Tag Archive for bicycling

Today’s post, in which I make a shameless plea for money

December 12, 2012 / / 8 comments

Not for me.

Even though I could use it as much as the next guy. Especially if the next guy has a bank account that makes Greece look flush.

But actually, I’m asking for you. And every cyclist you share the road with.

Because right here in Southern California, some of the finest bicycling advocacy groups in the country are out there every day, fighting for your rights and the safety of all riders.

And they need — and deserve — your support.

Personally, I’m partial to the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. And not just because I’m a board member.

In fact, when I agreed to join the LACBC three years ago, it was because I often found myself working side-by-side with them on various issues. And was impressed with the commitment and dedication they showed in fighting for better bicycling here in the City of Angels, and their willingness to listen to, and support, all members of the bicycling community.

Since becoming a board member, I can honestly say I have never had the pleasure of working with a better group of people, from my fellow board members to the staff and volunteers who run the organization on a daily basis.

Unlike some organizations, the LACBC doesn’t often trumpet its successes, or broadcast the issues they’re working on with various governmental officials. They tend to be far more interested in getting results than taking the credit.

But chances are, you regularly ride streets they’ve played a hand in improving, from Main Street in Venice, to 1st, Spring and 7th streets Downtown. Not to mention the role they’ve played as the incubator for CicLAvia, City of Lights and Bici Libre.

Staff members from the Coalition were also the only people other than myself who attended every single council and committee meeting in support of the groundbreaking bicyclist anti-harassment ordinance passed in L.A. last year, which has set the standard for similar laws in cities around the country.

And the LACBC is currently working to play a role in next year’s Mayoral and City Council elections, to ensure the voices of cyclists are heard in City Hall — both before and long after you cast your vote.

Unfortunately, that sort of advocacy doesn’t come for free.

Like any other enterprise, the LACBC has to pay for office space, supplies and computer systems, as well as travel and other expenses. Not to mention the salaries of those people out there fighting on your behalf on a daily basis.

And that’s where you come in.

If you’re not a member, take a few minutes right now to join, and add your voice and membership dues with a few thousand like-minded bike riders.

Or take a moment in this season of giving to give to an organization that needs and deserves your support. If only because they’re out there supporting you.

It doesn’t matter what you give.

A $10 donation means as much, and is just as challenging, to some as $1000 is to others. So give a dollar. Give a hundred dollars.

But give something.

Of course, the LACBC is not the only bicycle organization that deserves your support. Put your money where your heart is, and support the organization that means the most to you.

Like the newly revitalized C.I.C.L.E., which has been on fire lately leading rides and workshops for local cyclists. Bikeside LA appears to be inactive these days, yet they remain the area’s only registered nonprofit bicycling political organization. And while LA Streetsblog isn’t an advocacy organization, they do more than anyone else — myself included — to keep us informed about the news and events effecting transportation issues in the Southland.

For those of you south of the Orange Curtain, consider giving to the Orange County Bicycle Coalition, or the Newport Beach Memorial Ride fund.

A little further south, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition could use your help. As could BikeSD, the new organization co-founded by Sam Ollinger, one of the brightest and most dedicated bike advocates California has to offer.

On the state level, I’m a huge fan of the California Bicycle Coalition, which as done a great job of representing the interests of bicyclists in the state capitol. And while I’ve had my disagreements with the California Association of Bicycling Organizations, aka CABO, you might find they’re the ideal group to support your views in Sacramento and cities around the state.

Then there are the groups working on the national level, like the League of American Bicyclists, People for Bikes, the Alliance for Biking and Walking and the Adventure Cycling Association.

It’s up to you to decide where your money will do the most good. But let it.

Now.

Please.

And don’t forget, donations to most, if not all, of these groups are tax deductible. Which is something that will come in handy on April 15th if you make a contribution before the end of the year.

I’m always reluctant to list people or groups for fear I’ll inadvertently leave someone out. So if you’re aware of a bicycle advocacy group worthy of our support, please let me know in the comments below.

………

In a step virtually no one other than they seem to understand, the League of American Bicyclists has selected the PR and Communications Director for the national AAA as the keynote speaker for next year’s National Bike Summit.

While the Bike League has partnered with AAA on a number of programs in recent years, local chapters have actively opposed bike safety measures, particularly in Washington DC and here in California.

Maybe she has something to say about how we can work together to improve safety for everyone. But maybe AAA should stop opposing bike safety on the local level first.

Thanks to George Wolfberg for the heads-up.

………

The LACBC wants your support for bike lanes on Westwood Blvd between Santa Monica and National Blvds. In case, like me, you missed the opening Saturday night, you can still catch the ARTCRANK LAX exhibition through next Monday. Neon Tommy looks at DTLA’s upcoming Bike Nation USA bike share program. The first phase of the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk opens at 10:30 am today at Paula and Garden Streets in Glendale. LADOT and CD4 Councilmember Tom LaBonge will rededicate the Alex Baum Bicycle Bridge from 10 am to noon on Thursday. Burbank’s Bike Angels will give away 150 refurbished bikes to local families this month. Cycling Unbound says you can tell the NHTSA is a joke because it has TSA in its name. A driver in tiny Durham CA didn’t mean to kill that cyclist, and he’s really, really sorry he did, then ran away like a coward.

