April 2024

LA Once Had A Bicycle Freeway. What Happened To 1900’s Cyclist Dream?

From LAist.com

By Caitlin Hernández

It’s hard to imagine, but before Los Angeles went completely car-centric there was another travel obsession: Bicycles.

The craze took off in the 1890s, and the boom was so big that cities around the nation formed bicycle clubs, including ones in L.A. County. There were about 30,000 cyclists between L.A. and Pasadena, and the latter boasted its own track for riders to race on.

Bikes were great for short treks, but long-distance travel remained challenging. Traversing around the hills from Pasadena to L.A. was a bit of a time-consuming feat and the roads weren’t that safe for bikes. So one man had a big idea: A 9-mile elevated path for riders and other horse-less vehicles to get from Pasadena to downtown L.A.

The California Cycleway, as it was called, was hailed as a marvel of transportation design and believed to be the first in America. So with so much excitement, what happened? And why aren’t we cycling on it today?

Photo by Pedro Marroquin on Unsplash

 

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Can We Hold A Pro’s Wheel On The Toughest Cobbles?

What does it take to keep up with a pro on the toughest cobbled sections of the famous Paris-Roubaix course? We sent Conor and Hank to find out! And we didn’t just find any pro, they’re taking on Belgian Lawrence Naesen – who has been a World Tour pro for over 6 years with the likes of AG2R and the now named Lotto DSTNY, and practically grew up on the cobbles…

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CicLAvia—Venice Blvd presented by Metro April 21

Join us for our 51st Los Angeles Open Streets Event: CicLAvia—Venice Blvd. This CicLAvia is presented by Metro. Click HERE for the map.

Date: Sunday, April 21, 2024 / Domingo 21 de abril 2024

Time: 9am – 4pm

Location: Connecting Palms, Mar Vista, and Venice.

What: CicLAvia is a non-profit organization that has been opening streets throughout LA County since 2010. Come experience car-free open streets at our 51st event, CicLAvia—Venice Blvd.

Enjoy the pop-up park for the day in your favorite people-powered way, whether that’s walking, jogging, biking, roller skating, skating, or simply spectating! All ages and abilities are welcome. Be sure to join our email list so you don’t miss any event news and updates. Use the CicLAvia digital map to plan which businesses, local gems, activities along the route, and Hubs to check out during the event on April 21!

 

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Active Streets SGV hosts open streets event linking ‘Mission’ districts

From SGVtribune.com

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The public is invited to take over the streets across three San Gabriel Valley cities on Sunday, April 28, as ActiveSGV organizes a “ciclovia” open street event that will connect 5.5 miles of car-free corridors in Alhambra, San Gabriel and South Pasadena.

The free, family-friendly event — Active Streets: Mission-to-Mission — welcomes residents to walk, bike, skate, scoot, roll, and explore the three cities, each with an activity hub in their respective downtown districts with live music, artists, community organizations and games. GoSGV E-bike test ride zones will also be available in the South Pasadena and San Gabriel hubs.

Parts of Mission Street, Marengo Avenue, Alhambra Road, Main Street, Las Tunas Drive, and Mission Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with crossings for cars dotted throughout the route.

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Look After Your Cycling Kit With These Quick Washing Tips

Looking to keep your cycling gear in prime condition? In this video, we’re sharing our dos and don’ts for washing your cycling kit. Our tips will help maintain the fabric, elastic, and colour of your gear, extending its lifespan and preventing accidental damage. Don’t miss out if you want to keep your kit looking its best!

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Yellowstone National Park opens for spring bicycling

From ExploreBigSky.com

By Jen Clancey

On Tuesday, April 2, bicyclists can bike the 49 miles between Yellowstone’s West Entrance in West Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs. Bicyclists interested in the route can monitor weather on Yellowstone’s website.

The West Entrance to Madison Junction, Madison Junction to Norris Junction, and Norris Junction to Mammoth Hot Springs will all be open. “As conditions allow, bicycles will also be permitted from the East Entrance to the east end of Sylvan Pass (6 miles),” an April 2 Yellowstone National Park press release stated.

Bicycles are prohibited on other park roads until the remaining roads open to the public on Friday, April 19.

Spring road conditions include administrative vehicles, wildlife along roadways and rapidly changing weather. Yellowstone provided rules for spring riding in the park:

  • Ride single file and use extreme caution. Expect administrative vehicles such as snowplows, heavy equipment, contractor and employee traffic. Roadway shoulders are narrow, and curves can limit visibility.

Photo by Steven Cordes on Unsplash

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Eyes on the Street: Parthenia Place Walk/Bike Project Nearly Completed

From LA.StreetsBlog.org

Parthenia Place’s bike/walk improvements are open now, though landscaping is anticipated to be completed by this Fall. Additional connected projects coming soon.

By Joe Linton

Los Angeles City has nearly completed work on bike and walk improvements along Parthenia Place in the central San Fernando Valley community of North Hills. The project is being constructed by the city’s Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA) which is part of the Public Works Department (DPW).

Streetsblog reported on the project last November when it was very much a construction site. In late February, the city Transportation Department (LADOT) announced that the project’s two-way protected bike lanes are open. Streetsblog visited Parthenia Place last month; see Twitter thread for photos and commentary.

Photo by Dário Gomes on Unsplash

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How Much Fitter Did I Get In 6 Weeks of Training for Flanders?

How Much Fitter Did I Get In 6 Weeks of Training for Flanders? We catch up with Cillian, our resident statistician here at GCN, as he trains with Wahoo SYSTM to tackle the Ronde Van Vlaanderen! With 20 gruellingly steep cobbled climbs and 160 kilometres of road ahead, the challenge is immense. So far, he’s been smashing it, but the question remains: will he be fully prepared for the Tour of Flanders next week?

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Redlands Bicycle Classic will return with new twists

From RedlandsDailyFacts.com

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The 38th annual five-day Redlands Bicycle Classic returns Wednesday, April 10, with new highlights like a junior race, more local riders, a time trial course around Lake Perris, an Onyx Summit road race and a record number of female racers.

“We’re always looking for new and exciting venues to challenge the racers,” race spokesperson Scott Welsh said.

More than 150 female racers will join this year’s classic, Welsh said.

The new races came to fruition this year, while the junior race — for youths under 18 — is something organizers have wanted to do for years, Welsh said. The hope if that the junior race can help mold young riders who might someday become professionals, he said.

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In praise of the humble beater bike for city commuting

From MomentumMag.com

Written by:

In bustling bicycle-friendly cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam and many other cities worldwide, cycling is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a way of life. However, with the convenience, quality of life and health benefits of cycling come unique challenges, chief among them being the prevalence of theft, wear and tear, and inadequate bike parking facilities. In such environments, investing in an inexpensive “beater” bike for commuting emerges as a pragmatic solution to safeguarding against potential losses and inconveniences. And, really, seems a natural to help people from stressing too much about their bicycles while at work or play.

The Peril of Theft

One of the foremost concerns for cyclists in urban areas is the rampant theft of bicycles. Amsterdam, often hailed as a cycling paradise, like many urban centres around the world, also grapples with a high rate of bike theft. Despite the presence of large bike parking facilities that leave cyclists around the world in awe, security measures are just as lax as other areas, leaving bikes vulnerable to theft. The sad truth is that even the most robust locks cannot guarantee the safety of a valuable bike in such environments.

But that’s just the thing that Amsterdam and Copenhagen residents know but North Americans for the most part are still figuring out, many commuters opt for inexpensive “beater” bikes – sturdy, functional bicycles that serve their purpose without breaking the bank.

 

Photo by Jack Finnigan on Unsplash

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