Ride South L.A.   bicycles, mobile mapping, and social justice for South LA

<< back to the Watts Towers map overview.

This map was created and pedal-tested by more than 60 cyclists in January 2012, who used their own basic camera phones. Starting at the Augustus Hawkins Natural Park in South L.A., they followed routes  scouted by cycling groups to and from the Watts Towers. During the ride, a live map of the pictures was displayed on iPads mounted to some of the bicycles.

Later on a professional designer turned the stream of pictures into a printable map. And to stay connected to its contributors, the map was tested in collaborative workshops with community organizers, researchers and neighborhood residents. Moreover, the whole process has been accompanied by several local organizations which have given built-in feedback and support. Check the next section to know more about us.