LACBC
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Newsletter

September 18, 2014

In this issue
Laemmle Charitable Foundation Sponsors 2014-2015 Operation Firefly Season
ACTION ITEM: LACBC Files Public Records Request in Milt Olin Case; Let the DA Know that Our Lives Matter
Welcome Reception for LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds on Tuesday
International Car-Free Day Ride & Refresh in the Valley this Sunday
Bike to the Bowl this Sunday and Next
Updates from Around L.A. County: Metro Considers Complete Streets Policy
Give 3 Feet; It's Now the Law
El Grande Fondo de Los Angeles Crest Is October 18th
Welcome Macleod Ale Brewing Co. to the LACBC Business Partnership
What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: Riding Bikes In Wilmington
Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities

Laemmle Charitable Foundation Sponsors 2014-2015 Operation Firefly Season

 

We're proud to announce that the upcoming season of Operation Firefly is sponsored by the Laemmle Charitable Foundation. The foundation benefits nonprofits agencies working to improve life in Los Angeles through addressing social and environmental issues critical to the region.  

 

Operation Firefly (Operac�on Luci�rnaga) is an education and bike light distribution program intended to make sure people riding bikes in Los Angeles are riding safely at night. 

 

Join the Laemmle Charitable Foundation in Sponsoring Operation Firefly

 

Join the Laemmle Charitable Foundation in helping to make this next season of Operation Firefly bigger and better, so we can reach even more night-time bicycle riders. 

 

Below are some fun levels at which you can join Team Firefly and receive a premium. (Lights, hats, and vests will ship beginning the first week of November 2014.)

 

You can also make a general donation to the Operation Firefly program. Did you know that donating $10 means that 1 more person will soon be riding around at night with lights? Donate $50 and 5 more people will be a little safer. $100 and that number jumps to 10.
 
 

Plus, for a limited time, donate to Operation Firefly by tomorrow, Friday, September 19th at 11 a.m., and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a pair of tickets to the this Sunday's Hollywood Bowl show with Caetano Velaso, Andrew Bird, and Devendra Banhart, or next Friday's show with Trey Anastasio and the L.A. Philharmonic.

 

Learn more and make your donation at: la-bike.org/OperationFirefly

 

 

Operation Firefly Sponsor Levels & Premiums

 

BUY A SET OF LIGHTS, GIVE A SET OF LIGHTS - $25 
BUY A SET, GIVE A SET, GET A HAT - $50

GIVE 25 LIGHT SETS - $250

BUY A SET, GIVE A SET, GET A VEST - $300

ACTION ITEM: LACBC Files Public Records Request in Milt Olin Case; Let the DA Know That Our Lives Matter

 

Last week, LACBC received a response from District Attorney Jackie Lacey to our September 3rd letter requesting reconsideration of criminal charges against the Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy who hit and killed prominent entertainment attorney Milt Olin while he was riding in a bike lane during broad daylight on December 8th, 2013. This case has drawn widespread media (CBSNBCABCLos Angeles Times,Daily NewsLos Angeles RegisterThousand Oaks Acorn,Streetsblog Los Angeles) attention due to Olin's high profile and the involvement of a sheriff's deputy, who was typing on his mobile computer when he drifted into the bike lane.

 

Earlier today, LACBC filed a public records request with the District Attorney's office to determine whether Lacey has ever pressed charges for vehicular manslaughter in any case, not just Olin's. When people walking and bicycling (and driving) are killed almost every day in Los Angeles County due to distracted, aggressive, or negligent driving, all relevant agencies must do their part to reduce traffic violence. We invite Lacey to host a town hall with us to hear from victims of traffic violence and discuss ways that her office can partner with law enforcement and the community to end this epidemic.

 

Please continue to put pressure on the DA's Office. For more information and a sample letter, see: la-bike.org/milt-olin

Welcome Reception for LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds on September 23rd


 Welcome

Join LACBC, L.A. WalksSafe Routes to School National Partnership in CaliforniaStreetsblog L.A., and The Hub LA for this reception to welcome new L.A. Department of Transportation (LADOT) General Manager Seleta Reynolds.

 

Last month, Seleta Reynolds took over as the general manager of LADOT. Formerly of the Livable Streets sub-division of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), Reynolds brings years of experience working on active transportation projects. Join us as we welcome her to Los Angeles and learn more about her vision for transportation here. Snacks and refreshments provided by Angel City Brewery and Big Man Bakes

 

When: Tuesday, September 23; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: The Hub L.A. - 830 Traction Ave., 3rd floor, Los Angeles, 90013 (in the Arts District, see map)

RSVP: RSVP required here.


Have a question you'd like to ask Seleta Reynolds? Email us at eric@la-bike.org, or post it on our Facebook event page, and we may use your question.

International Car-Free Day Ride & Refresh in the Valley this Sunday
CarFree
When: Sunday, September 21; 10 a.m.

