Events | 511 Contra Costa - Part 3

BIKE TO WORK DAY: THURSDAY MAY 8, 2014

BTW2014_logo_stackedThe morning commute brought 4,175 bicycle commuters which is more than the combined a.m. and p.m. count for cyclists recorded last year.  So far we have seen our Best Dressed; a Walnut Creek Councilwoman pedaled a bike blender to make a smoothie; and bicycle commuters in San Ramon were treated to burritos. What’s in store for the evening bicycle commute today? You’ll just have to stop by an energizer station and see for yourself. Check out our Facebook page for this morning’s photos.
Contra Costa County Energizer Stations
BTWD Photos & Videos
Bike Commuter of the Year (BCOY)
Bike-Friendly Business Awards
Team Bike Challenge & Company Bike Challenge
Need help planning your route?
Host an Energizer Station Next Year
Our 2014 Local Hosts
Come help celebrate National Bike Month and California Bike Commute Week in May with Bike to Work Day.  Bike to Work Day is a promotional event to encourage non-bike riders to try commuting by bicycle.  The 20th Anniversary of Bike to Work Day is presented by 511.org, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Kaiser Permanente, with additional support from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Typekit, BART, Clear Channel Outdoor, Beyond Pix Studios, Adobe, the Canary Challenge, Revolights, REI and Clif Bar.
There will be over 300 Energizer Stations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area where cyclists can stop by for refreshments and promotional items.  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.

BTWD Photos & Videos

The 511CC flickr stream is chock full of Bike to Work Day photos from years past.  Check out the BTWD 2013 photos.  View older Bike to Work Day photos here.
BTWD 2014 ShirtWant to share your BTWD 2014 experience?  Send your best photos and videos from BTWD for a chance to win 2014 Bike to Work Day t-shirts!  Your submissions (with a brief description) must be sent before Monday, May 12th at 5:00 pm to be eligible for the drawing.  Participants must commute through Contra Costa County. You can use any social network to post your photo (Instagram, Flickr, Facebook, etc.), however entries will be accepted via Twitter (Mention @511CC and use the hashtag #ibikecoco – that’s i bike coco and #btwd2014) and email (submissions@511contracosta.org). Simply tweet @511CC or email us with your photo or a link to your photo.
Watch the official 2014 BTWD video by Beyond Pix:

Bike Commuter of the Year (BCOY)

Congratulations to Ray Pixton from Pleasant Hill, CA as Contra Costa County’s 2014 Bike Commuter of the Year.  In addition to an award, Ray Pixton will receive a set of Revolights and a set of Bay Trail Maps to help with his planning adventures.  Read about other Bike Commuter of the Year (BCOY) award recipients in the Bay Area.

Bike-Friendly Business Awards

Bike East Bay awards three companies the title of “Bike Friendly Business” to recognize their efforts encouraging bicycling.  There are no restrictions: you can nominate your own business, nominate a friend’s business or a company you work for.  Find out how!

Team Bike Challenge & Company Bike Challenge

The competition begins May 1, 2014 between friends and colleagues.

Need help planning your route?

511 Contra Costa’s Bike Mapper is designed to find flat, safe, and fast routes anywhere in Contra Costa County and the Bay Area.  The 511CC Bike Mapper is the only mapper to give you a complete elevation profile for your trip and allows you to choose from nine pre-computed routes.  Or check out our selection of free paper and online bike maps.
Still not sure what to do?  Check out Bike to Work Day: Are you ready? and see you at the Energizer Stations!

Contra Costa Energizer Station List

PM hours in bold
Alamo

  •  Iron Horse Trail at Stone Valley Rd West, 7:30-9:30 am & 4:30-6:00 pm, RPM Mortgage

Antioch

Brentwood

Concord

Danville

  • Iron Horse Trail behind Lunardi’s/Danville Train Depot, 6:30-9:00 am, Street Smarts/Town of Danville
  • Iron Horse Trail at Sycamore Valley Rd, 7:00-9:00 am & 4:30-6:30 pm, The Studio

El Cerrito

El Sobrante

Hercules

  • Hercules Transit Center on Willow Ave, 6:30-8:30 am, Sunnie S./511 Contra Costa

