Santa Monica Bike Ridership Gains Traction
May 23, 2018 9:00 AM
by
Santa Monica bike ridership increases 19% since 2015. This article originally appeared in the May 2018 issue of Seascape.
Biking is a key component of the City’s strategic goal of creating a new model for mobility, and it’s more popular than ever. The City is designated as a silver level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Cyclists and boasts 110 miles of designated bike routes, including 4.5 miles of separated bike paths. It’s no wonder that in citywide counts between 2015 and 2017, bike ridership has increased 19 percent. In the coming years, the City is spending millions of dollars to continue to make cycling safer, more accessible and more fun for everyone. In 2018, look for miles of new green lanes, 1,200 new public bike racks, and an expanded Breeze Bike Share system area that will connect with UCLA, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.
For first-time riders and enthusiasts alike, Bike Month is a perfect opportunity to get involved and celebrate the bicycle with events like: Weekly Bike Local SM Handle Bar Happy Hours hosted by Santa Monica Spoke and Buy Local SM (visit smspoke.org/events for times and locations), Bike-it Walk-it Bus-it (May 7 – 11), Bike to Work Day (May 17), Family Bike Fest at the Climate Action Summit (May 19), and Monthly Ride with the Mayor (visit smgov.net/MayorsRide).
Biking is a great way to exercise, run errands around town, save money, explore new parts of the community, and commute to work and school without contributing to congestion. This Bike Month, join thousands of Santa Monicans by hopping on a bike and enjoying the ride. #GoSaMo
What do you love about biking in Santa Monica?
Rafi Karpinski
Santa Monica College
“It feels great to start a day with a bike ride here in sunny southern California as opposed to being stuck in traffic, prowling the parking structures for that one elusive parking spot, and last but not least, explaining to my boss that I might be late again. Riding a bike also gives me an opportunity to take a scenic route and enjoy a morning beach ride, arriving to work in an upbeat mood.”
Fred Hien and Blake Kipperman
Santa Monica Residents
“I bike for several reasons including spending time with my mom and dad, having fun and helping the environment.”
Ryan Lee
Santa Monica Resident, Bob's Market
“I enjoy biking because it provides me with the opportunity to connect with other members of the community. It also allows me to leisurely travel around Santa Monica and other surrounding areas without worrying about paying for gas.”
Isabel Cardenas
Heal the Bay
“My commute is 15 minutes regardless of whether I take my car or bicycle. I bike to work because I spend more time outside, get some exercise, and save money on gas.”