Where: Van Nuys Orange Line Bus Station - 6060 Van Nuys Blvd. (map)

 

Join our Valley Neighborhood Bike Ambassadors for a 10-mile ride along the Orange Line Bike Path from Van Nuys Blvd. to Balboa Park. We'll take a loop around the park to see some of the sights including the R/C Planes and Miniature Airport. The ride will finish at MacLeod's Ale Brewing Company, just off of the Orange Line Bike Path. MacLeod's is the first microbrewery in the San Fernando Valley and the latest LACBC Business Partner!  We'll get a tour of the Brewery, and LACBC members showing their membership card get 15% off drinks and merchandise.

 

Get more info and see Facebook event.


Bike to the Bowl is this Sunday and Next

BikeToBowl 

The L.A. County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) and the Hollywood Bowl invite you to gear up for "Bike to the Bowl" on September 21st and September 28th.

 

CAETANO VELOSO � ANDREW BIRD & THE HANDS OF GLORY � DEVENDRA BANHART - Sunday, September 21, 7 p.m., bike valet opens at 5:30 p.m.

 

PIXIES � GOGOL BORDELLO � CAT POWER - Sunday, September 28, 7 p.m., bike valet opens at 5:30 p.m.

 

The Hollywood Bowl is located at 2301 N Highland Ave.

 

Free Bike Valet

Keep your bike safe during the show with LACBC's free Bike Valet in the Museum Patio on Peppertree Lane at the Hollywood Bowl. The valet will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for both concerts.

 

Free Ice Cream

Enjoy a free scoop of ice cream from Peddler's Creamery! Just show your bike valet ticket or Metro tap TAP card at the Hollywood Bowl Museum Patio.

 

Updates from Around L.A. County: Metro Considers Complete Streets Policy

Metro to Consider Adopting Countywide Complete Streets Policy in October:
LACBC and Safe Routes to School submitted comments on Metro's draft Complete Streets policy recommending that it be strengthened. View our comments and letter here. Please save the date for Metro's Policy and Programming committee meeting on Wednesday October 17th at 2:30 p.m. when the Metro Directors will consider this policy for adoption. More info.

Malibu-Las Virgenes: On Saturday, September 27, and Tuesday, September 30, bicycle counts will take place in the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Malibu, and Westlake Village for use in the Las Virgenes-Malibu Regional Bicycle Master Plan (www.regionalbikeplan.org). Volunteers are needed to help collect this valuable data at several locations in the partner cities. Learn more and sign up at: http://bit.ly/1rJe4IN
Give 3 Feet; It's Now the Law

The Three Feet for Safety Act is finally in effect! The law requires motorists to give at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction. Existing law requires motorists to pass bicyclists while keeping a "safe distance." The new law defines "safe distance" as three feet. If not enough space is available, the motorist must slow down and pass when no danger is present to the bicyclist.

 

Key points to remember with the Three Feet for Safety Act are:

  • The previous law requires motorists to pass bicyclists while keeping a "safe distance."
  • This new law defines "safe distance" as three feet when passing bicyclists traveling in the same direction.
  • If not enough space is available, the motorist must slow down and pass when no danger is present to the bicyclist.
  • Violators will face a $35 fine, as well as a $220 fine if a collision occurs.
  • Law took effect Tuesday, September 16, 2014.
Check out some media coverage on KPCC, L.A. Times, and Neon Tommy with quotes from our own programs director Colin Bogart.
El Grande Fondo de Los Angeles Crest Is October 18th
GrandeFondo
The 1st Annual El Grande Fondo de Los Angeles Crest travels through the classic high country of the San Gabriel Mountains along scenic Angeles Crest Highway and up to historic Mt. Wilson. This super-sweet event, a partnership between LACBC and National Forest Foundation, is one you will want to say, "I was there for the first one!"

This epic ride travels through the unbelievable vistas of the Angeles Forest. Starting with a climb up secluded Big Tujunga Canyon, it then traverses Angeles Crest Highway. The ride includes:
  • a full century (100 miles)
  • a metric century (62 miles)
  • 30 mile route
We'll have food and refreshments from La Cabanita and Angel City Brewing.

When: Saturday, October 18, 7 a.m.
Where: Crescenta Valley Park
Register here.
Get more information at grandefondoangelescrest.com.
GrandeFondoTraining

Weekly Training Rides

Our ride marshal and route planner extraordinaire Jon Riddle is leading weekly training rides to prep you for El Grande Fondo, though we will be taking the next two weeks off.

Our dedicated ride leader Jon Riddle is traveling for work and won't be able to lead El Grande training rides on September 20th and on the 27th. He encourages you to keep with your personal training plans so that you have legs of steel by October 18th. He will be home in time to lead training rides into the San Gabriel Mountains (weather permitting) or elsewhere on October 4th and 11th. If you would like training ride suggestions, write to Jon at training4elgrande@gmail.com.

