Sir_Bikes_A_Lot

Well SA Cyclist,

Its another round of the Alamo cycling Scene. As of right now, this will now be a tri-weekly newsletter. So I'll do my best to promote the rides in San Antonio and also give you a scoope on whats happening on the Scene.

The biggest News story since the last newsletter wasn't Light Rail, it was the Death of a couple on Hwy 16 in Helotes. Due to the fact that the memorial services was in Beorne, I wasn't able to attend due to the fact that there's no public transit to Beorne. The Express News has done great coverage of it. And When I last look at the stories about it. One had over 240 comments on it, meaning that it having dicussion. Although the Sir bikesalot on the site isn't me, I don't know why the guy stole my name. Well I'll won't fight over it, after all, we are all anonimous on the internet. This is a pressing issue for our community right now and people are asking questions, why, and what do to about preventing this in the future. Well here are some of my ideas....

• Promote public transit especially passenger rail of all kinds

• remove cell phones. Make them illegal to own and to use.

• Make it the law that all highways that are not freeways do not exceed 50mph.

• Put bicycle questions on the driver license exam.

Bicycling night is coming up this Wednesday at the Via Metro Center. Last time, my concern was about the waste of our public funds that go towards bicycle facilities. My complaint was about the bicycle lane on S Main between S Alamo and Durango. My complaint was that there was never a need for a bicycle lane down that street because the traffic is virtually not existence there. I have sat at a bus stop recently for 20 minutes or so during the 5pm hour. I saw only one car. While the streets around it like S Alamo, S Flores, and Prohbant could use a bicycle lane because of the heavy traffic that is on those streets.

The bicycle lane on S Main, have cars parked in it, and HEB corporate headquarters put cones right in the middle of it. I personally pick up the cone and put it in the middle of the street. I'm tired of the general public not being considerate to cyclist in the first place. Now I have no problems with the people who live on this street parking there cars in the bicycle lane. They where there first and many of those people have no problem with giving cyclist the respect we deserve in the first place. The least we can do is to be considerate of them. My complaint was that the money could have been better spent on putting a lane down S Alamo or down S Flores instead of wasting the money of putting a bicycle lane where the traffic wasn't a problem to cyclist or to pedestrians to began with. More research should be done before we say “hey, lets put a bicycle lane here.” After all, we have a limited supply of cash for bicycle facilities, and it should be stretched to the limit and use wisely.

It is to note after I put the cone in the middle of the street, HEB security now puts the cone on the lane marking instead of in the middle of it. But that's only on the southbound lane. The cone still sits everyday at the crosswalk in the northbound. And since I don't go northbound on S Main, there's little likely that I'll do the same for the northbound lane.

This isn't the only wasteful spending. Another is on S Pine st in the Highlands area. Although I've used it once or twice, the local residents still park there vehicles in the lane and since there's no enforcement, it is also a little used street. It would have been better to put the money down on Rigsby or Steves Ave.

If you choose to attend, this important meeting of the Bicycle Mobility Advisory committee (BMAC), it will be at 6PM at the Via metro Center, 1021 San Pedro.

Now the Rains have returned and for most mammals, we like our bodies to be dry. If you have to ride in the rain, follow these lessions that i've learned over the years.

• Be prepared to crash: Slippery surfaces are no friends to cars or cylist

• Hydroplaning effects not just Cars, but cyclist. And yes I have hydroplaned before resulting in my bicycle falling down especially on a flat smooth surface.

• Just except it, you will get wet and there's nothing you can do about that.

• Turn all bicycle lights on.

• And if its too wet and raining like cats and dogs, get out and under something. Especially try to take a bus or train.

Another thing, a friend told me that having disc brakes are better than the normal rubber on the wheels. This is after his experience of commuting in places like Seattle and other places in the Pacific Northwest.

There are water resistance socks out there, but I could never afford them. Also having a poncho is ok, but make sure its away from all your moving parts and your are able to move normally as if you weren't wearing any rain gear at all.

Personally, I don't wear any rain gear at all. Just a jacket if its chilly or cold outside. Also the hotter it is when its raining, the more likely you are to sweat in your own gear that you are trying to stay dry.

Well after all is sead and done, the rides.....

This Friday October is the The GURL Only High heel bicycle Ride. I don't know where they start out, but try Blue Star Bicycle shop before heading to La Tuna's or the Pedicab Bar which is right next to it.

The Downtown Highlife Bicycle Ride

October 30, 2009 at the Alamo. Ride Starts @ 9PM

And Finally Your Weekly Rides.

