Bring Bike or Helmet on Metro, Get Free Ride on May 17

[The following news release was provided by Metro.]

Metro will be offering a chance to win several prizes, such as a commuter cycling package from REI valued at $750 to those who pledge to bike to work on Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 17. Pledges may be made online atwww.metro.net/bikeweek. Schools, workplaces, and advocacy groups will hold bicycle pit stops that day with free refreshments, giveaways, and bicycling information for bicycle commuters.

Metro has invested close to $200 million in bike facilities and programs. Besides direct investment in bicycle projects, the expanding network of Metro buses and rail service enables more cyclists to extend their trips by combining bicycling with public transit.

All Metro buses are equipped with front bike racks. Bikes may also be taken on Metro trains. On Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 17, Metro will offer free rides to bicyclists on Metro buses and trains throughout Los Angeles County. Culver CityBus, DowneyLINK, Glendale Beeline, LADOT, Montebello Bus Lines, Norwalk Transit, Pasadena ARTS, Santa Clarita Transit and Torrance Transit will also offer free transit rides to bicyclists who use transit for part of their commute. Patrons just need to board with a bicycle or bicycle helmet to ride for free.

Cyclists may bring their bicycles on Metro trains. Metro has removed its peak-hour restrictions for bicycles on rail, which means cyclists may bring their bicycles onboard Metro Rail during all system hours.

On Bike to Work Day, Metro is co-sponsoring more than 80 bicycle pit stops across Los Angeles County with local organizations. Bicyclists are invited to stop by for refreshments and free giveaways at various times of the day. For locations and times, go to www.metro.net/bikeweek.

Metro is again hosting the annual Golden Pedal Awards to celebrate those who ride their bikes to work every day.  The public may nominate themselves, friends and colleagues for different cycling awards online at http://www.metro.net/bikes/bike-week/golden-pedal-awards-form/.

Free bike maps detailing more than 1,200 miles of bike paths, bikeways and bike lanes in Los Angeles County are available to plan bicycle trips. Maps may be downloaded online at http://www.metro.net/bikes/. Free copies are also available at any Metro Customer Center; call (213) 922-2811 to request a copy.

Bicycle initiatives will be highlighted during Bike Week LA.  During the Bike Week LA kickoff ceremony Monday, May 14 at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles beginning at 10 a.m., Metro, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC), and Cyclists Inciting Change through LIVE Exchange (C.I.C.L.E.) will announce specific initiatives that promote bicycling during Bike Week LA and year-round. 

Metro also supports the annual interfaith Blessing of the Bicycles at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 15. For more information, visit www.goodsam.org.

Metro, with the participation of C.I.C.L.E., LADOT, and LACBC, will host a "Expo/Mid-City" bike ride on Wednesday, May 16 on the newly built Expo Line bicycle lanes. Riders will congregate at the Expo Park/USC Station starting at 8 a.m. and will depart at 8:30 a.m. for a ride along the Expo Line.

To round out Bike Week LA, Metro also supports "Bike to School Day" on Friday, May 18.  Students are encouraged to bicycle safely to school throughout LA County to help reduce auto trips and congestion within school zones.  A media event and bicycle safety demonstration will be held at New Designs Charter School in Los Angeles. 

Bike Week LA is sponsored by Metro and other partners and sponsors, including Caltrans, C.I.C.L.E., City of Los Angeles, Good Samaritan Hospital, LACBC, LADOT Bicycle Services, Metrolink, Clif Bar, REI, Better World Club, Bikestation, and Helen’s Cycles.

Bike to Work Day bicycle pit stop hosts include the City of Burbank, City of Claremont, City of Covina, City of Glendale, City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation, City of Pasadena, City of Santa Clarita, City of Santa Monica, City of West Hollywood, City of Whittier, Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, Montebello Bicycle Coalition, Pomona Valley Bicycle Coalition, Torrance Transit, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles World Airports, MLK Center for Public Health, UCLA Transportation, CSU Long Beach, Caltech, El Camino College, Glendale College Police Department, Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau, Community Services Unlimited, LA CAUSA, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Northridge South Neighborhood Council, Aerospace Corporation, Able Engineering, Ampco System Parking, Fehr & Peers, Whole Foods, Yahoo!, Bicycle Land, Bicycle John’s, Bicycle Mart, BikeSGV, Helen's Cycles, I. Martin Bicycles, Montrose Bike Shop, Newhall Bicycles, Performance Cyclery, Caffe Bellagio, Hostaria del Piccolo, Pete's Café and Bar, REI Arcadia, REI Northridge, REI Santa Monica, Bikes and Hikes LA, Walk Bike Glendale, Burbank TMO, Glendale TMA, English Language Services, Equity Office, Lake Avenue Church, MPG Office Trust Inc, OneWest Bank and IDS Real Estate Group, Paradise Consulting, Pollack PR Marketing, Renaissance/RHP School, Studio Arab-esque, Western Asset Plaza, and Worthe Real Estate Group.

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