The 2016 California state legislative election will determine the path ahead for safe streets at the state level. Will California provide funding for active transportation in line with Caltrans’ goal to triple bicycle trips by 2020? Will the Legislature support and augment local efforts to reduce Los Angeles’ hit & run epidemic? Will we take additional steps to ensure equity is built into transportation policy? Or will the state continue to expand costly freeways to detriment of its residents and the environment?

Bike The Vote L.A. members  have reviewed the California Bicycle Coalition’s 2015 ranking of California legislators, candidate responses to the California Bicycle Coalition’s questionnaire, and responses from candidates to Bike The Vote L.A.’s own questionnaire for select races. See below for our 2016 California Primary endorsements, and click through to see full candidate responses.

2016 California Primary election: Tuesday, June 7th, 7am-8pm
Find your polling place: http://lavote.net/locator
Register to vote: http://bit.ly/btvregister

ENDORSEMENT: KATHERINE PEREZ-ESTOLANO FOR CA SENATE DISTRICT 25

Those familiar with Katherine Perez-Estolano and her work in Southern California know her as a strong advocate on the environment. She has dedicated her career, which has spanned the public, private and nonprofit sectors, to working with communities on sustainable transportation and development solutions. Her responses to the CalBike survey showed that she understands the role the state can play in stitching together and strengthening our fragmented bike networks. We’re especially excited by her proposal to accelerate multi-jurisdictional active transportation projects, recognizing – as anyone in the San Gabriel Valley most certainly would – that city borders do not determine where people need to bike. She is the only candidate for Senate District 25 with a background studying and working in development, land use, and transportation, and she would bring a knowledgeable and forceful voice in those areas. With an exceptional range of experience that will help to make her a superb leader on active transportation, Katherine Perez-Estolano gets our enthusiastic endorsement for California State Senate.

[Click HERE for Katherine Perez-Estolano’s full CalBike questionnaire responses]

ENDORSEMENT: HENRY STERN FOR CA SENATE DISTRICT 27

The contest to succeed Senator Fran Pavley in California State Senate District 27 is a tight race between five accomplished candidates. The district is so important that we sent out our own questionnaire to all five candidates to better understand their respective platforms on active transportation. While we did not hear back from three of the candidates, we received very thoughtful and promising responses from Henry Stern and Janice Kamenir-Reznik. Both candidates laid out an encouraging understanding of what it will take to develop a more sustainable transportation system. And each focused on prioritizing active transportation for the benefit of District 27, which encompasses the western San Fernando Valley (including Encino, Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Porter Ranch, Reseda, and Tarzana) as well as parts of Ventura County.

We are particularly encouraged by Henry Stern’s first-hand experience in advancing sustainable transportation options as the senior policy advisor to Senator Pavley, his commitment to double funding for the state Active Transportation Program, and his own personal experience as a daily bicycle commuter in Sacramento. With his depth of experience advocating for a more sustainable California, it is no surprise that he is endorsed by the Sierra Club and the California League of Conservation Voters. As an advocate for sustainable transportation options, Henry Stern earns our endorsement for California State Senate District 27.

[Click HERE for Henry Stern’s full Bike The Vote L.A. questionnaire responses]

ENDORSEMENT: JOSH NEWMAN FOR CA SENATE DISTRICT 29

Senator Bob Huff fas represented Senate District 29 since 2008, and unfortunately has a poor record on active transportation, with a failing 50% grade from the CalBike on his 2015 voting record. There are three candidates vying to succeed the longtime Senator, and with that recent history, the stakes could not be higher for the eastern Los Angeles County communities of West Covina, Diamond Bar, and Walnut. Josh Newman offers a welcome and much needed change for the district, with a strong platform on active transportation that includes sustained funding for bicycle infrastructure, support for Vision Zero, and a focus on the community health benefits of active transportation. We are proud to endorse Josh Newman for California State Senate, and look forward to seeing his leadership in Sacramento to promote a more sustainable Southern California.

