Can Buses and Bikes Share the Road?

The LA Metro and LADOT Bikeways Program's fall another step behind Chicago. This past summer of 2009 I attended a couple of meetings held at LA Metro where there was some inertia to produce an education module for bus operators. Six months later and no further discussion has come forth on the training program for LA Metro bus drivers.

Instead we get more inspired work from the Chicago DOT and the Chicago Bicycle Program with another video production aimed at making the streets safe for all roadway users. Previously Chicago released a great video entitled Traffic Enforcement for Bicyclist Safety, now they bring us Share the Road - Buses and Bicycles.

For the most part, this latest education video is generic enough to apply in any city. Maybe the LA Metro Bike Program could use it as a model for their alleged training program? Bus operators and cyclists can get along out there, but LA Metro must do more to train its employees on the importance of sharing the road with cyclists, and cyclists need to be mindful of the challenges faced by bus drivers in Los Angeles.

Enough said, enjoy the video.

Share the Road - Buses and Bicycles from Chicago Bicycle Program on Vimeo.

Cash For Clunkers Bill Driven by Auto Lobby

The recent passing of the "Cash-for-Clunkers" Bill signals another short-sighted attempt to keep Americans addicted to oil for the sake of the economy. This Bill is nothing but a clever way to give the auto industry more taxpayer money. At best this program will bring only marginal environmental benefits with weak requirements such as a new car getting at least 4 more miles per gallon than the old car will be eligible for a $3,500 voucher. Give me a break, why can't this country move forward with sustainable transportation policies?

Conversely, the Scrap-It program in British Columbia, Canada takes its trade-in program several steps further with vouchers for transit, bicycles and car shares. Now this is a real attempt to get people on the path to sustainable mobility. Once again U.S. policy makers show they are pawns to big industry and public opinion means almost nothing at the end of the day.

Beverly Hills Proclaims Bike to Work Month!

Beverly Hills City Council proclaimed May 2009 as Bike to Work Month in the city during its May 13, 2009, regular meeting. Pictured above is me on the left with Mayor Nancy Krasne and Council Member Dr. William Brien.

The proclamation states the following:

Whereas, for more than a century, the bicycle has been an important part of the lives of Americans; and

Whereas, the month of May is National Bike Month, which is recognized by cities and counties across the United States of America as an opportunity to promote the health and environmental benefits of riding a bicycle for transportation; and

Whereas, the education of cyclists and motorists as to the safe operation of bicycles and sharing the road is important to ensure the safety and comfort of all travelers.

Now, Therefore, we, the City Council of the City of Beverly Hills, do hereby proclaim May 2009 to be Bike To Work Month in the City of Beverly Hills and further encourage all citizens to ride their bicycles and promote cycling as good for our health and our environment.

Dated: May 13, 2009