Bicycle to Work Week kicked off today in Los Angeles with a downtown press conference encouraging people to bicycle more, and events continue throughout the week, including the Blessing of the Bicycles and group rides all over town.  I love riding my bike, and as a recent transplant from New York, where as Gina noted they’re having their own bicycle celebrations, I’m excited to see Los Angeles embrace bicycling more.  In a city where car culture seems to dominate, it’s easy to feel neglected, but the more people ride, the safer and easier it will be to get around.  Los Angeles is pretty spread out and can make some commutes seem insurmountable by bicycle, but you can always utilize the bike racks on the front of buses if you need to travel longer distances more quickly. And when you do ride through the many diverse neighborhoods you get to smell all of the delicious food and discover new favorite places.

Riding your bike offers a beautiful tour of the city that you would likely miss if you are speeding through by car.  Bicycles also offer relief from the stress and isolation of being stuck in a hot car surrounded by traffic.  And let’s not forget about the health benefits for both you and the planet.  You can reduce your carbon footprint, save on gas money, and get a great workout all at once.  Besides, who wants to be in sweaty gym when it’s a beautiful, sunny day outside, which in LA is most of the year.  No matter where you live, though, riding a bicycle has so many benefits and I encourage you to get involved with you local bicycle community, and if there isn’t one in your area, help organize your own bike to work week.  So, get on your bikes and ride!