LACBC
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Newsletter

March 27, 2014

In this issue
Shop at Whole Foods Woodland Hills this Sunday to Support LACBC, Plus Rides, Raffle, Races, Refreshments, and more
Active Streets L.A. Community Mapping Ride Is this Sunday
MyFigueroa Update
Early Registration for Finish the Ride Ends March 31, Hit-and-Run Vigil at March 28 Critical Mass
CicLAvia Sunday Funday and a Feeder Ride from USC
ACTION ALERT: Stop Hit-and-Runs in California! Sign the Petition
Updates from Around the County: Beverly Hills Goes Back to Santa Monica Blvd. Discussion
Next Community Planning Forums in Boyle Heights and Westwood
LACBC Members Save at Donut Friend in Highland Park
Fundraise for LACBC through the 14th Annual Los Angeles River Ride on June 22nd
Meet one of our Climate Riders - Aaron Ratliff
What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: Sweet Ride USA Gets the Bicycling Magazine Treatment
Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities

Shop at Whole Foods Woodland Hills this Sunday to Support LACBC, Plus Rides, Raffle, Races, Refreshments, and More

WholeFoods 

When: Sunday, March 30; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where:
Whole Foods - 
21347 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91364 
  


We are excited that Whole Foods Woodland Hills has selected LACBC to a beneficiary of their 5% Community Giving program on March 30th! 5% of the day's sales go to LACBC. Aside from simply shopping at Whole Foods Woodland Hills that day (Whole Foods is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.), we are also programming:
  1. Bike rides to help get you to the store - RSVP at [email protected]
    1. From Reseda (West Valley Regional Library parking lot (Vanowen and Vanalden)
      • meetup at 10:30 a.m.; take off at 10:45 a.m.
    2. From Chatsworth (Orange Line bike path at Parthenia)
      • meetup at 10:30 a.m.; take off at 10:45 a.m.
  2. A cargo bike drag race in the parking lot
  3. Raffling off a Tern cargo bike
  4. Free food and refreshments

A huge thanks to Whole Foods Woodland Hills and Ride Reseda for partnering with us on the feeder rides! Get updates on the Facebook event or see the full flyer here.   

Next Active Streets L.A. Event Is a Community Mapping Ride
ActiveStreets
Join LACBC, Trust South L.A., and the LADOT Bike Program for the next Active Streets event: a community mapping ride. The afternoon will be filled with neighborhood exploration as we build a map of the community's infrastructure along the Budlong Ave corridor.

When: Sunday, March 30; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Vermont Square Library - 1201 W. 48th St., Los Angeles, CA 90037


Active Streets LA empowers communities to create safe walking and bicycling routes to parks, schools, and local businesses along their neighborhood streets.

Active Streets LA is a partnership of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, TRUST South LA, and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation with funding through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
MyFigueroa Update - Progress!

Tuesday's PLUM meeting saw a groundswell of support as committee members voted to push
MyFigueroa forward and not decoupling the cycle track onto Flower.  Not only did all nearby Neighborhood Councils support the move but business interests along the corridor and dozens of community members came to speak.  Urgency to move the project forward was made clear by various stakeholders who cited funding concerns, safety, and exhausting alternative proposals.  For a full detail of what transpired, check out our blog post on Tuesday's PLUM meeting.


           
Our biggest champion at the meeting


Join the grassroots Keep MyFig On Track Facebook Group for updates and future action alerts.

Early Registration for Finish the Ride Ends March 31
Hit-and-Run Vigil to be Held at March 28 Critical Mass

 FinishTheRide 

On Sunday, February 17th, 2013, Damian Kevitt and his wife were riding their bikes around Griffith Park when someone driving a light colored mini-van struck Damian and pinned him underneath. Damian suffered road burns and lost his right leg and has since vowed to Finish the Ride that he started on that day.

 

Please join Damian on Finish the Ride on April 27th.
Rides include a 6-mile ride, a 12-mile ride, and a 23-mile ride.

 

Finish the Ride benefiting LACBC and Challenged Atheletes

When: Sunday, April 27; registration starts at 6:30 a.m.

Where: start at Fountain Ave at L Ron Hubbard Way in East Hollywood 

 

Register by March 31st to save money on registration!

 

Damian and Finish the Ride have been working to curb the prevalence of hit-and-runs locally. Damian, Assemblymember Mike Gatto, Justin Hager from Gatto's office, and JJ Hoffman of LACBC were on Bike Talk two weeks ago to discuss the ride and what we can do to make our streets safer. Listen in at BikeTalk.com.

