Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition

I originally signed up for this club because I wanted to believe they were making bicycle riders in LA safe. Well, as far as educating cyclist about cycling and having a couple of fun rides and street closures. What do they do for the every day commuter? I ride my bike to work 50 miles every week on the Venice blvd bike lane and still get crowded, cut off and nudged by cars. How effective is the LACBC in educating motorist about bicycle commuters?
As far as a rogue «elitist». I wouldn’t make fun of a homeless person asking for change and I wouldn’t give excuses for someone making fun of someone because of their weight or age. Especially when that person is trying to make a lifestyle change.
So you have to ask yourself. For your $ 70 a year membership, are you confident in their effectiveness and professionalism?

The Skinny: It’s what you’ll be if you ride your bike more and ditch your car! The LACBC advocates for better, safer and more enjoyable bike lanes and cycling in Los Angeles County.
The Fat: I’ve met with them and they are definitely some dedicated people! Many more hours than they are paid with an army of volunteers. Elitist? Well, if they are elitist, then you can be sure the government bureaucrats are far and above that term.
Give them a visit and ask how you can help!

This is a great group of folks old and young alike who come together to promote bike life in LA using a strong base of volunteers… LACBC is made up of only a few staff members, held together by the glue of volunteers/​members like me!
Someone mentioned an «elitist» attitude; I think I have come across an elitist or two at every event I’ve volunteered for since middle school, but oftentimes it is not the staff but rather an elitist volunteer (or an overworked staff member who just doesn’t have time to be the best volunteer coordinator). Despite being shorthanded and understaffed, Martin and Eric do an excellent job, appreciating everyone’s time and effort with genuine thanks through verbal praise, volunteer thank you parties, by remembering people’s names, by taking criticism with a spirit of constant organizational growth and improvement, and by having a loyalty to an organization that has, in the past, suffered from high turnover. Perhaps the elitists have cycled out, no pun intended. :) Either way, it’s nice to know that there is an organization promoting the bike life in LA!

I agree that this organization has made great strides for cyclists in the city, and while I support their efforts, they have a sort of elitist attitude. I have volunteered for a couple of things to help them out, and feel very slighted at their attitudes.
If you are a 20 something, with a cool bike, then you’ll love this organization. If not, be prepared to hear disparaging remarks about «old» people and «fat» people.

These guys and gals rock! If you ride a bike in LA you can thank this group for helping make the streets a little more accessible to you. I am a Monica Howe fan for life. see them on