started to make an impact on the community. Mass rides and rallies are especially effective, usually organized around particular issues such as putting bike lanes on a certain street. Through speeches and discussions before these rides, hundreds are thinking more about cycling and the broad ramifications of automobiles. Politicians who see and read about these events realize how many concerned cyclists there really are. Discussion around cars and bikes is heightened throughout the community for several weeks after a ride. People Power information booths at fairs and rallies further help promote cycling. Regular bicyclists also benefit from these events. Susie Bradshaw put it this way, "I always know that I have a right to be on the streets with all the cars, but it feels like I'm the only one who knows it. ~- . <.)o),. ' ...... ~- Left, by installing bike racks on buses, and below, providing good bike parking at this Santa Cruz transit station, bus stops can be spaced further apart and serve more people. On People Power rides, we all know it, together, and I can imagine the day when everyone rides their bikes everywhere." The organization's work unites many diverse groups into a strong alliance for bicycling. Local environmentalists have turned more attention toward bicycling, and organize events in conjunction with People Power. The Environmental Council of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Greens have both helped People Power with an educational bike·tour of several properties the city was consideri'ng acquiring for nature preserves. The increased political fervor around bicycling has also given a boost to existing bicycle organizations, such as the County Cycling Club and the Regional Transportation Commission's Bike Committee. The political experience of these organizations combines powerfully with People Power's radical idealism and grassroots support. The movement has slowly begun to see some representation in local government. The City Traffic Commission recently declared its support for alternative transportation, and changed its name to the Transportation Commission. The Regional Transportation Commission and the City Parks and Recreation Department work closely with People Power to organize successful annual Bike To Work Day events. A couple of bikefriendly candidates endorsed by People Power were also elected to the City Council. Officials now often seek out People Power's opinion when making decisions affecting bicyclists. Local politics has become a very important though often frustrating part of People Power's work. People like me, who are new to the political world, find it difficult just to keep track of all the acronyms. Fortunately, other members of the group have much more experience with the local bureaucracy. By keeping up on all the political goings on, Page 14 RAIN Summer 1996 Volume XV, Number 1
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