Happy Bike Day such as it is, sex workers protest Mexico City bikeway, and summing up CA candidates in a single sentence

May 21, 2026 / / No comments

My apologies for yesterday’s unexcused absence.

I’m learning in real time that my body no longer responds like it did when I rode a bike every day, which seems like something I should have learned a long time ago.

Okay, so I’m a little slow.

There’s a limit to what I can do now before I just shut down. And trying to dig a little deeper like I did on m bike just makes it shut down harder.

Oh, and diabetes sucks.

That one I already knew. But still. 

Today’s photo: Metro Bike is free today for Bike Day, no matter how many legs you have, and whether you fit on the seat or in the basket. 

………

Happy Bike Day in Los Angeles County.

No, seriously, that sound you hear is me whipping out the noisemakers.

Metro and Metrolink buses and trains will be free today for anyone with a bicycle or a bike helmet, along with free Metro Bike bikeshare rides; some other bus lines will likely participate, but your mileage may vary.

Twitter post

Pasadena will host a Bike Day pit stop at City Hall from 7 am to 9:30 am handing out free coffee, snacks, and giveaways for anyone who shows up on a bike.

Meanwhile, a San Diego bike co-op is bypassing that city’s Bike Anywhere Day because the San Diego County Association of Government, aka SANDAG, which is sponsoring it, is selling information from a criminal database to the feds.

………

Um, okay.

NPR reports that Mexico City is getting pushback after preparing to host the World Cup by opening the new 15-mile Great Tenochtitlan Bike Highway, running from the center of town all the way to the main World Cup stadium.

Not from drivers. Or business owners.

Sex workers.

Like other professionals that claim their sales are down after a bike lane goes in, the street walkers of Calzada de Tlalpan insist their earnings are down 70%, because the bike lane now covers the outer lane of the roadway where they used to stand and negotiate with customers.

And while bikes may be good for business, as a rule, they offer very little privacy.

Although they do travel at a slower pace, allowing riders more time to examine their, uh, options. And giving everyone more time to drive a hard bargain or lend a hand.

Thanks to Joel for the heads-up. 

………

If you’re still stuck on who to vote for, the Golden State Report’s Mariel Garza offers the most concise summary of the candidates running for California governor I’ve seen.

The former Los Angeles Times Opinion editor says forget about the polls, and vote for the candidate who most closely matches your values, while somehow managing to accurately capture the gist of each one in just a single sentence.

For example,

Vote for:

Xavier Becerra if you are happy with the way the state has been heading policy-wise and prefer a governor with unquestioning loyalty to the Democratic Party who is unlikely to make substantial changes…

Steve Hilton if you are a Republican or a conservative-leaning independent who is not super MAGA, but wants the state to abandon its climate-change objectives and focus on drilling and logging.

Matt Mahan if you want a business- and tech-friendly centrist Democrat as governor who will bring a flavor of San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie to the whole state…

It’s worth clicking through to read the entire, very brief, piece.

Because she nails it.

And she did more to clarify my thinking than two months worth of angry debates filled with gubernatorial wannabes shouting over one another.

Speaking of Garza, she also considers LA Mayor Karen Bass’ concern about trash lining the streets of the Golden State, as if the mayor’s fair city isn’t the biggest offender.

Look, I’m not saying I’m old.

But I remember when Los Angeles had trash cans on every corner of every thoroughfare, and people who actually came out and emptied them once or twice a week.

Ask your grandparents, kids.

And I, for one, can’t wait for people come here for the World Cup, and return home talking about the squalor they found on the streets of Los Angeles.

Yeah, us.

………

Megan forwards news that San Jose bike riders will soon have to share bike lanes with DoorDash delivery robots. Never mind that people on bicycles could face added risk from motorists un inattentive motorists while swerving around the bots blocking the bike lane.

………

The war on cars may be a myth, but the war on bikes just keeps on going.

A New Jersey letter writer, who cites his experience founding a bike bus and as a Scouting Bicycling Merit Badge Counselor as his source of expertise, says opposition to New Jersey’s draconian licensing requirement for all ebikes is disingenuous, because it usually hinges on the benefits of ebikes for elderly people, who aren’t the primary buyers of ebikes. As if there aren’t multiple types of ebikes and users, with multiple motivations, and no possible options between no regulation and a heavy-handed crackdown.

Drivers in Oxfordshire, England oppose a new plan to convert ten streets, out of God only knows how many, into quiet streets for people who “walk, wheel, cycle, and horse ride.” Because of course they do.

This is what a punishment pass looks like. And why a driver got the equivalent of a $5,800 fine and lost his license for three months — even if video like that couldn’t be used as proof of a traffic violation in most of this country.

But sometimes, it’s the people on two wheels behaving badly.

A website devoted to odd stories lists 15 crimes involving bicycles that you didn’t know, even though it’s actually 14, and only 13 if you don’t consider Lance’s doping a criminal offense. And they apparently don’t know that the outlaw Harry Longabaugh was better known as the Sundance Kid.

A Punjabi political writer complained about the state governor riding a bike to the capital on No Car Day, noting he lives directly across the street and could have just walked, instead of stopping traffic for his short bike ride.

………

Local 

Streetsblog says progress is being made on the long-delayed Mid-City Greenways project, including a new roundabout and diverter on Rosewood Ave; the project aims to connect Rosewood, Formosa Ave and Orange Drive to make them more conducive to walking and bicycling

Walk ‘n Rollers is hosting a walk to explore the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, while Bike Culver City is holding a feeder ride to get there.

 

State

Sad news from San Luis Obispo, where someone riding a bicycle was killed in a collision around noon yesterday.

This is who we share the road with. The CHP has identified the 24-year old driver who fled on foot after killing two 20-year old men who had stopped their e-motorcycles in the roadway, while allegedly speeding and under the influence.

 

National

CyclingSavvy offers advice on how to avoid potholes and the dreaded pinch flat. Although I’d be far more concerned about the dreaded face plant.

Velo offers their expert picks on how to pick the best gravel bike. And for a change, when they say expert, they might actually mean it. 

Officials in Eugene, Oregon discuss bike safety plans after four bicycling deaths already this year, ten years after committing to Vision Zero. Although they apparently didn’t have much to say. 

This is who we share the road with, part two. A Vancouver, Washington driver is accused of intentionally running down two teenaged kids who were sharing a dirt bike and allegedly harassing people in a parking lot.

Life is cheap in Denver, where a hit-and-run driver walked without a single day behind bars for killing a 21-year-old Turkish aerospace engineering student riding a bicycle in the city.

Colorado-based Niner Bikes is apparently the latest bike brand to bite the dust, pausing operations while its parent company ponders its future direction. Which is business speak for “We outta here.”

A Milwaukee writer debates her rights as a bicyclist versus her instincts for self-preservation, and to just, you know, be nice.

A new two-way bike lane will allow bicyclists to circle all of Belle Isle, Michigan, a nearly 1,000 acre island in the middle of the Michigan River off Detroit — even though the map appears to show it as a straight route through the heart of the island.

