LA County Bicycle Coalition www.la-bike.org

Are You Bike-Friendly? CD 13 Candidate John Choi Responds

LACBC asked each of the candidates running for City Council of the City of Los Angeles to respond to our questionnaire. We hope our members will find the candidates’ answers insightful into how each candidate proposes to make our streets safe, balanced, and livable. Responses are posted by Council District, in the order they were received. Here are responses from CD 13 candidate John Choi.  The May 21st run-off election is between John Choi and Mitch O’Farrell.

1. Please share a memory involving a bicycle that has had a lasting effect on you (whether or not you were the one on the bicycle).

It was a recent experience where I was actually driving, but pulled up next to a young family on their bicycles at the very busy intersection of Silver Lake Blvd, Temple, Virgil, and Beverly (in the 13th district!).  It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and the young mother had her young child strapped into a baby seat on the back of her bicycle.  The adult couple was talking and joking together, while the young boy in the baby seat was animated and clearly having fun being outside.  As the light turned from red to green, the couple calmly began pedaling through the intersection, with my only view being of the rear of the baby seat with the child’s arms and legs bouncing happily along.  I chose this memory because it was a snapshot into the life of young families who are shedding old notions of mobility in our great city – who are leading by example and who are quite frankly, pioneers.  There in front of my eyes was the future pedaling down our streets in the midst of heavy car traffic.  It was a brief glimpse into a vision that I’m committed to carrying through as a Councilmember.

2. The Department of City Planning is in the process of updating the City’s Mobility Element for the first time in decades.  What policies would you prioritize for inclusion in the Mobility Element?  What role do you see bicycling playing in the City’s transportation system, if any?

I’m highly focused on improving our bike infrastructure to ensure that bicycles can truly fulfill the vision of a first mile-last mile connected and useable transit system.  Metro projects need to include these elements, and as Councilmember, I hope to be appointed to ensure that the City receives its share of funding to increase connectivity.  This also means that a focus on strategically improving the City’s bike infrastructure (prioritizing completing bike lanes around new and existing public transit routes, implementing physical barriers in these same locations) around transit hubs.

3. Just a few months ago, Los Angeles was honored as a Bronze-level Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Do you believe the city should pursue a Silver-level designation, and if so, what steps would you take in the first year of your term to move LA up to the Silver level?

Given the hard work of cyclist groups, green activists and eco-minded city officials, I believe Los Angeles can reach silver relatively quickly. I think the most effective step a Councilmember can take is to bring the experts on the issue into the room to discuss what is immediately doable. In the first quarter of my first term I will bring prominent local cycling advocates to the table on these issues, so we Angelenos can ride with ease and peace of mind.  One area we can make up the additional level is by increasing “encouragement” of ridership by continuing to promote more events like Ciclavia.  I myself will be a leader by publically riding my bike to events in the district.

4. In 2011, the City Council unanimously adopted the Bicycle Plan proposing a comprehensive 1,600-mile bikeway network across the City.  What steps would you take to ensure implementation of Bicycle Plan projects in your district?  Are there any specific projects in the Plan you would prioritize?

When I am a City Councilmember I will put my experience as a Commissioner on the Department of Public Works to good use in executing the Bicycle Plan in our Council District. My background experience executing street design and the relationships I’ve built during my career will lend to ease in implementing the Plan and I’d bet we’ll see faster and better application of the Bicycle Plan here in CD13 than in any other part district.

I think the City’s Bicycle Plan as a great blueprint for a more bicycle friendly city. We must implement and meet the goals set by the Bicycle Plan by ensuring that a portion of our budget is dedicated to seeing this through completion. We need to make sure that bike lanes are properly designated throughout the city, so that no cyclist feels unsafe while traversing our neighborhoods.

5. Studies have shown that people on bicycles spend more per month in local business districts than those arriving by other modes.  What steps would you take to ensure that local businesses in your district are able to benefit from better access by bicyclists?

We need to focus implementation of bike infrastructure in our localized small business centers to further encourage that type of continued growth.  Rather than take a shotgun approach that spreads limited resources, I’d like to focus in on targeted neighborhoods where we can build the support with the business and residential communities to push progressive bike policy and infrastructure development.  Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Atwater Village could be great fits for encouraging this type of approach.  I’d like to show leadership on issues like removing metered parking to provide bike corrals and replacing street grates.  Where possible, I’d like to see the development of physical barriers between bike and car lanes to create more permanency and to begin to change the mobility culture in our city.  Using the bully pulpit, I’d like to help lead a conversation about small businesses playing a role in reducing car trips by incentivizing bicycle users to bike to their shops.

