Tag: bikethevote

Aida Morales’ Response to Bike The Vote L.A.

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Below is 2017 Pasadena City Council District 5 Candidate

Aida Morales’ full questionnaire response to Bike The Vote L.A.: 

1. What future do you see for active mobility and public transit in the daily lives of those who live, work, and go to school in Pasadena?

I would like to see more bikes like some European countries.i also would like to see a few bikes with baskets to go to the market.

2. Pasadena’s traffic is compounded by the reality that many parents and workers don’t feel safe commuting even short distances or performing school drop-offs on foot or by bike. What would you do as Councilmember to improve active transportation options around schools, public transit, and in commercial districts to provide better transportation options for District 5 residents?

Better bike parking and bike lanes.

3. If elected, what would you do to reduce preventable, serious and fatal traffic collisions in the City of Pasadena? Would you support the implementation of a local Vision Zero policy?

I definitely support vision zero. Check corner of Del Mar and Marengo. Thank you

4. Over the past 3 years, Pasadena Playhouse District members, City staff, and local residents have worked on planning the Playhouse Parklets Pilot (www.playhouseparklets.org/). In the coming few months, a final decision will be made by the Council whether to move forward with implementing the pilot project, which would install the city’s first parklets, add reverse angled parking to the district, calm traffic, and improve street safety. Do you support implementation of the Colorado Blvd parklets pilot in the Playhouse District? Why or why not?

Yes because of the benefits you mention.

5. Bike share systems have started to be installed across Los Angeles County and are slated to expand to Pasadena, but as systems expand, experts foresee three major obstacles: stations that are discontinuous/too far apart, stations with unsafe walking conditions that limit access, and systems that are out of reach for low-income residents. What areas would you like to see bike share expanded to in and around Pasadena, and what should the City be doing to make these systems more accessible, affordable, and useful to all Pasadena residents?

City will save in street repair, medical cost (air) for low income residents. We can subsidize the bike fee if there is a will to do so.

6. Pasadena’s local transit provider, Pasadena Transit, suffers from limited service, especially on weekends and evenings. Do you support improving Pasadena Transit headways and service to provide local residents with more viable transit options in the City? What methods can the City employ to fund better service?

We subsidize the Art Bus.

Bike The Vote L.A. Endorsement – Andy Wilson for Pasadena City Council District 7

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2017 Pasadena CD7 Endorsement: Andy Wilson

Primary Election day: Tuesday, March 7, 7am-8pm

Find your Pasadena Council District: http://www.cityofpasadena.net/map/

Find your polling place: http://lavote.net/locator

Pasadena City Council incumbent Andy Wilson has proven himself to be a consistent supporter of projects that will make the City of Pasadena safer for people on foot and bike. He has supported the adoption of a Vision Zero policy, a pilot project in the Playhouse District to remake Colorado Blvd, and expansion of bike share into Pasadena. After Terry Tornek won the mayoral election, Andy Wilson was appointed to fill the vacancy in City Council District 7 in 2015

In his response to Bike The Vote L.A., Wilson expressed his support for to prioritize walking and biking travel in Pasadena. He noted his consistent public support for the Playhouse Parklets Pilot on Colorado Blvd, his vote to adopt a Vision Zero policy, and his commitment to address intersections with high rates of crashes.

Pasadena will need bold actions as the city moves forward in achieving Vision Zero and increasing bike and walking travel in the 7th District. Proposed projects include a 2-way protected bikeway on Union Ave and continuation of the makeover of Colorado Blvd in the Playhouse District. After several years of debate, study, and funding efforts, these projects are not without their detractors, and will require strong Council support in the coming months. The Council is also expected to consider adoption of a local Vision Zero policy and program in 2017, as community support for a more comprehensive, focused effort at reducing traffic violence grows, thanks to the organizing efforts of the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition.

Andy Wilson is the only candidate with an established track record on safe streets issues in Pasadena’s District 7. Andy Wilson has the potential to become a champion for safer, more vibrant and multi-modal streets in the City of Pasadena, and has deservedly earned Bike the Vote’s endorsement for Pasadena District 7.

(See below for Andy Wilson’s response to Bike The Vote L.A.’s Candidate Questionnaire)

1. What future do you see for active mobility and public transit in the daily lives of those who live, work, and go to school in Pasadena?

One of our guiding principles is to further embrace mobility without cars.  I love SoCal but hate sitting in traffic and impacting our environment.  I am a huge fan of mixed used cities and love Jeff Speck’s book Walkable City

2. Pasadena’s traffic is compounded by the reality that many parents and workers don’t feel safe commuting even short distances or performing school drop-offs on foot or by bike. What would you do as Councilmember to improve active transportation options around schools, public transit, and in commercial districts to provide better transportation options for District 7 residents?

I have actively advocated and successfully help several schools better embrace safe routes to school.  I have led and rallied students and faculty on national walk to school day.  We must start give up our car-centric culture.  We have great weather and in a city like Pasadena active transit is a great option …terrific sidewalks, growing bike infrastructure, excellent urban forest, etc.  It is both about changing mindsets and building capacity.  I walk 20 – 30 miles per week including 2 – 3 days when I don’t start my car.  My kids have been walking to school since 3rd grade.  We MUST lead by example.  Achieving critical mass across various active transit modalities drives adoption.

3. If elected, what would you do to reduce preventable, serious and fatal traffic collisions in the City of Pasadena? Would you support the implementation of a local Vision Zero policy?

Absolutely and voted for it.  I work closely with our complete street coalition.  I have also personally visited and done workshops with transit staff to address high risk intersections and seek new solutions… they are probably tired of me!