New York is preparing for next month’s World Cup by doubling the width of one of the city’s busiest protected bike lanes. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is preparing by doing what it does best. Nothing. 

 

International

Momentum offers tips on how to stay cool, hydrated and comfortable on your ride to work.

Bike Radar makes the case for why every bike should have mud guards, including your 4.5 oz Unobtainium-frame roadie.

Montréalais et Québécois are being urged to take the Metro or ride a bike to attend the Canadian Grand Prix, since the F1 event is ironically carfree.

Naturally, the popular “bun run” in the shadow of Windsor Castle has been reframed in the context of bike vs cars. Because when you only have one lens, that’s how you see everything.

I want to be like him when I grow up. A 91-year old British gent is in the midst of a 500-mile fundraising ride.

Now you, too, could own Albert Einstein’s German bike seat. Even though it was the other end of the famed physicist that came up with the Theory of Relativity and such. 

 

Competitive Cycling

In case you missed the more cryptic mention the other day, pro cyclists have been asked not to pee in their water bottles and toss them onto the side of the road. Because racing fans like to pick up discarded souvenirs.

Carson’s VELO Sports Center will host a UCI 2 six-event track cycling series, offering a preview of competition ahead of the ’28 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The San Diego Velodrome will comply with new rules banning trans women by making all future sanctioned races “open” for competitors of any gender, with the expectation that most people will still select races that align with their gender identity.

 

Finally…

Your next ebike could be a woodie. That feeling when a bike lane is “failed” and “underutilized” because it’s full of parked cars.

And you can’t say we haven’t made progress over the past few millennia; thanks to Steven for forwarding.

………

Be safe, and stay healthy. And get vaccinated, already.

Oh, and fuck Putin. 

 

Category: Morning Links / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guest post: Torrance Candidates Weigh In on Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Ahead of June Election

May 19, 2026 / / No comments

We mentioned earlier today that the South Bay Bicycle Coalition Plus has prepared a candidate survey for people running for office in Torrance.

Below you’ll find the full questionnaire, as well as the responses they’ve received to date. 

If anyone else has something similar to share, let me know.

………

RE: 2026 Torrance Candidate Questionnaire –
South Bay Bicycle Coalition Plus (SBBC+)

To: Candidates for Torrance Mayor and City Council

From: Kyle Richardson, SBBC+

Date: April 2, 2026

Dear Candidates,

For several years, the South Bay Bicycle Coalition (SBBC+) has engaged with local candidates to facilitate meaningful discussions regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety. To accommodate your busy schedules, we are utilizing a written questionnaire in lieu of an in-person forum.

About SBBC+

The South Bay Bicycle Coalition is a neutral 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We do not endorse candidates or provide opinions on which individual is best suited for office. Our goal is to provide voters with clear information on where candidates stand on active transportation issues.

The results of this questionnaire will be shared with our network of approximately 1,500 active community members and distributed to local news outlets, including the Easy Reader and Beach Reporter.

 

Election Overview

On June 2, 2026 , Torrance residents will elect a Mayor and three City Council members. We are reaching out to the following candidates:

  • Mayor: George Chen, Sharon Kalani
  • District 1: Jonatan Kaji, David Kartsonis
  • District 3: Asam Sheikh, Mike Mauno
  • District 5: Michelle Brooks, Betty Lieu, Harry Ward

 

Submission Guidelines
  • Word Limit: Please limit each response to 250 words.
  • Profile: Please include a brief candidate profile with your submission.
  • Deadline: Please submit your responses to the undersigned by May 1, 2026.

 

Questionnaire:

1. Active Living: If elected, how would you encourage residents to become more active (e.g., walking or cycling more)?

2. Safety: What specific steps would you take to make our streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities?

3. Regional Transit: Do you support the Redondo Beach Boulevard Metro Active Transportation Program, and would you direct the Public Works Department to prioritize the implementation of protected bike lanes along this corridor?

4. Infrastructure Pace: Since the adoption of the South Bay Bicycle Master Plan in 2012, Torrance has implemented roughly 10% of the proposed network. To ensure a connected community is realized within a modern timeframe, a more robust pace is required. Do you support the completion of this plan, and what specific strategies would you champion to accelerate its delivery?

5. E-Bike Policy: Following public safety concerns, the City Council restricted Class 3 e-bike usage in December 2025. However, much of the documented reckless behavior involves high-powered “e-motos” rather than traditional electric bicycles. Before implementing further restrictions, will you commit to engaging with local bicycle communities to understand the technical and legal distinctions between street-legal e-bikes and unregulated electric motorcycles?

6. Closing Statement (Optional): Please provide a final statement to the voters.

Thank you for your time and your commitment to the City of Torrance.

Sincerely,

Kyle Richardson South Bay Bicycle Coalition Plus, Inc.

The South Bay Bicycle Coalition is designated by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your donation qualifies as a charitable contribution under the applicable federal tax law.

………

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Torrance, CA — The South Bay Bicycle Coalition (SBBC+) has released candidate responses to its 2026 bicycle and pedestrian safety questionnaire ahead of the June 2 Torrance municipal election. Of the 9 candidates contacted, four responded.

Candidates were asked where they stand on safer streets, bike lanes, Safe Routes to School, the Redondo Beach Boulevard Metro Active Transportation Program, and e-bike policy.

The responses show growing recognition that safer streets, connected bike infrastructure, and walkable neighborhoods are increasingly important issues for Torrance residents.

 

What Candidates Said

Several candidates highlighted:

  • Safer sidewalks, intersections, and crosswalks
  • Protected or connected bicycle infrastructure
  • Traffic calming near schools and parks
  • Expanded Safe Routes to School programs
  • Increased implementation of the South Bay Bicycle Coalition Master Plan
  • Better distinction between legal e-bikes and high-powered electric motorcycles (“e-motos”)
  • Community engagement before adopting additional restrictions

Many candidates also emphasized balancing safety, mobility, neighborhood concerns, and regional connectivity.

 

Candidate Highlights

 

Mayoral Race

Sharon Kalani

Mayoral candidate Sharon Kalani stated that “a more active Torrance starts with safer streets” and expressed support for safer sidewalks, traffic calming, connected bike routes, and expanded Safe Routes to School programs.

Kalani also voiced support for evaluating protected bike lanes along Redondo Beach Boulevard and called for accelerating implementation of the South Bay Bicycle Coalition Master Plan through grant funding, regional coordination, and integrating bicycle improvements into resurfacing projects.

Regarding e-bike policy, Kalani emphasized the importance of distinguishing legal Class 1–3 e-bikes from illegal or modified electric motorcycles and stated that policy should focus on unsafe behavior and enforcement of existing laws rather than broad restrictions on responsible riders.

 

Torrance City Council – District 1

David Kartsonis

District 1 candidate David Kartsonis stated that Torrance has “dropped the ball on cycling infrastructure” and called for prioritizing implementation of the SBBC+ Master Plan. Kartsonis highlighted the success of the North Torrance Bike Bus and said he would work to standardize bike bus programs throughout the city, including creating marked bike bus routes to schools.

He also expressed strong support for the Redondo Beach Boulevard Metro Active Transportation Program, calling it an already-funded project that would improve safety and regional connectivity.

On e-bike policy, Kartsonis stated that “Class III e-bikes are not e-motos” and said the city should focus on dangerous behavior rather than restricting bicycles themselves.

 

Torrance City Council – District 3
Asam Sheikh

District 3 candidate Asam Sheikh emphasized maintaining sidewalks, crosswalks, parks, trails, and recreational spaces to encourage active living.

Sheikh stated that public safety is a top priority and supported improvements including better street lighting, sidewalk maintenance, and safer intersections near schools and parks.

While not taking a definitive position on the Redondo Beach Boulevard Metro Active Transportation Program, Sheikh stressed the importance of public outreach, traffic analysis, and involvement from the Traffic Commission before major transportation decisions are made.

Sheikh also expressed support for engaging bicycle communities and industry experts before adopting additional e-bike restrictions.Torrance City Council – District 5

 

Betty Lieu

District 5 candidate Betty Lieu expressed support for promoting walkable and bikeable neighborhoods and community events that encourage active transportation.

Lieu stated that Torrance should continue expanding bike lanes and traffic calming infrastructure while promoting safety education.

Although Lieu did not take a formal position on the Redondo Beach Boulevard Metro Active Transportation Program before it comes before council, she said the project’s goals align with her values.

Lieu also emphasized the importance of stakeholder input and informed decision-making regarding future e-bike policies.

 

Candidate Participation

The following candidates did not submit completed responses to the questionnaire:

● George Chen (Mayor)

● Jonathan Kaji (District 1)

● Mike Mauno (District 3)

● Michelle Brooks (District 5)

● Harry Ward (District 5)

 

Why It Matters

Residents across Torrance have increasingly called for safer streets, especially near schools and along major corridors. Programs like local bike buses have helped demonstrate growing demand for safer options for families walking and biking around the city.

SBBC+ said the 2026 election gives voters an opportunity to evaluate where candidates stand on traffic safety, active transportation, public health, and infrastructure investment.

North Torrance Bike Bus

About the South Bay Bicycle Coalition

The South Bay Bicycle Coalition (SBBC+) is a community advocacy organization working to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, expand active transportation infrastructure, and promote healthier, more sustainable mobility throughout the South Bay region. SBBC+ is designated by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non profit organization. Donations qualify as a charitable contribution under the applicable federal tax lax.

Category: Advocacy & Politics / Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Watch for smoke near Simi Valley, RoS meets LA Traffic Violence State of Emergency, and good bills die young in CA legislature

May 19, 2026 / / One comment

Before we get started, thanks to Kyle for sharing a candidate questionnaire prepared by the South Bay Bicycle Coalition for city offices in Torrance. 

Out of the nine candidates they contacted, four responded. It’s going to take me some time to format the questionnaire and their responses, so I’ll try to share it as a separate post later today. 

Let me applaud them for making the effort. Others have attempted similar surveys here in Los Angeles and surrounding communities, with varying degrees of success. It’s hard to get candidates to pay attention these days, let alone take the time to answer. 

I used to question candidates for my home council district, but as more money from special interests have flooded local races, the responses dwindled to roughly none. 

Okay, exactly none. 

So a nearly 50% response rate is pretty damn good. 

………

If you’re in the Simi Valley or West San Fernando Valley areas, keep your eyes on the skies for the next few days.

The Sandy Fire has swelled to 1,300 acres, which could affect where you ride. But more important, it can affect the air you breath if you happen to find yourself downwind of the flames.

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particulates and toxins that can cause lasting harm, and affect your lung health for days, if not weeks, afterwards — let alone the possibility of damage that can last for years, if not a lifetime.

As a bicyclist, your ability to draw in strong and healthy breaths are of vital importance, providing a lifelong benefit.

It’s not something you want to take foolish chances with.

And yes, that includes smoking, too.

………

As far as I’m concerned, tomorrow night mark’s one of the most important rides of the year.

The annual Ride of Silence takes place in cities around the world to remember those lost to, or injured by, traffic violence.

It’s a time to honor those victims — and we have a lot this year — and to call for traffic safety improvements. So that someday, the last person killed on our streets really will be the last person killed on our streets.

This year, we also call on Los Angeles city leaders to declare a Traffic Violence State of Emergency, after the complete and total failure to implement, let alone achieve, Vision Zero over the past decade. So if you haven’t already, sign the letter.

Then contact the mayor and your councilmember to demand action on safer streets.

Now.

And if they won’t do something, vote for someone who will.

Here are all the RoS rides I know about this year. If you know of any more, let me know and I’ll post them tomorrow.

Bakersfield
Contact: Louis Bravos   <–Send email
Distance: 8 mi
Notes: Meet at Café Smitten downtown 909 18th Street at 6:35. We will read names of riders to remember and the Ride of Silence poem with enough time to gather and start in silence at exactly 7:00 PM in brotherhood with all Ride of Silence events in our time zone.
Los Angeles
Contact: Rafael Hernandez   <–Send email
Distance: 10 mi.
Notes: Contact the organizer for more details.
Palm Springs
Contact: John Siegel   <–Send email
Distance: TBD
Notes: 2026 Ride of Silence

Wednesday, May 20, 6:30 pm, Ruth Hardy Park, Palm Springs
Pasadena
Contact: Thomas Cassidy   <–Send email
Distance: TBD
Notes: When
May 20, 2026, 6:15 PM – 8:30 PMWhere
Rose Bowl (Lot K), Parking lot, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA
Rancho Cucamonga
Contact: Cycling Connection Nancy Michalski    <–Send email
Distance: 13 mi.
Notes: Details here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2842469792752657

Redding

Contact: Doug Holt   <–Send email
Distance: 8.8 mi.
Notes: Ride starts at Shasta Bike Depot 1322 California St. Redding.
Start time 7:00 PM. Public parking on south side of Bike Depot.

An additional Ride of Silence will be held in Long Beach, according to Bike Long Beach.

Ride and Walk of Silence

Organized by Car-Lite LB, community members, advocates, families, and local leaders will gather at Trolley Park at 2nd and Redondo on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM for the Ride of Silence, a worldwide memorial event honoring the lives lost and forever changed by traffic violence in Long Beach and beyond.

The gathering will provide a space for remembrance, reflection, and solidarity while calling attention to the urgent need for safer streets for everyone — including people walking, biking, using mobility devices, and driving.

Afterward, pedestrians and cyclists will walk and ride westbound on 2nd St to Bixby Park and from there head to Bluff Park for a candlelight vigil overlooking the ocean.

………

Speaking of the victims of traffic violence, Christian forwarded news over the weekend that an 87-year old man was killed by a driver while riding a mobility scooter in Irvine Thursday night.

According to the Irvine Police Department,

On May 14, 2026, at around 8:30 p.m., the Irvine Police Department (IPD) responded to a traffic collision involving a Tesla SUV and an 87-year-old man using a mobility scooter at the intersection of Irvine Boulevard and Groveland.

IPD and Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) immediately responded and attempted life-saving measures; however, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Tesla was transported to a hospital for minor injuries and is cooperating with investigators.

