Midnight Ridazz in L.A. Times

The L.A. Times has a nice article here about the origins of Midnight Ridazz, Los Angeles’ monthly 1400+ rider phenomenon. I was particularly pleased to see the support it gets from the city council:

Calling Midnight Ridazz “a reflection of the growing frustration people have with L.A.’s car-only culture,” Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti welcomes the challenge of incorporating its constituents onto city streets as a way to reduce car traffic and pollution. He also sees deep sociological significance in the group.

“There’s this myth in Los Angeles that we lead solitary lives, but I think that Midnight Ridazz and the other bike groups run counter to that. Los Angeles is a place where you certainly need to be in the know to find out where things are, but once you do, you see as strong and deep a community as anywhere in the United States.”

I am also in pretty strong agreement with their comparison between Midnight Ridazz and the more politically charged Critical Mass. Whereas Critical Mass rides occur once a month during rush hour, Midnight Ridazz happens at night with minimal traffic and with a much more laid back atmosphere - essentially a party on wheels. People like having fun more than having an agenda. Because of this, Midnight Ridazz has, in my opinion, done more to inspire and attract new cyclists in this city than any other form of cycling advocacy. The proof is in the list at the end of the article detailing other rides and groups in the L.A., many of which sprouting as a result of Midnight Ridazz.

The next official Midnight Ridazz ride is December 14th with a holiday theme and toy drive. They did a similar theme and toy drive last year. I hear it was pretty successful, and I can tell you first hand that it was a lot of fun so I recommend everybody roll out for it this year.

Filed under Bicycles & Scooters, Los Angeles, Politics & Activism |