Rising gas prices have motivated many Americans to start bicycling and taking transit in record numbers.  While I've experienced this anecdotally while riding around town, I recently learned first hand about the dramatic shifts going on around the country after researching recent media coverage relating to this issue for one of my clients, Bikestation.

Consider some of the following headlines: "Gas Prices Send Surge of Riders to Mass Transit", New York Times; "Bicycling in Region Rolls Up Big Gains", Sacramento Bee; "Interest in Bicycling Soars with Gas Prices", Boston Channel; and even "Save Money, Bike to Work", Christian Broadcasting Network.  For every major media publication that covered this issue, hundreds of smaller media outlets around the country report the same phenomenon.  Check out this Sunday's LA Times Opinion section as well.

As more people consider transportation alternatives, the more that can be done to accomodate these trips by making them safe and enjoyable, the better. 

Locally, we have several organizations that are doing good work: Bikestation provides secure bike parking, the LA County Bicycle Coalition advocates for better policies, the Bike Kitchen provides a space for repair, CICLE gives people the education necessary to ride our streets with confidence.   As a consultant, I've had the opportunity to work with the leadership of all of these organizations and am thrilled with the work they do.

Over the last several years, numerous bicycle related groups and rides have sprung up in Los Angeles, creating the beginnings of a more bicycle-oriented culture.  While much has been gained, there is much work to be done to truly make Los Angeles a bicycle-friendly county. I'm optimistic that this will occur.