TITLE
Recommendation to respectfully request Mayor and City Council to declare May 15, 2008 as “Bike to Work Day” in Long Beach to promote alternative mobility options and healthier lifestyles for our residents; and
Request City Manager to work with local and regional organizations to support the following bicycle events occurring in Long Beach:
· Bike to Work Day - May 15
· Bike to Work Fridays - June 6 through summer
· Los Angeles River Ride - June 8
DISCUSSION
Bike to Work Day is part of California Bike Commute Week, providing a chance for residents and commuters to discover the ease and liberation of getting to work on two wheels. Bicycling to work isn't just for athletes or for people who live close to the office. Now that most buses are equipped with racks, and trains allow bikes on board during off-peak hours, more people than ever are discovering the benefits of bicycle commuting. Those benefits include reduced air pollution, less traffic, a healthy lifestyle, social interaction and sustainable transportation options.
Bike to Work Fridays is a concept being discussed with the Downtown Long Beach Associates, Bikestation, Long Beach Transit and our staff as a means of encouraging long term changes in lifestyle and mobility in the Downtown area. Details of the initiative are still very premature, but we would like to support these efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and our workforce.
The Los Angeles River Ride is sponsored primarily by the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and the LA County Bicycle Coalition. The "ride" begins and ends in Griffith Park, making Long Beach the turn around point for the anticipated 2,000 riders originating from several cities along the river including our own. We hope to provide every rider with information our bicycle and environmental efforts here in Long Beach.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
None.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respe...
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