Greetings La Grange Members,
I’m glad to be back with your March La Voix! Enjoy early season LG Race Team pics, event recaps and some exciting save the dates.
Ride safely,
Renée Fox, La Voix Editor
P.S. Have something else cycling-related you think would be interesting or beneficial to our members? Submit here to be considered for an upcoming newsletter.
Letter from the President
Hello La Grangers
I don’t know about you, but I love this time as a cyclist. The days begin to get longer and the weather here in LA turns warmer (but not too hot) which allows for more ride choices and the return of the sunset/night gravel rides. The pro calendar turns to the one-day classics and one-week tours. Just last week at the UAE tour, local former La Granger Sean Quinn finished 31st out of 140 riders riding for EF.
January and February were rough with weather and travel schedules for our board members and the few stalwart volunteers, so our ride schedule followed suit but please be on the lookout for announcements of more rides, events, and opportunities to get to know our sponsors better. And if so inclined, step forward to volunteer in ride leading, social coordination, community building and any other ideas you have. This club is what the members make it. Let’s continue to have fun, build community and carry forward Raymond’s legacy.
Vive La Grange,
Larry
Racing News
Go La Grange GO!
Club News
Save the Date:
Saturday March 21 LG Women’s Ride Route TBD
Saturday March 28 LG50, Route TBD
March La Grange Social at HomeState Santa Monica!
Time for our spring social! This one’s at Homestate- a little about the place:
HomeState is a Texas Kitchen in Southern California sharing breakfast tacos, queso, brisket, house-made flour tortillas and genuine hospitality. In 2020, HomeState was named Best Tortilla in Southern California in KCRW & Gustavo’s Great Tortilla Tournament. Their Margaritas and Spicy Palomas are made fresh using artisanal tequila, fresh-squeezed lime, lemon and grapefruit juice, and a housemade citrus syrup that takes two days and the zest hundreds of lemons, limes and grapefruits to prepare.
We will be taking over the outside patio. Come on out, we will see you there!
-Organized by Deb Carabet
Date: Wednesday, March 25th
Time: 6:30-8PM
Where: HomeState Santa Monica 720 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 101 Santa Monica, CA 90401
Club Events Recap
February & March La Grange Women’s Ride
Images by various contributors
February’s Women’s ride was a fun route through the west side led by Amy Hutner, In March, the LG Women’s ride opened up to include FDR to ride south south, led by Amy Hutner and Joann Zwagerman.
January La Grange LG50 to the Hollywood sign
Led by Rich Hirschinger and Marco Fantone
Images by various contributors
The route highlights included: SAG Stop at Wilacre Park on the west side of Laurel Canyon for water, snacks, and restrooms, The Hollywood Reservoir,: formed in 1924 by the Mulholland Dam, The Hollywood Sign, originally built in 1923 (as “Hollywoodland”), ending at Santa Monica Brew Works.
Member Features
Rock Cobbler
By Todd Becraft
Images by various contributors
The Rock Cobbler is certainly one of the more unique gravel rides anywhere, with varied terrain and at least one nutty feature. In years past it routed through someone’s house and this year featured riding through a bar of cheering patrons.
There were three routes this year, the Boulder, 93 miles, 10,500 feet, the Cobbler 70 miles, 8,000 feet and the Pebbler, 48 miles, 4,900 feet.
I chose to head up the night before the ride and stay at the very jazzy Padre Hotel in Bakersfield. It’s a really a cool spot that was built mid last century and recently restored after years of neglect. I highly recommend the place if you want to make a weekend of it.
The more efficient approach is driving up on the day, as Dan Funk did. Traffic is much lighter and a good way to go if you have the fortitude to wake up in the middle of the night before a bicycle beat down.
It was chilly @ the start although there was plenty of coffee on hand and a bit of breakfast. And fire pits that were well attended. I spotted Dan and Doug Sparrman at the start, Dan was doing the Cobbler and Doug, like me, decided to downgrade to the Pebbler.
I made no effort to stay with them on the ride as my gravel skills are rickety at best and my number one priority was to avoid adding to my hospital related war stories.
That said, the starting group for the Pebbler was large and we stayed together for quite a while. As is often the case with these large gravel events, we begin with a good stretch of road riding, then the offroad starts and groups begin to split. The offroad this year featured cement hard cattle footprints which are fascinating artifacts of rural life however made me wonder if my Peter Attia grip strength score was high enough to stay upright. This was the terrain till the first SAG at about 14 miles. Then a bit more of the same till we had our first single track which traversed the side of a hill that required a “don’t look down” attitude which didn’t come easy to my risk averse brain. I did my best to a muster a keep calm and carry on attitude.
The remainder of the ride alternated between bumpy cattle footprints and single track for quite some time. There was a chunk of road roading late in the route that was a welcome relief. We passed a busy cattle trough, which I approached cautiously, having seen the 2022 bull attack video. (not for the faint of heart and something I didn’t show to my wife pre ride) There’s also famous hike a bike section (seriously uphill), which I’m told was much shorter this year, however still much steeper than when I did it on my sofa via You tube.
I finished in a decent time and enjoyed the post ride BBQ, beer and live swing band with fellow La Grangers Amy Huntner and Dan Funk. I’m told that Tom Pincince was on the Pebbler however our paths didn’t cross. Overall, beautiful scenery, challenging riding and nice people. A super fun event I highly recommend to anyone who loves riding off road and an adventure!
PS One reminder that the pros are different is that the Boulder winner Lachlan Morton finished the 93 miles, 10,500 feet Boulder before, way before, I finished the 48 mile, 4900 foot Pebbler.