6. The LA Weekly recently wrote a feature story documenting that almost half of traffic collisions in the City of LA are hit-and-runs, according to LAPD records.  Many victims of these traffic crimes are people walking and bicycling.  What steps would you take to reduce the rate of hit-and-run and ensure perpetrators are prosecuted?

With the expansion of bike lanes across the city, we need to increase the number of police officers patrolling our neighborhoods on bikes. In collaboration with the LAPD, the city needs to raise awareness and educate both drivers and bicyclists alike about sharing the road.

7. In the event of a collision, the survival of those injured could depend on a prompt emergency response, yet it’s recently been disclosed that response times for the Los Angeles Fire Department frequently exceed national standards. What would you do to address budget and staffing cutbacks affecting the LAFD to ensure a faster response for all those who need emergency assistance?

Our sluggish response times are not acceptable. Although our city is in a financial bind, cutting back on police and firefighters should be avoided at all costs, and once we are fiscally sound, replenishing their ranks should become a priority.  I think it’s important that we ensure that internal departmental policy prioritize bike accidents as much as car accidents.  As a city councilmember I will work to make sure that the LAFD has the resources it needs to efficiently and effectively carry out its duties to our citizens.

8. A recent proposal has been floated to assess all property owners to bring streets into a state of good repair.  Do you support the proposed bond measure, and do you believe any changes should be made to the proposal to serve all those who travel on city streets, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users?

I support creating a dedicated source of revenue for infrastructure development, but believe that any measure should include sidewalks and considerations for bicycle infrastructure improvements.  We’ll likely only have one shot at this, and I want to fight to make sure we do it right.

9. LACBC has formed Neighborhood Bike Ambassador groups in each part of the City to work with local businesses, neighborhood councils, homeowner associations and other stakeholders on bicycle issues. Will you commit to meeting with the local Ambassador group in your district on a regular and ongoing basis? Would you be willing to lead a regularly scheduled bike ride with your constituents?

Yes, I am committed to ensuring our streets are bicycle and pedestrian friendly. I think the Ambassador group will play an important part in raising awareness and carrying out dialogue with our civic leaders and community members. I think that riding bicycles with my constituents will be a great way for me to lead by example.

10. Would you presently feel safe riding a bike in Los Angeles, and if not, what would it take to make you feel comfortable on our city streets?

Certainly, there are portions of our city and my district where I feel safe riding a bike. Just the other day I took ride through my local neighborhood Echo Park and felt safe in the neighborhoods as well as on Sunset Blvd, which has a bike lane installed.  But safe bike riding should not be exclusive to certain parts of the city. Anyone in this city should be able to get on a bike at home and ride down to their local shops or parks without feeling that they’re risking their life. There is a lot of work to be done to create a new culture where both riders and drivers are comfortable with each other on the roads.

Are You Bike-Friendly? Questions for City Council Candidates

Photo: Andrew Wong, WYTe Studios

In 2011, the Los Angeles City Council passed the Bicycle Plan, embarking on a quest to make our city friendlier to those traveling under pedal power.  Since then, Los Angeles has made great strides toward making bicycling a safe and convenient way to travel, connecting diverse communities to make our city more liveable, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable.  Each Councilmember has the ability to determine what projects are advanced in his or her district, as well as a vote on citywide policy affecting all people who ride.  The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition invites all City Council candidates to appeal directly to an engaged, thoughtful group of voters–our city’s bicyclists–by responding to the following questionnaire.

We will post responses to these questions here on our blog and in our weekly newsletter to thousands of voters across the city and region beginning on February 7th and thereafter as additional responses come in.  Please email responses to eric@la-bike.org.

Note: The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and cannot endorse candidates or engage in electioneering on behalf of a candidate. We are offering this questionnaire as a service to candidates to communicate with potential voters for informational purposes only.  All candidates have an equal opportunity to respond and responses will be distributed without bias in the order in which they are received.  If you have any questions, please call our office at (213) 629-2142.

1. Please share a memory involving a bicycle that has had a lasting effect on you (whether or not you were the one on the bicycle).

2. The Department of City Planning is in the process of updating the City’s Mobility Element for the first time in decades.  What policies would you prioritize for inclusion in the Mobility Element?  What role do you see bicycling playing in the City’s transportation system, if any?

3. Just a few months ago, Los Angeles was honored as a Bronze-level Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Do you believe the city should pursue a Silver-level designation, and if so, what steps would you take in the first year of your term to move LA up to the Silver level?