Lafayette

Martinez

Moraga

Oakley

Orinda

Pittsburg

Pleasant Hill

Richmond

San Pablo

San Ramon

Walnut Creek

  • Olympic Blvd & Newell Ave, 6:00-9:00 am & 4:00-7:00 pm, Bike Walnut Creek
  • Near fare gates at Walnut Creek BART, 6:00-9:00 am & 4:00-6:00 pmSports Basement/Mike’s Bikes – Bike mechanics on site and in a.m. 10% off coupon which if used in-store you get a FREE SB water bottle.
  • Near bike racks at Pleasant Hill BART, 6:30-9:00 am & 4:00-7:00 pm, REI/Republic Services -expert bike technician on site to provide a quick check and adjustment of brakes, drive train, tires, chain lube.
  • Iron Horse & Contra Costa Canal Trail intersection, 6:30-9:30 am & 4:00-7:00 pm, Contra Costa Transportation Authority/511 Contra Costa -Lemonade slushies!
  • Iron Horse between Broadway & Newell Ave, 6:30-9:30 am, Whole Foods Market
  • Front of 2730 Shadelands Dr, 7:00-9:00 am, Gilbane – bicycle bells while supplies last!
  • Ygnacio & Contra Costa Canal intersection, 7:00-9:00 am & 5:00-7:00 pm, Encina Bicycle Center -bike mechanic on site to diagnose/make minor repairs.
  • Corner of S. Main St & Newell Ave, 7:00-10:00 am, Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center – a DIY bike repair tools for minor needs, cool bike light, and 5 Thrive Dollars!
  • Contra Costa Canal Trail off N. Wiget Ln, 7:30-9:00 am & 4:00-7:00 pm, Renaissance ClubSport/Sports Basement – A.M. TEAM ClubSport will be there as will for support with any bike concerns or basic instruction if needed.  P.M. bike mechanics on site and 10% off coupon which if used in-store you get a FREE SB water bottle.
  • Contra Costa Canal Trail off Geary Rd & Lexington Pl, 6:00-9:00 am & 4:00-6:30 pm, Generations Church/AssetMark

Want to Host an Energizer Station Next Year?

Energizer Stations are all set for 2014.  If you are interested in volunteering for Bike to Work Day or hosting an Energizer Station next year, please contact us!

A big thank you to our local hosts!

Bike to Work Day: Thursday May 9, 2013

The 19th Annual Bike to Work Day – May 9, 2013

Come help celebrate National Bike Month and California Bike Commute Week in May with Bike to Work Day. Bike to Work Day is a promotional event to encourage non-bike riders to try commuting by bicycle. Bike to Work Day in the San Francisco Bay Area is primarily funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission with the help of financial donations from event sponsors and volunteers.

Sections

511CC BTWD Photo and Video Contest
2013 Bike Commuter of the Year (BCOY)
2013 Bike-Friendly Business Awards
Team Bike Challenge & Company Bike Challenge
Need help with your route?
2013 Contra Costa Energizer Stations
Our Local Partners
There will be over 200 Energizer Stations throughout the SF Bay Area where cyclists can stop by for refreshments and promotional items. 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.
Want to participate in BTWD, but not sure what to do? Check out our blog post, Bike to Work Day: Are you ready?
The 511CC flickr stream is chock full of Bike to Work Day photos from years past. Check out the BTWD photo archives here. We are also compiling an archive of older Bike to Work Day photos, which you can check out here.
Watch the official BTWD video by Beyond Pix:

511CC BTWD Photo and Video Contest

BTWD 2013 TshirtSend your best photos and videos from BTWD for a chance to win 2013 Bike to Work Day t-shirts! Submissions must be sent by May 17, 2013 by 5 pm PST to be eligible for the prize drawing. Participants must commute through Contra Costa County. Entries will be accepted via Twitter (@511CC) and email (submissions@511contracosta.org).

2013 Bike Commuter of the Year (BCOY)

Congratulations to Steve Kersevan who was recognized as Contra Costa County’s Bike Commuter of the Year for his dedication to riding his bike for everyday transportation. See what makes Steve Kersevan a BCOY winner.

2013 Bike-Friendly Business Awards

Congratulations to Sports Basement Walnut Creek, the winner of the medium-size business category. Find out what makes them a Bike-Friendly Business and other winners here.

Team Bike Challenge & Company Bike Challenge

The competition begins May 1, 2013 between friends and colleagues. New for 2013 is the Company Bike Challenge with a Small, Medium and Large Business Category.

Need help with your route?

511 Contra Costa’s Bike Mapper is designed to find flat, safe, and fast routes anywhere in Contra Costa County and the Bay Area. The 511CC Bike Mapper is the only mapper to give you a complete elevation profile for your trip and allows you to choose from nine pre-computed routes. Or check out our selection of free paper and online bike maps.

2013 Contra Costa Energizer Stations

View Contra Costa County Energizer Stations for Bike to Work Day 2013 in a larger map
View all Energizer Station region maps

Contra Costa Energizer Station List

Antioch

AM

  • Delta de Anza Regional Trail between Buchanan & Somersville Rd, 6:00-10:00 am, Tri Delta Transit
  • Mokelumne Trail at Lone Tree Wy. (Sutter Delta Medical Center), 6:00-8:30 am, City of Antioch
  • Deer Valley Rd. & Wellness Wy., 6:00-9:00 am, Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center

PM

  • Mokelumne Trail at Lone Tree Wy. (Sutter Delta Medical Center), 5:00-7:00 pm, City of Antioch

Brentwood

AM

  • Sand Creek Rd. & Shady Willow Ln, 7:00-9:00 am, REI
  • NE corner of City Park between 2nd & Oak St., 7:00-9:00 am, Delta Pedalers Bicycle Club
  • Corner of Rosebrook Terrace & Central Blvd., 7:45-9:00am, Ron Nunn Elementary School

Concord

AM

  • Outside Academic Services Lobby, 7:30-9:00 am, CSU East Bay Concord
  • Near fare gates at Concord BART (with a special appearance by Mayor Daniel Helix), 7:00-9:00 am, Bank of America
  • Contra Costa Canal Trail at Concord Blvd., 6:00-9:00 am, City of Concord

PM

  • Outside Academic Services Lobby, 4:30-6:00 pm, CSU East Bay Concord
  • Iron Horse Regional Trail at Monument Blvd., 4:00-7:00 pm, Monument Community Partnership/Michael Chavez Center

Danville

AM

  • Iron Horse Trail behind Lunardi’s, 6:30-9:00 am, Street Smarts/Town of Danville
  • Iron Horse Trail & Sycamore Valley Rd., 7:00-9:00 am, The Studio

PM

  • Iron Horse Trail & Sycamore Valley Rd., 4:30-6:30 pm, The Studio

El Cerrito

AM

  • Plaza BART Station at “Wave” Bike Lockers, 7:00-9:00 am, City of El Cerrito

El Sobrante

AM

  • 3826 San Pablo Dam Rd., 6:30-9:00 am, The Pedaler Bike Shop

PM

  • 3826 San Pablo Dam Rd., 4:00-6:00 pm, The Pedaler Bike Shop

Hercules

AM

  • Hercules (BART) Park & Ride Lot on Willow Ave., 6:30-8:30 am, Sunnie/511 Contra Costa

Lafayette

AM

  • Lafayette Plaza Park at Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Moraga Rd., 6:30-8:30 am, City of Lafayette Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee/Go Lafayette
  • Outside kiosk at Lafayette BART, 7:30-10:00 am, Hank and Frank Bicycle Shop

Martinez

AM

  • Martinez AMTRAK Station, 5:15-9:30 am, Richard Anderson

PM

  • Bottom of Benicia Bridge in Martinez, 3:30-6:30 pm, Richard Anderson

Moraga

AM

  • Corner of St. Mary’s Rd. & Rheem Blvd., 7:00-9:00 am, Town of Moraga

Orinda

AM

  • St. Stephen’s Bike Trail (end) & Bryant St., 6:30-8:00 am, City of Orinda

Pittsburg

AM

  • Delta de Anza Regional Trail at Railroad Ave. (West), 6:30-8:00 am, City of Pittsburg

Pleasant Hill

AM

  • Contra Costa Canal Trail at Gregory Ln., 7:30-8:45 am, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District

PM

  • Contra Costa Canal Trail at Golf Club Rd., 3:00-5:30 pm, Diablo Valley College
  • Contra Costa Canal Trail at Gregory Ln., 4:00-6:00 pm, Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District

Richmond

AM

  • Richmond BART, 7:00-9:00 am, City of Richmond
  • Marina Bay Park at Bay Trail & Regatta Blvd., 7:00-9:00 am, City of Richmond
  • Richmond Greenway at 6th St. and Ohio Ave., 7:00-9:00 am, City of Richmond
  • San Pablo Ave. & Macdonald Ave., 7:00-9:00 am, City of Richmond
  • 901 Nevin Ave., 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Kaiser Permanente
  • Bay Trail at S. 46th St., 7:00-9:00 am, UC Berkeley-Richmond Field Station

San Pablo

AM

  • City Hall at 13831 San Pablo Ave., 6:00-9:00 am, City of San Pablo
  • 2600 Mission Bell Dr., 7:30-11:00 am, Contra Costa College

San Ramon

AM

  • Iron Horse Trail at Bollinger Canyon Rd., 6:00-10:00 am, City of San Ramon/Bishop Ranch Transportation Center/Whole Foods Market

Walnut Creek

AM

  • Near fare gates at Pleasant Hill BART, 6:30-9:30 am, REI
  • Iron Horse Regional Trail between Broadway & Newell Ave., 6:30-9:30 am, Whole Foods Market
  • Contra Costa Canal Trail off of N. Wiget Ln., 7:30-9:00 am, Renaissance ClubSport
  • Iron Horse Regional Trail & Contra Costa Canal Trail intersection, 6:30-9:30 am, Contra Costa Transportation Authority/511 Contra Costa
  • Front of 2730 Shadelands Dr., 7:00-9:00 am, ITSI Gilbane
  • Corner of S. Main St. & Newell Ave., 7:00-8:30 am, Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center
  • Near fare gates at Walnut Creek BART, 6:00-9:00 am, Sports Basement
  • Ygnacio Canal & Contra Costa Canal intersection, 7:00-9:00 am, Encina Bicycle Center
  • Ygnacio Canal & Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail intersection, 6:30-9:30 am, Sports Basement

