May 16, 2007
Tomorrow is a Biking Day: 28 Pit Stops, Free Swag, Free Public Transit, Ride to City Hall

It's bike to work week and tomorrow is the big day. Here is some of what is happening:
Rush-Hour Bike Rally to City Hall
Taking off from the Hollywood/Western Red Line station at 9 a.m., hundreds of cyclists will ride to city hall in demonstration of cycling solidarity. It's an 8-mile ride that will be escorted by the LAPD with arrival at city hall. At 10:30 a.m., there will be another rally or "bang the drum" at the south lawn of the city hall.
The 9 a.m. Hollywood/Western rally is with Councilman Eric Garcetti who will announce a $50,000 reward for tips leading to the capture of the hit-and-run driver who hit cyclist Jen Diamond last fall at Sunset and Alvarado.
More info at their MySpace page. The event is put on by IlluminateLA, a site dedicated to arts and cycling in Los Angeles.
28 Pit Stops in LA County from 7 to 10 a.m.
From various locations in LA (including Hollywood/Western where the above rally will begin) to Pasadena, Whittier and Santa Clarita (3 pit stops up there alone), these pit stops are locations for bicyclists to stop, relax, get energized, have snacks, receive give-aways (all for free), and obtain informational materials on bicycling to work. Many are along transit ways including two along the Orange Line: one hosted by REI (now we hope there is some really good free stuff at that one) and one hosted by Wendy Greuel at the Valley College stop.
Free Rides on Metro and others (No Metrolink)
"Metro is offering free rides all day on all Metro buses and trains and co-sponsoring 28 pit stops for bicyclists biking to work in Los Angeles County as part of Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 17. Bicyclists who are biking to work on Thursday and need to complete their commute by transit can travel free if they bring with them their bicycle or bike helmet. Besides Metro, Beach Cities Transit *, Commerce Municipal Bus Lines *, LADOT Commuter Express, Gardena Municipal Bus Lines *, Long Beach Transit **, Montebello Bus Lines, Norwalk Transit, Santa Clarita Transit, Torrance Transit, Whittier Transit. are also offering free rides." - From Metro Press Release
*Bike racks not available on buses
** Bike racks are available except on Passport & Pine Av. Shuttle
Photo taken on the Red Line by Zach Behrens/LAist.com



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Good idea - I hope the LAPD doesn't go nuts and baton everyone though.
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I don't think this will turn into the DNC Critical Mass bike ride again :)
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:D I saw a bunch of people riding bikes this morning, passsing by my office building. It was a rare sight to see as they weren't the typical sport-bikers I usually see en masse on the streets. It makes sense now (that I've read this).