2018 District 8 City Council Questionnaire: Vivian Moreno
Q: Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (55%) in San Diego. The City’s Climate Action Plan bicycle mode share goals are 6% of commuter trips by 2020 and 18% by 2035, from 1% today. How will you ensure these mode share goals are achieved?
A: The answer is simple. The Council must actively prioritize CAP related infrastructure projects within the budget. Building high priority bike infrastructure projects is the only way the City will meet the 2020 goal of 6%. The funding exists- it just needs to be allocated to projects that will help achieve CAP goals. Additionally, the City needs to plan for where the mode share increases will come from. Right now, as the City approves Community Plan Updates, the updates brought forward thus far have not included measures that meet that 6% goal. The discouraging thing is that some of these plans- North Park, Uptown- were areas where the goal is achievable because they are close to centers of employment and are walkable neighborhoods. If the City does not intend on meeting CAP goals within each community plan update, then they need to release a citywide strategy that shows where the increases in biking, walking and public transit will be. I intend to push for that as a City Councilmember.
Q: The City of San Diego’s Bicycle Master Plan has been repeatedly delayed. How would you secure funding and ensure build-out?
A: The funding of the items above is really a matter of Council priority. During the annual budget process, the City Council actively chooses to fund or not fund many projects and programs. Ultimately, the City Council has the final say in adopting the annual budget. Standing firm with my colleagues on the Council that increased park space or bike infrastructure projects are built is the only way to accomplish this. This means that we cannot allow items to remain in the budget that are needless or simply vanity projects of the current administration. For instance, in the FY18 budget- which saw cuts to some areas- included $5M for a special election that will not take place. This funding could have built parks, repaired walkways, or helped clean up contaminated areas that flow into our storm drains. Working collaboratively with my colleagues and the Mayor, I aim to build coalitions that can withstand the effects of petty politics and put funding critical infrastructure needs above funding special interest desires.
Q: Safe bike lanes are often opposed by residents due to slower road speeds or reduced street parking. How would you work with the community to address concerns - without compromising safety or delaying bike infrastructure in the name of consensus?
A: There must be increased density in areas that have public transportation or are close to areas of employment. If people are able to live where using public transportation is convenient they will use it. If people feel safe using their bike to travel in their community- they will travel that way instead of getting in a car to go a few miles. We can’t expect that most people will go out of their way to do these things, but if we, as decision makers in the City, provide the construction of needed infrastructure and utilize land use planning with foresight, people will begin to get out of their cars and use alternative modes of transportation.
Q: What are your top 3 priorities for improving the biking experience in your Council District for residents and families?
A: Ensure existing bike lanes are maintained
I have been monitoring the SANDAG Regional Bike Map over the past few years, and I am encouraged by the amount of bike lanes being added to our infrastructure. Now we have to ensure these roads are maintained, and well advertised so both residents and visitors can take full advantage.
Exploring E-bikes, and adding infrastructure to support more electrical bikes
I believe electricity-powered bicycles are the future, especially in mountainous regions such as ours. E-bikes can provide the necessary assistance to go uphill, even for those who suffer from poor conditioning. That is why I want to explore the possibility of adding more e-bikes within the City, and building the necessary infrastructure such as docking stations to ensure the bikes can service the community.
Provide more bike lanes whenever City roads are constructed or expanded
Traffic continues to grow as our City population increases. As we build new roads, and increase capacity of our existing ones, we need to future-proof our streets by adding bike lanes that can help mitigate some of those traffic increases. One of those streets is Dairy Mart road, which I want to expand from two lanes to four.
Q: Please share a memorable experience(s) you have of bicycling.
My favorite experience within the City is the ride from Coronado, down the Silver Strand and arriving for well-earned fresh glass of horchata once we reach the taco shops on Saturn Boulevard.
2018 District 4 City Council Questionnaire: Monica Montgomery
Q: Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (55%) in San Diego. The City’s Climate Action Plan bicycle mode share goals are 6% of commuter trips by 2020 and 18% by 2035, from 1% today. How will you ensure these mode share goals are achieved?
A:
- First, support projected bike projects (many projects never get approved in the approval process, or get derailed by politicians and special interests).
- Second, advocate for more bike paths in district 4, and get community input on where bike lanes are most needed.
- Invest in bike infrastructure near transit to fill the first and last mile gap.
- Make sure that district 4 gets the funding for infrastructure it needs. Biking infrastructure is often associated with higher income communities where biking is seen as leisure. In communities like south east, many of the residents rely on active transport for everyday commuting. It is important that they also have access to safe transportation.
Q: The City of San Diego’s Bicycle Master Plan has been repeatedly delayed. How would you secure funding and ensure build-out?
A: The Master Plan needs to be a higher priority. It may be possible to take parts of the plan and pair projects with other projects that already have funding. Either way, we can look to other funding sources, such as SANDAG, to advocate for additional funding.
Q: Safe bike lanes are often opposed by residents due to slower road speeds or reduced street parking. How would you work with the community to address concerns - without compromising safety or delaying bike infrastructure in the name of consensus?
A: Since I was born and raised in the community, I have the relationships to come to consensus. Bike paths and traffic calming are in the best interest of all residents. They make our streets safer to navigate for everyone 8 to 80, not just those that are fortunate enough to drive cars. We will continue to educate community members about the importance of bike safety. Biking infrastructure is also good for all residents, not just the ones that bike. Streets that are safe for bikes, are also safer for pedestrians and cars.