PM

  • Near fare gates at Pleasant Hill BART, 4:00-6:30 pm, Genworth Financial Wealth Management
  • Contra Costa Canal Trail off of N. Wiget Ln., 4:00-7:00 pm, Sports Basement
  • Iron Horse Regional Trail & Contra Costa Canal Trail intersection, 4:00-7:00 pm, 511 Contra Costa/Renaissance ClubSport
  • Corner of S. Main St. & Newell Ave., 4:30-6:30 pm, Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center
  • Near fare gates at Walnut Creek BART, 4:00-6:00 pm, Mike’s Bikes of Walnut Creek
  • Ygnacio Canal & Contra Costa Canal intersection, 5:00-7:00 pm, Encina Bicycle Center
  • Ygnacio Canal & Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail intersection, 4:00-7:00 pm, Sports Basement

Our Local Partners

 

Town of MoragaMCPMCCPleasant Hill Recreation & Park DistrictRon Nunn Elementary

Tri Delta Transit 2012 CommuterPass Promo

Update: All passes have been distributed and Tri Delta Transit and 511 Contra Costa are no longer accepting applications for CommuterPass™.

Do you commute from or within Eastern Contra Costa County by car? If you do, and you’d like some financial relief and a more relaxing commute, Tri Delta Transit’s CommuterPass promo may be for you!

CommuterPass is a Tri Delta Transit trial program which offers free public bus passes to East Contra Costa County residents as a means of encouraging bus use for commuting. For those that don’t know, Tri Delta Transit offers an array of services that can help popular commutes, including:

  • 13 daily bus routes serving East Contra Costa County
  • 12 routes serving BART
  • Limited-stop express service between Brentwood and BART

To partake in the promotion, just apply and you could receive a free 20-day bus pass! CommuterPass applications are available online at Tri Delta Transit and over 12,000 applications will be distributed through the mail. Applications are also available from Tri Delta Transit’s administrative office by calling (925) 754-6622.
Interested but not sure if transit is convenient and compatible with your commute, check out Tri Delta Transit’s trip planner. For those that don’t have a bus stop close to home, Park & Ride lots may be for you.

But don’t wait to act, the promotion will end December 31, 2012!

AC Transit Clipper Youth Card Sign-Ups

AC Transit is holding several Saturday youth sign-up events.  To load a discounted 31-day AC Transit Youth pass on a
Clipper card, students need a personalized Clipper youth card.  Youths, age 5-18 are eligible to sign up and must bring one of the following documents as proof of age: birth certificate or passport, medical benefit card with birth date, Sate ID or driver’s license, military dependent card with birth date, alien registration/permanent resident card, consular ID card, student ID with birth date.
PDF Flyer
Saturday, Sept 8, 2012
Bayfair Center, 5555 E. 14th St, San Leandro 12-4 p.m.
AC Transit’s Customer Service Center, 1600 Franklin St, Oakland 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Sept 15, 2012
Hilltop Mall, 2200 Hilltop Mall Rd, Richmond, 12-4 p.m.
AC Transit’s Customer Service Center, 1600 Franklin St, Oakland 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Sept 22, 2012
Newpark Mall, 2086 Newpark Mall, Newark 12-4 p.m.
AC Transit’s Customer Service Center, 1600 Franklin St, Oakland 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Great Race for Clean Air 2012

It’s back!
The Great Race for Clean Air is a friendly competition between Bay Area companies to encourage the use of commute alternatives such as transit, carpooling, vanpooling, walking and bicycling rather than driving alone to work to reduce greenhouse gases and smog levels in the Bay Area. Last year, 190 companies throughout the Bay Area saved 435 tons of CO2 by using commute alternatives.
Register your company to get started by August 31, 2012. Winning employers will be presented with trophies at a local Board of Supervisors meeting. Every participating employer will receive a certificate for participating. Take a look on how to sign up.

Your employees and co-workers can record their commutes online from September 1 to October 31, 2012. There will be weekly prize drawings for participants who record their commute. See how to log in your commute below.

Let the competition begin! Have fun and good luck!

Contra Costa County's Climate Action Plan 2012 Workshop

Contra Costa County will be conducting two open houses next week, Monday, June 25, 2012 in Rodeo and Wednesday, June 27, 2012  in Oakley. The open houses will provide information about the planning process for the Climate Action Plan and provide an opportunity for initial public feedback on potential actions to address climate change. All persons or organizations interested in Contra Costa County’s Climate Action Plan are encouraged to attend one of the open houses.
View the announcement >>
As part of Contra County’s continuing efforts to address climate change, the Board of Supervisors has recently directed the Department of Conservation & Development to prepare a communitywide Climate Action Plan covering the unincorporated areas of the County. The Climate Action Plan is intended to function as a road map for the County to achieve Greenhouse Gas reduction goals and targets pursuant to A.B. 32 (California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) and to achieve certain energy efficiency goals pursuant to the County’s U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG).

Golden Gate Bridge Turns 75!