4. Over the past 3 years, Pasadena Playhouse District members, City staff, and local residents have worked on planning the Playhouse Parklets Pilot (www.playhouseparklets.org/). In the coming few months, a final decision will be made by the Council whether to move forward with implementing the pilot project, which would install the city’s first parklets, add reverse angled parking to the district, calm traffic, and improve street safety. Do you support implementation of the Colorado Blvd parklets pilot in the Playhouse District? Why or why not?

I have publicly supported the project and specifically cited this project as a case study in my recent talk on civic innovation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwN0wk-0D7A&feature=youtu.be.  It is about place making and slowing down traffic on non arterials so that people can move around safely and enjoy the amenities of a growing commercial district.

5. Bike share systems have started to be installed across Los Angeles County and are slated to expand to Pasadena, but as systems expand, experts foresee three major obstacles: stations that are discontinuous/too far apart, stations with unsafe walking conditions that limit access, and systems that are out of reach for low-income residents. What areas would you like to see bike share expanded to in and around Pasadena, and what should the City be doing to make these systems more accessible, affordable, and useful to all Pasadena residents?

I have participated in the development of our bikeshare program and kiosk location.  I think we need to be balance the density of the network with trying to serve everyone.  The key is to prove the network through usage and benefit and then expand the reach …if we get too diffuse too early we won’t achieve success and won’t be able to scale.  I love the fact that we used crowd-sourced input to refine the kiosk locations.  I think we need to keep in mind that this is part of a multi-modal solution and not a standalone solution for folks that can benefit from bike access (which would be a different program and would probably have merit on its own)

6. Pasadena’s local transit provider, Pasadena Transit, suffers from limited service, especially on weekends and evenings. Do you support improving Pasadena Transit headways and service to provide local residents with more viable transit options in the City? What methods can the City employ to fund better service?

I am a huge fan or public transit as part of our active transit system.  That being said, I am wondering if micro-transit (think lyft or autonomous mini-vans) might be a more cost effective solutions than running having transit.  So conceptually I am on board we need to come up with a business model that works esp with the pending budget challenges related to growing retirement assessments.

Alejandro Menchaca’s Response to Bike The Vote L.A.

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Below is 2017 Pasadena City Council District 7 Candidate Alejandro Menchaca’s full questionnaire response to Bike The Vote L.A.:

1. What future do you see for active mobility and public transit in the daily lives of those who live, work, and go to school in Pasadena?

One of my campaign’s central tenets is Walkability. I live in the heart of the South Lake Avenue District and regularly walk, but options can be limited. I want to revitalize the business core and the District at large by enhancing the Walkability of the District such that people can live, bike, dine, play and work in Pasadena. This will reduce our carbon footprint, grow business, increase property values and reduce traffic congestion. As biking and walking are key to creating a more thriving Pasadena, I support the Complete Streets initiatives, help create a protected bike network that connects businesses, schools, parks, and installing creative Wayfinding Signs.

2. Pasadena’s traffic is compounded by the reality that many parents and workers don’t feel safe commuting even short distances or performing school drop-offs on foot or by bike. What would you do as Councilmember to improve active transportation options around schools, public transit, and in commercial districts to provide better transportation options for District 7 residents?

As set forth above, work to map out a Protected Bike Network that includes schools. Also, I would analyze traffic calming measures nearby schools.

3. If elected, what would you do to reduce preventable, serious and fatal traffic collisions in the City of Pasadena? Would you support the implementation of a local Vision Zero policy?

Yes, I support it. We must explore various traffic calming measures, and exploring making streets more “skinny” and other measures while also ascertaining their impacts on traffic congestion.

4. Over the past 3 years, Pasadena Playhouse District members, City staff, and local residents have worked on planning the Playhouse Parklets Pilot (www.playhouseparklets.org/). In the coming few months, a final decision will be made by the Council whether to move forward with implementing the pilot project, which would install the city’s first parklets, add reverse angled parking to the district, calm traffic, and improve street safety. Do you support implementation of the Colorado Blvd parklets pilot in the Playhouse District? Why or why not?

Yes, I support this Parklets Project. Some folks have expressed concerns that this will have an catastrophic effect on traffic or tie up traffic along Green and Union. The concept of induced demand holds that this will likely have the opposite effect. In cities that have lost major thoroughfares, the impact on nearby streets has been far less than imagined and in many instances, the traffic simply disappeared. The Parklets will help create a cultural core bringing together the Playhouse, the Lamelees Theater and Vromans and enhance walkability.

5. Bike share systems have started to be installed across Los Angeles County and are slated to expand to Pasadena, but as systems expand, experts foresee three major obstacles: stations that are discontinuous/too far apart, stations with unsafe walking conditions that limit access, and systems that are out of reach for low-income residents. What areas would you like to see bike share expanded to in and around Pasadena, and what should the City be doing to make these systems more accessible, affordable, and useful to all Pasadena residents?

DTLA has done a great job of seeking the input of Residents when it comes to the expansion of bike lanes and the expansion of green space. They often hosts festivals or online surveys polls. I would do the same and ask Pasadena residents where they would like to see these Bike Share systems installed and gather said data. Yes, my concern is that most of these systems will be installed south of the 210 in more affluent areas and such systems should also be installed north of the 210 where obesity disproportionately affects minority communities.

6. Pasadena’s local transit provider, Pasadena Transit, suffers from limited service, especially on weekends and evenings. Do you support improving Pasadena Transit headways and service to provide local residents with more viable transit options in the City? What methods can the City employ to fund better service?

I would certainly explore such an expansion, but I also explore and support a shuttle service that takes Pasadena residents directly to various points of interest in the City.