Protected bikeways nearly double nationwide in 2012, and are expected to double again next year. How about a hidden minibar in your handlebars? Chicago business needs protected bike lanes. Boston is working for more, and safer, bike commuting. Bikeyface advises drivers on avoiding doorings and kangaroos. A Massachusetts paper asks why hit-and-run drivers flee. Lovely Bicycle offers advice on how to ride real slow. The Washington Post says it’s time we stopped living with streets that are killing us. Hit-and-run drivers are suspected of beheading several bollards protecting a separated bike lane; on the other hand, those might have been cyclists if the divider hadn’t been there. Jacksonville FL has killed 28 pedestrians and nine bicyclists this year alone; that compares with five bicycling fatalities in Los Angeles this year, with over four-and-a-half times the population.

Just like with cyclists, the only official solution to Toronto pedestrian deaths appears to be brighter clothing. Greater horsepower brings greater responsibility. Over half of all UK cyclists don’t feel safe on the road. A 15-year old Brit phenom returns to racing over a year after breaking his back in a racing fall. The unofficial highway code for cyclists. London cyclists drive to work to show how much they don’t contribute to traffic; something tells me most motorists didn’t even notice. Russia’s Katusha pro team is ticked off about not getting a ticket to ride in next year’s UCI WorldTour. New Zealand’s PureBlack racing team is about to go belly up, again. A local rider says Christchurch should be a cycling city. Australian authorities are looking for a teenage cyclist who was severely beaten by a bus driver in a road rage attack.

Finally, bike are great for transportation and recreation — and evidently, stalking potential serial killer victims

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

Traffic deaths are down, unless you’re on two wheels. Or two feet. Or driving a big ass truck.

December 11, 2012 / / 2 comments

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released their latest figures for traffic fatalities in 2011.

And the news is not good for bicyclists.

While the overall traffic fatalities showed a nearly 2% decline, bicycle deaths shot up 8.7%, to 677 throughout the U.S. So much for the safety in numbers theory, as the increase is attributed to the higher number of riders on the road.

The news isn’t much better for pedestrians, as bipedalist deaths rose 3% to over 4,400. Then again, either one is better than drivers of large trucks, who saw an amazing 20% increase in fatalities in a single year.

Yet even with increases in virtually every category other than car and light truck drivers and passengers, the total number of traffic fatalities dipped to just over 32,000, the lowest level since 1949.

The Times quotes me as saying in response that bicycle fatalities are a largely urban phenomenon. What I meant by that is that there are more cyclists, and more traffic collisions, in cities, which explains the relatively high number of deaths here in Southern California, while more rural areas may only suffer a handful of deaths each year.

Which is not to say their experience is any less tragic or heartbreaking.

Or unnecessary.

It’s also unclear if the NHTSA figures includes bicycling deaths from various causes, or is limited to fatalities due to collisions.

My counts of 70 SoCal cycling fatalities last year, and 71 so far this year, include deaths due to all causes except for shootings — including solo falls, collisions with trains, and deaths due to natural causes while riding, which may not be included in the NHTSA figures.

We’ll have to wait until statistics for individual states are released to see if their totals are anywhere close to the numbers I’ve counted, which showed a significant increase over the NHTSA’s figures for 2010.

Or if it will be closer to the 49 deaths registered in 2010, before I started tracking them on my own.

Meanwhile, a Sacramento writer says to take those numbers with a grain of salt.

………

Los Angeles’ newfound commitment to bicycling helps make us smarter than our neighbor to the south; sorry San Diego. Women on Bikes SoCal interviews new Bike Nation bike share head April Economides. Long Beach releases ten years of data on the causes of local bike crashes; cyclists are to blame for the top three, which makes me wonder who compiled the figures and how. More on the Long Beach cyclist being named the city’s person of the year. An Orange County man is under arrest for stealing a five year old’s bike; the victim drew his own wanted poster. Fontana cyclist fights off would-be robbers on his way to work. A Marin writer says when police crack down on cyclists, it makes the road a more dangerous place. Sonoma County votes to screw cyclists and pedestrians. A Vacaville woman is looking for the good Samaritan cyclist who helped save the life of her bike riding husband.

Even Goldfish crackers are riding bikes these days — with a helmet, no less. Sometimes, the real victory is just not quitting; I’ve learned many times over that it’s always too soon to quit, whether on a bike or in life. Portland reaches double digits when it comes to kids bicycling to school; kind of sad that such a low number is such a big achievement. My Colorado hometown celebrates a winter Bike to Work Day; if they can do that on a chilly December day, why can’t we do it here in sunny SoCal? A Rochester NY cyclist is hit by a police cruiser; needless to say, it took little time to find the rider at fault. Pedestrians call for bike-only traffic signals in New York’s Central Park to address red light-running bike riders. Making the public health case for bicycling.

