Happy Bike Month: May News

Bike Week Pasadena: May 14th – 19th

Jump in with both pedals! It’s the 6th Annual Bike Week Pasadena, May 14th-19th, 2012. C.I.C.L.E. and the City of Pasadena present an action-packed week of events celebrating bicycling as a safe and sustainable mode of transportation for everyone. Take a delicious tour of Pasadena with friends by bike with the Taste of Pasadena ride, pedal with the whole family alongside the Mayor of Pasadena during his Family Night ride, or cuddle up with your special someone under the stars during the bike-in movie. It’s a week of non-stop, two-wheeled fun — so join us!

All Bike Week Pasadena activities are free and open to the public.  Full Bike Week Schedule.

Day 1: Monday night’s Taste of Pasadena ride launches the week with a “yum!” Bring your bike and your palate for this sure-to-be-memorable tour of Pasadena.

Day 2: Tuesday night is dedicated to the Ladies with a quick-fix repair clinic and a short and sweet, social ride with like-minded, lady bikers around Pasadena.

Day 3: Mayor Bill Bogaard leads the family-friendly pack to the Rose Bowl Wednesday evening for a fun and relaxed ride for all ages. Vendors, entertainment, and prizes for children and adults await!

Day 4: Nationally-recognized “Bike to Work Day” is packed with two events for all the bike commuters. A morning pit-stop at City Hall is the place for coffee and snacks while en route to work. Thursday night Pasadena’s Incycle bicycle shop hosts a commuter party. Free bike safety checks and 15% discounts on selected accessories for all attendees. New Belgium Brewing will be treating all commuters (over 21) to one of their delicious brews.

Day 5: Friday night C.I.C.L.E. hosts its first ever bike-in movie at One Colorado. Enjoy refreshments, food, and discounts while at One Colorado.

Day 6: The big finale of Bike Week on Saturday kicks off with a relaxed ride around Pasadena before ending at Paseo Colorado for C.I.C.L.E.’s Pedal Party! Once there, attendees will enjoy an evening of food, drinks, music, giveaways, and two bicycle raffles from REI and New Belgium Brewing!

For more information visit the full schedule!

Invite your friends with our Facebook events.

 

More Bike Month Action!

Metro’s Bike Week LA

Come out and celebrate Metro’s Bike Week LA, May 14-18

Bike week celebrates the role of bikes in our regional transportation network. With activities like a guided ride in mid-city and friendly pit stops on Bike to Work Day, both new and seasoned cyclists can show support of two-wheeled travel.

Bike Week LA 2012 — Schedule

• Monday, May 14 — Kick-off Event at Expo Park/USC Station, 10 am
• Tuesday, May 15 — 9th Annual Blessing of the Bicycles at Good Samaritan Hospital, 8 am
• Wednesday, May 16 — Expo/Mid-City Bike Ride, 8 am
• Thursday, May 17 — Bike to Work Day — Free rides, pit stops and more!
• Friday, May 18 — Bike to School Day — Support your local school!

 

On Bike to Work Day — Thursday, May 17 — cycling commuters who combine their trip with transit ride free when boarding with a helmet or bike. Instructions for taking your bike on Metro are available on the Bike Metro page.

If you’re planning to participate, fill out a Bike Week pledge form and be sure to brush up on tips for riding safely.  For more information on Bike Week events, check metro.net/bikeweek.

 

Pedal Beyond Bike Week

On Sunday May 20th, pedal the closed streets of the Pasadena Marathon route.  For more information and registration for the Kaiser Permanente Pasadena Marathon Bike Tour visit www.pasadenamarathon.org.

 

April’s Lorax Ride Recap

April’s Pasadena Earth & Arts Festival achieved sustainable and creative nirvana!  C.I.C.L.E. departed the festival on its 3rd annual Lorax Ride. About 40 people took our green bicycle tour.  Highlights included the innovative LEED rated Pasadena Water and Power facility, a snack at Whole Foods, and an intro to water conservation at the Arlington Gardens.  Thank you to Pasadena Water and Power, Whole Foods Market Arroyo Parkway, and Arlington Gardens for the great stops and info!

 

Recycle Your Change, Support C.I.C.L.E.!

Whole Foods Market Arroyo is still collecting money for C.I.C.L.E.!  All the loose change collected at each register through July 1st will be donated to C.I.C.L.E.!

Support C.I.C.L.E. and leave some change at Whole Foods Market Arroyo on 465 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105.

 

 

 

Safety Tip of the Month: Railroad Tracks

You may already be riding over tracks with style, but we’d like to review some bike-train safety tips now that Metro’s Expo Line is open!

• If you don’t cross railroad tracks properly, a rail can grab a wheel and cause a fall. Always cross tracks with both of your wheels perpendicular to the rails.  Do not turn while going over the tracks.
• Tracks can be slippery when wet. Use extreme caution in the rain.
• Obey the signs and signals at train crossings.  Do not attempt to cross a crossing gate when it is activated.

 

Get Involved With C.I.C.L.E.

Looking for a healthy, sustainable, community building, and FUN volunteer opportunity?  Look no further.  C.I.C.L.E. needs volunteers for Bike Week Pasadena.  This is a great time to get involved.  Sign-up to volunteer or email bike@cicle.org to learn more!

 

Los Angeles River CleanUp

The Friends of the Los Angeles River will host its 23rd Annual Great Los Angeles River CleanUp on Saturday, April 28 from 9AM to Noon.

They will clean the river at 15 sites in LA County from the Valley to Long Beach.  A total of 8 volunteer flaggers are needed to work at four trash sites which cross the river bike path: Balboa Blvd in Sepulveda Basin, and three in Elysian Valley: Marsh Park, Elysian Valley Gateway Park, and Steelhead Park.