Bike The Vote L.A. Three-Way Primary Endorsement – Monica Rodriguez, Fred Flores, and Jose Castillo for City Council District 7

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2017 Los Angeles CD7 Primary Endorsements: Monica Rodriguez, Fred Flores, and Jose Castillo

Primary Election day: Tuesday, March 7, 7am-8pm
Find your Council District: http://neighborhoodinfo.lacity.org/
Find your polling place: http://lavote.net/locator

When former City Councilmember Felipe Fuentes stepped down last September, it left a void not only for the northern neighborhoods of the San Fernando Valley, including Pacoima, Sylmar, Sunland-Tujunga, and Lake View Terrace, but also for safe streets advocacy on the City Council. Fuentes had helped to shepherd new protected bike lanes to Van Nuys Blvd in Pacoima, and was noted by Los Angeles Streetsblog as having been “on the right side of every livability project he has weighed in on.”

Three candidates running to fill this open City Council seat stand out for their embrace of livable streets: public works commissioner Monica Rodriguez, community advocate Fred Flores, and real estate agent José Castillo.

Of the three, Rodriguez – an Eric Garcetti appointee to the L.A. Public Works Commission with a slew of endorsements from City Councilmembers and the Mayor himself – is running the highest-profile campaign. In her response to Bike The Vote L.A., she offered a strong endorsement of traffic calming and safety improvements such as protected bike lanes. She did, however, stop short of fully committing to safety as a top priority, focusing on “locations where we can eliminate traffic deaths and improve mobility without dramatically limiting automotive travel time.” If she advances to the runoff, we hope she will embrace Vision Zero, even when it forces difficult choices between the safety of all Angelenos and vehicular convenience for a few.

While Flores and Castillo may lack some of the experience and establishment support that Rodriguez offers, they each make up the difference with wholehearted embraces of prioritizing the safety and dignity of the 7th District’s most vulnerable street users. In his response to Bike The Vote L.A., Flores admirably committed to “always support and advocate for those who walk, ride bikes and use our public transit system.” He stressed his role as a staffer for Congressman Howard Berman in securing funding for the Pacoima Wash Greenway project in the city of San Fernando, and promised to work toward extending the project to Pacoima and Sylmar. Castillo expressed support for funding Safe Routes to School, and a desire “to create a district where people can work, play, shop and live in safe communities.” He wrote in impassioned terms about his desire for a cross-Valley transit connection between Pacoima and Cal State Northridge, and for a walkable downtown Pacoima with good linkages to transit

With 20 contenders vying to represent the 7th District, the race is destined to continue into a May runoff. Rodriguez, Flores, and Castillo each offer their own unique strengths and commitments to improve the quality of life for residents of the San Fernando Valley. Bike The Vote L.A. endorses Monica Rodriguez, Fred Flores, and José Castillo for City Council District 7 in the March primary.

 

 

For Monica Rodriguez’ response to Bike The Vote L.A., click HERE
For Fred Flores’ response to Bike The Vote L.A., click HERE
For José

Castillo’s response to Bike The Vote L.A., click HERE

Monica Rodriguez’ Response to Bike The Vote L.A.

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Below is 2017

Bike The Vote L.A.

City Council District 7 endorsement Monica Rodriguez’ full questionnaire response to Bike The Vote L.A.:

1. What role do you see for walking, transit, and biking 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 understand that for many working families that these are the only modes of transportation available and recognize the important role they play in the daily lives of Angelenos who rely on them as their primary transit options. I believe and hope that the use of walking and biking will continue to grow as that we continue to expand the regional bus and rail network and people become less reliant on cars. It is also the role of policy makers to ensure that all Angelenos have access to safe modes of transportation.

2. A high percentage of people without access to cars in Northeast Los Angeles, especially immigrants, depend on bikes as a way to get to work and school, but lack safe options to commute. Additionally the prevalence of speeding on L.A. streets takes a deadly toll on those who walk and bike, including seniors and children. Mobility Plan 2035 established “safety first” as the priority in transportation decisions, and the City has since adopted the ‘Vision Zero’ program with the goal of eliminating traffic-deaths within 10 years. Do you support prioritizing the safety of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable commuters, both in CD7 on High Injury Network streets like Van Nuys Blvd and Foothill Blvd, and throughout Los Angeles, even when there may be trade-offs in terms of automotive travel time or on-street parking?

Yes. I strongly support expanding protected bike lanes, improving pedestrian safety, and traffic calming measures. I also believe that there are many locations where we can eliminate traffic deaths and improve mobility without dramatically limiting automotive travel time. As a life long resident of the Northeast San Fernando Valley, I am familiar with the corridors and the tragedies that have occurred on the High Injury Network in the district and have worked along side community members and parent groups by coordinating meetings with Vision Zero Staff and Transportation Commissioners to ensure that the community has access to the city departments and resources working to address these issues as Council member I will continue to lead this effort.

3. Los Angeles’ traffic woes are compounded by the reality that many parents and workers don’t feel safe commuting even short distances or performing school drop-offs on foot or by bike. What would you do as Councilmember to improve active transportation options around schools, public transit, and in commercial districts to provide better transportation options for CD7 residents?

This is important to address as it is directly linked to promoting the use of our bus and rail systems. Commuters rely on biking or walking to make bus and rail transfers. Working to implement the goals and initiatives of the Mobility Plan is essential as is coordinating with the appropriate agencies to prioritize high traffic and high risk locations for pedestrian and traffic calming measures.

4. Angelenos recently approved Metro’s transportation funding plan, Measure M, with an impressive mandate of support from over 71% of voters. The East San Fernando Valley Corridor project – a light rail or bus rapid transit line running along Van Nuys Blvd and San Fernando Road – is set to be one of the first projects to be funded under the Measure.  How do you see this project transforming the way that people get around the 7th District; and what role do you see for first and last mile pedestrian, bike, and transit connections in the success of this transit line?