Go to this site to find a ride that not
listed in this email http://www.livinggreensa.com/Area_bike_rides.html

Monday:

Monday Nite-Mission Ride @ 7pm

Fast Pace Ride along the Mission Trail. They leave from the Blue Star Art Compley and head down the Mission Trail along the San Antonio River. The ride is fast pace but they stay together. Make sure you have your light to illuminate the trail.

Tuesday:

All woman Ride From Bike World @ 6PM

They leave from Bike World in Alamo Heights 5911 Broadway. No Boys allowed

Thursday:

Bike World Thursday Night Ride @ 7:30

This is the longest group/critical mass ride in San Antonio. They meet at the Parking Lot of Bike World at 5911 Broadway. Parking is limited and the nearest parking spot is at the HEB at the corner of Basse and Broadway.

Sunday:

La Tuna's Ride @ 8PM

Ride starts from La Tuna's and heads down the Mission Trail.

To All SA Cyclist....

After a week moving, I'm back, and maybe next week, well not so much. There was a cool bike festival at Blue Star held by the Rats rods. Cool bicycles were around and others where showing off there stuff. I even had my pedicab around for an hour or so for free rides around the parking lot. The Barbaque was great thing too. After the festival. The Rat rods went for a ride around King William and Southtown.

Smart Ways SA....

Now after the results of the planning session of Via at Sunset Station. The Mayor last week said he devoted to Intercity Rail and Light Rail for San Antonio's Future. Some of the proposed rail streetcars routes include one from OLLU to the AT&T Center and in my opinion. Should go down Nueva St. thru downtown. It also identify other corridors for BRT, Light Rail and Streetcars. It also identify the railroads tracks across town for Commuter Rail as well. This is the vision for 2035. yes, we would like to have all of it now, but no one from the Federal Government would like to give San Antonio a handout.

On Wednesday of last week, Mayor Castro said he was committed to seeing San Antonio getting the Streetcars, BRT, and Commuter Rail.

So What does this have to do with Bicycling in San Antonio. You see, having more and better public transit will make San Antonio a friendlier City towards bicycling. Also a big problem right now is the number of bicycles you can take on the bus. There's only room for two bikes on the rack. Yes there's racks that can take up to 3 bikes, but those racks pose a safety problem when removing the bicycles. As long as we have only one type of transit vehicle, (Buses) in San Antonio, we will never have enough room to take more bicycles on board.

This morning on 1200 WOAI News was a story about How our Mayor Castro went to Seattle to ride the trains there. He's more commited now. Now if anyone ask you whats the difference between Buses and Rail. Two words people; “Pot Holes.”

Also for more info and whats going on, visit this website....http://www.smartwaysa.com/Updates/Updates.aspx

As the Winter Weather comes, so does the need to keep warm and dry. The weather has been getting better, and as I write this, we are now in Stage 1 water restrictions. But with the cooler and wetter weather, comes problems of riding. One is keeping warm and at the same time not overheating yourself. When riding during the coldest of days, make sure you wear something warm, yet breathable. If you wear a winter coat, and nothing else, you'll be sweating a lot.

Another is being dry. A pair of water resistance socks should be on your list. Also wearing socks and shoes should be a must on any cold day. Your feet are the first to get cold. You can try to wear up to 2 pairs to keep the cold out, but ask anybody in snow country. They'll tell you that it's an impossibility to keep your feet warm. Also with the wet weather, comes hydroplaning. Yes, it doesn't just happen to cars, it also happens to bicycles as well. The differences is keeping control. An experience rider like myself. If you have clip-on's, learn to take your feet off immediately. I fell off my bicycle last week during the heavy rains. And yes, I was riding out there, and I hit a slick patch on the street and fell off my bicycle. It even happens to me, Sir Bikes A Lot. If you want more info, do a search on youtube or google.

Government And bikes.......

This Thursday is the final open forum for the MPO 25 Master Transportation plan. It's this Thursday one at 9am to 1pm and the other one is from 4pm to 7pm. Its this thursday October 1, 2009 at the via metro Center community room.  Get your feedback on wanting more public Transit and more walkable, and bicycle friendly community.

Its another time for Bike night. Thats right BMAC which stands for Bicycle Mobility Advisory committee is having there convient meeting at night time. This time it will be at the following ….

BMAC bike night

October 14, 2009

6pm

Via Metro Center.

1021 San Pedro.

The Last Highlife ride.....

