LACBC
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Newsletter

April 19, 2012 

In this issue
Thanks for CicLAvia 04.15.12
Bike Share Is Coming to Los Angeles
Celebrate Bike Month in May
ACTION ALERT: We Need Triple Bike Racks
Making Our Streets Safer - Addressing Hit & Runs
Bike Infrastructure & Policy Updates from Around the County
LACBC Presents the 12th Annual Los Angeles River Ride on June 10th
What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: "I Was Slightly Speeding"
Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities
Thanks for CicLAvia 04.15.12
You came, you bikes, you walked, you skated, you ran, you segwayed, you had fun! Thanks to all the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and attendees who made this past CicLAvia on Sunday possible! The Los Angeles Times estimates that 100,000 people came out, but it sure felt like a lot more.
 
Thanks to everyone who came out to our booth in MacArthur Park and proclaimed "Give Me 3." We have photos from our booth, as well as some great photography from Andrew Wong and Peter Thai of WYTe Studios, on our Facebook Fan Page.
 
Check out some recent CicLAvia videos and vote on your favorite CicLAvideo. Read some write-ups from Militant Angeleno, Breaking Muscle, KABC 7, and several from Streetsblog.
 
Lastly, save the date for the next CicLAvia on Sunday, October 14. We can't wait!  
Bike Share Is Coming to Los Angeles
Photo: Nate Berg, Atlantic Cities
 
At Sunday's CicLAvia kick-off press conference, Mayor Villaraigosa announced plans for a bike share program that will put 4,000 bikes and 400 kiosks throughout the City. This will be the country's second largest bike sharing network. Bike Nation USA, a start-up bike share company based in Southern California, will privately fund and operate the $16 million project. We think bike sharing can really bring a lot to the City and greatly increase the number of people who use bicycles, especially for short trips, and introduce both Angelenos and tourists to bicycling in Los Angeles.

 

Currently Bike Nation plans to roll out their bike share system in downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Playa del Rey, Westwood, and Venice Beach with the next 12 to 24 months.
 
We're excited to hear this news, but with this bike share program, we hope to encourage connectivity, usefully located docking stations determined by ridership as opposed to media impressions, and top-notch bike infrastructure in Los Angeles to complement the program.
 
Read more about the bike share program on the LACBC blog.
Celebrate Bike Month in May
 
We know that every month is Bike Month, but May has been designated by the powers that be as the official Bike Month. We'll be adding to the Bike Month calendar in the coming weeks, but here are a few already schedules events to look forward to:
 
Metro Bike Week LA 2012 Events
  • Monday, May 14 - Kick-off Event at Expo Park/USC Station, 10 AM
  • Tuesday, May 15 - 9th Annual Blessing of the Bicycles at Good Samaritan Hospital, 8 AM
  • Wednesday, May 16 - Expo/Mid-City Bike Ride starts at Expo Park/USC Station, 8 AM
  • Thursday, May 17 Bike to Work Day - Free rides, pit stops and more!
  • Friday, May 18 Bike to School Day - Support your local school! 

Bike to Work Day - Host a Pit Stop!

Register your school, workplace, or organization to host a bicycle pit stop on Bike to Work day! You provide the space, and Metro will send you a pit stop kit with Clif bars, patch kits, bike maps, and more. For more information, visit www.metro.net/bikes/bike-week, or contact Sarah Tseng at [email protected] or (213) 922-5634.

 

Also check out Bike Week Pasadena presented by C.I.C.L.E. and the City of Pasadena.

ACTION ALERT: We Need Triple Bike Racks

In February we included an Action Alert in this newsletter regarding getting legislation introduced in Sacramento to make it possible for transit agencies across the state to install triple bike racks on buses of all sizes. Unfortunately legislation was not introduced, but we are not giving up hope. We are working with the Transit Coalition to draw attention to how important this issue to people who bicycle and use transit in Los Angeles County. 

We need your help! Please email Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal and Bob Blumenfield with this simple form. They both represent communities is LA County and are on the Assembly Transportation Committee. Take a moment to contact them today and let's increase bike capacity on our buses!

Background: Bike racks on buses are filling up, but current state law prohibits objects that extend too far from the front of a bus. Although several bus agencies already have triple bike racks, these are technically in violation of the law. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and the California Highway Patrol have come up with a legislative solution that would maintain safety while allowing triple bike racks on buses. Now is the time our elected representatives need to step up and introduce Metro's bill so that stakeholders can discuss it, perhaps tweak it, and enable it to get passed.
Making Our Streets Safer - Addressing Hit & Runs

