Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In

"The tide is turning," Transportation Alternatives Paul White exclaims towards the end of this most recent Streetfilm, "In fact, it's already turned."

White is celebrating the good work underway in New York City during a tour of the city's bike facilities with the head of the Congressional Bike Caucus, Portland's Earl Blumenauer.  To their credit, the tour wasn't just a review of NYCDOT's greatest hits; but also included a ride on the 6th Ave. bike lane, which might be the most dangerous one in North America.

However, the tone of the video is triumphal. Blumenauer himself notes that change is in the air across the country.  In addition to New York and Portland, he ticks off a list of cities who's activists are paving the way towards sustainability.  Chicago.  Washington, D.C. Los Angeles.  Better biking isn't just for college towns anymore.

The Streetfilm ends with a call for action.  At some point Congress and President Obama are going to agree to a transportation funding and policy bill.  Even though Congress is hearing more and more from Livable Streets advocates, it's going to be incumbent on all of us to give them the cover to buck the auto industry when the time comes.  Hopefully someday soon a visit from Blumenauer won't be cause for celebration because every city will have its own contingent of bike-friendly Congressmen.

(editor's note: Streetfilms has undergone a re-design and looks pretty nice.  If you haven't been over there in some time, make sure to check it out at.)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

La Verne Celebrates Metro A Line Station, Foothill Extension to Open Soon

The new $1.5 billion 9.1-mile Foothill A Line extension construction is complete, and Metro is currently testing. Rail service is expected to debut in the next couple months.

June 21, 2025

Peaceful Protestors Take to Arcadia Park to Condemn ICE Raids

Demonstrators gathered Friday evening to demand an end to immigration raids in the San Gabriel Valley and beyond.

June 21, 2025

Brief Updates from June Metro Committee Meetings: Ridership, Service Changes, and More

Metro ridership is growing, Metro low income (LIFE) program analysis, service changes this Sunday, Metro prepares for World Cup soccer, and an upcoming report on ICE rail impacts

June 20, 2025

As ICE Continues Assault on Vulnerable Workers, Groups Launch Fundraiser to Assist Street Vendors

Empty streets and fears of being disappeared off street corners are hurting vendors' ability to stay afloat

June 19, 2025
See all posts