[Click HERE for Josh Newman’s full CalBike questionnaire responses]

ENDORSEMENT: STEVEN BRADFORD FOR CA SENATE DISTRICT 35

While in the State Assembly, Steven Bradford used his 22+ years of bicycle riding in the Los Angeles area – and his unfortunate experience having been hit 4 times by drivers while biking – to motivate his push for one of the most significant pieces of safe streets legislation to date in California, the Three Feet For Safety Act of 2013, also known as ‘Give Me 3.’ In 2014, Bradford authored legislation to remove a loophole that reduced the penalties for drivers who commit hit and run crimes. In his response to CalBike’s questionnaire, Bradford showed his commitment to safer streets through funding for bicycle infrastructure, a Vision Zero goal to end traffic deaths in California, and to increase bicycle commuting in the area. With his personal experience averaging 100 miles of riding a week, and his long track record on legislation to make cycling safer, it is no surprise that he is endorsed by Ted Rogers of Biking in LA. We are honored to join Ted in endorsing Steven Bradford for the California State Senate.

[Click HERE for Steven Bradford’s full CalBike questionnaire responses]

ENDORSEMENT: LAURA FRIEDMAN FOR CA ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 43

Laura Friedman is a spectacular advocate for environmental issues in Southern California and a champion for making Los Angeles County safer for biking. As a Glendale City Council Member, Friedman installed a bike rack in her city-provided parking space, and was a highly visible fixture in the Los Angeles region as a bike-commuting elected official. The Los Angeles cycling community is likely familiar with Friedman from her work in coordination with Walk/Bike Glendale and her participation in various Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition events. Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and Atwater Village residents likely remember her bold support for a safe Hyperion Bridge. In her response to CalBike’s questionnaire, Friedman expressed support to increase funding for active transportation, to prioritize first mile/last mile bicycle infrastructure, and to build equity into bike share systems across California. While outgoing Assembly Member Mike Gatto has been an effective advocate working to curb hit & run crimes, we can think of no greater leader than Friedman to represent Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Burbank, and Glendale in making the Los Angeles region more bike-friendly. Knowing that she will make an exceptional leader on active transportation issues, we are delighted to endorse Laura Friedman for California State Assembly.

[Click HERE for Laura Friedman’s full CalBike questionnaire responses]

ENDORSEMENT: RICHARD BLOOM FOR CA ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 50

In 2015, incumbent Assembly Member Richard Bloom was honored with the first ever Streetsblog California Legislator of the Year “Streetsie” Award. As chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Resources and Transportation, Bloom has been and continues to be an important leader at the state level for safer streets. Last year he co-authored AB 902, a new program that provides bicycling education as a diversion for traffic tickets for bicyclists. Bloom is championing a number of proposals to improve active transportation, including bills that would build environmental justice into transportation decision making, and which would provide permanent funding for the State’s Active Transportation Program. Bloom has done an excellent job promoting sustainability for Santa Monica, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Miracle Mile, and Malibu, and we are honored to endorse him for a third term in the California State Assembly.

[Click HERE for Richard Bloom’s full Bike The Vote L.A. questionnaire responses]

ENDORSEMENT: AL MURATSUCHI FOR CA ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 66

Residents of the South Bay are seeing a tight match in the June Primary between incumbent Assembly Member David Hadley and former Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi to represent Assembly District 66. Of the candidates, only Muratsuchi responded to CalBike’s survey to outline his platform on active transportation. Muratsuchi’s response was very encouraging, with a focus on reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) to provide a more sustainable transportation system, and a commitment to fund active transportation programs to make cycling and walking more viable options for Angelenos. Muratsuchi also made it clear in his responses to CalBike that he recognizes that Southern California cannot solve its transportation challenges through freeway expansion, and notes his commitment to fund public transit as a component of a providing better transportation options. The South Bay deserves a candidate who will stand up for providing safe and efficient mobility options, and we are proud to endorse Al Muratuchi to help bring that positive change at the state level.

[Click HERE for Al Muratsuchi’s full CalBike questionnaire responses]

Candidate campaign page: http://www.katherine4sd25.com/

Those familiar with Katherine Perez-Estolano and her work in Southern California know her as a strong advocate on the environment. She has dedicated her career, which has spanned the public, private and nonprofit sectors, to working with communities on sustainable transportation and development solutions. Her responses to the CalBike survey showed that she understands the role the state can play in stitching together and strengthening our fragmented bike networks. We’re especially excited by her proposal to accelerate multi-jurisdictional active transportation projects, recognizing – as anyone in the San Gabriel Valley most certainly would – that city borders do not determine where people need to bike. She is the only candidate for Senate District 25 with a background studying and working in development, land use, and transportation, and she would bring a knowledgeable and forceful voice in those areas. With an exceptional range of experience that will help to make her a superb leader on active transportation, Katherine Perez-Estolano gets our enthusiastic endorsement for California State Senate.

