1) When did you start riding a bicycle in West Hollywood, and why?
I started riding a bicycle in the city when Weho Pedals was installed by my office at West Hollywood Gateway. I wanted to be part of the solution when it came to combating unbearable traffic congestion and the devastating effects of climate change. However, I do not have space for a bike of my own nor desire to maintain one, so bike share was a great way for me to ditch my car in the garage.
2) Do you use your bike for special purposes such as exercise, recreation, going to the gym, etc.? Or do you use it pretty much all the time?
Pretty much all the time – commuting, errands, leisure, shopping, exercise and visiting friends around town.
3) Are there special times (after dark, for example) when you don’t ride your bike?
I like adrenaline – so nighttime riding is okay if I have my helmet with safety lights.
4) What do you do if you’re traveling outside the city limits? Do you still bike? Or do you take the bus or use Uber or Lyft?
I will use the bike share if I am going to Hollywood or Beverly Hills and a shared-street (sharrow) or bike lane goes to my destination. I will try to take the bus, Cityline or trolley if the weather is not ideal for biking. Anything further would require ride share or my own car.
5) What are the pluses of experiencing West Hollywood on a bicycle?
It is a joy waving to people I know as I bike through the city, it reminds me why I live in West Hollywood, which is to enjoy a close-knit and welcoming community. Another benefit is that I can appreciate the natural beauty of the neighborhood. On bike, I witnessed a flash flurry of slushy snow to a mass butterfly migration – all in the last two months!
6) What are the negatives of trying to negotiate the city on a bicycle?
There is a palpable element of danger when riding on the street. Often, cars do not give a comfortable buffer when passing on a shared lane or vehicles use the bike lane for loading and deliveries. In addition, the city is somewhat hilly so it does take a good level of physical fitness and can be draining if the weather is hot.
7) What do you think the city needs to do to encourage more people to ride bikes rather than drive cars?
The city needs to promote bike riding, bike safety and its existing bike infrastructure. Many people living in West Hollywood are likely from communities where bike riding is not a legitimate form of transportation, rather seen as a pure leisure activity in a park-like setting.
However, riding a bike in West Hollywood is not only very convenient but also a great leisure activity. Notably, Bikes and Hikes has created a robust tourist-oriented business out of it! I had to get over the “fear factor” and my cultural car-centric mindset before I understood the benefits of going car-free/car-light and now I love it. I hope the city continues to invest in bike share and provide the community with more environmentally sustainable mobility options.