A Toronto writer explains why we mourn fallen cyclists. Alex Moulton, developer of the iconic small-wheeled Moulton bicycle, passed away at 92. A British driver who fatally doored a cyclist may not have seen his victim, after recently having his windows tinted to allow only 17% transparency. If there’s a war on Britain’s roads, only a small minority of drivers and cyclists are taking part; personally, I’d call that one a must read. An Aussie writer says it’s time to declare war on cyclists, because we’re so much more dangerous than motor vehicles; nice to know irresponsible journalism isn’t just an American phenomenon. Meanwhile, a local bike organization offers a more rational response. And an Aussie planning institute says give up on bikeways and turn them into Segway and scooter lanes, because their lazy ass countrymen won’t ride them anyway.

Finally, the Alliance for Biking and Walking is looking for nominations for their 2013 bike and pedestrian advocacy awards, both individual advocates and organizations are eligible. When you fill out your nomination, it’s spelled B-i-k-i-n-g-i-n-L-A.

Okay, okay, I’m kidding.

Sort of.

Category: Bicycle Safety, Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: , , , ,

Your Monday morning after the second night of Chanukah Festival of Links

December 10, 2012 / / Comments Off on Your Monday morning after the second night of Chanukah Festival of Links

Funny how the less time I spend in malls, the more I love this time of year.

So whether you’re gearing up for Christmas, or preparing to light the third candle on your menorah — or just enjoying a nonspecific holiday season — take some time to get away from the hustle and bustle, and spend a little quality time out on your bike.

You can both thank me later.

………

I had a very pleasant conversation last week with Denise Guerra, a student journalist with USC’s highly respected Annenberg School of Journalism.

She’s working on a story about bicycling collisions and hit-and-runs, and would like to speak with anyone who’s been through either — or preferably, both. So if you’ve been hit by a car, shoot her an email at deniseimrad@gmail.com.

Especially if the heartless S.O.B. who did it drove off and left you lying in the street.

Maybe Dottie can drop her a line, as one of America’s most popular bike bloggers is the victim of a hit-and-run driver, yet not surprisingly, still manages to look on the bright side.

………

Portland’s bicycling mom appears on Ricki Lake, and Ricki Lake appears in Flying Pigeon’s bakfiets. The Long Beach Post names local cyclists their person of the year. World bike travelers Russ and Laura offer their suggestions for holiday gifts; can we still call them Long Beach’s biking expats after they’ve been gone so long and taken up semi-permanent residence in Portland?

Orange County residents are fighting the missing link in the Santiago Creek bike trail because they fear it will increase crime; no, really, that’s what they say. Costa Mesa takes steps to slow traffic on a dangerous street, including adding bike lanes, much to the chagrin of some drivers. A lack of bike racks makes Thousand Oaks less than bike friendly. A convicted bike doper asks the courts to end her probation so she can practice law. A Santa Cruz-area cyclist is killed, despite wearing what the Mercury News calls protective gear; unfortunately, the paper doesn’t specify whether that meant a helmet, chain mail or full body bubble wrap. A big rig truck driver is under arrest for the hit-and-run death of a Fresno County cyclist. A Vacaville couple are looking for the woman cyclist who helped save the bike riding husband’s life. In Davis, the new old road means the old old road could soon be a new old road for bikes and pedestrians. Tragically, an East Bay cyclist is killed after hitting gravel when he pulled onto the shoulder of a roadway to let traffic pass.

A list of the country’s most bike-friendly baseball stadiums shows maybe Dodger Stadium isn’t that bad for bikes after all. Perhaps you’d like a bike horn that sounds like a car; I suspect I’d just instinctively flip myself off anytime I used it. A committed vehicular cyclist says he’s not interested in ruining the streets just so you can have a damn bike lane; yes, that’s what he really said. A Michigan man is sentenced to prison for assaulting a group of teenage cyclists while under the influence. Michigan installs a highway bike lane with a seven-foot buffer lane. A New York cyclist thinks it was an unmarked police vehicle that dragged him across an intersection before fleeing the scene. Jersey City is about to get nearly 55 miles of new bikeways. A Florida driver says it’s up to you to avoid obstacles blocking the bike lane, without getting the hell in his way — and it wasn’t his fault he hit that kid, either.

A UK cyclist who dedicated his life to working for safer streets is killed while riding on the streets he fought to improve. British TV viewers volunteer to kill a helmet cam wearing bike rider in the wake of a BBC look at the conflict between drivers and cyclists, while a professional driver says maybe he was wrong to Jerry Brown a bicyclist. Even world champions get run off the road by angry, aggressive drivers. A Brit motorist is charged with deliberately running into a 15-year old bike rider six months after threatening to do just that. We have a new contender for the world’s shortest and most useless bike lane.

Finally, as much as I dislike drunk drivers, shooting them to death seems like a rather extreme response. And if you won’t stop for Santa Claus, you belong on the naughty list.

For all who observe it, please accept my best and warmest wishes for a very happy Chanukah.

