yesterday...
Jan. 31st, 2012 09:57 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
curmugeonYesterday was play day...
I took off on the morning in my truck, hauling my cargo bike for an urban adventure. I drove to Long Beach, one of my favorite cities to check out the bicycling scene. I was impressed.
The City of Long Beach has been awarded the title of Bike Friendly City and it shows. There is a complete network of signed bike routes, a useful map, and even separate signal systems at key intersections for rider safety. Lane markings, and protective barriers round out the bikeways. Bike parking is easy with countless bike stands (very artistic metal sculptures design for securing your bike) and in the downtown there is Bike Station, an enclosed, secure parking structure with lockers and showers. Innovation doesn't end there, as bike parking is given dedicated street space with bike corrals. These are secure bike racks on the street that can hold quite a few bikes.
Most of these changes in Long Beach have taken place in the last few years, and the impact on the downtown is showing. It has a vibrant business community, very accessible transit options, urban development that fits the city and a feeling that Long Beach is moving forward towards a sustainable future.
I must admit, I'm biased, as a cyclist and former resident, I've always found Long Beach to be appealing. Sure, rents are a bit high, but you have a city with a diverse ethnic population, good parks, great museums, entertainment, and it is bike friendly. I'll be exploring the senior housing opportunities there in another trip. Yes, I might just return if I can make it fit my income.
Now for some pictures....
Posted on Dreamwidth
I took off on the morning in my truck, hauling my cargo bike for an urban adventure. I drove to Long Beach, one of my favorite cities to check out the bicycling scene. I was impressed.
The City of Long Beach has been awarded the title of Bike Friendly City and it shows. There is a complete network of signed bike routes, a useful map, and even separate signal systems at key intersections for rider safety. Lane markings, and protective barriers round out the bikeways. Bike parking is easy with countless bike stands (very artistic metal sculptures design for securing your bike) and in the downtown there is Bike Station, an enclosed, secure parking structure with lockers and showers. Innovation doesn't end there, as bike parking is given dedicated street space with bike corrals. These are secure bike racks on the street that can hold quite a few bikes.
Most of these changes in Long Beach have taken place in the last few years, and the impact on the downtown is showing. It has a vibrant business community, very accessible transit options, urban development that fits the city and a feeling that Long Beach is moving forward towards a sustainable future.
I must admit, I'm biased, as a cyclist and former resident, I've always found Long Beach to be appealing. Sure, rents are a bit high, but you have a city with a diverse ethnic population, good parks, great museums, entertainment, and it is bike friendly. I'll be exploring the senior housing opportunities there in another trip. Yes, I might just return if I can make it fit my income.
Now for some pictures....
Posted on Dreamwidth
