The November 2, 2010 election holds great promise to elect supportive leadership who will take an active role in not only making the East Bay more bike-friendly, but also place the East Bay at the forefront of US urban areas discovering the wonderful benefits that bike-friendly streets bring to communities.
Why should you care about the election?
The November 2, 2010 election holds great promise to elect supportive leadership who will take an active role in not only making the East Bay more bike-friendly, but also place the East Bay at the forefront of US urban areas discovering the wonderful benefits that bike-friendly streets bring to communities.
We need strong, pro-bike elected officials to pass legislation in favor of increasing funding for bicycle, pedestrian and transit infrastructure, and to make the tough decisions to redesign our roadways for safer, more inviting bicycling. We have asked each candidate about their stand on many issues, and once they are voted into office we will ensure they follow through on their promises.
1. What initiatives would you develop or support to continue the growth of cycling and walking as every day modes of transportation in Oakland? (150 words or less)
As someone who personally bikes, and as an elected official who realizes that expanding bike and pedestrian safety and access are vital to Oakland’s revitalization, I will continue to work to expand these opportunities significantly. Specifically I will create a staffed bicycle station open in the Uptown area to serve those headed to BART and people accessing other destinations in the area. It also includes quick completion, and installation of effective signage, for core bike routes including the Franklin/Webster couplet, and crucial gap completion projects to make it easy to access key destinations by bike, like MacArthur BART. I will work to expand the next generation of bicyclists and pedestrians through programs like Safe Routes to Schools, and target infrastructure repair in ways that take into account needs of pedestrians and bicyclists (and wheelchair users), including sidewalk and pothole repair.
As Mayor I will establish a Transportation Commission to offer more transparency and consistency to Oakland’s transportation decision-making. I will ensure the City’s Transit-First policy is understood within each City department. Finally, I would ride my bike and promote cycling and traffic safety, increasing the visibility of walking and biking by using the “bully pulpit” of the Mayor’s office.
2. Do you support establishing a pedestrian and cyclist safety campaign in Oakland?
Yes.
3. Do you bike or walk for regular transportation? If so, for what purposes (commuting, recreation, errands) and how often? Please indicate how you most commonly commute to work. (300 words or less)
Yes. Throughout most of my life I have used a bicycle, and public transit, as primary forms of transportation, and I will continue to do so, as a regular part of my life – not just for special occasions. In addition, I often use bike and transit together to complete longer trips, which is part of why I am committed to more programs which help connect bikes and transit, and realizing this need for many people for their trips is part of why I fought to have bike racks installed on all AC Transit buses. For many trips in and around downtown/Chinatown/Jack London I walk as well, and I know that with a focused effort to improve safety and access for bicyclists and pedestrians, I know we can dramatically increase the share of trips in Oakland which are conducted by bike and on foot. Our weather, our topography, and our active population, all make Oakland an excellent place to expand bike and pedestrian programs and success.
4. In your opinion is Oakland a bicycle-friendly city?
Yes – in part. We already have the community support and the weather and topography and some of the infrastructure. But we don’t yet have adequate comprehensive implementation of real bike-friendly programs, such as bike stations and secure parking in more locations, and completion of the Bicycle Master Plan. With the right leadership and actions, we can make Oakland into a thoroughly bike-friendly city, and can gain one of the highest bicycling rates around.
5. Do you support increasing funding for the City’s bicycle and pedestrian programs and projects?
Yes.
6. For generations, State, regional and Oakland policies have prioritized traffic flow and space for private motor vehicles, to the detriment of walking, bicycling and transit. Around the world, many cities are reversing this priority and using the following hierarchy in transportation planning; pedestrians first, then bicyclists, transit vehicles, and lastly private motor vehicles. If elected, will you support this new hierarchy in the City of Oakland?
Yes!
7. If elected, will you help achieve the goals of Oakland’s Bicycle Master Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan? What would be your top three priorities for implementation in each of these two plans. (500 words or less)
I will achieve the goals of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans by the end of my first term in office, by making implementation a priority and by giving decision-makers the tools they need to make transportation planning coherent and consistent. I will ensure that each City department understands the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans and strives to implement them, so that we do not have plans coming out of, say, Redevelopment, Planning, or Building Services that harm pedestrian safety or subsidize driving in the downtown core.
My top three priorities for the Bicycle Master Plan are to greatly expand the bike-lane network; integrate bicycling throughout City transportation planning, and complete the bike parking, signage and wayfinding programs begun by the Bike-Ped program.
My top three priorities for the Pedestrian Master Plan are to implement the pedestrian-first planning policies contained within the Plan, like increasing oversight over new curb cuts in pedestrian areas; establish a crosswalk policy and a plan for implementation; and undertake infrastructure improvements for pedestrians across the City, using regional, state, and federal funds.
8. How would you prioritize the implementation of Oakland’s Climate Action Plan. If elected, what would be your top three priorities for implementation in this plan. (200 words or less)
As Mayor I will take immediate action to implement the Climate Action Plan as well as other environmental initiatives, so that Oakland is making a difference now and not putting tough decisions into the future. My top priorities for putting the Climate Action Plan into action are: stimulate transit-oriented development with new zoning and clear direction to Planning staff, as well as by landing outside grants; fully implement the bicycle and pedestrian master plans and work with AC Transit and the private sector to expand transit ridership; and to recruit the green industries of the future with a smart plan and a dedicated economic development teams. In addition I would facilitate efforts to reduce energy use and find new sources of energy, by encouraging retrofitting and weatherization to reduce heating and cooling costs and bringing alternative energy producers together to source grease and identify purchasers of energy like building owners. I will also work with EBMUD and others to be more careful with water use and runoff and encourage tiered water rates to encourage conservation, and collect used grease/fry oil for biofuels. Finally I will establish a stronger relationship with the Port of Oakland so we can solve issues with trucking and other sources of pollution.
9. (Additional Thoughts)
Oakland can be the best City for walking and biking in the country. Oakland has better weather than Portland, is flatter than San Francisco, and denser than Los Angeles. Oakland was just formally recognized, for the first time, as a bicycle-friendly City. By the end of my first term as Mayor I will have boosted Oakland’s bicycle and pedestrian mode-share to be higher than Portland’s and raised the level of our recognition from the League of American Cyclists. Oakland has never had a Mayor or top administrator to make bicycle and walking a priority, and with a Mayor that cares deeply about transportation, we will make incredible strides to becoming the most bicycle-friendly City in America!
1. What initiatives would you develop or support to continue the growth of cycling and walking as every day modes of transportation in Oakland? (150 words or less)
I have not made a study of this. This answer is mostly based on personal experience. My main concern is to upgrade the type of bike path we set up and have safer places around town. Quickly following that I think we are still far away from having safe, convenient bike parking at most business and transit locations.
2. Do you support establishing a pedestrian and cyclist safety campaign in Oakland?
I do, but I think the infrastructure plays a big role.
3. Do you bike or walk for regular transportation? If so, for what purposes (commuting, recreation, errands) and how often? Please indicate how you most commonly commute to work. (300 words or less)
It depends the weather, the destination and if my 7 year old son is with me. I live upstairs from my work and can walk to most of my shopping, health care, dining and entertainment. I drive very few miles and my 94 has only 78K on it. That car sits for days at a time.
Most of my trips are walking, downtown bike trips are a couple of times weekly most weeks. Since I have been running for office I have needed to use the car more.
I bike a lot between Temescal and downtown/Chinatown/Old Oakland and Lake Merrit for my work or to go to things like Art Murmur.
I only bike with my son on small side streets over to Mosswood or inside of Temescal. By and large I find the “bike lanes” unsafe for a small child. A lot of them I find unsafe for myself and try to use smaller streets when I can. I used to take the bus from 40th and Broadway, but now find the service too infrequent and unreliable, so I bike more often.
Most of the time I take the car it is to pick someone up who would be very delayed by using public transit, or to get somewhere that is hard to get to, or for questions of safety, speed and access.
4. In your opinion is Oakland a bicycle-friendly city?
Not in the way the bike paths are done, but yes in the way the public views bike use.
5. Do you support increasing funding for the City’s bicycle and pedestrian programs and projects?
Yes after we clean up some of the mess. The safety of some of the current projects give me pause and the result over costs makes me wonder if we are not loosing a lot of revenue to the planning process that would be better spent on the bike paths, cross walks and signage.
6. For generations, State, regional and Oakland policies have prioritized traffic flow and space for private motor vehicles, to the detriment of walking, bicycling and transit. Around the world, many cities are reversing this priority and using the following hierarchy in transportation planning; pedestrians first, then bicyclists, transit vehicles, and lastly private motor vehicles. If elected, will you support this new hierarchy in the City of Oakland?
I am opposed to ANY increase in the road infrastructure. Our nation needs to urgently put all of our transit resources into mass transit. This is an urgent problem for global warming, pollution, resource waste and quality of life.
7. If elected, will you help achieve the goals of Oakland’s Bicycle Master Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan? What would be your top three priorities for implementation in each of these two plans. (500 words or less)
I am not too familiar with both of these Master Plans.
I was very disappointed in the quality, cost and time delays, not to mention the quality of the final decisions that went into the 40th Street bike lane plan that is to run in front of my house. I heard the master plan quoted a lot during the public meetings and did not get a clear picture of what it is.
I really hope it is not another one of our city’s over elaborate, over budget plans.
