LACBC
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Newsletter

February 21, 2013 

In this issue
LACBC's '80s Bike Prom Is this Saturday
Bike the Vote: LA City Council Candidates Submit Surveys
ACTION ITEM: Missed the LA Bike Plan Hearings? Send in Comments by March 4
Bike Updates from around the County: Support Bike Lanes on La Brea
ACTION ITEM: Help Secure Cap and Trade Funding for Safe Routes to School and Bike/Ped
Hollywood Hills Sunday Funday Ride
Greedy Lying Bastards Screening to Benefit LACBC's Climate Ride Team
Welcome to New LACBC Board Members
LACBC Is Hiring an Initiative Coordinator for Active Streets LA
New LACBC Team Kits Available for Order Through March 1st
The 13th Annual Los Angeles River Ride Is on June 9th
This Week's Tip: Bike Lanes, Part 2
What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: CicLAvia is LA's Green Secret
Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities
LACBC's '80s Bike Prom Is this Saturday!
BikeProm

Time to get footloose for a totally gnarly bike prom!

 

Did you skip your actual prom? Are you glad you did or wish you hadn't? Do you long for the Eighties? Or do you wonder what they were like AND what an '80s prom even means?

 

Well, now's your chance to do it up right... on your bicycle!

 

Join LACBC as we get down with the RAD sounds of DJs Kenefunkport, Skramble, and Starskee Suav�There will be: Dancing! A raffle with prizes from Swrve/VeloLove, Golden Saddle Cyclery, Orange 20, Flying Pigeon, C.I.C.L.E., KillRadio.org, the Bike Oven, and more! A photobooth! Bike valet! And the crowning of a Bike Prom King and Queen! '80s prom attire is strongly encouraged.

 

Good Girl Dinette will offer a 15% discount to folks attending the Bike Prom if you want to get dinner beforehand; just show your Eventbrite ticket or LACBC membership card on Saturday, February 23. The Wicked Kitchen food truck will be serving at Bike Prom. Theo Chocolate will also be selling some chocolate treats.

 

LACBC Bike Prom

When: Saturday, February 23; 8 PM - 12 AM

Where: American Legion Hall Post 206 - 227 N. Ave. 55, Los Angeles, 90042 (4 blocks west of the Highland Park Gold Line Station) - map 

 

Purchase your tickets here.

 

Prices are $10 for LACBC members and $15 for nonmembers. Pre-order your tickets by Friday, February 22 at 3 PM. You can also purchase tickets at the door.

 

Interested in volunteering on our Bike Prom Committee? We'll need help with decorations, registration, and bike valet. Please email Martin Lopez-Iu at [email protected] if you're interested in joining the Bike Prom Committee!

Bike the Vote: LA City Council Candidates Submit Surveys

City Council Candidate Surveys

 

Below is your list of leading Los Angeles council candidates. You'll find links to surveys from candidates that have filled out their candidates in the order they were received, followed by the other candidates that have not submitted a survey, listed in alphabetical order

 

Council District 1

Jose A. Gardea

Jesse Rosas

Gil Cedillo

 

Council District 3

Cary Iaccino

Elizabeth Badger

Bob Blumenfield

Joyce J. Pearson

Steven E. Presberg

Scott Silverstein

  

Council District 5

Paul Koretz (incumbent)

Mark Matthew Herd

 

Council District 7

Krystee Clark

Jesse David Barron

Nicole Chase

Felipe Fuentes

 

Council District 9

Terry Hara

Ana Cubas

Manuel Aldanna

Mike Davis

Ron Gochez

Curren D. Price Jr.

David Roberts 

 

Council District 11

Mike Bonin

Odysseus Bostick

Tina Hess

Fred Sutton

 

Council District 13

Michael Schaefer

Josh Post

Mitch O'Farrell

Alex De Ocampo

Robert Haraldson

John J. Choi

Sam Kbushyan

Emile Mack 

Robert Negrete

Octavio Pescador

Jose Sigala

 

Council District 15

Jose Buscaino (incumbent)

James T. Law

  

Candidate Forums for CD 1 and CD11

 

As a reminder, you can view the the entire CD 1 forum on Streetsblog TV. Also, view post-forum interviews with each of the candidates: Gil Cedillo, Jose A. Gardea, and Jesse Rosas

 

You can also view the CD 11 forum on Streetsblog TV. Post-forum interviews with Mike Bonin, Odysseus Bostick, Tina Hess, and Fred Sutton are also up.

