approx.)
    • All other routes: no service
  • Wheels (LAVTA): Weekend service – Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15 & 30R on a weekend schedule
  • All other transit on regular Tuesday schedule (BART, AC Transit, County Connection, Capitol Corridor, Richmond Ferry)

Christmas Day (December 25)

Thanksgiving 2019: Holiday Transit Service – Thursday & Friday

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On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28), all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will be on modified schedules. In addition, some agencies will have modified schedules the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29).

Click any link below for detailed schedule information

Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 28

  • BART – Sunday service
  • AC Transit – Sunday service
  • County Connection – No service
  • WestCAT – Sunday service
  • Richmond Ferry – No service
  • Wheels – Routes 10R, 14, 15 and 30R only (on a Sunday schedule)
  • Tri Delta Transit – Sunday service: only routes 392, 393, 394, 395 and 396 operating
  • Capitol Corridor – Weekend/Holiday service

Day After Thanksgiving – Nov. 29

  • WestCAT – SJR/JL, 11, 19, DAR – Saturday Service, All Other Routes – No Service
  • Tri Delta Transit – Sunday service: only routes 392, 393, 394, 395 and 396 operating
  • Richmond Ferry – No service
  • Wheels – Weekend schedules for Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15 and 30R; no other service
  • Capitol Corridor – Weekend/Holiday service
  • All other transit on regular weekday schedule (BART, AC Transit, County Connection)

511CC & the Miles App: Get Rewarded for Your Commute

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511 Contra Costa and the Miles app have teamed up to help you get the most out of your commute!

Download the Miles app, and you’ll start earning points called ‘miles’ anytime you walk, bike, ride transit or take the ferry, or drive in Contra Costa and beyond. The greener your mode of travel, the more points you’ll earn!

Your miles can be converted into rewards which you choose, selecting from a wide range of products and services. A sample of companies offering Miles rewards appears at the bottom of the page.

Click either download button to get started. For more information about how the Miles app rewards points for travel, visit the Miles website.

Labor Day 2019: Transit Schedules (Monday, Sept. 2)

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On Monday, September 2, all agencies serving Contra Costa will be on modified schedules. County Connection will offer no service. For additional schedule information, click any link below.

NOTE: BART Track Work & Delays – Due to track upgrade work, there will be no train service between Walnut Creek & Orinda BART stations all day Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Buses will replace train service. Expect delays of 40 minutes or more.

  • AC Transit – Sunday service
  • BART – Sunday service
  • Capitol Corridor – Weekend service
  • County Connection – No service
  • San Francisco Bay Ferry – Richmond/SF – Weekend service
  • Tri Delta Transit – Routes 392, 393, 394, 395 & 396 on a Sunday schedule; no other service
  • WestCAT – Sunday service
  • Wheels (LAVTA) – Weekend service: weekend schedules for Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15 & 30R

Green Commute Contest: Win a $20 BART Ticket

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Enter for a chance to WIN a $20 BART ticket!

If you skip driving alone and walk, bike, carpool, take transit, or vanpool to work from Contra Costa, posting a photo of your green trip gives you the chance to win a $20 BART ticket.

Just post with the hashtag #511CCgreencommute and you’re entered to win.

This contest has ended

Enter the Summer Bike Challenge 2019 Grand Prize Drawing by Sept. 3

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Click here to enter the grand prize drawing!

 

Looking for free summer activities that are fun for the whole family? Check out 511CC’s Summer Bike Challenge!

Available in Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, Oakley, and Brentwood, the Challenge offers healthy fun for all ages, and the best part: it’s completely free.

Participating is easy: Download a printable Challenge Card, hop on a bike, and start exploring your hometown. Bike to each destination, cross off squares as you go, and pick up Free Stuff on select dates throughout summer. Free Stuff events are planned June 1–August 6. Mark your calendar today!

Ready to roll? Get started here.

 

BIKE TO WORK DAY 2019

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Pledge to Ride on Bike To Work Day

Add to Calendar

Photos from Bike To Work Day 2019

If you stopped by a Contra Costa Energizer Station on Bike To Work Day, or perhaps the Bike Happy Hour at Todos Santos Plaza, check out our photo gallery – you might see yourself or someone you know!

