LACBC
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Newsletter

November 10, 2011 

In this issue
Action Item: Help Shape the LA County Bike Plan & Demand a Better One
South Bay Bicycle Plan Passes Lawndale & Gardena City Councils, Just Manhattan Beach & Torrance Left
Santa Monica Bike Center Announces Opening & Bike Plan Comments Meeting
West Hollywood Bike Task Force & Bike Coalition Meetings
West San Gabriel Valley Upcoming Meetings
California Bike Summit Brings People Together to Shape Statewide Bike Agenda
City of LA Talks Transportation in Virtual Town Hall
Action Item: Keep Sending those Letters to Support the LA River Bridge
Spring Street Update: Construction Has Begun
LACBC Office Volunteers Needed
Last Weekend's East Valley Hansen Dam Ride Rescheduled for June 3
Use Caution Riding Near Expo Line Train Tracks
Cute Kid Teaches Us about Protected Bike Lanes
Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities
CountyPlanAction Item: Help Shape the LA County Bike Plan & Demand a Better One

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Less than a month ago the LA County Department of Public Works released the "final" draft of the LA County Bike Plan , which focuses on the unincorporated communities in LA County. This coming Wednesday, November 16th the LA County Bike Plan will head to the Planning Commission. This is the first update to the County's existing bike plan in over 30 years and should provide a real vision and commitment to greatly increasing the safety of our unincorporated communities' roadways and encouraging more folks to bicycle to school, work, transit, their daily needs, or for fun over the next 20 to 30 years.

  

If realized, the implementation of the plan should link residential neighborhoods, schools, business districts, transit hubs, and the unincorporated communities to neighboring incorporated community and would have a significant impact on the region's air quality, public health, and safety of the county.

  

However, the latest draft does not go far enough to create this network. We feel the plan still needs a number of improvements, including more miles of bike lanes and bike boulevards (also referred to as bicycle-friendly streets) before any action should be taken on it.

  

We are encouraging everyone to write to the Regional Planning Commission by Monday, November 14th so that all letters are in by the Wednesday, November 16th.

  

A template letter can be found here, and we encourage you to personalize it and add your own thoughts, especially if there are roadways you feel would make ideal bicycle boulevards. Emails can be sent to:

We also encourage people to attend the public hearing on Wednesday, November 16th and speak out for a better LA County Bike Plan!

 

LA County Planning Commission

When: Wednesday, November 16; 9 AM

Where: Hall of Records - Room 150- 320 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

 

Read more on the LACBC Blog.
SouthBay
South Bay Bicycle Passes Lawndale & Gardena City Councils, Just Manhattan Beach & Torrance LeftSouth Bay Bicycle Master Plan

 

This week, the cities of Lawndale and Gardena individually approved South Bay Bicycle Master Plan , meaning that 5 of the 7 cities have approved this regional bike plan. Now, all that's left for approval are Manhattan Beach and Torrance! Learn more at the South Bay Bicycle Coalition's website.

Please demonstrate your support of the plan by voicing your support at an upcoming City Council meeting. Be sure to wear your SBBC t-shirt!

 

Here are upcoming meetings happening next week and the week after:

 

Manhattan Beach City Council

When: Tuesday, November 15; 6:30 PM

Where: 1400 Highland Ave.

 

Torrance City Council

When: Tuesday, November 22; 7:00 PM

Where: 3031 Torrance Blvd.

 

Learn more about the South Bay Bicycle Coalition at: southbaybicyclecoalition.org. Join SBBC, a regional chapter of LACBC, when you become an LACBC member.

SaMo
Santa Monica Bike Center Announces Opening & Bike Plan Comment Bike CenterMeeting
 
When: Saturday, November 19th; 10 AM - 2 PM
Where: Colorado Community Room - 5th and Colorado, Santa Monica

Santa Monica is getting a new bike plan and bike center! Be there for the event that introduces both. Activities begin at 10 AM with coffee and pastries, and later at 11 AM, there will be a presentation of the bike plan by Lucy Dyke and city staff. Afterwards, you'll have the opportunity to tour of the Bike Center. One lucky attendee will win a free month membership to the Bike Center!

The Bike Center will be open throughout the weekend, November 18th - 20th, 11 AM - 5 PM each day.
 
Additionally, the Santa Monica Bike Action Plan will be presented to City Council on Tuesday, November 22nd at 6:30 PM.

More info on the Bike Center and Bike Action Plan.
 