All to often, we hear about a person biking or walking in Los Angeles who has been injured or worse, killed by a car that fled the scene of the crash. Hit-and-runs make up roughly a 1/3 of all traffic collisions in Los Angeles and affect all Angelenos no matter what mode of transportation we use. In 2011 alone, there were over 18,800 hit-and-run collisions in the city. Five hundred and fourteen involved a person riding a bicycle, and another 759 involved pedestrians; over 12,880 involved another motor vehicle. Hit-and-run collisions resulted in the deaths of 36 Angelenos in 2011; 72% of those were people who were walking or riding their bicycles on the streets of Los Angeles at the moment they were hit. Hit-and-runs destroy peoples' lives and property. Currently the LAPD does not know how many of those 18,800+ hit-and-run collisions were solved or how many were prosecuted. (all statistics from LAPD)
 
We are working with others in the bicycle community, most notably Don "Roadblock" Ward and partner organizations like Los Angeles Walks, to call attention to this issue. And we want to work with you to share your stories with LAPD leadership and city leadership. We've created a form to collect your hit and run experience and how it was handled.
 
Help us make sure LAPD and the City of Los Angeles respond to and fully investigate all cases where a person walking or bicycling is hit no matter the type or severity of injury, collect data and report on the number of investigations leading to the identification of a driver and the number of cases that lead to legal action, and introduce legislation in Sacramento that will strengthen penalties for people caught committing a hit-and-run. We'll help keep you posted about upcoming Police Commission, City Council, and other meetings where you can share your experience. Together we can help curb the hit-and-run epidemic in the City of Los Angeles.

Bike Infrastructure & Policy Updates from Around the County

 

Pomona: The City of Pomona is having its first Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and Bike Master Plan ( BMP) next Thursday April 26th from 6-8pm at Ganesha Community Center on 1575 N White Ave in Pomona. This Committee is looking for input on: routes used for cycling, destinations, barriers, constraints and concerns related to cycling and walking, enhancement and improvement ideas, and input on bicycling facilities and parking. You can also leave comments here.

 

Beverly Hills: Beverly Hills is holding a second public outreach meeting next Wednesday,
April 25th at 7 pm to solicit input on the city's first-ever cycling-friendly improvement program. Better Bike Beverly Hills welcomes your attendance and especially your written comments to remind the city that safe streets for cycling matters. On the agenda: the four routes identified for possible improvements that will be of interest to Westside cyclists. They are: Charleyville Drive, the most direct connection between La Cienega and Century City; Beverly Drive, the city's commercial spine; and Crescent and Carmelita drives (the latter are the city's preferred routes).

Should the city move forward on all four routes, we'll have the kernel of a bike network. Want to comment? Please review the PowerPoint presentation, map of routes, and the Pilot program feasibility study at the city's website.

This Pilot needs all the community boost it can get. And let's not pass up our opportunity to tell the Traffic & Parking Commission on May 9th that it's time we moved beyond our 1977-era bicycle Master plan! Forward comments to the city at [email protected] and to Better Bike at [email protected].

 

Elysian Valley: Councilmember Tom LaBonge will host a 5K Fun Run on Sunday, May 6, in celebration of the Los Angeles River. The running route stretches from Los Feliz in Atwater Village along the Los Angeles River bike path before turning around at Marsh Park at 2960 Marsh Street. Cyclists should note the closure of the Los Angeles River bike path from 4 AM until 11 AM on Sunday, May 6. 

 

Glendale, Honolulu Road Buffet: Last month, the City Council approved the test-case conversion of Honolulu Avenue from 4 travel lanes to 3 travel lanes to create a "road diet" (or "road buffet" to more accurately describe the scrumptious options if offers to all modes of travel) between Orangedale Avenue and approximately Whiting Woods Road. This road buffet will include bike lanes in each direction. A first community outreach happened this week, and while there was visible support for the project, several community members spoke in opposition to the project. A second community outreach meeting will be held on Thursday, April 26, at 7 PM, and this project needs your support for a safer Honolulu Avenue for all! More info.

LACBC Presents the 12th Annual Los Angeles River Ride on June 10th

  

Join us for LACBC's biggest fundraiser and biggest ride of the year! The Los Angeles River Ride is:

  • 6 great rides! Choose from a 100-mile, 70-mile, 50-mile, 36-mile, and 15-mile rides, as well as a kids' safety rodeo. Kids 12 and under ride for free!
  • A new way to explore the LA River! Spot a heron. Discover a new park. Learn where the LA River Bike Path will take you.
  • A way to to support LACBC and help build a better, more bike-able LA County! Your River Ride registration fees, LACBC membership dues, and donations help support LACBC and make your ride safer and more enjoyable.
RiverRide12th Annual Los Angeles River Ride
When: Sunday, June 10th, 2012
Where: start at Autry National Center, Griffith Park (map)
Register by May 15th and save $10.
LACBC members save an additional $10.

  

How to sign up now:

  

1.  Register online at Active.com

 

2.  Download the River Ride Registration Form (PDF).

  • Fax it to 213-629-2259 if paying by credit card.
  • Or, mail it to:

LACBC

Attn: River Ride

634 S. Spring Street, Suite 821

Los Angeles, CA 90014

 

If you have general questions, contact our River Ride Director JJ Hoffman at [email protected].

Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities

  

Monterey Park Earth Day Bike Ride
When: Saturday, April 21; 7:00 AM
Where: Monterey Park City Hall - 320 W. Newmark Ave.Monterey Park
The City of Monterey Park hosts the 2nd Annual MP Earth Day Bike Ride featuring a 6-mile family ride and a 13-mile hilly ride. Event is free, but registration is required. See Facebook Event. 
 
Los Angeles Walks Karaoke Fundraiser
When: Saturday, April 21; 7:00 PM
Where: Atwater Crossing - 3245 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles
Sing your favorite walking songs, bid on great auction items, and support Los Angeles Walks! Register here and see Facebook event.
 
Bike Campus Opening in Santa Monica
When: Sunday, April 22; 12:30 PM
Where: the campus is located adjacent to the Beach Bike Trail, west of the intersection of Ocean Park Boulevard and Barnard Way in Santa Monica
Celebrate the opening of Santa Monica's New Bike Campus--a facility where people can learn and practice street skills and bike handling skills in a safe environment--with festivities and education. There will be a Beach Bike Rodeo aimed at middle school students and their parents, bike safety checks, and different bike skill stations. Santa Monica Spoke will host another "Ride the BAP" to see and discuss more of the recent and upcoming bike infrastructure implementations. Learn more at SMSpoke.org.

 

Earth Day Ride: Connect the Dots - WeHo to LACMA's Earth Day Event
Meet-up at West Hollywood Park
When: Sunday, April 22; meet at 11 AM, ride at 11:30 AM
Where: West Hollywood Park (Melrose & San Vicente) grassy courtyard in front of library entrance
Meet-up at Plummer Park
When: Sunday April 22; 11:50 AM
Where: Plummer Park (Santa Monica Blvd. & Martel) community center entrance
Join the West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition on a family-friendly ride to the Earth Day celebration at LACMAWe will start at West Hollywood Park and make our way to Plummer Park as our first stop. We'll pick up folks at Plummer Park and make our way to LACMA. The ride will be about 5 miles from West Hollywood Park to LACMA.For those who want to return with a group, we will decide when and where to meet back up, once we get to LACMA. More info.
 
Earth Day at LACMA
with LACBC Bike Valet
When: Sunday, April 22; 12 PM - 5PM
Where: LA County Museum of Art - 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036
Celebrate Earth Day with all kinds of earth-friendly activities including a screening of "Riding Bikes with the Dutch" and a bike photo booth. If you ride your bike or use a non-motorized vehicle for transportation, you'll get free admission. More info. 
 
23rd Annual La Gran Limpieza: The Great Los Angeles River Cleanup
When: Saturday, April 28; 9 AM to 12 PM
Where: along the LA River
Friends of the Los Angeles River will host The 23rd Annual La Gran Limpieza: The Great Los Angeles River CleanupThere are four river cleanup sites that take place along the river bike path: Balboa Blvd in Sepulveda Basin, and in Elysian Valley there is Marsh Street, Knox Avenue and Oros Street. Bicyclists, expect trash volunteers at those river sites! Also, FOLAR is seeking 2 volunteers per site to act as flaggers to alert bicyclists and to help keep the bike path clear of volunteers. Call 323-223-0585, if you're interested in volunteering.
 
'Square Is How We Roll' Fundraiser for the Bicycle Kitchen
When: Saturday, April 28; 9 PM to 12 PM
Where: Nomad Studios - 1993 Blake Avenue, Los Angeles, 90039 (Frogtown)
Join the Bicycle Kitchen for a big ol' FUNdraising square dance! Tunes furnished by Triple Chicken Foot and The Stoney Point Sword Swallowers. Dances will be called by Susan Michaels. A $10 donation will be requested at the door. All the money will go towards helping the Bicycle Kitchen buy its very own building! See Facebook event.
 
All Aboard Sunday Funday Ride
When: Sunday, May 6; Meet at 10 AM, Ride at 10:30 AM
Where: Meet at Union Station front courtyard -  800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles
Save the date for our upcoming train-themed Sunday Funday Ride. Led by board member Greg Laemmle, this 25-mile ride will explore local train stations and Griffith Park's Travel Town. More info.

 

Montrose Historical Bike Ride
When: Saturday, May 12; Meet at 10 AM, ride at 10:30 AM
Where: Meet at Montrose Bike Shop - 2501 Honolulu Avenue, Montrose
Join Walk Bike Glendale, Montrose Patch, Montrose Bike Shop, Glendale Historical Society, Glendale Community Services & Parks, and Glendale Public Works Department for a family friendly bike ride in Montrose as we make stops at historical landmarks along the way. The ride will go at an easy pace and be fun for all ages and skill levels! Roughly 7-10miles. See Facebook event.

  

12th Annual Los Angeles River Ride
When: Sunday, June 10
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