Get ready to ride, Santa Monica.
To mark the League of American Cyclists‘ National Bike to Work Week, Bike Week LA starts Monday and in SaMo there is no shortage of events to encourage people to ditch their cars for human-powered transport.
As part of National Bike Month, throughout the L.A. region there will be social rides and bike clinics. Local businesses will offer special discounts for bicyclists and there will even be a chance for riders to have their bicycles blessed during the seven-day celebration.
“Bike Week LA is an annual week of community events sponsored by Metro and local advocates all over the County of Los Angeles to promote bicycling as a sustainable and practical mode of transportation,” according to Santa Monica Spoke, the city’s chapter of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition.
Thanks in large part to SM Spoke, Santa Monica – and its ever-expanding network of bike lanes – will play host a flurry of bike-friendly activities next week.
“In Santa Monica we have you covered,” Spoke’s site says. “Santa Monica Spoke will again participate and host rides and events through out the week!”
On Saturday, cyclists can prepare for the coming festivities by making sure their bikes are in tip-top shape. Local shops will host bike safety checks throughout the day; times and location will be announced on Spoke’s website.
Metro will host Bike Week LA’s opening ceremony at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles on Monday, which will be followed by Spoke’s “Meatless Monday Ride” in Santa Monica.
On Tuesday, it’s “Ladies’ Choice/Coffee Talk and Ride.” Participants will meet up for some coffee or tea followed by a ride. While all are welcome, the route is ladies’ choice.
For the more ecumenically-minded, Good Samaritan Hospital near Downtown L.A. will be hosting its 11th annual Blessing of the Bikes ceremony, starting at 8 a.m.
On Wednesday, join SM Spoke for a guided tour of Santa Monica’s local bike infrastructure. See what has been built, what’s planned and have a chance to give input about the city’s growing network of bike amenities.
Then, join your fellow bicyclists for Wine Expo at Handlebar Happy Hour, “with snacks and beverage specials just for us!” according to Spoke’s website.
Thursday is Bike to Work Day. Throughout the city, there will be pit-stops for commuters to tune up their bikes, get some water and snacks and socialize with other bicyclists on their way to work. Spoke will co-host a pit-stop in front of City Hall and another in front of the Coop at 16th and Broadway.
Bike Week returns to Union Station on Friday for Metro’s Bike Night. Spoke promises “a VERY SPECIAL EVENT” in Santa Monica that day as well. Details to be announced.
Rounding out the week, SM Spoke teams up with SaMo’s Buy Local program. On May 17th and 18th, bicyclists will get special discounts at participating Santa Monica businesses.
“Coordinating with Buy Local Santa Monica we have been hard at work signing up business to participate. Buy Local is now also Bike Local,” Spoke’s site says. “Because bicyclists are great for local business!” Stay tuned to Spoke for more information.
If one week of bicycles isn’t enough, May marks the start of the League of American Cyclists’ five-month National Bike Challenge, during which participants compete to rack up as many miles as possible on their bikes.
For more information about how to celebrate L.A. is celebrating Bike Week L.A., visit metro.net.
