Buzz

There is a lot of buzz about the success of the 2nd Annual CicLAvia which was held on 4/10/11 and it is estimated that the crowds doubled that of last October's event - and that doesn't even include the number of people who attended neighboring events and feeder rides!

We've put together a compliation of great videos and articles from the hundreds that are popping up all over the internet for you to enjoy!

Ever thought that self-powered metal thing in your garage – aka your bike – could take you around the world? Because it can! You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to go from strolling through your neighbourhood to pedalling the roads of China.

It may be daunting to wrap your head around the idea of powering your own transportation, but those who have done it before call it the best way to travel. Bike travel gives you heaps of freedom, plus it’s eco-friendly and a great form of exercise.

Luckily bike-travelling isn’t something that you’ll be figuring out on your own. There are tonnes of resources out there, so start researching! To get you going, here’s a guide to some things you need to consider:

Los Angeles’ second CicLAvia will be Sunday April 10th 2011 from 10am-3pm. It’s FREE, fun, family-friendly!

CicLAvia temporarily removes cars from L.A. streets and makes the streets safe for people to walk, skate, play and ride a bike. There are activities along the route as shop owners and restaurants are encouraged to open their doors to people along the CicLAvia. It's family and grown up friendly with plenty of sporty, arts and crafty and foodie activities. CicLAvia is NOT a race. You can start wherever you want, do as much or as little as you’d like.

Need another reason to save gas and forego hopping in the car?

A new Top 100 list released by INRIX puts Los Angeles at the very top. As in the #1 Worst... Ever wonder when the absolute worst time to get on the road is around these parts? It's now been determined to be 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, according to the various GPS, traffic and accident data collected for the report by a company that wishes to sell traffic data.

The County of Los Angeles has announced the release of its 2011 Draft Bicycle Master Plan. The Plan proposes approximately 695 miles of new bikeways throughout the County. Along with the proposed bikeways, the Plan recommends various bicycle friendly policies and programs to promote bicycle ridership amongst users of all ages and skill sets within the County. Take a part in your community and add your voice to creating a more enjoyable cycling space. The deadline for submitting comments on the Draft Bicycle Master Plan is Friday, May 20th, 2011.

Ben Jervey of GOOD introduces a video piece by Politico interviewing Representative Earl Blumenauer.

"Over the course of 15 years in Congress, I have burned hundreds of thousands of calories. As I run my errands around Washington D.C., I’ve never been stuck in traffic, I’ve never had to look for a parking place, and I’ve saved thousands of dollars. It’s kind of a win-win-win, burning calories instead of fossil fuel."

Traffic Skills 101 curriculum covers everything from bike selection to simple maintenance to fixing a flat, to strategies for riding a bike safely and confidently.

* Classes are FREE for CSULB students and employees. For all others, there is a suggested donation.

While riding in the summer seems normal, cycling through the winter seems, to the uninitiated, as painful and ill-advised as licking a frozen pole. However, during many winter days, the main obstacles are not snow and ice, but simply cold temperatures and wind. During these days, if you know the secrets to dressing for winter cycling, you can cycle while feeling comfortable, warm, and pleasant.

Are you a resident of Covina or know an avid cyclist in the area? The City of Covina recently contracted with Alta Planning and Design to develop a citywide Bicycle Master Plan. The Bicycle Master Plan will help bicyclists and motorists share the road by adding bike lanes and pathways that make it easier for bicycles to travel throughout the community. Be a part of making this vision a reality. You can help shape the Bicycle Master Plan by taking the Covina Bicycle Master Plan Survey and share with us what you would like to see in your community.

Celebrating the 1st Annual Covina Green Fair, both Bikestation and Metro were among the local groups and agencies talking to the public and promoting green living on March 19, 2011 in Covina Park.