The Orange Line has the 2nd highest boarding in the San Fernando Valley but is also slowed by traffic. As one of our region’s busiest and traveled corridors, this project will be a great and much needed addition to our transit infrastructure. As I stated previously, I strongly believe that robust bike and pedestrian infrastructure is critical to this project’s success. It will help promote use by making the transfer process and overall experience safer. I support dedicated bike lanes, traffic calming and road designs that improve pedestrian safety while connecting this line to our overall transit network.

5. The Pacoima Wash Greenway is a multi-modal corridor which links parks, schools, and services to the San Gabriel Mountains. This project has been in the works since 2006 and has broad community support. A portion of this project was recently funded by a state Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant receiving the second highest score; however, the funded portion is entirely within the City of San Fernando. Will you commit to work toward extending the greenway into Sylmar, Pacoima, and eventually to the Los Angeles River as called for in the Pacoima Wash Vision Plan?

Yes. This is important for the Northeast Valley as a community the lacks access to open space and parks.

6. Los Angeles is beginning to employ bike share as a new transportation option, but many barriers to access remain, particularly the cost of riding and the fact that a credit card is needed to use the system. Some cities have offered subsidies to low-income riders and cash payment options to address these issues. What can the City of Los Angeles do to help as many residents as possible enjoy the benefits that bike share will bring?

While many of these bike share programs are in the early pilot stages it is important to explore all options to make these assets accessible to everyone. Allowing the use of the TAP cards for payment as well as cash payment options and subsidy programs should be part of that strategy.

Fred Flores’ Response to Bike The Vote L.A.

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Below is

2017 Bike The Vote L.A. City Council District 7 endorsement

Fred Flores’ full questionnaire response to Bike The Vote L.A.:

1. What role do you see for walking, transit, and biking 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?

The role of pedestrians is no different than those who own or have access to motor vehicles. People should not be defined in regards to their modes of transportation.  People should always have a choice when it comes to transporting themselves from one place to another.  Alternative modes of transportation help control traffic and congestion created by an overabundance of individual motorist traveling to and from work 24/7. We need to recognize the benefits of public transportation that not only helps to decrease traffic, It’s also a source of revenue for our cities, counties, states, and nation. We should promote the tax-deductible opportunities for those who use public transportation or personal accommodations like non-motor vehicles known as Bikes.  I will always support and advocate for those who walk, ride bikes and use our public transit system.  If elected I will work to improve the conditions and environment for Buses, Subways, Trains, and Bikeways. This includes street routes, surrounding frwy’s, and parking structures. When we construct public parking lots we should always include areas for motorcycles and bikes.

2. A high percentage of people without access to cars in Northeast Los Angeles, especially immigrants, depend on bikes as a way to get to work and school, but lack safe options to commute. Additionally the prevalence of speeding on L.A. streets takes a deadly toll on those who walk and bike, including seniors and children. Mobility Plan 2035 established “safety first” as the priority in transportation decisions, and the City has since adopted the ‘Vision Zero’ program with the goal of eliminating traffic-deaths within 10 years. Do you support prioritizing the safety of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable commuters, both in CD7 on High Injury Network streets like Van Nuys Blvd and Foothill Blvd, and throughout Los Angeles, even when there may be trade-offs in terms of automotive travel time or on-street parking?

Yes, I do support efforts to prioritize the safety of all our commuters. Yes, our most vulnerable are those who walk.  I’ am familiar with the Vision Zero program and I fully support the department’s efforts.  Our San Fernando Valley community has had to mourn the loss of innocent lives, pedestrian and bike riders due to accidents caused by distracted motorist. When it comes to safety measures that can help save lives. There can be no shortcuts.

3. Los Angeles’ traffic woes are compounded by the reality that many parents and workers don’t feel safe commuting even short distances or performing school drop-offs on foot or by bike. What would you do as Councilmember to improve active transportation options around schools, public transit, and in commercial districts to provide better transportation options for CD7 residents?

To improve better transportation options for parents and students going to school and work. We may need to hire more crossing guards, Design Larger Informative Signs that remind commuters of their surroundings.  Provide more signal lights, residential street bumps.  Develop safe routes for those who walk or bike, by identifying and designating detour option for motorist. Before any solution is implemented I would first choose to educate the community regarding the facts about the potential dangers. I will address their concerns and listen to their suggestions.  

4. Angelenos recently approved Metro’s transportation funding plan, Measure M, with an impressive mandate of support from over 71% of voters. The East San Fernando Valley Corridor project – a light rail or bus rapid transit line running along Van Nuys Blvd and San Fernando Road – is set to be one of the first projects to be funded under the Measure.  How do you see this project transforming the way that people get around the 7th District; and what role do you see for first and last mile pedestrian, bike, and transit connections in the success of this transit line?

I voted yes on Measure M. and I did so to improve and fund the efforts of the Metro transit system. However in CD7 from Van Nuys Blvd to San Fernando Road continuing to Foothill, we already have a successful rapid bus line (744-233) San Fernando Road has 4 bus lines that just need to run more often. Rapid lines run every 15 min, but they do not stop on every block, so the alternative bus that follows should also run every 15 minutes. It would help if Rapid buses ran on Sat & Sun. I would like to see the schedule for all routes in the district reflect each other, along with the transfer connections, so trans commuters can plan accordingly and reach destination on time. These routes should always have bike and walk paths (if there are no sidewalks) If a light rail were to be consider. We would have to displace local business and residence. That is something I would not support.  I would like to study the option of continuing the construction of the Metro Redline. This would be an underground project that would extend the redline from North Hollywood station to the SFV. Helping commuters reach, Sun Valley, Sunland, Hansen Dam, Sylmar, Granada Hills, Northridge, and Chatsworth quicker than they do today.

