As Mapes points out, when more women begin riding, that will signal a big change in attitude, which will prompt further changes in the direction of safety and elegance. I can ride till my legs are sore and it won’t make riding any cooler, but when attractive women are seen sitting upright going about their city business on bikes day and night, the crowds will surely follow.

I think I’m seeing more cyclists in my own travels, and if David’s right, we’ve got room for a lot more to come.

Bikes as transportation, even in the weather!

Next weekend brings the LA Bike Summit, a gathering of riders and visionaries from around LA, with guests from NYC, Mexico City and Portland.  The focus seems to be on re-envisioning our cities as spaces where bicycles work as a form of transportation.  Registration is FREE!  From their website:

Why the Los Angeles Bike Summit?
In the past few years, Los Angeles has seen tremendous growth and energy in its emerging bike movement, consisting of various organizations, rides, events, blogs, individuals, and more. This grassroots development has been exciting and invigorating, scaling up opportunities for both bike advocacy, new policy developments, and expanding the number of people choosing to bicycle in the region. Bike riding, as a form of transportation, physical activity, cultural and social activity and leisure time recreation, has moved beyond the margin and is an important visible solution to many urban issues from global warming to lack of physical activity.

The Bike Summit Agenda is available to view online.

Power to the pedals!

David Haake and Dino Parks confer with Kelly Rose and Catherine Tyrrell of the Friends of Ballona Wetlands on the 2nd Tour de Ballona, January 31st

January 31st was the second Tour de Ballona on the Ballona Creek Bike Path.  Over 60 participants met at Culver Park near Jefferson and Duquesne and biked in two groups to the beach and back.  Along the way they listened to 6 presentations of organizations involved in some way with the Creek and the surrounding areas.  The ride was made possible by Marie Massa and Joseph Prichard of Concerned Bicyclists of Ballona Creek, with much help from Damien Newton, a biking activist who writes for LA Streetsblog.

Here are the neighboring organizations and their web links.  Get to know your Creek!

Stop 1: Culver City Public Works

In 2007, the Culver City Department of Public Works oversees environmental programs and operations related to refuse and recycling, stormwater, and sewer system management. This includes maintenance and repairs to the creek and the bike trail.

http://www.culvercity.org/pw/pw.asp?sec=gov

Stop 2: Mountain, Recreation & Conservation Authority

The MRCA provides natural resources and scientific expertise, critical regional planning services, park construction services, park operations, fire prevention, ranger services, educational and leadership programs for thousands of youth each year, and is one of the lead agencies providing for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River.

http://www.mrca.ca.gov

Stop 3: Los Angeles County Bike Coalition

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) is a non-profit, membership-based advocacy organization dedicated to improving the bicycling environment and quality of life in Los Angeles County.

http://www.la-bike.org

Stop 4: Friends of the Ballona Wetlands

Friends of Ballona Wetlands offers education and habitat restoration programs to the greater Los Angeles Community. Since 1994 over 60,000 participants of all ages have participated in these programs, coming to Ballona to learn about this valuable coastal ecosystem and help to restore native coastal habitat.

http://www.ballonafriends.org

Stop 5: Ballona Creek Renaissance

Ballona Creek Renaissance (BCR), an all-volunteer Culver City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to renewing Ballona Creek and its watershed for a healthier, more sustainable environment and community.

http://www.ballonacreek.org

Stop 6: Mar Vista Family Center

Mar Vista Family Center (MVFC) provides low-income families with quality preschool education, youth enrichment, and educational tools to create positive change in their lives and in their communities. Every program adheres to the basic premise that it is critical to empower children, teens and adults to play vital and responsible roles – as decision makers, community leaders, mentors, classroom volunteers, and fundraisers – at MVFC.

http://www.marvistafc.org