Candidate campaign page: https://www.olmos.la/

Mario Olmos is a well-known fixture of Los Angeles’ bike community, familiar to many through his participation in social rides and advocacy for safer streets. His exceptional response to Bike The Vote’s questionnaire shows a depth of understanding of the issues facing safe streets, thanks to his first-hand experience as someone who travels by bike throughout the city on a regular basis. It’s clear that his experience as a ‘sweep’ on group rides making sure that no one is left behind has directly informed his political viewpoint when he declares, “I am running a no drop campaign.” What a spectacular commitment for a politician to make.

Bike The Vote L.A. 2017 Primary Grade: A

(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)

1. What future do you see for active mobility, and public transit in the daily lives of Angelenos, particularly those who lack access to cars and rely on these other modes as their primary way of getting around?

My primary reason for running for office is to focus on the prevention of sexual abuse of children. I want children to be safe when they are home from abuse. That being said, I also want every person to be safe getting to and from home from anywhere.

I consider myself to be a cyclist and I am always trying to get people to try riding for the first time again. I know that through my riding I have encouraged many to also begin riding, or walking or hiking. I have a choice to ride or drive my car. Others don’t have that choice.

I see a future with safe routes to school, including Bike-to-school & Walk-to-school programs. Local government agencies mapping out and addressing unsafe intersections and corridors. Better Community Coordination with LAPD and direct relationship with LAPD Senior Lead Officers to encourage creation of bike and foot patrols to get officers out and visible in the community. One that expands transit options by coordinating sidewalk repair, curb ramp installation, bus shelter construction, with LADOT DASH bus routes.

I see more frequent Metro-like service along Metrolink with enhanced bus service as envisioned in the Mobility Plan (more frequent service, curb-extension waiting areas, etc.) I see safe street plans for all our major commercial corridors to eliminate traffic deaths. I see safe walking, mobility impaired, and bicycling access to parks, schools, commercial districts.

We also need to create more space such as the Rose Bowl where people can go to safely walk and bike for just the purpose of exercise. I know that I began my bike riding experience just going around the Rose Bowl. Places where one can develop their skills in walking or bike riding will enable people to carry that confidence and skill and venture into using commuting as a regular method of transportation. I have experienced many who tried to begin riding by starting off in busy dangerous routes and be so traumatized that they never attempted this again.

2. Do you support Vision Zero, an approach to street safety that treats each fatality as preventable and seeks to eliminate traffic deaths on public roads?

As an avid bike rider who enjoys social rides as much as centuries there is nothing that impacts me more than the placing of Ghost Bikes at places where cyclist have died. I once rode from the Beach to Dodger Stadium on Sunset Blvd and there were several areas where I was putting my life in danger. The district I am running for is one that should be easily converted to provide functional roads that eliminate the epidemic of injuries. We should not accept deaths as the price of progress. The automobile industry is making strides to protect passengers in cars. We should be making it a practice to protect commuters outside of cars.

3. In Los Angeles, low-income communities of color are disproportionately burdened by the impacts of streets designed primarily for cars, without receiving proportional funding for their mobility modes like walking, biking, and quality mass transit. Would you support legislation to add a ‘complete streets’ policy to SB 1, California’s newly augmented gas tax, to direct revenues to projects and programs that benefit pedestrians, bicyclists and transit-dependent communities?

I am running a no drop campaign. Just like the no drop rides I partake in where I am usually the sweep making sure the riders all the way in the back aren’t left behind or get lost. I am an avid supporter of complete streets. We not only need these projects to get people walking, biking, skateboarding, to get from one place to another. We need this for the sake of our health. I have seen firsthand what a healthy biking lifestyle has does to reduce weight, blood pressure, cholesterol. Besides the physical aspects the emotional aspects of socializing and being out reduces depression and assists with other mental health issues.

One of the common comments when I try to convince people to start riding with me is that they are not that good at riding and would not want to have the group have to wait for them. I let them know that we were all beginners at one time and that there are several groups who are more excited about new riders coming out than how fast they get to where they are going.

We need to be a society that brings out new walkers and riders. We need to get people to get out of their cars once in a while to get to work. In order to do this we need to first make it safe.