I missed this ride because I had to go to work. But it was asome. Also there was no bus stop precher yelling at us that were' going to hell. The next one is right before

And Finally After All the Stuff, WE have the Rides........
No new rides yet for First Friday or other groups especially for Halloween or for the Chalk it up on Houston street on October 10th.

Second Saturday Pub Crawl.
8pm at Gullermo's
October 10th.

And Finally Your Weekly Rides.

Go to this site to find a ride that not
listed in this email http://www.livinggreensa.com/Area_bike_rides.html

Monday:

Monday Nite-Mission Ride @ 7pm

Fast Pace Ride along the Mission Trail. They leave from the Blue Star Art Compley and head down the Mission Trail along the San Antonio River. The ride is fast pace but they stay together. Make sure you have your light to illuminate the trail.

Tuesday:

All woman Ride From Bike World @ 6PM

They leave from Bike World in Alamo Heights 5911 Broadway. No Boys allowed

Wednesday:

Wednesday Nite Ride @ 7pm

Every Wednesday Nite, they meet at the new YMCA parking lot at 281 and N St Mary's. The Ride goes through downtown and around.

Thursday:

Bike World Thursday Night Ride @ 7:30

This is the longest group/critical mass ride in San Antonio. They meet at the Parking Lot of Bike World at 5911 Broadway. Parking is limited and the nearest parking spot is at the HEB at the corner of Basse and Broadway.

Sunday:

La Tuna's Ride @ 8PM

Ride starts from La Tuna's and heads down the Mission Trail.

To All SA Cyclist:

Well folks, after attending 3 of the SmartwaysSA Meetings at sunset station this week, I can say, I'm somewhat inpressed of what is going on there. You see, these meetings aren't drawn out like over a month or so. Apparenlty the idea here is to hit the ground running since summer is over and that is what the people are doing. Apparently this same thing was done when Keith Parker was in charge of Charlotte public Transit agency. Ten years ago, Charlotte, NC was in the same boat that were in today and with his leadership, they got Light rail and better public Transit. Yea, there always be those naysayers that when they see a Via Bus, they see a waste of money. When I see a Via bus, I'm running after it yelling “Thats my bus, man; that my bus.” Well here's my report from the meeting so far.......

Monday Aug 31, 2009. Opening Public Meeting. 5:30PM to 8PM.

This was the opening salvo as it were to figure out whats wrong to began with. The public was invited to show up and show San Antonio, (Via, MPO, and City Leaders) what is needed to fix public transit here in San Antonio. The meeting was held in the original depot where Southern Pacific And Amtrak had there ticket counters at. There was an opening speech by the New CEO Keith Parker and from the firm contracted to show whats needed to be fixed. People were herded together to tables of 6 or 8 people each. The tables were then ask to identify on a map of San Antonio, what needed to be connected, what were good corridors to be considered and so on. The maps pretty much look alike when it comes to certain area needing to be connected by public transit. Although It was my table #2 that said that the outlying communities also need to be connected by public transit such as Kerrville, New Braunfels, Seguin, Floresville, Castroville and so on.

All told, an estimated 200 people came and put there two cents in. The final product will be unveiled Thrusday or so at 5:30 in the building next to the Amtrak Station right across from the main Stage. All other meetings are also held in the same building.

Tuesday Sept 1, 2009 5:30PM to 6:30 PM-(Topic: Transit Oriented Development)

this wasn't like Monday's meeting at all, but a presentation about the topic which was “Transit Oriented Development.” In this presentation, they showed how transit companies or Transit authorities could buy property and have developers develop those pieces of property around the transit station whether that station is a Transit Center, a Light Rail Station, a streetcar station. The Developers pay rent and that money goes to the coffers of the transit agency to fund the operations and development of more transit like Light Rail, Streetcar and Commuter Rail mainly. So far via only buys property to put a transit station. That needs to change because our city don't like Taxes and so it doesn't like raising them either.

Wednesday Sept 2, 2009. 7:30AM to 8:30AM-(Topic: Modern Streetcars)

Yes the presenter of this info was none other from the lousy city of Portland Oregon. Yea, you know, that city that ain't San Antonio. LOL. Well, I come to Find out that San Antonio isn't the only city thinking about this dumb Idea and for the record It ain't dumb, but one of the smartest thing to ever hit the Pacific Northwest City. It help develop to former industrial zones, one being the old Burlington Northern Rail yard into a mix used area filled with low to high income housing and new plazas where people could mingle around. Also unlike Houston's problem with there Light Rail, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV2rdGX4JYc) The vehicle Shares the lane with cars. So far, it has worked better than predicted. There are few vehicle accidents and almost no accidents with bicyclist and pedistrains.

