LACBC Kicks Off “City of Lights” Outreach Program

by Damien Newton on April 24, 2009

4_24_09_city_of_lights.jpgPoster by Joe Linton
This morning the Los Angeles County Bike Coalition rode their fourth monthly "Car-Free Friday."  The now-familiar trappings were there, a smattering of media showing up to catch an image of dozens of cyclists with the local City Councilmember, this time Ed Reyes.  However, as great as the Car-Free Friday progam is, this morning also marked the beginning of the LACBC's newest program, "City of Lights."

"City of Lights" is one of the largest efforts by the Bike Coalition to reach out to the Latino community in Los Angeles.  Basically, the bike coalition will hand out lights and safety tips at the Carecen Day Laborer Center near MacArthur Park where bike lights, minor bike repair, and safety info is regularly offered by LACBC volunteers.

"City of Lights" is a logical follow-up to "Car-Free Fridays."  First, you show people that it's easy to bike to work.  Second, you give them the means and information to bike safely.

Via press release, Reyes explains the value of the City of Lights:

"Latino bicyclists have been at the forefront of environmentalism long before the green movement became fashionable," said Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, whose district includes MacArthur Park. “Programs such as LACBC’s City of Lights is very important  because it targets Los Angeles' vibrant Latino bicycle community, by encouraging bike safety, as well as promoting the environmental, health and recreational benefits of riding bicycles"

If you want to get involved with this program, and have some free time tomorrow, check out the announcement for their kickoff party tomorrow night at the Eco-Village.

The LACBC City of Lights campaign was designed in October 2008 to address the fact that many Latino immigrant cyclists ride without lights and are unaware of traffic laws. We are having a volunteer party this Saturday (sorry for the short notice!) and would love for you and your bilingual, Spanish-speaking friends to come by!

Come mosey on over April 25th at 8pm to the Ecovillage (117 Bimini Pl. near 1st St.)! Come to learn and get more involved in cultivating bike advocates within the Latino biker community. We will discuss our immigrant bike light distribution program and its long term goals of community empowerment. Mingle, mingle mingle! Free drinks and food provided. For more info, check the LACBC's website: http://www.la-bike.org/ Please forward to any Latino/Spanish speaking organizations or individuals you think might be interested! Thanks and hope to see you there!