The Revolution Rolls into La Verne

So last night the La Verne Bicycle Coalition (LVBC) and University of La Verne (ULV), along with Bicycle Revolution hosted a screening of the film Bicycle Revolution which, as you may know, follows a class of Claremont College students, and Professor Paul Steinberg, as they seek to understand the process of public involvement in the political process. Though there is a focus on the issues of transportation, bicycle transportation in particular (the class revolves around a series of rides across the greater metropolitan Los Angeles, to meet with various city leaders and advocacy proponents, to discuss how change takes place within specific cities and the wider region.

The screening was preceded by a get-together, for pizza and drinks, at Pappas Artisanal. The wide spectrum of the cycling community was represented - fixed gear racers I have known for years, who are also dedicated bicycle-only work commuters, riders from various recreational groups, and the organizers of community bicycle advocacy groups. The close setting allowed for an energetic free flow of talk about a wide range of topics revolving around bicycles and transportation. My head did a lot of swiveling from side to side attempting to capture it all.

From there, the group moved, bit by bit, over to the University for the screening. Along the way we got to check out clusters of the brand new dockless bikes, a program initiated by the University. Various organizations and representatives including the LVBC, Pomona Valley Bicycle Coalition (PVBC), Bike San Gabriel Valley (BikeSGV), Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail (PET), CicLAvia, Metro, along with the bike repair and maintenance masters of the Local Bike Stand, had set up tables to talk about their groups, various missions, and services. Inside the hall, the seats began to fill, though the inevitable equipment problem slightly delayed the start of the show. Bicycle Revolution film producer, Kevin J. Foxe, was able to fill the gap with his take on the film and how he became involved. Back on track, the film rolled (sorry, old school term, I know), with knowing laughter and nodding heads evident at all the appropriate places.

The film was followed with a panel discussion - Doug Strange (LVBC) and representatives of the City, and University fielded questions, ably presented by Roy Halberg (LVBC), concerning issues of transportation within La Verne. Throughout the Q and A session one issue continued to be emphasized (the same issue brought up in the film, by the way) - the importance of public involvement in the political process - change only takes place when the public lets their local  (and wider) government representatives, know that change is wanted, and needed. A raffle wrapped up the evening, with lucky winners walking out with new helmets, Metro passes, teeshirts, and gift entries to the PET Challenge.

All in all this was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and, though the second time that I have seen the film, I found it just as informative and inspiring. Thanks to all involved. Arrange a local screening in your own city by contacting Bicycle Revolution. Finally, a photo album with additional pics can be found here.