May 2023

Eyes on the Path: Metro Posts First Look at Slauson Corridor Bike/Walk Path Ahead of Tonight’s Construction Update

From LA.Streetsblog.org

By Sahra Sulaiman

Tonight, Metro will host a construction update on the 5.5-mile Rail-to-Rail walk/bike path that will run along the neglected Slauson corridor right-of-way (ROW) between the Fairview Heights and Slauson Metro rail stations. The agency has posted a number of photos touting the work being done on the path ahead of the 6 p.m. meeting (join in via Zoom).

Tangible progress has been a long time coming.

The “Rail-to-River”project was first proposed in 2012 by then-Metro boardmembers Mark Ridley-Thomas and the late Gloria Molina with the goal of converting a blighted ROW into a community asset. They believed a nearly 10-mile-long “green ribbon” could be transformative in such an intensely park-poor section of South Central and Southeast Los Angeles.

Metro had originally expected to break ground on the western segment back in 2018. After a number of delays, the project quietly broke ground last July. Construction began in October, at 67th St. and 11th Ave. [The Southeast segment that runs from the Blue Line to the river will be constructed separately; it is still in the planning stages.]

The dedicated bike/walk path (where users are safely separated from motor vehicles) will feature shade trees, drought-tolerant landscaping, lighting, improvements at bus stops, and improved crossings at intersections.

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Do Drivers Even Know the Laws That Protect Cyclists? Do You?

From Bicycling.com

BY MICAH LING

SEVERAL NEW LAWS HAVE BEEN PASSED RECENTLY TO KEEP CYCLISTS AND OTHER MORE VULNERABLE ROAD USERS SAFE.

Did you know that many drivers think the “Share the Road” signs are aimed at cyclists? Of course the intended purpose is the opposite, to remind drivers to be vigilant and considerate of more vulnerable, slower-moving modes of transportation on the road.

And what about “taking the lane,” when a cyclist moves to the middle of the traffic lane because there’s no shoulder or it feels too dangerous to have a car pass? Perfectly legal and the smartest course of action in some situations.

Generally, people riding bikes are treated by the law the same as people driving vehicles —they have similar rights and responsibilities.

But a 20-pound bike is a lot different from a 5,000-pound vehicle, so several laws have been passed recently to keep cyclists and other more vulnerable road users safe.

For instance, most states now adhere to the 3-feet law, which says that the drivers of vehicles must give cyclists 3-feet when passing. And six states require vehicles to completely change lanes when passing a cyclist, if more than one lane is present.

 

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Dramatic Time Trial Decided By Seconds! | Giro D’Italia 2023 Highlights – Stage 9

The second individual time trial stage of this year’s race is both the longest and the flattest. At 34.9km in length with just 102m of elevation gain, this route from Savignano sul Rubicone to Cesena is one for the true TT specialists. Expect a big GC shake-up on this stage!

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Why reflective clothing is essential for cyclists

From CaliforniaBicycleSafety.com

Cycling is a widely beloved sport and means of transportation that has gained popularity across the globe. With its numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased stamina, and decreased stress levels, cycling has become a favorite pastime for many. However, cycling also presents several safety risks, particularly when cyclists are on the road during low light conditions or at night. To help mitigate these risks, reflective clothing has become increasingly popular for cyclists. In this article, we will explore why reflective clothing is essential for cyclists and its benefits.

Reflective Clothing Increases Visibility

One of the primary reasons why reflective clothing is essential for cyclists is that it increases their visibility on the road. Reflective clothing is made with materials that reflect light, making it easier for motorists and other road users to see cyclists, particularly in low light conditions. This increased visibility is critical for cyclists, especially when riding in areas with heavy traffic or when sharing the road with large vehicles, such as buses and trucks.

Reflective clothing is also useful when cycling through areas with poor lighting conditions, such as tunnels, underpasses, or poorly lit roads. In such situations, the reflective clothing helps cyclists to be seen from a distance, giving motorists and other road users enough time to adjust their speed and take necessary precautions.

Reflective Clothing Helps Reduce Accidents

Reflective clothing can also help to reduce accidents involving cyclists. Reflective clothing helps to increase cyclists’ visibility, reducing the likelihood of accidents occurring. In fact, several studies have shown that reflective clothing can reduce the risk of accidents involving cyclists in order to be better seen by motorists.