Contra Costa’s 2019 Bike Commuter of the Year

Contra Costa County’s 2019 Bike Commuter of the Year is John Cunningham!

A longtime cyclist, John is a Principal Planner for Contra Costa County’s Transportation Planning Division who quite literally walks the talk. Aware of the increasing need for infrastructure improvements, John works tirelessly to make commute routes throughout the county safe and expeditious for cyclists and pedestrians.

John cycles daily from his home in Lamorinda to his workplace in Martinez. “In the dry months my commute gets me out in nature; my preferred route takes me through Briones Regional Park.” But he is far from being a fair-weather rider; John cycles to work in the wind and rain, in the cold and dark days of winter, and even during the East Bay’s brutal summer heat. His coworkers find that pretty impressive.

“He has increased our department’s awareness of the need for new infrastructure for cycling, as well as expressing a commitment to combating climate change and reducing air pollution. Why, just the pictures on his office wall of cycling efforts have increased interest for taking up the hobby,” explains his colleague Anna Battagello.

Keep up the good work, John, and happy Bike to Work Day on May 9th!

Tips: Getting Ready to Bike Commute

Don’t feel like you’ll be ‘road ready’ in time for Bike To Work Day? Preparing to bike commute isn’t as difficult as you might think. Taking a little time to get familiar with your bike, figure out how to carry your stuff & find a good route (or even a bike buddy) can make things much easier.

Take the guesswork out of preparing for May 9 with our Six Tips & Tricks to Get You Ready for Bike To Work Day!

Bike + BART: Taking Your Bike On Board

If commuting all the way from home to work seems daunting, it’s not cheating to make the distance more manageable by adding BART into your commute. Although bikes are now allowed on BART at all times, there are some rules to be aware of, which include:

  • Bikes are never allowed on crowded cars
  • Bikes are not allowed in the first car
  • Bikes are not allowed in the first three cars during commute hours
  • Folded bikes are allowed in all cars at all times
  • Bicyclists must use elevators or stairs, not escalators

To read the full list of rules, visit the Bikes on BART webpage.

Bike Mapper: Choose the Route Best for You

511 Contra Costa’s Bike Mapper is an innovative bicycle mapping system designed to find the flattest, most direct, or fastest route anywhere in Contra Costa. Read more about the 511CC Interactive Bike Mapper here, or check out our selection of free paper and online bike maps.

Warm Up with Classes or Group Rides

You’ll find everything from social rides to classes geared towards improving your confidence on the bike on our Bike Events page.

Video Highlights from Bike To Work Day 2018

Wondering what Bike To Work Day is like? Check out the video below.

Video credit: Ford Tivakul

Employers: Tips on Encouraging Bike Commuting

If you’re an employer and want to inspire more of your employees to commute by bike, we can help! You’ll find some great strategies on promoting bike commuting year-round at in the official Bike To Work Day Employer Toolkit.

Energizer Station Map: Contra Costa

Find a station along your route and plan to stop for refreshments, good cheer, and free swag.

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Contra Costa County Energizer Station List

PM hours in bold

Antioch

Brentwood

Concord

Danville

El Cerrito

  • Ohlone Greenway Natural Area half way up the block from at the El Cerrito Plaza BART, 7:00-9:00 am, City of El Cerrito
  • El Cerrito del Norte BART Station, 7:00-9:00 am, 511 Contra Costa

El Sobrante

Lafayette

Martinez

  • Central San (4797 Imhoff Pl.), 6:30-8:30 am, Central San
  • Martinez Amtrak Station, 5:30-9:30 am, Citizen Volunteer Dick A.
  • Veteran’s Memorial Building (930 Ward St.), 7:00-9:00 am, Martinez American Legion Post 29
  • Contra Costa Canal Trail x Center Ave., 7:00-9:00 am, Contra Costa Green Business Program

Moraga

  • Commons Park (Corner of Moraga & St Marys Rd.), 6:30-9:00 am, Town of Moraga

Orinda

Pittsburg

Pleasant Hill

Richmond

San Pablo

San Ramon

Walnut Creek

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About Bike To Work Day

On Thursday, May 9, there will be over 400 Energizer Stations throughout the Bay Area where cyclists can stop for refreshments, free Bike To Work Day bags, and promotional items.

