Workshop Title: Wrenching Cooperatives Panel, 2:15 – 3:00 PM

Minute Taker’s Name: Herbie Huff

Number of people attending: about 20

What key issues were discussed at this workshop? What barriers were seen? What opportunities were presented?

The founders of the Bicycle Kitchen, the Bike Oven, and the BikeRoWave told the histories of how their wrenching collectives were founded. They discussed the organizational differences between the Kitchen, which is a 501c3 non-profit, the Oven, which is under the radar, and the BikeRoWave, which is a members-owned collective. Money, funding, and rent were discussed. Money was the main barrier seen to founding a bicycle collective. The opportunity presented was the enormous support for these collectives and the demonstration that they can thrive. The representatives of the Bicycle Kitchen also invited people with ideas to propose them at the Kitchen’s board meeting, because they consider funding new ideas.

What are possible future actions and / or goals pertaining to the subject of this workshop?

Anyone can start a bicycle collective in their neighborhood, just like these people did! Start it in your garage or your kitchen, like the Oven and Kitchen respectively. Or get a place for cheap rent, like the BikeRoWave did.

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The social movement that has grown in the past few years around bicycling is NOT a recreational movement it is one based our bicycling as a means of transportation.

A 2002 MTA survey of cyclists found that bike riders most commonly ride on the same arterial streets and commercial areas frequented by motorists. one of the things L.A. lacks are facilities to encourage cycling ON THE STREET - where bikes belong.

Further, off-road bike trails and paths are not considered "roads" - and so L.A. is not liable for injuries incurred by lack of maintenance of these non-road roads. Whereas, when cyclists use the streets, they are protected (by law but not nec. by practice) from negligence to maintain a wellpaved street.

Further still, the benefits of public spending on cycling are most effective when spent to slow car traffic in residential and commercial districts - as this benefit to cycling also typically spurs commercial foot traffic and increase livability amongst residents.

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I see that the bulk of riders in LA are working class Latinos, yet I saw little representation at the summit (relatively speaking). What is being done to outreach to this community from other orgs? How about the black and southeast Asian community as well?

I ask because I spoke to several LATT students who were like: "a bike summit, I ride my bike, what the heck do all these people do?", and have want to see some more inclusion (granted citylites and LACBC do good work) brought to the table. any insights or programs doing so?

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Why aren’t more people riding bikes?
• Fear
• Hassle
• Practicality
• Unglamorous
• No access to a bike

Why are people riding bikes?
• Exercise
• Fun
• Convenience

Overcome fear by giving people a safe introduction to cycling.
Help people see the bicycle as utility – quicker, cheaper, easier for some trips.

We can network with each other to learn from each other how to get more people on bikes.
This requires a proactive commitment, but we should not proselytize.
• Ride responsibly and safely.
• Ride at the other person’s pace.
• Commit to at least one ride a month with someone who doesn’t ride.

Pump up someone’s tires; oil their chain.
People who don’t have bikes need education to buy a bike.
Show them they don’t need Spandex.
Loan a bike for a ride.

This is about the 1% getting the 99% to ride. The “pioneers” need to bridge the chasm to the “early adapters”.

www.bikesage.com

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Brainstorming on possibilities for bike improvements at the neighborhood level. How can we incentivize businesses to install decent bike parking on THEIR properties, as opposed to sidewalks. How to contact store and regional managers, give them good ideas. Such as sun covers, and proximity of bike parking to store entrances so to benefit from the natural security of the crowd (and power of example).
Also, how could we address particularly dangerous gaps in the bike path network, such as the Hyperion/Brand Boulevard tunnel and bridge connecting Silverlake and Atwater? A cyclist was killed in a hi and run on this stretch a couple years ago. Painted bike path not enough. Cars go so fast through there. Bikes need the protection of concrete barriers (K-rail), especially at night. The space for bi-directional bike paths is there. To whom do we address such concerns? Tom Labonge and Eric Garcetti? If we could involve community groups, resident's associations, school principals and business groups along this Hyperion/Atwater corridor, we could have this done. It would link Silverlake, Atwater, the L.A. River... And there are so many others like this. Such as the bicycle boulevard across Hollywood (4th street i beleive). We need a bulletin board on neighborhood cycling improvements. FORWARD!

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Santa Monica middle and high school students have started a growing bike to school movement. In just a year, they increased the number of students cycling to school from 20 to 120, participated in City bike improvement planning, and have increased awareness of the impact of school related trips on congestion, air pollution, health and global warming. Parent and community volunteers have helped promote bike safety skills, helmet use, and funding support through the Safe Routes to School program. Come learn how you can start a similar program in your school and community.
Workshop leaders: Alison Kendall, AICP, Kendall Planning + Design-sustainable planning and design and Santa Monica High students

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