You see, they did this without doing a study, except relying on the bus riding numbers to the same area where the streetcar route was going to be put. I don't know the exact details of the numbers, but it went from 2,000 daily bus rides to 17,000 streetcar rides to the same area. And its different from Light Rail that the vehicles are smaller and use the same lane as a car. Naysayers will say that you can do the same with buses. Thats not true at all because you can steer that bus where you want to, when you lay down those tracks and locate the Stops for the streetcars, you set a permanent place where that vehicle will have to stop no matter what. That brings security not only to the regular riders, but to the “curious” rider as well who well own a car. This also bring security to the investors who want to make money near that transit stop. Also it shows that more people ride the trains than they do the bus. So it any naysayer is out there telling you that the streetcars in San Antonio are a waste of money. Well more people ride the rails of other cities than they do the via bus. Lets change that number by you sir getting out of your car into bus. Just won't happen here.

The cites that are seriously thinking about this is Austin, Sacramento, New York City, Washington DC which should have its first line in operation next year. And a red city, redder than red, Boise, ID. Didn't that state go to McCain last presidential election? Well anyway, there considering a Streetcar line of there own. If you want more info, watch these videos on the Streetcars in Portland. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL7QEQuRqq0, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKSt8NA1ees

Well there's 3 more meeting to go to. I don't believe I'll be able to make it to tomorrow's Morning meeting, but I'll try. Also I'll be attending the meeting tonight which is about Innovative Financing and Tomorrow's closing Public meetings. The meetings start at 5:30. The morning open house is at 7:30 in the morning. Way to early for this nite time worker.

More info Can Be found at smartwayssa.com

Well the Westside Creeks Subcommittes are also having meeting as well to design all of there creeks into linear parks. What suck is that they happen during the same time as smartwayssa.com meetings. Well too bad, I'm only one person stuck in China Grove. So If you haven't already attended these meetings for the west side, then make a trip to the Guadalupe Cultural Center Every night this week except Friday which is in the morning

Westside Creeks Subcommittee and Oversight Committee Work Sessions scheduled for the week of August 31^st through September 4 at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

Wednesday September 2: San Pedro Creek 6PM to 8PM

Thursday September 3: Oversight committee 6PM to 8PM

Friday September 4: 8Am to 10AM Open house.

Well thats it for this week. I'll be having up to 3 emails this week including more info on the cyclist who got hit on Babcock and Hebener. I'll tell what is happening at the SMARTWay SA meeting. And how each went.

Well Finally the Rides.

September 12 at 8:30 PM at Gullermo's Restaurant, you'll find the 2^nd Saturday Pub Craw starting out from this location.

When : September 4th at 8:00 pm
Where: Park and meet under the highway behind Sam's Burger Joint. .
Why: Because it's time for another ride..
How: On the bikes, by pedal power.
Who: Fellow rrb.com members and other strangers! basically anybody.
Will there be food and drinks? Yes, we make plently of stops, . Alamo, VFW on Broadway, La Tuna, Blue Star, etc...this is a pub crawl!]
Check back here for more updates on dates and times, and other rides. Anybody and everybody is welcome.
For more info please call 210-875-1922Warning If you wear spandex, be prepared to be made fun of. http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq20 ... CN2779.jpg[/img]

And Finally Your Weekly Rides.

Go to this site to find a ride that not
listed in this email http://www.livinggreensa.com/Area_bike_rides.html

Monday:

Monday Nite-Mission Ride @ 7pm

Fast Pace Ride along the Mission Trail. They leave from the Blue Star Art Compley and head down the Mission Trail along the San Antonio River. The ride is fast pace but they stay together. Make sure you have your light to illuminate the trail.

Tuesday:

All woman Ride From Bike World @ 6PM

They leave from Bike World in Alamo Heights 5911 Broadway. No Boys allowed

Wednesday:

Wednesday Nite Ride @ 7pm

Every Wednesday Nite, they meet at the new YMCA parking lot at 281 and N St Mary's. The Ride goes through downtown and around.

Thursday:

Bike World Thursday Night Ride @ 7:30

This is the longest group/critical mass ride in San Antonio. They meet at the Parking Lot of Bike World at 5911 Broadway. Parking is limited and the nearest parking spot is at the HEB at the corner of Basse and Broadway.

Sunday:

La Tuna's Ride @ 8PM

Ride starts from La Tuna's and heads down the Mission Trail.