(See below for Katherine Perez-Estolano’s full CalBike questionnaire response)

1. Do you ride a bicycle in your district and/or in Sacramento?

Yes

2. If yes, for what purpose(s) and how often? How do you most commonly commute to work?

I regularly bike recreationally and for small local trips – coffee shop, local market and on weekends and evenings.

I generally commute to work in my Prius. I have children that are involved in many activities which requires me to have flexibility. But during workdays, I always take transit for meetings which is the best way to get around downtown.

3. If no, what would inspire you, and the 60% of people who are interested in riding, but concerned about safety to ride a bike for transportation?

N/A

4. Would you commit to joining a group ride with local advocates along a route that illustrates the bicycle infrastructure conditions of the district you are running for?

Yes

5. Caltrans has established a goal to triple the number of bike trips by 2020. Do you support this goal?

Yes

6. Research has shown that the most effective way to boost the number of people bicycling is to create interconnected “complete bikeway networks” of physically protected bike lanes and traffic-calmed streets. The California Bicycle Coalition is seeking to create a new state program to provide large grants of $25-$50 million to build such networks in the communities which need it most. It will incentivize holistic planning of networks rather than piecemeal planning of one street at a time. Do you support using state funds for a competitive complete bikeway network grant program?

I believe that we should make a commitment to work with cities to build and expand our bike network systems. The state should partner with local entities, community groups and non-profits to accelerate the development of active transportation programs including complete bike networks that bridge cities to one another and link destinations such as job centers, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and parks together. In my district, there is already a strong culture supportive of biking, so we are uniquely prepared and ideal for new bike infrastructure. With the many universities, compact urban development, the GoldLine light rail corridor, and well-organized bike coalitions (Bike SGV), these efforts are congruent with the values of my district. Is $25 or $50 million enough? I am not sure but I believe that the state needs to incentivize cities to advance local bike improvement efforts.

7. Do you support our complete streets provisions in SBX 1-1 of the special session to mandate the inclusion of “new bicycle and pedestrian safety, access, and mobility improvements” in every non-freeway road project funded by the state? It calls for sidewalks and protected bike lanes or bike paths in transit-dense areas on most roads with a speed limit over 25 miles per hour.

Yes

8. The Active Transportation Program (ATP), the sole state funding source for biking, walking, and safe routes to school improvements, was created by the Brown administration in 2013 with the stated intention to increase it continually. However, the Governor’s latest budget proposes no increase for the third straight year. Current funding levels on a per capita basis place California in the middle of the pack among states who provide dedicated active transportation funding. To reflect Caltrans’ goal to triple biking and double walking trips by 2020, do you support doubling the ATP?

I absolutely support increasing funding for the ATP, but the amount in which we increase it and how it is done requires a more nuanced conversation. When making decisions about our state budget. I would take a holistic approach. None of these decisions should be made in a vacuum and many factors impact the end result. The state of the national economy, the state of California’s fiscal condition and our rainy day fund, what programs and services have gone unfunded or underfunded for a long period of time, and lastly what the potential unintended impacts are just some of the factors that would go into my decision-making. While we must be careful and thoughtful about how we spend our resources, I am supportive of prioritizing funding for alternative transportation, including biking.

9. Bike sharing programs are spreading throughout California, but they often do not reach low-income neighborhoods. Do you support providing state funds to allow these programs to serve all Californians who could reasonably benefit, in the same way that public transit serves the public?

Yes

10. About 3,000 people are killed on California streets every year. Do you support a “Vision Zero” goal of zero traffic fatalities by a certain date?

Yes

11. The California Air Resources Board estimates that 38% of California’s 447 million metric tons of carbon emitted every year comes from the transportation sector, which along with other emissions, results in thousands of deaths and millions of dollars in wasted health care spending. What do you feel are the three most important actions the state should take to reduce carbon emissions from transportation?

A. Workforce Training: We must transition our economy from a carbon based to a low carbon or carbon free economy. In order to protect those most vulnerable we must take efforts to re-train our workforce to allow workers in high carbon producing industries (auto industry and energy) to find employment in the sectors of the future as the state begins to shift its priorities. It is our goal to reduce carbon emissions, but it is also our job to protect our workers and ensure they have the training necessary to participate in the future carbon free economy. My goal is to make sure the new green economy benefits everyone.