If any bicycle enthusiasts would like to volunteer to work as flaggers for this event, please call 323-223-0585.

April News

Urban Ex: The Lorax Ride III

On Saturday, April 14th, the Lorax Ride returns to explore Pasadena’s greenest, energy-leanest, and most sustainable sites. The third annual Lorax Ride is part of Pasadena’s Earth & Arts Festival. Join us to celebrate Earth Day, art, the creative spirit and community. We’ll return to the festival so you can enjoy vendors, food, and the beer garden!

Stops on our eco-friendly ride include a tour of the LEED Silver rated Pasadena Water and Power facility, a delicious gathering at Whole Foods, and a look at the waterwise Arlington Gardens.

Date: Saturday, April 14th, 2012

Time: 11:00am (ride leaves promptly at 11:30am)

Location: Pasadena Memorial Park (E. Holly St. and N. Raymond Ave.)

Price: Free!!

Invite your friends with our Facebook event.

What to Bring: Your bicycle, in good running order. All participants should be able to ride a bike safely with the ability to brake, change gears, and balance while stopping and starting. All participants under 18 must wear a helmet and be escorted by a parent or guardian. Children under age 8 should be on a tag-a-long, bike trailer, tandem, or other safe child-carrying device to participate in the ride.

ArtNight Recap: A Joyful Night Ride

In March, C.I.C.L.E. teamed up with Pasadena ArtNight for our biannual ArtNight Ride.  We were 70 bicyclists strong, with many friendly new faces!  Art Night is always a great opportunity to see interesting art, but to also see the community’s reaction as our group cruises by hassle-, gas-, and parking-free.  And with the money we save and calories we burn, we can afford to gorge ourselves at the food trucks!  As always, fantastic collections at the Armory for the Arts, Side Street Project, Pacific Asian Museum, Pasadena Museum of California Art, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Great vibes, people, and art.  Thanks to everyone who was part of the evening.

Bike Ed:…Got a Ticket To Ride?

April 13th - Shopping By Bike Demo: 3 – 5pm

Transporting groceries and goods using a bicycle has never been so easy.  C.I.C.L.E. will lead this educational demo on how to load your bicycle up with your latest purchases.  Never look for a parking space again!  Stop by the Eagle Rock Plaza Earth Day Fair and learn how to Shop by Bike!

Location: Eagle Rock Plaza – 2700 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Price:  Free! Stop by and enjoy the fair!

April 21st – Adult Learn to Ride: 11am-1pm (Atwater Village) 

Did you never learn to ride a bicycle but would like to learn as an adult? Now’s your chance! Join C.I.C.L.E. instructors for this two-hour class that will get you out there rolling on two wheels. Bring your own bicycle. If you do not have a bicycle, we may be able to provide you with one.

Price: $30 (class) $10 (bicycle rental if needed) Information on what to bring and location will be provided in confirmation. SPACE IS LIMITED. Email bike@cicle.org to RSVP.

Recycle Your Change, Support C.I.C.L.E.!

Our health-promoting, sustainable-minded friends at Whole Foods Market Arroyo are helping us fill up our piggy bank.  All the loose change collected at each register from Monday, April 9th through July 1st will be donated to C.I.C.L.E.!

Support C.I.C.L.E. and leave some change at Whole Foods Market Arroyo on 465 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105.

 

 

Safety Tip of the Month: Dogs

They may be man’s best friend, but sometimes too friendly with bicycles.  Like many other bicyclists, you may have had a close call with a dog while riding.  Here’s a few tips to help you prevent a fall or a rabies shot.

• Keep an eye out for loose dogs.  Bike-Dog collisions do occasionally happen, but you can reduce the risk by looking out for dogs when riding residential streets.
• Ignore the dog– it’s just protecting its territory.  It will stop chasing you once you ride past it.
• Some dogs bark and chase for fun with no intention of attacking.
• Shouting can startle the dog long enough to get it to leave you alone .
• Squirt the dog with your water bottle.
• Get off your bike and put the bike between you and the dog.

 

Upcoming Events on Two Wheels

April 13th – Shopping By Bike Demo – C.I.C.L.E. will lead this educational demo on how to load your bicycle up with your latest purchases.

April 14th – C.I.C.L.E.’s Lorax Ride -  On Saturday, April 14th, the Lorax Ride returns to explore Pasadena’s greenest, energy-leanest, and most sustainable sites. The third annual Lorax Ride is part of Pasadena’s Earth & Arts Festival. Join us to celebrate Earth Day, art, the creative spirit and community.

April 15th- CicLAvia – Car-free streets open for the people to enjoy by foot, bicycle, skateboard, jump-rope and other human-powered devices. 

April 21st  – C.I.C.L.E.’s Adult Learn to Ride Class – Never ridden a bike before?  It’s not too late Now’s your chance to learn!

May 14-19th - Bike Week Pasadena – Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the 6th annual Bike Week Pasadena, May 14th-19th, 2012.  C.I.C.L.E. and the City of Pasadena have planned a delightful week-long array of pedal-powered fun for most skill levels and age groups to promote bicycling as a safe and sustainable mode of transportation.

March News

Urban Ex: C.I.C.L.E.’s ArtNight Ride

Join C.I.C.L.E. for its ArtNight Ride and enjoy the beauty of Pasadena at night.   Highlights of this pedal-powered art tour include stops at the Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Side Street Projects, Pasadena Museum of History, and the Armory for the Arts.  The ride will be leisurely-paced, 6 miles long, and will allow participants a break at each stop to tour the exhibits.