Learn more about Santa Monica Spoke at: smspoke.org. Join Santa Monica Spoke, a regional chapter of LACBC, when you become an LACBC member.
WeHo
West Hollywood Bike Task Force & Bike Coalition Meetings 
We Ho BC Logo

 

The West Hollywood Bicycle Task Force (BTF) was created in January 2011 and was charged with preparing a range of recommendations for City Council that create multi-modal transportation opportunities in the City, including recommendations for community education, improved infrastructure, and funding.

 

There are several public meetings in which the BTF's plans will be reviewed by various city commissions:     

Public Facilities Commission 
When: Wednesday, November 9; 6:30 PM
Where: EOC, City Hall

Public Safety Commission
When: Monday, November 14; 6:30 PM
Where: EOC, City Hall

Transportation Commission
When: Wednesday, November 16; 7:00 PM
Where: EOC, City Hall
  
Planning Commission 
When: Thursday, November 17; 6:30 PM
Where: West Hollywood Park

Also join our newest official LACBC regional chapter, WeHo Bicycle Coalition, for their next meeting:

 

When: Tuesday, November 15, 6 - 8 PM
Where: Plummer Park, Art Room 1
 
More info on all these meetings.

 

Learn more about the West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition at: wehobike.org. Join the WeHo Bicycle Coalition, a regional chapter of LACBC, when you become an LACBC member.
WestSGVWest San Gabriel Valley Upcoming Meetings

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WSGVBC Meeting Next Week

The West San Gabriel Valley Bicycle Coalition is ripe with activity this fall! Join WSGVBC for their monthly meeting to learn more about the chapter and what's happening in West SGV.

 

WSGVBC November Meeting

When: Monday, November 14; 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Where: Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce - 700 El Mercado Ave., Monterey Park, 91754


South El Monte to Host Design Workshops for Durfee/Peck Rd Improvements

The California Local Government Commission, City of South El Monte and CA Center for Public Health Advocacy will be hosting a series of community workshops to develop a bike-ped friendly vision for Durfee and Peck Roads. For more info, call 626-579-6540.

 

Walking Tour and Design Workshop

When: Saturday, November 12; 9 AM - 1 PM

Where: Senior Center - 1556 Central Ave, South El Monte 

 

Presentation of a Vision Plan

When: Tuesday, November 15; 6 PM - 8 PM 

Where: Senior Center - 1556 Central Ave, South El Monte

 

City of Pasadena to Host General Plan Mobility Workshops

City of Pasadena Planning staff will host four Mobility Workshops this month for members of the public to share their "thoughts about the future of driving, biking, walking and riding transit" in the City. The workshops are the latest outreach opportunity of the City's General Plan update process, which is winding down and should come before Council for approval in the upcoming months.


The City's Draft Bike Master Plan falls under the Mobility Element of the General Plan, so these meetings will be a good opportunity for folks who live and ride in Pasadena to provide feedback directly to City staff. 

 

City of Pasadena Mobility Workshops

 

When: Tuesday, November 15; 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Where: Jackie Robinson Center, Auditorium - 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

 

When: Thursday, November 17; 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Where: Renaissance Plaza, Fair Oaks Community Room (Vons Shopping Center) - 694 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Second Floor Room #203

 

Spanish Workshop

When: Thursday, December 1; 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Where: Villa Parke Community Center Auditorium -363 E. Villa St.

 

For more information, see the workshop webpage.

 

Learn more about the West San Gabriel Valley Bicycle Coalition at: wsgvbc.wordpress.com. Join the WSGVBC, a regional chapter of LACBC, when you become an LACBC member.

California Bike Summit Brings People Together to Shape Statewide Bike Agenda
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This past weekend, advocates from around the State of California gathered here in the City of Los Angeles for the 2011 California Bike Summit, put on by the California Bicycle Coalition. The goal of the event was to engage advocates, ride clubs, and allies to collectively work on a bicycling policy agenda to make the state safer for cycling and encourage more Californians to bicycle.

This event is part of the California Bicycle Coalition's strategic planning efforts and their work to great a stronger lobby for bicycling issues in Sacramento. Attendees provided input on the issues facing their regions and organizations and drilled down into some key areas including bicycle education in schools, greater funding and funding sources for bicycle projects, implementing complete streets, adopting new design manuals and innovations, fostering bicycle tourism, and several other important topics. The California Bicycle Coalition plans to unveil their 5-year policy plan at the 2012 Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference in Long Beach.

