The burgeoning urban biycle culture of Los Angeles | The Guardian

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“LA is being dragged kicking and screaming from car culture little, tiny bits at a time,” said Don Ward, AKA “Roadblock”, a 43-year-old organiser and figurehead. He got the nickname using his 6ft 8in bulk to block traffic in order to let fellow cyclists pass, and is the closest thing to a spokesman for this vibrant, fractious, leaderless movement. Although they have challenged the car-is-king mentality, they have a long way to go, said Ward. “Racing culture is still looking for its place in the mainstream.”

That quest for acceptance – and for safe bicycle lanes – has united an eclectic coalition that cuts across race and class lines. There are lawyers and janitors, hipsters and gang members, feminists and bros. Their success can be measured in the increasing number and visibility of officially sanctioned events, day and night.

“It was frowned upon a while ago but the LAPD are way more understanding now. And the whole Department of Transport is totally about bikes,” enthused Jungle, 40, a founder of DTLA Messengers, the group that hosted the recent Hope Street race.

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The burgeoning urban biycle culture of Los Angeles | The Guardian