Category: General / Tags: , ,

A heaping mound of hot bike links for your Monday edification

December 3, 2012 / / 3 comments

Lots of news piled up in my inbox over the weekend, resulting in a massive link backup that took the entire morning to clear up.

So lean back, put your feet up and click away.

It’s Monday, it’s December, it’s raining. And no one really wants to work anyway.

………

I received an email recently from Brian Work, an Ojai cyclist and beginning screenwriter working on new a bicycling comedy. According to Brian, he’s got some interest from a major producer, and is looking for sponsors as well as a more experienced writer to partner with on the script.

If you’re interested on either count, email him at info@banzaiinojai.com.

………

Just in time for holiday shopping, Forbes offers a gift guide for bike riders. Or how about a balance bike made from reclaimed beetle-killed Colorado pine trees for the pre-pedaling set?

Meanwhile, bicycling appears to be reaching lower case critical mass as H&M discovers men’s bikewear — sorry ladies, but your money just isn’t good enough for them, evidently — and Target once again offers a designer bike. And staid Cole Haan introduces a line of high fashion hi-viz women’s footwear.

Although personally, this is what I call hi-viz biking attire. And I double dog dare any driver to claim he doesn’t see it.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for more altruistic places for your disposable funds, here’s a somewhat dated list of bicycling charities.

And I hope to have a few suggestions on what else you can do with those excess piles of cash begging to do a little good a little later this week.

………

Ex — not former — Tour de France winner Alberto Contador says he’s worn out; you’d think he would have gotten lots of rest while he was all too briefly briefly banned for doping. And speaking of Contador, the man who supposedly delivered the supposedly tainted meat that allegedly got him banned is elected president of the Spanish cycling federation. Couldn’t be a payoff for taking the alleged fall, could it?

Meanwhile, a three-member panel will investigate ties between cycling’s governing body and recent doping scandals.

And not only does America’s only official Tour de France winner Greg LeMond join other pro bike leaders in calling for real racing reforms, but he’s planning to run for president of the UCI.

Funny how the fallout from l’affaire Lance has changed LeMond’s public perception from a whiner pointing the finger at everyone but himself to the one true voice speaking for much needed reform of pro cycling.

………

A couple of good reads from Rick Bernardi on Bob Mionske’s Bicycle Law blog.

First up is a look at red light running cyclists and the scofflaw drivers who hate them. Which is followed by an examination of whether biking under the influence should be treated the same as driving under the influence.

The two stories may not seem to have a lot in common. But both offer a similar theme focusing on the question of relative harm.

As in, a bicyclist who blows through a red light poses far less danger to others than a driver who does the same. And a drunk on a bike is a danger primarily to him or herself, while a drunk behind the wheel is a danger to everyone in the vicinity, on or off the road.

The law should reflect that.

And in some states — including California —it does.

………

A new Glendale Hyperion bridge could provide better access to the L.A. River bike path; how about designing in separated bikeways the full length of the bridge itself while they’re at it. The joy of fenders. Flying Pigeon hosts their monthly Spoke(n) Art Ride this weekend. As a apparent holiday gift to motorists, Santa Monica police are targeting bad bicyclist behavior this month. Boyonabike! celebrates the new ownership of Stan’s Bike Shop in Monrovia. Maybe it’s just me,  but it seems like bikes hardly ever crash into churches when it rains — or knock them down if they do. By the pricking of my thumbs, something muddy this way comes, courtesy of Will Campbell and his Malibu Creek State Park encrusted mountain bike. And speaking of muddy, how ‘cross is changing women’s cycling. Center Line Rule says goodbye to 40-year framebuilder Brian Bayliss.

After a Santa Ana man is mugged for his bicycle, he gives vainly gives chase on a borrowed bike. The Orange County Register looks at OC’s new women’s bike shop. A San Diego toddler is injured when a suspected drunk driver Jerry Browns his mom’s bike; a day earlier, another suspected drunk hit a cyclist but was arrested when she came back to watch the damage she caused. Bakersfield wants the public’s input on how to improve the city’s bikeways. Cyclelicious reviews Elly Blue’s Everyday Bicycling. A San Francisco newsman takes on bike lane blocking drivers.

A graphic guide to bicycling hand signals, although they leave out what seems to be the most popular one. How to move a Christmas tree by bike; I assume the directions would work just as well for a Chanukah bush. Use of specialized bicycle traffic signals spreads across the U.S. A Loveland CO city councilmember is seriously injured in a left cross collision; fortunately, it looks like he’ll be okay. A Montana man reminisces about buying a bike on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. Wisconsin residents want free parking, not bike lanes. Chicago cyclists are about to get their first two-way protected bikeway, but is that enough to protect them from victim-blaming hit-and run cops? New bike helmet signals your stress level; do you really want passing motorists to know just how stressed out you are? Bikeshare appears to be booming in Beantown, but people ride in winter, too. A bike’s eye view of New York. Austin TX cyclists demand safer streets. LSU police crack down on campus cyclists, but not, apparently, in coordination with Santa Monica PD. Miami’s Critical Mass riding LeBron James is named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year; you’d think the story might mention their Sportswoman of the Year, as well, but you might be wrong.

