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Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Newsletter
April 10, 2014
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We're Back with Surveys for County Supervisor and Sheriff Candidates for June 3rd Election We're gearing up for another important election on June 3rd, where we'll be voting for County Supervisors in the 1st and 3rd Districts and County Sheriffs.
The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and cannot endorse candidates or engage in electioneering on behalf of a candidate. We are offering questionnaires to both Supervisor candidates and Sheriff candidates as a service to candidates to communicate with potential voters where they stand on bike, pedestrian, and other transportation issues.
We have sent out candidate surveys to each candidate and will begin posting their responses on May 1st.
You can check out the questions we are posing to County Supervisor Candidates and County Sheriff Candidates on the LACBC blog.
Also, make sure that you are registered to vote! Learn more about voting at lavote.net. |
South L.A. Kids' Bike Festival this Sunday
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! Your kids will 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.
If you're a bike mechanic who would like to help out at this event, we could sure use you! Please contact Colin Bogart at [email protected].
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Final Community Planning Forum in San Pedro this Saturday
HARBOR
When: Saturday, April 12; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Peck Park Community Center 560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro 90732
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ACTION ALERT: Sign the California Petitions to End Hit-and-Runs and Protect Vulnerable Road Users
There are currently 2 important petitions circulating right now at a a statewide level. Please sign them today!
1. Sign LACBC's 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.
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.
2. Sign CalBike's Vulnerable Road Users petition!
Join the California Bicycle Coalition's social media push to support California's Vulnerable Road Users Protection Act, AB 2398. Too many Californians have been injured on our streets or are mourning the death of a loved one due to distracted or negligent motorists. Protecting Californians who ride bikes, walk, run, ride horses, scooter, skateboard, and work on our streets is vital to make California a better place to live. AB 2398 will protect all road users by:
- Raising the fine for hitting a Vulnerable Road User
- Assigning a point on the motorist's driver's license
- Suspending the offender's license for six months
This bill will remind motorists of their obligation to be cautious of each person on our streets. Join CalBike's Thunderclap to make a huge social media push, and pressure our representatives to support the Vulnerable Road Users Protection Act. Help make our streets more livable, and take California one step closer to reaching CalBike's goal of tripling the number of people riding bikes by 2020.
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Updates from Around the County: Learn About L.A. Bike Plan with Webinar
Los Angeles: The Department of City Planning will host a "Bike Plan Primer" webinar on April 17, 2014; from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. to inform the public of the year 2 implementation process of the 2010 Bicycle Master Plan. With the routes already proposed, we need more folks involved in the process. Join us on the webinar and next steps. Get more information at thelabikeplan.org.
Also, last night, LA City Councilmembers Mitch Englander and Joe Buscaino presented their case for a new 1/2-cent sales tax to fund street and sidewalk repair. If approved by City Council, the measure would go before voters on the November ballot. With Climate Resolve, LACBC has co-led a coalition of transportation, environmental and community-based organizations calling for "streets for the future" that are cool, green and complete. We believe that a 20-year capital investment program should produce the streets that will meet Los Angeles's needs in 2035 and that the best way to do this is to align the new revenue with the City's draft Mobility Element. You can watch LACBC's Planning & Policy Director discuss the proposed measure on ABC7 news.
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Show Support for Phillip O'Neill's Family at April 22 Trial
LACBC has been keeping track of the court case of Jose Gonzales, the driver who killed Phillip O'Neill when Gonzales hit O'Neill from behind on Del Mar Blvd. in Pasadena in June 2013. Gonzales is being charged with vehicular manslaughter. So far, there have been two pre-trial hearings and a third one has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 8:30 am, at the Pasadena Courthouse, 300 East Walnut Street. Family and friends of Phillip as well as concerned individuals and LACBC staff have attended both pre-trial hearings, which are open to the public.
BikinginLA reports that the prosecuting attorney has commented that he's never seen so many people attend an arraignment in support of the victim. Anyone who wishes to attend the next hearing to show support for Phillip's family and friends is encouraged to do so. We believe that witnesses to the proceedings of this case may be helpful and we're certain that it's comforting to Phillip's family and friends. |
LACBC Works with LAPD to Conduct Bicycle Class for Officers
On Tuesday April 1, LACBC sent three League Cycling Instructors, Chris Quint, Cynthia Rose, and Colin Bogart (LACBC Education Director), to conduct a "Traffic Skills 101" bicycling skills class for 12 LAPD traffic officers. The class was the result of collaboration between LACBC and Sgt. Jon Aufdemberg of LAPD's South Traffic Division. The all-day class was held at the LAPD's Manchester facility near LAX. The course included both classroom and on-bike instruction, stressing the principles of vehicular cycling and enabling bicyclists to ride with confidence and a clear understanding of bicyclists' rights and responsibilities. Big thanks to Sgt. Aufdemberg, Chris Quint, and Cynthia Rose. We hope to do another class soon.
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Highlights from CicLAvia on Wilshire
Last Sunday's CicLAvia along Wilshire was another great one! Thanks to all who came on our ride and to our booth at One Wilshire to say hi, sign up for LACBC membership, and participate in New Belgium's CicLAvia Scavenger Photohunt.
Thanks to New Belgium for organizing the scavenger hunt and donating $5 to CICLE and us for each form. Winners will be announced soo.
We also have some screengrabs of some of your excellent scavenger hunt photos on our Flickr page.