 

Mayoral Candidate Surveys

 

Remember to check out the responses of the 5 leading mayoral candidates to our mayoral candidate survey.

ACTION ITEM: Missed the LA Bike Plan Hearings? Send in Comments by March 4

The Los Angeles City Planning Department released the draft Environmental Impact Report for the next 5 years of Bike Lane implementation. This plan covers 39.5 miles of bike lanes.

Due to the passage of A.B. 2245 last year by Governor Brown, the EIR process will not be as lengthy as it has been in the past, but the City will instead be relying on public outreach. That's where you come in. The city needs to hear from you.   

Send in your comments

 

If you haven't been able to make it to any of the four bike plan hearings, fear not! You can still go on record in support of the bike lane projects. Please feel free to use our words or your own in asking for more bike lanes. You can also mention specific projects by name that you particularly want to support. (A map of the projects is here.) 


Send in your comments to David Somers at City Planning at [email protected] by Monday, March 4th, at 5 PM.

 


Dear Departments of Transportation and Planning,

 

As a resident of (insert neighborhood here), I am writing in support of all of the proposed bike lanes under review.  The addition of bike lanes will only help increase safety and mobility options for people to visit prime destinations in the area and commute to work.  If we can make bike riding a safe, welcoming option, then we can relieve congestion, clean the air, and improve all of our health.

 

While I understand that these proposed bike lanes may require the removal of a travel lane, the benefits of bicycle lanes outweigh this cost.  On many of the streets, the bike lanes will reduce motorists speeding through our community to get to destinations elsewhere.  Bike lanes will also help people feel comfortable riding on the street instead of the sidewalk, which is safer for them and safer for pedestrians.  Bike lanes are good for my community, and give me and my neighbors an option to bypass traffic rather than sitting in it.

 

In the end, these bike lanes will make our community feel safer and have more travel options to help people get around on foot or on two wheels.  With adequate infrastructure on our streets, I'd be more willing to ride to work, recreate, and run errands.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Name
Address

If you would like more talking points on benefits of bike lanes and want to modify this letter, please feel free to look at the summary we have generated here.

Bike Updates from around the County: Support Bike Lanes on La Brea

West Hollywood:  The city of West Hollywood is planning redesign of La Brea Ave, and they've switched their plan from installing bike lanes to installing sharrows. It's particularly disappointing because the city of LA plans to stripe bike lanes on its portion of La Brea, and sharrows ont he West Hollywood side will disrupt connectivity. The City of West Hollywood claims that there is not enough room on the WeHo side of the street for bike lanes. 
 
In response, the local LACBC chapter West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition is launching a campaign to get the bike lanes put back into the planContact the City of West Hollywood and let them know that we need bike lanes. The comment period for the Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration closes very soon: 5 PM on Thursday, February 28. Send your comments to Donn Uyeno, P.E. at [email protected].
ACTION ITEM: Help Secure Cap and Trade Funding for Safe Routes to School and Bike/Ped

 

The California Air Resources Board will be holding 3 public hearings to gather input on the investment of cap-and-trade auction proceeds to support the State's effort to reduce the greenhouse gases (GHG) that contribute to climate change. Active transportation offers unique advantages to simultaneous reduce GHG emissions while improving public health, reducing congestion, improving livability and public safety. Increasing investments in Safe Routes to School programs, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and first-last mile connections to public transit will support the goals of AB 32 and SB 375. We encourage the administration to set aside a significant portion of the cap and trade revenues for these purposes.

 

Join us in providing comments to the administration on this important topic. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership has developed the following talking points and nexus document for your use.

 

The Los Angeles hearing will be on February, 27 at 4 PM at the Ronald Reagan Building - Auditorium
300 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, 90013

 

If you cannot attend in person, written comments are encouraged and can be submitted here by March 8th.

