On June 5, a new bicycle lane on 2nd Street will welcome Councilmember Suja Lowenthal and other two-wheeled commuters celebrating the launch of Car-Free Fridays, to demonstrate safe and easy alternatives to car use in Long Beach.
The public is invited to bring their bicycles and join in the festivities, which begin at 8:00 am at Portfolio Coffee House, 4th Street and Junipero Avenue. Councilmember Lowenthal will lead a bike ride to Downtown Long Beach, accompanied by friends and fellow cyclists.
No parking spaces were removed to accommodate the grant-funded bicycle lane, which is the latest accomplishment in Long Beach’s efforts to become the most bike-friendly city in the United States.
The City of Long Beach is hosting a series of Car-Free Fridays on the first Friday of the month, using community leaders to promote active, green living in Long Beach.
The campaign is aimed to get more people to leave their cars at home and start realizing the global and personal benefits of riding a bicycle or using another form of alternate transportation. Choosing to commute by bicycle, even on occasion, can have immediate positive health and environmental results. “Along with the positive health impacts, you can feel even more connected to our neighbors and city by riding through our diverse neighborhoods,” Lowenthal said. “Given our parking challenges in the Second District, I believe it's in everyone's best interest to choose alternative modes of transportation as often as possible.”
Coffee and baked goods will be available free for all participants. Los Angeles Bike Coalition is a partner with the City of Long Beach on this project.
Portfolio Coffee House is one of more than 20 restaurants in Long Beach offering discounts for customers participating in Car-Free Fridays.
For more information, visit http://www.bikelongbeach.org/.
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