At a time when cities are cutting expenses across the board, Long Beach has raised $17 million in state and federal grants to improve its bike system through traffic improvements, education and bike share programs. In the past six months, the city has resurfaced 20 miles of streets to include new bike lanes, part of a plan that included painting and paving more than 100 miles of bike infrastructure.

Also in the works are plans to replace entire lanes of traffic with protected bikeways. And in what's bound to be a controversial move, the city is looking at taking away prime parallel parking spots -- the ones most convenient to shops and restaurants -- and putting "bike corrals" in their place. "We can fit 15 customers where we used to fit one," said Charles Gandy, the city's bike mobility coordinator. "This is about differentiating Long Beach from L.A. and Orange County."

A dozen notables mounted bikes outside the entrance to Long Beach City Hall late last year for the unveiling of a metallic bicycle sculpture with a lofty proclamation: "Long Beach, the most bicycle friendly city in America," it reads in bold steel lettering under the likeness of an antique bicycle.

It was a little premature, leaders admit. "But we're striving for that," said City Manager Pat West, a longtime cyclist.

The first facility of its kind in the U.S., Bikestation Long Beach is a shining example of Long Beach's movement toward this goal. It is strategically located on the First Street Transit Mall, a nexus for light rail, buses, pedestrians, and a local shuttle that services neighborhoods and key attractions. Nearby, more than 30 miles of dedicated shoreline and river bicycle paths, as well as Class II paths (routes accommodating both bicycles and cars), connect to other parts of the city.  A map highlighting these routes and paths is accessible online in PDF format here.

Bikestation Long Beach offers attended indoor bicycle parking (free during regular business hours), professional repair services, a bike shop, and more.

Bikestation's advanced entry and membership system allows cyclists paying a fee to have exclusive 24/7 access to secure, indoor bike parking.       

For specific information about Long Beach's BikeStation, please visit http://www.bikestation.com/longbeach/services.asp

Also, feel free to learn more at www.BikeLongBeach.org

"Building Your Wealth Through Real Estate!"

KathleenSpurlock@ColdwellBanker.com

@CoastalLBRE

via http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jan/26/local/la-me-outthere26-2010jan26 and http://www.bikestation.com/