LACBC was there to provide our input on the changes we need at the state level to help make Los Angeles County a better and safer place to ride a bicycle. Our staff and volunteers were also there to help make sure the event was a success, as we provided free bike valet to attendees and showed off our great city with a bike ride led by familiar faces in Colin Bogart, Don "Roadblock" Ward, Herbie Huff, and Eric Bruins. We saw a lot huge turnout of fellow advocates from around California, but especially SoCal and the LACBC Regional Partnership.

Sam Ollinger of Bike San Diego has a great write-up on the summit that we highly recommend.
City of LA Talks Transportation in Virtual Town HallLA2B Logo

The City of Los Angeles this week announced the launch of  ideas.LA2B.org, an interactive virtual "town hall" website dedicated to soliciting ideas and conversations about mobility and transportation. The City of Los Angeles is just getting started on a Mobility Element and the City needs your practical and creative ideas to move Los Angeles into the 21st century.

Action Item: Keep Sending those Letters to Support the LA River BridgeBridge Rendering
 

The City of Los Angeles has an opportunity to approve a new bridge for bicyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians that would connect Griffith Park and the LA River Bike Path on the west side of the LA River to north Atwater Village on the east side of the River. This project would be a huge benefit to bicyclists as well as pedestrians and equestrians!

 

The bridge entrance would be from a residential neighborhood in north Atwater Village, thereby making access to the River Path and Griffith Park by bicycle easy and safe for cyclists of all abilities, including families with small children.

 

Read more about the project and how you can write a letter of support by November 30th by visiting the LACBC blog.

Spring Street Update: Construction Has Begun
Spring Construction  
As reported two weeks ago, Spring Street in Downtown LA will be getting a buffered bike lane this Fall, and LACBC is campaigning for protected bike lanes on Spring and Main in the future.

Luckily, we at the LACBC offices will be able to observe the progress with the bike lanes, as they're right outside our building! Yesterday, we arrived at the offices to clouds of dust and large trucks. That dust will soon transform into a buffered bike lane this month! Check out the photo.
 
In order to help implement this project, LACBC, the Downtown LA Neighborhood Council, and LADOT are mobilizing our outreach efforts to work with residents and businesses on the Spring Street.
 
If you live and/or work in Downtown LA and are interested in volunteering to help do outreach for this campaign, please email Alexis Lantz at [email protected]. We are currently going door-to-door to local businesses and residential buildings to make sure everyone is aware of this exciting and innovative project. 

 

Read more about Spring & Main on the LACBC blog and on the LACBC website's Spring & Main page.
LACBC Office Volunteers Needed
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Do you have some spare time these upcoming months? Do you like hanging out in downtown LA with LACBC people? Do data entry and sending out snail mail appeal to you?

This holiday season, we'll need your help more than ever around LACBC's World Headquarters in Downtown LA for data entry, mailings, and whatever else may come up. If you'd like to help out around the office, please contact Carol Feucht at [email protected].

Office volunteers are eligible for a free LACBC barter membership, plus other office perks like occasional cupcakes and "field trips" around Downtown LA.
Last Weekend's East Valley Hansen Dam Ride Rescheduled for June 3

 

East Valley Hansen Dam Ride

This Sunday morning, we gained an hour, it rained, and we slept in. We unfortunately had to postponed our East Valley Hansen Dam Ride due the rain. This East Valley ride has been re-scheduled for Sunday, June 3rd, the week before the 12th Annual LA River Ride.

 

East Valley Hansen Dam Ride UpdatedInfo:

When:  Sunday, June 3; Meet at 9 AM, Ride at 9:30 AM

Where: Meet in front of the entrance to the North Hollywood Metro Station on Lankershim and Chandler in North Hollywood

 

We know it's a long time from now, so don't fret: Sunday Fundays are back on Sunday December 4th for a holiday-themed family ride around the Larchmont neighborhood. We'll send out more information next week!

Use Caution Riding Near Expo Line Train TracksRailroad X-ing

The Expo Line is gearing up to open in early 2012. Be careful riding your bike and walking near these tracks as trains are now moving on them for Phase I of the Expo Line

When: From 6:00 AM to 12 Midnight, 7 days a week
Where: Between 23rd St. (at Flower St.) and La Cienega Blvd. (at Jefferson Blvd.)

Trains may be on the tracks anytime during this period. Please note that train movement is dynamic and subject to change.
 