 

Where: Meet at Memorial Park  (Raymond Ave. & Holly Street).  Memorial Park is a Metro Gold Line stop.
When: Friday, March 9th, 2012
Time: Meet at 6:30pm.  Ride leaves promptly at 7:00pm.
Price: Free

Invite your friends with the Facebook event

What to Bring: Your bicycle, in good running order, and plenty of night lights. All participants should be able to ride a bike safely with the ability to brake, change gears, and balance while stopping and starting. All participants under 18 must wear a helmet and be escorted by a parent or guardian. Children under age 8 should be on a tag-a-long, bike trailer, tandem, or other safe child-carrying device to participate in the ride.

For more information about ArtNight visit the ArtNight Pasadena website.

Dolled Up In Tweed

Last month, the residents of Hollywood were sent back in time as C.I.C.L.E.’s Tweed Ride got a wiggle on.  Ninety-seven bicyclists dolled up in Tweed and joined us for a civilized and swanky ride.  We stopped at the Getty House and learned about where our city’s Big Chesse resides, sipped some sparkling lemonade at the historic L.A. Tennis Club, pedaled by the Paramount Gate, saluted our adonis, Rudolph Valentino, at De Longpre Park and put on the ritz at the the Cat and Fiddle Pub.  Thanks to all that dressed up and made our tour the real McCoy.  Thank you Trek, New Belgium Brewing, and the Cat and Fiddle for the prizes and hosting our after-party.  It was a whoopee.

See the C.I.C.L.E. Tweed Ride photo album on our Facebook page.

Bike Ed: Learn To Ride

Spring is almost here– it’s the perfect time to start riding!  C.I.C.L.E. can help you, or someone you know, pedal for the very first time.

March 18th - Adult Learn to Ride:- 11am-1pm (Atwater Village) 

Did you never learn to ride a bicycle but would like to learn as an adult? Now’s your chance! Join C.I.C.L.E. instructors for this two-hour class that will get you out there rolling on two wheels. Bring your own bicycle. If you do not have a bicycle, we may be able to provide you with one.

Price: $30 (class) $10 (bicycle rental if needed) Information on what to bring and location will be provided in conformation. SPACE IS LIMITED. Email bike@cicle.org to RSVP.

One Mile At A Time: She Traded in Her Car!

C.I.C.L.E. caught up with Jessica, who traded in her car for a bike at October’s Tour de Fat.  Her car got auctioned off and the proceeds went to C.I.C.L.E.!  Thanks, Jessica!  She is totally inspiring and has some excellent bike commuting tips!  You can read even more about Jessica’s care-free, car-free adventures on her blog.

Here’s our convo:

C.I.C.L.E.: How has getting around town been since you traded in your car for a bike at Tour de Fat?

Jessica: Great! Especially since Black Sheep Bikes and New Belgium gave me that fantastic bike for my commutes. I love it! I’m very fortunate that my ride to work is only 11 miles round trip. Other places around town are pretty easy to get to by bike as well. I try to look for routes that are more bike friendly and have less traffic, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Grocery shopping by bike has been a fun adventure trying to figure out what I need and what will fit in my panniers (bungee cords are a big help too). I’m always surprised at how much I can fit in the bags. For Thanksgiving I was able to fit a 13lb. turkey perfectly in one of the panniers!

C.I.C.L.E.: What’s been the largest commuting obstacle since trading in your car?  Have you overcome it?  How?

Jessica: Running the gauntlet in front of a school on my way to work. If I ride through there during peak drop-off times it gets pretty crazy with parents pulling in and out of the bike lane in a rush to drop their kids off. One day I even saw a parent stop in the driving lane and let their kid get out of the rear passenger side in the middle of the road/bike lane. Thanks, but I’ve already had that “door prize” in the past I don’t need to go through that experience again. If it’s possible I try to avoid the busier time, but other days when it’s unavoidable I am on high alert riding through there – watching for car doors and drivers not paying attention. I will even ride in the middle of the driving lane if I don’t feel safe in the bike lane. At least I am more visible there. Another obstacle that I had to overcome was my venture into clipless pedals/shoes. Lets just say I learned how to adjust them the hard way after a few falls and many bruises. Don’t worry the bike is fine, I took the brunt of the falls and have the shoes figured out now.

C.I.C.L.E.: What’s been the best benefit?

Jessica: The best benefit has to be that while my boyfriend still has his vehicle, he has been biking just as many miles as I have. Other benefits have been the great exercise I get, saving money on gas (especially with the recent jump in prices), car insurance, maintenance,etc. I also like to see the look on peoples faces when I tell them how many miles I’ve biked since October…1,480 to date. I hope that I am influencing them to get out and ride their bikes more often.

C.I.C.L.E.: Wow! How do you make longer trips?

Jessica: One pedal stroke at a time, one mile at a time. So far the longest trip I’ve made has been 40 miles round trip. Longer trips I might look into taking my bike on the bus or train. Carpooling is always a good backup option if I’m unable to get there by bike.

C.I.C.L.E.: What made you realize you could live car-free?

Jessica: When they came and towed my car away! Ha! Ha! Just kidding. It has been something that happened over a long period of time. I lived in an area of Long Beach for over 10 years that has horrible parking and started biking places so I wouldn’t lose my parking spot and have to deal with parking wherever I was going. Those trips became so frequent it became an automatic thing to ride my bike everywhere. Especially on the ride home, I found that it would take the same amount of time to ride my bike instead of driving – because once I got home I’d have to search and search and search for a parking space that was usually a 10 min. walk from my place. It was much more enjoyable to bike. Over the years I was biking more and driving less. Plus my car was becoming more unreliable and I hated spending any more money to maintain it. I was so happy and grateful when New Belgium’s Tour de Fat picked me to be their “Car For Bike Trader” for Los Angeles and took my car away. It’s been a great experience and opportunity. Coming up on 5 months into this car-free adventure and I definitely don’t miss my car. Ride safe and ride on!

