Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Lundie.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my journey as a participant in the largest community bicycle ride in the U.S.A. in the early 2000s. Eventually, I volunteered alongside Brian Will in 2012, one of the original co-founders of Los Angeles Critical Mass. Starting as a ride marshal, I quickly transitioned to the back-end support vehicle, assisting cyclists once L.A.P.D. left. Right before the pandemic, I moved to the front of the ride with Brian, who was training me to take over as he prepared for retirement after leading the event for many years.
Unfortunately, the pandemic struck in 2020, halting Los Angeles Critical Mass for nearly two years. Brian and I had discussed establishing Critical Mass as a nonprofit, but our busy schedules—Brian as a full-time peace officer and me as a regional vice president for financial services—made it challenging. Despite this, we remained passionate about serving the community, motivated by the many cyclists who joined us every last Friday of the month. This commitment helped us maintain our status as the largest community bicycle ride in the U.S.A., and we were dedicated to keeping it alive as we moved forward.
When the pandemic was finally over, I relaunched Los Angeles Critical Mass. It started slowly, but as momentum built and word spread, participation quickly grew. This time, I established it as a nonprofit and dedicated myself, along with my team, full-time to Los Angeles Critical Mass.
Through our monthly bike rides, we strive to enhance mental and physical wellness, advocate for sustainable transportation, and raise environmental awareness while attracting thousands of cyclists.
Our Mission
Raise Awareness: Educate the public about the environmental impact of transportation and the benefits of cycling, while highlighting the mental health benefits of physical activity and community engagement.
Promote Sustainability: Encourage the use of bicycles as a green mode of transport, reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion, contributing to a healthier planet and healthier minds.
Foster Community: Build a supportive and inclusive community of cyclists committed to protecting our planet and enhancing mental wellness through shared experiences and camaraderie.
Advocate for Change: Work with local governments and organizations to improve cycling infrastructure and policies that support a greener Los Angeles, ensuring safe spaces for all cyclists to thrive.
Cultivate Engaging Public Spaces: Promote bicycle transportation and good health through bicycle-friendly streets that encourage social interaction and mental well-being.
As a child, I grew up riding bikes, and when I became a parent, my children embraced cycling as well. We became a household of cyclists.
Today, I serve as the President and CEO of Los Angeles Critical Mass. I work with our board of directors to envision our growth and elevate the largest community bicycle ride to the next level. Our upcoming plans are exciting, and we look forward to launching them soon.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, the journey has not always been smooth. While the passion and commitment of our community have been unwavering, we have faced several significant challenges along the way.
Key Struggles:
Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic brought our activities to a halt for nearly two years, which not only disrupted our rides but also affected our community engagement and morale. The uncertainty during this time was challenging for everyone involved.
Establishing a Nonprofit: Transitioning Los Angeles Critical Mass into a nonprofit organization required extensive planning and effort. Navigating the legal and bureaucratic processes while balancing our personal and professional commitments was a significant hurdle.
Community Engagement: Rebuilding participation after the pandemic was a gradual process. Many cyclists had become accustomed to the absence of events, and it took time to reignite their enthusiasm and encourage them to return to our rides.
Resource Constraints: As a nonprofit, securing funding and resources has been an ongoing challenge. We rely on donations, sponsorships, and community support, which can be unpredictable and requires constant outreach and relationship-building.
Advocacy Challenges: Working with local governments to improve cycling infrastructure and policies has sometimes been met with resistance or slow progress. Advocating for change in a complex political landscape can be frustrating, but it’s essential for our mission.
Balancing Responsibilities: Juggling my role as President and CEO with my personal life and previous professional commitments has been demanding. Ensuring that I dedicate enough time and energy to lead effectively while maintaining a work-life balance has been a continuous struggle.
Despite these challenges, our dedication to the cause and the support of our community have fueled our resilience. We have learned and grown from these experiences, and they have only strengthened our resolve to promote cycling and sustainability in Los Angeles.
As you know, we’re big fans of Los Angeles Critical Mass. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Los Angeles Critical Mass is not just a bicycle ride; it’s a movement dedicated to promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation and fostering a vibrant community of cyclists and participants in Los Angeles.
What We Do
We host monthly community bike rides on the last Friday of each month, attracting thousands of participants from all walks of life. Our rides are designed to be inclusive and welcoming, encouraging both seasoned cyclists and newcomers to join us in exploring the city of Los Angeles and surrounding cities on two wheels.
Specialization and Recognition
We specialize in:
Community Engagement: Our rides are a platform for building connections among cyclists, fostering friendships, and creating a sense of belonging.
Advocacy for Cycling Infrastructure: We work tirelessly to advocate for better cycling infrastructure and policies that support safe and accessible biking throughout Los Angeles.
Environmental Awareness: We educate the public about the environmental benefits of cycling, aiming to inspire a shift towards more sustainable transportation options.
Los Angeles Critical Mass is known for being the largest community bicycle ride in the U.S.A., consistently drawing significant participation and creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates cycling culture.
What Sets Us Apart
What sets us apart from other cycling organizations is our deep-rooted commitment to community and inclusivity. We prioritize creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their cycling experience. Our focus on mental and physical wellness, alongside environmental advocacy, resonates with a diverse audience. Additionally, our grassroots approach allows us to adapt quickly to the needs and interests of our community.
Brand Pride
We take immense pride in our brand’s reputation as a unifying force for cyclists in Los Angeles. The sense of community we foster, combined with our advocacy efforts, has positioned us as a trusted voice for cyclists in the city. We are proud to be a platform where individuals can come together to share their love for cycling while promoting sustainability and mental wellness.
What We Want You to Know
We invite readers to learn more about our mission and join us in our monthly rides. By participating, individuals not only contribute to our vibrant community but also become part of a larger movement advocating for a greener, healthier Los Angeles.
Our organization is committed to enhancing the cycling experience for everyone, and we continually seek ways to expand our offerings, including workshops, community events, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations. Together, we can create a more bike-friendly city and inspire others to embrace cycling as a way of life.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is the summer days spent riding bikes with my friends around the neighborhood. We would gather in the morning, excited to explore new paths and discover hidden corners of our community. The freedom of those rides, the wind in our hair, and the laughter we shared created a sense of adventure that felt limitless. We would race each other, create makeshift obstacle courses, and sometimes even organize small bike parades, decorating our bikes with streamers and balloons. Those carefree moments not only fostered my love for cycling but also instilled a sense of camaraderie and joy that I cherish to this day. It was during those times that I truly understood the power of community and the simple happiness that comes from being active outdoors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.la-criticalmass.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacriticalmass
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacriticalmass/
- Twitter: https://x.com/_lacriticalmass
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LosAngelesCriticalMass
Image Credits
Jojo Valdez- Los Angeles Critical Mass