B. Reduction of Mobile Source Pollution: Another top priority is to continue to drive down our pollution from mobile sources. We have made great strides but we need to continue our progress with fleet conversions to alternative fuels and accelerate the introduction of electric vehicles into disadvantaged communities, currently being made possible through Cap and Trade funds.

C. Expand Active Transportation Program: We need to expand funding for alternative transportation programs (ATP). It is not enough to have some cities integrate ATP efforts while others don’t. ATP improves the health of people in our communities, reduces greenhouses gases, increases transit ridership, makes good use of our infrastructure and is a more responsible use of limited public funds to revitalize our cities.

12. Should cap-and-trade funds be used for highway congestion relief projects that expand road capacity?

No

13. If you could send out one tweet to the bike community that you think would win over their support, what would it say?

Want a biker for CA Senate? That’s me! I’ll be a #BikeCA leader. Let’s make bike investments now! #groovysenator4bikes

14. Do you have any other comments or questions about how you have supported or would support the California Bicycle Coalition’s mission of enabling more people to bicycle for healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities for all?

I have been a lifelong believer in alternative transportation options and the expansion of programs particularly in disadvantages communities. As a planner and developer, I have always strived to include an integrated multi-modal approach to planning and project development. As the state has developed goals to reduce greenhouse gases and eventually petroleum use, the state should assist local efforts in the implementation of bike and pedestrian projects that would contribute to these climate change goals.

I am committed to California being a model state where bikers are safe because we have a commitment to Vision Zero. I believe we need to invest in bike infrastructure including bike stations, bike corridors, and bike amenities to encourage people to ride their bikes. Importantly, I believe in the diversity of the bike community which embraces cultural and ethnically diverse people of our state. I see it every year in CicLAvia!

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

The contest to succeed Senator Fran Pavley in California State Senate District 27 is a tight race between five accomplished candidates. The district is so important that we sent out our own questionnaire to all five candidates to better understand their respective platforms on active transportation. While we did not hear back from three of the candidates, we received very thoughtful and promising responses from Henry Stern and Janice Kamenir-Reznik. Both candidates laid out an encouraging understanding of what it will take to develop a more sustainable transportation system. And each focused on prioritizing active transportation for the benefit of District 27, which encompasses the western San Fernando Valley (including Encino, Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Porter Ranch, Reseda, and Tarzana) as well as parts of Ventura County.

We are particularly encouraged by Henry Stern’s first-hand experience in advancing sustainable transportation options as the senior policy advisor to Senator Pavley, his commitment to double funding for the state Active Transportation Program, and his own personal experience as a daily bicycle commuter in Sacramento. With his depth of experience advocating for a more sustainable California, it is no surprise that he is endorsed by the Sierra Club and the California League of Conservation Voters. As an advocate for sustainable transportation options, Henry Stern earns our endorsement for California State Senate District 27.

(See below for Henry Sterns’s full Bike The Vote L.A. questionnaire response)

1. What is your opinion on the state of transportation options in your district? How would you improve street safety and transportation quality for your constituents who depend on walking, biking, or public transit?

It’s easy to say that we need more bike lanes, more carefully signed intersections, and better walking and recreation paths—that’s easy—but it is quite another thing to mean it and to know how to get it done. I have helped develop the sustainable communities program within the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to fund new active transportation infrastructure, and will also be supporting the LA County transportation measure to provide additional funding for these critical resources.

2. The California Air Resources Board estimates that transportation accounts for 37% of California’s 447 million metric tons of carbon emitted yearly. What actions would your office take to ensure that California creates a more sustainable transportation system?

My district drives more than anywhere else in the state. While some areas have better air than others, the overall contribution of our region to the South Coast pollution challenge is substantial and problematic. This problem actually presents an opportunity. If we can diversify our vehicle fleet with more zero emissions vehicle options, provide citizens better choices to live within biking and walking distance of local services and dependable transit options, we will not only reduce pollution but also save families money on their fuel budget and reduce our oil dependence.

