L.A. Metro Plans Activities in Support of Bike Month this May in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has scheduled a number of activities this May to commemorate Bike Month, including an Open Streets event, Metro Bike Hub announcements, free rides for bicyclists on Metro buses and trains on Bike To Work Day May 18, guided bike rides and community celebrations.
Bicycling, considered a primary “active transportation” mode, has become increasingly important in Los Angeles County. More Angelenos are riding bikes for work and play, and are making first- and last-mile connections to the county’s growing public transit system.
“Bike Month is an important national campaign to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and to encourage more people to give it a try,” said John Fasana, Metro Board chair and mayor pro-tem of the city of Duarte. “We’re fortunate in Los Angeles County to back up these promotional efforts with an ambitious agenda of bicycle projects that will help our region become a world-class destination for bicycling.”
Some of the major Bike Month activities Metro and its partners are now planning include:
- Sunday, May 7 — Downey “Ride & Stride” Open Streets Event Presented by Metro. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 12801 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, California 90242
- Monday, May 15 — Bike Week L.A. Kick-off Event and new Metro Bike Hub Groundbreaking Ceremony at Los Angeles Union Station. 10 a.m. press conference. 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, California 90012
- Tuesday, May 16 — Blessing of the Bikes hosted by Good Samaritan Hospital. 8 a.m. event. 616 S. Witmer Street, Los Angeles, California 90017
- Wednesday, May 17 — Ride of Silence hosted by Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. 6:30 to 8 p.m. North Hollywood Red Line Station, North Hollywood, California 91601
- Thursday, May 18 — Bike to Work Day with countywide pit stops, including a Metro Pit Stop at Union Station. Free rides for cyclists with bikes or helmets on Metro Buses and trains all day
- Friday, May 19 — Hollywood/Vine Metro Bike Hub Grand Opening Ceremony. 9 a.m. press event. 1630 N. Vine Street, Los Angeles, California 90028
- Friday, May 26 — Metro Bike Night at Union Station with KCRW. 5:30-8:30 p.m. 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, California 90012
On Bike to Work Day May 18, Metro is supporting more than 50 bicycle pit stops across Los Angeles County with local organizations. Bicyclists are invited to stop by for refreshments and free giveaways at various times of the day. For pit stop locations and times, visit Metro’s Bike Month website.
“Los Angeles County’s transit renaissance encompasses more than just our new multi-billion dollar rail, bus, highway and goods movement projects,” said Phillip A. Washington, Metro CEO. “We are also committed to strengthening pedestrian and bicycle linkages to support a more integrated, holistic transportation network. Bike Month provides us all with an opportunity to celebrate the importance of two-wheeled transportation, and to fully appreciate its strategic role in improving our region’s mobility.”
In support of Bike Month, Metro will be giving downtown L.A. riders the opportunity to try Metro Bike Share for an entire month for free. /metrolosangeles.
