| | Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Newsletter September 4, 2014 |
| ACTION ITEM: Demand Justice for Milt Olin Last week we learned that the L.A. County District Attorney's Office would not be pressing charges  against the sheriff's deputy who struck and killed Milt Olin in Calabasas last December. The sheriff's deputy was typing on his mobile computer in his patrol car when he struck Olin at 48 miles per hour. Olin, a prominent entertainment attorney and former executive for Napster, was pronounced dead at the scene. Last night, Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, Yield to Life, and the Ghost Bike Foundation hosted a ride and vigil for Milt Olin to call on the D.A. to revisit the investigation and consider pressing charges. Thank you to the 120 people who came out. Some met us at the start in Calabasas, some at the L.A. Zoo, some in Grand Park by the Criminal Courts Building, a few at other points along the route--but it was all for the same purpose: to demand justice for Milt and to make our streets safer for all road users. Many local media outlets (CBS, NBC, ABC, Los Angeles Times,Daily News, Los Angeles Register, Thousand Oaks Acorn,Streetsblog Los Angeles) covered the ride and interviewed the attendees about why they came. Several had stories of motorists hitting them while biking and being moved to participate in the ride and vigil to convey that this is enough. You can see photos from the ride and vigil on our Facebook page and read Tweets with the hashtag #RideForMilt. Attendees also signed a banner addressed to District Attorney Lacey, urging her to revisit the case and adding personal stories of why this case matters. After submitting our letter to the District Attorney yesterday, we aim to get this banner to her. We also encourage you all to contact the District Attorney's Office as well. Here is how you can contact the County of Los Angeles District Attorney's Office: 1. E-Mail: webmail@da.lacounty.gov. 2. Snail mail to: District Attorney's Office
County of Los Angeles
210 West Temple Street, Suite 18000
Los Angeles, CA 90012-3210 3. Phone: (213) 974-3512 4. Twitter: @LADAoffice We have a sample letter up if you would like to use our suggested wording: la-bike.org/milt-olin |
Three Foot Passing Law Effective September 16th, Press Conference Next Wednesday
  The Three Feet for Safety Act will finally go into effect on September 16, 2014. The law requires motorists to give at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction. Existing law requires motorists to pass bicyclists while keeping a "safe distance." The new law defines "safe distance" as three feet. If not enough space is available, the motorist must slow down and pass when no danger is present to the bicyclist. One key to making the new law effective is to make sure the driving public knows about it. LACBC has collaborated with AAA, Wire Media, and CalBike to create an "I Give 3 Feet" graphic for use to publicize the new law. This graphic can be downloaded from Wire Media here. We encourage all media outlets (big or small), bicycle groups, and interested parties to download and utilize this graphic, along with the associated bullet points about the law. You can download the "I Give 3 Ft graphic from Wire Media here. Key points to include with the Three Foot for Safety Act graphic are: - Existing law requires motorists to pass bicyclists while keeping a "safe distance."
- This new law defines "safe distance" as three feet when passing bicyclists traveling in the same direction.
- If not enough space is available, the motorist must slow down and pass when no danger is present to the bicyclist.
- Violators will face a $35 fine, as well as a $220 fine if a collision occurs.
- Law takes effect September 16, 2014.
AAA has printed 10,000 window clings for public distribution utilizing the same graphic, and their roadside assistance will be handing out tip cards with the graphic starting in September. Our partners at CalBike are also offering two sticker designs to help promote the new law. You can request the window clings and the CalBike stickers directly from CalBike by following this link: https://calbike.org/bulkgiveme3form Press Conference Next Wednesday We will also be participating in a press conference in the Valley next Wednesday with bill author and state Assemblymember Steven Bradford, the Automobile Club of Southern California, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). We invite you to come out to attend the press conference, which will include 3-foot passing demonstrations and distribution of "I Give 3 Feet" window clings. "I Give 3 Feet" Press Conference When: Wednesday, September 10; 10 a.m. Where:Serious Cycling bicycle shop parking lot - 19600 Plummer St., Suite 100, Northridge, 91324
RSVP to our Facebook event. |
| LACBC Executive Director Jennifer Klausner to Step Down at End of 2014 Yesterday Jennifer Klausner, our Executive Director of seven years, announced that she will be stepping down at the end of a year. In a letter to LACBC members she wrote:
Now, with great pride in the good work of LACBC, its extraordinary staff and Board, growing network of local chapters throughout the County, and you, our membership, without whom we could do none of this, I announce that I will be stepping down from my role as Executive Director at the end of 2014. I will continue to support the organization from a different perspective, as I will be looking to get some dirt under my wheels, while attending to other responsibilities and projects.
Jen will still be at the helm of the LACBC for the next several months and encourages you to meet her at upcoming events. LACBC has begun our search for a new Executive Director and has formed a search committee. You can contact the search committee at EDSearch@la-bike.org.