An Alberta driver was three times the legal limit for alcohol when he ran down and killed a cyclist last summer. A Winnipeg driver says he panicked after killing a cyclist, and he’s really, really sorry he ran away so he could dump a case of beer before getting caught; and yet, they still manage to blame the victim. London plans to spend nearly £1 billion — roughly $1.6 billion — on bikeways over the next 10 years. The Independent says cyclists need a code of conduct and a new mindset and license plates, while The Mail calls us arrogant, abusive and oh-so smug; the last time I encountered something like that last link, I had to scrape it off my shoes. A Very British Dude offers a far more readable and rational response. Brit bicyclists prepare to be ambushed by the BBC; brief excerpts are offered here — including “If I can touch your cab, you’re too close.” Amen, brother. Tired of bikes being stolen from their clientele, a UK pub rents bike locks to its customers. What good is a bike lane if taxis — and police vans — are allowed to park in it; then again, there’s more than one way to block a bike lane. A planned bike lane in a Scot roundabout is panned as a cyclist blender. India prepares for its first pro tour.  An Aussie cyclist is punched by a passing motorcyclist. And you thought parked cars were a problem; a Borneo cyclist is nearly decapitated by a steel cable anchoring telephone pole in the middle of a bike lane.

Finally, a Bay Area woman attempts to stop a bike thief with bear spray and a wooden Japanese training sword. Courtesy of Marvin Davis, a reminder that we ride because bicycling is beautiful, warts and all.

And in honor of the recent weather, it looks like those old dry L.A. rivers aren’t so dry anymore.

Category: General / Tags: , ,

38-year old cyclist killed in Palm Springs

December 2, 2012 / / 4 comments

Evidently, we couldn’t escape November without another cycling fatality after all.

Details are still sparse, but The Desert Sun reports that 38-year old La Quinta resident Corey Holley was hit by a car at South Palm Canyon Drive at Avenida Palmera in Palm Springs at 9:07 pm Friday.

According to the paper, Holley was in the right lane when he was struck by a southbound Ford Thunderbird. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:20 pm.

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators; drug or alcohol use is not suspected to have been a factor.

No other details are available at this time.

There’s no word on whether Holley was riding with or against traffic, or if he may have been crossing the roadway when he was hit. And no information on how he was dressed or whether he was using lights after dark.

There’s also no mention of whether the driver may have been speeding, using a hand-held cell phone, or been otherwise distracted or driving carelessly in some way.

All we know is that a rider who should have been visible to those around him evidently wasn’t, for whatever reason.

And now a man is dead because of it.

This is the 69th bicycling fatality in the seven-county Southern California region this year, one behind the total of 70 for all of last year. It’s also the 12th cycling fatality in Riverside County, which is one more than last year.

My deepest sympathy and prayers for Holley and all his loved ones.

Category: Bicycle Safety, Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: , , , ,

Busy bike weekend with Tour de Taste, CXLA and the Grand Opening of Stan’s Bike Shop in Monrovia

December 1, 2012 / / Comments Off on Busy bike weekend with Tour de Taste, CXLA and the Grand Opening of Stan’s Bike Shop in Monrovia

One thing I love about bicycling is the people I get to meet.

Granted, there are some jerks on two wheels, just like there are on four. But since I’ve been active in the cycling community, I’ve been privileged to meet some of the most friendly, caring and committed people Southern California has to offer.

And Carlos Morales, founder of the Eastside Bike Club, certainly fits that description.

If it wasn’t for this blog, and our mutual involvement in the LAPD bike task force, I probably never would have met Carlos. We live and ride in different parts of town, and it’s unlikely our paths would have crossed.

Which means I never would have discovered just how big a heart he has. Or heard his story of how taking up bicycling helped him lose 200 pounds, saving his own life and making him a respected leader in the cycling community.

And not just on the Eastside.

Today, he’s a Committee Member of the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure, the annual bike ride that raises funds for diabetes research.

And the proud new owner, along with his friend of over 20 years, Leonids “Leo” Jurkevics, of Stan’s Bike Shop in Monrovia, founded by Stan Pitts, a fellow Tour de Cure Committee Member, in 2000.

According to a press release issued by the new owners,

Morales and Jurkevics plan to continue what Pitts has started in Monrovia, and evolve “Stan’s Bike Shop” to the next level, by not only providing quality service to this community, but also provide educational seminars and training on safe riding.  Other changes include; a larger variety of bikes, including City Cruisers, BMX, Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes, Single Speed Bikes, Hybrid Bikes and Trikes.  The repair shop has been moved and provides easier accessibility to our clients bringing in their bikes in for repairs.  A Pro Shop will be established within the store, that will be separate from the family cruiser and kids bikes.  Other plans include, building a Women’s Cycling Apparel section.  Morales stated, “There are more female cyclist taking on this sport and until now they have had very limited choices for cycling apparel.  Our shop will offer women an alternative to unisex clothing, women want to look good while riding, and we will provide attractive and affordable choices.”

