With support from Metro, Walk ‘n Rollers is organizing “Bike Carmegeddon“ group rides, throughout the Westside September 29 while the 405 freeway is closed for bridge repair. During the closure, in what is being billed as Carmegeddon II, Walk ‘n Rollers is seizing the opportunity to promote the many advantages of transportation by bicycle as fun, efficient, and healthy.
“We want to attract people that might not otherwise bike in the city,” said Jim Shanman founder of Walk ‘n Rollers. “This is a great way for families to ride safely with a group because the rides will be lead by certified trainers and ride marshals – no one will be left behind.”
The upcoming closure is an opportunity for people to engage with their local communities. Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Culver City are rapidly adding new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, which are proving to be popular. Even so, plenty of people aren’t comfortable biking on city streets. This is a unique opportunity to experience their communities by bike in a safe, controlled environment. The underlying goal is to alter daily transportation habits in the long term, even if the changes are incremental.
“Stay out of the car completely if you can avoid it,” said Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who represents most of the affected region. “Stay local, play local, eat local, use the bike, and you’ll have a much better weekend.”
The Westside Ride begins Saturday, September 29, at the Culver City Expo Station, with a kick-off party at 8:30 a.m. The 22-mile main ride will embark from the station at 9 a.m. Along the path of the main ride, shorter rides, 8-11 miles in length, will gather and leave from points in Culver City, Venice, Santa Monica, and Westwood. All rides are on bike-friendly, neighborhood streets with plenty of stops.
All rides are free and minors are required to wear a helmet and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Kids under 8 should use a tag-a-long, bike trailer, tandem or other safe riding device.
For more details, and route maps, visit www.walknrollers.org.
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