Sunday, May 27th, will mark a significant day for the Bay Area as the Golden Gate Bridge will celebrate its 75th Anniversary! The nationally recognized landmark’s huge milestone will come with a lot of festivities and celebration.
Golden gate bridge
Photo credit: praphulm
In honor of this historic achievement a grand Golden Gate Festival will be on be held Sunday, May 27th , from 11am to 11pm with activities including: a fireworks show in the evening; a “Road Trip Through History” throughout the day in which vintage cars and motorcycles will be featured from 1937 – when the bridge was constructed – to present; live music and anniversary merchandise! For a full list of events happening on the Anniversary itself and throughout the year, see the anniversary’s event page.
Equally exciting as festivities, the anniversary will bet met with lasting site improvements: a revitalized Bridge Plaza, an upgraded Bridge Cafè (already finished), new overlooks, a Bridge Pavilion (the first in the bridge’s history) and more!
The bridge is sure to be an especially filled with visitors this Sunday, car parking will be severely limited so avoid driving at all costs– it is highly recommend you get there by foot, bike, or public  transit. There are plenty of alternatives to driving to reach the bridge festivities, be sure to check out the full list of a dozen or so transportation options that will help you get there.
For more information, visit the Golden Gate 75th Anniversary’s website and contact page.
 

Free Webinar June 7, 2012 on Teleworking through the Spare the Air Employer Program


Spare the Air Employer Program invites you to a FREE webinar on Teleworking. Learn how teleworking can eliminate your employees’ commute, reduce emissions and improve your bottom-line!
When: Thursday, June 07, 2012
Time: 10:30 AM – 12 PM (Noon)
Presenter: Elham Shirazi, Telework Expert
Topics covered will include:

  • The latest facts on teleworking
  • Impact on vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and emissions
  • Case studies
  • Implementation steps
  • How to overcome objections at your workplace

Please RSVP by Friday, June 01, 2012

For more information, contact Stephanie Anderson at sanderson@communityfocus.org or 510.763.2500.

Transit & Trails Workshop – May 19, 2012

Image credit: Carl

What
In partnership with the Contra Costa County Spare the Air Resource Team, Transit and Trails will lead a workshop that provides tools, tips and tricks for planning a hike or a camping trip. The workshop is free, and refreshments will be provided.
If you’re in Contra Costa County and you want to take groups outdoors, this is the workshop for you!
When
May 19, 2012
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Where
Concord Library: The Meeting Room, 2900 Salvio Street, Concord

View Larger Map
Register
Registration Link
Contact
Jessica Williams, jwilliams at communityfocus dot org.

BART Bicycle Advisory Task Force Meeting TONIGHT at 6 PM!

Do you feel strongly about bike parking around BART stations, rules for taking bikes on BART, or any other bicycle policies related to BART?
Come share your opinion at tonight’s BART Bicycle Advisory Task Force Meeting, at 6 PM in Oakland!
What: BART Bicycle Advisory Task Force Meeting
When: TODAY, April 2, 6:00 PM
Where: Room 171 at Joseph P. Bort Metro Center, 101 Eighth Street, Oakland (map)

(Photo: Mai Le)

Read the official meeting notice (PDF).
Read more about BART’s Bicycle Task Force.

Shadelands Fair

Come Visit With:

Congratulations to our Prize Winners!

  • Encina/Clayton Bicycle Center gift card: Calvin
  • Peet’s Coffee & Tea gift card: Linda
  • Wheels DayPack: Tatanesha
  • County Connection 12-ride pass: Constance and Chrissy
  • County Connection 12-ride express pass: Tyrone and Doris
  • BART tickets: Kathlyn and Alynor
  • Clipper card: Pam

 

Resolve to Ride in 2012 and get a free 10-ride pass on FAST

 

Photo credit: Anthony Ramos

Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST) has a great gift to get you connected for the New Year! Resolve To Ride on Solano Express Route 40 in 2012 and receive a FREE 10-Ride Pass for Route 40!

Really?

Yep, the promotion is effective February 27 through March 2, 2012. Route 40 runs Monday through Friday between Walnut Creek and Vacaville, and links to both the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre and Walnut Creek BART stations. Enjoy riding on comfortable seats while someone else worries about the traffic.

Signing up is Easy!

From home
Call 707-434-3800
By Mail
Download and complete this Resolve to Ride Registration form, before mailing it to:
Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST)
2000 Cadenasso Drive
Fairfield, CA 94533
In Person
Stop by 2000 Cadenasso Drive in Fairfield, CA, open Monday – Thursday, from 8 am – 12 pm and 1 – 5 pm.

Walk This Way, Bus This Way- Over 100 Schools Participated in 511 Contra Costa’s School Programs This Fall

511 Contra Costa Programs a Huge Hit this Fall

Over 100 schools participated in 511 Contra Costa’s school programs this fall – congratulations to all who participated! Check out some of the numbers below.

International Walk to School Day


International Walk to School Day was a huge hit! With the help of 511 Contra Costa, 13 schools in Central and East County participated in Walk to School Day. Congratulations to all of our participating schools!

 Pleasant Hill Middle
R. Paul Krey Elementary
Strandwood Elementary
Gregory Gardens Elementary
Ron Nunn Elementary
Diablo View Middle
Parkmead Elementary
Walnut Creek Intermediate
Westwood Elementary
Diablo Vista Elementary
Turner Elementary
Carmen Dragon Elementary
Bancroft Elementary

We look forward to working with even more schools next year!