A New Way to Austin

By: Sir Bikes A Lot

Edited By: Armaan Babai-pirouz

            Anyone who has driven to Austin from San Antonio knows that it sucks.  If our political Leaders ever get around to building that Austin/ San Antonio Inter municipal Commuter Rail (www.asarail.org), then there would be an alternative to either Greyhound or Amtrak. But what if there were an alternative to driving between the two cities and most places in between?  It’s not a dream set in the far future if or when the commuter rail gets built; it’s available now, Monday through Friday, except on major holidays. It is the Bobcat Tram or as its better known, The BT Interurban Bus Service (www.tram.txstate.edu/bti.html) This service takes the place of the commuter rail service that has been a dream since the 1980’s. Since we don’t have access to commuter rail service (except through Amtrak’s Texas Eagle Service (www.amtrak.com) this bus service definitely makes up for the short fall; especially since Amtrak doesn’t allow you to take your bicycle on the train because there’s no longer check baggage service in Austin—a service lost during the Bush Administration, and yet to be renewed under Obama’s.
            This Service has been running since 2006, as I discovered when I first learned about it at a recent MPO meeting www.sametroplan.org.  Now, I knew CARTS (Capital Area Rural Transit Service www.ridecarts.com) ran a bus to San Antonio every 1st and 3rd Friday of every month; but I knew nothing about the Monday through Friday service of the Bobcat Tram. After feeling pissed off because I could have used the service left and right since 2006, I decided to go give it a try on the following Monday, March 9.

            That morning, I arrived at Randolph Park-N-Ride at around 8:10 in the morning. Since the Bobcat Tram doesn’t stop inside the VIA Park-N-Ride. I had to walk across the street to the XXX Bar. I towed my bicycle by arm to the front of the bar.  I saw three people waiting for the bus. All were students going to Texas State University (TSU).  It seemed to take forever for the bus to arrive.  But it finally came by, about 5 minutes late. I was able to put my bicycle on the rack (which holds up to 3 bikes.) About 7 or 8 students got on board. I appeared to be the only non-student riding that morning.
     As we got aboard, traffic was moving pretty well along I-35. Before I knew it, we were in New Braunfels. The Bus got off the Interstate at Seguin Rd, and then it proceeded to go behind the Kinko’s there. I saw two people get on board. They appeared to be students who gave the driver their frequent ride card; it was punched. Everyone who boarded back in San Antonio seemed to be catching up on sleep. The bus remained quiet all they way to San Marcos
    As the bus came into San Marcos, I figured our first stop would be the San Marcos Station. Nope, it went directly towards the Texas State Campus.  It was about 9:25 by this time, and we had pulled into the first stop on Campus, the Bus Loop. As the Bus was pulling out, I heard a message on the radio about a student chasing after a bus that was leaving.  That message surprised this VIA bus veteran, who’s used to the bus drivers not communicating between one another while driving their buses. Nearly all the students got off here, except for maybe one or two.
     As we came by the LBJ Student Center, A banner on the side of the parking garage proudly proclaim him being an Alumni of the school. The bus came in and stopped to let everyone off.  As the bus came around the circle, I heard another message over the radio about a girl on crutches about to get on. I quickly moved to the seat behind me to let the girl sit down. The bus driver then informed me that this was his last stop and that he was going back to San Antonio. He pointed to where he just let off the last of his passengers, saying that was the bus going to Austin.  I quickly packed up my notebook and put on my bicycle helmet.  I got my bicycle off the rack and quickly ran to the next bus, only to find it empty with no driver. 
    Knowing that I had to use the restroom, and had to find more change in the exact amount of $6 to finish my trip, I ran to a Cashier inside the Garage. She quickly informed me that she couldn’t give out change. Sensing panic coming over me, and because I'd been holding it since New Braunfels, I quickly locked up my bicycle and ran to the Restroom inside.  As I ran out and unlocked my bicycle, I went back to the bus only to find it still empty and still without a driver.  I quickly dug through my wallet and discovered exact change of $6 in ones. Relieved in both areas, I put my bicycle on the rack and patiently waited for the bus driver.
    The driver came out of the student center and boarded the bus.  He informed everyone that the fare box, an exact duplicate of the one that VIA uses, was not working. He reached over his seat to pull out a brown envelope and took my money. This time, the bus left on schedule.  He quickly asked if anybody was getting off at Slaughter Lane. A few people raised their hands and he quickly got out his cell phone and radioed back, saying he was making a stop at that place.
     We pulled out around 9:40 AM and proceeded out of town down Guadalupe St.  This time I thought that we would pull into the San Marcos Station.  An inter-modal Station Where CARTS (www.ridecarts.com/services/fixed-routes/san-marcos-cat), Greyhound (www.greyhound.com), and Amtrak’s (www.amtrak.com) Texas Eagle makes stops. Nope, we just passed by it and went directly to the I-35.
     With no more stops until Austin, a sign along the freeway posted 28 miles to Austin.  The traffic was moving very swiftly and before I knew it, we were at Slaughter Lane and I-35.  The bus turned around and went into the Wal-Mart shopping center. It made the stop right behind the Whataburger. Like so many of the other stops, I began to notice that there was no sign to indicate that the bus made a stop at this location. Two people got off and the person sitting across from me dozed back to sleep.  The bus driver informed me at this point that he doesn’t make the stop at Waterloo Park in downtown Austin; that he precedes directly to Highlands Mall.  Seeing that the day was pretty nice and my bicycle was along for the ride, I decided to get off at Highlands Mall.  This time, as the bus came to a stop at Highlands Mall, it stopped where all the other Cap Metro (www.capmetro.org) buses makes their stop.  About a block away was the new Metrorail station.  Although the train wasn’t up and running yet, it was something to look forward to on my next trip. All the students got off here, and I did, too.  I got on my bicycle and rode all the way downtown in what is, in this author’s opinion, a “bicycle city heaven.”  Today was a very important day, for I was having lunch with my old friend at Firebirds.

 Some Pointers to Remember……

1.)  The 1st pointer is that is that this service, the BT Interurban Bus Service is intended for the students of Texas State University; but they do encourage the General Public to use it as long as you pay the bus fare. I know that you can buy a frequent rider pass at the LBJ Student Center or at a number of HEB’s in San Marcos and New Braunfels.  Please check the website (http://tram.txstate.edu) for a list of locations.  I recommend it if you are planning to make more than one trip and also the passes never expire.  The pass is good for 10 bus rides, not 10 trips to Austin.

2.)  The 2nd one is that if you chose to get off at any place other than Texas State Campus, please inform the driver where you want to get off. There are several locations where the bus is authorized to make stops. Please check the Website, but here are the stops I’m aware of so far: I have a list of locations on MSN maps.  They are:
            Randolph Park-N-Ride
            New Braunfels, TX
            San Marcos Station Inbound
            San Marcos Station Outbound
            Slaughter LN (Southpark Mall)
            Waterloo
            Highlands Mall
            Greyhound Station in Austin, TX

(http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=29.693403~-98.108929&style=r&lvl=9&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1&cid=42DA3ED8B995D568!126)

3.)  The 3rd thing   to know when getting off in Austin, it is really good to know ahead of time where you want to be dropped off. The bus doesn’t stop at every stop in order. It may go to Slaughter first, and then on to Highlands Mall, bypassing the stop at Waterloo Park in downtown Austin (www.tram.txstate.edu/BTI/Aus_Corridor.html). So please check the Schedule and the map concerning which stop you want to get off at.

4.)   The 4th thing to remember is that this Bus service is run by First Transit (www.firsttransit.com/contact.php), for Texas State University. It does not have any affiliation with VIA Metropolitan Transit, (www.viainfo.net), Capital Metro, (www.capmetro.org), or CARTS in San Marcos, (www.ridecarts.com/services/fixed-routes/san-marcos-cat). 
    When talking with a VIA rep at Ellis Alley Park-N-Ride; she told me that she knew nothing about the BT Interurban bus service at all. She did notice the Bus parked at the XXX Bar across the street when she worked at Randolph Park-N-Ride, but knew nothing more. I talked to several students who were getting on in the morning, who wished that this bus would actually stop with the other VIA buses inside the Park-N-Ride. (I have included a letter if you so wish to contact VIA.) Please remember, the people on the phone at VIA customer service don’t ride the bus to work, so please, be nice to them.

