Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition

Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. The organization was founded in 1998 by a group of cyclists and advocates who sought to improve bicycling conditions in Los Angeles County. With the support of California Department of Transportation and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the coalition has worked to promote bicycling infrastructure and safety in the region, collaborating with City of Los Angeles, City of Long Beach, and City of Santa Monica. The coalition's efforts have been recognized by League of American Bicyclists and National Association of City Transportation Officials.

● History

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition was established in 1998 with the goal of creating a more bicycle-friendly environment in Los Angeles County. The organization's early work focused on advocating for bicycle lanes and bike paths in City of Los Angeles, City of Pasadena, and City of Beverly Hills. The coalition worked closely with California Bicycle Coalition and Alliance for Biking and Walking to promote bicycling as a viable mode of transportation in Southern California. In 2000, the coalition launched its first bicycle safety campaign, which included partnerships with Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol. The coalition has also collaborated with University of California, Los Angeles and University of Southern California to conduct research on bicycling trends and safety issues in the region.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition is to promote bicycling as a safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation in Los Angeles County. The organization's objectives include advocating for bicycle infrastructure, such as bicycle lanes and bike-share systems, in City of Los Angeles, City of San Gabriel, and City of Culver City. The coalition also aims to educate the public about bicycle safety and bicycling laws, working with California Department of Motor Vehicles and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Additionally, the coalition seeks to promote bicycling as a form of recreation and transportation in Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, and Ballona Creek.

● Advocacy_and_Campaigns

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition has been involved in various advocacy efforts and campaigns to promote bicycling in Los Angeles County. The organization has worked with Los Angeles City Council and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to pass bicycle-friendly legislation, such as the Los Angeles Bicycle Plan. The coalition has also partnered with Metro and California Department of Transportation to promote bicycling as a mode of transportation in Southern California. In 2010, the coalition launched a campaign to improve bicycle safety on Venice Boulevard, working with City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Department of Transportation. The coalition has also collaborated with Bicycle Kitchen and Bike Works to provide bicycle education and repair services to the community.

● Education_and_Outreach

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition offers various education and outreach programs to promote bicycling and bicycle safety in Los Angeles County. The organization provides bicycle safety workshops and classes in partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District and Los Angeles Community College District. The coalition also offers bicycle maintenance and repair classes in collaboration with Bicycle Kitchen and Bike Works. Additionally, the coalition participates in community events, such as CicLAvia and Bike to Work Day, to promote bicycling and bicycle culture in Southern California. The coalition has also worked with University of California, Los Angeles and University of Southern California to develop bicycle education programs for students and faculty.

● Community_Engagement

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition engages with the community through various events and activities. The organization hosts monthly meetings and committee meetings to discuss bicycling issues and advocacy efforts in Los Angeles County. The coalition also participates in community festivals and events, such as Los Angeles Festival of Colors and Santa Monica Pier Festival, to promote bicycling and bicycle culture. Additionally, the coalition collaborates with local businesses and organizations, such as Clif Bar and REI, to promote bicycling and sustainability in Southern California. The coalition has also worked with Los Angeles City Council and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to develop bicycle-friendly policies and legislation.

● Impact_and_Achievements

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition has had a significant impact on bicycling in Los Angeles County. The organization's advocacy efforts have led to the creation of bicycle lanes and bike paths in City of Los Angeles, City of Pasadena, and City of Santa Monica. The coalition's education and outreach programs have also promoted bicycle safety and bicycling culture in the region. In 2015, the coalition was recognized by League of American Bicyclists as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community. The coalition has also collaborated with California Department of Transportation and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to develop bicycle-friendly transportation plans and policies in Southern California. The coalition's work has been supported by Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin.