The first ever Los Angeles Bike Count!

September 11, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Yogi Hendlin (510) 472-2948, yhendlin@ucla.edu

Dorothy Keiu Le (213) 629-2142, dorothy@la-bike.org

Herbie Huff (805) 404 3751 herbiehuff@gmail.com

LACBC ORGANIZES CITY-WIDE BICYCLE COUNTS

LOS ANGELES, Calif. –September 22-26^th: Los Angeles will finally get what most large cities have long benefited from: a bicycle count. The first ever Los Angeles Bicycle and Pedestrian Count is happening all over Los Angeles, conducted by the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC). The Count will achieve a clearer picture of how many people travel by bicycle and foot in Los Angeles, and where the bicycle and pedestrian traffic is the heaviest.

Bicycle counts empower volunteers to count the number of cyclists and pedestrians at key intersections throughout the city to track year-to-year changes in cycling and walking as policy and urban infrastructure change. Gathering this vital data, LACBC encourages policy-makers to include bicycling and walking considerations into all urban planning and design.

LACBC will work with over 200 volunteers participating in the count at over 45 locations on Tuesday September 22, 7-9:30am and 4-6:30pm, Wednesday, September 23, 7-9:30am and 4-6:30pm and Saturday, September 26, 10am-1pm. LACBC welcomes collaboration with partners wishing to sponsor or financially underwrite this effort.

According to the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, “Without accurate and consistent demand and usage figures, it is difficult to measure the positive benefits of investments in these modes, especially when compared to the other transportation modes such as the private automobile.”

“Here in New York City, our annual citywide bike counts provide the biggest proof the our investment in more bike lanes is bearing fruit,” says Wiley Norvell, Communications Director of Transportation Alternatives. “No other fact has validated our city's bike program like the 35% increase in bike commuting shown in last year's counts.”

LACBC is working with LADOT to ensure that the counts inform the Bicycle Master Plan and all future city planning. LACBC plans to do it right while having a good time with volunteers by providing them with snacks, drinks, and a final Saturday night appreciation party.

Founded in 1998, LACBC is a membership supported advocacy organization working to improve the bicycling environment and quality of life in Los Angeles County.

For more information on the LA Bike Count, visit: www.labikecount.org

For more information about LACBC, visit: http://www.la-bike.org

To volunteer for the LA Bike Count, visit: http://tiny.cc/labikecount