Action Alert

California

The California Bicycle Coalition’s statewide 3-foot-passing bill is getting new life after SB 910 was vetoed by Governor Brown. Last week, a new bill that establishes a minimum 3-foot passing distance when motorists pass bicyclists was introduced as Senate Bill 1464. It will be receiving its first Senate hearing at the end of March or beginning of April. To stay up-to-date on the the progress of the 3-foot passing bill, visit the California Bicycle Coalition Give Me 3 website.

National

Last Week, the Cardin-Cochran amendment was accepted as part of the base Senate transportation bill. This is a big victory for those who want to see designated federal funding for bicycling and walking. This amendment ensures that federal funds are available on the local level to promote bicycling and walking and to make it safe. The coming weeks will be critical in making sure that designated funding for bicycling and walking remains in the Senate bill and gets restored in the House. Visit the America Bikes website to stay informed on the federal transportation bill. You can also thank CA’s Senator Boxer for her support in getting the Cardin-Cochran amendment accepted.

Upcoming Events on Two Wheels

March 9th  – C.I.C.L.E.’s ArtNight Ride – Join us for a guided bicycle tour of Pasadena and its cultural institutions.

March 18th  – C.I.C.L.E.’s Adult Learn to Ride Class – Never ridden a bike before?  It’s not too late Now’s your chance to learn!

April 14th – C.I.C.L.E.’s Lorax Ride -  On Saturday, April 14th, the Lorax Ride returns to explore Pasadena’s greenest, energy-leanest, and most sustainable sites. The third annual Lorax Ride is part of Pasadena’s Earth & Arts Festival. Join us to celebrate Earth Day, art, the creative spirit and community.

April 15th- CicLAvia – Car-free streets open for the people to enjoy by foot, bicycle, skateboard, jump-rope and other human-powered devices.

May 14-19th - Bike Week Pasadena – Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the 6th annual Bike Week Pasadena, May 14th-19th, 2012.  C.I.C.L.E. and the City of Pasadena have planned a delightful week-long array of pedal-powered fun for most skill levels and age groups to promote bicycling as a safe and sustainable mode of transportation.

 

February News

Urban Ex: Tweed, Moxie & Mustache Ride!

Ladies and Gents, dress in your finest tweed and ride along with other dashing, distinguished, and dapper bicyclists for C.I.C.L.E.’s Los Angeles Tweed Ride on Saturday, February 25th.

Our Golden Age Hollywood tour will visit several historic and famous sites. Ride with us through the beautiful grand mansions of Hancock Park, as seen in the movie “The Artist,” and stop to see the famous Los Angeles Tennis Club. Our scenic route will include the landmark Sunset Blvd. Cat and Fiddle Pub, where we can reminisce and enjoy some delicious appetizers and a refreshing beverage from New Belgium Brewing.

You won’t want to miss this refined and retro ride! As with all Urban Expeditions, this ride is under 8 miles, family-friendly, and leisurely paced.

When: Saturday, February 25th 2012

Where: Meet at Burns Park at Van Ness and Beverly Blvd (located about 1.5 miles from the Vermont/Beverly Metro Red Line Station)

When: Meet at 1:00pm. Ride Leaves promptly at 1:30pm.

What to bring: Bring water, snack and a bicycle in good working order. This ride is FREE and open to anyone, but all participants should be able to ride a bike safely with the ability to brake, change gears, and balance while stopping and starting. All participants under 18 MUST wear a helmet and be escorted by a parent or guardian. Children under age 8 should be on a tag-a-long, bike trailer, tandem, or other safe child-carrying device to participate in the ride.

Raise Your Bike Safety IQ with C.I.C.L.E.’s Traffic Safety Class

Did you know that you can avoid many car-bicycle collisions just by knowing how to ride properly in the street?

In the class, you’ll learn basic principles of bicycle and traffic safety.  For the second part of the workshop, you’ll need your bike, because we’ll be hitting the road for an easy ride that will put what you learned into practice.

When: Sunday, February 19th

Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Where: Caltech Y: 505 S. Wilson, ground-floor meeting room

Price: Free! This class is being generously sponsored by Caltech’s BikeLab.

What to Bring: Your bicycle, in good running order and a helmet.

RSVP to: bike@cicle.org.  Space is limited.

To attend this class you must be able to:

• Start your bike with confidence and ease.
• Balance and steer your bike
• Bring your bike to a smooth and controlled stop.
• Use your gears effectively
• Remove one hand from your handlebar to signal without veering.
• Look over your shoulder without veering.

 

C.I.C.L.E.’s Community Health Rides

In January, C.I.C.L.E. continued its project with the County of Public Health to encourage physical activity through bicycling.  C.I.C.L.E. led two community-specific rides.

In Azusa, we led 44 children and adults on a Hidden Gardens Tour.  We discovered thriving green spaces and community gardens all in reach by two wheels.  Our final stop was at the Dhammakaya International Meditation Center.  The riders were treated to snacks, a stroll through peaceful gardens and information about meditation.  It was a wonderful day  of bicycling, gardens and mindfulness in Azusa.

In South L.A., C.I.C.L.E. has been working with T.R.U.S.T. South L.A. and the CicLAvia South L.A. Host Committee on their community-focused rides.  C.I.C.L.E. assisted with a Watts Towers Ride by planning the route and leading the tour.  About 60 bicyclists rode from Augustus Hawkins Nature Park to the Watts Towers.  Once at the Watts Towers, the East Side Riders Bike Club took the lead and rode us to the Watts Labor Community Action Committee where we learned about the community services, arts, and development at the WLCAC.

 

 

Safety Tip of the Month: Before you roll, check your bike and don’t forget to check yourself

We should all check our bikes for mechanical safety before riding.  Pre-Ride checks should include inspection of the wheels, tires, breaks, cranks, chain, and handlebar,   Often we forget that we need to check ourselves and accessories.  What should we be looking for?