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Geraint Thomas’ bike: Is this the bike that will win the Giro d’Italia?

From CyclingNews.com

By Tom Wieckowski

Although the road to this year’s Giro d’Italia hasn’t been the smoothest for Geraint Thomas this season, the Ineos captain finds himself at the top of the Giro general classification after some strong riding and the unfortunate departure of race leader Remco Evenepoel due to COVID-19

This could possibly be the last Giro that Thomas rides. The Welshman has ridden for Ineos Grenadiers – previously Team Sky – for almost the entirety of his stellar career. Joining in 2010, the year of the Team’s inception, he has raced on Pinarello bikes exclusively.

In a professional road career that includes a 2018 Tour de France victory, multiple stage race and single day wins, as well as a Commonwealth Games road race title for Wales. Thomas will long be remembered as a gritty, no-nonsense rider, who has delivered at the very highest level for over a decade.

 

Image courtesy of Pinarello

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6 Cycling Mistakes That Are Slowing You Down Without You Realizing

Whether you ride for fun, to work or maybe for competitive reasons, there are moments when we all search for a little more speed! It can seem like a fruitless endeavor at times, but a few mistakes you may be making could be costing you speed. So in this video, Manon and Conor list a couple of these problems so you can go faster than ever!

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Bicycle Master Plan Update – L.A. County

Get Involved

Public Works welcomes you to get involved and provide feedback on your unique experiences biking around unincorporated Los Angeles County. This includes those who commute by bike, families who use bike trails and bike lanes for recreation, avid cyclists, and those who do not currently bike but would like to.

Attend a workshop or take our online survey for a chance to win a bicycle or $200 gift card! Each workshop will cover the same items, so join the workshop that will best fit your schedule. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

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Clean Air and Active Transportation Groups Seek $50M for CA E-Bike Program

Sacramento, CA – Today, a coalition of environmental, public health, and active transportation organizations have sent a letter to California state budget leadership requesting an additional $50M for the California Air Resources Board’s Electric Bicycle Incentive Project. The coalition argues this funding will “…help the state transition to clean transportation in order to meet its ambitious climate goals.”

The coalition submitting this request includes: Active San Gabriel Valley, California Bicycle Coalition, Coalition for Clean Air, Environment California, Safe Routes Partnership, and the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR).

E-Bikes: A Great Climate Investment for California

Callifornians are eager to begin replacing car trips with e-bike trips. The conversion of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) from auto to active transportation can dramatically improve air quality for children and elderly in our polluted cities. It’s also a climate-transportation win-win.

“The Coalition for Clean Air is proud to be a part of a coalition advocating to increase funding for the Electric Bicycle Incentive Project. We believe this program will reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions, lower VMT, promote equity, and improve quality of life for Californians if properly administered and funded,” said Sofia Rafikova, Policy Advocate at the Coalition for Clean Air.

Photo by Himiway Bikes on Unsplash

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Completing My Dream Ride – Was It Worth The 10 Year Wait?

Cycling Italy’s most beautiful lake, but was it worth the wait? Back in 2013, Alex visited Lake Garda and immediately put an epic ride around its shores on his bucket list. Now, ten years later, he has returned for what will be his longest ride since retiring as a pro. His route is a full loop of the lake and includes a stretch along the hanging Lake Garda cycle path.

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The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Which Saddles Pinkbike’s Editors Put on Their Own Bikes

From PinkBike.com

by Matt Beer

We review a lot of kit here at Pinkbike. In fact, sometimes it can feel like a constant merry-go-round of helmets, gloves, tires, or if we’re extra lucky the latest bikes. It often transpires that we spend little time on the things we actually like most and more time trying to understand why things don’t fit, work or feel as good as the manufacturer insists they should.

Pinkbike tech editors spend a lot of time on their ass. It’s fair to say that most of our job requires sitting at a desk or pedalling a bike. Touch points on a bicycle are sensitive areas that can be as particular to the bike as they are to the individual riding them, but there’s no arguing that pedaling mountain bikes uphill has undoubtedly become more comfortable in recent years due to steeper seat angles and deeper research into ergonomic saddle designs.

Whether you’re an enduro newbie or a well-seasoned XC veteran, a few minutes in the saddle will let you know if your body agrees with the makeshift chair you’re sitting on.

Image courtesy of Specialized

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