Sponsors

511 Contra Costa has supported cyclists and Energizer Station hosts throughout Contra Costa County since 2001 using Bay Area Air Quality Management District funds and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s half-cent sales tax for transportation funds.

Bike to Work Day 2019 is presented by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, 511 and Alaska Airlines.

Summer Youth Pass 2019: $35 for Unlimited Bus Rides

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Kids don’t want to be stuck at home for the summer, and parents don’t want to be stuck driving everywhere. Give your kids their own set of wheels with a Summer Youth Bus Pass.

For only $35*, youth 6-18 can take unlimited bus rides from June 1 through Aug. 31, 2019 – one of the best summertime bargains for getting around Contra Costa County!

New for 2019: The Summer Youth Pass is now valid for unlimited rides on local and express routes operated by County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT‡.

*Regular price is $60. Advertised price reflects a $25 supplement provided by 511CC. Passes receiving the 511CC supplement are limited and available while supplies last.
‡Excludes Paratransit and Transbay service

Quick Start Guide: Bike To Work Day 2019

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Bike To Work Day (BTWD) is coming! Be sure to mark your calendars for May 9 to join us and thousands of other Bay Area commuters in biking to work.
Our BTWD information page has all the resources you’ll need to get started, including:

Locating Free Stuff: Check our map to find an Energizer Station on your route to work, so you can stop to enjoy snacks, encouragement, a free BTWD bag, and cool swag.

Easy Routes: Use the 511CC Bike Mapper to build your ideal bike commute based on your preferences, including avoiding hills.

Tips & Tricks: Preparation for BTWD isn’t that difficult, and we’ll walk you through it so you can have fun on one of the most enjoyable commuting days of the year.

Party Time: There are Bike Happy Hours at the end of the work day on May 9. They’re free, you’re invited, and you’ll find them (marked in yellow) on our map.

Warm Up with Classes or Rides: You’ll find everything from social rides to classes geared towards improving your confidence on the bike on our Bike Events page.

Bike + BART: It’s not cheating to use BART and your bike to get to work on BTWD. Just familiarize yourself with BART’s guidelines before the big day.

Need more information or want to pledge to ride on May 9? Click the button below.

Get More Info on Bike To Work Day

Free Stuff & Other Reasons to Get Excited for Bike To Work Day 2019

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The Bay Area’s 25th Annual Bike To Work Day is less than 3 weeks away, and there’s a lot to get excited about!

What’s In Store

Free Stuff on May 9th: If you know anything about the biggest bike commuting day of the year, you probably know bike commuters can visit Energizer Stations on the way to work. It’s your chance to pick up a Bike To Work Day bag filled with goodies, plus you can grab some snacks and encouragement. Check out our Energizer Station list & map to find an Energizer Station on your route to work.

Pledge to Ride & Enter to Win a Trip to Alaska: That’s right, if you sign our Pledge to Ride form, which lets us know you’ll be biking to work May 9, not only will you automatically be entered in a drawing for a spiffy new 2019 Bike To Work Day t-shirt, you’ll also have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a trip to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, courtesy of Exodus Travel and Alaska Airlines. Find out more!

Party Down After Work on May 9: At the end of the work day, we want to celebrate you for biking to work! Swing by a Bike To Work Day ‘Happy Hour’ for lots of fun: enjoy free live music and more at Bike Concord’s Bike Party at Todos Santos Plaza from 4-8pm, make free fruit smoothies on 511 Contra Costa’s Blender Bikes from 4-6:30pm on the Iron Horse/Canal Trail intersection in Walnut Creek, or check out the new Richmond Business Hub & Food Hall starting at 4:30pm. You’ll find the Happy Hours marked with a yellow icon on our Energizer Station map.

Stay in the Loop

We’ve got lots of news about Bike To Work Day to share between now and May 9, so make sure to stay connected! Bookmark our Bike To Work Day information page, which gets regular updates, and follow us on Twitter or Facebook. We’ll see you out biking to work on May 9!