4. In 2011, the City Council unanimously adopted the Bicycle Plan proposing a comprehensive 1,600-mile bikeway network across the City.  What steps would you take to ensure implementation of Bicycle Plan projects in your district?  Are there any specific projects in the Plan you would prioritize?

5. Studies have shown that people on bicycles spend more per month in local business districts than those arriving by other modes.  What steps would you take to ensure that local businesses in your district are able to benefit from better access by bicyclists?

6. The LA Weekly recently wrote a feature story documenting that almost half of traffic collisions in the City of LA are hit-and-runs, according to LAPD records.  Many victims of these traffic crimes are people walking and bicycling.  What steps would you take to reduce the rate of hit-and-run and ensure perpetrators are prosecuted?

7. In the event of a collision, the survival of those injured could depend on a prompt emergency response, yet it’s recently been disclosed that response times for the Los Angeles Fire Department frequently exceed national standards. What would you do to address budget and staffing cutbacks affecting the LAFD to ensure a faster response for all those who need emergency assistance?

8. A recent proposal has been floated to assess all property owners to bring streets into a state of good repair.  Do you support the proposed bond measure, and do you believe any changes should be made to the proposal to serve all those who travel on city streets, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users?

9. LACBC has formed Neighborhood Bike Ambassador groups in each part of the City to work with local businesses, neighborhood councils, homeowner associations and other stakeholders on bicycle issues. Will you commit to meeting with the local Ambassador group in your district on a regular and ongoing basis? Would you be willing to lead a regularly scheduled bike ride with your constituents?

10. Would you presently feel safe riding a bike in Los Angeles, and if not, what would it take to make you feel comfortable on our city streets?

Court System Fails Alan Deane and His Family

We are disappointed to report that Sidharth Misra, the driver who killed Alan Deane as Alan was riding his bicycle on Colorado Blvd. in September 2011, was given a light sentence on November 13 in the Pasadena Superior Court. As we suspected before the hearing, the terms of the sentence were predetermined by a plea bargain deal in which Misra was convicted of Reckless Driving. His sentence included 10 hours of community labor, 400 hours of community service, 3 years probation, a few small fines, and restitution that has still not been confirmed (but was estimated to be around $4,000). Commissioner Steven Monette presided over the hearing.

A group of supporters met for a short ride from the crash site to the courthouse where they joined more supporters, along with Alan’s friends and family members. Alan’s aunt, Anita “Cookie” Berman, made a tearful statement which was followed by a statement by LACBC staff member Colin Bogart. In their statements, Berman and Bogart both cited that there should be stiffer penalties in cases like this, specifically the revocation or suspension of Misra’s driver’s license. Misra also spoke to Alan’s family and friends, saying he was sorry and that he understood if they hated him or could not forgive him.

In this case, we are less concerned about Misra and more concerned about the failure of our legal system to protect and seek justice for victims like Alan. Misra does not seem like a bad person, but how can our legal system convict a person of Reckless Driving and still preserve the person’s driving privilege? Somehow, the suspension or revocation of a person’s driving privilege must become automatic in cases like this. It would be a step in the right direction towards making the punishment fit the crime, and would be an incentive for people to simply drive more carefully.

We sincerely thank the supporters who met for the ride and who attended the hearing. At the very least, Alan’s family did not have to face Tuesday’s hearing alone. Alan’s father Gil called to thank the LACBC and everyone who has supported the family. We can all take some comfort knowing that we’ve helped Alan’s family through a very difficult time.

You can read (and listen to) more at the Pasadena Star News, KPCC, and Streetsblog Los Angeles.

Farewell Sgt. Krumer, Hello Four New LAPD Liaisons

For several years, Sgt. David Krumer has been the bicycling community’s main point of contact with the Los Angeles Police Department.  Many can attest that he was always consistent and quick to respond to all manner of issues that arose. LACBC was not alone in relying on him for assistance. Sgt. Krumer has been reassigned and we’d like to thank him for all that he’s done for bicyclists in Los Angeles. Sgt. Krumer, we wish you the best. Come ride with us any time!

With Sgt. Krumer’s departure as the LAPD go-to guy for all things bike, the department recently announced four new liaisons to take Krumer’s place. Each liaison will represent one of four traffic divisions in the City of Los Angeles. Their role is to be available to bicycling public. If, for example, you’ve had an altercation with a motorist or if you have an issue with an LAPD officer that you’ve encountered, the liaisons are there for you. You can contact them according to the traffic division you were in at the time of your incident. For a more detailed description of the change at LAPD, you can read blogger and LACBC Board member Ted Rogers’ post on LAStreetsblog. Starting now, keep this list handy!

