LACBC
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Newsletter

June 20, 2013 

In this issue
CicLAvia - Iconic Wilshire Boulevard Is this Sunday
Spring Street to Remain Green-ish
Bike Updates from Around the County: Bike Lanes Extended on Eagle Rock Blvd.
All Ages Sunday Funday Long Beach Ride: Bike Local, Shop Local
LACBC Bike Valet Returns to Grand Performances
Create the Greenway 2020 Logo Contest
A Recap from Team LACBC at California Climate Ride 2013
Take FREE Bicycle Safety Classes this Summer
Bici Libre Needs Bike Donations and Volunteers
This Week's Tip: Riding with a Group (at CicLAvia)!
What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: Going on a Sweet Ride
Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities
CicLAvia - Iconic Wilshire Boulevard Is this Sunday
CicLAvia
When: Sunday, June 23; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Wilshire Boulevard

No cars, open streets and the opportunity to explore one of the most legendary boulevards in Los Angeles by foot, bike, skates or other non-motorized transport for 
CicLAvia - Iconic Wilshire Boulevard... the most walkable CicLAvia route ever! CicLAvia is open to the public and free of charge. 

 

The CicLAvia - Iconic Wilshire Boulevard route will connect One Wilshire in Downtown Los Angeles to Fairfax Avenue along Miracle Mile. These two anchor hubs will feature pedestrian zones with performers, activities sponsored by several fantastic museums, programming by local community partners, food trucks and more. Additional hubs along the route include MacArthur Park, Koreatown and Mid-Wilshire.

 

Check out some CicLAvia happenings:

Spring Street to Remain Green-ish
  

The beloved Spring Street green bike lane is set to receive a makeover. Wednesday's vote by the City Council scales back a project that was installed in late 2011 to much fanfare and acclaim by downtown residents, bicyclists, and livable streets advocates. Despite steadfast support from Councilmember Huizar and the Downtown LA Neighborhood Council, film industry representatives were able to repeatedly delay the vote and force a compromise.

 

While the outcome is a step backward for the continued revitalization of Spring Street through downtown's Historic Core (the Spring Street Park opened just this week!), the new design is not all bad for bicycling Angelenos. The decision begins the next chapter of the City's green lane pilot program, which tested different designs and materials on Spring Street and on 1st Street in Boyle Heights. As a result, LADOT now has a much better idea how to install green lanes to maximize their effectiveness while minimizing their cost. The compromise design preserves much of the safety benefit of the full green treatment at a fraction of the cost since color is only used at the most important locations. In some ways, the final design on Spring takes the best of both existing pilot green lanes to create a hybrid approach. The savings from the Spring Street repainting will get poured back into bike infrastructure elsewhere in the city, including potentially new green lanes.

 

Please take a moment to thank Councilmember Huizar for being a champion of livable streets in the City of Los Angeles. From bike lanes to parklets to bike corrals, Huizar is leading the charge to reclaim our streets for people. You can email him at [email protected].

 

Read more on the LACBC Blog.

Bike Updates from Around the County: Bike Lanes Extended on Eagle Rock Blvd.
Photo: Severin Martinez / Walk Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock: A new bike lane extension has been striped on Eagle Rock Blvd. from Westdale up to Colorado. Check out Walk Eagle Rock's Flickr for more photos. 

La Brea: New bike lanes have been striped on Hauser, in between 3rd and 6th streets. Be sure to check them out on your way to CicLAvia this Sunday!

Beverly Hills: Next week, work will begin to stripe bike lanes on Burton Way, from Crescent Drive to Clark Dr. on the city's eastern border. Crescent, between Wilshire and Park Way, will get Sharrows, and and a full-on bike lane north of Park Way up to Sunset. Read more on Curbed L.A.
All Ages Sunday Funday Long Beach Ride: Bike Local, Shop Local 
LongBeach
When: Sunday, July 7; Meet at 10:15 a.m., ride at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at Fremont Elementary - E. 4th St. and Termino in Belmont Heights, Long Beach
 
Join LACBC board member and Long Beach native April Economides as she leads this 6-mile ride around Long Beach. Meet on the Fremont Elementary playground, where we'll depart at 10:30 a.m. to ride east on Long Beach's Vista Bike Blvd., Belmont Shore sharrows and Naples' spacious bike lanes to the Sunday Farmer's Market and Whole Foods. Bring your bike basket or panniers to do some local shopping and enjoy a meal discount, compliments of Whole Foods. We'll depart at 12:30 p.m.to ride back to Fremont. Want coffee/pastries before the ride? On 4th and Termino, there's the excellent patisserie Scratch and funky caf� Viento y Agua.