I have devoted my career to fighting for our climate and a more sustainable way of living. In Sacramento I plan to carry on Senator Fran Pavley’s work creating a cleaner and safer California. Over the last four years, I have worked with Senator Pavley to pass some of the most critical legislation to create a more sustainable California, including SB 32 (California Global Warming Solutions Act), SB 1204 (Clean Energy Security Coordination Act of 2009), and AB 8 & SB 11 (Vehicular Air Pollution: Greenhouse Gas Emissions).  These policies have made California’s the strongest market for sustainable economic growth in the nation, if not the world. SB 11 serves as a model for what we can accomplish on sustainable transportation, and should be the groundwork for a great deal of legislation to come.

3. The Active Transportation Program (ATP) serves as the State’s sole dedicated funding source to provide and improve infrastructure for walking, biking, and Safe Routes to School programs. Though Caltrans’ 2015 Strategic Management Plan goal to triple bicycle trips by 2020, the fact remains that current funding levels have not been increased since the ATP was created. Do you support doubling ATP funding?

Yes. While working in Sacramento, I rode my bike to work every single day for four years. Unfortunately it’s impossible for me to get around the 27th senate district on my bike and public transit alone, and I would like to see that change.

4. Cap & trade funds offer a unique opportunity to prioritize sustainable transportation, particularly in low-income neighborhoods negatively affected by pollution, but are sometimes considered for use in highway expansion projects. Do you support use of cap and trade funds to expand vehicular roadway capacity? How should California use cap and trade funds to minimize transportation-based pollution in low-income neighborhoods, especially those in your district?

Yes I do–the money we generate from the cap and trade system needs to go to expanding sustainable transportation systems. Often when transportation dollars are allocated, they go to high-profile projects in high-income neighborhoods, whereas places like Canoga Park, where I live, are ignored. I’ll fight to ensure that our transportation investments go to benefit all Californians. While we need more rail systems, we have to think beyond trains and really invest in walking, biking, and sustainable alternatives.

5. Hit and runs continue to be an immense problem in the Los Angeles region, with over 28,000 hit and run crimes reported in Los Angeles County in 2015 alone. Current California law actually incentivizes hit and run crimes due to the fact that penalties for fleeing the scene of a collision are less than that of a driving under the influence (DUI). Do you support bringing penalties for hit and run crimes in line with penalties for DUIs, and how would you address hit and run crimes more broadly?

Yes, we should be enhancing hit-and-run penalties, because it doesn’t make sense to have a double standard. Further, to make any punishment effective as a deterrent there also has to be a large-scale communications program alongside any change in the law.

6. Bike Share systems are being implemented throughout California cities, but use fees and credit requirements often restrict low-income residents and communities from using them. Do you support providing state funds to remove barriers for bike share as a transit option for low-income users?

Absolutely.

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

Senator Bob Huff fas represented Senate District 29 since 2008, and unfortunately has a poor record on active transportation, with a failing 50% grade from the CalBike on his 2015 voting record. There are three candidates vying to succeed the longtime Senator, and with that recent history, the stakes could not be higher for the eastern Los Angeles County communities of West Covina, Diamond Bar, and Walnut. Josh Newman offers a welcome and much needed change for the district, with a strong platform on active transportation that includes sustained funding for bicycle infrastructure, support for Vision Zero, and a focus on the community health benefits of active transportation. We are proud to endorse Josh Newman for California State Senate, and look forward to seeing his leadership in Sacramento to promote a more sustainable Southern California.

(See below for Josh Newman’s full CalBike questionnaire response)

1. Do you ride a bicycle in your district and/or in Sacramento?

Yes

2. If yes, for what purpose(s) and how often? How do you most commonly commute to work?

I use my bike to get around on short errands in Fullerton, as well as for recreation and exercise

3. If no, what would inspire you, and the 60% of people who are interested in riding, but concerned about safety to ride a bike for transportation?

N/A

4. Would you commit to joining a group ride with local advocates along a route that illustrates the bicycle infrastructure conditions of the district you are running for?

Yes

5. Caltrans has established a goal to triple the number of bike trips by 2020. Do you support this goal?

Yes

6. Research has shown that the most effective way to boost the number of people bicycling is to create interconnected “complete bikeway networks” of physically protected bike lanes and traffic-calmed streets. The California Bicycle Coalition is seeking to create a new state program to provide large grants of $25-$50 million to build such networks in the communities which need it most. It will incentivize holistic planning of networks rather than piecemeal planning of one street at a time. Do you support using state funds for a competitive complete bikeway network grant program?

