LA Bike Coalition Tips Hat To Advocates

LOS ANGELES, CA (BRAIN)-- Los Angeles bicycle advocates will be celebrated tonight at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood during the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coaltion's first annual Awards Gala.

"The Awards Gala recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward making Los Angeles County a safer and more enjoyable place to bicycle," said Ron Milam, executive director of the Bike Coalition.
Award winners are as follows.

Most Bike Friendly Municipality: West Hollywood, for striping a bike lane down busy Santa Monica Boulevard, funding a Bicycle Master Plan and hosting a well-attended Bike to Work Day event.

Most Bike Friendly Business: Southern California Bicycle Expo, for its consumer show that attracts more than 15,000 participants annually.

Elected Official of the Year: L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina, for supporting a new MTA Bikes on Rail Policy, developing a new Countywide Bicycle Plan and supporting the L.A. River Bikeway and annual River Ride.

Roll Model: Richard Riordan, for encouraging thousands to ride with him on his many community bicycle tours while Mayor of Los Angeles.

Most Bike Friendly Media Outlet: KCAL 9, for excellent coverage of bicycle issues and airing over 200 public service announcements promoting bicycling and the annual Los Angeles River Ride.

Bike Coalition Volunteers of the Year: Stefan Cajina and Lupe Vela, for bike advocacy and developing an education program targeting Latino immigrant cyclists.

The awards will be held tonight at the Egyptian Theater at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard. A 6:00 VIP reception will precede a 6:30 open reception, followed by an awards ceremony at 7:00 and a 7:45 screening of the film Breaking Away.

For more information contact the L.A. Bike Coalition at (213) 629-2142.