The shop will host its Grand Opening today at 880 S. Myrtle Ave in Monrovia, with a ribbon cutting at 11 am, and a visit from Santa Clause from 11 am to 1 pm. In addition, raffles will be held throughout the day, along with sales on bikes, jerseys and shorts 30% off, and helmets on sale for 25% off.

I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the area. And it’s worth a trip if you’re not.

After all, we can’t have too many good bike shops, or good people running them.

And knowing Carlos, I have a feeling this will be one of the best.

………

Bike Talk airs every Saturday at 10 am; listen to it live or download the podcast from KPFK.

Bike Long Beach hosts Bike Saturdays every weekend; ride your bike to participating local shops and business throughout the city to get special offers and discounts.

A new support group is forming for people who have been involved in a bicycle collision. Everyone is welcome to share your experiences, gain insight and understanding into your emotional state and develop new coping strategies. The group will meet Saturdays from 11:30 am to 1 pm at 6310 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 401. Current LACBC members receive a discount. To learn more, contact Aurisha Smolarski at 323/203-1526 or email aurisha.smolarski@gmail.com.

When’s the last time a cycling world championship came to Los Angeles? That’s what you’ll find when the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships unfolds this Saturday and Sunday, December 1st and 2nd, at the Los Angeles Historic State Park. The championship unfolds in conjunction with the SoCal Cross UCI CXLA Weekend: Cross After Dark Finale.

Flying Pigeon hosts their monthly Brewery Ride on Saturday, December 1st. Riders meet at the Flying Pigeon LA Bike Shop, 3404 N. Figueroa St, at 3 pm, ride to a local brewery or beer-centric pub and back by 5:45. That will be followed by the Spoke(n) Art Ride on Saturday, December 8th, and the Get Sum Dim Sum Ride on Sunday, December 16th.

Few things go together better than bikes and beer, which is what you’ll get with the Stone Brewing Company Brewcyclers Ride on Saturday, December 1st. Riders will meet at Stone Brewing, 1999 Citracado Parkway in Escondido at 8:30 am, departing at 9 am sharp on a 20 mile roundtrip loop.

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition’s Tour de Taste: Holiday Edition is scheduled for Sunday, December 2nd, offering a unique combination of bikes and great food. The day starts with a guided bike ride from Culver City to Marina del Rey on the Ballona Creek bike path, followed by some of the best food Culver City has to offer. Registration begins at 9 am at Culver Town Center near the Culver Hotel; just $20 for LACBC members and $30 for non-members, with a discounted membership and registration for $55. This is one you don’t want to miss; the event will go on rain or shine.

Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition’s Civic Engagement Committee meets at 6:45 pm on Wednesday, December 5th at Johnnie’s Pizza at Museum Square, 5757 Wilshire Blvd. This month’s meeting will focus on finalizing questionnaires for L.A. Mayor and City Council candidates in the March election, as well as a possible debate for Mayor and candidate forums for City Council candidates. Email bikinginla at hotmail dot com with questions or to be added to the email list.

The LACBC is hosting Ride Lankershim for a people-friendly North Hollywood on Saturday, December 8th to support bike improvements on Lankershim Blvd called for in the 2010 L.A. bike plan. Riders meet at Metropolis Bikes, 4660 Lankershim Blvd at 10 am.

The first Santa Monica Family Bike Fest will be held from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, December 8th at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street. The free event will feature a bike swap, skills training, test rides, route planning, information and food.

The international ARTCRANK exhibition comes to Los Angeles from 6 to 11 pm on Saturday, July 8th, at Orange 20 Bikes, 4351 Melrose. The free exhibition will feature bike-inspired posters hand-made by 31 SoCal artists, with signed copies available for sale for just $40 each. In addition, craft beers by Widmer Brothers Brewing will be available, with the proceeds going to benefit LA Streetsblog.

The first phase of the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk opens to the public with a special ceremony at 10:30 am on Wednesday, December 12th

CORBA (the Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association) invites riders to meet at the Hub in Topanga State Park on Saturday, December 15th (postponed from November 17th due to rain) to celebrate their 25th anniversary and show that mountain bikers can co-exist with others on off-road trails. Riders will meet at 10 am, with a group photo and cash prizes starting at 10:30.

You’re invited to celebrate the engagement, and sadly, the impending departure of long-time L.A. bike advocate, creek freak and artist Joe Linton on Sunday, December 16th at Eco-Village, 117 Bimini Place. The party to honor Joe and fiancé Carrie Lincourt will start with a 1:30 pm with a bike ride to the L.A. River, followed by a party from 4 to 7 pm; the suggested $5 donation will benefit LA Streetsblog.

Also on the 16th, Brewcyclers will host their Bruery Holiday Lights Ride from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. The ride begins at the Bruery, 715 Dunn Way in Placentia, followed by a 10-mile route to take in the holiday lights, and returns to the Bruery for a little holiday cheer.

The High Desert Cyclists will hold their Christmas party on Monday, December 17th at the Texas Cattle Company, 44206 10th Street West in Lancaster. You can buy a $40 raffle ticket for a chance to win a $600 Bicycle John’s gift certificate; the raffle ticket includes a free one year family membership to the HDC.

