December 13, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Venice Adventures on a Metro Bike

 

by Melanie Camp

Locals know there is no use driving on a busy weekend in Venice. Walk, skate, or try one of the new Metro Bikes if you want to get from one side of the neighborhood to the other.

On Abbot Kinney Festival Sunday, I needed to get from Washington Boulevard to the Brooks Avenue end of Speedway to meet with Sergeant Scotty Stevens from Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Pacific Division. So, I signed up for a free first month of Metro Bikes online and headed to the bicycle station near Scopa Italian Roots.

I’ve got to be honest; the bright, “I’m a lime from the ‘80s,” Metro Bike green is not a shade you’d paint your Linus. However, the big M logo on the front is for sure what I’d pick if I were a superhero.

Riding down the quiet end of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, then skipping the crowds, and cruising down Electric Avenue, I wove my way to the end of Brooks.

Standing to chat with Stevens, I listened as he told me that the day had been pretty quiet. Except for a dude snapping shots up the skirts of ladies with his smartphone at the Abbot Kinney Festival, all had been “peaceful,” Stevens said.

Soon our interview was interrupted by Jonathan. “I’ve lost my chain,” he said pointing to his chainless chest. “I need your bike,” he said pointing to my bright green Metro Bike.

Jonathan wanted a bicycle, so he could get to his parked car and see if he’d left his gold chain there. He argued it would be quicker to ride than walk. It was an opportunity to put my superhero powers to work!

However, in Venice, it never makes sense to loan your bike to a stranger.

“Take my wallet,” said Jonathan as he wrestled the handles from my not-very-superhero grip. I turned to Stevens. He told me to give back the wallet.

By now Jonathan’s brothers Cameron and Ch’e had arrived on the scene, “dude, you can’t take the woman’s bike,” they said as Jonathan struggled to throw his leg over the seat. “Tell her to give me the bike. I’ll be 8 minutes,” Jonathan said to Stevens.

“I’m not going to tell her to do anything. But…” Stevens said, “If you give her your driver’s license she can lend you her bike, and if you don’t bring it back I know where you live,” he said as he helped Jonathan adjust the seat height.

So, thanks to LAPD Sergeant Scotty Stevens, a stranger in Venice Beach jumped on my bike and took off down Speedway.

Jonathan was not eight minutes.

Metro sent a text that read, “Hope you’re enjoying your Metro Bike ride. Just letting you know that your trip is still open.” A thoughtful reminder just in case I’d forgotten that a police sergeant had lent my bike to a complete stranger.

Ch’e, Stevens, Melanie, and Cameron. Waiting for Jonathan.

I reasoned that if Jonathan returned with his chain all would not be in vain and I could tell the story of my Metro biking superhero ability to help find lost gold chains. If Jonathan didn’t come back, according to Metro’s user agreement, bikes not returned within 18 hours are considered lost or stolen, I’d have to pay $1,000.00, and Metro would file a police report. Well, that’d be funny!

Jonathan was close to an hour and sadly, still without his chain when he returned. He handed back the bike. Stevens said I told you so, we all posed for a picture, and lived happily ever after. The End. Or should I write “To be continued…” because they do that at the end of superhero stories and there is still a guy on the loose in Venice who likes taking pictures up ladies skirts, he may even be wearing Jonathan’s chain.

Related Posts

10 Reasons Why Players Prefer to Use Crypto When iGaming in California

September 1, 2024

September 1, 2024

As online gaming continues to evolve, players are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies as their payment method of choice. In California,...

Is California Going to Legalize Gambling in 2024/2025?

June 5, 2024

June 5, 2024

The issue of gambling legalization in California has been a topic of debate for many years. As the largest state...

Los Angeles Experience Gifts for People Who Don’t Want More Clutter

May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

Just like you, most gift recipients in Los Angeles don’t want more stuff. The Los Angeles experience gifts on this...

California: Pioneering the Future of Online and Digital Payments

January 11, 2024

January 11, 2024

In the fast-paced digital economy of the 21st century, California has emerged as a powerhouse in the realm of online...

A Guide to the Current Gambling Situation in Canada

January 1, 2024

January 1, 2024

For centuries, gambling has woven itself into the fabric of human culture; in recent years–marking an era where evolution pervades...

Smart Strategies to Save Money in Your Entertainment Budget

December 30, 2023

December 30, 2023

Many individuals and families in today’s fast-paced world share a common goal: finding ways to save money. The entertainment budget...

California’s top sports teams.

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

California is known worldwide for a multitude of exciting things. They’re known for their incredible beaches, glorious sunshine, and fabulous...

Your Lucky Numbers: Six Tips Towards Lottery Success

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Have you ever wondered how people win money from the lottery? They may not always hit the jackpot, but they...

Five different ways to unwind.

October 1, 2023

October 1, 2023

Modern life is always busy and it can feel like your to-do list is never ending. When you’re not working,...

New Program Can Help Protect Southern California Homes in the Event of an Earthquake

May 13, 2023

May 13, 2023

Residents Have Until May 31 To Apply For Seismic Retrofit Grants By Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer for the California...

Venice Shorts: Tree Trimming Underway Thanks to the Vsa!

April 28, 2023

April 28, 2023

VSA Has Taken up the Task of Trimming Italian Stone Pine Trees. By Nick Antonicello Following the recent toppling of...

Venice Stakeholders Association’s Comments on Traci Park’s Broken Bridge Housing Promise

April 24, 2023

April 24, 2023

By Marc Ryavec I have been struggling with how to address the phenomenon that someone I and many others in...

Column: Tired OF Declinists? Some Enduring New California Positives

April 18, 2023

April 18, 2023

By Thomas D. Elias California has taken a beating lately, with (mostly Republican) governors of other states blasting many aspects...

Venice Shorts: The South Venice Blvd Encampment, Is It a Candidate for a City Cleanup?

April 14, 2023

April 14, 2023

One of the last of the large encampments closest to the beach, Venetians are hopeful help is on the way!...