Re-posted from Gary Rides Bikes:

Bikeside Speaks returns with it’s 7 minute talks followed by Q&A, format, this time in Santa Monica. Bikeside is a local activist group actively involved in political campaigning and lobby for cycling issues in the Los Angeles area. I missed Bikeside Speaks the first time around, but this time I will be there, and as one of the speakers. I’ve titled my talk “Redefining Freedom of Mobility Beyond The Motoring Age” and it will incorporate key ideas from some of my recent reading, as well as personal experiences. I want to touch briefly on some historical context of transportation in the United States and Los Angeles, and how driving became synonymous with freedom, an important part of the American ethos, even while restraining freedom for formerly accepted uses of the street. I believe to change our road culture to once again respect pedestrians, cyclists and public transit, we must advance the ways in which these modes can represent freedom, and challenge assumptions that hold the automobile as the dominant symbol of freedom of mobility.

The talk also includes 53rd District Democratic Candidate Betsy Butler,  Mike Bower (AKA “Cool Ass Mike”) of 1000 Bikes – a non-profit project to put bikes in the hands of foster kids and their families, and livable streets activist Stephen Box, who is now a candidate for City Council District 4 in LA.

Update, More Speakers:

• Terry O’Day, cyclist & Santa Monica City Councilman up for re-election, will talk about Santa Monica’s ongoing bike progress.
• Cory Wilkerson, Burbank City Planner, will explain how he crafted an award winning bike plan on a shoe string budget.
• Felicia Williams of CICLE will talk about CICLE’s amazing Urban Expeditions ride, and talk you into attending Sunday’s festivities at the Santa Monica Museum of Art.
• Alex Thompson will wrap things up with discussing Bikeside’s Life Before License campaign and screening the short video documentary of the Blood In Protest at the Beverly Hills Court House.

In addition to the talk, there will be a screening of the Disposable Film Festival and a Specialized bike raffle, with all proceeds going to Bikeside. I heard a couple of food trucks will be in attendance as well. Should be a fun night, hope you can make it out.

Cynergy Bike Shop
2300 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (map)

• 6:30pm – 8:30pm Bikeside Speaks! (RSVP on Facebook, Tweet-vite)
• 8:30pm – 11pm “bike-in” screening by the Disposable Film Festival (RSVP on Facebook)
• After party at the Hotel Erwin on Venice Beach (map)