Citizens for SLO, the grassroots group in support of Ballot Measures A and B in the upcoming mail-only election, is hosting a bike ride around various San Luis Obispo neighborhoods at a special bike rally tomorrow to help encourage yes votes on the two important measures in August.

Bicyclists, families and supporters of both measures are encouraged to participate. The rally will start and finish at Mitchell Park on July 30 from 9:45 a.m. to noon.

“Cyclists are one group who can make a very visible show of support for approving Measure A and B just in time for the election,” said Lauren Brown, an avid cyclist and co-chair of the Citizens for SLO committee. “Bicyclists are just one of the many groups that will be negatively impacted over time by forced cutbacks the city will make to pay for the enormous mandated expenditures for pensions and exorbitant pay increases for police and fire imposed by outside arbitrators. And a big turn-out will earn us the coverage that’s been requested from all the media. At least one TV channel plans to cover us. Be there and help our cause!”

The ballot for San Luis Obispo’s special mail-only election will be sent to voters on Monday, and voters will then decide if two critical changes will be made to the city’s charter related to pay and compensation for its employees. 

A yes vote on Measure A will amend the charter section that requires a vote from the people if San Luis Obispo City Council hopes to ease employee pensions. This yes vote will allow for future pension reform. Currently, City Council can increase pension benefits but cannot reduce those benefits without going to a vote of the people. 

A yes vote on Measure B will remove the mandatory binding arbitration provision in the charter that allows an outside arbitrator to choose one side over the other if city and union representatives can’t agree after negotiations. The problem with binding arbitration is that it is not mediation. The arbitrator chooses between each side’s last and best offer instead of finding a middle ground or compromise. 

Bicyclists will ride in support of Measures A and B, and then enjoy a hot dog barbecue at noon. Bike rally participants are encouraged to arrive at Mitchell Park on July 30 at 9:45 a.m. The ride out begins at 10 a.m. on the first leg of the 18-mile ride, and the riders will return to Mitchell Park about 30 minutes later for some water and a short break. Then riders will join in sequence on two other legs of the route. Standard traffic rules apply and there will be no police escort. A family-friendly barbecue will be provided with hot dogs, chips, apples and soft drinks or water.

Those who plan on attending are encouraged to RSVP here on the Citizens for SLO Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CitizensforSLO. More information can be found at www.CitizensForSLO.org.