As a regular rider my general feeling is not that some great plan is moving forward, but that could be the funding and permitting and not the plan itself. Some of the stuff I have seen looks very good and other parts seem dubious.
8. How would you prioritize the implementation of Oakland’s Climate Action Plan. If elected, what would be your top three priorities for implementation in this plan. (200 words or less)
1 Better zoning for live/work, walk-bike-bus to work neighborhoods. The lowest carbon footprint in the form of transit and commute is the one you do not have to take. My situation should not be a luxury or a stroke of luck, we should make it a lot easier to live locally.
2 Better building code and permitting. Simple things like skylights, and more advanced projects, such as photovoltaics should not face the current obstacles. The use of “gray water” is illegal for all practical purposes.
3 Trees. We need to line our city streets with trees. We need to buffer our freeways and pollution sources with trees. We need to use trees for our sound barrios. We need to use gray water for those trees and we need to plan native vegetation that will resist drought and require less upkeep.
9. Additional thoughts?
As a long standing Green Party member, this is the kind of issue that is dear to me. As an Oakland Community organizer I want to mix these needed projects into the integrations programs, education projects and jobs we need to address the crisis that affects our youth.
The changes we need to make on where we work and how we get there are crucial and we need to avoid that becoming in any way in conflict with our URGENT need to address crime, education and employment. It should also not become a false trade off with economic development as a whole.
The city planning process is in need of an upgrade. Our transit goals should be part of that better management we have to provide the public if we are ever going to build an atmosphere of public trust in government. Bike infrastructure is very visible and we need to make sure it LOOKS viable, well thought out and practical to the average resident when they see it.
Joe Tuman
1. What initiatives would you develop or support to continue the growth of cycling and walking as every day modes of transportation in Oakland? (150 words or less)
I believe that increased storage facilities for bicycles and dedicated, safe bikeways are two of the most effective methods for increasing bicycle travel. Further, education and promotion also incentivize bicycle use. I would champion any initiative, such as “bike to work” or “bike and pedestrian safety awareness” days, that accomplished this goal. I also believe that we must provide pedestrians and bicyclists the ability to complete their daily errands within their neighborhoods. By so doing, we will eliminate the need for Oaklanders to use automobiles to perform the majority of their daily tasks. Finally, we must prioritize sidewalk and street maintenance. The disrepair of our streets and sidewalks not only discourages pedestrian and bicycle travel but is places our citizens in danger unnecessarily. Safe, well-maintained streets, adequate storage facilities and active promotion by the Mayor’s Office can and will increase Oakland’s use of bicycle and foot travel.
2. Do you support establishing a pedestrian and cyclist safety campaign in Oakland?
Yes.
3. Do you bike or walk for regular transportation? If so, for what purposes (commuting, recreation, errands) and how often? Please indicate how you most commonly commute to work. (300 words or less)
I am a life-long recreational cyclist. Often the distances associated with my regular work commute makes cycling difficult. Nevertheless, I often cycle as many as five times a week, and over one hundred miles a week for vast parts of the year.
4. In your opinion is Oakland a bicycle-friendly city?
Yes and no.
5. Do you support increasing funding for the City’s bicycle and pedestrian programs and projects?
Yes
6. For generations, State, regional and Oakland policies have prioritized traffic flow and space for private motor vehicles, to the detriment of walking, bicycling and transit. Around the world, many cities are reversing this priority and using the following hierarchy in transportation planning; pedestrians first, then bicyclists, transit vehicles, and lastly private motor vehicles. If elected, will you support this new hierarchy in the City of Oakland?
Yes
7. If elected, will you help achieve the goals of Oakland’s Bicycle Master Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan? What would be your top three priorities for implementation in each of these two plans. (500 words or less)
Increasing the public safety of Oakland is rightfully at the forefront of all of our minds and has been a major focus of my campaign. While this often includes talk of crime prevention, I believe that the improvement of the ability of our citizens to safety navigate Oakland’s streets also falls within the realm of public safety. Simply put, as your Mayor, I will make ensuring safe navigation of our streets a priority. Oakland’s Bicycle Master Plan and the Pedestrian Master Plan provide well-structured and effective guidance toward achieving that goal and I will make their implementation a priority in my administration.
I intend to increase the amount of dedicated bikeways from our current 85 miles and institute bikeways on each of our main thoroughfares. By creating safe areas for bicycle traffic throughout the main arteries of our City, we can further encourage the use of bicycles for cross-town travel. Additionally, we must improve the level of safety now afforded pedestrians. One immediate step that can be taken is to lengthen the duration of walk signals at our intersections. I will further insist that we increase crosswalk visibility by taking the simple step of broadening the demarcations of our crosswalks as they are repainted and using cross-hatch markings to further highlight their boundaries. The vast majority of pedestrian-automobile collisions occur within our crosswalks and I believe this is the appropriate focus of initial efforts to increase pedestrian safety.