Hollywood Hills Sunday Funday Ride

SundayFunday 

March's Sunday Funday will be an exploration of the Hollywood Hills. The 28-mile route involves about 4000 ft of climbing, featuring a climb up above the famous landmark Hollywood sign and photobombing tourists. Along the way, your ride leader Alex Amerri will share history of the Hollywood Hills, perspectives on the development of Los Angeles as a collision of development grids while overlooking dramatic views. This will be a somewhat challenging ride and is recommended for people who like to climb. Roads may be sometimes narrow and in poor condition; excellent bike handling skills are recommended. What goes up must also come down: confidence in descending is also recommended. 

 

When: Sunday, March 3; meet at 8 AM, ride at 8:30 AM

Where: meet in the parking lot of the Wilshire Federal Building in Westwood - 11000 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90024

 

RSVP: To RSVP or volunteer as ride support, please contact Carol Feucht, LACBC Membership & Communications Director, at [email protected].

About Sunday Fundays: Sunday Funday Rides are free to LACBC members plus one guest. Interested in becoming a member? Sign up for membership online  or become a member at the ride at a discounted price.

Greedy Lying Bastards Screening to Benefit LACBC's Climate Ride Team
GreedyLying
When: Monday, March 4; 7:30 PM
Where: Laemmle Music Hall9036 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Laemmle Theaters is generously offering an advanced benefit screening of the film Greedy Lying Bastards! They are donating 100% of ticket sales to LACBC's Climate Ride Team! Filmmaker Craig Rosebraugh will be present for the Q & A after the screening. Climate Ride's Blake Holiday will also be on-hand.

Tickets are $15, and 100% of all ticket sales to benefit Climate Ride California and LACBC. 

Purchase your tickets here.

One Earth Productions, in association with Executive Producer Daryl Hannah, is proud to present Director Craig Rosebraugh's timely and provocative documentary film, Greedy Lying Bastards. The film details the debunking, defunding, and denial of the effects of global warming financed by multinational oil conglomerates. For more info on the film, check out www.greedylyingbastards.com. Film opens March 8th at Laemmle Monica 4 and elsewhere. 

Welcome, New LACBC Board Members

Welcome to our new LACBC Board Members! They are:

April Economides
April is the principal of Green Octopus Consulting and created the nation's first Bike-Friendly Business District program for the City of Long Beach. She helped launch similar efforts in San Diego, Oakville, and several other cities and is asked to speak around the U.S. and Canada on Bike-Friendly Business Districts and The Business Case for Bicycling. Her goal is to increase the number of people who choose a bike, in place of a car, for transportation. She recently accepted the position of General Manager of Bike Nation's Long Beach bike share program, set to roll out in 2013. She holds an MBA in Sustainable Management and has been a car-free bike commuter most of her life. In addition to zipping around Long Beach and Los Angeles on her single speed, she and her daughter ride around on their "bike limo" - the fancy name they gave their tandem.

Kevin Hopps
Kevin has been a bike rider since he was three. Unfortunately, his first outing on his tricycle resulted in losing a front tooth when he plunged head first off a sidewalk curb. Fortunately, a new tooth soon filled the gap in his smile and he continued to cycle. After becoming a member of LACBC in 2010, he found himself wanting to become more involved, and in 2012 he jumped at the chance to join LACBC's Bike Ambassador program. He is a writer (mostly of TV animation, although he has dabbled in sit-coms and comic books over the years). A San Fernando Valley native and a graduate of California State University Northridge, Kevin continues to live in the Valley with his dreams of making Los Angeles a better place to bicycle and with his four little adorable bikes.

Trent Strong
Trent currently works as a software engineer for OkCupid Labs, a distinct outfit spun off from OkCupid that uses data science and machine learning technology to bridge gaps between people and ideas. Since moving to Los Angeles after leaving his physics PhD, he has worked in a variety of software companies small and large, and he's biked to every job he's held!  Trent is excited to be on the board for several reasons, including using technology to connect riders together and with the resources and initiatives of LACBC, as well as the opportunity to share his own personal experience and inspiration as an urban cyclist in Los Angeles. 
LACBC is Hiring an Initiative Coordinator for Active Streets LA

 

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition is looking to hire an Initiative Coordinator for an exciting new partnership with LADOT and TRUST South LA called "Active Streets LA."

