News, Santa Monica, Biking

Santa Monica Family Bike Fest A Success With 250 Families In Attendance

Posted Dec. 13, 2012, 4:15 am

Mitch James / Mirror Contributor

The first ever Santa Monica Family Bike Fest on Saturday Dec. 8 at the Civic Auditorium was a success with more than 250 families attending.

The family and cargo bicycles were in constant motion as parents test drove alternatives to the family car, with kids clearly enjoying the new ride.

Test bikes were loaned from Flying Pigeon and CETMA Bicycles, and local shops participated with on‐site mechanics from Helen’s Cycles and Bikerowave checking bicycles for safety, and demonstrating basic maintenance techniques. Also popular were a bike skills training course, offered by Santa Monica Spoke, and a family friendly on‐street ride led by Cyclists Inciting Change thru Live Exchange (C.I.C.L.E).

“It was great to see so many young children and their parents at the Santa Monica Family Bike Fest,” said Recreation and Parks Commissioner Phil Brock. “Installing a bike culture in our city starts with our youngest citizens and if Saturday is any indication the future will include many more bike riders. I'm glad our city is cheerfully supporting our bike riding families.”

Strategic & Transportation Planning Manager Francie Stefan said community support for this event was stellar, noting that dozens of parents, students and residents gave their time on a busy Saturday to lend a hand.

Also noteworthy was the strong partnership from Metro, Santa Monica Bike Center/Sustainable Streets, SMMUSD PTA Council, Sustainable Santa Monica, Active Santa Monica, and Santa Monica Community and Cultural Services.

Mayor Pam O’Connor said the City was gratified that this event helped parents and children feel more confident about bicycling together to school, to the beach, and for fun and exercise.

The Santa Monica Safe Routes to School Program is a collaborative effort between the City of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica‐Malibu Unified School District, and school Parent‐Teacher‐Student Associations to serve Lincoln Middle School, John Adams Middle School, Roosevelt Elementary School, and Will Rogers Elementary School. Funding was provided by Metro, Caltrans, and the City of Santa Monica.