Meet Contra Costa’s 2019 Bike Commuter of the Year

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“By riding my bike to work I save money, stay healthy, and reduce my stress levels at the same time.” –John Cunningham

Contra Costa County’s Bike Commuter of the Year for 2019 is John Cunningham!

A longtime cyclist, John is a Principal Planner for Contra Costa County’s Transportation Planning Division who quite literally walks the talk. Aware of the increasing need for infrastructure improvements, John works tirelessly to make commute routes throughout the county safe and expeditious for cyclists and pedestrians.

John cycles daily from his home in Lamorinda to his workplace in Martinez. “In the dry months my commute gets me out in nature; my preferred route takes me through Briones Regional Park.” But he is far from being a fair-weather rider; John cycles to work in the wind and rain, in the cold and dark days of winter, and even during the East Bay’s brutal summer heat. His coworkers find that pretty impressive.

“He has increased our department’s awareness of the need for new infrastructure for cycling, as well as expressing a commitment to combating climate change and reducing air pollution. Why, just the pictures on his office wall of cycling efforts have increased interest for taking up the hobby,” explains his colleague Anna Battagello.

Keep up the good work, John, and happy Bike to Work Day on May 9th!

2019 Earth Day Events

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Earth Day is Monday, April 22! We’ve pulled together a list of Earth Day celebrations in Contra Costa, happening through Sunday, April 28.

If you see a ☀ next to an event listing, it means 511 Contra Costa staff will have a table at the event. Say hello, pick up some 511CC swag & get info on bonuses for trying an alternative (and environmentally friendly) commute.

Click any link below for additional information

Earth Day Events

Saturday, April 20

  • Antioch: Upper Sand Creek Basin – Spend the morning in the beautiful Upper Sand Creek watershed, exploring an area that is usually closed to the public. Volunteer activities include trash pickup, invasive species removal, and planting native flora. Upper Sand Creek Basin, 6600 Deer Valley Rd, 9am-12pm.
  • Clayton: Clayton Cleans Up – Community clean-up day; volunteers check in at Clayton City Hall. Various locations. 9am-12pm (Must complete registration form; for more info call the Pioneer at (925) 672-0500.
  • Crockett: Crockett Shoreline Cleanup – Join the Carquinez Watershed Council in a celebration of Earth Day. The Carquinez Regional Environmental Education Center will be hosting a free planting party for the whole family; volunteers will be cleaning up trash and doing a trash assessment at the site. Crockett Shoreline, 10am-2pm.
  • Martinez ☀: John Muir Birthday–Earth Day Celebration – 511CC staff will be giving each person who bikes to the event a $5 Jamba Juice gift card. Celebrate pioneering naturalist John Muir’s 181st birthday at his former home while learning practical ways to help the planet thrive. There will be live music, activities for the kids and other entertainment. John Muir National Historic Site, 10am-4pm. 511CC giving people who bike to the event $5 Jamba Juice gift cards
  • Port Costa: Port Costa Earth Day Cleanup – Meet at the café in Port Costa for coffee and snacks in the morning, followed by an Earth Day cleanup of the Port Costa Shoreline! 2 Canyon Lake Dr, Port Costa, 9am-12pm.
  • Richmond: North Richmond Earth Day Cleanup & Celebration – Help clean up Wildcat Creek at Verde Elementary School. After the creek cleanup, enjoy the North Richmond Earth Day Celebration at Shields-Reid Park and Community Center including food, live performances, kids activities, and more! The Watershed Project will be hosting fun and educational watershed activities for kids of all ages. Cleanup 9-11am, festival 11am-2pm.

Sunday, April 21

Monday, April 22

  • Pleasant Hill ☀: Diablo Valley College Earth Day – Meet the experts, ask questions, and learn what you can do to be more sustainable. Live entertainment, giveaways, and free food. 511CC staff will have prizes and information on how students can earn rewards for everyday transportation with the Miles app. All are welcome. Commons at DVC, 321 Golf Club Rd, 11am-2pm. 

