My name is Kyle VanderBeek and I reside at 8xx Vermont Street, the last turn on the curvy portion of Vermont Street in Potrero Hill. I am writing this letter to express my support for the Bring Your Own Big Wheel (BYOBW) event being considered for April 4, 2010.

I moved into my current apartment just before the BYOBW event in 2008. When I heard it was happening, I was incredibly pleased and decided to turn it into an opportunity to gather with my friends. These events transform an otherwise normal Sunday into a time of celebration and community. I get to make food, be a host, and join my friends on the balcony to watch the spectacle. Many of us also choose to participate in what is truly a uniquely San Francisco experience; one that is family-friendly, joyous, and wacky.

I have enjoyed BYOBW for the last two years, and am encouraged by the additional organizational efforts being put forth this year (including more portable restroom facilities and monitors along the course). It has always been a low impact event, and I anticipate that being true this year as well.

As a directly-impacted neighbor, I urge the City of San Francisco to allow this annual event to continue and by doing so support the right of the people to assemble and be silly.

Thank you.

I really hope everything goes well. I can’t wait to throw a party!

Mayor Newsom:
I am writing to you in regards to the BYOBW (“Bring Your Own Big Wheel”) event that has been going on in San Francisco for nearly a decade. This strange and silly event gathers a wide variety of people together for an hour or two of outright fun. People dress in costumes, bring their cameras, summon some courage, and ride a child’s toy down a twisty street. Last year, the event moved to my block of Vermont St. on Potrero Hill. I have to say, I loved it!

There have been indications from SFPD that they will be present and possibly issuing tickets for participation. I learned this during a BBQ that the BYOBW organizers threw last Sunday to meet and thank the neighborhood residents. It has also been covered in local news sources.

As a resident living directly on the course, I am writing to express my support for this annual event. I hope that you and the SFPD will allow it to happen without intereference. While I welcome the presence of SFPD to enforce the law in case property damage or acute lawlessness occurs, I request that they not impede the free assembly of San Francisco’s citizenry. This is a joyful gathering that causes no harm, seems to be generally enjoyed by the community, and proved itself to be organized and attended by people interested in the good stewardship of our street (the scenery was unmolested and not a scrap of litter was left behind).

I believe this proven record of good behavior obviates the need for and motiviation behind permits. Government need not be involved in the amicable interactions of the citizens.

Thank you for your time. And if you feel like attending the event, you are welcome to watch it from my apartment balcony.

Kyle VanderBeek
(address and phone number removed)

If you agree with me, contact the mayor and free the BYOBW!

Basically, it’s another event for adults to behave badly and generally act like children (all in the name of fun). I’d bet more than a thousand people showed up to roll down the very-twisty Vermont Street, ending right in front of my house. People wore costumes, had customized big wheels, and generally had a jolly time for around an hour with 3 official runs and a couple extra “unsanctioned” rides.

As you can tell from the audio on the video, we had a blast watching. The majority of the giggle-track comes from AX, who is always in a good mood these days. I just can’t believe my luck in my recent apartment move; this is precisely the sort of thing I wanted to do and see in the city, and this event was delivered right to my front door.

Special thanks to everyone who organized, participated, and watched: it was a great event, and the effect on the foliage and street was nominal. Nobody really made a mess or did any damage (excepting, of course, a bunch of self-inflicted bodily harm). Several people stuck around to pick up shards of plastic and a few bits of litter, and that was very cool of them.

We had a blast watching you all!