By Elizabeth Hunter Santa Monica
(Editor’s note: The following is an open letter to the Santa Monica City Council.) I am a student in the Scholars Program at Santa Monica College. My first ride with Santa Monica Critical Mass (SMCM) inspired me to begin riding my bike everywhere. I know many other people who have been inspired to do the same, and in this sense, SMCM is helping Santa Monica towards its goal of sustain-ability.
I urge Santa Monica to follow the example of cities such as San Francisco in supporting Critical Mass, recognizing that, instead of ticketing riders, the same resources could be used to help Critical Mass. Fostering a cycling community by supporting Critical Mass would increase the number of bicycle commuters and lessen the number of cars on Santa Monica’s streets.
Santa Monica and SMCM have the same goal: To increase the number of cyclists in Santa Monica.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 20, 2007. Read the original PDF.