 

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

 

About LACBC: LACBC is a membership-based advocacy organization working to improve the bicycling environment and quality of life in Los Angeles County. Interested in becoming a member? Sign up for membership online or become a member at the ride at a discounted price ($10 off!).

LACBC Bike Valet Returns to Grand Performances this Summer
GrandPerformances
Grand Performances is back, and so is bike valet. Enjoy FREE cultural performances at California Plaza (at 350 S. Grand) and enjoy FREE bike valet for a win-win situation. Find bike valet at the upper entrance on Grand Ave.

Check out the lineup that will include bike valet:
Read more on the Grand Performances blog.
Create the Greenway 2020 Logo Contest

If you participated in the River Ride, you received a goody bag that read, "Greenway 2020: Your logo here?" What exactly does that mean?

The LA River Corp's new campaign, Greenway 2020, seeks to create a continuous Greenway along the LA River by the year 2020. Learn more about the campaign 
here.

L.A. River Corp. is looking for an iconic logo that reflects the spirit of the L.A. River and the possibilities Greenway 2020 represents for L.A. Greenway 2020 would provide Angelenos safe routes for commuting, allow for more access to open space; and promote recreation for the underserved neighborhoods along the River. The logo will be used in Greenway 2020 materials, and serve as the visual representation of our vision. 


Registration is free, but please 
RSVP using this form by July 11th to enter the contest. Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16th. 

More information on the LA River Corp website.

A Recap from Team LACBC at California Climate Ride 2013

Photo courtesy of Lisa Liberati

 

It's been a few weeks since the California Climate Ride passed, and we've caught up with some of Team LACBC's riders. Two of our riders--Greg Laemmle and Michael Rippens--kindly shared their experiences with us and how it was an unforgettable event. Check out some photos as well as a video to see what our team participated in to support bicycle advocacy working towards a more sustainable future on the LACBC blog.

Take a FREE Bicycle Safety Class this Summer

For the summer of 2013, LACBC and Metro are proud to offer a series of FREE bicycle safety classes. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 
 
There will be two different classes to choose from. "Street Cycling Skills" is an in-depth 8-hour course that will teach you how to safely ride in all traffic conditions, check your bike for common mechanical problems, and covers a range of bicycle handling skills including emergency maneuvers. "Bicycling on the Road: Need to Know" is a 3-hour class that covers the essentials of safe riding. All classes are lead by certified instructors and include classroom instruction as well as instruction on the bike. All students will receive a free helmet, bike lights, and educational materials. Pre-registration is required for all classes.

Go to our Bicycle Safety Classes page for more details and to register for a class today! We will be adding more classes throughout the summer, so keep checking back for new dates and locations!
 
For more information on classes offered through the OTS Grant awarded to METRO, please visit the following page.

Bici Libre Needs Bike Donations and Volunteers 


Bici Libre Needs bike donations!  
Bici Libre, LACBC's community bike workshop, needs donations of bicycles for their shop. The shop provides bikes, bike parts, and bike repair educational services for a donation to many people in need in the community. If you have a bike at your house you would like to generously donate to the shop (we will accept any bike, but we especially need road bikes, fixies, hybrids, and cruisers), please bring it by during our open hours or email us if you need to drop off the bike at another time. All donations are tax deductible through LACBC.  

Bici Libre Needs Volunteers!
Bici Libre also needs volunteers! No experience is needed, but come with a willingness to learn bike mechanics and to interact with the community. You may come and volunteer part time or if you choose to volunteer regularly (3 hours per week), you can enjoy the benefits of becoming a volunteer member which entitles you to free used parts for your bike, a chance to have a say in the workings of the space, free use of the space, an LACBC membership, and more! We would love to have you as a volunteer, so stop by soon to learn more and to start volunteering.

Location: 1205 W. 6th St. Los Angeles, 90017 
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays; 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 
Email contact: [email protected]
 

Learn more about Bici Libre atwww.la-bike.org/bicilibre and facebook.com/bicilibre.

This Week's Tip: Riding with a Group (at CicLAvia)!

 CicLAviaTips


CicLAvia is just a few days away. Everyone's getting excited about yet another new route: iconic Wilshire Blvd.  This CicLAvia will have a big emphasis on walking, so if you are still riding, remember to be extra courteous and aware of those who are enjoying CicLAvia on foot. Here are a few reminders to help make sure your time at CicLAvia is all smiles and fond memories. More details are on the CicLAvia website.

  • Slow down and yield to pedestrians. There will be two pedestrian-only zones on the route, so get off your bike and walk in these areas.
  • Ride on the right side of the road. Yes, the road is closed to cars, but you should still ride on the right side of the street to maintain the natural flow.
  • Look before you change direction. Avoid sudden moves and sharp turns - remember there are people all around you. Signal or verbalize your turns.
  • Move to the right before you stop. Don't just stop in the middle of the road - people behind might crash into you.
  • Watch for young children. Expect them to be unpredictable and give them space.
  • Shift down before the up-hill. Make your climb easier and avoid dropping your chain caused by shifting on the hill. If there is a dismount sign for a hill or any location, please respect the sign and dismount.
  • Give space when going downhill. Higher speed means you need more space between you and the person in front of you, just in case they fall.
  • Slow down and relax. It's not a race and there's going to be a crowd. Take it easy and enjoy the day.
  • If you are much slower than other riders, ride further right so they can pass you on the left.
  • Be courteous to others on the road. Be especially courteous to people trying to cross the street on foot. Remember that not everyone is riding a bike.
  • Help the volunteers at soft closures and all along the route. Stop when they ask you to stop.
  • Smile, and have fun!
What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: Going on a Sweet Ride
Bikes & Desserts - Episode 1 of Sweet Ride USA
Bikes & Desserts - Episode 1 of Sweet Ride USA

Do you like 1) riding bikes, 2) eating dessert, and 3) catchy theme songs? Well, there is a show on the Interweb for you. It's called Sweet Ride USA, and it involves eating dessert and burning all the calories off. Hosted by local bicyclist Steve Isaacs, the first episode brings you to the Pub at Golden Road in Atwater for the bread pudding, the Nickel Diner in Downtown L.A. for the bacon donut, and many places in between.
 
The show also features some familiar folks from the bike community, so check out the show. 
Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities
 
Grand Performances
with LACBC Bike Valet
When: Friday, June 21 to Saturday, August 28
More info in newsletter.

 

5% Day at Whole Foods Beverly Hills
When: Saturday, June 22; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Whole Foods Market, Beverly Hills - 239 North Crescent Dr., Beverly Hills, 90210
Help make Los Angeles a more bicycle friendly city, cut down on vehicle emissions, and promote health and well-being. On June 22nd, Whole Foods Market Beverly Hills, will be holding its bi-annual 5% day. 5% of the net sales from this day will be donated directly to the LACBC in support of our efforts to improve Los Angeles! Come on by, get groceries, and support LACBC.  Note to River Riders: if you participated in the River Ride on June 9th, check your goody bag for sfree gelato coupon, to be used at Whole Foods Beverly Hills on Saturday, June 22! See Facebook event.
 
CicLAvia: Iconic Wilshire Boulevard
When: Sunday, June 23; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More info in newsletter.
 
PVBC Bike and Hike
When: Saturday, June 29; 7 a.m.
Where: Claremont Metrolink Station
Local LACBC chapter PVBC is hosting a Bike and Hike to the Fish Canyon Falls in Azusa, which is open just a few months out of the year. Take Metrolink to the ride as the ride will start around 7am at the Claremont Metrolink station at but will stop by the Covina station to pick up any riders there who want a shorter ride. See Facebook Event.
 
The Nutty Ride: 4th of July Family Fun Ride
When: Thursday, July 4; Meet at 8:30 a.m., Ride at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Vons Parking Lot - Lemon Ave. and La Puente Road in Walnut
PVBC is hosting a family fun ride in the City of Walnut. The ride will be a short 7 miles at a mellow pace. Dress you and your bike out in red, white, and blue. See Facebook Event

  

All Ages Sunday Funday Long Beach Ride: Bike Local, Shop Local  
When: Sunday, July 7; Meet at 10:15 a.m.
More info in newsletter.

 

Melrose Art Ride and Party

When: Sunday, July 14; 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where:  Meet at Sunset Triangle for the ride; party is at Ethos Gallery parking lot - 7763 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, 90048)

Join LACBC, Ethos Gallery, and lots of Melrose businesses in celebrating bicycling in LA! There will be a RIDE and a PARTY! The ride meets at 2 p.m. from Sunset Triangle, and rolls out at 2:30 p.m. The party begins at  at 3 p.m. at the Ethos Gallery parking lot. Check back for details on food, drinks, live entertainment, participating businesses, and more! See Facebook event.
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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