School Pool


511 Contra Costa served 107 Schools in Central and East County with the School Pool Transit Ticket program. Over 3,000 bus passes were given out to students to try the bus and leave the car behind. This year the School Pool program served more students than ever before. Now we call that a success! Learn more about our School Pool Transit Ticket Program.

Peace on the Streets: Ride On!

Congratulations to the 2,000 students from Martinez Junior High School and J. Douglas Adams Middle School for participating in the Fall 2011 Peace on the Streets: Ride On! program.

Through the combined efforts of both schools, students removed a whopping 482 vehicles from the streets on their respective Challenge Days! A special thanks to Ian’s Yogurt and STF BMX in Martinez as well as Brentwood Bike Co. and Willy’s Bagels in Brentwood for their generous donations to the Peace on the Streets: Ride On! program.

Event: Senior Transportation Today and Tomorrow on Wednesday October 26


Do you know an older driver or senior in need of transportation? On Wednesday, October 26th join the CHP, DMV and other groups in a discussion about options available for non-drivers in Contra Costa County.

What

Getting Around: Senior Transportation Today and Tomorrow*
Discussion of older driver issues and transportation options available for non-drivers. The discussion will be held by experienced professionals from:

  • CHP
  • DMV
  • Medical Field
  • Senior Transportation Providers
Panel discussions will be followed by a period for questions from the audience.
The event is free, although pre-registration required.

When

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

  • Check-in: 8:30 AM
  • Summit: 9:00 AM – Noon
A light breakfast will be available starting at 8:30 AM.

Where

Gateway Clubhouse (Fireside Room) in Rossmoor
1001 Golden Rain Rd. Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Who Should Attend

Older drivers, seniors seeking alternatives to driving, their families, relatives and friends from all over Contra Costa County.

Contact/More Information

*Presented by The Senior Mobility Action Council (SMAC)
Photo by Udit Kulshrestha

International Walk to School Day 2011

International Walk to School Day usually held on the first s Wednesday in October. The event is aimed at bringing forth permanent change to encourage more walkable communities. By encouraging students to walk to school, schools and parents can promote student health and help decrease traffic congestion resulting in safer streets.

The following schools in Contra Costa participated in International Walk to School Day 2011.
Burton Valley Elementary, Lafayette
Bancroft Elementary, Walnut Creek
Carmen Dragon Elementary, Antioch
Coyote Creek Elementary, San Ramon
Diablo View Middle, Clayton
Diablo Vista Elementary, Antioch
Gregory Gardens Elementary, Pleasant Hill
Mission Elementary, Antioch
Neil Armstrong Elementary, San Ramon
Parkmead Elementary, Walnut Creek
Pleasant Hill Middle
R. Paul Krey Elementary, Brentwood
Ron Nunn Elementary, Brentwood
Strandwood Elementary, Pleasant Hill
Turner Elementary, Antioch
Walnut Creek Intermediate
Westwood Elementary, Concord
If your school missed the opportunity to participate in the past, check back with us next August! 511 Contra Costa can supply schools in Central and East Contra Costa County with International Walk to School Day branded promotional tools to help encourage students to participate in the Walk to School event.
511 Contra Costa supplies include:

  • Walk to School Day flyers
  • Walk to School Day banner
  • Promotional incentive

 

I-680 Construction activities and schedule

Caltrans’ schedule for construction work on I-680 from September through October is below, last updated August 25 for activities through September 11 with upcoming work anticipated for September/October.
Please note this schedule is subject to change based on weather, field conditions, and construction progress.
Northbound 680 from Alcosta Blvd. to Diablo Road

  • Drainage work is ongoing and will continue weekdays for several weeks.
  • Traffic striping realignment is will begin August 29 and will continue Monday through Saturday for several nights. Nighttime closures will be required.
  • Ramp striping will begin August 29 and will continue Monday through Saturday for several nights. Nighttime closures will be required.

Upcoming work (September-October): Drainage work. Remove and install Metal Beam Guard Rail. Place permanent delineation, signs, and markers. Permanent erosion control. Sawcut and place joint seals. Install Weigh-in-Motion. Install weed barrier.
Southbound 680 from Diablo Road to Alcosta Blvd.

  • Shoulder excavation will begin August 29 and will continue weekdays for several days.

Upcoming work (September-October): Ramp paving and repair work. Drainage repair. Remove and install Metal Beam Guard Rail. Place permanent delineation, signs, and markers. Permanent erosion control. Sawcut and place joint seals. Install Weigh-in-Motion. Install weed barrier.
Northbound 680 from Diablo Road to Rudgear Rd.