Yes

7. Do you support our complete streets provisions in SBX 1-1 of the special session to mandate the inclusion of “new bicycle and pedestrian safety, access, and mobility improvements” in every non-freeway road project funded by the state? It calls for sidewalks and protected bike lanes or bike paths in transit-dense areas on most roads with a speed limit over 25 miles per hour.

Yes

8. The Active Transportation Program (ATP), the sole state funding source for biking, walking, and safe routes to school improvements, was created by the Brown administration in 2013 with the stated intention to increase it continually. However, the Governor’s latest budget proposes no increase for the third straight year. Current funding levels on a per capita basis place California in the middle of the pack among states who provide dedicated active transportation funding. To reflect Caltrans’ goal to triple biking and double walking trips by 2020, do you support doubling the ATP?

Yes

9. Bike sharing programs are spreading throughout California, but they often do not reach low-income neighborhoods. Do you support providing state funds to allow these programs to serve all Californians who could reasonably benefit, in the same way that public transit serves the public?

Yes

10. About 3,000 people are killed on California streets every year. Do you support a “Vision Zero” goal of zero traffic fatalities by a certain date?

Yes

11. The California Air Resources Board estimates that 38% of California’s 447 million metric tons of carbon emitted every year comes from the transportation sector, which along with other emissions, results in thousands of deaths and millions of dollars in wasted health care spending. What do you feel are the three most important actions the state should take to reduce carbon emissions from transportation?

A. Raise CAFE standards

B. Promote non-automotive modes of transit

C. Promote alternative fuel vehicles

12. Should cap-and-trade funds be used for highway congestion relief projects that expand road capacity?

Yes

13. If you could send out one tweet to the bike community that you think would win over their support, what would it say?

You’re on the right path. Keep leading the way in California! #bikeCA

14. Do you have any other comments or questions about how you have supported or would support the California Bicycle Coalition’s mission of enabling more people to bicycle for healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities for all?

One other necessary element in a comprehensive approach that leads to more people using bicycles as a key mode of transit is an emphasis on public health that promotes better nutrition, exercise, and a non-sedentary lifestyle among Californians of all income levels and demographics.

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

While in the State Assembly, Steven Bradford used his 22+ years of bicycle riding in the Los Angeles area – and his unfortunate experience having been hit 4 times by drivers while biking – to motivate his push for one of the most significant pieces of safe streets legislation to date in California, the Three Feet For Safety Act of 2013, also known as ‘Give Me 3.’ In 2014, Bradford authored legislation to remove a loophole that reduced the penalties for drivers who commit hit and run crimes. In his response to CalBike’s questionnaire, Bradford showed his commitment to safer streets through funding for bicycle infrastructure, a Vision Zero goal to end traffic deaths in California, and to increase bicycle commuting in the area. With his personal experience averaging 100 miles of riding a week, and his long track record on legislation to make cycling safer, it is no surprise that he is endorsed by Ted Rogers of Biking in LA. We are honored to join Ted in endorsing Steven Bradford for the California State Senate.

(See below for Steven Bradford’s full CalBike questionnaire response)

1. Do you ride a bicycle in your district and/or in Sacramento?

Yes

2. If yes, for what purpose(s) and how often? How do you most commonly commute to work?

I have ridden daily in my community for 22yrs and I own 3 bikes. Since going to the legislature, I only ride 4 days a week in district when in session, which averages to about 100 miles per week. I rode ever year with Mayor Riordan in the LA marathon until they removed cycling portion from event and always finished first or second among elected officials. I’ve also participated in numerous ‎ciclavia’s. It’s not the community that limits bike riding or lanes. It’s a matter of desire, will and safety. I’ve been hit 4 times myself by motorist and advocate that motorist need to be better educated as to the rules of the road and sharing streets. Many yell at cyclist to get on sidewalks but don’t understand that sidewalks are for pedestrians not bikes. We need to create a culture focused on sharing the road.

3. If no, what would inspire you, and the 60% of people who are interested in riding, but concerned about safety to ride a bike for transportation?

N/A

4. Would you commit to joining a group ride with local advocates along a route that illustrates the bicycle infrastructure conditions of the district you are running for?

