West LA
Streetsblog LA
Surprise! City Announces Massive Bike Share Program Coming in December
In an announcement that caught even some CicLAvia organizers by surprise, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced this morning at the "CicLAvia opening" that CicLAvia partners Bike Nation will establish a permanent footprint in Los Angeles this December. The cost to the city will be minimal, as Bike Nation promises to pay for all of the 4,000 bikes and 400 kiosks coming to Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Venice Beach and Westwood. Bike Nation estimates it could take a full year to complete the installation.
April 15, 2012
It’s Official. Main Street in Venice Is on a Diet.
The first time I biked down Main Street in Santa Monica and then into the Venice Neighborhood of Los Angeles was the summer of 2008. I was following Santa Monica Critical Mass and part of the comically over-aggressive antics of the SMPD included herding cyclists into the lane by buzzing groups of cyclists on motorcycles and cruisers until we passed into Los Angeles. When we crossed the border two things vanished, the police presence and the bike lane.
January 30, 2012
Another Optional Station “Approved” by the Metro Board for Crenshaw Line
(Note: If you're not familiar with the history of the Westchester Station, check out this City Watch article by Westchester Neighborhood Council Member Denny Schneider)
December 16, 2011
New Bike Lanes on Washington Place in Mar Vista
Finally, L.A.'s new commitment to bike planning brings some paint to the Westside. Last Friday Joe Linton noted at the Eco-Village blog that the city had placed down markers for 0.77 miles of new bike lanes from Grand View Blvd to Albright Avenue, in my own neighborhood of Mar Vista.
December 12, 2011
Good News for Bikes in Expo Phase II
LADOT Environmental Documents for Expo Phase II Bikeway
December 6, 2011
Expo Botanical Garden at Westwood and Expo One Step Closer to Reality
I have to admit that when Jonathan Weiss first described his idea for a Westwood-Expo Botanical Water Garden (WEBWG) at the Westwood Station for the Expo Line, I thought it would never happen. Three years later, it would be a major upset if some sort of Botanical Garden wasn't built at the station site, as the concept has gained traction even with groups opposing the rail line itself.
November 16, 2011
BREAKING NEWS: CPUC Approves All Expo Phase II Crossings
Earlier today, the California Public Utilities Commission gave the green light to proceed with construction of Phase II of the Expo Line. CPUC was widely expected to delay their decision on whether or not the rail/road crossings for Phase II were safe enough and that they wouldn't cause excess pollution by creating traffic delay. In a surprise move, CPUC unanimously approved the crossings after Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon removed a "hold" he had placed on the crossing vote.
November 10, 2011
West LA Advocates Urge Rec. and Parks Commission to Support Re-Opening Bundy Triangle Park
For those just joining the discussion, a group of activists in West Los Angeles has been working with the office of Los Angeles Dist. 11 Councilman Bill Rosendahl since April to re-open Bundy Triangle Park. This rare swath of green space in dense West LA sits at the intersection of Bundy Drive, Santa Monica Boulevard and Ohio Avenue.
November 4, 2011
Government as Advocates: Expo Construction Authority Wants Your Comments to CPUC
The Expo Construction Authority is anxious to stop history from repeating itself.
October 18, 2011
Sharrows Appear on Motor Avenue
When Jonathan Weiss emailed me two weeks ago announcing that Sharrows placeholders appeared on Motor Avenue, I didn't think too much of it. After all, stencils marking a place for bike racks have been on the ground next to my Big Blue Bus stop for almost five months.
October 3, 2011