| | Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Newsletter July 24, 2014 |
 L.A. Times Calls on Councilman Cedillo to Get Out of the Way of North Figueroa Bike Lanes Two weeks ago, 1st District Councilman Gil Cedillo announced that he was putting planned safety improvements on North Figueroa on hold. In a letter to his constituents, he declared, "I will be deferring the implementation of any bike lanes on Figueroa until I can ensure all residents who travel along this corridor will be safe." Of course, delaying funded safety improvements in the name of safety left us utterly baffled, until last Thursday the L.A. Times reported on his reasoning, calling Figueroa 4 All proponents "a very microscopic percentage of people to set an agenda." Now this week, the L.A. Times went further, calling on Cedillo to respect the citywide bicycle plan: Unless some demonstrable miscalculation was made in the bike plan, or unless there's a real safety issue, individual City Council members should not be tinkering with the plan, which was designed carefully with the whole city in mind. We couldn't agree more. Cedillo's shortsighted pandering has put the integrity of the entire bicycle plan at risk. The merits of the project are clear: We may never know what caused Councilman Cedillo to break his campaign promise and actively campaign against Figueroa 4 All, but we do know that a road diet remains the best option for North Figueroa. Through Mayor Garcetti's Great Streets Initiative, we are optimistic that the community will again demonstrate its support for making North Figueroa a complete street, including bike lanes. After all, the Highland Park, Cypress Park and Glassell Park Neighborhood Councils already have voted in favor of the bike lanes. That sounds like a lot more than just "a very microscopic percentage of people." For more, read coverage in last week's Los Angeles Times, this week's Times op-ed and KCET's thorough debunking of the opposition. |
 Metro Moves to Develop Long-Term Walk/Bike Funding Strategy, Makes Down Payment from ExpressLanes Revenue This morning, the Metro Board of Directors voted to develop an Active Transportation Finance Strategy in response to concerns from LACBC, the Safe Routes to School National Partnership and others that the Short Range Transportation Plan under-invests in walking and biking. In a separate but related action, Metro also approved $8.9 million in grants for walking and biking projects funded by the Metro ExpressLanes net toll revenues from the I-110 and I-10 freeways, including bikeshare in Downtown L.A., a bike hub at Union Station, an extension of the Dominguez Channel bike path to connect to the Harbor Gateway Transit Center and--our favorite--LACBC's pilot Active Streets project along Budlong Avenue in South L.A. Last week, about 60 people from partner organizations, LACBC chapters and individual supporters came out for a Wednesday afternoon Metro committee meeting to support increased funding for walking and biking. This strong showing made an impression on the Metro board as they begin to consider what a future transportation sales tax measure might include. Today's motion lays out a path forward for the agency to set performance goals for active transportation and identify how much investment it would take to make Los Angeles County truly walkable and bikeable for people of all ages and abilities. We greatly appreciate Director Mike Bonin's leadership and the support from his colleagues on the board. |
New for LACBC Members: Basic Bicycle Skills Workshop Debuts this Saturday 
 This 2-hour workshop will provide you with basic information you can use to safely ride your bicycle on the streets of LA County. The workshop for LACBC members includes a booklet and LACBC materials you can take home with you. Instruction is classroom only - we will not be riding. Bringing your bicycle is optional.
Topics include: - Proper helmet fit
- ABC Quick Check (checking your bicycle)
- Rules of the Road
- Riding Visibly & Predictably
- Traffic Principles for Bicyclists
When: Saturday July 26; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: LACBC Headquarters, mezzanine level - 634 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles 90014 RSVP: RSVP is required. To RSVP go here. |
 City of Los Angeles and State of California Partner to End Hit-and-Runs
Yesterday, Assemblyman Mike Gatto, L.A. City Councilman Mitch Englander, hit-and-run survivor Damian Kevitt and LACBC's Eric Bruins announced a new partnership between City and State governments to bring an end to hit-and-run in California. Assemblymember Gatto is carrying two bills this year to both increase penalties for hit-and-run drivers (AB 1532) and create a new "yellow alert" (AB 47) that would use existing electronic signs to disseminate vehicle descriptions along state highways. The latter bill was introduced late in the legislative session at the urging of the Los Angeles City Council.