5. The Pacoima Wash Greenway is a multi-modal corridor which links parks, schools, and services to the San Gabriel Mountains. This project has been in the works since 2006 and has broad community support. A portion of this project was recently funded by a state Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant receiving the second highest score; however, the funded portion is entirely within the City of San Fernando. Will you commit to work toward extending the greenway into Sylmar, Pacoima, and eventually to the Los Angeles River as called for in the Pacoima Wash Vision Plan?

I worked hand in hand with the city of San Fernando to make sure this project happened. While working for Congressmen Howard Berman I made sure that federal funds were awarded to the Pacoima wash greenway project. I absolutely will commit to extending this greenway to Sylmar, Pacoima, and the Los Angeles River. This was the original plan. I want to finish what I started with the other supporters and implementers of this project.

6. Los Angeles is beginning to employ bike share as a new transportation option, but many barriers to access remain, particularly the cost of riding and the fact that a credit card is needed to use the system. Some cities have offered subsidies to low-income riders and cash payment options to address these issues. What can the City of Los Angeles do to help as many residents as possible enjoy the benefits that bike share will bring?

This is a concern of mine also. First off I want to work at bringing the bike share opportunity to the CD7 district. Second, I want low-income Veterans, Disabled and Students to have full access in using.

I feel the Tap card they already use to pay for the buses and rail system is the obvious option to pay for the use of the bikes.

Jose Castillo’s Response to Bike The Vote L.A.

Posted on by bikethevote

Below is

2017 Bike The Vote L.A. City Council District 7 endorsement

Jose Castillo’s full questionnaire response to Bike The Vote L.A.:

1. What role do you see for walking, transit, and biking 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 am running for LACD7 which includes Pacoima, Mission Hills, North Hills, Sylmar, Lakeview terrace, Sunland-Tujunga and Shadow hills (LACD7) the majority of these communities DO NOT have clearly marked bike lanes. We have a bike trail along the metro and there is talk about relocating a portion of that trail as Metro is planning on expanding the existing metro tracks. I have spoken to them about putting a dual platform on S.F. road and Van Nuys Blvd with parking structure with bicycle access and storage.I envision a downtown Pacoima area where people can live and work and play and WALK to a SMART transit center and be able to take Metro, High Speed Rapid Transit, or light rail. This vision also applies to the rest of LA .

2. A high percentage of people without access to cars in Northeast Los Angeles, especially immigrants, depend on bikes as a way to get to work and school, but lack safe options to commute. Additionally the prevalence of speeding on L.A. streets takes a deadly toll on those who walk and bike, including seniors and children. Mobility Plan 2035 established “safety first” as the priority in transportation decisions, and the City has since adopted the ‘Vision Zero’ program with the goal of eliminating traffic-deaths within 10 years. Do you support prioritizing the safety of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable commuters, both in CD7 on High Injury Network streets like Van Nuys Blvd and Foothill Blvd, and throughout Los Angeles, even when there may be trade-offs in terms of automotive travel time or on-street parking?

ABSOLUTELY! That was the reason for my above statement.I agree with your statements because I my the son of Mexican immigrant parents and I traveled by bike before I purchased my car in my hometown. I am saddened when I see the white bikes tied to light poles where innocent lives have been lost. I went to the wakes of the one killed on Van Nuys blvd & S.F.road and the one on Glenoaks blvd it absolutely broke my heart. I have been conversing with Ms. Tamika about this very issue and have made it a platform on my campaign. Visit my website at www.castillo4lacd7.com to see it. I will be adding more content to the subject very shortly.

3. Los Angeles’ traffic woes are compounded by the reality that many parents and workers don’t feel safe commuting even short distances or performing school drop-offs on foot or by bike. What would you do as Councilmember to improve active transportation options around schools, public transit, and in commercial districts to provide better transportation options for CD7 residents?

We need more traffic control and monitoring as well as crossing guards. One of my campaign platforms is to bring more resources to LAUSD to make our schools safer. I am open to identifying more resources to address this issue because as a real estate broker I caution my buyers in buying homes very close to homes because of the vary issues that you mentioned. If I become LA City Council member for District 7 it will be a priority to look at this issue in my communities. We have a safe streets project that was completed on Van Nuys Blvd that has benefited the bicyclist but now the business owners and some drivers have come to me with some concerns that is why I approached Metro for a parking structure on S.F. road I would like your help in lobbying them for that dual platform and parking structure. i want nothing better than to provide mixed use projects where people DO NOT have to drive in their neighborhoods. I will enlist the help of the urban planning depts at USC, UCLA to develop those smart transportation hubs I spoke about.

4. Angelenos recently approved Metro’s transportation funding plan, Measure M, with an impressive mandate of support from over 71% of voters. The East San Fernando Valley Corridor project – a light rail or bus rapid transit line running along Van Nuys Blvd and San Fernando Road – is set to be one of the first projects to be funded under the Measure.  How do you see this project transforming the way that people get around the 7th District; and what role do you see for first and last mile pedestrian, bike, and transit connections in the success of this transit line?

This project I am very aware of as I have attended dozens of meetings on it and given feedback to the authorities. The S.F.Road and Van Nuys blvd intersection has the potential to put Pacoima on the map for using all of the above mentioned transportation systems. I need your help in reaching out to Metro about the dual platform I spoke about. I am the only candidate for LACD7 that was at the meeting in San Fernando and the ONLY ONE that attended the Transportation Summit held at CSUN where many students rely on bikes and mass transportation to get to and from. I served as VP for the LA Mission College Foundation where I interacted with many students on this very subject of how to get from the community college to CSUN SAFELY!!! There has been a project in the works to provide light rail from the Sylmar/S.F. Metro to CSUN and I will push for that project to be completed ASAP.

5. The Pacoima Wash Greenway is a multi-modal corridor which links parks, schools, and services to the San Gabriel Mountains. This project has been in the works since 2006 and has broad community support. A portion of this project was recently funded by a state Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant receiving the second highest score; however, the funded portion is entirely within the City of San Fernando. Will you commit to work toward extending the greenway into Sylmar, Pacoima, and eventually to the Los Angeles River as called for in the Pacoima Wash Vision Plan?

Again ABSOLUTELY I want to create a district where people can work, play, shop and LIVE in SAFE COMMUNITIES .

6. Los Angeles is beginning to employ bike share as a new transportation option, but many barriers to access remain, particularly the cost of riding and the fact that a credit card is needed to use the system. Some cities have offered subsidies to low-income riders and cash payment options to address these issues. What can the City of Los Angeles do to help as many residents as possible enjoy the benefits that bike share will bring?

In Pacoima we can work with the Pacoima Credit Union and develop a program where we can work with stakeholders and students especially the low income to purchase a “prepaid” credit card where the city council office can provide the first $5 or $10 to get them going.

Connie Saunders’ Response to Bike The Vote L.A.

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Below is 2017 City Council District 7 Candidate Connie Saunders’ full questionnaire response to Bike The Vote L.A.:

1. What role do you see for walking, transit, and biking 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 see this as a viable option given bike paths that are not too close to traffic.  I would like to get Trolleys into Sunland/Tujunga, Pacoima and Sylmar if elected.

2. A high percentage of people without access to cars in Northeast Los Angeles, especially immigrants, depend on bikes as a way to get to work and school, but lack safe options to commute. Additionally the prevalence of speeding on L.A. streets takes a deadly toll on those who walk and bike, including seniors and children. Mobility Plan 2035 established “safety first” as the priority in transportation decisions, and the City has since adopted the ‘Vision Zero’ program with the goal of eliminating traffic-deaths within 10 years. Do you support prioritizing the safety of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable commuters, both in CD7 on High Injury Network streets like Van Nuys Blvd and Foothill Blvd, and throughout Los Angeles, even when there may be trade-offs in terms of automotive travel time or on-street parking?

On Van Nuys the Great Streets implementation project actually made bicycle’s more dangerous on the Northbound lane by taking out the lane, creating traffic gridlock and sandwiching bicyclists between parked cars and traffic.  Currently there is inclination to steel into that lane to get out of the gridlock, cutting off bicyclists.  if elected I will work to change what was done on the Great Street implementation to take out the posts on Southbound side and put in a two way bike lane on that side of the road (similar to that on San Fernando Road).  I will also work to get a trolley with a bike platform on front or back, so that bicyclists may trolley and/or bike through Sunland/Tujunga, Pacoima and Sylmar.

3. Los Angeles’ traffic woes are compounded by the reality that many parents and workers don’t feel safe commuting even short distances or performing school drop-offs on foot or by bike. What would you do as Councilmember to improve active transportation options around schools, public transit, and in commercial districts to provide better transportation options for CD7 residents?

I feel the trolley is a great way to traverse the district for shopping and will work for this.  Fixing the bike path on Van Nuys will also (i.e. two way path between parked cars and the sidewalk will eliminate any contact with traffic).

4. Angelenos recently approved Metro’s transportation funding plan, Measure M, with an impressive mandate of support from over 71% of voters. The East San Fernando Valley Corridor project – a light rail or bus rapid transit line running along Van Nuys Blvd and San Fernando Road – is set to be one of the first projects to be funded under the Measure.  How do you see this project transforming the way that people get around the 7th District; and what role do you see for first and last mile pedestrian, bike, and transit connections in the success of this transit line?

With the increase of homeless encampments on city streets, baby boomers now senior citizens with physical limitations and other concerns, I think the movement needs to emphasize a free shuttle system that takes this first and last “3 mile” down to a first and last “mile” – without complicated and expensive bus schedules to contend with. This can be done if Free trolleys (like San Fernando’s or the Glendale Bee Line) go every fifteen minutes on every major Street (in Pacoima for instance down Osborne, Van Nuys, Paxton, Glenoaks, Foothill, Laurel Canyon, San Fernando, leaving about a mile from any one of them, so that folks are not asked to walk 3 miles.) As for the Van Nuys bike path, again the north bound one needs to go and make a two way path on Southbound side. I have other ideas as well to revise the reduced parking implemented with this.

5. The Pacoima Wash Greenway is a multi-modal corridor which links parks, schools, and services to the San Gabriel Mountains. This project has been in the works since 2006 and has broad community support. A portion of this project was recently funded by a state Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant receiving the second highest score; however, the funded portion is entirely within the City of San Fernando. Will you commit to work toward extending the greenway into Sylmar, Pacoima, and eventually to the Los Angeles River as called for in the Pacoima Wash Vision Plan?

Absolutely!  This is one of my key plans.  I would also like to do a similar strategy in Sunland wash area, opening this up for the community in the same way.

6. Los Angeles is beginning to employ bike share as a new transportation option, but many barriers to access remain, particularly the cost of riding and the fact that a credit card is needed to use the system. Some cities have offered subsidies to low-income riders and cash payment options to address these issues. What can the City of Los Angeles do to help as many residents as possible enjoy the benefits that bike share will bring?

