Below is 2017 City Council District 7 Candidate Karo Torossian’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?

As Councilmember Krekorian’s Director of Planning and the Environment, I deal with this question quite frequently.  We need to make Los Angeles a more sustainable greener city, and that is something I have done for the last 7 years working for Councilmember Krekorian.  I was a major proponent of Measure M, which will start to take a step in the right direction to remedy our inadequate transportation infrastructure.  I am especially concerned about those who lack access to cars and alternate modes of transportation are their lifelines.  Access to transportation is a civil rights issue, and I will continue to fight for that in the City Council – which is why I have been endorsed by so many community leaders and the Sierra Club which trust my vision for this City Council District.

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?

Safety has to be the paramount concern when facing these issues.  I was happy after Mayor Garcetti appointed Seleta Reynolds as GM of DOT, because she was going to implement her award winning “Vision Zero” program from SF here to Los Angeles.  Council District 7 has dealt with a rash of speeding related deaths, especially in the longer more deserted stretches of roads.  I will make sure pedestrian safety is a hallmark of my administration, and will continue to fight for more funding like “Safe Routes to Schools.”

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 to do a better job of implementing traffic calming infrastructure around our schools – it’s a no-brainer and it increases safety.  In addition, we need to do a better job with our DASH network, it’s a very underutilized resource and we need to make sure we plan routes that take people where they would want to go – especially centered around commercial corridors.  In addition we need to encourage more active transportation options, which includes more bike racks at schools and at major commercial hubs.  In addition, I would love to see the implementation of LA’s bike share into portions of the 7th that could really take advantage of it.

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 see the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor project as a potential game changer for the NE Valley and the Valley as a whole.   I want to see it as a light rail project especially considering the significant transit options deficit we suffer here in the San Fernando Valley.  I also see this as a key project that will link with the Sepulveda Pass Line and the future conversion of the Orange Line to rail.  Imagine a world where it would take 30 mins to get from Sylmar to Westwood, or 25 mins from Van Nuys to the Burbank Airport.  These projects could usher in more jobs, economic development, TOD and much needed transit infrastructure in formerly blighted communities.  This would be the spine of any Valley transit infrastructure, and I will do whatever is necessary to move this project forward as quickly as possible.

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 I will work to extend the greenway into Sylmar and surrounding areas.  I think we need to work with our neighbors, in this example San Fernando, but in others it could be Burbank or Glendale to find projects that encourage regional unity and serve to positively impact residents of the larger region.  Sometimes the City of LA can be very parochial in its worldview – we need to build partnerships and goals with other entities in the region – its makes state and federal dollars more attainable when there is a diversity of voices.   I have worked on LA River issues for the last decade professionally and this an example where I as an Urban Planner am uniquely situated to make these plans a reality.

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?

I think we should make it easier for resident to enjoy these programs.  I think subsidies to low income, senior and student riders is something we should definitely look at in addition to cash payment options.  I think to really make bike share successful in Los Angeles we must be strategic about where we place them.  I think they must be in areas where active transportation usage is high and in areas that are high trafficked, commercial and economic hubs.  We should also have them compatible with TAP cards to encourage more integration of multi-modal options.

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.

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.

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.

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.