A second priority of my administration will be the expansion of dedicated bike storage facilities, such as racks and lockers. As your Mayor, I intend to return industrial and retail private sector employment to the forefront of our economic base. As areas are redeveloped or new construction is undertaken, I will insist that these developments provide adequate, easily accessible storage facilities allowing the patrons of these newly created businesses to travel and shop by bicycle. Additionally, my economic revitalization plan calls for comprehensive city-wide and neighborhood-specific retail planning. This plan will ensure that residents have local access to the wide variety of retail options we all rely on in our daily lives. By creating local choice for retail consumption, Oaklanders will be able to comfortably shop for most goods and services without the use of a car. This, will encourage more foot travel, which in turn will encourage more retail spending. People who pass by a store or other business by foot are far more likely to stop into that shop than those who drive by at twenty-five or thirty miles an hour. As foot traffic grows, so too does the visibility of pedestrians, which itself acts aids the increase in pedestrian safety.
Finally, as an avid bicyclist myself, I will lead by example. I will travel to City Hall by bicycle whenever possible and will encourage City employees, and all Oaklanders, to do the same. I will encourage bicycle safety education and will emphasize both the rights and duties of cyclists in regard to our traffic laws. Through the use of the Mayor’s office bully pulpit, I will lead the charge to increase our level of bicycle and pedestrian travel for work, for play, and for all aspects of our daily lives.
8. How would you prioritize the implementation of Oakland’s Climate Action Plan. If elected, what would be your top three priorities for implementation in this plan. (200 words or less)
I will increase Oakland’s economic viability by shifting our employment from the public to the private sector, while creating viable employment opportunities for Oaklanders. I will actively court large private sector employers in the burgeoning green industry, while partnering with those employers and our community colleges to create a pool of qualified workers to fill these jobs. My administration will fully support Oakland’s Climate Action Plan, not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to create jobs in Oakland in the “green” sector.
A second method for advancing the goals of the Climate Action Plan is to incentivize energy retrofitting by existing Oakland businesses. This will not only protect our environment and increase the long-term profitability of these businesses but, through the aforementioned partnerships, create a workforce of Oaklanders fully qualified for these good, living-wage paying jobs.
Finally, I believe we must look for ways to reduce the daily use of automobiles. One avenue towards this goal, in addition to those mentioned above, would be to consider new transit and transportation alternatives for City workers that would encourage alternative methods of traveling to work, potentially including the prioritization of carpools and subsidized transit passes for those employees.
9. Addional thoughts?
Oakland is both bicycle-friendly and bicycle-unfriendly. In places around our city, such as the new Lakeshore Avenue bike lanes, it is more bike friendly. Much of that depends on the presence of dedicated bicycle lanes, and whether they have been in place long enough for car drivers to learn about them AND learn to respect them. Much more needs to be done with respect to this. At the same time, I am encouraged to see more cyclists riding for regular commuting than before—but I am also concerned that many people I see do not wear helmets—and some do not respect the traffic lights. I have been hit by cars before—and three times have been to the emergency room for my injuries. Cyclists must always ride with awareness (and more defensively) of cars. We cannot take safety for granted just because there are lanes, or a city is “bicycle-friendly.”
Patricia Kernighan
1. What initiatives would you develop or support to continue the growth of cycling and walking as every day modes of transportation in Oakland? (150 words or less)
I am proud to have been a co-author of Measure DD which is funding the new parks and streetscape around Lake Merritt. I worked with the TAC on the design and implementation of the Measure DD projects. There are enormous pedestrian access and safety improvements that will be part of the last big phase, the 12th Street project, now in construction. Another key element was adding bike lanes to Lakeshore Avenue, and eventually around the south end of the Lake to downtown.
Walking routes should be pleasant as well as safe. Most Oakland streets have good sidewalks, but crossings at intersections are often dangerous. I have worked on four streetscape plans in my district that are focused on making pedestrians safer: Measure DD at the Lake, “Revive Chinatown”, in which we created “scramble” intersections so pedestrians could cross safely, and soon to come, a intersection re-design and pedestrian plaza at Lakeshore and Lake Park Ave, funded with a “Complete Streets” grant. In that one and soon to come E. 18th streetscape, we eliminated “slip turns” that are dangerous for cyclists as well as added sidewalk bulb-outs to create safer pedestrian crossings.
Education and promotional campaigns about walking and biking should also be done to engage the public in using these modes of transportation more regularly.
2. Do you support establishing a pedestrian and cyclist safety campaign in Oakland?
Yes. I already participated in one in Chinatown for pedestrians. We definitely need one to make cycling safer—it needs to educate both cyclists and car drivers.