 

The Initiative Coordinator is responsible for the management and delivery of the Active Streets LA Scope of Work, including the creation of a Bicycle-Friendly Street toolbox, coordination of community events and rides, and communication of initiative objectives to stakeholders. S/he will build partnerships with diverse individuals, community-based and neighborhood organizations, and local businesses to advocate for improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure on neighborhood streets. The initiative will be specifically focused on improving active transportation infrastructure in low-income communities with high rates of obesity. S/he will also be responsible for representing the perspective of LACBC and the broader bicycling community.

 

Please the see the full job description for more information about this position and LACBC.

 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three writing samples in one PDF file to: Eric Bruins, Planning & Policy Director, Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, at [email protected]. The PDF file shall be named as follows: [LastName]_HEAL.pdf.

 

Applications will be accepted until Thursday, March 7th, at 5:00 p.m. PST. Applications must be submitted in the format indicated in order to be considered. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged with an email reply. Interviews will be conducted on or after March 11th. The position will be filled no later than April 1st.

 

Visit www.la-bike.org for more information about the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition.The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition is an equal opportunity employer: people of color, LGBT, and women are highly encouraged to apply.

New LACBC Team Kits Available for Order Through March 1st

For the past few years, we've put together limited edition runs of cycling clothes - also called 'kits' - that have been highly sought after, and we are proud to announce that we have a new kit design for 2013! In order to make things easier on our busy staff, we set up a separate website where you can browse the product designs and place an order.

 

This year we are working with high quality manufacturers Capo Cycling and DeFeet who will be producing the clothing from their upper-range lines - yet we've managed to keep our prices incredibly low! Prices are nearly half those of what you'll find in retail shops! What is available? Jerseys both short and long sleeve, vests, jackets, arm warmers, knee warmers, socks, bibs, shorts, and more!

 

Check it out at teamlacbc.org!

 

Act soon as the order window closes on Friday, March 1st, 2013! Delivery is expected for early May, and there may not be a second order in the future!

 

Doing the Climate Ride for LACBC or interested? Raise $500 by March 1st, and you will receive a free top and bottom (jersey and shorts/bibs). Contact Kelly Martin at [email protected] to find out more.

13th Annual Los Angeles River Ride on June 9th

Mark your calendars! We have a little under 4 months until LACBC's biggest ride returns on Sunday, June 9th. Perhaps your goal for 2013 is to ride a Century or to get your whole family out on bike ride together. Let us help!
RiverRide
13th Annual Los Angeles River Ride
When: Sunday, June 9, 2013
Where: Start at the Autry Center at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park

The Los Angeles River Ride is:
  • 8 great rides for all ages and abilities! We have a 100-mile Century, 70-mile ride, 70-mile Reverse Ride (starting in Long Beach and ending there), 50-mile, 36-mile, 25-mile Reverse Ride (from Long Beach), 15-mile Family Ride, and Kids' Bike Rodeo. All rides are supported with volunteer ride marshals.
  • A great way to explore the Los Angeles River and Los Angeles as a whole. This County is more connected than you think, and LA really does have a river. Learn more about what Los Angeles has to offer on this ride. 
  • LACBC's biggest fundraiser. Your registration fees help us work for a better, more bike-able LA County. Want to do more? Sign up for LACBC membership with your River Ride registration and get $10 off the regular membership price.

Registration is now open! Learn more about the River Ride at la-bike.org/riverride.