Thank you, Jen, for all your years of growing LACBC into a stronger and more dynamic organization. |
| Join Us for the Carson Sunday Funday Ride this Weekend When: Sunday, September 7; meet at 9:30 a.m., ride at 10:00 a.m. Where: Stevenson Park - 17400 Lysander Dr., Carson
Our next Sunday Funday ride will be led by local chapter Carson Bicycle Coalition. The route will be a 13-mile tour through the Carson's hidden gems of past, present, and future. The tour will include a "Bikes-Eye View" of places like the Velodrome Cycling Arena at the Stub Hub Center, Cal State Dominguez Hills, the Goodyear Blimp, South Bay Pavilion, the future sites of the Porsche Experience Driving Track and The Boulevards Shopping Center, the City Hall and Community Center, and a cross-section of a few Carson residential neighborhoods.
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| Vote for #LAGetsThere for the LA2050 Challenge
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership and LACBC are partnering through the Los Angeles County Active Transportation Collaborative to compete for a LA2050 grant that will change the narrative about mobility in LA County and lift up the voices of people who walk, ride a bike, and take transit. If awarded, the project will highlight how people across Los Angeles County are currently traveling and support a shared vision of not only regional success for mobility, but empathy and compassion for travel needs of all users-all ages, abilities and income levels. These stories can reframe the narrative on mobility in LA by Angelenos themselves, from their own experiences and hopes. By infusing important transportation policy conversations with real experiences from people throughout the region, particularly in traditionally underserved communities like Central, South and East LA, the Gateway Cities and San Gabriel Valley, we hope to unite diverse perspectives around common themes and galvanize support for a transportation system that improves safety and independence for all. Learn more about the project and vote here. Voting is open now through September 16th at 12 p.m. |
| ACTION ITEM: Hyperion Bridge Sidewalk at Risk for Removal 
The long saga of the Hyperion Avenue Viaduct, connecting Silver Lake and Atwater Village over the Los Angeles River, continues. As Streetsblog reported earlier last month, the city's traffic studies show that the most progressive option (two sidewalks, buffered bike lanes and a three-lane road diet) move cars just as effectively as the current four-lane configuration. This option is safer for everyone, maintains pedestrian access and dramatically improves conditions for bicyclists. The Hyperion Citizens Advisory Committee, including representatives from LACBC and Los Angeles Walks, voted 6 to 3 in support of this option.
Yet a vocal contingent in Atwater refuses to let the facts carry the day, potentially derailing the best option for the bridge. Councilmember Tom LaBonge has already announced his opposition to a livable bridge, citing disproved claims about traffic delays and truck routes.
The Eastsider last week covered the different options and different groups supporting them.
Now is the time for biking, walking and traffic safety advocates to be heard. Please send emails in support of Option 3 to Councilmembers LaBonge and O'Farrell, Mayor Garcetti and the Board of Public Works. View sample message and letter information here: la-bike.org/HyperionBridge |
| Updates from Around L.A. County: Suggest Locations for Bicycle Mini-Corrals in the South Bay
South Bay: Suggest locations for bicycle mini-corrals in the South Bay. The Cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach are working on a plan to recommend locations for bicycle mini-corrals. Join them for a public input meeting on Thursday, September 11th,, at 11 a.m. to provide your suggestions. The meeting will be held from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Mt. Whitney Room of the Manhattan Heights Community Center at 1600 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach. You may also visit southbaybikecorrals.org to provide input for bicycle mini-corral locations and help inventory existing bicycle parking.
Downtown, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Long Beach: Metro is leading a regional effort to develop a user-friendly bikeshare system to increase transportation choices for people traveling to and from transit stations and making short trips.
Metro is currently studying station locations in the Regional Bikeshare Implementation Plan and seeking input on areas identified for Phase 1 implementation: downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena and Santa Monica. The deadline for submitting input has been extended to September 15th. Downtown L.A.: 2nd Street, in between Spring and Broadway, will continue be closed for the next 2 weeks due to the Metro Regional Connector project. The westbound directional lane on 2nd, in between Spring and Main, will also be closed during the day from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the next week. More info.
Community Workshop #3 When: Saturday, September 6; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Where: Wilderness Park - Recreation Room - 10999 Little Lake Rd., Downey, 9024 - Open House Session 1: 10 a.m.
- Presentation: 10:30 a.m.
- Open House Session 2: 11 a.m.
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| Help Make Operation Firefly Possible this Fall - Donate Today! 
"Operation Firefly" (OperacÃon Luciérnaga) is an education and bike light distribution program intended to make sure people riding bikes in Los Angeles are riding safely at night. When riding at night in California, a white front light and reflectors are required by law (CVC21201). More importantly, riding without lights and reflectors is dangerous. Our goal is to seek out people riding without lights for various reasons, especially riders who may not have the means or time to acquire lights on their own. Sponsor Operation Firefly We need your support to help make Operation Firefly bigger and better, so we can reach even more night-time bicycle riders. Below are some fun levels at which you can join Team Firefly and receive a premium. And volunteers are always welcome! Lights, hats, and vests will ship beginning the first week of November 2014. Learn more and make your donation at la-bike.org/OperationFirefly! Operation Firefly Sponsor Levels & Premiums | BUY A SET OF LIGHTS, GIVE A SET OF LIGHTS - $25
| BUY A SET, GIVE A SET, GET A HAT - $50
| | GIVE 25 LIGHT SETS - $250
| BUY A SET, GIVE A SET, GET A VEST - $300
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| What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: General Motors Starts Employee Bike Share Program
 | | Bike Sharing for GM Employees - Warren Tech Center Hosts New Program |
No, we are not going to be linking to an article on The Onion here. Instead we have a video from the U.S.'s largest automobile manufacturer with employees talking about how great it is to ride a bike (Convenience! Health! Environment! Economy!) around GM's 330-acre technical center in suburban Detroit and how hard it is to park a car there (on employee estimates that about "30 to 60" minutes are probably wasted by employees looking for parking at the busier facilities).
Says a web manager at GM: "It's evident that cars will still be valuable and still be needed, but we need to expand people's options to get around in the city, especially where parking is unavailable, where traffic density is extreme."
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| | Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities El Grande Fondo Training Ride #5 When: Saturday September 6; meet at 8:30 a.m., ride at 9:00 a.m. Where: Meet at the Griffith Park Pony Ride parking lot (4400 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park near Los Felix Blvd., map) This week's training ride returns to places we've ridden recently: Griffith Park and Mulholland Drive. We'll ride through Griffith Park, then over Mt Hollywood Drive before continuing on Mulholland Drive to West Los Angeles. After a short pit stop in Beverly Hills, we'll return to Griffith Park via Nichols Canyon and the Griffith Observatory. The ride features four climbs, some rolling terrain and flat section in the middle. Roughly 60 miles, with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Should take us between 5 and 6 hours. Bring at least two water bottles. RSVP: strongly encouraged, via training4elgrande@gmail.com, so we can send you last-minute advisories, particularly about weather.
Family Ride and Walking Tour of Ballona Wetlands When: Saturday, September 6; meet at 10 a.m. Where: Meet at El Marino Language School - Culver City Join Culver City Walk 'n Rollers for a family-friendly bike ride to Marina del Rey. After parking our bikes, take a walking tour of the Wetlands, courtesy of the MRCA. Join us for a free raffle after - PLUS free bike lights if you RSVP and join the ride. More info.
Walk 'n Roll Festival, Marina del Rey Middle School When: Sunday, September 7; Bike Build: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Skills Course: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Where: Marina del Rey Middle School Join Walk 'n Rollers for a fun day testing your kids' bike skills and learning to bike safely to and from school. After, take advantage of the DIY bike wash and make your own spoke cards, race plates and buttons in the bike craft area. (Plus, help get Marina del Rey Middle School's bike fleet rolling again.) Bikerowave will have technicians and parts on hand to make the sure the fleet is in rockin' shape, but we need your help! Parents and kids welcome! Note: Volunteers, bike mechanics and paid instructors needed. Contact Jim Shanman for more information: jim@walknrollers.org. More info. Carson Sunday Funday Ride When: Sunday, September 7; meet at 9:30 a.m., ride at 10:00 a.m. Where: Stevenson Park - 17400 Lysander Dr., Carson
"I Give 3 Feet" Press Conference When: Wednesday, September 10; 10 a.m.
Basic Bicycling Skills for LACBC Members When: Saturday, September 20; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: LACBC Headquarters, Edison Room - 634 S. Spring St., Downtown L.A. 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. RSVP here.
Welcome Reception for LADOT GM Seleta Reynolds When: Tuesday, September 23; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: DTLA location TBA Join LACBC, L.A. Walks, Streetsblog L.A., and Safe Routes to School National Partnership for a reception to welcome new L.A. Department of Transportation General Manager Seleta Reynolds. More details to come. RSVP here.
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! Its 3 rides roll out from Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park and travel through Big Tujunga Canyon passing chaparral and riparian fire recovery areas before climbing out of the canyon toward the pines along Angeles Crest Highway. This ride benefits the National Forest Foundation and LACBC. More info at grandefondoangelescrest.org. Firefly Ball Awards Gala When: Thursday, October 30; 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. Where: Farmers and Merchants National Bank - 401 S. Main St., Downtown Los Angeles
Named for its timing with the seasonal launch of Operation Firefly, an education and bike light distribution program of LACBC, the Firefly Ball is a light-filled evening of art, music, food and drink. Celebrate with us as we honor community members doing good bike work while raising much needed funds for L.A.'s largest full-service bike advocacy nonprofit--the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition! This year's honorees are: Andy Leeka - Passionate Pedal Award; Alex Baum - The Alex Baum Award for Achievement in Advocacy; and Suja Lowenthal - The Innovator Award. Get your tickets here! 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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