3. Do you bike or walk for regular transportation? If so, for what purposes (commuting, recreation, errands) and how often? Please indicate how you most commonly commute to work. (300 words or less)
As a member of the somewhat older generation, I haven’t sufficiently changed my personal transportation habits in accordance with what I know is the right thing from an environmental perspective. I rarely bicycle for transportation, but I do walk a lot. I walk for errands and also around downtown/Chinatown for meetings. I confess to still driving to work most days (though I’m now paying for parking, after I insisted that the City stop offering free parking to downtown employees.)
4. In your opinion is Oakland a bicycle-friendly city?
It’s getting there. It’s not insanely bicycle-Unfriendly like LA or Houston, but it’s not Amsterdam either. We are steadily adding more bike lanes and the increasing number of cyclists is raising awareness among drivers to be aware of the need to share the road. We have some bicycle parking, but not enough.
5. Do you support increasing funding for the City’s bicycle and pedestrian programs and projects?
Yes
6. For generations, State, regional and Oakland policies have prioritized traffic flow and space for private motor vehicles, to the detriment of walking, bicycling and transit. Around the world, many cities are reversing this priority and using the following hierarchy in transportation planning; pedestrians first, then bicyclists, transit vehicles, and lastly private motor vehicles. If elected, will you support this new hierarchy in the City of Oakland?
Yes
7. If elected, will you help achieve the goals of Oakland’s Bicycle Master Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan? What would be your top three priorities for implementation in each of these two plans. (500 words or less)
Yes, I will work to achieve the goals of the Pedestrian Master Plan and Bicycle master Plan..
–Land use planning for “walkable communities” where housing, shopping, work places are clustered close enough that people can walk to where they need to go. Designing streetscapes to enhance safety and walkability.
–Implementing more Transit-Oriented Development, such as at Fruitvale BART.
–Installing the bike lanes on routes designated in the Bicycle Master Plan.
–Installing more bike parking.
–Public education campaigns around walking and biking. Safety campaigns for drivers so that they slow down and drive in a way that does not endanger pedestrians and cyclists.
–Finding funding for the above. Oakland’s planners are pretty enlightened when it comes to understanding good policy for land use and urban design. The challenge is usually getting the funding to implement the good policies we are all aware of.
8. How would you prioritize the implementation of Oakland’s Climate Action Plan. If elected, what would be your top three priorities for implementation in this plan. (200 words or less)
I will work with WOBO, the East Bay Bicycle Coalition, the Climate Action Coalition, and other stakeholders in the community to prioritize actions identified in the ECAP.
9. (Additional Thoughts)
Oakland is blessed to have many activists and committed community members advocating for policies to encourage bicycling and walking, including the modification of the City’s physical infrastructure. Though I am not a regular cyclist myself, I understand that the urban environment needs to be changed in ways that encourage cycling, walking and transit use. It is obvious from an environmental perspective that our society needs to transition away from reliance on cars and trucks as the major transportation mode. As a councilmember I have consistently taken policy positions that support cycling and walking in Oakland and I look forward to working with and learning more from my friends in the bike/ped community so that Oakland can make even more progress toward becoming truly bicycle-friendly and creating walkable communities.
Jennifer S. Pae
Lifestyle and Culture
1. What initiatives would you develop or support to continue the growth of cycling and walking as every day modes of transportation in Oakland? (150 words or less)
It is vital to invest in sustainable pedestrian and bicycle friendly streets for the growth of walking and cycling in Oakland. Our streets should be well lit and maintained in order to encourage Oaklanders from driving their personal vehicles and safely walking and/or bicycling. Most immediately, I am concerned about the Grand Lake and Lakeshore area and would support expanding safer streets with bicycle lanes. Every week in front of our campaign office, we see and hear about accidents. I would also support further development downtown to create better and safer streets for cycling and walking, this also includes crosswalks with lights that helps navigate through traffic safely. Another issue I have directly encountered is the issue of stolen bikes. We must support safe storage for bicyclists along transit corridors and more bicycle racks available. Finally, I would like to work with Walk Oakland – Bike Oakland and the East Bay Bicycle Coalition to run a citywide campaign to continue to encourage cycling and walking as every day modes of transportation.
2. Do you support establishing a pedestrian and cyclist safety campaign in Oakland?
Yes
3. Do you bike or walk for regular transportation? If so, for what purposes (commuting, recreation, errands) and how often? Please indicate how you most commonly commute to work. (300 words or less)
Infrastructure
I grew up taking the bus with my grandparents and quickly learned how to navigate the process because of their limited English. I am deeply aware of the importance of pedestrian friendly walkways and for cars to abide by street traffic. My grandmother was hit by a car while crossing the street and subsequently passed away. Since then, I have been very sensitive to pedestrian safety and public transportation.