Do a check for the following:

1) Loose clothing that can get caught on your bike.  Pants can get tucked into socks or tied down with a reflective leg band.

2) Make sure your shoes are tied and your laces are not too long.  Double knot if needed.

3) Are you carrying a bag?  Make sure there are no dangling straps.  Make sure your bag is not covering your lights and reflectors.  Also make sure your bag doesn’t hang low enough to get caught in your wheel while riding.

4) Do your lights shine brightly?  If not, change your batteries before you get caught in the dark with no lights.  Rechargeable batteries help keep you green – they save money and reduce waste!

Upcoming Events on Two Wheels

Feb. 11th – February 11th – East Side Riders’ Ride 4 Love – Join the East Side Riders bike club for a bike ride around the Watts Community.  Meet up at 10am at 10950 S. Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90059.

Feb. 12th – Community Ride in Azusa – As part of our work with the  L.A. County Department of Public Health, C.I.C.L.E. has been conducting ongoing rides in neighborhoods that previously lacked a bicycle community.

Feb. 19th – C.I.C.L.E.’s Traffic Basics Class

Feb. 25th – C.I.C.L.E.’s Tweed, Moxie & Mustache Ride

March 2nd – UCLA Complete Streets for California 2012 Conference

March 9th – C.I.C.L.E.’s ArtNight Ride – Join us for a guided bicycle tour of Pasadena and its cultural institutions.

April 14th – C.I.C.L.E.’s Lorax Ride -  Support alternative transportation by joining Pasadena’s Earth and Arts Festival bike ride led by C.I.C.L.E.

April 15th – CicLAvia – Car-free streets open for the people to enjoy by foot, bicycle, skateboard, jump-rope and other human-powered devices.

May 14-19th – Bike Week Pasadena – Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the 6th annual Bike Week Pasadena, May 14th-19th, 2012.  C.I.C.L.E. and the City of Pasadena have planned a delightful week-long array of pedal-powered fun for most skill levels and age groups to promote bicycling as a safe and sustainable mode of transportation.

Watts Towers Ride: A Road to Discovery

Discover your city and join local bicycle groups to explore South L.A. and Watts!  C.I.C.L.E. has been working with T.R.U.S.T. South L.A. and the CicLAvia South L.A. host committee to produce free bicycle clinics and group rides in South Los Angeles. Through the collaboration, C.I.C.L.E. is training local community members on how to facilitate group rides in live traffic conditions.

This month’s exploratory tour will be a 10-mile ride from Augustus Hawskins Nature Park to the Watts Towers. Along the way, participants can take part in a USC neighborhood documentation project.   As we bike through South L.A. and Watts we’ll be able to capture sites of interests with basic cell phones.  Our photos will be added instantly to a live internet stream by the USC Annenberg School’s PARTOUR project.  The PARTOUR project will also be compiling a map of points of interest with our photos, texts, and voice memos.

T.R.U.S.T. South L.A, C.I.C.L.E., CicLAvia South L.A., and USC’s PARTOUR project are all working together to promote active transportation and show the value of livable streets in our communities. Through group rides and documentation, our goal is to promote more everyday bicycling to points of service and interest.

During C.I.C.L.E.’s pre-ride to Watts this weekend, we witnessed natural, cultural, and artistic sites as we tested the route. We invite the Los Angeles community to join us in re-discovering and documenting this vibrant neighborhood.

Watts Towers Ride

When: Sunday January 22nd, 2012

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Meet at:
Augustus Hawkins Nature Park
5790 Compton Avenue
Los Angeles, CA

What to Bring: Your bicycle, in good running order. All participants should be able to ride a bike safely with the ability to brake, change gears, and balance while stopping and starting. All participants under 18 must wear a helmet and be escorted by a parent or guardian. Children under age 8 should be on a tag-a-long, bike trailer, tandem, or other safe child-carrying device to participate in the ride.

Made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

January News

Urban Ex: You Choose in 2012

C.I.C.L.E. wrapped up its 2011 Urban Expedition season last month when about 40 people joined our Burbank Toys and Mittens Ride.  The rain didn’t dampen our holiday spirits. We filled our bicycle trailer with donations for families in need, listened to holiday tunes, and ate ginger bread cookies in Buena Vista park.  Thanks to everyone who joined us!

We’d like to hear from YOU as we plan our 2012 Urban Expedition calendar.  Does your hood need more bicycling?  Let us know about the interesting, fun, educational, and sustainable sites you’d like us to bike to.  If we pick your idea, we’ll send you a C.I.C.L.E. t-shirt!!!

Action Alert

Our cities want to hear from us.  Let’s share with them what we want!

Los Angeles: Tell LADOT which streets on the proposed 5-year bike plan should be implemented first.  Visit LADOT’s survey website and make suggestions by region.

Pasadena: Share you input to help shape transportation policies in Pasadena’s General Plan Update.  Complete the questionnaire here.

 

Know someone who has a resolution to ride?

Congratulations to December’s Learn to Ride class!

Next Class:

January 28th – 10am-12pm (Eagle Rock) Learn to Ride (for adults): Did you never learn to ride a bicycle but would like to learn as an adult? Now’s your chance! Join C.I.C.L.E. Instructors for this two-hour class that will get you out there rolling on two wheels. Bring your own bicycle. If you do not have a bicycle, we may be able to provide you with one.

Price: $25 (class) $10 (bicycle rental if needed) Information on what to bring and location will be provided in conformation. SPACE IS LIMITED. Email bike@cicle.org to RSVP.

 

Safety Tip of the Month: Don’t Swim Upstream

Like fish swimming upstream, wrong-way riding is dangerous and it increases your chances of getting snagged.