5.)  The 5th thing to remember is that this bus has a bicycle rack that can hold up to 3 bicycles. So take it along, because as any local cyclist knows, Austin is the place for bicycles. On any given day that school is in session at UT-Austin, you will see the entire campus jam-packed with locked up bicycles. Austin has numerous bicycle routes and greenways. If you are visiting San Marcos, New Braunfels, or Kyle, you will know that it’s just easier to get around on two wheels than to walk everywhere. Remember there is the bus stop in New Braunfels, but it’s a two mile walk to Landa Park. San Marcos has transit service similar to what we have in San Antonio and Austin. The name of the service is CARTS (www.ridecarts.com/services/fixed-routes/san-marcos-cat). I’ll go into more detail about this service later. And finally, keep in mind there are more buses to Austin from San Marcos than to San Antonio from San Marcos. So please remember that when coming back to San Antonio from Austin. Also, this service only runs Monday through Friday; it doesn’t run on major holidays. The Service Changes from day to day, so make sure you double check the schedule for that day. You don’t want to have to buy a bicycle box at the Greyhound Station (I have no idea on how much they cost), not to mention your ticket. Good luck getting your bicycle on the Amtrak’s Texas Eagle in either Austin, or at the San Marcos Station. After all, Amtrak doesn’t allow you to take your bicycle on board the choo-choo without Check baggage.  There’s no Check Baggage service at either San Marcos Station or at the Amtrak Station in Austin. 

 The Bus Ride Home….

     After having a great day in Austin of having lunch with my friend, and riding around Lady Bird Lake, I rode to Waterloo Park. The bus stops on Trinity and 15th St., right next to the Cap Metro bus stop. The Bus driver told me that we would be going to Highlands Mall before we headed back to San Marcos.
            Virtually everyone aboard got off the bus, except for me, of course.  It was just me and the bus driver all the way back to San Antonio. We talked on the way back about who I was and why I was taking the bus. He told me a little bit about himself. I told him that I wanted to get off at San Marcos Station. He offered to let me off at Cheatham St.  All I had to do was walk, or in this case, ride my bicycle just one block to Guadalupe. He also suggested that I call ahead, to get picked up at that location. I told him thank you, but that I was going to ride on over to the LBJ Student Center to catch that bus back. I wanted to go into the San Marcos Station to get some CARTS schedule and to go ride up to the Coffee Pot, a local starbucks-like place.
 After I got off the bus, I went directly to the San Marcos Station. I was hoping to get a bunch of CARTS schedules, especially the #7, which services the Outlet malls. They had no schedules, so I decided to ride up to downtown San Marcos and the Coffee Pot. Since the last two times I visited San Marcos , I had coffee at Tantric, a place that serves vegetarian dishes and is located in an old house
            The Coffee Pot was alive with students cramming before spring break.  There was hardly any table where I could sit alone. I sat next to this girl from Houston. She told me that her road bicycle was in the shop next door. She also was studying Japanese as well.
 Time was a-wasting, and I had to get to the LBJ Student Center.  I rode my bicycle North, onto the campus.  Since I didn’t really know where it was, I had to get off my bicycle and run up some stairs. As I came to the bus stop, the Austin side was packed with over 20 students. I went by the San Antonio stop, which had barely a handful, including me.
 The bus driver was surprised that there was a bicycle on board. She told me that she never had a bicycle on her bus to San Antonio before.  She asked if anybody was going to get off in New Braunfels. She got no replies, and headed off directly back to the Alamo city.
     During the ride, we chatted. I told her about me, and she told me about her. We chatted all the way back to San Antonio. I also helped her get to the bus stop. You see, she goes by Weiner rd, to Randolph blvd, and then to Crestway. As I got off the bus, I waved good bye to her. I got on my bicycle and headed to the Park-n-ride. There I had to wait until 11PM for the 14-17 Line-ups to take me downtown, then another Line-Up bus home.
 
Amtrak or Greyhound:
            Well, when I tell people that I did this trip, they ask me, “Was it worth it, going this way instead of Amtrak or Greyhound?” You can check the websites yourself to see if it was worth it.  If I had used Greyhound, I would have had to buy a bicycle box both directions. Added to the cost of a round trip ticket of $44, going by Greyhound would have cost more than the $24 by Bobcat Tram.
            Now, I love trains. I've loved trains ever since I got my tonsils taken out and I looked out from my hospital Window at the New Jersey Transit commuter train in Point Pleasanton, New Jersey. But unlike Bobcat Tram and Greyhound, there’s only one Amtrak train per day going both ways. Going northbound, departing San Antonio at 7am and departing Austin back to San Antonio (if it's running on time) at 7pm. I would have not been able to take my bicycle with me because they don’t allow you to put it with your carry-on luggage like they do on the West coast and in the Northeast.  The round trip ticket cost $24, but no bicycle can travel with you, not even a fold up one. Trust me. I’ve tried to take my bicycle on many times, and my bicycle folds up.
 