 

Next Critical Mass to Honor Hit-and-Run Victims

 

The L.A. Critical Mass Ride on March 28th will be dedicated to all victims of hit-and-runs.  This is part of a national grassroots movement of bicycle clubs and rides all over the US riding to raise awareness and demand change in this ever worsening epidemic, in which Southern California is ground zero. 

 
This is not the first L.A. Critical Mass ride done to raise awareness of hit and run accidents. In March 2013, L.A. Critical Mass rode in honor of Damian Kevitt and all hit-and-run victims. This was while Damian was still in the hospital recovering from massive injuries including an amputated right leg and several dozen broken bones after being dragged nearly a quarter mile by a hit and run driver near Griffith Park. This time Damian Kevitt will be riding with L.A. Critical Mass. 

There will be a stop along the route, with media attending, for a song and candle light vigil to raise awareness of those who no longer are with us due to a hit-and-run crashes. The song will be sung by blues and soul recording artist April Snow.

If you yourself have been involved in a hit-and-run accident of any sort or you know of someone who has been involved in one or family of a hit-and-run victim, we want you at the vigil, even if you can't ride. 

Join Damian Kevitt and thousands of others across Southern California for not only a fun and great social ride but a movement to make the streets safe for all people of Southern California.
 
Critical Mass Hit-and-Run Vigil 
When: Friday, March 28; ride meets at 6:30 and rolls at 7:29 sharp
Where: Start at NE corner of Wilshire & Western in LA (at the Purple Line Metro Station)

For more information on the vigil itself, contact Damian Kevitt at [email protected]. For more information about LA Critical Mass, visit LACriticalMass.org.
CicLAvia Sunday Funday Hollywood feeder ride + another from USC

Silver Lake > Hollywood > Wilshire

When: Sunday, April 6, meet at 9 a.m., ride at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Meet at Sunset Triangle (Sunset Blvd. and Edgecliffe Dr.)

Spread the word and RSVP on Facebook.  

 

This month's Sunday Funday will be a ride to get you from Silver Lake/Echo Park/Hollywood to Ciclavia safely!  Join us on a short 6-mile ride along Hollywood Blvd. and Vine, both streets that are proposed for bike lanes in the city's year 2 round of bike lane projects.  

 

USC > Wilshire

When:  Sunday, April 6, meet at 10:45 am

Where:  Southern end of Trousdale Parkway on campus, right next to the entrance of the Expo Park/USC expo line station, in front of the Mudd Hall of Philosophy.

Led by our own local chapter USC Bicycle Coaliiton.  FB link here.

 

Once we get you there, bike, walk, run, skip, play, and eat. Find LACBC's booth at the One Wilshire Hub, as well as around the route with our Rolling Advocacy Trailer. New Belgium will also be having a CicLAvia Scavenger Photohunt, and for each clue sheet turned in, $5 will be donated to LACBC and CICLE.

ACTION ALERT: Stop Hit-and-Runs in California! Sign the Petition
action
Please sign our statewide petition to stop hit-and-runs in California!

AB 1532, Assemblymember Mike Gatto's bill to take back the drivers' licenses of motorists who flee the scene of a crash, recently passed the assembly's Public Safety Committee. While revoking the drivers' licenses of hit-and-run motorists may not seem like big deal, it is very telling that hit-and-run motorists don't automatically have their licenses revoked already.

In the City of Los Angeles, 20,000 hit-and-run crashes occur annually, resulting in over 4,000 injuries. Of those injuries, 150 are severe or fatal, and people walking and biking are disproportionately affected, accounting for 75% of those severe injuries and deaths.

 

Los Angeles is at the center of a larger statewide problem that needs to be addressed throughout California. The chance of someone being penalized for a hit-and-run crime, even if the perpetrator is caught, is so low that it is often worth the risk.

 

We call on the California State Legislature and Governor to revoke driving privileges of hit-and-run drivers and to increase penalties to remove the incentive to flee when drunk.

 

We call on law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to treat hit-and-run collisions like the violent crimes that they are by regularly reporting statistics, allocating adequate resources for investigations, and imposing appropriate penalties on perpetrators.

