In this entry I'll explain the basic options for where one can buy a bicycle in LA, share my opinions as to which are best, and I'll briefly discuss helmets, locks, and lights.

With rising gas prices and concern over auto emissions, more workers are taking to two wheels. But they must navigate an obstacle course of anarchic traffic conditions.

Matt Corwin was pedaling home from work on his usual route when he approached the University Bridge. A line of cars waited at the red light, as Corwin cruised past in the bike lane.

Hello, Los Angeles! Man, I've always wanted to say that. A warm hello from me in Copenhagen -– the World's Cycling Capital.

Where has low volume friendly advocacy gotten LA the last 2 years? Nowhere.

It was a frigid night in late 2004 when the lights went out on a potluck dinner of frustrated bicycle enthusiasts.

Stephen Box sent me an email explaining that a coalition of cyclists in Los Angeles got together to formulate a Bill of Rights for bikers. Feeling the pen could be mightier then the spoke, a newly formed group, the bike writers, got together and made a declaration which included the following demands. Bicyclist Bill Of Rights WHEREAS, cyclists have the right to ride the streets of our communities and this right is formally articulated in the California Vehicle Code; and WHEREAS, cyclists are considered to be the indicator species of a healthy community; and WHEREAS, cyclists are both environmental and traffic congestion solutions; and WHEREAS, cyclists are, first and foremost, people with all of the rights and privileges that come from being members of this great society; and NOW, THEREFORE, WE THE CYCLING COMMUNITY, do hereby claim the following rights: 1. Cyclists have the right to travel safely and free of fear. 2. Cyclists have the right to equal access to our public streets and to sufficient and significant road space. 3. Cyclists have the right to the full support of educated law enforcement. 4. Cyclists have the right to the full support of our judicial system and the right to expect that those who endanger, injure or kill cyclists be dealt with to the full extent of the law. 5. Cyclists have the right to routine accommodations in all roadway projects and improvements. 6. Cyclists have the right to urban and roadway planning, development and design that enable and support safe cycling. 7. Cyclists have the right to traffic signals, signage and maintenance standards that enable and support safe cycling. 8. Cyclists have the right to be actively engaged as a constituent group in the organization and administration of our communities. 9. Cyclists have the right to full access for themselves and their bicycles on all mass transit with no limitations. 10. Cyclists have the right to end-of-trip amenities that include safe and secure opportunities to park their bicycles. 11. Cyclists have the right to be secure in their persons and property, and be free from unreasonable search and seizure, as guaranteed by the 4th Amendment. 12. Cyclists have the right to peaceably assemble in the public space, as guaranteed by the 1st Amendment. And further, we claim and assert these rights by taking to the streets and riding our bicycles, all in an expression of our inalienable right to ride! #12, seemed to create the most discussion for cyclists to be able to peaceably assemble. Hmmm, I can't imagine where else some sort of document like this would also be useful?  read more »

What makes a state bicycle friendly? That’s a question just taken up in earnest by a Beltway-based bicycle advocacy group called the League of American Bicyclists.

KQED is the local public broadcasting station in San Francisco. The topic for the 9 A.M. "Forum" show was on bicycle safety.  read more »

Guests were

• Leah Shahum, executive director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
• Sean Co, bicycle and pedestrian planner for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
• Sean Comey, spokesman for the AAA of Northern California.
• Rob Anderson, the blogger who filed suit holding up implementation of the San Francisco bicycle plan.