Preliminary information indicates the driver of the Tesla was traveling westbound on Irvine Boulevard with a green signal light, while the man on a mobility scooter traveled northbound in the crosswalk at Groveland when the collision occurred. DUI is not believed to be a factor in the collision.

Let’s repeat that.

The victim was an 87-year old man who needed a mobility scooter to get around. But cops somehow had to blame him because he couldn’t clear the crosswalk fast enough for a driver who couldn’t manage to avoid someone on a mobility device directly in front of them.

I mean, it’s not like Teslas come loaded with cameras and collision avoidance systems, or anything.

………

Streetsblog offers a recap of the transportation bills that bit the dust at the state legislature at the first deadline, as well as the handful that managed to move forward.

And some very good bills died an ignominious death.

To wit,

  • AB 1557 would have limited the motor output of ebikes sold in the state to a maximum of 750 watts, aligning it with federal definitions; however, a similar bill (SB 1167) is still alive in the Senate.
  • AB 1833 would have allowed drivers voluntarily opt into insurance telematics, with privacy protections, to allow insurance rates to better align with actual behavior, so safer drivers could pay less.
  • AB 1976 would have streamlined planning, construction and protection of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure across the state.
  • The good news is, AB 1942, which would have required owners of Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles to register them with the DMV and display a special ebike license plate, is dead — for this session of the legislature, anyway.
  • And SB 1035 would have suspended the state gas tax and other fuel charges for one year, which would have been a disaster for highway maintenance.

Among the bills moving forward,

  • AB 1546 increases penalties for repeat DUI offenders to bring California law more in line with other states.
  • AB 1662 would allow drivers who avoid fines through a court-mandated misdemeanor diversion program to still receive points on their driving record.
  • AB 2276 would have created a statewide pilot program requiring reckless and excessive speed offenders to install active intelligent speed assistance devices in their vehicles before they could regain driving privileges.
  • SB 1423 would steer half of State Transportation Improvement Program funds to projects to improve safety for people walking, biking, and taking transit, while also making the state’s top safe streets grant program easier for cities to access.

………

Bike Long Beach invites you for Bikes and Coffee at the end of the month.

Toss in some donuts, and I’m in. Although for diabetics like me, that could be considered assisted suicide.

………

LADOT wants you to check out the proposed final design for Pico Blvd between Crenshaw and Figueroa. And if “proposed final design” doesn’t tell you what’s wrong with LA’s process, I don’t know what will.

Twitter post

………

Support the NoHo to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit line tomorrow.

Twitter post

………

ActiveSGV invites you to learn more about the El Monte Clean Mobility Nexus Program.

Twitter post

………

Thanks to Megan for forwarding a pair of recent videos.

In the first, a Bay Area nonprofit exec is taking on the “grueling challenge” of Everesting in downtown Los Gatos to help fund a program that helps people transition out of prison, after losing $3.4 million in federal funding. And yes, you can thank Elon Musk and his chainsaw for that.

In the second, Italian TV reports on a crash that was barely reported here, as a driver slammed into a bike and a group of pedestrians, injuring eight people — four critically. Police were unsure if it was an act of terrorism, or just another “accident.” It’s also unclear if anyone was on the bike at the time.

………

Just stunning.

Bluesky post

………

The war on cars may be a myth, but the war on bikes just keeps on going.

No bias here. An angry driver leaped out of his car to confront the UK’s Cycling Mikey, raging that “everybody hates you” for the bicyclist’s history of filming drivers illegally using their cellphones. Because the real problem isn’t distracted driving or even breaking the law, but getting caught.

………

Local 

Secret Los Angeles looks forward to this summer’s CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods, connecting East and West Hollywood with seven miles of carfree streets this July. Although that skips over next month’s CicLAvia connecting Leimert Park with Exposition Park.

Metrolink will offer free rides for bicyclists on Thursday’s Bike Day, not to be confused with last week’s mostly ignored Bike to Work Day.

 

State

Forget traffic safety. The Laguna Beach PoliceDepartment led a multi-agency traffic enforcement operation that resulted in 140 citations — with a focus on loud and modified exhaust systems, while also netting three illegally modified ebikes.

The Pacific Beach Planning Group heard the case for opening a one-block section of Ocean Blvd to pedestrians and bicyclists on weekends, who already make up nearly 74% of all traffic for that section.

Bike riders in Santa Maria celebrated the city’s inaugural BiciChella event.

A German writer tours Specialized’s Morgan Hill HQ, and gets to see a military-style ebike customized for Arnold Schwarzenegger, and one made for Jason Momoa, “the actor from Aquaman.” Although I must have missed the sequence where he rides his undersea bicycle, effortlessly flipping through gearing on the fl…uh, swim.

 

National

Denver is opening yet another round of ebike rebates, though the amount has gone down to a max of $675, which can be combined with state rebates of $225. Which is about $675 more than Los Angeles offers, combined with $0 from California. 

A former Southern Californian is spending her retirement just a few miles from my Colorado hometown, putting over 10,000 miles on her bike. Or as I used to consider it back in the day, a good year. 

The Canadian National Railway agreed to sell an abandoned railroad grade for a new bike trail to connect Hurley, Wisconsin to Montreal. No, the other Montreal, about three miles away in Wisconsin.

A prothetic limb specialist in Saginaw, Michigan is attempting to address the global mobility crisis by fabricating prosthetic legs from old bicycle parts. Especially since wars in Ukraine, Iran, Sudan and other hotspots are increasing the need every day, with help from motorists.

Richmond, Kentucky will get its first singletrack course, in part because an 8th grade teacher and a bunch of kids in matching blue and orange jerseys stood before the city council to demand it.

A Florida triathlete was lucky to escape with road rash and a deep forehead cut when he got right hooked by a truck driver, despite riding in a completely coned-off lane.

 

International

Road.cc takes a deep dive into the Rover Safety bicycle, which they describe as the first commercially successful modern bike, introduced in 1885.

Um, okay. An “ebike fan” writes about his favorite bike helmets for the London Telegraph, and how to choose the best one. So next week, we can probably expect a “bike helmet fan” writing about ebikes.

No surprise here, as a new report says aggressive drivers are the main thing putting Irish women off bicycling. Aside from Irish men, that is. 

You may have seen this one before, but Steven forwards “a perfect example” of our car-centric roads from Swedish artist Karl Jilg.

 

Competitive Cycling

The 2028 Tour de France will move to the end of June to avoid a conflict with the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games, rather than the usual July start.

Portugese cyclist Afonso Eulálio continues leading the Giro as the peloton reaches the first rest day, though even he recognizes his time in pink is short, if not over.

 

Finally…

That feeling when you name a local hiking and biking trail to scare the tourists away. Who says you have to go butterfly hunting on your feet with a net?

And there may be more than water in that discarded water bottle you grab at the Giro.

………

Be safe, and stay healthy. And get vaccinated, already.

Oh, and fuck Putin. 

 

Category: Morning Links / Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Alleged killer Playa driver faces 2 prior DUIs, Bass works to keep Forest Lawn deadly, and “tyrannical bike kings” overtake NYC

May 18, 2026 / / No comments

I may be wrong. 

