PEDAL POWER:

Hundreds of cyclists braved last Wednesday’s mean morning
drizzle to celebrate Bike-to-Work Day – and week – congregating en
masse at the intersection of State and De la Guerra streets. For
their exertions, cyclists received free muffins, juices, and
coffee, plus a pat on the back by event organizers, who urged more
commuters to put their cars in the garage and dust off their bikes.
Such exhortations, coupled with the sky-rocketing price of
gasoline, may be having some effect. According to a recent survey,
10 percent of downtown Santa Barbara workers commute to and from
work by bike; 46 percent of downtown workers drive alone to and
from work – compared to a much higher countywide average – while 16
percent walk and another 16 percent ride the bus. To encourage
downtown workers to commute via bicycle, City Hall will soon add a
bike station to the newly constructed parking garage behind the
Granada Theatre. The bike station will offer secure parking for up
to 78 bicycles, a patch-and-repair center, and showers.