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Crosstown Rivals Team Up to Host This Saturday's Bike Talk LACBC is the guest host of Bike Talk on the second Saturday of every month. Listen this Saturday as local chapters Bicycle Coalition at UCLA and USC Bicycle Coalition co-host the show! Both chapters will be giving updates from their respective campuses and beyond!
Listen live on Killradio.org this Saturday, April 12th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The podcast will also be posted online at BikeTalk.com.
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Team LACBC Climate Ride Update
Team LACBC, full of 16 great members, is participating in Climate Ride California, (May 17-20, 2014), a 4-day cycling adventure from San Francisco to California's Capitol in Sacramento! LACBC is once again a beneficiary, and we are currently the top fundraising team!
Eric Vs. Alek
In the Eric Vs. Alek intra-office battle, Alek Bartrosouf is the one currently bragging in the planning office, as he has raised $2840. We're sure he mentions it every chance he gets to Eric Bruins, who has raised $1610. Help us crown the King of the Mountain at LACBC Headquarters by donating to either campaign.
Meet Alan Bair
You can also support one the many Team LACBC members here. One of our awesome Team LACBC members is Alan Bair.
A Pasadena resident, Alan Bair bicycles mostly for shopping and errand, but he is also an avid mountain biker, partly for the thrill and beauty, and partly because he has experienced what a powerful tool the bike is, whether riding in the San Gabriels or the Himalayas. He joined Team LACBC in support of expanding Southern California's meager bicycle infrastructure, to keep people on bikes safe, and facilitate this healthful, non-polluting form of urban transportation. He also was blown away by the quality and diversity of Climate Ride beneficiary organizations that work to promote a cleaner, safer environment and renewable energy sources that will benefit everyone.
You can support Alan's ride by donating here!
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Register for Finish the Ride on April 27th
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 Athletes
When: Sunday, April 27; registration starts at 6:30 a.m.
Where: start Fountain Ave/L Ron Hubbard Way in E. Hollywood
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May the Forest Be with You - Sunday Funday Ride May the Forest Be with You is the theme for our next Sunday Funday Ride! In partnership with CarFreeSFV.com and the LA Los Angeles River Revitalization Corp., we're looking to highlight the ways you can go green beyond just riding your bike. Take the pledge to go car-free (or car-lite) that day!
Here are the details for the ride, as well as the walk.
May the Forest Be with You Family Bike Ride
When:
Sunday, May 4; meet at 9:30 a.m Where: Valleyheart Drive and Radford Ave. (on the L.A. River Bike & Pedestrian Path), Studio City (map)Join us for this 14-mile ride led by LACBC board members Kevin Hopps and Carrie Ungerman, with support from our own Valley Neighborhood Bike Ambassadors and Ride Marshal Team! The ride will include rest stops with eco-educational presentations.
Other things happening that day!
Eco-Scavenger Hunt (meet at 9:30 am) LA River Revitalization Corp will host a walk/hunt for those who won't be riding.
Take the pledge to enter a raffle to win: - a Braven 570 Bluetooth speaker (approximate value $100)
- 4 tickets to the CBS July 4 celebration ($160 value)
- L.A. County Bicycle Coalition membership package (approximate value $100)
- bike repair kit (approximate value $90)
You'll receive an all-day discount from participating restaurants and businesses when you show your TAP card to Car-Free SFV stikcer: - Tuning Fork Gastropub - 25% off all food
- California Pizza Kitchen (Studio City) - free small plate with $10 minimum order
- The Counter Studio City - 10% off
- Studio Cycle Company - 15% off
- Road Runner Sports Studio City- 10% off (VIPs receive an extra 15% off if they can show they go their without their car)
- Big Sugar Bakeshop- free cookie
- Peet's Coffee & Tea (Studio City) - free small coffee
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Fundraise for LACBC at the 14th Annual Los Angeles River Ride on June 22
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.
Learn more about fundraising 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 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) |
What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: #ReplaceBikeWithCar
We haven't enjoyed Twitter this much since @BicycleLobby took to Twitter. Here are a few examples of Tweets we especially liked: "Car lanes gives drivers a false sense of security - lines of paint won't protect you from bikes" #ReplaceBikeWithCar
Absolutely no more car infrastructure should be built anywhere until every single car driver follows all traffic laws. #ReplaceBikeWithCar
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Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities
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.
USCBC Spring Ride to Venice
When: Saturday, April 19; meet at 10:00 a.m.
Where: meet at Trousdale/Expo
Join local chapter USCBC on a lovely springtime bike ride to the beach! The ride departs from the USC campus on a 14-mile (one-way) adventure to Venice Beach, where you can explore the sights and sounds before riding back to campus. See Facebook event.
Finish the Ride benefiting LACBC & Challenged Athletes
When: Sunday, April 27
More info in newsletter.
May the Forest Be With You Sunday Funday Ride
When: Sunday, May 4; meet at 9:30 a.m.
More info in newsletter.
Bike to Work Day
When: Thursday, May 15
Where: throughout Los Angeles County
Save the date for the Annual Bike to Work Day! In addition organizations and groups hosting pit stops throughout the County, LACBC and our local chapters will be hosting our Bike from Work Happy Hours. Stay tuned for more details.
14th Annual Los Angeles River Ride
When: Sunday, June 22
More info in newsletter.
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LACBC Local Chapters - Join when you become an LACBC member or renew your membership!
Other Events Around Town
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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 |
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