But somehow, I don’t think this plate I spotted yesterday on motor scooter is an official DMV-issued license plate.

And thanks to everyone who sent items in over the weekend. I’m holding most of it over until tomorrow because of the epic length of today’s post, and my own short attention span. 

………

This is why people keep dying on our streets.

Police identified the man who ran away from a fatal Playa del Rey collision as 28-year old Moises Santiago Rodriguez Leiva of Canyon Country.

Leiva was arrested three days after the May 3rd crash that killed a one-year old boy and his 25-year old uncle, and injured three others — one critically.

Survivors alleged that Leiva crashed into them in an act of road rage, while driving on the wrong side of the road at a high rate of speed.

The Los Angeles Times reports he was already facing two counts of DUI at the time of the crash, one from June of last year, and another from July, 2024. A judge had issued a bench warrant this January for failing to appear.

His arrest after three days on the run gave him plenty of time to sober up if he had been drinking again prior to the Playa crash. He is currently being held on $200,000 bond as prosecutors ponder charges.

This case raises the question of why drivers are allowed to remain on the road after they’ve been arrested for DUI.

A single arrest should result in the automatic suspension of a driver’s license, at least until the driver appears in court to respond to charges.

If they receive a second DUI before the first case is adjudicated, their license should be physically removed by the judge, and their vehicle impounded until such time as they are acquitted, or complete the sentence from both crimes.

That would have kept Leiva off the road. And chances are, one-year old Roger Sandoval and 25-year old Oswaldo Sandoval would still be alive.

Meanwhile, Streets Are For Everyone offers a guide to the state of DUI in the state of California, as well as the 16 DUI-related bills currently under consideration in the California legislature.

Yes, 16.

I say pass them all, and let the courts figure it out.

I’ve already lost a cousin and a childhood friend to drunk drivers. And I’ll be damned if I’m going to lose another one.

And speaking of drunk drivers, a New York driver plowed into a car while traveling at 108 mph, allegedly under the influence, then continued on into a group of pedestrians, killing two people and leaving three others in critical condition.

But sure, let’s let this guy stay on the road once he makes bail.

………

Streets For All alleges Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has intervened to pause, if not halt, the safety work scheduled for Forest Lawn Drive.

According to the traffic safety PAC, Bass reached out to StreetsLA to order a delay in the project at the request of Forest Lawn and Mount Sinai cemeteries, as they apparently attempt to increase their business by killing more of us off.

This project has already been debated for years, and multiple city agencies have concluded that will not only improve safety on Forest Lawn Drive, but won’t significantly interfere with funerals or people going to and from the cemeteries.

And people wonder why nothing ever gets done in this city.

………

No bias here.

A New York writer apparently doesn’t like bike lanes.

Or the people who do.

In a New York Post op-ed, the founding president of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Greater New York and adjunct fellow of the Manhattan Institute, insists that “tyrannical ‘bike kings'” are taking over the city.

And demanding New Yorkers give up their precious traffic lanes and parking spaces.

New York City is dealing with elevated crime and disorder, failing and emptying schools, taxpayer flight and a fiscally crunched City Hall.

But our ruling class is targeting the “real” emergency: not enough bike lanes.

Cycling activists and their friends at the Department of Transportation have stepped up their crusade against the existential threat of the four-wheeled vehicle, imposing street-redesign plans on neighborhoods, whether residents want them or not.

It gets worse.

The bike kings go to communities with glossy presentations stuffed with buzzwords — “traffic-calming redesign,” “rebalancing public space,” “reimagined corridors.”

Translation: Your car, delivery truck or Access-A-Ride van  — no longer welcome…

And if residents object? Dismiss them as backward, selfish or (worse) suburban-minded.

Face it.

We’re all overprivileged corporate types who don’t care if grandma makes it to her doctor appointment because there’s no parking space for her car. All we care about is reducing traffic lanes to reduce the number of cars.

Never mind that maybe the 81-year old woman with a walker she cites probably shouldn’t be driving in the first place.

Because apparently, bike riders aren’t bus boys. Or college students. Or seniors trying to keep their weight and blood pressure down.

Or maybe just people who don’t want to get killed or maimed riding from here to there. And no self-respecting Chinese American would ever be caught dead on a bicycle.

Right?

But that’s the problem when you see the world in terms of stereotypes. You don’t see people. You see two-dimensional cardboard cutouts who can’t possibly understand your problems, or your perspective.

And you end up talking past one another, instead of with one another.

New York doesn’t need streets designed to conform to the cyclist ideology. It needs streets that make possible greater circulation, commerce and access.

Residents should say no to senseless bike-lane expansion.

Because a city that can’t move and accommodate the people who actually live and work in it isn’t “reimagined.”

It’s just stuck.

Yet somehow, the people going by in the bike lane aren’t “stuck.”

They’re moving. They’re breathing.

They’re living.

And they’re your neighbors.

You know, like us.

………

No bias here, either.

According to the London Telegraph — a bike friendly publication once upon a time — the medieval town on Windsor, home to the famous castle that’s home to the royal family, is being overrun with cyclists.

Make that middle-aged men in Lycra, aka MAMILS.

They are drawn on the 62-mile round trip ride from London because a Windsor cafe is offering a whopping ten percent discount on all drinks and food for anyone who arrives in Lycra, otherwise known as spandex on this side of the Atlantic.

But what some might see as a smart special to draw visitors to town, is somehow an invasion of law-breaking scofflaws who never met a red light they liked.

The paper somehow found a 79-year old woman who apparently doesn’t think it’s fair that bicyclists pay just 90% of the menu price. Never mind that locals get the same deal, Lycra or not, while tourists pay full freight.

However, the growing number of cyclists has coincided with a spate of rule-breaking on London’s roads. Traffic lights and zebra crossings are frequently ignored by some cyclists, leading police to consider tougher penalties for those who break the law…

Meanwhile, councils have been accused of waging a war on motorists in an effort to promote cycling, walking and other forms of “active travel” as part of efforts to tackle climate change…

In Windsor, though, the cyclists keep on coming – not for the castle but for cut-price coffee.

All that, because some local cafe came up with a successful promotion.

And chances are, a few of the people on bicycles may happen to notice the castle while they’re there.

………

A 37-year old Santa Monica woman was arrested for suspicion of bicycling under the influence after she allegedly kept riding after colliding with a car, causing minor damage.

Demonstrating once again that a) it is against the law to bike while drunk or stoned, even if the penalty is less than it is for DUI, and b) you are required to stop after a collision, just like drivers are.

………

The war on cars may be a myth, but the war on bikes just keeps on going.

You’ve got to be kidding. A North Carolina bike rider was handcuffed when cops arrived on the scene and assumed he was an aggressor — even though he was actually the victim of a collision; police swore he was actively resisting. I’d be actively resisting, too, if I got handcuffed for getting hit by a driver.

You’ve got to be kidding, part two. A bike rider in Edinburgh, Scotland was held 50% responsible for getting doored by the driver’s insurance company, which ruled he should have been riding further away from the car.

But sometimes, it’s the people on two wheels behaving badly.