Hit-and-runs continue to plague Los Angeles, with over 20,000 incidents every year, including 4,000 injuries. Pedestrians and bicyclists are most at risk of being killed or seriously injured, which is why LACBC continues to work with partners like Assemblyman Gatto and the California Bicycle Coalition to put an end to these crimes. Thank you to Assemblyman Gatto for his leadership, and to Damian Kevitt and Finish the Ride for his courage and perseverance.
For more, see coverage in the Los Angeles Times. |
| Join Us for the 4th Annual Lakewood Family Sunday Funday Ride  Where: Sunday, August 3; Meet at 9:30 AM, Ride at 10:00 AM Where: Del Valle Park - 5939 Henrilee St. (at Woodruff) Lakewood, CA 90713, by the airplane (map) Bring out your whole family for this ride around the Long Beach and Lakewood area! For the fourth summer in a row, LACBC Board Member and Lakewood resident Steve Boyd leads this mellow ride. We'll ride along the San Gabriel Bike Path and head south to PCH and back. Children on bikes and in trailers are welcome!
Ride Length: not more than 18 miles (riders will have the option of turning around for a 6-mile ride or riding for a longer 18-mile ride)
Ride Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours, including stops for rest when needed
Difficulty: easy, great for the whole family RSVP: To RSVP or volunteer as ride support, please contact Carol Feucht, Membership & Communications Director, at carol@la-bike.org. Or RSVP to the Facebook event. About Sunday Fundays: Sunday Funday Rides are free and open 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. |
 Welcome Newest LACBC Local Chapter Walk Bike Burbank!
LACBC is pleased to welcome Walk Bike Burbank into the LACBC family. The chapter kicked off with an initial meeting last Sunday and has already hit the ground running advocating for an extension of the West Burbank Channel Bike Path. Live, work or ride in Burbank? Join LACBC today and choose Walk Bike Burbank as your local chapter. |
What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: Get to Know LADOT's Bicycle Repair Stations
 | | LADOT Presents Bicycle Series Part 1 |
- 1731 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles 90041, sponsored by Organix
- 5125 York Blvd., Los Angeles, 90042, sponsored by The Hermosillo
- Sunset Triangle Plaza next to 1521 Griffith Park Blvd., sponsored by Pine and Crane
- 4343 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008, sponsored by Kaos Network
If you haven't seen them or aren't sure what they are, check out this short video that LADOT put together, highlighting what tools are available at a bike repair station and how you can utilize them. |
| | Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities Roaring Nights at the L.A. Zoo with LACBC Bike Valet When: Friday, July 25; 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Where: Los Angeles Zoo The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens opens its doors for a series of summer after-hours events for adults to enjoy music, food and fun - and animals! - under the starry skies. This night features music from Kiven and DJ Caroline D'Amore. Food trucks includeCoolhaus, Komodo, Lobsta Truck, Mandoline Grill, The Grilled Cheese Truck, Umami Truck, and Urban Oven. Ride your bikes over, as LACBC will be providing complimentary bike valet for the series. More info. LA River Bike-In Movie Theater with LA River Regatta Club
When: Saturday, July 26; 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Where: LA State Historic Park, Broadway Bridge Viaduct | 1799 Baker St Join LARRC under the Broadway Bridge for picnics, play and the 40th anniversary of the LA cult classic Chinatown. As always, you can expect good food, good people and good fun.
Before the film screening, we will have Tom Explores Los Angeles talk about his adventures in the Owens Valley that speak to the issues of water, the drought and the LA River. We will also be joined by FOLAR's exciting new River Rover and Let's Be Frank.Sausage and watershed education, what more could you ask for?! More info. Culver City Bike-Walk-Scoot Festival When: Saturday, July 26; 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Where: Culver City Middle School- 4601 Elenda Street, Culver City, CA 90230 (map) Join Walk 'n Rollers for a fun day learning how to bike and walk safely in your community. All ages welcome and we'll even have bikes and helmets for those without (helmets are required on the course and group rides). Stop by the LACBC table and say hi! More info. Basic Bicycling Skills for LACBC Members When: Saturday, July 26; 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. More info in newsletter. Lakewood Family Sunday Funday Ride When: Sunday, August 3; Meet at 9:30 a.m., Ride at 10:00 a.m. More info in newsletter. LaGrange's Brentwood Grand Prix: Expo Ride LACBC & Local Chapter Santa Monica Spoke join Velo Club LAGrange to lead The Expo Ride. When: Sunday, August 3; 9:30a.m. - NOON. (approx.) Where: At the Brentwood Grand Prix - near intersection San Vicente / Barrington The Expo Ride is a non-competitive community ride associated with the Brentwood Grand Prix criterium bicycle race. The tour will visit the future Metro EXPO Line Phase 2 Stations in Santa Monica including Bergamot Art Center and the Terminus at 4th and Colorado, We will make a brief stop at the new Tongva Park for refreshment & bathroom break before returning to the Brentwood Grand Prix. Wristbands will be given out to ride participants for rewards back at the Brentwood Grand Prix The goal of the Expo Ride is to get community members to come learn about cycling options on the West side of Los Angeles, and particularly about how the Expo Line train can help get you where you want to go. We "ride down memory lane" as we learn historical information on the previous RED LINE along our journey. Join the community and show you support more transit options for Los Angeles, and have a great time along the way! More info.
Levi's Commuter Workspace August 5 - 29
with LACBC Bike Valet at various events. LACBC Hosts Ride! When: Saturday, August 16; 9:00a.m. Where: 157 W. 5th St. We're teaming up with Levi's Commuter to host a ride, as part of the Levi's Commuter Workspace Los Angeles. Beginning at the Commuter workspace for refreshments and free coffee, LACBC will lead a group tour of Downtown. Ride includes stops at the Department of Transportation, Grand Park, and City Hall. Take a break riverside for bike dancing and music, before returning back to the workspace. RSVP is required. Limited capacity. The Levi's Commuter Workspace is located in Downtown LA at 157 W 5th Street. Open daily from August 5-29, the workspace offers free tune-ups, tailoring, coffee and space to work. More info. Los Angeles Arts Sustainability Tour with LACBC Bike Valet When: Saturday, August 9; 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Where: Electric Lodge - 1416 Electric Ave, Venice, 90291 LAAST is designed to be a fun, informative, neighborhood-based event featuring art, information and sustainable education. In addition to expert presentations, the event will feature breakfast, live entertainment, kids activities, compost pick-up, e-waste and battery recycling, sustainable giveaways (aerators and showerheads, LED lights), and complimentary bike valet from LACBC. More info.
El Grande Fondo de Los Angeles Crest When: Saturday, October 18 Where: Angeles Crest Save the date for the El Grande Fondo de Los Angeles Crest, which travels through the classic high country of the San Gabriel Mountains along scenic Angeles Crest Highway. This ride benefits the National Forest Foundation and LACBC. More info at grandefondoangelescrest.org. Firefly Ball Awards Dinner When: Thursday, October 30 Where: Downtown L.A. location TBA Save the date for our inaugural Firefly Ball Awards Dinner! California by Bike 2014 Surf 'N Turf When: Friday, October 31 to Wednesday, November 5 Where: Santa Barbara to San Diego Join the California Bicycle Coalition on its inaugural fundraising tour this Fall 2014 from Santa Barbara to San Diego. This phenomenal five-day fully supported tour will be the only in California to strictly raise funding to support advocacy groups. When you join the ride through this link, $250 of your total raised will be dedicated to LACBC. For more information, visit: calbike.org/surfnturf. |
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
carol@la-bike.org |
Let's be friends! Connect with LACBC: www.la-bike.org      |
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