Why is it dangerous?  Yes, cars will see you bicycling directly at them, but you’re at great danger, especially at intersections.  Drivers are looking for incoming traffic to be coming from the right.  Drivers will look left, right, and left before they start to move.  By not expecting incoming traffic to be approaching from their right side, the chances of an accident are greatly increased.

Wrong-way bicycling is the second major cause of car-bike collisions.  They account for 17% of all car-bike collisions.

The good news is that the chances of getting hit from behind are low (3.8% of all car-bike collisions).  You can further reduce your risk when you are visible, not hugging the curb and riding predictably.  Remember, stay in your comfort zone and use routes with wider streets and less traffic.

 

Upcoming Events on Two Wheels

Jan. 17th – Community Ride in Azusa -  As part of our work with the  L.A. County Department of Public Health, C.I.C.L.E. has been conducting ongoing rides in neighborhoods that previously lacked a bicyle community.

Jan. 22nd -  Community Ride to Watts – C.I.C.L.E. has been working with TRUST South L.A. to encourage ongoing neighborhood rides in South Los Angeles.

Jan 28th -C.I.C.L.E.’s Learn to Ride for Adults

December News

Toys & Mittens Ride

Cruise into the holiday spirit on Saturday, December 17th, 2011 with C.I.C.L.E.’s 4th Holiday Toys and Mittens Ride.

The Toys and Mittens Ride will gather toys and warm articles of clothing for Burbank families in need. These donated items will be hauled on cargo bikes to Burbank’s Salvation Army and given to local families and children through their Giving Tree.

Join the Toys and Mittens ride at Burbank City Hall at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 17th, for a fun-filled and family friendly day. The relaxed-paced, 7.5 mile, ride will stop at various sites in Burbank including: the new Bicycle Station, Recycling Center and Buena Vista Park. Enjoy holiday tunes and treats during our stops.

Date: Saturday, December 17th, 2011

Time: Meet at 10:00 am. Ride leaves promptly at 10:30 am.

Where: Parking lot of Burbank Community Services Building – 3rd St & Olive Ave. Burbank, CA

Price: Free. Bring a donation for a family in need. All toy and clothing donations should be new and unwrapped.

Suggested Donations:

Dolls
Trucks
Movie Tickets
Clothes in all sizes
Jackets in all sizes
Shoes in all sizes
Legos
Play — Dough
Art materials
Gift Cards

What to Bring: Your bicycle, in good running order. All participants should be able to ride a bike safely with the ability to brake, change gears, and balance while stopping and starting. All participants under 18 must wear a helmet and be escorted by a parent or guardian. Children under age 8 should be on a tag-a-long, bike trailer, tandem, or other safe child-carrying device to participate in the ride.

Facebook Event Page

Spreading the Bike Love

Since June, C.I.C.L.E. has partnered with Healthy Azusa to get more people riding bikes in the city and surrounding areas.  This project is part of the County Cycling Collaborative (CCC), which brings free bicycles, workshops, and rides to Los Angeles County neighborhoods to encourage physical activity and improve the public health.

Our work in Azusa is a great example of how the collaborative is helping to grow new bicycling communities.  In June, the Bici Libre bicycle co-op delivered twelve refurbished bicycles to Azusa to be distributed during C.I.C.L.E. organized rides and workshops.  These bicycle are being housed at the Azusa Recreation Center and are lent out upon request.

The CCC is hosting bicycle maintenance clinics to help the community get their dusty bikes out of the garage and spruced up for our community rides.  Mechanics are demonstrating flat tire repair, break and derailleur adjustments, safety checks, and preventative maintenance.  On Nov. 12,  we held a maintenance clinic to get people’s bikes ready for the following day’s Historic Azusa Ride.

Continue Reading An Azusa Bike Story.

Give the Gift of Riding

Congratulations to November’s Learn to Ride class!

Next Class:

December 11th- 10am-12pm (Eagle Rock) Learn to Ride (for adults): Did you never learn to ride a bicycle but would like to learn as an adult? Now’s your chance! Join C.I.C.L.E. Instructors for this two-hour class that will get you out there rolling on two wheels. Bring your own bicycle. If you do not have a bicycle, we may be able to provide you with one.

Price: $25 (class) $10 (bicycle rental if needed) Information on what to bring and location will be provided in conformation. SPACE IS LIMITED. Email bike@cicle.org to RSVP.

Safety Tip of the Month: Left Turns

Left tuns can be tricky. Here’s some tips to help you stay safe.

1) Signal your turn by extending your left arm.  Practice signaling and riding in a straight line to avoid swerving.

2) On a one-way street, turn left from the left most lane.

3) On a two-lane street (without a turn lane), turn left from the left part of the lane.  Doing this will encourage cars to pass you on the right.  This will help prevent you from turning into a car traveling behind you.

4) When turning left, do not cut the corner.  Cutting the corner puts bicyclists in danger of riding into oncoming traffic.

5) On a multi-lane road, you will need to change lanes in order to get into the left most lane or left turn lane if there is one present.  Remember to change one lane at a time.  Bicyclists should scan, signal, and wait for a clearing before executing a lane change.

6) If the difference between your speed and the speed of traffic is more than 15 MPH, it is unsafe to do a lane change.  You can stop and wait for traffic to clear or make a box turn.

7) If at any point you do not feel comfortable making a left turn, listen to your instinct!  You can get off the road and walk your bicycle on crosswalks to achieve your turn.  You can also execute a box turn.  A box turn is when you ride straight through the intersection and reposition yourself in the travel lane of the new road.

Remember, being aware, feeling comfortable and staying within your skill level help keep you safe on your bicycle.

Have a safe and happy holidays!

