Cupertino Safe Routes to School Newsletter- August

Choice 1: Hop in the car, drive a pleasant 5 minutes and then BAM! You hit school traffic and the dreaded drop-off line. Cars ahead as far as the eye can see. It’s stop, go, stop…. Tension builds in the vehicle and everyone starts to worry about being late as you wait for yet another light cycle.  You finally make it to school, but still need to wait to enter the drop-off circle and the cars ahead of you aren’t moving. Squabbling breaks out in the car as the bell rings.

Or...

Choice 2: Following that peaceful morning feeling, you decide to walk (or bike) to school today. Along your journey you enjoy the fresh air together, connecting with your kids and sharing stories or pointing out different flowers and trees on your route. You hit school traffic … and continue walking right on by as the crossing guard holds traffic for you.  You bypass the drop off circle entirely.  As your kids run off to play with their friends before the bell, you see that you’re actually 5 minutes early today because you didn’t wait in traffic.

Buyer Beware: E-Bike vs. E-Moto

Across the country we are seeing a concerning rise in youths riding illegal e-motorcyles (e-motos) on our streets, and this is happening in Cupertino too! As the State of California puts it "We don't have an e-bike problem, we have an e-moto problem."

According to our data, approximately 74% of electric-powered bikes at Cupertino high schools are illegal e-motos, 50-52% in Cupertino middle schools. E-motos are not street legal and dangerous, yet Cupertino middle and high school students are riding them. As a parent it is your responsibility to learn the difference between legal e-bikes and illegal e-motos and ensure your child is riding safe and legal out on the roads. Your child could be seriously injured and seriously injure others on an e-moto, not to mention could be ticketed and fined, with that fine and ticket coming back to your family.

We know it's tricky! Here's a helpful summary:

• Can look like and be falsely advertised as E-Bikes
• Have over 750-watt motors
• Can reach speeds of up to 30- 65 mph
• Are NOT equipped with pedals from the manufacturer.
• Are self-propelled (have a throttle).

Fall Bike Fest- Seeking Volunteers and Booth Partners

Our 13^th annual Fall Bike Fest returns September 26^th! This free community event celebrates bicycling through safety education, hands-on activities, and family-friendly experiences. Activities this year include bike and helmet checks, decorating your bike, making bike-blended smoothies, creating bike-themed art, learning to be a safe cyclist in a mini bicycle course, and much more! Learn more at cupertino.org/bikefest.

PS- We need volunteers and booths! If you are an adult or teen interested in volunteering or are part of a bike-related organization who would like to partner with us, we invite you to get involved. Email us at saferoutes@cupertino.gov.

Ruby Bridges Mini-Grant Applications Now Open

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day honors the living legacy of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges. Every November 14^th, we celebrate Ruby's courageous act by encouraging students to walk to school and engaging in a day of dialogue about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. If you are interested in hosting a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event, grant funds are available. Applications are due Sept 4. Read more here.

Wolfe/280 Interchange – The Wolfe Road/I-280 Interchange Improvements Project is underway.  Be aware that there may be disruptions to travel, especially around peak traffic times. We suggest avoiding this corridor and considering other routes while construction is taking place. More about this project here.

Stevens Creek 2A Project Update- We have begun installation of concrete blocks along both sides of Stevens Creek Boulevard from Wolfe Road to De Anza Boulevard, creating Class IV separated bikeways. Come out on your bike and check out these new separated bike lanes along Stevens Creek! More about the project here.