Long Beach has been dubbed “one of the most bicycle friendly city in America,” and over the years, the city has raised more than $20 million to make its roads safer for cyclists and encourage a sustainable alternative to driving.
On Saturday, the Downtown Long Beach Associates is giving city streets back to cyclists to host its 6th annual Bike Fest. What started as a community event by bicycle advocates has since grown to become a robust biking festival that represents different facets of the city’s cycling culture.
“Bike Fest is for everyone from the casual cyclist to the hardcore riders who bike up to 40 miles a weekend,” said Gina Dart, the DLBA marketing and special events manager. “We want to celebrate Long Beach’s diverse biking culture.”
Roads around the East Village area, centered around First St. and Linden will be closed to motor vehicles to provide a safe environment for participants. Attendees can join bike races and enjoy live music at the beer garden. Bike Fest will also hold a contest allowing patrons to submit their bikes for audience admiration and a chance to win a trophy.
There will be two types of races; the “crit,” or criterium race, which will be a fast-paced urban race in the streets of Downtown Long Beach and is for more experienced and competitive riders. The track is a quarter of a mile and will go on for 30 laps.
The second race, “City Cross,” is open to casual and beginning cyclists. Riders will have to make their way through alleyways, maneuvering through crushed cars and spilled trash cans to the finish line.
The DLBA has also continued its popular “Stylish by Bike” fashion show. Participants are encouraged to dress up to complement their bicycles. People from the cycling community will judge the bicycles in categories from best pre-WWII originals to city bikes, fixed gears and more.
“If you can imagine it, it’ll be there,” Communication Manager for DLBA Julie Korinke said. “People bring in historic bikes, customized modern bikes [and] Long Beach low riders … Each bicycle reflects the owner’s personal style.”
The DLBA will also introduce “Downtown by Bike” maps. The pocket-sized, waterproof maps show several scenic tours using Long Beach’s bike lanes, or “sharrows,” which are painted roads shared by both cars and motor vehicles, and recommended routes. The map also highlights several points of interest like parks, museums and restaurants.
“Bike Fest has expanded to become more than a biking expo,” said DLBA President and CEO Kraig Kojian. “We’re partnering with bike advocates, businesses and organizations throughout the city to host an extremely diverse set of events that reflect the growing local bike culture.”
This year’s Bike Fest is expected to attract up to 6,000 attendees.
“Although we’ve got a smaller footprint for the festival grounds, I’m still excited to see people come for the criterium race,” Dart said.
Schedule of Events:
10 am: Street Closure
1 pm: City Cross Sign-Up
2 pm: Live Music from Fathers & Suns, Craft Beer Garden, and Kids Activities
2 pm: City Cross Round 1
2 pm: Vintage Bike Round Up
3 pm: The Shortline Crit Qualifying
3 pm: Live Music from California Lions
5 pm: Gold Sprints from the Stage
5 pm: Stylish by Bike Contest Judging
6 pm: City Cross Round 2
6 pm: Stylish by Bike Awards
7 pm: City Cross Awards
7 pm: Gold Sprints from the Stage
8 pm: The Shortline Crit Finals