  • Rubberized asphalt on mainline to start on August 23 and will continue Monday through Saturday nights for several weeks. Nighttime closures will be required.
  • Drainage work to begin August 29 and will continue Monday through Saturday nights for several weeks.
  • Mainline traffic loop detector installation to begin August 29 and will continue Monday through Saturday nights for several weeks. Nighttime closures will be required.
  • Anchor block installation to begin August 29 and will continue weekdays for several days and Monday through Saturday for several nights.
  • Metal beam guardrail installation to begin August 29 and will continue Monday through Saturday for several nights. Nighttime closures will be required

Upcoming work (September-October): Continue paving mainline and ramps as described above. Drainage work. Electrical work, including continuation of loop detector installation. Remove and install Metal Beam Guard Rail. Install weed barrier. Place shoulder backing. Place permanent delineation, signs, and markers.
Southbound 680 from Rudgear Rd. to Diablo Rd.

  • Concrete barrier work at shoulder began on August 22 and will continue Monday through Saturday nights for several weeks. Nighttime closures will be required.
  • Conform grinding on mainline and ramps to begin August 31 and will continue Monday through Saturday for several nights. Nighttime closures will be required.
  • Rubberized asphalt on mainline to start on September 6 and will continue Monday through Saturday nights for several weeks. Nighttime closures will be required.

Upcoming work (September-October): Continue paving mainline and ramps as described above. Drainage work. Electrical work, including continuation of loop detector installation. Remove and install Metal Beam Guard Rail.
Bridge work at La Gonda, Livorna, and Rudgear (Northbound and Southbound)

  • La Gonda: At this time, no work scheduled through September 11.
  • Livorna: At this time, no work scheduled through September 11.
  • Rudgear: At this time, no work scheduled through September 11.

Upcoming work (September-October): Clean and install joint seals. Prep and treat bridge decks. Adjust to finish grade.
Click here to download the PDF from dot.ca.gov

Oakland traffic advisories Friday 8/5 to Saturday 8/6

Below is the schedule of traffic advisories for Oakland from Friday evening to Saturday morning associated with work on the Caldecott Fourth Bore Project.

Eastbound (in Oakland)

Broadway On-Ramp: Closed 8 PM on Friday, August 5 to 8 AM on Saturday, August 6 for the installation of K-Rail.
Vehicles will be detoured to Brookside Avenue in Oakland.
Lane #4 Eastbound 24: Closed between Kay Street Overcrossing and the west end of Bore #1 from 10:30 PM on Friday, August 5 to 6 AM on Saturday, August 6. Bore #1 will tentatively close from midnight until 7 AM, Saturday, August 6.

Westbound (in Oakland)

Caldecott Lane On-Ramp Closure: 9 PM on Friday, August 5 to 8 AM on Saturday, August 6 for the removal of K-Rail.
Caldecott Lane Off-Ramp: 8 PM on Friday, August 5 to 10 AM on Saturday, August 6.
Vehicles will be detoured to the State Route 13 connector ramp.


(Pending) Upcoming Closures in Contra Costa County (August 8, 9)

Westbound Fish Ranch Road Off-Ramp: Closed 9 PM on Monday, August 8 to 5 AM on Tuesday, August 9.
The work is being performed as part of the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore Project. In addition to the excavation of a 3,400-foot-long tunnel north of the existing three bores, the project involves traffic improvements on the eastern and western sides of the tunnel.
For more information on the upcoming ramp closure, visit www.caldecott-tunnel.org

Join EBRPD on Sunday, August 21st for road cycling on the Moraga Trail


Join EBRPD Recreation staff for a fun weekend with spectacular views on Sunday, August 21st from 10 am – 2 pm. Bring a snack, water bottle, camera/binoculars, and sense of adventure and ride along scenic portions of bike trails, 10-15 miles in length.
Previous bicycling experience and good physical condition strongly recommended.
When

  • Sunday, August 21, 2011 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Note: cancelled in event of rain.

Where

  • Meet at Olympic Blvd Staging (east) in Lafayette.

Description

  •  11.9 miles round trip.
  • No registration required.
  • Helmets required, loaners available.
  • Dress accordingly.
  • May include sections of riding on sidewalks and/or street bike lanes.

More information/Contact

Photo credit: Newbirth35

Pittsburg to host final open house on BART transit village master plan


Pittsburg is hosting a final open house tomorrow, Tuesday June 28th from 5:30 to 6 PM as part of a public review period that ends August 1st.
The master plan calls for retail stores, plazas and high- and medium-density housing, enabling residents to leave their cars at home while commuting to any part of the Bay Area served by BART.
Are you free Tuesday night? Come to the open house to share your thoughts.
What: Pittsburg/Bay Point BART master plan open house
When: 5:30 – 6 PM, Tuesday June 28, 2011
Where: Pittsburg City Council chamber, 65 Civic Ave


For more information about the plan, read the Mercury News article

Town of Danville kicks off Share Our Streets

The Town of Danville is kicking off the first day of summer – a season synonymous with outdoor recreation – with the new “Share Our Streets” traffic safety campaign.
“Share Our Streets”, a joint effort by the Town’s Transportation and Police Departments, is a new summer-long program targeting the three main groups using area roadways: drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. The campaign, designed to promote safety among those groups, was developed in an effort to address concerns raised by local residents about the conflicts between the three groups. The “Share Our Streets” logo, featuring a biker, walker and driver, will serve as a reminder to everyone that safety, courtesy and caution is a shared responsibility.
Implementation of “Share Our Streets” will be a three-step operation that includes education, warning and enforcement periods. During the first phase (June 21 through July 18), the focus is on getting out the message. Police and citizen volunteers will be passing out informational materials to residents in Town.
In the second phase (July 21 through August 15), law enforcement officers will have the option of issuing a warning ticket in lieu of a formal citation for minor traffic infractions. During the final four weeks of the campaign, Danville Police will be strictly enforcing traffic laws for all three groups.