If we really want to convert people to not use cars, we need to think like they do in Denmark.  There are more bike riders there than cars in some places.  The bike share program there is free.  They go to a station (hundreds exist with bikes all over the city) and put a token or coin in (This token can be whatever we choose i.e. $5 cost) and this unlocks the bike, the person rides it wherever in the city they want and returns the bike to any of the hundreds of stations and once again locked another token of same value is released, replacing their cost.  They can walk around and then grab another bike from a rack 3 blocks away and travel home.  I believe “free” speaks to everyone in the same way – use it!  To really speak this language you also have to have the bike paths all SAFE.  With this program we can work to get bike stands at all stop lights.  This could reduce the first and last mile down the first and last ‘half mile’, which I feel is critical when talking about seniors.  This means there are police patrols on bike as well, along these paths and ideally these paths have their own stop lite, so that the bikes have a chance to cross the streets, turn left etc., without having to roll with regular traffic.  I’m all out to support this, it is exciting.  My mission is to make LA the best city in the world and with the bike share to be the best means to beat Denmark, not just measure up with Philadelphia.

Bike The Vote L.A. Endorsement – Mitch O’Farrell for City Council District 13

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2017 Los Angeles CD13 Endorsement: Mitch O’Farrell

Primary Election day: Tuesday, March 7, 7am-8pm
Find your Council District: http://neighborhoodinfo.lacity.org/
Find your polling place: http://lavote.net/locator

The race to represent Council District 13 has become consumed with conversations regarding the regressive housing ban, Measure S, which Bike The Vote L.A. opposes. However, this highly diverse district, which stretches from Atwater Village to Hollywood, is also at the center of some of Los Angeles’ most important discussions around mobility and safe streets.

We received thoughtful responses to our questionnaire from incumbent Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and challenger Jessica Salans along with an uneven response from community advocate David de la Torre. As vocal opponents of Measure S, both O’Farrell and Salans share our vision for a livable, urban, and welcoming city. Not coincidentally, both have also expressed support for protected bike lanes and better pedestrian and bike infrastructure.

We were impressed with Salans’ enthusiastic call to prioritize safety and to break down cultural barriers that make travel on foot and by bike substandard. We look forward to seeing Salans continue to develop her platform on transportation as her political career continues over the next few years. But we believe that O’Farrell’s experience, embrace of an urban Los Angeles, and continued support for safety improvement projects merits a second term to represent the 13th District.

In his response to a 2013 questionnaire from the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, then-candidate O’Farrell explained that, “We need to dream big” in order for “LA to become known for biking the way Berlin, Germany is.” We have appreciated O’Farrell’s leadership – both as a Councilmember and, prior to 2013, a staffer for then-Councilmember Eric Garcetti – in getting Mobility Plan 2035 adopted and implementing bike lanes in Virgil Village and on Fletcher Drive in Glassell Park, in addition to an all-directions scramble crosswalk at Hollywood and Highland. Nevertheless, if we are to dream big, we would like to see more from him over the next 5½ years to prioritize safety and promote active transportation.

Thus far, O’Farrell’s commitment to active transportation has not been complete: he failed to stand up for a reimagining of the Hyperion Bridge to prioritize walking and biking over driving speeds. Bike infrastructure remains unrealized on east/west corridors called out in the 2010 Bicycle Plan to connect jobs and residences in Hollywood with Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Los Feliz.

The 13th District has some exciting and ambitious ideas on the board, but to become a reality, they need support from the Council Office to initiate a positive community dialogue and ground decision making in a concern for the safety of the most vulnerable street users. Mobility Plan 2035 offers a vision of much-needed east/west connections in the bicycle network, including protected bike lanes on Hollywood Blvd and Melrose Ave, as well as bike lanes on Sunset Blvd, Santa Monica Blvd, and Beverly Blvd. Many livable streets advocates have also highlighted the opportunity to create a vibrant and retail-friendly pedestrian plaza at Hollywood and Highland in the vein of New York City’s famous reworking of Times Square.

As a candidate who has demonstrated an understanding of the benefits of a more walkable and bikeable City, Bike The Vote L.A. continues to see great potential in O’Farrell. With the hope that he will foster an atmosphere over the next council term in which safety drives decision making, Bike The Vote L.A. endorses Mitch O’Farrell for City Council District 13.

 

(See below for Mitch O’Farrell’s response to Bike The Vote L.A.)

1. What future do you see  for active mobility, and public transit in the daily lives of Angelenos?

I see an expanding future of alternative (to motorized vehicles) mobility and public transit options for Angelenos. With the advent of Measure M and the local return component, we stand to create additional city DASH lines, Street cars, and complete streets.  Alternate and accessible modes of transit are really the only alternative to combat congestion on our streets.

2. In 2015, Los Angeles approved Mobility Plan 2035, the first update to the Transportation Element of its General Plan since 1999. Mobility Plan 2035 puts “safety first” in transportation decisions, and a presents a plan for a sorely lacking East/West quality bike routes through the 13th District. Do you support Mobility 2035’s recommendations of protected bike lanes on key connecting streets traversing CD13?

I support protected bike lanes where ever we can place them. It will require trade-offs that the neighborhoods will need to accept, especially when considering “road diets” to accomplish greater safety and encouragement for more people to travel on bikes.

3. Prevalent speeding on Los Angeles streets takes a deadly toll on people who walk and bike to get around, predominantly children and low-income residents. To address this danger, Los Angeles adopted ‘Vision Zero,’ with the goal of eliminating traffic-related deaths within 20 years. Do you support Vision Zero’s prioritization of safety for Los Angeles’ most vulnerable commuters, even when there may be trade-offs in terms vehicular travel times or available on-street parking?