• Central Division: Sgt. Laszlo Sandor        213 972-1853    30124@lapd.lacity.org
• West Division:     Sgt. Christopher Kunz  213 473-0215    26315@lapd.lacity.org
• South Division:    Sgt. Jon Aufdemberg    213 421-2588    31630@lapd.lacity.org
• Valley Division:   Sgt. Steve Egan               818 644-8146   26860@lapd.lacity.org

Map of the LAPD Traffic Divisions.

City of LA Announces Preparation of EIR on 43.3 Miles of Bike Lane Projects

Over the last year, since the adoption of the City of Los Angeles Bicycle Plan, the City has shown a real commitment to improving conditions for bicycling. This past fiscal years has been the best yet for bicycle infrastructure implementation and planning: the city exceeded its goal of installing 40 miles of bike lanes, installing 51 miles of bike lanes and also installed 20 miles of sharrows; a bike network has been growing in Downtown L.A.; a record number of bike rack requests have been fulfilled; and the City’s first physically separated bike lane was announced.

Looking into what’s ahead for the next year, the City has just released its prepared first-year implementation strategy Environmental Impact Review (EIR) proposal for 43 miles of bike lanes.  If you’re wondering why the City is doing an EIR on these 43 projects and not on the many projects that they completed over the last fiscal year it’s because all of these projects require a change in the current roadway configuration that will result in a change to the vehicle Level of Service (LOS) at intersections in the project area. The City of LA has a guide that dictates when an EIR needs to be completed based on certain thresholds. A change in LOS, vehicle delay at an intersection, requires that an EIR be completed for transportation projects. You can download and review the City’s Notice of Preparation for the planned bicycle facilities here.

There are several upcoming scoping meetings to provide an opportunity for you to learn more about the EIR process and give input on the included projects. Below is the meeting information as well as information for a webinar that will cover the same information.

When: July 10, 2012, 5 pm to 7 pm
Where: Caltrans District 7 Building, Room 01.040B
100 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

When: July 12, 2012, 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: LADOT Western Parking Enforcement Office,
11214 W. Exposition Blvd., 1^st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90064

When: July 18, 2012, 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Los Angeles River Center & Gardens, California Building
570 West Avenue 26, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Webinar, July 17^th, 3 PM to 4 PM - Click  here to reserve your Webinar seat

As the City continues to move ahead with implementing the adopted 2010 Bicycle Plan, it is critical to show support for the City’s vision. Sign-up to get involved with our new  Neighborhood Bike Ambassador Program and help advocate for the many projects included in the EIR and more.  These projects can’t move forward without your support and the support of your Neighborhood Council. We need your help to outreach and engage your neighbors with the bike projects planned for your neighborhood.  Check out the list of bike lane projects included in the EIR below:

We are actively working to understand how the City’s guidelines can be updated and what other cities are doing in California to make implementing bicycle lanes and other active and public transportation projects easier and less costly. Level of  Service does not actually measure environmental impact – it measures the discomfort of drivers delayed at an intersection, many cities around the US are moving away from LOS because it does not take into account how other road users are impacted. We worked with a UCLA Urban Planning  graduate student, Jen Karmels, to look at what cities in California are doing. Her research focuses on the cities of San Jose and San Francisco, their two different approaches to making active and public transportation projects easier to implement, and how stakeholders and agencies went about making the changes. We also recently worked with a law firm to review California case law and the city’s guidelines and plans to understand what ability the city has to use a different forms of analysis to evaluate impacts from projects. View Jen’s report here and our legal memo here.

The City and cities across LA County have a lot of flexibility to do things differently but, making the change can take upwards of 4+ years as was/is the case in both San Jose and San Francisco. While we continue to advocate for the City of LA to adopt more progressive policy to make implementing bike lanes easier – we need your help building support for the projects included in the EIR. Completing the EIR does not guarantee these projects will be implemented. Street level, neighborhood support is what ensures these projects and the many more projects included in the 2010 Bicycle Plan get implemented. So sign-up to become a Neighborhood Bike Ambassador, attend your Neighborhood Council meetings, and check out one of the meetings listed above.

Bike Month Riding Tips: Take Two

Thursday May 17, 2012 is Bike to Work Day in Los Angeles County. If you are planning to bike to work for the first time, that’s great!  Here’s a few tips to help make your ride better.

