When people think of “bike cities” they think of Portland and Boulder.  What they don’t know is that cities like Long Beach, California are listening to the needs of its citizens and taking action by making Long Beach the most bike friendly city in the USA.  Not only does this resonate with life-long residents, bike commuters and kids, but also with the fastest growing bike segment in the USA- fixed gear bike riders.

The reality is that the fixed gear phenomenon has been alive and well in Long Beach for many years (like in most major cities) and these riders spend the majority of their time cycling the streets.  Though not all fixed gear riders are angels, many in the Long Beach area subscribe to the adage of “live and let live”.  There is no arbitrary beef with other cyclists and motorists.  These riders, like all cyclists, just want to feel safe when going to the office, heading to class, to spending time with their loved ones and having fun with friends .  Safety is normally not the first thing cyclists (of any type) as they venture out into the city as illustrated by a verbal harassment my buddy and I experienced this evening by a fellow Long Beach resident when riding (within the law, I may add) to a local retailer, “Go get some brakes, fags.”  Though that does not represent the view of all residents in Long Beach, it does represent enough motorists that cyclists of all types feel nervous when riding around the city.

The good news is that thanks to a proactive city council and Charlie Gandy, the City of Long Beach’s Mobility Coordinator, residents and tourists are able to access more shops, offices and beaches via bicycle.  As a resident of Long Beach, technology professional, husband and avid cyclist I am amazed at the progress Charlie and the City of Long Beach have made.  Not only have they been able to bring cycling of all stripes together to create a solution, but they’ve been able to bring the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) to the discussion.  The good news is that the LBPD has made it clear that they want to ensure the safety of all the residents of Long Beach; cyclists included.  So, no longer is the LBPD “the man” out to hassle local cyclists or ignore their concerns as local, money-spending residents.

Last June Long Beach was the first city to implement green “sharrows” on the city streets.  Pictured below, green sharrows were installed in Long Beach to remind cyclists and motorists that the law states that bikes are required to be on the streets and not on the sidewalks.  This is a reality that most residents in most cities in the USA don’t realize.  Sometimes we need a small reminder.

Another initiative they have put into action that will come to fruition in the next few months is the Vista Bike Boulevard.  This is a special street that is being redesigned to accommodate pedestrians, motorists and cyclists.  They will install 7 traffic circles, decorative signage and diversion areas.  This will be the first of its kind in Southern California.

One of the key elements that the City of Long Beach and Charlie Gandy have identified is that cyclists spend money.  They’ve been able to convey that to local merchants.  The good news is that savvy merchants are listening and getting that famous “aha” moment.  They realize that in tough economic times consumers- cyclists, pedestrians or motorists- speak with their pocket books and want to support merchants that care about their customers.  Addressing the cyclists needs is just one of many ways merchants can benefit, but it is a way that many have not realized and are beginning to leverage.

My family, friends and colleagues support the work that Charlie Gandy and the City of Long Beach are doing.  After all, when we distill it down to the lowest common denominator they’re just making Long Beach a safer and more desirable place to live, work and play.