Q: What are your top 3 priorities for improving the biking experience in your Council District for residents and families?
A:
- Advocate for funding to complete bike projects in the areas that are the most dangerous for pedestrians and bikers.
- Support trail connectivity through the Chollas Creek to Bayshore Bikeway Path Project, which affects the residents of District 4.
- Build on a comprehensive local and regional bikeway network.
Q: Please share a memorable experience(s) you have of bicycling.
A: I love biking at the beach. My dear friend and former roommate was moving out of the state of California and talked me into renting a bike and riding at mission beach. We had a lot of fun, and I found it very relaxing.
2018 District 4 City Council Questionnaire: Myrtle Cole
Q: Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (55%) in San Diego. The City’s Climate Action Plan bicycle mode share goals are 6% of commuter trips by 2020 and 18% by 2035, from 1% today. How will you ensure these mode share goals are achieved?
A: As the Council President and member of the SANDAG Board I have worked with my colleagues to ensure that the Imperial Avenue Bikeway Project continues to move forward with community input. This project is part of the $200 million Regional Bike Plan Early Action Program. It will help create safer streets for people who walk, bike, drive, and take transit in the Southeastern San Diego Community. The 3-mile bikeway will provide improvements along Imperial Avenue between 17th Street and 47th Street. Potential project features include high visibility crosswalks, curb extensions, raised crosswalks, separated and buffered bike lanes and shared lane markings. These walking and biking enhancements will improve safety for all roadway users.
Q: The City of San Diego’s Bicycle Master Plan has been repeatedly delayed. How would you secure funding and ensure build-out?
A: In July the Council unanimously approved a Strategic Implementation Plan for the Bicycle Master Plan. In addition to seeking grants and other funding that doesn’t come from the General Fund, I support the Council making funding for the Bicycle Master Plan a high priority and will include it in my list of high priority items for the budget.
Q: Safe bike lanes are often opposed by residents due to slower road speeds or reduced street parking. How would you work with the community to address concerns - without compromising safety or delaying bike infrastructure in the name of consensus?
A: Working with the community, the Southeastern San Diego Community Plan and the Encanto Neighborhood Community has found consensus on a shared vision for more pedestrian and bike friendly neighborhoods that will make walking and biking more convenient. This is reflected in the Imperial Avenue Bikeway Project.
Q: What are your top 3 priorities for improving the biking experience in your Council District for residents and families?
A: Slowing traffic down in neighborhood streets, installing sidewalks and traffic calming devices, improving the safety of our intersections, and ensuring the Imperial Bikeway Project is constructed.
Q: Please share a memorable experience(s) you have of bicycling.
A: One of my fondest memories related to biking is being allowed to help paint the first green bike lanes in my district in 2013 along University Avenue.
Join us in welcoming our new Executive Director
We are thrilled to announce that Judi Tentor has accepted the position of Executive Director for Bike San Diego. Judi will be working with John Anderson, interim ED, to transition into the role over the next month. Please feel free to reach out to her at director@bikesd.org and stay tuned for our next member meet-up (details to come) to meet her in person.
About Judi Tentor
Judi lives in Mission Hills, grows a lot of food in her garden, and gets around by bicycle as much as possible. She has been navigating the streets of San Diego by bicycle and transit since 2008 when she sold her Honda Element. Her passion for the environment and sustainability drives her everyday actions. Riding a bicycle, she believes, is more than a fun activity, but also a tool for transportation as well as a solution to environmental, social equity and health issues that matter to her.
Judi is also a Cycling Instructor (LCI #5098) certified by the League of American Bicyclists, the oldest bicycle advocacy org in the US. She teaches beginner classes for adults learning how to ride for the first time and traffic skills classes for intermediate riders through nonprofit organizations. She is an advocate for active transportation and a feminist, hoping to inspire more women to ride bicycles for the benefit of their health, spirit, and the planet.
As a bicyclist, advocate and cycling instructor, she has been leading efforts to get more bicycle infrastructure in San Diego. She currently serves on the board of the Mission Hills Town Council. When not pedaling and sometimes while pedaling, Judi takes photographs of people riding bicycle and bicycle infrastructure around the world. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from SUNY ESF and a Masters of Landscape Architecture from The Ohio State University, and was awarded a Comprehensive Bikeway Design Certificate from Portland State University.
Endorsement for County Supervisor District 4
Bike San Diego is encouraged to not only have full participation from all four Democratic candidates for County Supervisor District 4, but that each candidate supports our mission—providing world class bicycle infrastructure in San Diego. Please see links below for all of the candidate responses to Bike San Diego's 2018 Election Endorsement Questionnaires.(BikeSD reach out to, but did not receive a completed questionnaire from Bonnie Dumanis.)
Bike San Diego Endorsement: Omar Passons
Omar Passons stood out not only in his endorsement questionnaire but in his supportive lifestyle which is an outspoken bicycle advocate. You will see or meet Omar about town bicycling—to work, on the campaign trail and for fun. Omar has not made any secret about being a bicycle advocate and he is a former member of the Bike San Diego Board.
”I will be up front with people that we have economic, public safety, and environmental imperatives to take serious steps now to improve bicycle infrastructure.”
Omar understands the challenges that face good multi-modal infrastructure planning. He recognizes we must work with residents and small business owners to present credible solutions to balance community needs. Bike San Diego believes Omar will have the best chance to move us towards greater mode share and safer bicycle access, therefore, has our endorsement for County Supervisor District 4.