Registration is now open for a six-day ride through San Diego and Riverside Counties between the holidays. The HI-USA Christmas Trip, which has rolled every year since the mid-1950s, starts in San Diego on December 26th and returns on December 31st, with five overnights in between. Total mileage runs between 360 and 400 miles, with terrain ranging from urban to rural, mountains to desert. Thanks to Marvin Davis for the heads-up.

Brewcyclers is planning a post New Years Ride at L.A.’s Golden Road Brewing on Saturday, January 5th; the 30 – 40 mile ride assembles at Golden Road Brewing, 5430 San Fernando Road West, starting at 8 am, with a 9 am departure, and returning to Golden Road around 3 pm.

C.I.C.L.E. is hosting a Tweed, Moxie and Moustaches Ride on Saturday, January 19th. The ride departs from 200 Westpark Drive in North Hollywood at 10 am, returning at 1:30 pm, with stops at SPARC’s Great Wall of Los Angeles and KPFK.

Make your plans for the Malibu 7-Canyon Ride on Saturday, March 23rd with rides of 100 mile, 100 kilometers and 50 miles. The fully supported ride will begin at Zuma Beach, and pass through Latigo, Encinal, Decker, Mulholland, Little Sycamore, Yerba Buena and Deer Creek Canyons, with over 9,000 feet of climbing on the century ride. The first 200 people to register before November 15th will get a 15% discount; enter the code First200 on the registration page.

Category: Bike Events / Tags: , , , , ,

Rumors are swirling that scofflaw cops may mean the death of 1st Street’s buffered bike lanes

November 29, 2012 / / 7 comments

I read and hear a lot of rumors.

Many don’t pan out after a little investigation; others can’t be verified one way or another.

Then there’s the ones reliable sources tell me have been confirmed, usually off the record, by people who should know. Like the one I recently heard about the relatively new buffered bike lanes in front of the LAPD headquarters on 1st Street in Downtown L.A.

It seems that certain scofflaws in blue can’t resist the temptation to park in the bike lane. Which is just as illegal for them as it is for anyone else.

And which puts cyclists at just as much risk on a dangerously busy street as when anyone else does it.

Of course, the obvious solution is to simply park somewhere else.

The not so obvious solution is to restripe the street to eliminate the bike lane. Or at least the buffer, turning what has been one of the city’s best bike lanes into just another door zone lane.

Guess which option seems to be gaining favor with police and officials at LADOT, run by former Hummer-driving Deputy Mayor Jaime de la Vega?

Of course, there is another possibility that no one seems to have considered. The buffer zone could be reconfigured as street parking — possibly even reserved for police vehicles — while maintaining the curbside lane for cyclists.

The result would be the parking police officers can’t seem to do without — except legally, this time.

Along with L.A.’s first protected bike lane, which could serve as a model for countless other areas around the city.

It makes perfect sense. Which is why it will probably never happen.

So be prepared to kiss your buffered bike lane goodbye.

Or so I’m told.

………

A must read two-part piece from Streetsblog’s Sahra Sulaiman. The first is a moving and enlightening account of the aftermath of a bicycling collision in which both the driver and the victim go out of their way to help one another. The second, an examination of why South L.A cycling collisions too often go unreported — and the harm that can do.

Meanwhile, Streetsblog calls for donations to continue their vital work covering transportation in Los Angeles. And they need volunteers to help out with ARTCRANK on December 8th.

………

Congratulations to exceptional Santa Monica bike, transportation and planning wonk — and Streetsblog contributor — Gary Kavanagh as he receives a well-deserved nod as one of Planetizen’s Top Twitter Feeds for 2012; they might want to spell his name right, though.

Gary also offers his thoughts on the next steps for the Santa Monica bike movement.

………

Confessed doper and Lance compatriot Tyler Hamilton says he thinks 2012 Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins rode clean. Marianne Vos is named Velo’s International Cyclist of the Year. And Exergy is the latest company to drop its sponsorship of men’s pro cycling; their women’s team will not be affected.

………

UCLA sees a sudden spike in bike thefts. The mayor’s office gives itself high marks for its transportation efforts; although if the mayor really wants to make a big move in transportation he could endorse the GRID Project. New bike lanes adorn Santa Monica Blvd in East Hollywood. Flying Pigeon’s monthly Brewery Ride rolls this Saturday. More extensions are in store for the L.A. River bike path. The First Annual Santa Monica Family Bike Fest is scheduled for Saturday, December 8th; although it’s not actually an annual event until the second one. Burbank insists NBC Universal extend the L.A. River bike path as a condition for their planned expansion. Installing fenders for winter riding, and designing away the excuses for not riding for transportation.

Cycle tracks could be the answer for a dangerous San Diego road.  Maybe now that the doping scandal is behind us — as if — we can focus on the upcoming Amgen Tour of California, which reverses course for 2013. Respected bike-riding San Bernardino redevelopment lawyer Timothy J. Sabo died Wednesday after a long illness. An allegedly heavily intoxicated rider is injured in a Redding collision. Rancho Cordova police are investigating the case of a man found beaten to death next to his bike in front of a pet shop. It’s been a dangerous few days for cyclists in central California, as a 15-year old rider is killed in Fresno.

