Bicycling

As part of every Policies for Livable Active Communities and the Environment (PLACE) Grants awarded by L.A. County Department of Public Health in 2008, each community had to complete a sample project that demonstrated the types of street improvements that could spread throughout their city as a result of improved planning.  The City of Culver City completed the Downtown Connector project that provides a Sharrowed street connection between the Downtown and the future Expo Station while linking residents to local schools.  Long Beach spent their money on the Green Sharrowed Lane in Belmont Shore.

While most California cyclists are thrilled that the Senate and Assembly agree that car drivers should give cyclists a three foot berth when speeding past them, the legislative session in Sacramento was mostly positive, but still somewhat mixed.  As the Senate and Assembly prepare to go into recess, here's where many important pieces of legislation that pertain to traffic safety, and livable and complete streets stand.

There's always a risk when an advocate is hired by a government agency.  Will the advocate "go native" and be an ineffective agent of change?  Will the advocate ever be able to shake his reputation of being "just" an advocate?

Stephanie Hopp is a fourth year student at Union College studying Biology, Environmental Science and Spanish. She is actively involved in biking, health, and environmental protection and plans to pursue a Masters in Public Health following her undergraduate education.   

This week’s series on the grants from the L.A. County Department of Public Health’s Policies for Livable and Active Communities and Environments (PLACE) Grants focuses on Glendale and their groundbreaking Safe and Healthy Streets Plan.

Bicyclists in Malibu, and bicyclists who drive here to ride on Pacific Coast Highway, have reason to be cautiously optimistic about a few recent developments. Tempers at City Hall are cooler, the cops’ attitudes on PCH have changed subtly, and there is some progress to report on safety improvements. But watch out!

Usually, our monthly survey features a Q and A between you, the readers, and one of the elected officials or government staffers that writes, passes and enforces transportation policy.  This month, we're going to do something a little different.  I asked personal injury attorney and avid cyclist Howard Krepack if he would take your questions about, well whatever you want within his area of expertise.

This Friday, S.B. 910, the Three Feet Passing Law authored by Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-LB) heads to the Assembly Floor.  S.B. 910 has been passing committees and the full Assembly by mostly party-line votes, but that doesn't mean that passage is assured in two days.  The California Bicycle Coalition has a sample letter to email Assembly Members in advance of Friday's hearing.

Hello, my name is Damien.