Several months back Javier Hernandez of Bike SGV was selected by Kaiser Permanente and HBO Documentary Films to participate in the filming of "The Weight of the Nation."  Javier hauled both a camera-man and microphone operator on a custom built wagon as they filmed the Baldwin Park Cycler Program in action.  The program was created for the California Center for Public Health Advocacy specifically to support the Baldwin Park Complete Street policy.  HBO was able to capture youth leaders advocating for safer streets while learning about city planning, traffic calming, bicycle safety, rules of the road and basic mechanics. Unfortunately, in a sad letter from HBO staff, we did not make the final cut.  

THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION is a presentation of HBO and the Institute of Medicine (IOM), in association with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and in partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Kaiser Permanente.

The centerpiece of THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION campaign is the four-part documentary series, each featuring case studies, interviews with our nation’s leading experts, and individuals and their families struggling with obesity. The first film, CONSEQUENCES, examines the scope of the obesity epidemic and explores the serious health consequences of being overweight or obese. The second, CHOICES, offers viewers the skinny on fat, revealing what science has shown about how to lose weight, maintain weight loss and prevent weight gain. The third, CHILDREN IN CRISIS, documents the damage obesity is doing to our nation’s children. Through individual stories, this film describes how the strong forces at work in our society are causing children to consume too many calories and expend too little energy; tackling subjects from school lunches to the decline of physical education, the demise of school recess and the marketing of unhealthy food to children. The fourth film, CHALLENGES, examines the major driving forces causing the obesity epidemic, including agriculture, economics, evolutionary biology, food marketing, racial and socioeconomic disparities, physical inactivity, American food culture, and the strong influence of the food and beverage industry.

Similar to that of a drive-in theater, Bike SGV will host ride-in screenings of the documentary at your local REI and parks all around the San Gabriel Valley. Dates, times and more details to follow shortly. We are very excited about this opportunity to reduce the health disparities in our communities by simply raising awareness in a fun way, the Bike SGV way!  :)

Stay tuned for more details. 

As the monthly SGV River Loop gains momentum and popularity, Bike SGV has taken initiative to participate in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. CERT was created by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to provide basic training in safety and life saving skills in case of a disaster or accident. 

The seven week course covers fire suppression, hazard materials, medical, search & rescue, terrorism awareness and much more. For   more information or to find the nearest CERT training near you please visit http://www.fire.lacounty.gov/programsevents/PECERT.asp.  

Mil thanks to our good friends at REI Arcadia that have been able to equip our first official ride marshal bicycle. The gracious donation included a set of Novara panniers, trunk and first aid kit. Additional stuffing includes a basic tool set, an assortment of tubes, a pump and a whole bunch of free give away's.  Bike SGV will use this bicycle as a "caboose" to support bike rides throughout LA County especially the San Gabriel Valley.  "We look forward to qualifying future Marshals as we grow our Bike Marshal fleet of bicycles." -Javier Hernandez

A couple of Azusa community members met today with Bike SGV to brainstorm ideas and strategize a plan to really create a healthier Azusa.  As a result, Azusanites will coordinate a feeder ride into the SGV River Loop on Sunday, May 27th. Additional details coming soon.

 As we move forward in partnering on raising health awareness, educational outreach efforts, bike safety training and workshops, we can only hope to some day soon implement the Gang of Goodness: Youth Leadership & Empowerment Program. Kudos to the many residents in Azusa that are really making an effort to develop a healthier lifestyle culture in the city of Azusa.

Over the past couple of months Bike SGV has been in the process of seeking new partners to assist in more effectively serving our communities.  Based on a very similar passion for the outdoors and our commitment to improving our environment Bike SGV will be partnering with Recreation Equipment Inc.(REI) in Arcadia. Get excited!

On May 2nd and 3rd, REI hosted their internal 3rd annual Tour de SoCal at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center.  The mini conference was intended to educate the bicycle department staff from the REI Southern California  region about building relationships, partnering with local non-profits, new bicycles, accessories and apparel. 

Our very own Javier Hernandez was invited as a guest speaker to present on the topic of "How Cycling Changed my Life."  The crowed of REI-ers were engaged throughout the presentation while sharing some laughs and learning about current efforts to improve bike-ability in the San Gabriel Valley.  

Bike SGV is proud to be working along side REI.  We only hope to be more effective in improving our outdoors.