A Lesson on Community
By Renée Fox
Today is a month since the crash on Mulholland left me with a snapped clavicle, 4 broken ribs, torn pectoralis muscle and strained hamstring, all on my left side. The consequential disruption to my life has demanded learning - acceptance, patience, yes, but one lesson is especially share-worthy because it’s about something bigger than just myself. Before I could see straight, people were offering to bring food, positioning pillows so I’d be comfortable, clothes I could easily pull on in the first painful days, prepared food, cards and flowers, and so many kind messages offering support. My first thought was how to politely decline? Many people I know have this instinct not to ask for or accept help. Its a pressure we all endure from a society that encourages tough independence. David suggested wryly that I wouldn’t be able to say no to everyone, so I took the opportunity to connect with people. See, a healthy community must exercise for its own wellness just like an individual does, and flex the corporate self care “muscle” to begin the healing process. The goal is to become whole again. This isn’t a perfect metaphor but it encapsulates the “lesson:” by accepting help I was exercising and strengthening the conduit of giving and receiving within La Grange at a moment of real need, and with it the relationships I have nurtured. We are social creatures and need each other’s company, support, reassurance and help. Whether giving or receiving, it humanizes and dignifies us. I am incredibly grateful for those of you who took part in my healing process through your visits, gifts, and kind words in messages, emails and phone calls. I’m doing my part to heal as well and as quickly as I can!
Members:
Please take a moment to ensure your contact information is up to date. Visit https://www.lagrange.org/member-dashboard#myaccount to confirm that your phone number is current, and double check that your emergency contact name and phone number are accurate. This helps La Grange improve vendor access to membership verification and ensures that, in case of an emergency during a ride, a board member can quickly notify your emergency contact. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us at membership@lagrange.org.
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How Southern California Is Responding to E-Bike Safety Concerns
By Kevin P. Culpepper
Electric bicycles are everywhere in Southern California. From the beachfront paths of the South Bay to the suburban streets of Orange County, e-bikes have become a preferred way for both adults and teens to get around. Unfortunately, their popularity has also brought a steep rise in accidents, injuries, and public concern about how—and where—these bikes should be used.
Across California, lawmakers and local governments are now responding with new laws and regulations intended to make e-bike use safer. Below is an overview of how both the state and local cities are addressing these growing safety concerns.
California’s Statewide Response to E-Bike Safety
The state legislature has recognized that e-bike crashes—especially those involving minors—have become a public safety issue. California has adopted a statewide equipment-based safety measure that will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Under this new law, all electric bicycles must be equipped with a rear red reflector or a solid or flashing red rear light that is visible at all times, not just at night.
This requirement reflects growing concern that e-bikes, which often travel at higher speeds than traditional bicycles, can be difficult for drivers to see—particularly during daytime traffic, dusk, or in congested urban environments. Unlike earlier bicycle lighting rules that focused primarily on nighttime visibility, this new standard emphasizes constant visibility.
California E-Bike Pilot Programs and Youth Safety
In 2024, California enacted Assembly Bill 1778 and Assembly Bill 2234, which created pilot programs to test stronger e-bike safety rules.
These pilot programs allow certain counties to set age limits, helmet requirements, and training standards for young riders. The goal is to collect real-world data on whether these measures reduce injuries and to use that information to guide possible statewide standards in the future.
Although these laws currently apply only to Marin County and San Diego County, they represent the state’s initial organized effort to measure and manage e-bike risk. Their findings could shape future regulations in Los Angeles County and Orange County.
How Local Governments in Southern California Are Acting
Cities throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County are not waiting for statewide action and have adopted their own e-bike regulations.
Orange County cities such as Brea, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, and Los Alamitos have adopted or proposed ordinances limiting e-bike speeds, restricting sidewalk use, and requiring helmet use for minors. Many of these cities pair enforcement with youth safety education programs through local schools and police departments.
The County of Orange has also issued countywide guidance for unincorporated areas, requiring proper e-bike classification labels, helmet use for riders under 18, and slow-speed operation on sidewalks and trails.
Los Angeles County E-Bike Regulations
In Los Angeles County, several coastal cities—including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach—have moved to restrict or ban e-bike use on busy beachfront paths like the Strand. The City of Torrance enforces e-bike rules under its broader municipal bicycle code.
These local efforts share a common goal: reducing reckless or unsafe riding while preserving access for responsible e-bike users.
Why E-Bike Safety Laws Matter
E-bikes can reach speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour, and when operated by young or untrained riders, the risk of serious injury increases significantly. Local governments have reported increases in collisions and near-misses on popular trails and neighborhood streets.
For families, it is important to understand that e-bike rules may vary from city to city. A route that is legal in one jurisdiction may carry restrictions in the next. Reviewing local e-bike regulations and ensuring minors wear helmets and receive proper training can help reduce the risk of injury.
Our Perspective as Southern California Personal Injury Attorneys
As personal injury attorneys, we have seen how devastating e-bike crashes can be, particularly when they involve children. These new laws are a step toward accountability and public awareness.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-bike or roadway accident, our firm can help you understand your rights under these evolving laws and pursue claims against negligent drivers, property owners, or manufacturers.
Contact ACTS Law today for a free consultation to learn more about how e-bike safety regulations may affect your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About E-Bike Laws in California
Q: Are e-bike laws the same in every California city?
A: No. While California has statewide regulations, cities and counties may adopt their own e-bike ordinances that address speed limits, sidewalk use, and helmet requirements.
Q: Are helmets required for e-bike riders in California?
A: California law requires helmet use for riders under 18, but local ordinances and pilot programs may impose additional requirements.
Q: Who can be held liable after an e-bike accident?
A: Depending on the circumstances, liability may include a negligent driver, a property owner, a government entity, or an e-bike manufacturer.
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