The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition

What The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition does

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, operating as BikeLA since its November 2022 rebrand, is a California-incorporated 501c3 nonprofit bicycle advocacy organization founded in the mid-1990s and headquartered in Culver City. With a professional staff of eight, BikeLA works to make all communities in Los Angeles County healthier, safer, and more accessible for cycling through advocacy, education, and direct program delivery. Its core programmatic portfolio spans LA County Bike Match (a mutual-aid bike distribution program that has matched over 200 bicycles to essential workers and people experiencing homelessness), Operation Firefly (a bike-light distribution and safety education program reaching 3,000+ people annually across 10 cities), Operation Elephant (digital bike horn distribution along high-injury corridors), the Sunset4All complete-streets infrastructure initiative, the Bike Friendly Business (#BikesMeanBusiness) program, and educational offerings such as Metro BEST cycling classes and LAUSD Middle School Bike Clubs. The organization also operates an annual LA Bike Fest signature fundraising event and a chapter network across LA County including Santa Monica Spoke, Bike Central LA, and the Santa Clarita Valley Bicycle Coalition.

BikeLA's underlying technology footprint is intentionally lightweight: the organization's core capability is community organizing, advocacy, and program delivery rather than proprietary technology products. Digital touchpoints consist of a Wix-hosted website (la-bike.org), a self-guided audio-ride experience built on the third-party izi Travel platform, social media channels (@HeyBikeLA on Instagram, Facebook, and X), and a bi-weekly email newsletter. Programmatic tools include online donation pages (Salsa Labs), event ticketing, and peer-to-peer fundraising campaign infrastructure. The organization publishes original data products such as the 2023 Bicycle Safety Report to support its advocacy work, but does not develop or operate any disclosed AI/ML systems.

The organization's revenue model is diversified across donations and memberships, institutional grants (SCAG Go Human, LA County, LA City Council), a signature fundraising event (LA Bike Fest raised over $90,000 at its 2022 inaugural), the Bike Friendly Business membership-discount program, and affiliate revenue from partners such as SeatyLock and Thousand Helmets. Programs and services are offered free to community members. BikeLA monetizes its influence through corporate sponsorships (REI, Lime, Warner Bros., AARP, SoCalGas), partnerships with public agencies (LA Metro, SCAG), and a curated stable of advocacy-aligned nonprofit partners (Safe Routes Partnership, Walk 'n Rollers, Streets Are For Everyone). Executive Director Eli Akira Kaufman, appointed in January 2019, leads a small team supported by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Name

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition

Legal name

Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition

Website

https://la-bike.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

BikeLA is a Los Angeles County 501c3 nonprofit bicycle advocacy organization that uses education, community organizing, and direct programs (Bike Match, Operation Firefly, Sunset4All) to expand safe cycling infrastructure and access across LA County, funded by donations, grants, and events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cycling Advocacy & Active Transportation Nonprofit

NAICS

Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Civic and Social Organizations (81341)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Bicycle Programs & Bike Share (Parking, Repair, Rentals) (EDALAKAE)

Keywords

• Bicycle advocacy services
• Cycling safety education
• Active transportation policy
• Community bike programs
• Nonprofit cycling coalition

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations from supporters and members, peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns (such as LA Bike Fest ride challenges), and general fundraising efforts.
2. Grants: Funding from government grants including SCAG Go Human Grant program, LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, LA City Council members, and organizational sponsors for specific programs.
3. LA Bike Fest Signature Event: Signature fundraising event featuring live music, food, drinks, and community celebrations. The inaugural 2022 event raised over $90,000.
4. Bike Friendly Business Program: Partnership program where businesses receive bike-friendly designation and member discounts in exchange for supporting cycling community.
5. Affiliate Revenue: Portion of sales from affiliate partnerships such as SeatyLock bike locks and Thousand Helmets products.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

BikeLA (the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) bicycle advocacy organization that delivers free community programs — bicycle distribution to Angelenos in need (LA County Bike Match), bike light and bike horn safety distributions (Operation Firefly, Operation Elephant), bike safety education (Middle School Bike Club, Metro BEST classes), and advocacy campaigns such as Sunset4All — funded through donations, grants, memberships, and the LA Bike Fest signature fundraising event.