Cycling Safely Around Tracks and Trains:

  • Be extra cautious when approaching Metro Rail tracks. Tracks can be slippery.
  • Cross railroad tracks at a right angle or straight on. Avoid leaning and turning since tires can easily slip on tracks.
  • Obey signs and signals at train crossings.
  • When a train signal is flashing or crossing lights and arms are activated, a train is approaching.
  • Never attempt to cross.
Cute Kid Teaches Us about Protected Bike Lanes

Good Green News: Vancouver Bike Lanes
Good Green News: Vancouver Bike Lanes

Tia is a 9-year-old kid reporter. Last week, she investigated Vancouver's protected bike lanes and revealed why they're so great!

This video has us really excited for our Spring & Main Bike Lane Campaign, which aims to ultimately bring protected bike lanes to Downtown LA! If any of you out there ever need to make the case for protected bike lanes (or make the case that our youth is up to some good), we encourage you to share this video and the investigative journalism of this 9-year-old.
Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities

    

South El Monte Walking Tour & Design Workshop

When: Saturday, November 12; 9 AM to 1 PM

More info in newsletter.

 

Burbank BikeStop Grand Opening & Ride with the Mayor

When: Monday, November 14; 10 AM

Where: Burbank City Hall - 275 E. Olive Ave, Burbank

The Burbank BikeStop is a high-capacity indoor bike parking facility located at the downtown Burbank Metrolink Station. Ride with the Burbank mayor to the Metrolink Staion for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. More info.

 

Mini-Roundabout Presentation to Wilshire Center Koreatown Neighborhood Council Meeting 

When: Monday, November 14; 6:00 PM
Where: Young Oak Kim Academy - 615 Shatto Place, Los Angeles, CA 90005
A proposed mini-roundabout for the intersection of 4th Street and New Hampshire will be presented to the Wilshire Center Koreatown Neighborhood Council. LADOT proproses the roundabout to make 4th Street a "Bicycle Friendly Street" as designated in the City of LA Bike Plan. This is consistent with LACBC's 4th Street Neighborhood Greenway campaign which includes support for traffic-calming projects on 4th Street. If you live, work, or go to school within the Wilshire Center Koreatown NC's boundaries, please attend the meeting to show your support for the mini-roundabout. More info.
 
WeHo Bicycle Task Force at Public Safety Commission
When: Monday, November 14: 6:30 PM
More info in newsletter.
 
West San Gabriel Valley Bicycle Coalition Meeting
When: Monday, November 14: 6:30 PM
More info in newsletter.
 
South El Monte Presentation of a Vision Plan
When: Tuesday, November 15; 6 PM
More info in newsletter.
 
Pasadena Mobility Workshop
When: Tuesday, November 15: 6:30 PM
More info in newsletter.
 
WeHo Bicycle Coalition Meeting
When: Tuesday, November 15; 6:30 PM
More info in newsletter
 
South Bay Bike Plan Presentation at Manhattan Beach City Council
When: Wednesday, November 16; 6:30 PM
More info in newsletter
 
WeHo Bicycle Task Force at Transportation Commission
When: Tuesday, November 15; 7:00 PM
More info in newsletter. 
 

Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan - Public Hearing

When: Wednesday, November 16; 9:00 AM

More info in newsletter.

 

Pasadena Mobility Workshop

When: Thursday, November 17; 2:30 PM

More info in newsletter.

 

WeHo Bicycle Task Force at Planning Commission

When: Thursday, November 17: 6:30 PM

More info in newsletter.

 

Santa Monica Bike Center Tour & Bike Action Plan Presentation

When: Saturday, November 19; 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

More info in newsletter.

 

Santa Monica Bike Action Plan Presented to City Council

When: Tuesday, November 22: 6:30 PM

More info in newsletter.

 

South Bay Bike Plan Presentation at Torrance City Council

When: Tuesday, November 22; 7:00 PM

More info in newsletter.

 

Pasadena Mobility Workshop in Spanish

When: Thursday, December 1; 6:30 PM

More info in newsletter.

Other Events Around Town

Join LACBC or Renew

 

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition is a member-supported organization that works for you to build a better, more bike-able L.A. County. 

Members are the backbone of LACBC! Help keep LACBC strong by becoming an 
LACBC member (or renewing your membership) and be part of the change!
Contact Information

Carol Feucht
Membership & Communications Manager
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition

[email protected]

Connect with LACBC: www.la-bike.org Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Visit our blog View our photos on flickr View our videos on YouTube