This Week's Tip: Bike Lanes, Part 2

Last week we gave you part 1 of our bike lane tips. Here's part 2 of 2, things you should know when riding in a bike lane.
  • Always be alert for drivers who might turn left or right in front of you or that might cross your path from a side street or driveway.
  • Many bike lanes are placed adjacent to street parking, which means the lane is at least partially in the door zone, depending on the size and position of the parked vehicles.
    • The minimum width of bike lanes next to parking is 5 feet.  
    • It's best to ride on the left side of the bike lane to maintain at least a 3 foot buffer between you and parked cars.
  • When riding in a bike lane next to slow-moving bumper-to-bumper traffic:
    • Slow down and be alert for gaps between cars where a left-turning vehicle might cross your path. That driver can't see you as well due to the heavy traffic.
    • Also be alert for right-turning vehicles whose driver may suddenly decide to turn down a side street or into a driveway. As a cue, look for their front wheel to turn or for a turn signal.
What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: CicLAvia Is LA's Green Secret

LA's Green Secrets  - CicLAvia
LA's Green Secrets - CicLAvia
Fact: Los Angeles is so much more lovable on a bike.

Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa knows this, and this morning he held a bike-filled press conference at LA City Hall to celebrate the 2-year anniversary of the LA Bike Plan and 123 miles of bikeways installation since the Bike Plan has been in play.

Additionally, the route for the April 21st CicLAvia to the Sea was announced. To remind ourselves of why we love CicLAvia, check out this video from the Mayor's office on CicLAvia as one of LA's Green secrets. We love that the video doesn't just remind us of why riding a bike is good for the environment; it also reminds us of how much more fun it is to explore LA on a bike!
Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities

 

C.I.C.L.E.'s Wild, Wild West Chatsworth Ride

When: Saturday, February 23; 10 AM

Where: Chatsworth Metrolink Station - 10046 Old Depot Plaza Road, Chatsworth

Four legs and two wheels! Join C.I.C.L.E. for a western themed ride through Chatsworth and share the road with more than just cars! Grab your hats, boots, chaps and lassos for this dusty, western ride! More info.

 

LACBC Bike Prom
When: Saturday, February 23; 8 PM
More info in newsletter.
 
LA Chinatown Firecracker Run and Bike Ride
When: Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24
Where: Chinatown
Bike the 20-mile or 30-mile bike ride, or run the 5K or 10K run. LACBC's bike valet will be available once again after the bike ride on Saturday. Also, if you sign up to participate, make sure to add that LACBC referred you so that part of your registration fee will benefit LACBC. More info at firecracker10k.org.
 
UCLA Complete Streets Conference
When: Thursday, February 28; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with 5 PM reception and 7 PM keynote address
Where: Doubletree by Hilton - 120 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, 90012 The day-long conference will highlight recent accomplishments, explore new research, and present implementation examples and benchmarks to create multi-use street environments that promote vibrant, healthy and active communities. The conference will provide information on Complete Streets issues for planners, elected and appointed public officials, engineers, non-profit organizations, advocates, consultants, students and others involved in the Complete Streets field. Register here.
 
Sunday Funday Ride through the Hollywood Hills
When: Sunday, March 3; Meet at 8:00 AM, Ride at 8:30 AM
More info in newsletter.
 
Greedy Lying Bastards Screening to Benefit LACBC Climate Ride Team
When: Monday, March 4; 7:30 PM
More info in newsletter.
 
Spring Street Parklets Study
When: Sunday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 26
Where: Spring Street (in between 6th and 7th Streets), Downtown Los Angeles
The Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC) is seeking volunteers to help conclude the Spring Street Parklet Impact Study. Using classic techniques, you will survey public life to help understand how these new public spaces create change in our neighborhoods. Volunteers will count pedestrians and cyclists, conduct interviews and map user activities. Volunteers will receive a a gift certificate to a local cafe, and a citation in the final report. Shifts are on: Sunday, March 24 from 8-10 AM, 12-2 PM, and5-7 PM and Tuesday, March 26 from 8-10 AM, 12-2 PM, and 5-7 PM. Orientation sessions are on session first: Sat, 3/23 3 pm and Sun 3/24 thru Sat, 3/30 10-11 am, 12-1pm, 2-3pm, 4-5pm. Sign up here. Questions? Email [email protected].
 
13th Annual Los Angeles River Ride
When: Sunday, June 9
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 Director
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition

[email protected]

 

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