Yes, I support programs that support direct revenues to projects and programs that benefit pedestrians, bicyclists and transit-dependent communities.

Rolling…

4. In 2017, Assembly Members Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) introduced AB1103, a bill to enact an “Idaho Stop” adjustment to traffic code that allows cyclists to safely yield right of way at stop signs. This bill would help to reduce subjective traffic stops by law enforcement for a practice that is common by people on bikes and was endorsed by the L.A. Times Editorial Board. Will you commit to support an “Idaho Stop” bill that allows people on bikes to safely yield at stop signs as it comes up in the 2018 legislative session?

If you ever do a group ride you know how many people get separated from stops signs and red lights. There is safety in numbers and if we could roll through stop signs SAFELY as a group we would be able to stay together and be safer on the road. For those of you that ride in communities with hills being able to safely roll past a stop sign so that you don’t have to stop your momentum is beautiful.

I have ridden through cities that I will not name, where there are police officers ready to ticket bike riders who do not make a complete stop and put a foot down. I have seen officers pull over entire groups and attempt to ticket all of them.  I think some of these cities do this to discourage groups from riding in their streets. Passing this law will eliminate the subjective out of the enforcement and make it safer to ride together as a group where we are more visible to vehicles. On a personal note I ride with a friend named Estela who was hit by a car two miles from completing the Cinderella Ride in Pleasanton, CA.  The vehicle ran through a red light most likely while texting. I believe had Estella not been separated from a group because it takes her a bit longer to get going after a stop that she would have been much safer and easier to spot in a group of riders.

5. Would you support expanding state funding for bike share, and providing incentives for low-income individuals to afford high quality, family-friendly bikes that empower more economical mobility such as electric bikes and cargo bikes?

Yes, I would definitely support expanding state funding for bike share, and providing incentives for low-income individuals to afford high quality, family-friendly bikes that empower more economical mobility such as electric bikes and cargo bikes.

I would take it a step further and support non-profit organizations like East Side Riders and One More Move who are dedicated to get families especially in economically disadvantaged communities riding. Organizations like this give away bikes to kids and families and some establish community, family friendly rides on a regular basis.

I would also sponsor legislation to give employers incentives, or tax credits that have a public transportation plans and reward employees who walk, bike or take public transportation to work.

I would also create a state tax incentive for individuals to get a tax credit who use public transportation to commute to work.

Candidate campaign page: http://www.alexdeocampo.com/

Alex de Ocampo is a promising candidate for AD51, whose endorsement list includes former Bike The Vote L.A. endorsees Mike Gatto and Mitch O’Farrell. In his candidate response, de Ocampo makes strong commitments towards equitable transportation funding, the ‘Idaho Stop’ law (AB 1103), Vision Zero, and subsidies to make bike share systems more accessible to low-income residents.

Bike The Vote L.A. 2017 Primary Grade: A-

(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)

1. What future do you see for active mobility, and public transit in the daily lives of Angelenos, particularly those who lack access to cars and rely on these other modes as their primary way of getting around?

I grew up in Historic Filipinotown, Silver Lake, and Echo Park when gangs, drugs, and crime were rampant. We didn’t have safe routes to school and reliable public transit. These areas are now completely transformed and have better access to transit, and safer roads for pedestrians and bicyclists. I want to see Los Angeles continue down this path. Using the funds from Measure M, we can improve our transportation infrastructure, expand access to bus and rail lines and, and create more walkable neighborhoods. I also want to ensure these improvements benefit everyone. Too often when improvements come to a neighborhood, the current residents are priced out of the housing market and are displaced. I will make it a priority to fight for affordable housing along with public transit improvements.

2. Do you support Vision Zero, an approach to street safety that treats each fatality as preventable and seeks to eliminate traffic deaths on public roads?

Yes, I support Vision Zero. I believe it’s smart and effective to use data from the LA Department of Transportation’s High Injury Network to start making improvements where the greatest needs are first.

3. In Los Angeles, low-income communities of color are disproportionately burdened by the impacts of streets designed primarily for cars, without receiving proportional funding for their mobility modes like walking, biking, and quality mass transit. Would you support legislation to add a ‘complete streets’ policy to SB 1, California’s newly augmented gas tax, to direct revenues to projects and programs that benefit pedestrians, bicyclists and transit-dependent communities?

SB 1 requires Caltrans to incorporate the complete streets design concept to the Highway Design Manual by January 1, 2018. I would support legislation to require complete streets for all road projects, as well as advocate that funding decisions be made with the transportation justice principles in mind.

4. In 2017, Assembly Members Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) introduced AB1103, a bill to enact an “Idaho Stop” adjustment to traffic code that allows cyclists to safely yield right of way at stop signs. This bill would help to reduce subjective traffic stops by law enforcement for a practice that is common by people on bikes and was endorsed by the L.A. Times Editorial Board. Will you commit to support an “Idaho Stop” bill that allows people on bikes to safely yield at stop signs as it comes up in the 2018 legislative session?

Yes, I will support AB 1103 and similar legislation on this topic in the future.

5. Would you support expanding state funding for bike share, and providing incentives for low-income individuals to afford high quality, family-friendly bikes that empower more economical mobility such as electric bikes and cargo bikes?

Yes, I would support expanding state funding for bike share. I am in favor of helping low income individuals afford quality bikes for transportation purposes.

Candidate campaign page: http://www.vargasforassembly.com/

As a Board Member of CicLAvia, Mark Vargas has a impressive record of working to bring visibility to safe streets. His understanding or transportation issues shines through clearly in his thoughtful and detailed response to Bike The Vote L.A., which shows his commitment to improving safety and expanding mobility options for Angelenos equitably.

Bike The Vote L.A. 2017 Primary Grade: A-

(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)

1. What future do you see for active mobility, and public transit in the daily lives of Angelenos, particularly those who lack access to cars and rely on these other modes as their primary way of getting around?

There are a large number of Angelenos who rely on public transit and other alternatives on a daily basis. As our city continues to grow public transit and other alternatives will become primary modes of transportation for the majority of Angelenos. This is a future we must prepare and plan for now.

With the passage of Measure M, Los Angeles has an unprecedented investment in transportation happening right now. The future of mobility is already partially defined by a large investment in regional rail with additional support coming for bus operations as well. As this investment rolls out it is going to be key to make sure that we are providing strong connections to access the service through first and last mile solutions. However, public transit is just one piece of the pie. Considering that many of our trips that we take are under 3 miles we have an opportunity to build out infrastructure that allows for these trips to be made via bike, which are 1) good for the environment (and the wallet), and 2) can lead to freeing up our road network for other uses, such as goods delivery, important long commute trips, or even reprogramming it for open space. In order to get our bike infrastructure right I think that as a region we still need to continue to build out strong network examples. One case in point is looking at Downtown LA and the surrounding neighborhoods to show that strong example. This is why I’m looking forward to the recent BIG JUMP! Project that LADOT is going to be undertaking in DTLA with funding for People for Bikes to build out the bike network in DTLA. This project can help demonstrate what is possible locally.

In addition to supporting transit and improving our infrastructure for walking and biking I think that we need to continue to invest in providing access to new mobility solutions like bike sharing and car sharing. I see our mobility future as a menu of options that will include all of the above.

As a board member of Ciclavia, I have been involved in expanding the reach of Ciclavia across the County of Los Angeles. Since 2010 to now we have hosted several events, with another several planned for 2017-2018. Ciclavia has been a laboratory to help people reimagine our city streets. From partnering w/ AARP to fund pedicabs for seniors, to working with cities to create large linear parks to provide recreational opportunities to low-income communities, Ciclavia has been engaged in the politics of mobility and change. I am very proud to serve on that Board and to continue to push for increased events and to continue to use the platform to educate, collaborate, and experiment with the way we view and experience mobility and our streets.

2. Do you support Vision Zero, an approach to street safety that treats each fatality as preventable and seeks to eliminate traffic deaths on public roads?

I strongly support Vision Zero LA and its data driven approach to eliminating traffic fatalities; eliminating deaths caused by traffic is imperative and absolutely attainable. This is also an important goal we must achieve as we continue to the push towards growing our active streets and building a transit infrastructure that fosters the use of biking and walking. Vision Zero is also critically important for immigrant and working class communities as well as seniors and children. These are communities that are much more likely to depending on walking and biking to get around, however, lack safe options in their communities.

3. In Los Angeles, low-income communities of color are disproportionately burdened by the impacts of streets designed primarily for cars, without receiving proportional funding for their mobility modes like walking, biking, and quality mass transit. Would you support legislation to add a ‘complete streets’ policy to SB 1, California’s newly augmented gas tax, to direct revenues to projects and programs that benefit pedestrians, bicyclists and transit-dependent communities?

Yes. As I have stated previously, I believe that investment in building a holistic and comprehensive transit infrastructure network is critical to not only meeting the needs of Angelenos today, but also the future needs of our rapidly growing region. Infrastructure investments that encourage and improve the pedestrian as well as biking experience are essential. Our policies and spending need to reflect the interests of every community. Millions of residents across the LA region utilize public transit, walking, and biking as their primary mode of transportation. We must invest in that and address their needs.

4. In 2017, Assembly Members Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) introduced AB1103, a bill to enact an “Idaho Stop” adjustment to traffic code that allows cyclists to safely yield right of way at stop signs. This bill would help to reduce subjective traffic stops by law enforcement for a practice that is common by people on bikes and was endorsed by the L.A. Times Editorial Board. Will you commit to support an “Idaho Stop” bill that allows people on bikes to safely yield at stop signs as it comes up in the 2018 legislative session?

I support adjustments to the traffic code that will improve the flow of traffic, encourage cycling, and reduce the burden on our courts created by minor traffic offenses. I believe that this change in the law can improve safety by allowing bicyclists to maintain momentum and better control, putting them in a better position to avoid accidents and protect themselves. However, I think it is important that we work to address the safety concerns raised by many stakeholders such as law enforcement. In the end, I believe that this is an improvement to our bicycle and traffic safety measures and look forward to working with Assemblymember Ting and Obernolte to improve upon their existing legislation during the second half of the current legislative cycle.

5. Would you support expanding state funding for bike share, and providing incentives for low-income individuals to afford high quality, family-friendly bikes that empower more economical mobility such as electric bikes and cargo bikes?

Yes! As a board member of CicLAvia, I have worked diligently to promote bicycling, walking, and other alternative forms of transportation. Biking and walking not only activate our neighborhood streets, but also make them safer, healthier, and promote community. Access to transit and mobility are directly linked to socio-economic status. Our low-income neighbors often lead the way in having low carbon footprints and they are the most likely to rely on public transit, walking, and biking. Successfully expanding bike sharing to low-income communities has been a national challenge, but I believe there are some good examples out there that the State could help fund that address creating access to the unbanked and that can support thoughtful partnerships with community based organizations to support roll-out of successful systems in low-income communities. Furthermore, I support funding for programs that can also put E-bikes and cargo bikes in the hands of low-income individuals and families.

Candidate campaign page: http://www.mikefong.org/

Mike Fong’s long career in public service includes work as a deputy under City Councilman Ed Reyes and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. In his current job, he provides support to neighborhood councils at L.A.’s Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. He’s also a Trustee of the L.A. Community College District. In his response to Bike The Vote L.A., Fong promises to champion protected bike lanes, Vision Zero, equitable transportation funding, and adoption of an ‘Idaho Stop’ law.

Bike The Vote L.A. 2017 Primary Grade: B+

(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)

1. What future do you see for active mobility, and public transit in the daily lives of Angelenos, particularly those who lack access to cars and rely on these other modes as their primary way of getting around?

To be a truly great city, Los Angeles has to break out of the car-first model that we have lived with for the last 75 years. We cannot rely on the potential of future technology (self-driving cars etc)—we have to use what we know works (bicycles, walking, light rail, subways, busses). As a representative of North East Los Angeles, I will be a champion for protected bike lanes, walking paths and public transit connectors. I will look for ways to connect our district to the Los Angeles River that will be going through a multi-million dollar renovation.

2. Do you support Vision Zero, an approach to street safety that treats each fatality as preventable and seeks to eliminate traffic deaths on public roads?

I absolutely support the Vision Zero approach. As Director of Policy and Government Relations for the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, (they oversee neighborhood councils) I have worked closely with the Vision Zero staff on outreach implementation throughout our city.

3. In Los Angeles, low-income communities of color are disproportionately burdened by the impacts of streets designed primarily for cars, without receiving proportional funding for their mobility modes like walking, biking, and quality mass transit. Would you support legislation to add a ‘complete streets’ policy to SB 1, California’s newly augmented gas tax, to direct revenues to projects and programs that benefit pedestrians, bicyclists and transit-dependent communities?

Yes. While California’s roads and bridges are badly in need of repair, we have to repair them with the future needs of residents in mind. We have to integrate our transportation infrastructure with the awareness that commuters are, more often than not, going to be using multiple systems in a single commute. Failing to adapt now will cost our community and our environment in the long run.

4. In 2017, Assembly Members Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) introduced AB1103, a bill to enact an “Idaho Stop” adjustment to traffic code that allows cyclists to safely yield right of way at stop signs. This bill would help to reduce subjective traffic stops by law enforcement for a practice that is common by people on bikes and was endorsed by the L.A. Times Editorial Board. Will you commit to support an “Idaho Stop” bill that allows people on bikes to safely yield at stop signs as it comes up in the 2018 legislative session?

Yes. Assemblymember Phil Ting is a strong supporter of our campaign because we have similar ideals for the future of California. The Idaho Stop is common sense and our laws should be modernized to reflect the every day reality of Transportation.

5. Would you support expanding state funding for bike share, and providing incentives for low-income individuals to afford high quality, family-friendly bikes that empower more economical mobility such as electric bikes and cargo bikes?

Yes. The high cost of living and the extreme burden of rent in Los Angeles means that the poorest residents are saddled with the longest and most difficult commutes. Assembly District 51 is the ideal community that needs state funding for bike share programs.

Candidate campaign page: http://velaforassembly.com/

Despite the endorsement of anti-Vision Zero Councilmember Gil Cedillo, David Vela offered a well-rounded and encouraging platform on safe streets in his response to Bike The Vote L.A., including commitments to expanding bike share, Vision Zero, equitable transportation funding, and adoption of an ‘Idaho Stop’ law in California.

Bike The Vote L.A. 2017 Primary Grade: B+

(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)

1. What future do you see for active mobility, and public transit in the daily lives of Angelenos, particularly those who lack access to cars and rely on these other modes as their primary way of getting around?

Improving L.A. County’s public transportation system is one of the most important ways to improve the lives of the working class communities I hope to represent. While the Metro expansion ensured by Measure M is a tremendous step in the right direction, District 51 still will need an efficient system of public transportation that grants people a reasonable alternative to driving. This underlies the urgent need to create safe, accessible, reliable, and most importantly, affordable means of public transportation to everyone in District 51. Prioritizing pedestrians, bikers, and public transit development can tackle the outrageous traffic conditions that Angelenos suffer through on a daily basis.

2. Do you support Vision Zero, an approach to street safety that treats each fatality as preventable and seeks to eliminate traffic deaths on public roads?

Yes. I wholeheartedly support the Mobility Plan’s goal of zero traffic deaths by 2035. Safety is of the utmost priority. While District 51 has some of the best communities in terms of quality of living, we at the same time have some of the busiest intersections in LA that are frequented heavily by traffic and susceptible to potential fatalities. By building complete streets in District 51 that are accessible to pedestrians and bikers instead of cars exclusively, we are one step closer to achieving Vision Zero’s primary objective. It is my duty to work tirelessly with members of the Assembly and the city’s transportation agency to ensure a safer traffic environment for all in District 51.

3. In Los Angeles, low-income communities of color are disproportionately burdened by the impacts of streets designed primarily for cars, without receiving proportional funding for their mobility modes like walking, biking, and quality mass transit. Would you support legislation to add a ‘complete streets’ policy to SB 1, California’s newly augmented gas tax, to direct revenues to projects and programs that benefit pedestrians, bicyclists and transit-dependent communities?

Absolutely. My overriding transportation goal for AD51 is to provide sustainable transportation alternatives that deviate from the dependency on cars. The way to do so is to create incentives to construct the facilities that would encourage more pedestrians and bicyclists on the road. Directing revenues from the new gas tax would help accelerate our goals of ensuring complete streets for all members of District 51.

4. In 2017, Assembly Members Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) introduced AB1103, a bill to enact an “Idaho Stop” adjustment to traffic code that allows cyclists to safely yield right of way at stop signs. This bill would help to reduce subjective traffic stops by law enforcement for a practice that is common by people on bikes and was endorsed by the L.A. Times Editorial Board. Will you commit to support an “Idaho Stop” bill that allows people on bikes to safely yield at stop signs as it comes up in the 2018 legislative session?

Yes, I am committed to the “Idaho Stop” bill because it will ensure two fundamentals: first, it protects bicyclists from potential accidents by maximizing not just their safety, but also the safety of the driver. Second, this legislation will improve traffic inefficiencies by avoiding severe miscommunication between cyclists and drivers, especially during times of a busy traffic climate. This etiquette may already be common to some, but it is yet to appear in the law.

5. Would you support expanding state funding for bike share, and providing incentives for low-income individuals to afford high quality, family-friendly bikes that empower more economical mobility such as electric bikes and cargo bikes?

Yes, certainly. A healthier environment is clearly the desired side effect of promoting green transportation. I will also look at State ATP grants to ensure these goals are met. My goal is to ensure that the opportunity to travel in a safer and healthier manner is enjoyed by not just the wealthy, but all. In the Assembly, I’ll fight to provide the necessary incentives so that working class communities share the benefits of our green transportation reforms.

Candidate campaign page: http://birnbaumforassembly.com/

A physician with a focus on universal healthcare, Ron Birnbaum has worked to educate himself on the intersectional aspect of transportation policy. In his response to Bike The Vote L.A., he expresses his vision for healthier, more walkable and bikeable communities connected by public transportation. Bike The Vote L.A. appreciates Birnbaum’s commitment towards bike share and an ‘Idaho Stop’ law, and sees promise in his evolving support for Vision Zero.

Bike The Vote L.A. 2017 Primary Grade: B

(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)

1. What future do you see for active mobility, and public transit in the daily lives of Angelenos, particularly those who lack access to cars and rely on these other modes as their primary way of getting around?

I would like to see Los Angeles (and all America) move in the direction of thoughtfully generated increased urban density that meets the human need for housing and that comes with walkability, bikeability, easily accessible and safe greenspace, and a robust system of public transportation.  I would love this to be complemented by a joyful and vibrant street life.

2. Do you support Vision Zero, an approach to street safety that treats each fatality as preventable and seeks to eliminate traffic deaths on public roads?

I support it.  It fits a model of harm reduction and data driven governance that I respect.  However, as we discussed, I would stress that it needs to be implemented with really robust community consultation and buy-in.  Traffic and commute times are real problems for real people.  We should not hold up progress because it comes with “side-effects” but we should always more to minimize them and also realize that residents who are bought-in and well-informed will be willing to make sacrifices of some things for the achievement of shared goals that speak to them. Implementation failures can kill the very best ideas and policies.

3. In Los Angeles, low-income communities of color are disproportionately burdened by the impacts of streets designed primarily for cars, without receiving proportional funding for their mobility modes like walking, biking, and quality mass transit. Would you support legislation to add a ‘complete streets’ policy to SB 1, California’s newly augmented gas tax, to direct revenues to projects and programs that benefit pedestrians, bicyclists and transit-dependent communities?

I would.  However, to fully answer a question like this one has to assess what else is not being funded and how important that is.  But it is a mistake to just build more highways, induce more demand, not improve commute times anyhow, and still fail to support underserved communities as your question mentions.

4. In 2017, Assembly Members Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) introduced AB1103, a bill to enact an “Idaho Stop” adjustment to traffic code that allows cyclists to safely yield right of way at stop signs. This bill would help to reduce subjective traffic stops by law enforcement for a practice that is common by people on bikes and was endorsed by the L.A. Times Editorial Board. Will you commit to support an “Idaho Stop” bill that allows people on bikes to safely yield at stop signs as it comes up in the 2018 legislative session?

I would.

5. Would you support expanding state funding for bike share, and providing incentives for low-income individuals to afford high quality, family-friendly bikes that empower more economical mobility such as electric bikes and cargo bikes?

I would.  I myself have benefited from public  subsidies for my plug-in hybrid car (a 2012 Chevy Volt) and for solar panels and a Level 2 charger at my home. Although in so doing government has encouraged me as an early adopter of these important technologies, it does seem wrong that essentially these subsidies go to higher income individuals.  So I like both the goal of this program idea to encourage bike use (and special types) and that it is targeted to lower income individuals.  I also like bike share, which is a great example of innovative cooperative economics, as we discussed.

Candidate campaign page: http://www.patrick51.org/

Patrick Koppula is an inspiring candidate focused on a more equitable and human-centered legislative platform. Koppula’s response to Bike The Vote L.A. shows a focus on improving active transportation in Los Angeles. While some of his answers stop short of firm commitments towards progressive transportation policy, he says he is focused on working to build more walkable and bikeable communities.

Bike The Vote L.A. 2017 Primary Grade: B

(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)

1. What future do you see for active mobility, and public transit in the daily lives of Angelenos, particularly those who lack access to cars and rely on these other modes as their primary way of getting around?

My first commute was a seven minute *walk*. And I’ve prioritized activeness and time-effectiveness in my own transportation ever since. Through a person-centered policy analysis, I’ve learned a goal for people in AD 51, across circumstances, is a place to live that is healthy and a manageable distance from work and school. I think demand for active mobility and public transit will continue to rise in the future because they contribute to healthy living and distance manageability for people.

2. Do you support Vision Zero, an approach to street safety that treats each fatality as preventable and seeks to eliminate traffic deaths on public roads?

I read Fahrenheit 451 shortly before I took my drivers license test. That’s how I learned Ray Bradbury refused to drive an automobile. Thus, he avoided responsibility for traffic deaths for most of his life. The question of *who* takes responsibility for traffic deaths is on my mind because of mobility innovations like robot cars. So, I concur with “Vision Zero” with taking an explicitly ethical approach to traffic fatalities.

3. In Los Angeles, low-income communities of color are disproportionately burdened by the impacts of streets designed primarily for cars, without receiving proportional funding for their mobility modes like walking, biking, and quality mass transit. Would you support legislation to add a ‘complete streets’ policy to SB 1, California’s newly augmented gas tax, to direct revenues to projects and programs that benefit pedestrians, bicyclists and transit-dependent communities?

I was unpacking boxes shortly after moving to Los Angeles and my child was looking out the front window. “Daddy where are all the people?”. A few days later we were doing the same thing and this time I asked her what she was looking at. “Daddy there are more cars than people here.” We had moved from a neighborhood made for walking to a neighborhood made for parking and she was picking up on the differences in design. When at the State level we are empowering local communities with discretion and funding to design streets for what they use them for, than low-income communities can design their streets for how walking, biking, and quality mass transit fit into their lives.

4. In 2017, Assembly Members Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) introduced AB1103, a bill to enact an “Idaho Stop” adjustment to traffic code that allows cyclists to safely yield right of way at stop signs. This bill would help to reduce subjective traffic stops by law enforcement for a practice that is common by people on bikes and was endorsed by the L.A. Times Editorial Board. Will you commit to support an “Idaho Stop” bill that allows people on bikes to safely yield at stop signs as it comes up in the 2018 legislative session?

I grew up riding a Huffy through un-controlled intersections in a residential neighborhood. I don’t recall any confusion or confrontation between drivers and us bicyclists. I think this is because norms aligned our expectations. Even at more complicated – sometimes despite the control systems – communication and habitual norms save us all. Take pulling to the curb for a vehicle with a siren, for instance. Street norms in some places are in flux. I think confusion and confrontation will subside when we clarify street expectations. So though I do not yet know if AB1103 is the bill, I will commit to supporting bills to clarify new norms like Idaho Stop.

5. Would you support expanding state funding for bike share, and providing incentives for low-income individuals to afford high quality, family-friendly bikes that empower more economical mobility such as electric bikes and cargo bikes?

I’ll approach transportation innovation from a framework of equitable impact. I drive a Bolt, a provocative option for middle income people because of State incentives that eased the start up pricing problem for GM. Transportation innovations at all price points face the same start up pricing problem. Extending the incentive approach to lower price transportation alternatives will empower low-income persons to participate in the process choosing our mobility future.