A Redditor complains that her bicyclist boyfriend encouraged her to buy a bike, then came up with reasons why it was impossible to ride together. Hint: Dump the guy, keep the bike. 

A 24-year old Cincinnati man was busted for grabbing ass as he rode by women on his ebike, including local comedian Kelly Collette.

………

Local 

Streetsblog will host the great D-Line Dash tomorrow, pitting a bike rider against people driving and taking the subway from Beverly Hills to DTLA. My money’s on the subway, followed by the bicycle. 

The LAPD busted a suspected shooter after a ten-minute chase that began near Fountain and Formosa avenues, then crossed over into West Hollywood as the suspect jumped on a bicycle — which may or may not have been his — and ended in WeHo’s Plummer Park.

South Pasadena approved a Complete Streets concept for South Huntington Drive, but council members were unable to reach a consensus on how to improve Fremont Ave.

Pasadena residents gathered Saturday to build more than 100 bicycles for the twice-yearly Eva Lin Team’s Charity Bike Build to ensure every child who wants a bicycle can have one.

That doesn’t sound good. A Saugus bicyclist was seriously injured after landing a jump at the Haskell Canyon Bike Park neck first.

This is who we share the road with. Two Valencia teenagers were arrested for an intentional assault on a peace officer when one of the teens swerved his dirt bike into the deputy’s motorcycle, causing the cop to crash.

Harrison Ford is one of us, taking to mountain biking in the Santa Monica Mountains following his 2015 plane crash.

 

State

The Orange County Transportation Authority and the City of Mission Viejo teamed up to host the “Pedal La Paz Road” Bikeway Demonstration Event on Saturday, demonstrating how cities can rethink wide arterial roads to prioritize safety, accessibility, and mobility for everyone, even as nearby Fullerton continues to struggle with disconnected bikeways.

The Cyclovia Encinitas returned to the coast highway for the 6th consecutive year.

This is who we share the road with, too. A driver was arrested after plowing through a group of people standing outside an Oakland market, killing three people and injuring five others; the juvenile alleged killer attempted to flee the scene, but was captured by witnesses.

After a 1,550-mile bike ride from Venice to Athens, a couple who originally met in San Francisco realizes that getting married probably won’t be the hardest thing they do. Although based on 27 years of matrimonial hindsight, I’d say the bike ride is way easier. 

Sacramento bike riders decorated their bikes with bright lights and loudspeakers, and wore colorful outfits, Friday night for the monthly Big Party Sacramento.

Davis residents were warned to be careful riding after a mountain lion was spotted near a popular bike path. If you encounter a mountain lion, or any kind of wild cat, remember you can’t outrun it. So stay still, try to make yourself look as large as possible, yell loudly, and if you have anything you can throw at it, do it. 

 

National

Redditors say wiggle your handlebars, or maybe your butt, to add an air of unpredictability and encourage drivers to give you a little more space on the road.

Life is cheap in Las Vegas, where a man is looking for answers after the driver who killed his bike-riding wife two years ago walked without a day behind bars, and a lousy 100 hours of community service and a $1,140 fine, despite an original charge of manslaughter.

A Detroit man learns the hard way that if you’re going to lead a life of crime, leave your distinctive ebike at home.

The New York Times Wirecutter newsletter offers tips to make bicycling less intimidating. Although what could be less intimidating than just getting on a bike and turning the pedals?

Amazon is using big box ebikes for last-mile deliveries in DC. And yes, they do actually have to be pedaled, albeit with a pedal-by-wire drivetrain.

Savannah, Georgia cops finally got their man — or woman, in this case — nearly two years after a hit-and-run driver killed a 37-year old man riding a bicycle; the 29-year old driver was charged with vehicular homicide, as well as attempting to coverup evidence of the crime.

At a time when our government is kicking refugees from “shithole” countries out of ours, a former competitive cyclist is helping Georgia refugees get on a bicycle by refurbishing donated bikes to provide them with reliable transportation.

A Florida triathlete is recovering after she was sideswiped by a hit-and-run driver while riding her bike, suffering an extensive list of serious injuries, but credits her helmet with saving her life; a crowdfunding campaign has raised over $52,000, topping the $50,000 goal.

 

International

Just in time for Metro’s not Bike to Work Day, Road.cc offers tips on how to avoid common bike commuting mistakes.

Bike lock manufacturer Litelok is offering a real-time look at where bike thefts are occurring so you can avoid hotspots. That’s easy. Everywhere. 

Road.cc guides you through the weird, wacky and wonderful world of alternative bike seats.

While US cities are cracking down on ebikes, a UK petition is calling for raising speeds for ped-assist ebikes to 20 mph.

LA bike riders have to worry about car horns, while British riders are concerned with cow horns in the countryside this time of year.

An Irish couple shares the lessons they learned by bicycling 7,500 miles around the world, including “don’t camp with bears” and “it really is all in your mind.” Not to mention your thighs. And butt. And calves. And back. And…

France is offering the equivalent of $4,600 to trade in your car for an ebike.

Spanish bicyclists will continue to be expected to use the shoulder, but only when it’s passable and never if there’s a separated bikeway — and they’ll be fined if they ride the shoulder when there is a bike path

Bicyclists in Jerusalem are pushing for a more bike-friendly city, as a massive annual event drew bicyclists out to the streets.

Israel is set to mandate license plates for all e-scooter and ebike riders, but the plates will apply to the rider, not the bike, so you could apparently transfer your license from one vehicle to another.

China is starting to leave the Western bicycle industry behind, just like the country is doing with electric vehicles.

An 81-year old San Francisco man is now leading Tokyo bike rides of up to 35 miles on behalf of the fittingly named Half-Fast Cycling.

Frustrations are growing over Japan’s new policy of fining bicyclists for a host of violations, with some people believing the fines go too far and others who think they don’t go far enough, even though most people think they’re about right. Meanwhile, bicyclists also have to deal with fake cops fining riders on the spot.

Aussie bike shops faces fines up to $1.1 million for selling fixies without front and rear brakes, as well as meeting a host of other standards.

 

Competitive Cycling

Good for them. Two Cycling Canada board members resigned from the national sport organization in response to the decision to not field a women’s team pursuit squad in the world championships or the upcoming ’28 Olympics.

Seven-time-ex-Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong is helping to design the mountain biking course for the LA Olympics, after the LA Olympic Committee was apparently unable to find any non-dopers willing to do the job.

Nineteen-year old Danish wunderkind Albert Withen Philipsen was lucky to escape without major injuries following a training crash at 50 mph, even if he’s been left “mummified” in bandages.

Once again, stupid, idiotic, no-good “fans” have interfered with the peloton, as two 19- and 20-year old men were arrested for stepping onto the roadway during the Giro, and reaching out towards the riders.

 

Finally…

Now you, too, can take a biking vacay just like Richard Branson. Now you, too, can help a bike rider through cartoon traffic, even if the situation is anything but funny.

And you, too, could have had a painting of a bike rider being abducted by aliens.

But you’re too damn late, because someone already bought it.

………

Be safe, and stay healthy. And get vaccinated, already.

