✨PMJ 2024 Highlights & More✨

***People for Mobility Justice at the LADOT Quick Build Celebration on 54th St., October 2024***

Greetings PMJ family,

As we step into 2025, our communities have faced immense challenges, from the devastating LA wildfires to the transition of a new leadership administration. These events have deeply impacted many of us, with friends and families displaced, homes lost, and widespread grief and uncertainty. Nevertheless, we remain committed to building our networks of solidarity, movement, and healing for our communities. 2025 and the years ahead will be powerful years to come together, and we welcome you to get involved in our efforts as PMJ.

2024 Highlights

At PMJ, our team remains dedicated to advancing equity, racial justice, and culturally-informed bicycle education and policy. Our work is grounded in our 5D’s framework, which guides and inspires our efforts.

Here are a few highlights from 2024:

In partnership with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) - Community Streets, PMJ hosted the Mob J Summer Ride Series! These rides celebrated and showcased local landmarks such as those along Slauson Ave. and Central Ave., and key infrastructure victories, including the new bicycle-pedestrian path on Slauson Ave.

We’re proud of the progress made and look forward to continuing this important work with our community.

Electric Bicycles in South Central:

2024 was a transformative year for South Central with the launch of the South Central Power Up! (SCPU) Program in April. This first-of-its-kind lending library pilot program promotes equitable access to clean and sustainable transportation.

In partnership with LADOT, LACI, California Climate Investments, CARB, and local organizations like Community Services Unlimited, Esperanza Community Housing, and TRUST-South LA, PMJ successfully trained 40 e-bike users through curated training materials and bike skills education.

We’re excited to build on this success in 2025 with more trainings, group rides, and expanded access for the South Central community.

Electro Bici Program Success:

In collaboration with Shared Mobility, Inc., Equiticity, Mobility Development, and LADWP funding, PMJ partnered with Pacoima Beautiful to support the Electro-Bici lending library program. Together, we trained new cohorts of e-bike users in essential bike skills and safety practices.

Through Electro-Bici, residents of Northeast San Fernando Valley gained access to e-bike education and clean mobility options, fostering sustainable transportation in the community.

Promoting Safety and Community Engagement:

With support from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), and in partnership with the Eastside Riders Bike Club (ESRBC), PMJ expanded bicycle and pedestrian safety education to East LA, Florence-Firestone, and Willowbrook/West Rancho Dominguez.

Highlights included the East LA Food Tour, supporting local food vendors, and programming like safety presentations, community walks, helmet distributions, and events like Parks After Dark. These efforts promoted essential safety skills and resources aligned with Vision Zero goals.

Building Leadership Through Mobility Justice:

PMJ collaborated with the South Los Angeles Transit Empowerment Zone (Slate-Z) to train members of the Resident Advisory Committee (RAC), key advisors of the Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) Steering Committee.

We facilitated 12 trainings on mobility justice and the Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) Program, including a Historic Tour of South Central. We are proud of the leadership and expertise of our RAC members and look forward to continuing this work in 2025!

Bringing Bicycle Education to East LA:

PMJ partnered with National Core, LA County Department of Public Works, PATH, and Hope Through Housing to provide free bicycle education to residents of Las Dhalias, a 100% affordable housing building in East LA.

Advancing Mobility Justice Through ACT-LA Coalition Efforts:

As an active member of the ACT-LA Coalition, PMJ continued to advocate for BIPOC transit users and cyclists through the Metro As A Sanctuary Campaign, the Vermont Avenue Bus Lane Campaign, and advocacy efforts towards Fareless Transit. In May, PMJ partnered together with the Korean Immigrant Workers Alliance (KIWA), ACT-LA, and CicLAvia for a ride-along experience ending at CSU-VMP with an educational discussion of the Vermont Ave. Bus Lane Campaign and strategies for proposed infrastructure along the corridor.

PMJ Receives the "Award of Merit" by APA Los Angeles:

We are proud to announce that PMJ has been honored with the "Award of Merit" by APA Los Angeles for our project, "South Los Angeles Quick Build Community Planning: An Equity-Centered Outreach Model."

This project represents our commitment to reimagining community planning through an equity-driven lens, ensuring that historically underserved voices are heard and centered in decision-making. By collaborating with residents and stakeholders, we developed innovative strategies that prioritize accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability in South LA.

LA Wildfire Resources

In the spirit of community care and self-care, we’ve gathered a list of resources to support those impacted by the devastating LA wildfires. These efforts aim to provide immediate relief, recovery support, and access to vital networks for individuals and families facing displacement, loss, and uncertainty.

We encourage everyone to share these resources widely:

Meztli Projects Mutual Aid Resources

Mutual Aid, Los Angeles Network (MALAN)

MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources

Request Support: Resources for the Deaf Community & Folks with Disabilities

Offer Support: Resources for the Deaf Community & Folks with Disabilities

City of Pasadena Resources

Mutual Aid Distribution Efforts via the Eastside Coalition:

Esquina Bicycle Shop, LA Childcare Mutual Aid, Abrazos Healing Arts, Eastside Cafe, Mercado del Pueblo Co-op, and Mujeres de Maiz (more information HERE)

"We Are LA Fire Resource Page"

Metro’s Assistance for LA County Wildfire victims:

Metro has modified eligibility requirements for its reduced fare programs. Visit this website for more details.

LA Forward - Call for Submissions:

LA Forward is gathering thoughts and essays on how Southern California can move toward recovery and reconstruction. This is a joint effort between LA Podcast and LA Forward Institute. People of all backgrounds and positions are welcome to SUBMIT!

Help Esquina Bike Shop Survive the Impact of the LA Fires!

Esquina Bike Shop in Boyle Heights urgently needs our help to keep its doors open. Functioning as a community hub and a home for so many folks, Esquina has also stepped in as part of the LA Fires Mutual Aid, Ease Side Coalition. The Fundraising page can be found HERE.

Other Community Resources

Mobility Wallet Program Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) - Pilot Program:

In partnership with Metro, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) expanded the UBM pilot program with Phase II. The Mobility Wallet Program grants access to transportation options to qualified South Central residents.

To express interest in Phase III, please complete the form HERE.

Questions about the program can be directed to: mobilitywallet@metro.net

The Source: Florence-Firestone

Community Resource Event for the Unhoused and Housing Insecure

Metro Updates

Metro has announced that fare collections will resume on Monday, January 27th, 2025. More information can be found on Metro's "The Source."

PMJ News and Upcoming Events

The South Central Power Up! Program is gearing up for another exciting round of trainings in 2025! This lending library pilot equips participants with essential e-bike safety skills while offering a fun and sustainable transportation option.

Currently available for select zip codes in South Central, the program continues to empower the community with clean mobility solutions.

Click HERE for more information on the South Central Power Up! Program. Interested in the program?

Sign up HERE!

We are so grateful for all the community love that has sustained our project throughout these years. As always, we welcome your collaboration and support. Subscribe to our newsletter or donate now to join the movement for mobility justice in Los Angeles.

In love and solidarity,

The People for Mobility Justice Team