Tuesday, April 23

  • Pleasant Hill ☀: Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Earth Day Celebration – A day of ecologically oriented fun including a recycling contest! All ages welcome. Kaiser Permanente Medical Center – Main Courtyard, 1425 S Main St, Walnut Creek, 11:30am-1:30pm.

Wednesday, April 24

  • Concord ☀: ASI Earth Week Festival – Celebrate sustainability and Mother Earth on the CSUEB Concord campus! Talk with featured organizations and enjoy music, food, and giveaways. In front of CSUEB Concord University Union, 4700 Ygnacio Valley Rd, 11am-2pm.
  • Moraga: Saint Mary’s Earth Day Festival – Enjoy over 20 booths, including an electric vehicle car show, the Global Gael food truck, yoga, music, art, and more. Celebrate the Earth and learn about environmental issues and solutions. St. Mary’s College, De La Salle Hall, 1928 St. Mary’s Road, 12:30pm-3pm.
  • Pittsburg ☀: Los Medanos College Earth Day Fair – An opportunity to learn about environmental organizations, their work, and how to live in an environmentally friendly way. The Sierra Club will be hosting a table to share information about the work they do and outings they sponsor. Los Medanos College Campus Quad, 2700 E Leland Rd, 10am-1pm.

Saturday, April 27

  • Orinda: Orinda Action Day – A day of community service by residents and friends. Volunteers check in at the Orinda Library Plaza. Orinda Library Plaza, 26 Orinda Way, 10am-12pm.

Sunday, April 28

  • Lafayette: Lafayette Earth Day Festival – Discover opportunities to make environmentally friendly choices at the festival. Several organizations will host informative and educational booths including the Girl Scouts, the Climate Reality Project, and Wheel Kids Bicycle Club. Lucia’s, a popular Berkeley pizzeria, will offer regular, vegan and gluten-free pizzas for purchase. Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd, 11am-2pm.
  • Orinda: Wagner Ranch Wildlife Festival – Enjoy free admission to the beautiful historic ranch and 18-acre nature preserve, rarely open to the public. Join a variety of activities for all ages: wildlife fun at the Frog Pond, animals to visit in the garden, tours of the meadows, and live music. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic lunch or visit one of four food trucks. Wagner Ranch Nature Area, 350 Camino Pablo, 11:30am-4:30pm.
  • Walnut Creek: Lindsay Wildlife Experience Eco Fest – Meet wild animals – like falcons and porcupines, check out an electric car showcase, learn about sustainable food choices, and more! Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave, 10am-5pm.

Monday, April 22 – Saturday, April 27: Cal State East Bay Earth Week

  • Concord: Earth Week is free & open to the public, with events including talks, tree planting days, free lunch (bring your own utensils), a scavenger hunt & more. Check the schedule for times & locations.

 

 

4 Ways to Find a Carpool

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Think it’s difficult to find a carpool? Not only is it easy, we’ve got four ways for you to do it:

Scoop: The Scoop app arranges ride-by-ride carpools for morning and afternoon commute periods, Monday through Friday.  Indicate your origin, destination and departure time before the pre-commute deadline, and the app will match you with one or more people headed your way.

511.org’s Ridematch Page: Create an account with 511’s Ridematch Service, and it will use your commute information to match you with a regular carpool.

Waze Carpool: With the Waze Carpool app you can choose the people you want to carpool with based on detailed profiles, star ratings, and filters like same-gender & coworkers only. As with Scoop, there is no long-term commitment – each carpool is booked separately. Unlike Scoop, Waze Carpool allows you to plan more than one commute period ahead. In fact, you can arrange your carpools for the entire week.

Connect Using Nextdoor: Nextdoor is a social networking service which allows you to easily connect with the people in your neighborhood. Once you’ve created an account, it’s easy to post to Nextdoor and ask if anyone sharing a commute similar to yours would be interested in carpooling.
For more information on carpooling, including how it can qualify you for the $25 Drive Less incentive, visit the 511CC Carpool Page.

BART to Antioch Service Starts May 2018

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BART service to Antioch began in May 2018 with the official opening of two new stations: Antioch & Pittsburg Center.

