Sunday: URGENT ACTION! LADOT THREATENS TO CUT THE ENTIRE BIKEWAYS DEPARTMENT!!!

I hesitated to post this until I'd read some convincing arguments. My hesitation came from an understanding that California's budget crisis is reaching a fever pitch and if funds must be cut to save schools and educators, so be it.

But someone made a point that, especially during these times, people need a cheap alternate form of transportation. Indeed, I turned to my bicycle when I was unemployed and desperately low on funds (I was receiving seventy-four dollars a week from unemployment to live on and I simply could not afford gas). There are going to be more people on bikes, especially as summer approaches and gas prices escalate, so please make an investment in your future and TAKE ACTION!

Trust me, I never thought I would end up one of those "bike people," but my financial situation forced me into it, and with the way it has improved my life, I will never look back.

Here's the item from the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition:

Los Angeles is facing a perilous budget crisis. All city departments are being asked to submit plans on how they will cut spending, and LADOT have proposed to eliminate the entire Bikeways staff. Not just lay off some people, but cut it altogether.

TAKE ACTION!! 2 things you can do to save LA bike projects:

1) ATTEND MONDAYS COUNCIL MEETING NEED CYCLISTS TO ATTEND AND GIVE PUBLIC COMMENT TO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY May 18, 10 am! Get there by 9:30am to sign up for public comment.

WHEN: Monday, May 18, 10:00AM
WHERE: City Hall Council Chambers. 200 N. Spring Street 90012, Room 340

2) WRITE EMAILS AND CALL- 1st THING MONDAY MORNING BEFORE THE MEETING to LADOT, the Budget and Finance Committee Members and to the Mayor.

You can find contact information at the site.

If you can't make it - as I, unfortunately, can't - take a moment to write that email or make that phone call. You're just going to be bored at work anyway.

If you are still trapped in your steel coffin, please seriously consider the benefits of cycling.

I can tell you personally that since I've started cycling, I've become more fit without devoting hours at and money to a gym, and as a result, my self esteem has improved dramatically. The endorphins released by the body as a result of cycling create a natural high, and I am much much happier these days. I am saving thirty dollars a week by not buying gas. The cycling community is one of open arms. The night rides I go on are a fantastic social opportunity that are physically, financially, and emotionally more rewarding than mainstream options for entertainment. (And no, you don't need a fixie or even a road bike to participate...I have seen all manner of bicycle on these rides and no one has ever thought twice about it.)

And if you're going through a difficult time, nothing will save your life like a bicycle will. My bicycle is my therapy. When I am feeling sad, I can hop on my bike and go almost anywhere, to the beach to watch the sunset or escape the city on a ride up to the Griffith Observatory, often noticing little moments of beauty I would miss if I were in a car. Riding offers you time for contemplation and relaxation, to listen to yourself, and find your balance (In more ways than one!). And then when I come home I can eat that bucket of ice cream without guilt!

If you are even remotely considering a bicycle, please get in touch with me and I will offer you all the resources I know, as well as riding companionship. I've had some of what I would consider the best "bicycle mentors" and I would love to pass on the knowledge. If money is holding you back, there are many resources available to getting you on a bike for next to nothing.

There is really nothing better you can do for your body, your mind, your soul, your environment, and your community than riding a bike.

TAKE ACTION NOW!