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Long Beach Announces Soon-to-Come Bicycle Sharing Program
Bicycle sharing in Montreal | Photo by pdbreen via Flickr
Long Beach continued its challenge to all mayors, including L.A.'s Villaraigosa, around the country in its bid to become the greenest city in America. On Tuesday, the city officially announced a new bicycle sharing program, something that has been talked about for years in Los Angeles, but has not been able to get off the ground, even if for one area like downtown. To launch in the Spring, the program will include 500 bicycles to be found at more than 50 bicycle kiosks in the downtown area, including near hotels for tourists, and around the CSULB campus, according to the Press-Telegram. Additionally, a car sharing program is expected to begin in the Fall of 2011.
Metro gave Long Beach grant funding -- Los Angeles also received some, but plans have not been announced -- so the city could become an "Integrative Mobility Hub," which gives commuters even more options when they park their car or get off a bus or train, playing into the all too important, yet hardly talked about first and last mile concept.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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