Under a clear blue sky, more than 50 cyclists peddled into the parking lot at 5724 W. Las Positas Blvd. to take advantage of a free bicycle clinic during the Hacienda Business Park's Oct. 17 "Bike to Work Day".

As business park employees test rode the latest in ten-speeds during the noon hour, Dublin Cyclery bicycle technicians provided safety inspections and minor repairs on their bikes.

The event was part of the business park's transportation systems management (TSM) program. Hacienda has been very aggressive in promoting alternatives to driving to work. Hacienda's transportation manager Karen Fraser-Middleton said the number of cyclists who attended the bicycle clinic was encouraging.

"Employees' response today shows that there is a greater potential for cycling as a commute alternative," said Hacienda transportation manager Karen Fraser-Middleton.

In a transportation survey conducted by the business park last May, she said that less than one percent of Hacienda employees indicated they ride their bikes to work.

The business park provided visors for the cyclists and an information table held pamphlets on bicycle safety, bike·clubs and regional bicycle trail maps.

Pleasanton's transportation coordinator Gail Gilpin distributed bicycle license forms to employees who wished to register their bikes with the city.

Under Pleasanton law, bicycle owners are required lo pay a $3 fee in order to receive a license. Once a bicycle is licensed, Gilpin said the serial numbers are recorded into a statewide computer system where they can be retrieved easily if the bike is stolen. To apply for a bicycle license, calI the City Hall licensing department at 847-8038.

Company transportation coordinators from seven companies in the business park took turns manning an information booth set up to answer employees' questions on cycling. Transportation coordinators who attended include Astrid Brassinga of General Electric Co., Joyce Garcia of EG&G Energy Measurements Systems, Jennifer Henard of AT&T Communications, Bonnie Nichols of Crum & Forster Personal Insurance, Sue Porter of Hewlett-Packard and Marty Wadekamper of Safeco Title Insurance Co.

While a majority of employees who attended the clinic said they were avid cyclists, some strolled by during noontime out of curiosity.

AT&T Communications engineer David Jacobs said he rides his bicycle nine miles each way from his Livermore home to the business park occasionally.

"It takes about 35 to 40 minutes to ride in," he said. "It's a little bit of an inconvenience because I have to get up earlier." Unless it rains, Pleasanton resident Johnnie Ray said be wouldn't consider changing his daily routine of either walking or peddling the one-and-a-half miles to his job as a radio engineer for AT&T.

"I drove my car 25 miles each way for years." he said. "Finally, I just moved closer to work."

Val Morrison of Hayward attended the clinic to have a safety check on her ten-speed. The data engineer clerk for AT&T said she loads her bike into her car each day and rides on her lunch hour.

"l just like to check out the scenery," she said. "It's a convenient way to get exercise." When bicycle racks are installed on the Hacienda Express buses at the end of October, Morrison said she plans to ride the shuttle bus from the Bayfair BART station to work.

To see a reproduction of the original article and edition of Pleasanton Pathways, visit: October 28, 1985.