November’s Street Mural Ride

The rain didn’t keep street art and bicycle lovers away for November’s Street Mural Ride.  Fifty-five riders joined us as we biked from Lincoln Heights to the Downtown Arts District.

We discovered amazing artistic gems that are unique to our city.  The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles gave us expert information about each mural.  They also informed us of the importance of preserving L.A.’s murals.  Thanks for your great work MCLA!

After the mural tour we biked back to Gorilla Arts for an after-party.  On our way, we passed a giant robot walking in the road who stopped for photo opportunities!

The after-party was a blast, we ate tamales, drank beer, listened to great music, and had a fun raffle.

Thank you New Belgium Brewing and DJ Alter.  A special thanks to Gorilla Arts for letting us use your rad space & creating an atmosphere of good vibes!

See more photos

 

Upcoming Events on Two Wheels

Dec. 8th – L.A. Streetsblog End of the Year Party – Join L.A. Streetsblog for their end of the year party featuring their normal selection of munchies and New Belgium Brewing drinks. They will be announcing many of the winners of their Streetsie Awards, including elected leader, activist, writer, and government worker of the year award

Dec. 9th – Midnight Ridazz All City Toy Ride – Over a dozen rides from all across the south land will converge on DTLA armed with toys to donate to a worthy charity.

Dec. 11th -C.I.C.L.E.’s Learn to Ride for Adults

Dec. 17th – C.I.C.L.E.’s Toys and Mittens Ride. – Join us on Saturday, December 17th, for our 4th holiday Toys and Mittens Ride. Bring a donation for families in need!  Donated items will be hauled on cargo bikes to Burbank’s Salvation Army and given to local families and children through their Giving Tree.

An Azusa Bicycle Story

Since June, C.I.C.L.E. has partnered with Healthy Azusa to get more people riding bikes in the city and surrounding areas.  This project is part of the County Cycling Collaborative (CCC), which brings free bicycles, workshops, and rides to Los Angeles County neighborhoods to encourage physical activity and improve the public health.

Our work in Azusa is a great example of how the collaborative is helping to grow new bicycling communities.  In June, the Bici Libre bicycle co-op delivered twelve refurbished bicycles to Azusa to be distributed during C.I.C.L.E. organized rides and workshops.  These bicycle are being housed at the Azusa Recreation Center and are lent out upon request.

The CCC is hosting bicycle maintenance clinics to help the community get their dusty bikes out of the garage and spruced up for our community rides.  Mechanics are demonstrating flat tire repair, break and derailleur adjustments, safety checks, and preventative maintenance.  On Nov. 12,  we held a maintenance clinic to get people’s bikes ready for the following day’s Historic Azusa Ride.

On, Nov. 13th, a crystal-clear Sunday afternoon, about 40 residents gathered at the Veterans Freedom Park for a 6.5 mile bike ride.  Loaner bicycles were distributed and a last minute safety check was done.  We received a talk about Azusa’s rich history at the Historical Museum and then we were off!  Parents, children and teens grouped together and took a lane as we biked through the city’s streets.

Our route took us off of busy roads and led us through scenic neighborhoods.  We had to climb a few hills, but everyone made it with the help of music from the bike boombox and the supportive atmosphere.  We stopped at Citrus College and passed the Old Monrovia Nursery.  C.I.C.L.E. trained Ride Leaders (members selected from the community), lead their peers during the bike tour.  They protected the group from car traffic, kept us on route perfectly, and ushered us through intersections with smiles.

As we rolled back into Veterans Freedom park, participants gave themselves a round of applause for their great 6.5 mile achievement!  Community members and neighborhood Ride Leaders are energized about the bicycle and are dreaming up new events!  They have even caught the Mayor’s attention.  The next community rides will be an Industrial Tour (12/11) and Hidden Gardens Ride (1/15).  Keep riding Azusa and way to go!

The County Cycling Collaborative consists of the city’s bicycle maintenance co-ops, the Los Angeles County Bicycle Collation, and C.I.C.L.E.  It is a project of RENEW LA County  and made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Healthy Azusa is a partnership between the city, educational institutions, health care services, businesses, community organizations, and residents to promote health and wellness for those who live, work, and play in the city of Azusa, CA.

 

 

 

November News

Street Mural Ride & After-party!

Ride with C.I.C.L.E.’s Urban Expeditions on Saturday, Nov. 12th and experience the canvas of our city and the gallery of our streets.  C.I.C.L.E.’s team of trained ride leaders will lead a leisurely 7.5-mile bicycle ride through Lincoln Heights, Boyle Heights and the Downtown Arts district, curated by the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles.

MCLA will show us works from artists including Earth Crew, Askew One, Shepard Fairey, How and Nosm, and more!

FUNdraiser After-party

Our tour will end at Gorilla Arts (located next to Lincoln Park) for an after-party.  The afterpary entrance fee is $10 and will include a drink coupon for a New Belgium brew, raffle ticket, and a mural pamphlet of the works visited on the ride.  Once inside, hangout with bicyclists and street art lovers, listen to cool tunes by DJ Alter, purchase tamales and drinks and treat yourself to cupcakes provided by Big Man Bakes.  We’ll end the event with some cool raffle prizes; including a piece of art, bicycle gear, and a gift certificate to Urban Noodle.

Funds raised will benefit C.I.C.L.E. and the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles.

When: Saturday, November 12th.

Time: Meet at 1:30pm for registration.  Ride leaves promptly at 2:00pm.

Where: Meet at Lincoln Park (at Valley Blvd & San Pablo St) by the Valley Blvd parking lot.  (Lincoln Park is located 1.5 miles from the Chinatown Gold Line Station)

Price: Entrance to the after-party is $10.

What to Bring: Your bicycle, in good running order. All participants should be able to ride a bike safely with the ability to brake, change gears, and balance while stopping and starting. All participants under 18 must wear a helmet and be escorted by a parent or guardian. Children under age 8 should be on a tag-a-long, bike trailer, tandem, or other safe child-carrying device to participate in the ride.

The after-party is generously sponsored by New Belgium Brewing.

Facebook Event Page

Tour de Fat was the Best Bike Bash!

Thank you to all those who attended, volunteered, and to New Belgium Brewing for making Tour de Fat 2011 one heck of a bicycle celebration!

A Few Highlights:

1) C.I.C.L.E. raised a whopping $11,108.94 to support our bicycle programming!

2) Over 2,500 bicycle enthusiasts showed their support and smiling faces.

3) A Long Beach resident swapped her car for a bicycle donated by New Belgium Brewing.

4) The kick-off Bicycle Parade showed Downtown L.A. how fun it is to ride, entertainers wowed us on stage, and the singin’ never stopped in the Karaoke-porta-john.

Thanks again for your support and thanks to New Belgium Brewing for supporting CICLE and for spreading bicycle love across the nation!

View more photos here.

Learn New Moves for a Groovier Ride

C.I.C.L.E is offering two classes: Learn to Ride (for adults) and Traffic Basics. Here’s what people are saying:

“thank you for all the great info and the hands-on ride! i feel more confident now biking on the streets.” 

“Thanks for the lesson, Learn how to ride a bike, on Saturday. It was a wonderful experience. I had learned a lot from this workshop:”

November 19th-Learn to Ride (for adults) 10am-12pm (Eagle Rock) : Did you never learn to ride a bicycle but would like to learn as an adult? Now’s your chance! Join C.I.C.L.E. Instructors for this two-hour class that will get you out there rolling on two wheels. Bring your own bicycle. If you do not have a bicycle, we may be able to provide you with one.

Price: $25 (class) $10 (bicycle rental if needed) Information on what to bring and location will be provided in conformation. SPACE IS LIMITED. Email bike@cicle.org to RSVP.

November 19th -Traffic Basics 1:30pm-3:00pm (Atwater Village): Did you know that you can avoid almost half of car-bicycle collisions by knowing how to ride properly in the street? In the class, you’ll learn basic principles of bicycle and traffic safety. For the second part of the workshop, you’ll need your bike, because we’ll be hitting the road for an easy ride that will put what you learned into practice.

Price: $15 Sliding scale available, no one turned away for lack of funds. Email bike@cicle.org to RSVP.

Safety Tip of the Month: Hug your friends, not parked cars and curbs.

The next time you see fellow cyclists hugging the curb or a line of parked cars, you may want to relay the following tips:

1) Bicyclists should only ride as near to the right curb “as practicable.”  Cyclists are allowed to move as far leftward on a roadway as necessary in order to avoid roadway hazards.
Often, the area closest to the curb has the most debris and hazards.

2) When hugging the curb, bicyclists remove themselves from the line of site of motorists at intersections.  Cyclists should positions themselves in the lane where motorists can see them.

3) Riding next to the curb does not leave bicyclists room to maneuver around road hazards.  By keeping some extra space between the curb and your bicycle, you’ll have space to swerve around obstacles that can cause an accident.

4) A common and serious accident occurs when bicyclists ride into an opened car door.  This is called “getting doored.”  The best way to avoid this situation is to ride 3-4 feet from parked cars.  Some bicyclists will try to weave around parked cars, but it’s always better to keep a straight path and stay predictable for other road users.

Dine Out and/or Party to Support C.I.C.L.E.

There are two cool ways to support C.I.C.L.E. this month!

First, a portion of the SoCal Native Foods Cafe profits will go to C.I.C.L.E. on Wednesday, Nov. 9th.  Native Foods Cafe is supporting C.I.C.L.E. because they think bicycles are rad and they want to support more of them.  We do too! Dine out at one of their locations in: Culver City, Costa Mesa, Aliso Viejo, Tustin, Westwood, or Palm Springs and C.I.C.L.E. will receive some buckaroos. Not to mention, you’ll be treated to fresh, tasty health-conscious food! Support C.I.C.L.E. at Native Community Days on Wednesday, November 9th.

Second, bike with us on our November 12th Street Mural Ride and attend our after-party fundraiser.  We’ll have New Belgium beer, tamales, a DJ, art, raffle prizes, and good vibes!  The after-party entrance fee is $10 and includes a drink, raffle ticket, and mural pamphlet.

October’s Urban Ex:  No Tricks, All Treats.

The pedaling didn’t stop in October.  C.I.C.L.E. led its biannual ArtNight Ride.  About 70 riders toured Pasadena’s cultural institutions in the fresh air and under the moonlit sky. We saw great art and met new friends.  The USC alumni were even representing.  Do we sense an Urban Expedition collegiate bicycle challenge?

View more pictures here!

Upcoming Events on Two Wheels

Nov. 5-7 – California Bike Summit  - Join bicycle enthusiast and activists to plan how to make California more bicycle friendly.  The summit will be held in Downtown Los Angeles.

Nov. 9 – Native Community Days – Fund-raise for C.I.C.L.E. by dining at a Native Foods Cafe.

Nov. 12th – C.I.C.L.E.’s Street Mural Ride – Join us for a guided bicycle tour through Lincoln Heights, Boyle Heights and the Downtown Arts district, curated by the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles. We’ll see world famous street murals and end with a FUNdraiser afterparty!

Nov. 14th – Grand Opening of Burbank’s Bicycle Parking Station

Nov. 16th  - LA County Regional Planning Commission Public Hearing on Final Draft of Bike Plan

Nov. 19th – C.I.C.L.E.’s Learn to Ride for Adults

Nov. 19th – C.I.C.L.E.’s Traffic Basics Class