When I lived in Washington D.C. managing a national nonprofit, I loved walking to work, it was reliable and safe. Now, in Oakland, I have found it to be somewhat challenging as I’ve had my bike stolen and walking becomes a challenge at night. I will admit I really began to enjoy walking when I took part in the Nike Women’s Marathon with Team and Training and now continue to walk my sister’s dogs recreationally. For work, I often carpool or take public transportation and as a last resort will drive my own car.
4. In your opinion is Oakland a bicycle-friendly city?
Yes
5. Do you support increasing funding for the City’s bicycle and pedestrian programs and projects?
Yes
6. For generations, State, regional and Oakland policies have prioritized traffic flow and space for private motor vehicles, to the detriment of walking, bicycling and transit. Around the world, many cities are reversing this priority and using the following hierarchy in transportation planning; pedestrians first, then bicyclists, transit vehicles, and lastly private motor vehicles. If elected, will you support this new hierarchy in the City of Oakland?
Yes
7. If elected, will you help achieve the goals of Oakland’s Bicycle Master Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan? What would be your top three priorities for implementation in each of these two plans. (500 words or less)
I would be proud to work on achieving the goals of Oakland’s Bicycle Master Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan as a City Councilmember. Overall, I would ensure community engagement, accountability, and oversight for implementation. Furthermore, I would work to aggressively recruit funds for projects in the Bicycle Master Plan and the Pedestrian Master Plan. Furthermore, I would support the concept of “complete streets” and its ability to improve transit service, pedestrian access, and community quality of life. This is a “hot” area for planning and transportation funding and the City should explore and compete for all relevant grant opportunities.
For the Bicycle Master Plan, my top three priorities would include:
• Ensuring Oakland continues to be eligible for funding by the state Bicycle Transportation Account by implementing the required five year update process that will begin in 2011. I would advocate for an open, transparent, and efficient process to engage all of the key stakeholders and provide concrete recommendations for further implementation.
• Regularly updating and implementing the Proposed Bikeway Network to guarantee a long range vision with concrete analysis on the best outcomes for bicyclist safety and use.
• For current development projects (i.e. Lake Merritt BART and Broadway/Valdez District), I would aggressively recruit funding for the projects to be best implemented with recommendations from WOBO and EBBC. I would be a strong advocate for more bike lanes from North Oakland to Downtown since it encourages healthier and safer community via bicycling. There is also a greater impact to commerce and business by helping out commuters from residential areas to downtown.
For the Pedestrian Master Plan, my top three priorities would include:
• Working with City staff, private groups, and other state, county, and federal agencies to actively recruit the necessary funding to implement projects.
• With twenty years of priority projects in the Pedestrian Master Plan to improve safety, access, and streetscaping for pedestrians in Oakland, I would work diligently to ensure traffic congestion, speed, and lighting does not hinder Oaklanders to walk freely.
• I am deeply committed to development projects near the Lake Merritt area, downtown, and BART and bus stations. In our most dense areas, it is clear the City should ensure safe and hassle free walkways to help facilitate automobile and food traffic.
8. How would you prioritize the implementation of Oakland’s Climate Action Plan. If elected, what would be your top three priorities for implementation in this plan. (200 words or less)
Oakland is in an economic crisis, with one of the largest unemployment rates we’ve seen in history. To move forward with a clean energy plan we must prioritize an integration of a green economy and developing green jobs for local Oakland residents. If elected I will support climate action in Oakland by using creative out of the box solutions to find funding and incorporate green policies in the City of Oakland. This includes aggressively researching for federal funds as well as building strong public-private partnerships. Having worked in national and statewide coalitions, there is an immense amount of opportunities to secure support and resources – from implementing community choice for energy to Oakland residents having access to weatherization funds from the federal government. I applaud the organizing and advocacy work of the Oakland Climate Action Coalition and would like to continue to support the coalition to implement ECAP.
9. (Additional Thoughts)
I am running for City Council to expand community engagement and bring the talented ideas and wealth of knowledge from the community into City Hall. Oakland has had an explosion in biking in the last year due to the work of the community such as Walk Oakland – Bike Oakland and the East Bay Bicycle Coalition. It has been exciting to attend many community events that encourage walking and biking in Oakland from the Annual Bike to Work Day and Oaklavia and I would be honored to help encourage these community events to continue, serve as an ongoing advocate, and implement better policies that continue to support these growing trends.
Bicyclist safety! Main streets need to accommodate all modes of transportation safely. We need to fully implement the bicycle master plan to safely connect neighborhoods and public transit nodes. Infrastructure is not the only means to improve safety for cyclists. We need to better educate drivers, including bus operators, on the importance of bike travel and the need to respect cyclists as vehicle operators. Education must start at an early age, so people instinctively value cycling as a viable mode of transportation and act with caution when sharing the road with cyclists.
Libby Schaaf
Lifestyle and Culture
1. What initiatives would you develop or support to continue the growth of cycling and walking as every day modes of transportation in Oakland? (150 words or less)
We are all pedestrians and many of us want to be cyclists in Oakland – but don’t feel safe. I believe that increasing the trips Oaklanders make by foot or cycle will make our neighborhoods safer, cleaner, more livable and help our commercial districts thrive. As District 4’s representative, I will advocate for traffic calming and road diet projects, especially through MacArthur Boulevard, the Montclair business district, around our elementary and middle schools. I will advocate for crosswalks, stop signs, and bike lanes wherever they make sense. As a Council member responsible for the budget and policy-making, I will prioritize high-need and high-impact pedestrian and cycling infrastructure projects when we have discretion over funding. I will also support Oakland’s applications for regional, state and federal funding for pedestrian and cycling projects.
2. Do you support establishing a pedestrian and cyclist safety campaign in Oakland?
Yes
3. Do you bike or walk for regular transportation? If so, for what purposes (commuting, recreation, errands) and how often? Please indicate how you most commonly commute to work. (300 words or less)
I have lived in Oakland almost my entire life, and am evidence that where walking and cycling are safe efficient, it’s the mode of choice. Today, I live in the Oakmore neighborhood and regularly walk to the businesses in the Oakmore and in the Dimond neighborhood. When I lived near Lake Merritt and in the Piedmont Avenue neighborhoods, I did the same. Living in a walkable neighborhood, close to my work has always been a priority. Growing up, I used to be able to walk in to Redwood Park! Before having children, I walked or took the bus to work roughly once a week. However, as a mother of two children, I know that regrettably, a car is often the only safe and reliable way for me to transport two children to their childcare every morning and evening in Oakland. But being able to or bike safely and enjoyably to get through the day, even if you have children, should not be just a luxury or for the most fit and hardy in our City. Rather than judge those who choose not to walk or bike, I want to improve our walkability, bikeability, and transit access and reliability in Oakland so these are modes of choice.
I have a long history of supporting pedestrians, cyclists and neighborhood livability. I led the pilot of the BEQI/PEQI system in Oakland (walkability and bikability environmental quality index developed by San Francisco Public Health Department), and I was chosen in 2009 by the German Marshall Fund team to be a part of Oakland’s delegation to visit Portland to learn best practices around building bicycle infrstructure and culture and complete streets, and use that work to inform my vision for Oakland.
4. In your opinion is Oakland a bicycle-friendly city?
No.
5. Do you support increasing funding for the City’s bicycle and pedestrian programs and projects?
Yes
6. For generations, State, regional and Oakland policies have prioritized traffic flow and space for private motor vehicles, to the detriment of walking, bicycling and transit. Around the world, many cities are reversing this priority and using the following hierarchy in transportation planning; pedestrians first, then bicyclists, transit vehicles, and lastly private motor vehicles. If elected, will you support this new hierarchy in the City of Oakland?
No (need more information)
7. If elected, will you help achieve the goals of Oakland’s Bicycle Master Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan? What would be your top three priorities for implementation in each of these two plans. (500 words or less)
Yes. My priorities would be projects in District 4, the district I will represent.
8. How would you prioritize the implementation of Oakland’s Climate Action Plan. If elected, what would be your top three priorities for implementation in this plan. (200 words or less)
The first step is to analyze all of the items on a cost-effectiveness basis. For example, half of the $11 million annual total comes from accelerating replacement of the city’s vehicle fleet. That may be significant for the City’s emission reductions, but from a community-wide reduction standpoint, the benefits would be small. Similarly, does every Oakland business need to be reached out to for energy efficiency services? Better to focus on the largest energy consumers and those able to do more with their own money.
Oakland must engage in current efforts in Sacramento to secure more funding for local planning related to the implementation of SB 375. I would support exploring an infrastructure financing approach that involves a broader spectrum of the city.
9. Additional thoughts?
I deeply support the work of WOBO, have been a proud WOBO member for approximately a year, have enjoyed your events like Oaklavia, and look forward to being partners in building a livable City where walking and cycling is safe and accessible. As a parent of two young children, it’s the type of City that I want for them to live in.
Daniel Swafford
Lifestyle and Culture
1. What initiatives would you develop or support to continue the growth of cycling and walking as every day modes of transportation in Oakland? (150 words or less)
I will continue to work to connect our communities with safe pedestrian routes. Working to find funding to implement the LAMMPS project, connecting Mills College to surrounding neighborhoods. Working to open up creek access and build creek trails, envision walking from the Bay to East Bay Regional Parks. Creeks in the mid to upper watershed are open, we just need to improve the utility and access.