Do cheap Bicycle Shaped Objects from mass market stores discourage riders in the long run? Maybe your next bike could come with anti-lock brakes. New rechargeable, hard-to-steal bike lights. A volunteer explains how the Bike Library in my hometown really works. Bikes could be banned from a reconfigured Continental Divide Trail in southern Colorado. A Tulsa driver is charged in the hit-and-run death of a 71-year old bike rider; anyone who claims they thought they just hit an animal after killing a human being should have their sentence doubled. A Manhattan lawyer is being sued for violently jerking a cyclist off her bike. Not surprisingly, actress Kerri Russell looks pretty cute on a bike. DC cracks down on U-turning drivers after discovering they were involved in 11 of 14 bike collisions on a center bikeway. Cycling Nirvana offers advice on collision avoidance for new road riders. A Florida cyclist is the victim of a fatal double hit-and-run.

Young Canadian racers are about to get a boost. Sidewalk cycling is a symptom of the failure to provide safe and convenient bicycle routes. As you probably suspected, sitting on your couch is more dangerous than riding a bike. The latest in a string of projected bike lights is this Batman-style beacon that casts the image of a bike 20 feet ahead of a rider. A Liverpool cyclist was killed by a motorcyclist who was doing wheelies and riding 70 mph in a 30 mile zone. A Nigerian racer is nipped at the finish line after celebrating her victory a tad too early. Turns out staying upright on a bike is a lot more complicated than it seems. A Sydney bike thief is caught on video.

Finally, a cyclist tries — and fails — to jump a moving car coming directly at him.

Category: Advocacy & Politics, Bicycle Safety, Streets and Infrastructure / Tags: , , , ,

Don’t miss ARTCRANK LAX at Orange 20 Bikes on Saturday, December 8

November 28, 2012 / / 6 comments

ARTCRANK LAX logo, designed by Big Table Studio

A couple weeks ago, I received an email from Patrick Murphy of Minneapolis-based ARTCRANK, the international traveling showcase for bike art.

He was writing to let me know about the upcoming ARTCRANK LAX exhibition at Orange 20 Bikes, featuring the work of 31 local artists.

Unfortunately, my world had just been turned upside down. So rather than adding more to my plate, he graciously agreed to write a guest post to tell you all about it. 

It sounds like a great time, for a great cause. And one I’d highly recommend.

……..

International bike poster show coming to Orange 20 on Dec. 8

ARTCRANK, billed as “A poster party for bike people,” will make its long awaited Los Angeles debut with bikes, art and beer at the newly-minted Best Bike Shop in L.A. —Orange 20 Bikes on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

ARTCRANK LAX will feature hand-made, bike-inspired posters created by 31 local artists. Admission is free, and limited edition, signed and numbered copies of all posters will be available for $40 each.

A selection of craft beers by Widmer Brothers Brewing will be available in exclusive ARTCRANK pint glasses, with proceeds going to L.A. Streetsblog.

“Los Angeles has always been a beacon for creative people,” said ARTCRANK founder Charles Youel. “But even two years ago, nobody would’ve thought of it as a big bike town. So it’s exciting for ARTCRANK to hold our first show here at a time when more people than ever are taking to the streets on bikes, and the city is becoming more bike friendly. We can’t wait to see how that comes through in the posters that our L.A. artists are creating for the show.”

ARTCRANK LAX Details
 
When:
Saturday, December 8 – 6:00p.m. – 11:00p.m.
 
Where:
Orange 20 Bikes
4351 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
 
What + Why:
  • Original, limited edition prints from local artists – all sold for $40
  • Custom pint glasses and beer specials by Widmer Brothers Brewing
  • Proceeds from pint glass sales go to benefit L.A. Streetsblog
  • Neenah Paper will donate proceeds from the ARTCRANK LAX show poster to L.A. Streetsblog
  • Free valet bike parking courtesy of Clif Bar

 For more information, please visit: http://artcrank.com/losangeles

About ARTCRANK

ARTCRANK is a show of bicycle-inspired poster artwork that introduces people to talented local artists and sends them home with affordable, original works of art. Since its 2007 debut in Minneapolis, ARTCRANK has held shows in bike-friendly cities in the US and UK, including Portland, San Francisco, Austin, New York, Denver and London. In 2012, we held our second show at Interbike, a cycling industry showcase that attracts attendees from around the world. ARTCRANK uses creativity to change how people think about bicycles and grow the cycling community. Find out more about ARTCRANK at artcrank.com.

……..

I should mention that in that original email, Patrick took the time to express his concern for my wife before moving on to other matters — a sign of real class and compassion that made me like the guy right off the bat.

As for my wife, the news couldn’t be better. Despite a major heart attack, there doesn’t appear to have been any permanent damage to her heart.

Sometimes, life is good.

Category: Bike Events, Guest Columns / Tags: , ,
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