Total Cost:
 Bobcat Tram= $24+ NO BICYCLE CHARGE
 Greyhound= $44+ $40? for 2 Bicycle boxes
 Amtrak= $24+ no bicycle

What can you do with this service…
 
1. Now my dad used to take me and my brother to swim in the San Marcos River. I can’t do that anymore because I have no car. But if your days off are between Monday and Friday, you sure can. The crisp, cool waters are a treat on any 100-degree-weather days.
2. Shop till you drop, or in this case, shop till only what you can carry onto the bus at the Outlet Malls in San Marcos. I know that you’ve driven by there and wished you could go, but there’s that thing called gas. Sure the Bobcat Tram doesn’t stop there, but CARTS in San Marcos has a regular bus that services those malls. All you have to do is to tell the bus driver that you want to get off at San Marcos Station and go catch the CARTS #7 bus there. On the way back, make sure you call the Bobcat Tram at (512)-754-8993 to tell them that you’re waiting for the bus back to San Antonio. Make sure you buy only what you can carry. 
3. Want to make changes or support legislation at the Capital? Go Lobby in Austin. Now I know that the Texas Bicycle League will be lobbying in Austin on April 20^th (www.biketexas.org/content/view/1126/883). Don’t have a car to go lobby with them? Go by BT tram. Tell them you’ll be showing up late. That’s OK. The more cyclists there, the friendlier bicycle laws will be on the book.
4. Remember that Light Rail that people voted no back in 1999? Well, screw San Antonio.   Austin has one just like it. Its will start running on March 30. You can catch it at Highlands Mall to downtown, or to Leander, TX.  Check out Cap Metro’s Web site (http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail.shtml)

 
Now, if you want to complain to VIA, I've included a letter below with their mailing address and email.

If anybody wished to complain to VIA Metropolitan Transit about lack of communication with the Bobcat Tram, here’s my recommend letter to them.  They can be reached by email at http://viainfo.net/Contact/EmailContact.aspx  or by mail....
ATTN Via Customer Information Center
Via metropolitan Transit
PO Box 12489
San Antonio , TX 78212-9955

Sir Bikes A Lot
 
__/__/___
 
To Whom It May Concern:
 
Do you know anything about a commuter Bus service that operates between San Antonio and Austin called the Bobcat Tram? http://tram.txstate.edu/BTI.html  If so why don’t you let them come into Randolph Park and Ride instead of across the Street at the XXX bar.  I would love to be able to by a frequent rider pass for this bus at your customer information both and to also catch it inside the Park and Ride.
 I hope you do know it sucks to drive all the way to Austin, right?  This is such a great service, please don’t get rid of it, or make it harder for the students at TX State who use it to go there.

Sincerely,
 
 
Your Name:__________________________
 
Your Ph #:__________________________ 
Your Address or Email:__________________________ 
 

About 10 years or go or so, on a show called the "Digital Dualoh" on PBS, they had on this show that went like "Analog man in a Digital world."  Well I feel like that today.  I feel like a cyclist dude stuck in an automobile world.  i cannot find the people in this world who understand me.  I feel like that bee in the Blind Melon music Video.  I have yet to find the other bee's, or in my case, those other cyclist like me. 
    When i had a job, I got up in the morning.  Raced down to the corner store to get coffee.  Usually at a Tiger Market. Then I would go to work.  My employers would have my bicycle placed inside the business.  But as I try to find work now, well they only want cars to apply.  This was going on when Gas was $4 a gallon.  I gave up on looking for a job in this automobile world.  I still wake up and get on my bicycle.  Only this time, I head to a coffee shop to read the days news and use the wifi.  I love this coffee house on McCullough called the Foundry. 
When people ask me, how should we fix the bus system, I reply.......
"The only way to fix our public transit is to destroy everyones vehicle and prevent the Insurance company from replacing those vehicles that were destroyed."  They look at me not funny, nnnnnoooooo, they look at me SCARED.  I reply back, "well do you have a better Idea?" 
    We'll what is your idea to fix our public transit system.  Here are the rules.....

1.  You can't raise Sale tax.  you have to cut something from our local Sales tax.
2.  You must not penalize car to pay for public transit.  So no raising Registration fees, or adding higher Gas Tax to pay for mass Transit.
3.  You can't have tolls to fund mass Transit....
4.  You raise the bus fare.....
5.  You can't make your Car world hurt in any way....

Now those are the rules.  So how do I fix my mass Transit system???????????

Sir Bikes A Lot
San Antonio, TX