2. Do you support establishing a pedestrian and cyclist safety campaign in Oakland?
Yes
3. Do you bike or walk for regular transportation? If so, for what purposes (commuting, recreation, errands) and how often? Please indicate how you most commonly commute to work. (300 words or less)
For a good portion of the year it is an even split between cycling and driving. For a number of years living in Oakland I chose not to have a car and utilized bicycle and public transportation for commuting.
4. In your opinion is Oakland a bicycle-friendly city?
Some parts, needs improvement!
5. Do you support increasing funding for the City’s bicycle and pedestrian programs and projects?
Yes
6. For generations, State, regional and Oakland policies have prioritized traffic flow and space for private motor vehicles, to the detriment of walking, bicycling and transit. Around the world, many cities are reversing this priority and using the following hierarchy in transportation planning; pedestrians first, then bicyclists, transit vehicles, and lastly private motor vehicles. If elected, will you support this new hierarchy in the City of Oakland?
Yes
7. If elected, will you help achieve the goals of Oakland’s Bicycle Master Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan? What would be your top three priorities for implementation in each of these two plans. (500 words or less)
YES.
1.Bicycle and pedestrian safety. Especially along MacArthur, and International.
2.Ease of access from neighborhoods to transportation hubs.
3.Improved access at the waterfront, in parks and open space, and public space for benches and bike parking in the business districts
8. How would you prioritize the implementation of Oakland’s Climate Action Plan. If elected, what would be your top three priorities for implementation in this plan. (200 words or less)
1. Air quality, in and around the port
2. Sustainable build standards, helping support the green jobs initiatives already underway.
3. Education; leveraging existing city facilities (park and rec centers, libraries, senior centers) to bring students out of the classroom, get them engaged in the community to build ownership of our city and interconnectivity to the environment. Instill responsible behaviors at an early age.
9. Additional thoughts?
I’ve been elected to lead community boards in District 4, successfully reducing crime, attracting businesses, beautifying streets, involving all ages to build ownership and pride in our city. My service will bring integrity, structural reform, neighborhood and education advocacy; commitment to people as beneficiaries of city services. My endorsers are active community leaders in business, education, community policing, and labor. Visit: www.VoteDaniel.org
My values, accomplishments in the community, and collaborative leadership style have led to endorsements by the Sierra Club, the Green Party, The S.F. Bay Guardian, and the District 4 Neighborhood Endorsement Committee.
Your personal referral will help bring heartfelt, inclusive leadership into City Hall. The current budget crisis gives the opportunity to address the structural deficiencies that have plagued our city for decades. I will be a strong voice in holding Oakland government to the highest standards, to best achieve the vision of our residents.
Melanie Shelby
Lifestyle and Culture
1. What initiatives would you develop or support to continue the growth of cycling and walking as every day modes of transportation in Oakland? (150 words or less)
Within the parameters of fiscal accountability, timely and consistent pothole repair will be a top priority, as well as advocating for greater accessibility for walkers/cyclists.
2. Do you support establishing a pedestrian and cyclist safety campaign in Oakland?
Yes
3. Do you bike or walk for regular transportation? If so, for what purposes (commuting, recreation, errands) and how often? Please indicate how you most commonly commute to work. (300 words or less)
I enjoy spending time walking for recreation and exercise in the many diverse parks and neighborhoods we have in District 4. As a small business owner, my work takes me throughout the Bay Area. I often seek out ride shares to participate in for out of town meetings or events.
4. In your opinion is Oakland a bicycle-friendly city?
No, not to the degree that it could be.
5. Do you support increasing funding for the City’s bicycle and pedestrian programs and projects?
I believe these programs are important to the greening and beautification of Oakland. During this difficult economic time, the city must set clear priorities and remain vigilant in providing critical services.
6. For generations, State, regional and Oakland policies have prioritized traffic flow and space for private motor vehicles, to the detriment of walking, bicycling and transit. Around the world, many cities are reversing this priority and using the following hierarchy in transportation planning; pedestrians first, then bicyclists, transit vehicles, and lastly private motor vehicles. If elected, will you support this new hierarchy in the City of Oakland?
Yes
7. If elected, will you help achieve the goals of Oakland’s Bicycle Master Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan? What would be your top three priorities for implementation in each of these two plans. (500 words or less)
My top three priorities for each of these two plans are safety for cyclers/walkers, ease of access to bike/walkways, and education which ensures all Oakland citizens have access and understand the benefits of cycling/walking.
8. How would you prioritize the implementation of Oakland’s Climate Action Plan. If elected, what would be your top three priorities for implementation in this plan. (200 words or less)
My top three priorities for the implementation of Oakland’s Climate Action Plan would be strategic and responsible allocation of resources, building partnerships between stakeholders, and compliance.
9. Additional thoughts?
As we move into the future, Oakland must adopt practices that are of greater benefit to its citizens as well as its own environment to ensure sustainability. Furthermore As the District 4 Councilmember, I will advocate for these practices.
