City Creating Bicycle Task Force

The City Council approved the creation of a Bicycle Task Force last month in the hopes of making West Hollywood more conducive to riders, and in the process reducing the number of cars on city streets.  The council alloted $15,000 out of the city's general fund  for the task force, which aims to add bicycle infrastructure and enhance safety for cyclists.

Currently, bikers must do battle with drivers crossing through bike lanes to get to precious metered parking spots on Santa Monica Boulevard. Cyclists also have to watch out for careless drivers who don't check their side mirror before opening their car doors.

The bike safety issue is especially acute in West Hollywood because of the city's compact size (1.9 square miles) and robust population. About 36,000 live in the city but an extra 25,000 or so arrive daily for work and once they leave, 25,000 other people come to visit the town's bars and restaurants.  That adds up to a lot of cars, not to mention the ever-present tour buses, and not much breathing room for cyclists.

In an effort to remedy that situation, the Bicycle Task Force is seeking 20 people to serve on the panel. Residents, business owners, experts in bicycling and transit and city staff who are willing to make a one-year commitment will make up the panel's mix.

The next step is an October report to be issued by the city manager's office.  That report will include the names of each member of the Bicycle Task Force and their preliminary work schedule over the duration of their one-year term.

West Hollywood's next City Council meeting will be Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood.