Candidate campaign page: http://www.wyant4council.com/

Scott Wyant has a keen understanding of the long-term goals to provide Culver City with more diverse mobility options. As a Culver City Planning Commissioner, he supported incorporating needed bicycle connections into the design for the Expo Line-adjacent Ivy Station development project. Also a former member of the committee overseeing development of Culver City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, Mr. Wyant has deep knowledge and experience with the opportunities and challenges for implementing livable streets in Culver City. We have some concerns with Mr. Wyant’s hesitancy to prioritize the safety and mobility needs of vulnerable road users above the convenience of drivers passing through Culver City, and hope to see him continue to develop a platform and strategy that puts safety first. With his depth of experience and understanding, Scott Wyant will make a strong advocate for a more multi-modal Culver City.

Bike The Vote L.A. 2016 Grade: A-

(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)

1. What would an ideal transportation system for Culver City consist of? What mode options, considerations for people of different ages and abilities, and innovative features would that transportation system include?

Wyant: An ideal transportation system for Culver City would be multi-modal, with a focus on shared transport, walking and biking.  For the purposes of this document, please assume that when I talk about “biking,” I’m referring to the casual bicyclist, rather than the dedicated cyclist who travels everywhere on two wheels.  If we can get casual cyclists to opt for a bike on 10% of their trips, we can make a huge difference in traffic, air, health and safety problems.  Culver City, like most urban areas, is also experiencing an explosion of interest and participation in such transportation sharing services as Uber and Lyft.  These services have their downsides, but if properly managed they can improve the fabric of Westside transportation – especially given the new Metro station.

2. With so many people on foot and on bike killed each year while commuting in Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles recently adopted a “Vision Zero” policy to work towards eliminating traffic deaths in the City of L.A. by 2025. Would you support adopting Vision Zero for Culver City?

Wyant: From the website link you provide, it is clear that Los Angeles is adopting a data-driven approach to VisionZero, and I would support such an approach in Culver City.  We have a much less complicated and more constrained system of roadways than LA, and most of our streets are extremely narrow, which presents engineering challenges.  We need to take a formal look at what we can and cannot do to encourage more walking and cycling, while keeping in mind that many of our citizens are not able to walk or cycle to the places they need to go.

3. Culver City is considering implementing protected bike lanes – bike lanes separated from vehicles by a physical barrier – in two key locations: 1) on National Blvd to close the gap between the two halves of the Expo Bike Path that extend to USC/Expo Park to the East and Santa Monica to the West, and 2) on Washington Blvd connecting the Expo Line Culver City station to Downtown Culver City. Do you support these projects, which may require a dedication of developer land and/or a reduction of on-street car parking spaces?

Wyant: If I read this question correctly, you are describing exactly the solution that the Culver City Planning Commission (of which I am a member) imposed on the developer of the new Ivy Station development rising on the Metro station parking lot at the corner of National and Washington.  Those bike lanes (and bike boxes) are part of our Conditions of Approval for the project – conditions that I advocated and supported, along with plentiful bike parking (both long and short term) throughout the project.

4. Would you support bringing a bike share system to Culver City, and if so, what will you do to expedite its installation?

Wyant: I have supported a bike share system in Culver City for 5 years, since we visited my daughter in Barcelona and saw the system in action. I’ve also used bike shares in Denver and San Francisco, and I know they work.  As the Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Transportation Task Force, I have actively lobbied for a bike share system, perhaps in concert with Los Angeles or Santa Monica.  One of the problems we face is that for many people who might want to use a shared bike system, their destination lies outside the city (Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, the Marina), and we have to come up with a way to allow them to drop off their bikes in those locations.  The city is in talks with both Santa Monica and Los Angeles about this situation, and I will continue to participate in those discussions, once I am elected.

5. The City Council recently voted to prioritize vehicular travel through Culver City over providing pedestrian access for local residents to businesses and Culver City Park. Do you support the removal of crosswalks at Duquesne & Jefferson and Summertime Lane/Jordan Way & Jefferson?

Wyant: This is a situation where the present meets the future.  Traffic is backing up on Duquesne all the way to Washington Blvd., which in turn causes gridlock on traffic moving through the whole downtown neighborhood, resulting in cut-through traffic on formerly quiet streets.  Until we can address the issue of people who use Culver City streets as an alternative to the freeway, we have to make hard choices.  Personally, I would have preferred to see a more creative solution – perhaps a green light for pedestrians for 10-15 seconds before the green light for autos, followed by a longer light for those cars to turn onto Jefferson.  The letter writer in your link also suggests traffic circles on Jefferson – an idea I think has merit, and that I would encourage Public Works to explore

6. Do you presently bike in Culver City? What are your experiences, or if not, what would it take to make you feel comfortable biking on city streets?

Wyant: I do bike in Culver City.  I was the founding secretary of the Culver City Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Committee.  I consider myself a “casual” bicyclist, one who needs to be encouraged to bicycle rather than just grab the car keys.  My wife and I also walk a lot.  That said, I will NOT cycle on any street which I know to be heavily traveled by cars – Braddock Ave., for example.  The pleasure is taken away from the experience, and I bike for pleasure.  I cannot help but think of the Mayor of Los Angeles, cycling in a large group, in a bike lane on Venice Blvd. who STILL got “doored.” Unfortunately, most Culver City streets are far too narrow to allow for a lane of traffic, plus a dedicated bicycle lane.   Where it’s feasible, I’d support such lanes – but those feasible places are rare.

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

Göran Eriksson presents a strong, bike-friendly platform through support for a Vision Zero policy in Culver City, support for a bike share system, and the need to provide access to transit for bicycle commuters, particularly between the Expo Line and Downtown Culver City. As a Culver City Chamber of Commerce board member, there’s no doubt that Mr. Eriksson understands the ways in which a connected, safe, and convenient network for bicycle transportation helps local businesses and the local economy. We were troubled by Mr. Eriksson’s support for removing crosswalks on Jefferson Blvd, where we would prefer to see priority placed on the mobility needs of local residents aiming to commute and/or get exercise on foot. We also would like to see more prioritization and urgency from Mr. Eriksson for bicycle infrastructure, including making the sometimes difficult decision to reallocate roadway space to make it safer to bike and walk. But we have faith that Mr. Eriksson’s vision for a safe and convenient transportation system – and his knowledge of European models for bicycle infrastructure – will make him a thoughtful advocate on the City Council of a more bikeable and safer Culver City.

Bike The Vote L.A. 2016 Grade: B+

(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)

1. What would an ideal transportation system for Culver City consist of? What mode options, considerations for people of different ages and abilities, and innovative features would that transportation system include?

Eriksson: The ideal system would be a public transportation system that was commuter-oriented, coordinating bus and light rail schedules so that rider could count on efficient and timely transportation to and from their destinations. Today, we have a rail system and a bus system, but they act largely independently. We need to have them work together seamlessly as part of a multi-modal transportation network. Taking that a step further, we must develop an extensive system of dedicated/separated bike/walk paths to connect with the Expo Line, our main commercial areas, residential neighborhoods and schools. In short, we must make it easy, reliable and timely for commuters and recreational users to go from their front door to their destination by using some combination of walking, biking and public transportation. I am also a proponent of a bike- and/or car-share program throughout Culver City to provide added flexibility. In addition, I believe the blossoming of the sharing economy gives us the opportunity to provide incentives for services like Uber and Lyft to drop and pick up passengers at locations that work best for our system (major transportation hubs, shopping destinations, etc.). That is something the city should explore immediately since it helps both reduce traffic and demand for parking.

2. With so many people on foot and on bike killed each year while commuting in Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles recently adopted a “Vision Zero” policy to work towards eliminating traffic deaths in the City of L.A. by 2025. Would you support adopting Vision Zero for Culver City?

Eriksson: Yes.

3. Culver City is considering implementing protected bike lanes – bike lanes separated from vehicles by a physical barrier – in two key locations: 1) on National Blvd to close the gap between the two halves of the Expo Bike Path that extend to USC/Expo Park to the East and Santa Monica to the West, and 2) on Washington Blvd connecting the Expo Line Culver City station to Downtown Culver City. Do you support these projects, which may require a dedication of developer land and/or a reduction of on-street car parking spaces?

Eriksson: I support the creation of dedicated bike paths where possible. Specifically, I believe that a path between the Expo Station and Downtown Culver City should be pursued because it will help make commuting using the light rail safer and more appealing. Looking at how similar pathways have been developed in Europe, I believe that the natural connection between our Downtown and the Expo Station is from the west end (Venice Boulevard side of the station). That is the shortest distance and it is a route that should be explored.

4. Would you support bringing a bike share system to Culver City, and if so, what will you do to expedite its installation?

Eriksson: I believe in a bike-share system, but in order for such a system to be effective in our city, it must be part of a larger, regional system. I believe Culver City can be a leader in working with the City of Los Angeles and Metro to push hard for the establishment of such a system and can work within our city to provide the needed amenities (bike lockers, vending locations for patch kits, etc.) to make it successful.

5. The City Council recently voted to prioritize vehicular travel through Culver City over providing pedestrian access for local residents to businesses and Culver City Park. Do you support the removal of crosswalks at Duquesne & Jefferson and Summertime Lane/Jordan Way & Jefferson?

Eriksson: This is a decision that has already been made by the Council, and while it will increase pedestrian safety at those intersections by minimizing left-turn conflicts with cars, it is important for us to create safe, walkable streets throughout our city. Sometimes that will mean adding crosswalks to facilitate easier crossings for pedestrians and other times it will mean encouraging pedestrians to cross where it is safer for them to do so.

6. Do you presently bike in Culver City? What are your experiences, or if not, what would it take to make you feel comfortable biking on city streets?

Eriksson: I do bike on a regular basis, but I ride primarily on neighborhood streets, Culver Boulevard and the Ballona Creek Bike Path. Like many recreational cyclists, I’m not comfortable riding on streets with lots of traffic (Sepulveda, Overland, Washington, etc.). I, and many others, would ride more if we can find a way to make it safer by creating separated bike paths, something I definitely support.

Candidate campaign page: http://tiggs4council.nationbuilder.com/

Marcus Tiggs carries a depth of knowledge of bicycle infrastructure and the benefits of a transportation system that offers options to different modes. We greatly appreciate his support for Vision Zero, the need to reduce speeding in order to improve roadway safety, and his desire to bring bike share to Culver City. Two items give us pause in Mr. Tiggs platform: 1) his support of an unbalanced plan that removed crosswalks from Jefferson Blvd. to prioritize speeding traffic through Culver City, and 2) his lukewarm support for protected bike lanes. We hope to see Mr. Tiggs develop these positions as the need for quality pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure becomes a more clear component of improving roadway safety, and as protected bike lanes become more and more common as a proven, safety-enhancing design treatment. We look forward to seeing Marcus Tiggs as an advocate for a balanced transportation system in Culver City.

Bike The Vote L.A. 2016 Grade: B+

(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)

1. What would an ideal transportation system for Culver City consist of? What mode options, considerations for people of different ages and abilities, and innovative features would that transportation system include?

Tiggs: A Layered roadway system prioritize modes of transportation (transit / bicycle / vehicle). My ideal transportation system for Culver City is a balanced system via a layered network to safeguard safety and mobility of all users (i.e. the disabled, seniors, children, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists). A robust transportation system must accommodate public needs and consider safety of all users. This would be the foundation of a well-planned transportation system. A positive transportation system uses multiple modes to give range of mobility options for users. Each street would accommodate all modes while a layered network serves to emphasize a particular mode on a particular street as part of a larger system. A layered network approach has the benefit of increasing connectivity between modes. Expanding active transportation networks increase opportunities for the transit dependent to better connect people to work and play.

2. With so many people on foot and on bike killed each year while commuting in Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles recently adopted a “Vision Zero” policy to work towards eliminating traffic deaths in the City of L.A. by 2025. Would you support adopting Vision Zero for Culver City?

Tiggs: Yes. In implementing Vision Zero we would want to prioritize areas of the City with the most need for safety improvements. Vision Zero policies can slow down traffic on the streets, hence reduce the amount of accidents. With Vision Zero as a road safety policy it would promote smart behaviors for all users. Smart roadway design that anticipates mistakes would further reduce severe collisions resulting in injury or death. Several other cities throughout the U.S. have successfully adopted the Vision Zero (i.e. New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Chicago, San Jose, and San Diego).

3. Culver City is considering implementing protected bike lanes – bike lanes separated from vehicles by a physical barrier – in two key locations: 1) on National Blvd to close the gap between the two halves of the Expo Bike Path that extend to USC/Expo Park to the East and Santa Monica to the West, and 2) on Washington Blvd connecting the Expo Line Culver City station to Downtown Culver City. Do you support these projects, which may require a dedication of developer land and/or a reduction of on-street car parking spaces?

Tiggs: Implementation of separated bike lanes (“SBL”) requires safety research and design guidance. I would request city staff provide an assessment of accident data on SBLs. Developing SBL planning / design information based on safety studies can better accommodate bicycle transportation and promote safety for all transportation users. Accounting for fact SBLs can reduce on-street parking, it is critical for all stakeholders (i.e. residents, businesses and riders). Culver City needs a walkable Washington Blvd (Expo Line CC Station / Downtown CC). Bicycle infrastructure (“BI”) can also bring positive economic impacts to local business. Urban cyclists are an attractive demographic for local businesses. Cyclists are selective, skilled, loyal and spend more money where they shop than their driving counterparts. A safe BI is important to cyclists and the community as a whole thus important for businesses who want to attract cyclists.

4. Would you support bringing a bike share system to Culver City, and if so, what will you do to expedite its installation?

Tiggs: I do support a bike share system. As of August 2014, more than 600 cities worldwide had a bike-sharing program. Locally, Santa Monica just rolled out a program which extends as far south as Venice. LACMTA recently voted to approve Metro’s selected vendor, Bicycle Transit Systems, Inc. to launch a long-awaited regional bike share program in L.A. County. As part of a bike sharing pilot project, the firm will install almost 1,100 bikes at 65 stations in DTLA. Due to budget constraints, to fund a bike share system the city would need find a corporate sponsor, seek a grants from Federal Transit Administration or other agencies. This funding in part could possibly come from developer impact fees as well

5. The City Council recently voted to prioritize vehicular travel through Culver City over providing pedestrian access for local residents to businesses and Culver City Park. Do you support the removal of crosswalks at Duquesne & Jefferson and Summertime Lane/Jordan Way & Jefferson?

Tiggs: Yes. The city staff with the help from an outside traffic engineering firm spent countless months reviewing ways to maintain the crosswalks however with the balancing of pedestrian needs and that of traffic flow the removal appears to have been the proper choice. While pedestrians lose access easterly pedestrian and cyclist safety will be improved. For instance on Duquesne, parking will be removed from the Duquesne bridge, thereby providing a greater buffer for cyclists. The project also supports cyclists with the addition of a new northbound bicycle left-turn lane from Duquesne onto the La Ballona Creed Bike Path.

6. Do you presently bike in Culver City? What are your experiences, or if not, what would it take to make you feel comfortable biking on city streets?

Tiggs: I do not regularly bike however my wife does. I would feel more comfortable biking in the city if there were more dedicated bicycle lanes.

Candidate campaign page: http://www.vote4jay2016.com/

While we appreciated that former Culver City Detective Jay Garacochea responded to our questionnaire, we were disappointed with the positions he articulated. In the most recent 2013 Governor’s Office of Traffic Safety study, Culver City ranked 11th worst in California of 92 peer cities for pedestrian injuries & fatalities and 17th worst for bike-related injuries & fatalities. When Mr. Garacochea explains, “I feel as though our current public transit system is the best the city has to offer,” he displays no urgency or resolve to address the important challenges that Culver City faces to improve safety for its most vulnerable road users. In his answers to Bike The Vote L.A, Mr. Garacochea notes he supports inconveniencing residents’ access on foot in order to prioritize car traffic through Culver City. Mr. Garacochea is hesitant to support a needed safe bike connection between the Expo Line and Downtown Culver City or even to support bringing bike share to Culver City. We are encouraged that he expresses an interest in seeing an increase in bike lanes throughout the City, but considering his reluctance to put safety first in roadway design, Mr. Garacochea makes it clear that he does not currently hold positions that would make him a bike-friendly candidate.

Bike The Vote L.A. 2016 Grade: C-

(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)

1. What would an ideal transportation system for Culver City consist of? What mode options, considerations for people of different ages and abilities, and innovative features would that transportation system include?

Garacochea: I feel as though our current public transit system is the best the city has to offer.  I feel as though we should take a look on how the system is ran and ask the users for input on how they would improve it.  The city needs to look into innovative ways to save money and still offer quality service.

2. With so many people on foot and on bike killed each year while commuting in Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles recently adopted a “Vision Zero” policy to work towards eliminating traffic deaths in the City of L.A. by 2025. Would you support adopting Vision Zero for Culver City?

Garacochea: I would be in support of Vision Zero.  Public safety should always be a priority to any city, I should know, I worked as a traffic officer for Culver City Police Department for years.  However, I believe that if you have to begin with the police department.  The police need to be fully staffed and trained, selective enforcement of problem intersections, and enforcing speed laws.  I would like to know who much the plan would cost the city and if there would be any grant funds available through the U.S. Department of Transportation.

3. Culver City is considering implementing protected bike lanes – bike lanes separated from vehicles by a physical barrier – in two key locations: 1) on National Blvd to close the gap between the two halves of the Expo Bike Path that extend to USC/Expo Park to the East and Santa Monica to the West, and 2) on Washington Blvd connecting the Expo Line Culver City station to Downtown Culver City. Do you support these projects, which may require a dedication of developer land and/or a reduction of on-street car parking spaces?

Garacochea: I more than likely would not support these projects based on this question alone. I would have to evaluate the impact on traffic and consider how many individuals ride their bicycles between the metro and downtown Culer City.  Another consideration is the overall cost of the project.  What other cities have done this and what types of results did they have?

4. Would you support bringing a bike share system to Culver City, and if so, what will you do to expedite its installation?

Garacochea: Before supporting the bike share program, I would have to speak to city employees and council members in Santa Monica, Fullerton, or other cities that have the program.  I would like to know what results, positive and negative, they have experienced.  What problems have other cities experienced during the roll out of the program?  I would also like to hear from individuals that use the bike share program and their thoughts.

5. The City Council recently voted to prioritize vehicular travel through Culver City over providing pedestrian access for local residents to businesses and Culver City Park. Do you support the removal of crosswalks at Duquesne & Jefferson and Summertime Lane/Jordan Way & Jefferson?

Garacochea: I do support the removal of the crosswalk.  Again, as a former motor officer, I have seen the issues that drivers face on a daily basis.  The removal of those particular crosswalks do not inconvenience the pedestrian as much as it does increase the flow of traffic.  This city is going to become worse to drive, walk, and bike in before it becomes better.  Therefore the city needs to be aggressive and make changes like this.

6. Do you presently bike in Culver City? What are your experiences, or if not, what would it take to make you feel comfortable biking on city streets?

Garacochea: I do bicycle in Culver City and enjoy riding down to Venice Beach.  I recently purchased a tandem bicycle for my wife and I. When I worked for Culver City, I would ride my bicycle to work every day.  I was one of two employees at the police department that took advantage of the city’s incentive program.  I had mostly good experiences with riding my bike to work.  However, I would avoid eastbound Washington Bl adjacent to Sony Studios because of the narrow lanes.  I would like to see an increase in bike lanes throughout the city.  I do enjoy the new bike lane on Washington Place and the safety it provides as we ride to and from the beach.