Oh, and fuck Putin. 

Category: Morning Links / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bad ebike bills bite the dust, Florence-Firestone ride goes up against Ride of Silence, and past and future OC & Ventura County rides

May 15, 2026 / / One comment

Just a couple quick notes today.

I’ve been battling a migraine all week, and the meds finally got to me today; I’ve been barely conscious and mostly incoherent all day.

And to be honest, I’m not in a good place mentally. Sometimes I feel like I’m just shouting into the wind, which is the most polite — and hygienic — way I can put it right now.

After two decades of doing this, it seems like we’re just as far from getting anywhere as we were when I started.

Or maybe I’m just down because I’m not riding a bike these days; if I stay on my current meds, there’s a good chance I’ll never ride again. You’ll know I’ve given up when my bikes aren’t hanging in a corner of my apartment anymore.

Maybe someone can start a GoFundMe to pay for my next tatts, which will remind me a) not to judge others, and b) life is good.

Yeah, I didn’t think so.

I’ll see you on Monday.

And I promise to be in a better place.

………

However, on the plus side, a couple of bad ebike bills went down in flames at the state legislature Thursday.

Twitter post

Twitter post

………

On the downside, what should be good news is less so just because of timing.

According to the LA Times The Wild newsletter, a Los Angeles advocacy group is holding a “colorful” ride through Florence-Firestone on Wednesday, which sounds like a celebration of bicycling.

1. Illuminate the streets of Florence-Firestone
People for Mobility Justice, an L.A.-based transportation equity collective, will host a bike ride from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday starting at Ted Watkins Memorial Park. Riders are encouraged to decorate their bikes with colorful and creative lights for this free Glow Ride through the streets of the Florence-Firestone neighborhood. Register at eventbrite.com.

Except the third Wednesday of May is the annual Ride of Silence, the one day each year reserved for silent and sober rides to remember those who have lost their lives to traffic violence while riding their bikes.

And we have a lot to remember. We’re already up to 30 souls lost while riding this year, putting us on a pace for nearly 90 deaths this year if we keep up at this pace.

To be honest, I haven’t heard of any local rides yet, but they do tend to come together at the last minute. So if you’re holding a ride, or know of one, let me know and I’ll mention it next week.

So maybe it’s just me, but the Florence-Firestone ride seems kind of disrespectful.

……….

Finally, let me share a couple of press releases I received this week, one from the Orange County Transportation Authority about a Bike Week ride in the OC; the other about the expansion of a popular San Diego ride into a second edition in Ventura County next month.

………

More than 130 Cyclists Roll through Orange
for OCTA Bike Rally

The annual Bike Rally features a 4-mile ride, and there’s still time to pledge to bike during May for a chance to win an e-bike while staying active

ORANGE – More than 130 cyclists took to the streets of Orange early Wednesday morning, riding together in a show of community spirit and support for active transportation as part of OCTA’s annual Bike Rally, a signature event celebrating May as Bike Month.

The 4-mile group ride began at the Orange Metrolink Station and traveled through city streets and a slice of Santa Ana to OCTA headquarters, highlighting how easy, accessible and enjoyable biking can be for commuting, recreation and everyday trips across Orange County.

“Events like this are about more than just a ride, they’re about promoting safer streets, healthier lifestyles, and more transportation choices,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson, who participated in the ride, along with OCTA directors William Go and Mark Tettemer. They were joined at the finish line by OCTA directors Tam T. Nguyen and Kathy Tavoularis for the rally.

The annual rally brings together riders of all experience levels and showcases OCTA’s ongoing efforts to expand safe and convenient biking options throughout the county. Participants enjoyed free Bike Month T-shirts and light refreshments, and were entered for a chance to win prizes, including an Aventon Pace 4 Step-Through e-bike.

While the rally has wrapped up, there is still time for the public to take part in Bike Month. Those who pledge to ride during May can be entered for a chance to win an Aventon Soltera 2.5 e-bike, courtesy of Bike Month sponsors Aventon E-bikes and Spectrumotion.

OCTA continues to encourage residents to consider biking not just during Bike Month, but throughout the year, as an easy, efficient and environmentally friendly way to get around.

Beyond events like the rally, OCTA is investing in projects that make biking safer and more accessible, including protected bike lanes, regional trail connections and improvements that better connect neighborhoods to transit.

Riders are also reminded to make safety a priority. OCTA offers an e-bike safety video with tips for riding responsibly, and those who watch can enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

For more information about Bike Month activities or to make a pledge to ride, visit www.octa.net/bikemonth.

………

Local Businesses and Organizations Partner with Bike the Coast Ventura Ahead of Inaugural Event

The Ventura community will be represented at the 2026 event through local charities, tourism boards, restaurants and more

VENTURA, Calif. – Bike the Coast Ventura will be hosting their inaugural event on June 13, showcasing the charm of the Ventura community. The event has put a strong emphasis on its local involvement, focusing on building partnerships with businesses and organizations within the Ventura region and authentically connected to the community. Registration for the 2026 event is now open.

This year’s sponsors and partners include Visit Ventura, Downtown Ventura Association, Ventura Coast Brewing Company and Ventura Coast Cycling. The event has also partnered with local charity organizations, including The Los Angeles Chapter of National MS and the Downtown Ventura Foundation. The event will also host Ventura-based band The GAMBLE at their free Finish Festival, which will also include various local food, drink and vendors for riders, spectators and community members to all enjoy.

“Bike the Coast is an event that is meant to be enjoyed by all. We push the idea of this being a ‘ride, not a race’ so that participants can truly take in all that Ventura has to offer, whether it be the scenery or the amazing community that has already been so supportive of our event,” said Mike Bone, president and CEO of Spectrum Sports Management, producer of Bike the Coast Ventura. “Ensuring that this is a community-centric ride is very important to us, and we hope that our participants feel that at our inaugural event.”

The event welcomes riders of all ages and experience levels, offering three course options: the Metric Century 65-mile ride, a 35-mile ride and the rider’s favorite 17-mile family ride. Participants of the Metric Century 65-Mile ride will enjoy a tour of the coastline with some hills in neighboring cities. The 35-mile and 17-mile ride will also highlight constant ocean views along their rules of the road routes. All courses are stocked with support and gear locations to ensure riders are provided opportunities to rest and nourish.

Bike the Coast Ventura is an expansion of the original Bike the Coast event hosted in San Diego County, which is entering its fifteenth year of riding. The growth of the event has led to its expansion into Ventura, where riders are able to enjoy what Bike the Coast is all about: a leisure oceanside ride with a post-race party that gets people to “Come for the Ride – Stay for the Party”. The 2025 Bike the Coast San Diego ride saw great results in fundraising efforts as well, as it raised over $10,000 for Bike MS, a record amount for the event after just three years of partnering with the organization. Bike the Coast is produced by Spectrum Sports Management, a recognized leader in endurance and sporting events in Southern California.

For more information on Bike the Coast Ventura, visit www.bikethecoastventura.com. Follow the event on Instagram and Facebook.

Category: Morning Links / Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Happy Bike to Work Day (not you LA), Reseda hit-and-run critically injures e-scooter user, and USDOT takes credit for Biden funding

May 14, 2026 / / One comment

Happy Bike to Work Day, or wherever the hell you want to ride.

Just get on your bike, and ride somewhere.

Unfortunately, Bike to Work Day seems to be a bust here in Los Angeles. Instead of the dozens of Pit Stops we enjoyed back in those heady pre-pandemic days, Metro is observing Bike Day with free Metro bus, bike and train rides.

But they’re doing it next Thursday, rather than today, for reasons known only to them. And the link for more information on their site was dead when I tried it last night.

Although it will be interesting to see if any of mayoral candidates or city council candidates rides a bike today, or even makes note of the day. So far, if any of the leading mayoral candidates other than Nithya Raman has even mentioned bicycles, I haven’t heard it.

But all is not lost.

A handful of other cities in the LA area still observe Bike to Work Day, to wit:

Look, I’m not saying I’m old. But I remember when Bike to Work Day used to be, you know, fun.

………

A man riding an e-scooter — or “e-shooter,” as KABC-7 called it — was critically injured in a Reseda hit-and-run last week, suffering what was described as “severe injuries.”

Although why we’re just learning about it now is anyone’s guess.

According to KABC-7,

The hit-and-run crash happened the morning of May 7. A dark-colored SUV traveling east on Strathern Street hit the victim who was riding an e-schooter in the bike lane along Reseda Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Anyone with information is urged to call LAPD detectives at 818/644-8025. Never mind that they might have gotten more help if they’d asked sooner.

………

Seriously?

The good news is the US Department of Transportation is releasing nearly $1 billion in Safe Streets and Roads for All grants, funding a total of 521 projects nationwide.

But they’re also making a point of putting President Trump’s and USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s names all over it. And taking an uncalled for swipe at their predecessors while they’re at it.

In April, Secretary Duffy announced the program had been retooled to remove DEI and environmental justice requirements installed by the last administration. These absurd requirements were bogging down the system and making it harder for dollars to flow to critical safety projects across the country.

“Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg inserted radical DEI and Green New Scam requirements into these safety grant programs – making it harder for communities to apply for these funds and delaying critical projects. Under President Trump’s leadership, we’ve put aside the woke nonsense and focused on one goal: safety,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “We’re moving these investments at the speed of Trump to save lives and deliver infrastructure upgrades that will benefit the American people for generations.” 

It continues funding at about the same level as under Biden, who established the program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, providing $5 billion in competitive grants from 2022–2026.

I really don’t care if Trump and Duffy want to take credit for a program Biden created and funded.

But seriously, come on, already.

………

Streetsblog is sponsoring a three-way race from Beverly Hills to DTLA next week, according to their Headlines yesterday.

Next Tuesday May 19 is Streetsblog L.A.’s D Line Dash commuter race: a cyclist vs. a driver vs. a subway rider – all racing from Beverly Hills to Downtown Los Angeles. Watch this week’s short videos introducing the racers:bicyclist Michelle Moro and driver Rachel Reyes! Subway rider Kalayaan Mendoza will be featured tomorrow.

………

The war on cars may be a myth, but the war on bikes just keeps on going.

No bias here. Reuters writes that 50,000 people turned out for the opening of a new 1.2-mile bike and pedestrian bridge in Helsinki, Finland, yet focuses on the lack of car lanes and money the city has invested on public transport and bike lanes. Even though lumping the two together makes no sense, since public transport is a hell of a lot more expensive than bike lanes, and virtually any American city would kill for the cold and windy city’s 9%–11% bicycling rate.

Road.cc says viral video of “hated” bicyclists legally riding two abreast actually makes a better argument for protected bike lanes.

Twitter post

But sometimes, it’s the people on two wheels behaving badly.

No bias here, either. A Milwaukee letter writer confuses free bike licenses with the kind drivers get after passing a test, saying those darn dangerous bike riders have to obey the law or be held accountable and fined. For anyone unclear on the concept, bicycles are licensed so they can be recovered and returned to the owner if they’re stolen, while driver’s licenses are intended to ensure people are capable of safely and legally operating their big, dangerous machines, even if they don’t actually do it in practice.

………

Local 

LAPD traffic detectives are still looking for the hit-and-run driver who severely injured a man in his 60s riding a bicycle at 20th and Hoover streets last May, although the “new video” cited in the story is nine months old.

Streets For All wants you to tell the City Council Rules Committee to fix the Public Works Department at this afternoon’s meeting. Because the way it works now, Public Works doesn’t. 

 

State

The Orange County DA’s office is opening a special unit to prosecute illegal ebike and e-motorcycle use, with a focus on potential criminal cases involving juveniles, adults and parents who knowingly allow children to ride illegal e-motos.

San Diego Mayor Gloria released his revised budget, which restores some funding for libraries and a dog park, but does nothing to reverse bike and traffic safety cuts.

The La Mesa City Council voted 4 to 1 to approve a new ebike ordinance, prohibiting children under 12 from riding any kind of ebikes.

San Francisco officially opened a new bikeway that closes a gap along the waterfront, providing a continuous route through Mission Bay.

Caltrans joined with a hundred or so Sacramento bicyclists to mark Bike Month last week.

 

National

A Reno, Nevada driver rolled the dice by fleeing the scene after killing a bike rider, running the victim down from behind while they were riding in a bike lane.

New York Mayor Mamdani is adding funding for additional bike and bus lanes to the city budget, and will extend an Astoria bike boulevard by installing a traffic circle to divert drivers from continuing forward.

Philadelphia advocates are marking Bike to Work or Bike to Anywhere Day by demanding safer streets for bike riders and pedestrians.

A Pennsylvania paper reminds us of next week’s Ride of Silence. Which LA Metro will probably ignore, too. 

The DC area is celebrating Bike to Work Day tomorrow, with over one hundred actual pit stops. Unlike a certain SoCal megalopolis I could name.

 

International

A writer for Cycling Weekly says he won’t ride without his rear-facing bike radar, calling it an essential safety device, despite initially dismissing it as “an expensive gimmick, a rich boy’s toy.”

Google Maps will now show bikeshare locations and how many bikes are available in ten cities around the world, including four in the US. And no, Los Angeles is not one of them. 

Momentum highlights the top 12 Canadian rail trails.

Speaking of commuter challenges, bicyclists dominated a series of bike versus car races in Victoria, British Columbia, with just a single driver winning their race, compared to 16 bike riders. Even though the the story mistakenly flips the numbers. 

 

Competitive Cycling

Thirty-two-year old Dutch sprinter Arvid de Kleijn is returning to the peloton after a turbulent off-season that included the birth of his first child, the death of his father, and a violent, unprovoked attack by a group of teens during a training ride that left him with a broken nose.

Spanish pro Igor Arrieta came back for a last-gasp win in stage 5 of the Giro, despite a fall, and taking a wrong turn near the end of the race.

 

Finally…

Crossing guards here, lollipop ladies there.

And that feeling when you want to float above your handlebars.

Reddit post

………

Be safe, and stay healthy. And get vaccinated, already.

Oh, and fuck Putin. 

Category: Morning Links / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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