Using the New BART to Antioch Service

No Park & Ride at the New Stations: Park & Ride parking is not available for bus patrons, carpools, ride sharing, etc. at the Antioch and Pittsburg Center stations. The Brentwood Park & Ride lot serviced by Tri Delta Transit offers free Park & Ride parking.
Transferring at Pittsburg/Bay Point Station: The East Contra Costa BART Extension trains run on their own tracks and connect with the existing BART system at a Transfer Platform just east of the Pittsburg Bay Point Station. At the Transfer Platform, riders simply exit one train and walk across the platform to board the other train. BART passengers trying to reach the Pittsburg Center Station or the Antioch Station will remain in the BART train to reach the Transfer Platform.
Train Technology: The new trains are Diesel Multiple Units or DMU train cars. They meet the US Government’s strictest emissions standards and use renewable diesel, an advanced biofuel produced from bio-based sources such as vegetable oil. The extension will be able to carry an estimated 2,400 people in each direction, per hour, during rush hours.

Bike To Work Day 2018 – Nearly 20,000 Riders in the East Bay

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Great Weather Creates High Bike to Work Day Turnout

An EBRPD staff member installs a bike bell

Thousands of East Bay residents pedaled to work on Thursday, May 10 to celebrate the 24th annual Bay Area Bike to Work Day. Morning counts taken at East Bay Energizer Stations tallied 19,800 people either stopping in or rolling by. In Contra Costa alone, over 4,000 riders were counted.

The event’s 48 Energizer Stations were located next to popular bike commute routes, along regional trails, at BART and other transit stations, and in downtown areas around Contra Costa. Volunteers cheered cyclists on by giving away coffee, snacks, and free Bike to Work Day bags.

Free Bike Bells: At the 511 Contra Costa Energizer station in Walnut Creek, the East Bay Regional Park District affixed over 200 free bike bells as part of their “Share Our Trails: Ring or Call Out” trail safety and etiquette program.

K. Myers bike-blending a smoothie

A BTWD Success Story: Sometimes all it takes is one bike commute for people to realize they’d like to bike to work regularly. That’s what happened with K. Myers – she literally started cycling on Bike to Work Day and is now committed to making her commute between Concord and Walnut Creek by bicycle every Thursday to work at AAA. When asked how she would get home in the case of emergency, she said, “Uber, Lyft or GIG if it was available in Walnut Creek.”
Clayton to Concord for a Decade: Steve Biggs has been bike commuting between Clayton and Concord most days for the past 10 years. Although he biked for fitness throughout much of his life, it was only 10 years ago that Bike to Work Day inspired him to try biking to work. This year’s BTWD was his 10th year anniversary as a bike commuter, so he whipped up a bike-blended smoothie on the trail.

Steve Biggs: Bike commuting for a decade

Steve recently bought an e-bike which allowed him to commute in the driving rain this past winter. He discovered that with his e-bike he was able to travel more in step with cars on the road, making him feel safer.
During the summer Steve rides his road bike. He loves cycling to work and to the grocery store. An added bonus from cycling to work is that it has increased his fitness level for his double centuries (200 mi. rides).

Bike to School Events: Bike to Work Day wasn’t just for commuters – local students and teachers joined in the fun with 117 schools hosting Bike to School Day festivities on Thursday and throughout National Bike Month this May.

Participation Up Substantially: Participation in Bike to Work Day has increased 30% over the past five years.

Elected Officials Join on Two Wheels

Brentwood Mayor Robert Taylor & friends

In Brentwood, Mayor Robert Taylor and Brentwood Traffic Engineer, Steve Kersevan, joined the Delta Pedalers Bicycle Club at their City Park Energizer Station.

Moment of the Day

Longtime Bike to Work Day volunteer Dick Anderson (age 82), who hosted the Martinez Amtrak Energizer Station, had a story to share which seems sums up the ‘people helping people’ spirit behind Energizer Stations:
A young couple got off the last train of the morning commute. They were about to transfer their boxed bikes to an AMTRAK bus to continue their journey. After I presented them with bike bags, Gatorade and bagels they offered to pay me for them. I told her that I do this strictly as a volunteer and I’d never accept any payment anyway.
Since I was ready to pack up for the day, the fellow offered to take the table I borrowed from AMTRAK back for me, saving me the effort.