Route
Plan your route ahead of time. A route that works for you will make all the difference. Keep in mind that driving routes and riding routes aren’t always the same. Use a map to identify quieter side streets that you might use for a more pleasant ride. When using side streets, look for traffic signals at major cross streets. Google Streetview is great for this. You can also use Google directions (click on the bike button) to help with route suggestions. Typically you’ll get two or three options that will include exisiting bikeways and avoid hills (if possible). Of course, if you are comfortable with staying on major roads, go for it. Once you’ve identified a route, try driving it on your way to work first to make sure it’s okay. Then try riding it on the weekend to see how long it takes you (hint: Google bike directions will also give you an estimated travel time).

Essentials
To help ensure you don’t get stranded with a flat tire, be sure to carry a patch kit, tire levers, a pump, and a spare tube with you. If you don’t know how to fix a flat, now is a great time to learn. You will be much less hesitant to ride if you know you can fix a flat out on the road. A multi-tool is also a good item to carry with you, just in case you need to tighten something that’s loose. You may also need a wrench to remove your wheels if they don’t have quick-release levers. As back-up, carry a cell phone or money for a cab or the bus if something happens and you simply can’t finish your ride.

Clothing
You don’t have to wear spandex to ride a bike. Everyone has a personal preference. Dress however is comfortable for you. Keep in mind that if you ride (and sweat) in regular clothing, cotton gets wet and stays wet. If you prefer to wear shorts and a t-shirt, consider sweat wicking materials that will help you stay drier and more comfortable. Mountain bike shorts are a good option to consider if you don’t like spandex shorts. If you’re going to ride to work in special clothing and you need to dress up at work, take a change of clothes and toiletries to work before bike to work day. Then you can change and gussy up at work.

Carrying stuff
If you have items you must carry to work with you, there are several ways to go. You can take items in a back-pack. This works well if your gear isn’t really heavy, but your back is likely to get a little more sweaty. You can use a messenger bag. If you think you might want to carry things on your bike more regularly, consider investing in a basket or rack. A basket is a simple way to carry items and forego the backpack option. Baskets typically attach to the front fork and handlebars. If you get a rear rack, you can then carry items in a pannier bag designed to attach to the rack. This is especially good if you have heavy items that you don’t want on your back or in a basket that will affect your stearing.

Hygiene and clean up
Leave early enough so you can ride at a casual pace. If you want to avoid getting really sweaty, it’s a good idea to avoid riding fast or look for routes with less hills. Enjoy the ride. Give yourself some extra time to cool off once you’ve arrived. Use handy wipes or a camp towel to clean up when you get to work. Small camp towels can work as a wash-cloth that will dry quickly. If you have a shower facility at work, that’s great. If not and you really want to shower after your ride, there might be a health club or YMCA near your work that will allow you to use their showers. Once you’ve cleaned up, remember that your riding clothes might still smell a little. Your co-workers will appreciate it if you store your riding clothes in a place that’s out of sniffing range.

Transit
If your route is 7 miles or more, you might want to supplement your ride with transit. Metro buses, trains, and most local buses are free on bike to work day. Check Metro’s website for schedules and rules regarding bikes on trains and buses. All Metro buses and most local buses have bike racks on the front of the bus. Metrolink trains also have designated space (and some train cars) for bicycles. If you don’t live close to transit, ride to a point where you can catch a bus or train. Most likely transit won’t get you to the front door of your employer, so you’ll need to ride the last mile or two from the station or stop. Another option to consider on bike to work day is to ride to work in the morning and take the bus or train home. There’s no rule that says you must ride both ways. You’re more likely to be fresh and ready to ride in the morning and tired by the end of the work day. If so, reward yourself for riding in the morning by taking transit home.

Bike Parking
Look around your workplace to see if there is designated space to park your bicycle. A locker or secure room set aside for bikes is ideal. If not, ask if you can secure your bike in an unused room or closet that can be locked. If you must lock your bike to a bike rack or fixed object outside, be sure to pick a location that is close to the main entrance of your building and that has a lot of pedestrian traffic. Visibility is key. Don’t lock your bike in a secluded location that’s out of sight. When locking your bike, be sure to lock at least one wheel and your frame. If you have quick release levers, take off the front wheel and lock both wheels and the frame. Never leave a wheel with a quick-release unsecured. They’re way too easy to steal. Remove any accessories that might easily be stolen as well. Things like battery powered lights, frame mounted pumps, or saddle bags are examples of things you want to take with you. If your seat-post and saddle have a quick-release, you might want to take them with you or secure them with an additional lock. A u-lock is the best way to go when choosing a lock. It may cost more than you want to spend, but an expensive lock is usually less expensive than another bike.  In addition to locking your bike, you can also deter theft by loosening your rear-wheel quick release so the back wheel will jam against the frame when a thief tries to ride off with your bike. Just remember to re-tighten your quick-release before you ride again!