You can also get updates on the weekly ride by emailing him or checking our Facebook event page.
Welcome Macleod Ale Brewing Co. to the LACBC Business Partnership
Macleod
Welcome to our newest business partner: Macleod Ale Brewing Co. in Van Nuys! Macleod is a craft brewery that specializes in brewing small batches of cask-conditioned British ales.

Macleod now offers a 15% discount to all LACBC members.

Macleod is located at 14741 Calvert St. in Van Nuys and can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

We'll also be riding there on Sunday for the International Car-Free Day Ride and Refresh. Join us and check it out.
What's Ringing Our Bike Bells: Riding Bikes in Wilmington
2014 Wilmington Family Picnic and Bike Ride
2014 Wilmington Family Picnic and Bike Ride

What's it like riding bikes in Wilmington? Well, there are a lot of bike lanes. Also, you could end up riding with local Councilmember Joe Buscaino, who just received a new bike for his birthday.

Check out this video from the recent Wilmington Family Picnic and Bike Ride to see folks riding around with Councilmember Buscaino. Then reading this fascinating piece from Streetsblog Los Angeles about how Wilmington has the most concentrated bike lane network in the state.
Events, Meetings, & Volunteer Opportunities

 

 

Basic Bicycling Skills for LACBC Members
When: Saturday, September 20; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: LACBC Headquarters, Edison Room - 634 S. Spring St., Downtown L.A.
This 2-hour workshop will provide you with basic information you can use to safely ride your bicycle on the streets of LA County. The workshop for LACBC members includes a booklet and LACBC materials you can take home with you. Instruction is classroom only - we will not be riding. Bringing your bicycle is optional. RSVP here.

International Car-Free Day Ride & Refresh
When: Sunday, September 21; 10 a.m.

More info in newsletter.

 

Bike to the Bowl

When: Sunday, September 21; 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

More info in newsletter.


Welcome Reception for LADOT GM Seleta Reynolds
When: Tuesday, September 23; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
More info in newsletter.

Pomona Teen Bicycle Education Event
When: Saturday, September 27; 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Garey High School - 321 W Lexington Ave., Pomona, 91766
Thanks to the City of Hope's Foothill Fitness Challenge Grant, local chapter PVBC and City of Pomona will host a one-day bike education event that will teach teens basic bike road safety, run bike drills, and help teens feel confident riding on the road. League Cycling Instructors and curriculum will teach students the skills they need to ride to school more often and safely. PVBC is looking for volunteers, so please sign up here to volunteer. More info.

Jewel City Ride with Walk Bike Glendale and CICLE
When: Saturday, September 27; meet at 9:30 a.m., ride promptly at 10 a.m.
Where: Glendale Metrolink Station - 400 W. Cerritos Ave., Glendale, 91204
Through a sponsorship by the Metro, C.I.C.L.E., along with our local chapter Walk Bike Glendale, will lead a delicious and bedazzled 7-mile bicycle ride, "Glendale: The Jewel City Tour." Riders will pedal to the city's beloved Porto's Bakery, the iconic and regal Alex Theater and Golden Road Brewing. Participants will enjoy a sweet treat from Porto's to jumpstart the ride and will jump into the history of each establishment along the way. More info.

Bike to the Bowl
When: Sunday, September 21; 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
More info in newsletter.

El Grande Fondo de Los Angeles Crest

When: Saturday, October 18

More info in newsletter.

 

Firefly Ball Awards Gala

When: Thursday, October 30; 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Farmers and Merchants National Bank - 401 S. Main St., Downtown Los Angeles
Named for its timing with the seasonal launch of Operation Firefly, an education and bike light distribution program of LACBC, the Firefly Ball is a light-filled evening of art, music, food and drink. Celebrate with us as we honor community members doing good bike work while raising much needed funds for L.A.'s largest full-service bike advocacy nonprofit--the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition!

This year's honorees are: Andy Leeka - Passionate Pedal Award; Alex Baum - The Alex Baum Award for Achievement in Advocacy; and Suja Lowenthal - The Innovator Award. Get your tickets here!

 

California by Bike 2014 Surf 'N Turf

When: Friday, October 31 to Wednesday, November 5

Where: Santa Barbara to San Diego

Join the California Bicycle Coalition on its inaugural fundraising tour this Fall 2014 from Santa Barbara to San Diego. This phenomenal five-day fully supported tour will be the only in California to strictly raise funding to support advocacy groups. When you join the ride through this link, $250 of your total raised will be dedicated to LACBC. For more information, visit: calbike.org/surfnturf.

LACBC Local Chapters - Join when you become an LACBC member or renew your membership!


Other Events Around Town

Join LACBC or Renew

 

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition is a member-supported organization that works for you to build a better, more bike-able L.A. County. 

Members are the backbone of LACBC! Help keep LACBC strong by becoming an 
LACBC member (or renewing your membership) and be part of the change!
Contact Information

Carol Feucht
Membership & Communications Director
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition

carol@la-bike.org

 

Let's be friends! Connect with LACBC: www.la-bike.org Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter  View our photos on flickr View our videos on YouTube