Photo Gallery

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New Laws for 2018

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2018 is here, and with it some new laws for transit and vanpool commuter benefits, walking and driving.
Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit: If your employer offers a program where you can pay for transit or vanpool commuting expenses with pre-tax dollars, the monthly cap for that benefit has risen to $260 for 2018. The pre-tax cap for biking expenses remains at $20.
Pedestrian Crossing Signals (AB 390): For crosswalk signals which include a countdown timer, it is now legal for a pedestrian to enter the crosswalk after the countdown has started, as long as they can make it across by the time the counter reaches zero. It is still illegal to begin crossing at a traditional pedestrian signal (i.e. no countdown timer) after it has begun flashing.
Seat Belts on Buses (SB 20): Effective July 1, 2018 – In buses which are equipped with seatbelts, the law requires both the passengers and the driver to wear them. The driver is also responsible for informing passengers of this requirement.
Driving Passengers for Hire (AB 2687, 2016): Effective July 1, 2018 – Now lowered to match the current limit for bus and truck drivers, the blood-alcohol limit for individuals driving for Uber, Lyft and similar services has been lowered to 0.04 percent when carrying passengers.
New Fuel Taxes and Vehicle Fees(SB 1): A new ‘transportation improvement fee’ will be added to all vehicle registration fees – ranging from $25 to $175 based on the value of a car or truck.
No Parking Citations at Broken Meters (AB 1625): You cannot be restricted from or ticketed for parking at a broken meter. However, you must still observe the posted time limit for parking.
Alcohol and Marijuana in Vehicles (SB 65, 94): Smoking or ingesting cannabis while driving or riding in a vehicle is prohibited. The law also prohibits the possession of an open container of cannabis or cannabis product when operating a motor vehicle.
To see the full text of any California law above, visit the California Legislative Information website.

The 2017 California Gas Tax Is Here, Don’t Let It Affect You

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California’s 12-cent gas tax increase went into effect this month, and you’ll soon see the impact at gas stations throughout the state. We have a couple of ways for you to beat the tax hike:
Share the Ride – Whether you call it ridesharing or carpooling, it’s the same thing – sharing a ride and splitting the cost. Now that most people have smartphones, apps make it possible to carpool to work with just a little advance notice. The first step: visit our Carpooling Page. We’ll walk you through your options (some app-based, some not) and even tell you how carpooling might qualify you for a $25 incentive.
If you commute by driving to BART, there’s an additional perk for you: Scoop carpools are guaranteed a parking spot at a number of Contra Costa BART stations when they arrive before 10am. No need to get up super-early to get a space or roll the dice on a spot being available when you arrive – use Scoop to find a passenger for that empty seat & parking is yours! Plus, parking is free.
Get an Electric Vehicle – If you’re not ready to commute without driving, leasing or purchasing an electric vehicle not only lets you avoid paying the gas tax, but vehicles which are 100% electric get toll-free access to the Express Lanes. Electric vehicles are also allowed in the HOV lanes during carpool hours, even if it’s a solo commute.
For more information on the benefits of driving an electric vehicle, visit our Electric Vehicle Incentive Programs page.

Carpool with Scoop to Reserve Parking at Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre & Concord BART Stations

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Commuting to Concord and Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART just got easier! Carpools using the Scoop app will receive a guaranteed parking space and free parking at Concord or Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART stations if they arrive before 10 a.m. So, if you’re willing to fill an empty seat, you’ll have a parking spot waiting for you when you arrive!
To get free, reserved parking at Concord and Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART stations, download the app at takescoop.com, use promo code BARTLOVE05 to receive a $5 credit, type in the BART station name, and schedule a trip either before 9:00 p.m. the night before the morning commute or by 3:30 p.m. for that evening’s commute. Shortly after the scheduling deadline, Scoop will notify commuters who have been matched. Drivers who match with passengers will receive a parking placard from Scoop which will serve as their parking permit.
For more information, visit the BART website.