Share Our Streets is not about issuing citations,” stated Danville Police Chief Steve Simpkins. “Our goal is to convey a positive message through education by first reminding our users to be courteous and cautious on the road.”

For more information on “Share Our Streets”, contact Sgt. Brad Harms at (925) 314-3722 or Bharms@danville.ca.gov or Transportation Program Coordinator Nat Rojanasathira at (925) 314-3382 or nrojanasathira@danville.ca.gov.

Bring your child to work day at Bank of America in Concord, 2011

What: Bring Your Child to Work Day 2011
When: Wednesday, July 13th from 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Bank of America, Concord (1655 Grant Street, Lobby Conference room of Bldg A)
Description: The lobby will have activities for the kids between 10am – 4pm. 511 Contra Costa will be bringing a trivia wheel for children to spin and win a prize. We will also be handing out cool 511CC shwag. BART will also be in attendance handing out free Clipper cards to interested parties.

Happy "Dump the Pump" Day!

Tomorrow is National Dump the Pump Day. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) started this holiday six years ago as an opportunity to remind people that, often, the easiest way to save money is by leaving your car parked and taking transit.
Transit is a cheaper way to get to work, home, and recreational options than driving.
When we do drive, we benefit from our friends and neighbors leaving their cars at home – APTA estimates that in 2009, public transit use saved 785 million hours of travel time for drivers.
Want to find a way to celebrate Dump the Pump Day? (Other than taking the bus, of course).
Tomorrow, WestCAT, the Western Contra Costa Transit Authority, will pick one winner to receive a $20 value pass or a $20 Starbucks gift card. Email your name and contact info to WestCAT before the end of the day on Thursday, June 16 to enter. The winner will be announced Friday.
Not familiar with WestCAT? Explore the system below. It’s never too early to start getting ready for Dump the Pump Day 2012.

Looking for more reasons to love transit? From APTA:

  • In 2010, Americans took 10.2 billion trips on public transportation.
  • People board public transportation 35 million times each weekday.
  • There are 7,200 public transportation organizations in the US, employing 400,000 people.
  • Every $1 invested in public transportation generates $4 in economic returns.
  • Public transportation reduces US oil consumption by 4.2 billion gallons each year.
  • Public transportation reduces the US carbon footprint by 37 million metric tons each year. This is equivalent to the household emissions of every person in Washington, D.C., New York City, Atlanta, Denver, and Los Angeles combined.
  • Money spent on transit projects creates 20 percent more jobs than highway projects.

511 Contra Costa salutes Brown and Caldwell for their Better Way to Work Week

Brown and Caldwell in Walnut Creek kicked off Bike to Work Day 2011 with their own Better Way to Work Week.  511 Contra Costa attended the Commuting Information Fair during the week leading up to Bike to Work Day.  The fair was intended to give employees on the fence about commute alternatives a push in the right direction.

511 Contra Costa provided information about public transportation, biking/walking trail maps, the Guaranteed Ride Home Program, and our very own Clean Air bags.  Brown and Caldwell’s conference room turned into a Bike to Work Day prep shop as coworkers volunteered their time tuning up bikes, making adjustments, and sharing tips on bicycle safety with their fellow colleagues.

511CC even provided $20 incentives to those who pledged to take a commute alternative during Brown and Caldwell’s Better Way to Work Week or beyond.  One lucky winner received a BTWD bag filled with goodies and munchies!


Thanks for the invitation Brown and Caldwell–we had fun! And congrats to all that participated during Better Way to Work Week.  We hope you continue your green transportation ways!
To schedule your own worksite event to inform employees of alternative commute options and programs, sign up here.

Bay Bridge Eastbound detour in Oakland to begin Memorial Day weekend


Today, Caltrans announced a detour for motorists driving into Oakland across the Bay Bridge beginning Memorial Day weekend.
From BayBridgeInfo.org,

Motorists driving on the lower deck of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge will experience a slightly different approach into Oakland after this Memorial Day weekend. While speed limits will remain the same, eastbound drivers should be prepared for the small detour as they emerge from under the upper deck.

Construction for this detour will not require a full bridge closure. While the bridge will remain open for the holiday weekend, select eastbound lanes will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. Eastbound traffic will still have access during these limited lane closures and westbound traffic will not be impacted.
Bay Bridge Explorer
Also announced today was the release of Bay Bridge Explorer, a mobile driving simulator for iPhone, iPad and iPod that allows users to drive on the Bay Bridge.
Continue reading “Bay Bridge Eastbound detour in Oakland to begin Memorial Day weekend”