August 2008 | On Our Radar
Roadrageous
By Siel
“If you were on a bike, you’d be home by now.” That’s the message behind the Crimanimalz Ride, a monthly event where intrepid Angeleno cyclists infiltrate the concrete jungle that is the LA freeway system (crimanimalz.com). Since April, local bike activists have been pedaling up on ramps during Friday rush hours when freeways essentially turn into parking lots. Once on the freeway, riders gleefully weave between the gridlocked cars, speeding past frustrated drivers stuck at a standstill.
The first April ride attracted just 15 bikers, but more than 50 cyclists joined in the fun in June — despite the fact that biking on the freeways is — as of yet — illegal, and punishable with a $100+ ticket from the California Highway Patrol. So far, there’s been no trouble, but safety is of the utmost concern according to the ride organizers, a.k.a. Crimanimalz: Morgan Strauss, Alex Cantarero and Richtotheie (yep, he’s a one-name kind of guy). The three conduct pre-event scouting and make last-minute adjustments to keep the rides problem-free. Still, says Strauss, compared to the streets, the risks of biking are “significantly downsized” on the freeways. After all, the cars are barely moving.
While many stalled commuters are entertained by the Crimanimalz, two-wheeling faster than a Hummer in a car-is-king city comes with its own controversies. “A lot of motorists have this idea that I’m trying to convert them,” says Cantarero, who points out that bike culture is a win-win for all. More bikers mean fewer drivers — which means less gridlock for those who choose to stick to their cars.
— Siel
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