Bikeside

In late 2009, Louis Deliz became the victim of the ever growing hit and run epidemic in Los Angeles. Louis spent eleven days in the I.C.U. and was kept alive by machines as he was out in a chemically induced coma for approximately 8 days, living at the hospital for a total of 49 days.

Over the last two and a half years, Los Angeles turned a corner. While the city has a long way to go to be a safe and welcoming city for pedestrians and cyclists, things are getting better. The change in attitude has also changed the debate from, "What can the city do to make things better?" to "Is it doing all that it can?"

As we get closer to the 10/9/11 CicLAvia, expect more and more coverage here at Streetsblog. Of course, you can stay up to date by “liking” CicLAvia on Facebook or visiting their blogpage anytime.

Nearly three years ago, Mia Birk, a principal with Alta Planning and Design, stood in front of a skeptical audience and promised that the final Bike Master Plan would be something that all Angelenos would celebrate.  What followed was a three year slog which saw repeated battles between cyclists, LADOT, cyclists, City Planning, and cyclists.  But now the end is in site.  A new draft of the plan was released yesterday to the cheers, yes cheers, of our city's bike advocates.  The first hearing on this draft will be held next Thursday, December 16th at 8:30 am. at San Fernando Valley City Hall, 6262 Van Nuys Boulevard, Van Nuys, California 9140.

Streetsblog found the original Bikeside Speaks to be a great night of entertainment and advocacy.  This Saturday, Bikeside Speaks is back with Part Deux featuring new lineup to be followed by a short-film festival and after party.  This time the event isn't being hosted in the Bikerowave, but at Cynergy Cycling in Santa Monica with an after party following the film festival at the Hotel Erwin on the Venice Beach.  You can RSVP for each event on Facebook.  (Bikeside Speaks: here and the Disposable Film Festival: here.)

Los Angeles has been home to many groups pushing for transportation reform, and one of the new groups that's been making a big impact has been Bikeside.  The group has been a leader in highlighting some personal stories as well as data mapping crash history from LAPD maps.  They've also put their pedals where their mouths are and organied a ride to Beverly Hills City Hall to push their Council to reform the city's policies towards hit and run crashes.