13th Annual L.A. River Ride Honors Councilman Reyes, Previews New Bikeway Plan
Every day something new always pops up on the Los Angeles River. What better way to see how much things have changed than with a L.A. River-adjacent bicycle ride?
This Sunday, The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) will host its 13th annual Los Angeles River Ride to support cycling all over the county and raise awareness for Los Angeles River revitalization projects. Over 3,000 cyclists of all ages are expected to attend.
J.J. Hoffman, Development and Events Director at LACBC, reminds prospective attendees that anyone and everyone is welcome. "The ride is family friendly. Kids 12 and under ride free." Registration will be available on site, with fees ranging from $50 to $60 depending on the route. Dads, moms and kids can take part in the Family Bike Expo, which features workshops that teach children to stay safe while having fun on two wheels.
Cruise through eight possible paths along the Los Angeles River or take a breather along rest stops at Elysian Valley (mile 8), Hollenbeck Park (mile 13), Maywood Riverfront Park (mile 18), Dill's Park in Paramount (mile 25) and Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific (mile 35). Refuel with local food, free massages and musical entertainment.
At 1 p.m., cyclists will gather to present Los Angeles City Councilmember Ed Reyes with the Howard D. Krepack Service for Cycling Award. Only the second to receive the award, councilman Reyes was honored for his work along the river. "Councilman Ed Reyes has been on the side of cyclists in the face of opposition on countless measures," says Hoffman.
The award was named after Krepack, an avid supporter of cyclists' rights who fell ill with Lou Gehrig's disease. "We wanted to honor his memory and honor those who embodied his spirit at River Ride, a ride that Howard sponsored and rode many times." Recognition will also be given to County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and NBCUniversal for the generous $13.5 million funding for the L.A. river bikeway.
Cyclists will also get a first look at the Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation's Greenway 2020 plan, a move to complete all of the Los Angeles River Bikeway through public-private partnerships by 2020.
Register for the ride at www.la-bike.org/riverride.
Photos by Brian Minami.