Yes

5. Caltrans has established a goal to triple the number of bike trips by 2020. Do you support this goal?

Yes

6. Research has shown that the most effective way to boost the number of people bicycling is to create interconnected “complete bikeway networks” of physically protected bike lanes and traffic-calmed streets. The California Bicycle Coalition is seeking to create a new state program to provide large grants of $25-$50 million to build such networks in the communities which need it most. It will incentivize holistic planning of networks rather than piecemeal planning of one street at a time. Do you support using state funds for a competitive complete bikeway network grant program?

Yes

7. Do you support our complete streets provisions in SBX 1-1 of the special session to mandate the inclusion of “new bicycle and pedestrian safety, access, and mobility improvements” in every non-freeway road project funded by the state? It calls for sidewalks and protected bike lanes or bike paths in transit-dense areas on most roads with a speed limit over 25 miles per hour.

Yes

8. The Active Transportation Program (ATP), the sole state funding source for biking, walking, and safe routes to school improvements, was created by the Brown administration in 2013 with the stated intention to increase it continually. However, the Governor’s latest budget proposes no increase for the third straight year. Current funding levels on a per capita basis place California in the middle of the pack among states who provide dedicated active transportation funding. To reflect Caltrans’ goal to triple biking and double walking trips by 2020, do you support doubling the ATP?

Yes

9. Bike sharing programs are spreading throughout California, but they often do not reach low-income neighborhoods. Do you support providing state funds to allow these programs to serve all Californians who could reasonably benefit, in the same way that public transit serves the public?

Yes

10. About 3,000 people are killed on California streets every year. Do you support a “Vision Zero” goal of zero traffic fatalities by a certain date?

Yes

11. The California Air Resources Board estimates that 38% of California’s 447 million metric tons of carbon emitted every year comes from the transportation sector, which along with other emissions, results in thousands of deaths and millions of dollars in wasted health care spending. What do you feel are the three most important actions the state should take to reduce carbon emissions from transportation?

A.More Transit ‎Oriented Development (TOD)

B.More legislation like my bill AB 1371 that makes roads safer for both cyclist and motorist

C.More investment in alternative energy

12. Should cap-and-trade funds be used for highway congestion relief projects that expand road capacity?

Yes

13. If you could send out one tweet to the bike community that you think would win over their support, what would it say?

There are more daily cyclist in poor communities than affluent, who utilize bikes as their main source of transportation. There needs to be a better distribution of resources in those communities, than affluent ones in order to improve safety #rideCA.

14. Do you have any other comments or questions about how you have supported or would support the California Bicycle Coalition’s mission of enabling more people to bicycle for healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities for all?

Transportation improvements in California not only would help protect and preserve the environment by reducing carbon emissions, it would also help improve quality of life. The State of California needs to invest in sustainable infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation other than automobiles. This includes sidewalks and bike lanes as well as modernized trains, light rails, and metros. Traditional methods for funding transportation revitalization- such as the gas tax- are becoming more and more insufficient. We need an alternative method for funding such as a flat vehicle registration tax. In order to encourage fuel diversification, I support increased legislation similar to the revolutionary SB 350 authored by Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon. If elected, I will work to pass similar legislation to incentivize and mandate the use of alternative energy to reduce our oil dependency and carbon emissions.

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

Laura Friedman is a spectacular advocate for environmental issues in Southern California and a champion for making Los Angeles County safer for biking. As a Glendale City Council Member, Friedman installed a bike rack in her city-provided parking space, and was a highly visible fixture in the Los Angeles region as a bike-commuting elected official. The Los Angeles cycling community is likely familiar with Friedman from her work in coordination with Walk/Bike Glendale and her participation in various Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition events. Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and Atwater Village residents likely remember her bold support for a safe Hyperion Bridge. In her response to CalBike’s questionnaire, Friedman expressed support to increase funding for active transportation, to prioritize first mile/last mile bicycle infrastructure, and to build equity into bike share systems across California. While outgoing Assembly Member Mike Gatto has been an effective advocate working to curb hit & run crimes, we can think of no greater leader than Friedman to represent Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Burbank, and Glendale in making the Los Angeles region more bike-friendly. Knowing that she will make an exceptional leader on active transportation issues, we are delighted to endorse Laura Friedman for California State Assembly.

(See below for Laura Friedman’s full CalBike questionnaire response)

1. Do you ride a bicycle in your district and/or in Sacramento?

Yes

2. If yes, for what purpose(s) and how often? How do you most commonly commute to work?

I had a bike rack installed in my parking space at the Glendale City Hall and bike to Council and other meetings whenever possible.