I do, and my leadership on installing the scramble crosswalk at Hollywood and Highland is representative of this mindset. Collisions with motorists and pedestrians at this intersection went from 16 to zero since the scramble was installed. As we evolve and deal with transit issues, trade-offs will be required.

4. Angelenos recently approved Metro’s transportation funding plan, Measure M, with an impressive mandate of support from over 71% of voters. What opportunities do you see for Measure M to improve the options for Angelenos get around in CD13 and elsewhere? Given that Measure M will return millions of dollars directly to the City of Los Angeles each year, do you support increased funding to make biking and walking in the city easier and safer for Angelenos?

As I referenced above; yes but remember, I have fought successfully for additional funding for pedestrian safety since being on the LA City Council. This has resulted in 12 approved and/or already installed pedestrian activated signalized crosswalks in my District, and this summer, we will begin my 4th and 5th Streetscape project.

5. In 2009, New York City initiated a major transformation of its central tourist hub, Times Square, resulting in a 40% drop in traffic injuries and significantly increased retail values. Some have called for Hollywood Blvd to be enhanced as a tourist destination with a similar pedestrian plaza between Highland Ave and Orange Dr. Do you support developing the central hub of Hollywood Blvd into a people-oriented public square in the next council term?

Lot’s of work has to go in to making this a reality for Hollywood Boulevard with directly affected businesses and residents. There are also implications for surrounding neighborhoods that would be impacted by redirecting traffic permanently onto alternate streets. I can see this happening some day but more people who are directly impacted (businesses and residents) need to be supportive of the idea and it will require good traffic studies, a traffic management plan, funding, and robust outreach.

6. Los Angeles is beginning to employ bike share as a new transportation option, but many barriers to access remain, particularly the cost of riding and the fact that a credit card is needed to use the system. Some cities have offered subsidies to low-income riders and cash payment options to address these issues. What can the City of Los Angeles do to help as many residents as possible enjoy the benefits that bike share will bring?

There should be cash payment options and incentives in the form of subsidies.

 

Jessica Salans’ Response to Bike The Vote L.A.

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Below is 2017 City Council District 13 Candidate Jessica Salans’ full questionnaire response to Bike The Vote L.A.:

1. What future do you see  for active mobility, and public transit in the daily lives of Angelenos?

Our campaign would like to see an increase in active mobility. We’d like to see protected bike lanes, city sponsored bikes available for public use. We’d like to create more spaces for public congregation to be destinations for on foot and public transit. We’d like to create more local bus routes, more accessibility to current public transit and of course, expand and make sure it is utilizing sustainable practices.

2. In 2015, Los Angeles approved Mobility Plan 2035, the first update to the Transportation Element of its General Plan since 1999. Mobility Plan 2035 puts “safety first” in transportation decisions, and a presents a plan for a sorely lacking East/West quality bike routes through the 13th District. Do you support Mobility 2035’s recommendations of protected bike lanes on key connecting streets traversing CD13?

Absolutely. More protected bike lanes, everywhere.

3. Prevalent speeding on Los Angeles streets takes a deadly toll on people who walk and bike to get around, predominantly children and low-income residents. To address this danger, Los Angeles adopted ‘Vision Zero,’ with the goal of eliminating traffic-related deaths within 20 years. Do you support Vision Zero’s prioritization of safety for Los Angeles’ most vulnerable commuters, even when there may be trade-offs in terms vehicular travel times or available on-street parking?

Of course. We should be setting ourselves to the highest standards. Let me just add too, that this requires a cultural and conversational shift. Los Angeles, due to the solidarity of cars, functions on a certain plane of awareness for pedestrians and cyclists. We need to not just create the infrastructure but also break down our cultural / class barriers to this.

4. Angelenos recently approved Metro’s transportation funding plan, Measure M, with an impressive mandate of support from over 71% of voters. What opportunities do you see for Measure M to improve the options for Angelenos get around in CD13 and elsewhere? Given that Measure M will return millions of dollars directly to the City of Los Angeles each year, do you support increased funding to make biking and walking in the city easier and safer for Angelenos?

Measure M provides many new opportunities for greater public access to transportation. I do support increased funding for making biking and walking easier, safer and appealing for Angelenos.

5. In 2009, New York City initiated a major transformation of its central tourist hub, Times Square, resulting in a 40% drop in traffic injuries and significantly increased retail values. Some have called for Hollywood Blvd to be enhanced as a tourist destination with a similar pedestrian plaza between Highland Ave and Orange Dr. Do you support developing the central hub of Hollywood Blvd into a people-oriented public square in the next council term?

YES. Absolutely. We need more people-oriented public squares (hello, Europe), more destinations where people want to congregate. We need this for our residents and to make Hollywood appealing and exciting for tourists. We have so much rich history as a city, within Hollywood alone, and we must capitalize on that by making it inviting and lively.

6. Los Angeles is beginning to employ bike share as a new transportation option, but many barriers to access remain, particularly the cost of riding and the fact that a credit card is needed to use the system. Some cities have offered subsidies to low-income riders and cash payment options to address these issues. What can the City of Los Angeles do to help as many residents as possible enjoy the benefits that bike share will bring?

A few things. First of all, it’s 2017. We should be able to offer card, cash, coins, EBT. Second, it would be really interesting to set up a kind of resident card that you can fill up with “points” when you volunteer for something. So say for instance we had District 13 cards- when we host a homelessness count/feeding/drive, when we host an educational event, when we sponsor a clean up etc, volunteers can add points to their cards which can then be used to rent out bikes.

Bottom line- we want bikes/transportation to be as accessible as possible for our residents, period. 🙂