Updates from Around the County: Beverly Hills Goes Back to Santa Monica Blvd. Discussion on April 1stSantaClarita

Beverly Hills:  On April 1st Beverly Hills City Council will again consider project options for Santa Monica Boulevard reconstruction. In early March, Council debated the inclusion of bicycle lanes on the city's segment of the corridor, but a majority indicated opposition. That discussion came as city staff projected a doubling of the costs (to $35 million). Given the cost uncertainty, and conflicting information about various aspects of the project, Council deferred action until April 1st

While it doesn't look good for bicycle lanes, advocates do want to make sure street safety remains central to the project discussion. Let's remind Mayor Lili Bosse and Vice Mayor Julian Gold that earlier direction to our Blue-Ribbon design committee indicated Council consensus to incorporate complete streets principles into the corridor's redesign. Let's hold Council to that pledge. Contact City Council at [email protected] or by phone at 310-285-1013.

Feel free to contact Mark Elliot of BetterBike.org with any questions or comments: [email protected].  

Los Angeles: In 2011, the City of Los Angeles approved a Bike Plan and Implementation Strategy. As implementation of the Bike Plan continues, there's an increased awareness city-wide regarding the timeline for the Bike Plan. In order to help answer general questions about the Bike Plan, the City of Los Angeles - Department of City Planning will host a "Bike Plan Primer" online on April 17, 2014; from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Get more information at thelabikeplan.org.
Next Community Planning Forums in Boyle Heights and Westwood
 PlanningForum

The Plan for a Healthy Los AngelesMobility Plan 2035, and the re:code LA have teamed up to offer seven community planning forums, where residents give feedback on the proposed vision for the city's future. As Los Angeles prepares for the urban challenges of the 21st century, health and mobility are important to ensure that every Angeleno has the opportunity to thrive. Please check out the LACBC blog for more information.

 

EAST

When: Saturday, March 29; 9 a.m. - 12 noon

Where: Boyle Heights City Hall - 2130 E. First St., LA 90033

 

WEST

When: Wednesday, April 2; 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Where: Westwood United Methodist Church - 10497 Wilshire Blvd., LA 90024

 

SOUTH VALLEY

When: Saturday, April 5; 9 a.m. - 12 noon

Where: Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center - 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys 91401

 

HARBOR

When: Saturday, April 12; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Peck Park Community Center - 560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro 90732

LACBC Members Save at Donut Friend in Highland Park
DonutFriend
We would like to welcome Donut Friend in Highland Park to our Business Partnership! Donut Friend offers 10% off to all LACBC members.

Donut Friend encourages you to add your own donut toppings and make your own donut creations. It is located at 5107 York Blvd. Find them on Facebook.

Find more discounts for members at la-bike.org/discounts.
Fundraise for LACBC at the 14th Annual Los Angeles River Ride on June 22
RiverRide
Registration for the 14th Annual L.A. River Ride is now open, and we've now made it easier to participate in fundraising. When you register for the ride online, a fundraising page will automatically be set up for you, and you can choose to personalize it or not.
 
Every dollar counts to help make L.A. County a healthy, safe, and fun place to ride a bike. Will you join us?
 
When you meet certain fundraising milestones, you can earn River Ride registration, as well as other great prizes like LACBC and River Ride bike gear.
 
Also, let's not forget about the biggest prizes for our top fundraisers, including VBT's Tuscany by the Sea biking vacation and a limited edition New Belgium Brewing bike.

 

Learn more about fundraising here.

Set up your personalized fundraising page by either registering for the ride or going here.

More on the 14th Annual L.A. River Ride:
 
When: Sunday, June 22, 2014
Where: start at Autry National Center in Griffith Park or Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
Facebook event: link
Register: here by May 27th and save $10.
LACBC Members save an additional $10.
Kids 12 and under ride for free.
10 great rides with 2 start locations (Autry or Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach)
Meet one of our Climate Riders - Aaron Ratliffclimate

I'm riding Climate Ride because slowing climate change, supporting green initiatives , and raising cycling awareness are issues that affect everyone. Not only to we need to end our unhealthy relationship with driving and make an effort to cycle more, improving both the air quality and our overall health as a population, but also to create bike lanes and cycle tracks to help affect that change.  I love that LACBC is the strong voice in our community to advocate for cyclists' rights and help lead initiatives to improve infrastructure, raise awareness through our representatives, and create solidarity in LA's riding population.

 
 
Consider donating to any of the members on our Team LACBC.  So far we are at 2/3 of our goal!
What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: Sweet Ride USA Gets the Bicycling Magazine Treatment
Photo: Matthew Scott

If you read this section, you know we're fans of Sweet Ride USA, the online show created by LACBC member Steve Isaacs where folks devour yummy desserts and then bike off all the calories. While you may be watching the episodes, Sweet Ride was recently featured in Bicycling Magazine. Check out the piece--written by Steve--and maybe even plan your own sweet ride. He provides tips for just that!

