4th Street Walk and Ride Showcases Support for Campaign to Build LA's First Bike Boulevard

July 26, 2010 at 1:19 pm | Posted in Bike News, LACBC Events | 5 Comments
Tags: 4th Street Bicycle Boulevard, bike rides, Campaigns

This last Saturday morning, the 4th Street Bike Boulevard campaign held a walk and ride event to show off some ideas for making 4th Street Los Angeles’ first true bicycle boulevard. The event also took the opportunity to show people the natural bike route that 4th Street already is and drummed up excitement for moving forward on the campaign.

The 4th Street Ride crosses one of the many intersections that could use improved signalization for bicycles.

While 4th Street Bike Boulevard will continue to be a shared street, walk leader Joe Linton and ride leader Rick Risemberg both explained the different treatments proposed to make 4th Street a safer, healthier, and greener street.  Building on the recent implementation of sharrows on 4th Street, ideas like traffic diverters with passages for bicycles, traffic circles with trees and native plants, and bulb outs to make street crossings safer we’re all on the menu for the bike boulevard idea.

The ride and walk arrived at Shatto Recreation Center where Councilmember Tom LaBonge came out to express his continued support for the idea. LaBonge proclaimed that he wants to go from end to end on 4th Street, identifying specific improvements to move closer to creating a true bike boulevard. LACBC is  excited to continue working with the Councilmember and we appreciate his leadership on this project.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge speaks with local community members and LACBC staff; photo: Mike Russell

Finally, a big thanks to all who came out to show support for building Los Angeles’ first bike boulevard on 4th Street. From our community member speakers— Jeff Jacoberger of the Mid-City West Neighborhood Council, Mike Russell of the Wilshire Center Business Improvement District, Megan Hirsch mother and author, Jackie Ruby a resident and recent 4th Street volunteer, and Howard Krepak a lawyer who specializes in representing bicyclists—to our 4th Street Bike Boulevard Committee volunteers, the effort to transform 4th Street into a bike boulevard truly belongs to the entire bicycle community. And a shoutout to the Larchmont Bungalow for providing drinks and snacks for the event.

As the 4th Street campaign continues to build momentum, check back for ways to come out and support LA’s first bike boulevard.  If you’re looking to get more involved and volunteer with the 4th Street bike Boulevard committee, sign up for the google group and mailing list.

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