3. If no, what would inspire you, and the 60% of people who are interested in riding, but concerned about safety to ride a bike for transportation?

I would bicycle more if I knew of safer routes to get to my destination. Also I live up a steep hill so getting home can be a challenge for me.

4. Would you commit to joining a group ride with local advocates along a route that illustrates the bicycle infrastructure conditions of the district you are running for?

I have done quite a bit of work already with Walk/Bike Glendale and the LA Bicycle Coalition.

5. Caltrans has established a goal to triple the number of bike trips by 2020. Do you support this goal?

Yes

6. Research has shown that the most effective way to boost the number of people bicycling is to create interconnected “complete bikeway networks” of physically protected bike lanes and traffic-calmed streets. The California Bicycle Coalition is seeking to create a new state program to provide large grants of $25-$50 million to build such networks in the communities which need it most. It will incentivize holistic planning of networks rather than piecemeal planning of one street at a time. Do you support using state funds for a competitive complete bikeway network grant program?

Yes

7. Do you support our complete streets provisions in SBX 1-1 of the special session to mandate the inclusion of “new bicycle and pedestrian safety, access, and mobility improvements” in every non-freeway road project funded by the state? It calls for sidewalks and protected bike lanes or bike paths in transit-dense areas on most roads with a speed limit over 25 miles per hour.

Yes

8. The Active Transportation Program (ATP), the sole state funding source for biking, walking, and safe routes to school improvements, was created by the Brown administration in 2013 with the stated intention to increase it continually. However, the Governor’s latest budget proposes no increase for the third straight year. Current funding levels on a per capita basis place California in the middle of the pack among states who provide dedicated active transportation funding. To reflect Caltrans’ goal to triple biking and double walking trips by 2020, do you support doubling the ATP?

Yes

9. Bike sharing programs are spreading throughout California, but they often do not reach low-income neighborhoods. Do you support providing state funds to allow these programs to serve all Californians who could reasonably benefit, in the same way that public transit serves the public?

Yes

10. About 3,000 people are killed on California streets every year. Do you support a “Vision Zero” goal of zero traffic fatalities by a certain date?

Yes

11. The California Air Resources Board estimates that 38% of California’s 447 million metric tons of carbon emitted every year comes from the transportation sector, which along with other emissions, results in thousands of deaths and millions of dollars in wasted health care spending. What do you feel are the three most important actions the state should take to reduce carbon emissions from transportation?

A. The 50% petroleum reduction goal originally contained in SB350 should be enacted.

B. Local alternative and public transportation projects such as those funded by measures R in Los Angeles need to be priorities, as do solutions to “first and last mile” challenges which keep people from utilizing public transportation.

C. Land use policies in California need to encourage the creation of density near job-centers and transit. Development should be done in a way to encourage well designed cities which prioritize public transportation, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and which provide public gathering spaces, schools, art and cultural amenities along with shopping and retail in compact, walkable city-centers. The State could help local governments update their general plans to allow for this kind of smart growth.

12. Should cap-and-trade funds be used for highway congestion relief projects that expand road capacity?

No

13. If you could send out one tweet to the bike community that you think would win over their support, what would it say?

While on the Glendale City Council, I gave up my car for over two years to show that it was possible even for middle-aged to get around by bicycle, foot and bus. We have the power to create a healthier, safer, sustainable California!

14. Do you have any other comments or questions about how you have supported or would support the California Bicycle Coalition’s mission of enabling more people to bicycle for healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities for all?

I have led the effort to bring bicycle infrastructure to Glendale, and was honored by the LA Bicycle Coalition for my work. I supported embedding an LA Bicycle Coalition staffer in the Glendale City Planning Department for two years to work with the City’s Mobility Planner to create a comprehensive bicycle master plan for Glendale. We are now implementing that plan.

I led teams of Glendale City staff and residents to Long Beach and Berkeley to learn about those city’s bicycle infrastructure. I have required new developments to incorporate bicycle parking and storage into their projects. Glendale is a conservative city that is not always bicycle-friendly. Despite this, I have loudly advocated for cycling and I have consistently pushed the envelope of what we can accomplish in Glendale with regards to bicycle infrastructure. You will get the same level of commitment from me in Sacramento. And I’ll ride my bike to work in the Capital as well!