Fun fact: In the next episode (episode 4, which is not yet available), Steve and gang will head over to Donut Friend in Highland Park, where LACBC members get 15% off.
Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities

 

Hit-and-Run Vigil at Critical Mass

When: March 28; meet at 6:30 p.m., ride leaves at 7:29

More info in newsletter.

 

City of Los Angeles Community Planning Forums

When: March 29 to April 12

More info in newsletter.

 

Whole Foods Woodland Hills 5% Day Benefiting LACBC

When: Sunday, March 30; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

More info in newsletter.

 

Active Streets L.A. Community Mapping Ride and Walk

When: Sunday, March 30; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More info in newsletter.

 

Save our Streets LA Community Briefing Session

When: Wednesday April 2 at 6 p.m.

The LA City Council is considering a $4.5 billion tax measure to repave thousands of miles of failed city streets and sidewalks. Will we rebuild streets of the past or build new streets for the future? Come find out more about the proposed measure and ask for streets that are cool, green and complete!  More info on our FB event page.

 

CicLAvia - Iconic Wilshire Blvd.

When: Sunday, April 6; 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Wilshire Blvd.

The first CicLAvia of 2014 comes back to one of L.A.'s favorite streets: Wilshire Blvd.! Bike, walk, run, skip, play, and eat. Find LACBC's booth at the One Wilshire Hub, as well as around the route with our Rolling Advocacy Trailer. New Belgium will also be having a CicLAvia Scavenger Photohunt, and for each clue sheet turned in, $5 will be donated to LACBC and CICLE. More info on CicLAvia.

 

Fireside Chat on Transportation with Councilmember Mike Bonin

When: Friday, April 11; 7:30 p.m.

Where: Moss Theater at New Roads School - 3131 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Angelenos Against Gridlock will be hosting a Fireside Chat on Transportation  Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin, who is also L.A. City Council Transportation Committee Chair and Metro Board Member & Expo Line Construction Authority Vice Chair. Discussion topics will include speeding up the pace of progress, the 405, rail through the Sepulveda Pass, bike share, bike safety & bike amenities, Westside gridlock, transit-oriented development, rail to LAX, the Expo Line, the Subway to the Sea-and the broader vision for improving mobility. RSVP here.

 

Touring L.A. County with LACBC and Where to Bike L.A.: La Roubaix

When: Sunday: April 13; meet at 8:30 a.m., ride at 9:00 a.m.

Where: The Trails Cafe - 2333 Fern Dell Drive, Los Angeles

Every spring, around Easter, professional cyclists tackle Paris-Roubaix (pronounced ru-BAY), a race across Northern France. First run in 1896, it's one of the oldest cycling contests-a true classic. With sections of bumpy cobblestone, country roads, many, many hills, and typically foul weather, Paris-Roubaix is known for making riders suffer, worthy of its term of endearment: "a Sunday in hell" (there's even a movie about it with that title). Our version-L.A. Roubaix-is really not hellish at all, and we can realistically expect for great weather, but you can expect to suffer a little. Our route will take us into car-free, backcountry areas of Griffith Park. From there, we'll ride around Silver Lake, through the city's second-largest park, Elysian Park (way more bucolic than the Champs Elys�es), and swing past Echo Park Lake. We'll finish our loop at The Trails Cafe, where we can dig into well-deserved treats like fresh-squeezed lemonade, great coffee, home-baked quiches, apple pie and cookies, plus amazing avocado sandwiches. More info.

 

South L.A. Kids' Bike Festival

When: Sunday, April 13; 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Foshay Learning Center - 3751 S. Harvard Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018

Join LACBC and Walk 'n Rollers for a FREE Kids Skills and Safety Festival, made possible by the USC Good Neighbors Campaign! Learn how to ride your bike safely, start and stop properly, avoid hazards, yielding, ride an obstacle course and more! Helmets required for all riders. We'll have a limited supply of bikes and helmets for those without. More info.

  

Finish the Ride benefiting LACBC & Challenged Athletes

When: Sunday, April 27

More info in newsletter.

 

14th Annual Los Angeles River Ride

When: Sunday, June 22

More info in newsletter.

LACBC Local Chapters - Join when you become an LACBC member or renew your membership!


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]

 

Let's be friends! 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