A City Hall-issued release previewed the event in the text below. We separately integrated Ms. Lejins photos into the release text:
On June 5, a new bicycle lane on 2nd Street will welcome Councilmember Suja Lowenthal and other two-wheeled commuters celebrating the launch of Car-Free Fridays, to demonstrate safe and easy alternatives to car use in Long Beach.
Photo credit: Diana Lejins
...[Festivities...begin at 8:00 am at Portfolio Coffee House, 4th Street and Junipero Avenue. Councilmember Lowenthal will lead a bike ride to Downtown Long Beach, accompanied by friends and fellow cyclists.
Photo credit: Diana Lejins
No parking spaces were removed to accommodate the grant-funded bicycle lane, which is the latest accomplishment in Long Beach’s efforts to become the most bike-friendly city in the United States.
The City of Long Beach is hosting a series of Car-Free Fridays on the first Friday of the month, using community leaders to promote active, green living in Long Beach.
Photo credit: Diana Lejins
2nd dist. Council office Chief of Staff Broc Coward w/ LBPD officer.
Photo credit: Diana Lejins
The campaign is aimed to get more people to leave their cars at home and start realizing the global and personal benefits of riding a bicycle or using another form of alternate transportation. Choosing to commute by bicycle, even on occasion, can have immediate positive health and environmental results.
Photo credit: Diana Lejins
Photo credit: Diana Lejins
Photo credit: Diana Lejins
"Along with the positive health impacts, you can feel even more connected to our neighbors and city by riding through our diverse neighborhoods," Lowenthal said. "Given our parking challenges in the Second District, I believe it's in everyone's best interest to choose alternative modes of transportation as often as possible."
...Los Angeles Bike Coalition is a partner with the City of Long Beach on this project. Portfolio Coffee House is one of more than 20 restaurants in Long Beach offering discounts for customers participating in Car-Free Fridays.
Photo credit: Diana Lejins