Product overview

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (now known as BikeLA) is a nonprofit bicycle advocacy organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs focused on making Los Angeles County a safer, more accessible place to ride bikes. The core offerings include advocacy and education programs such as LA County Bike Match (which has matched over 200 bicycles to those in need), Operation Firefly (bike light distribution reaching thousands annually), and the Bike Friendly Business Program (#BikesMeanBusiness). The organization also provides community engagement through self-guided rides with audio tours via izi Travel, organizes the annual LA Bike Fest fundraising event, and leads major infrastructure initiatives like Sunset4All. Educational offerings include Metro BEST cycling classes and Middle School Bike Clubs. These programs work together to advance the organization's mission of creating healthier, safer communities through cycling.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LA Bike Fest: Annual signature fundraising event featuring live music, drinks, food, and cycling community celebration
• Sunset4All
• LA County Bike Match
• Operation Firefly

Products and services

• LA County Bike Match A free bike matching and donation program that connects donated bikes with Angelenos in need, including essential workers and people experiencing homelessness; over 200 bicycles have been matched since launch.
• Operation Firefly A bike light distribution and education program that organizes volunteers to distribute lights and safety information to people riding in the dark without lights during evening commutes.
• Operation Elephant A major bicycle safety distribution program that provides digital bike horns to cyclists to help them alert motorists of their presence and navigate Los Angeles's bicycle infrastructure safely; 400 digital bike horns were distributed in a single summer.
• Bike Friendly Business Program (#BikesMeanBusiness) A membership program that connects BikeLA's membership to partner businesses offering discounts or special offers, with regular promotion as part of the #BikesMeanBusiness campaign.
• LA Bike Fest The organization's signature annual fundraising event featuring live music, drinks, food, bike giveaways, vendor expo, and community celebrations to raise funds for bicycle advocacy.
• Sunset4All A community-led initiative powered by BikeLA to create 3.2 miles of protected bike lanes and pedestrian improvements along Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards, connecting approximately 100,000 residents with the subway.
• Self-Guided Rides Self-guided bike rides with audio tours, created using the izi.TRAVEL app, covering various LA County neighborhoods with historical and cultural information.
• 2021 Black History Ride A 22.2-mile self-guided bike ride highlighting Black history and culture in Los Angeles, with stops including South LA Cafe, Eso Won Books, and the California African American Museum.
• Metro BEST Classes Bicycle education classes including Bicycling 101 for beginners and League Cycling Instructor training, offered virtually during the pandemic.
• Middle School Bike Club A bike club program for LAUSD middle school students coordinated by BikeLA's Community Engagement Manager to encourage cycling among youth.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 200 bikes matched to Angelenos in need since program launch
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Better Bike Share PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Provided scholarship for BikeLA Executive Director to attend 2023 NABSA Conference in Canada, supporting learning about shared micromobility equity and sustainability.
• Metro (Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Ongoing partnership on active transportation infrastructure including Metro Bike Share, bus rapid transit planning, and first/last mile connections.
• Santa Monica SpokecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Chapter of LACBC that provided resources, space, and participants for the Bike Match Bonanza event in Hollywood.
• Wheels to AfricaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Volunteer organization that donated 220 bikes when shipping costs to Africa became prohibitive, enabling large-scale bike distribution.
• Thousand HelmetsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Provided 100 helmets and volunteers for Bike Match Bonanza, aligned with mission to provide access to safe cycling.
• The Center in HollywoodcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Nonprofit for the unhoused that hosted Bike Match Bonanza event and received 25 bikes to continue matching bikes with clients.
• Bicycle KitchenminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Bike co-op providing volunteer mechanics for bike building events.
• Walk 'n RollersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Community-based organization featured at Bike Fest expo.
• CicLAviaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Open streets event organization featured at Bike Fest expo.
• Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Safety advocacy organization featured at Bike Fest expo.
• Sunset4AllcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Community-led project powered by BikeLA with 500+ local residents advocating for protected bike lanes on Sunset Blvd.
• LimeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022E-mobility company that participated as vendor and sponsor at inaugural LA Bike Fest.
• Alta PlanningminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Planning and design firm participated as vendor at LA Bike Fest.
• REIminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Outdoor retailer donated bicycles for silent auction at LA Bike Fest.
• Estolano AdvisorsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Advisory firm that participated as underwriter/sponsor for LA Bike Fest.
• SpurcycleminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Bike accessories company that sponsored LA Bike Fest.
• Equator CoffeesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Coffee company that provided refreshments and sponsored LA Bike Fest.
• Tern BicyclesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Bike manufacturer that donated bicycles for silent auction at LA Bike Fest.
• Road Runner BagsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Bike bag company that participated as vendor at LA Bike Fest.
• BromptonminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Folding bike manufacturer that donated bicycle for silent auction at LA Bike Fest.
• Bike Central LAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Chapter of LACBC that partnered on Operation Elephant safety distribution program in Central LA.
• Walk 'n RollerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Co-produced safety video 'Prepping Your Ride: ABC Quick Check' as part of SCAG Go Human Mini Grant, featured at Bike Fest expo.
• Pure CyclesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020Donated bike frames that mechanics assembled for LA County Bike Match distribution.
• Bike Shop CaliforniaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020Bike shop providing location for bike building parties.
• Safe Routes PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Endorsed Sunset4All initiative, calling it 'a game changer in the lives of thousands of local children'.
• The Bicycle Coalition at UCLAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Campus chapter advocating for bike infrastructure supporting Metro Purple Line Extension first/last mile plan.
• Eastside Riders Bicycle ClubminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016Partner organization in Operation Firefly bike light distribution program.
• East Yard Communities for Environment JusticeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016Environmental justice organization partnering on Operation Firefly distributions.
• API Forward MovementminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016Active transportation advocacy organization (formerly APIOPA) partnering on bike safety distributions.
• Multicultural Communities for MobilityminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016Mobility advocacy organization participating in Operation Firefly.
• Bike SGVminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016San Gabriel Valley bicycle coalition partner in Operation Firefly.
• LAMP VillageminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016Skid Row organization partnered with for Operation Firefly distributions to vulnerable populations.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bike East Bay: Bike East Bay is an East Bay bicycle advocacy nonprofit that pursues infrastructure advocacy, offers education, and engages local businesses, functioning as a regional peer with overlapping program mix to BikeLA.
• Bike New York: Bike New York runs large-scale cycling events and bicycle education programs (including Bike Ed classes mirroring BikeLA's Metro BEST classes), making it a strong peer on the event-plus-education side of BikeLA's portfolio.
• Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SacABA): SacABA is a California-based bicycle advocacy nonprofit of comparable scale and structure that organizes community rides, advocates for infrastructure, and runs education programs in the Sacramento region, making it a closely analogous peer to BikeLA in mission and operating model.
• San Francisco Bicycle Coalition: SF Bicycle Coalition is a large, well-established bicycle advocacy nonprofit serving the San Francisco Bay Area with programs spanning advocacy, education, bike-friendly business networks, and community rides—an advanced analogue of BikeLA's model in another major California city.
• Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA): WABA is a regional bicycle advocacy nonprofit in the DC metro area that runs similar programs—advocacy, education classes, community rides, and bike distribution—serving as a structural template for a city-coalition bicycle advocacy organization.
• Cascade Bicycle Club: Cascade Bicycle Club is a Pacific Northwest bicycle advocacy and education nonprofit headquartered in Seattle with major ride events and infrastructure advocacy, comparable to BikeLA's mix of large-scale rides, advocacy, and community programming.
• Transportation Alternatives: Transportation Alternatives is a NYC-based nonprofit advocating for safe streets, including cycling infrastructure and policies, similar in mission, policy-advocacy posture, and nonprofit structure to BikeLA.

Broad incumbents

• League of American Bicyclists: The League of American Bicyclists is the national umbrella bicycle advocacy organization that sets standards (League Cycling Instructor program, which BikeLA delivers) and influences federal policy, operating at a broader scale than BikeLA but in the same advocacy category.
• PeopleForBikes: PeopleForBikes is a national bicycle advocacy coalition that supports infrastructure investment and policy work across the U.S., representing a broader, industry-supported incumbent in the same space as BikeLA's local advocacy.

Emerging players

• Walk 'n Rollers: Walk 'n Rollers is a smaller Southern California active-transportation education nonprofit that has co-produced safety videos and events with BikeLA under the SCAG Go Human grant, overlapping on youth and school-based bike education programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/lacbc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/lacbc
• Facebookfacebook.com/losangelescountybicyclecoalition
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/los-angeles-county-bicycle-coalition
• Instagraminstagram.com/heybikela

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition