Candidate Survey Question #2
Walkable / Bikeable cities: Highly walkable / bikeable cities are generally viewed as more desirable, more sustainable, have a healthier quality of life, and have been shown to perform better economically.
Can you describe your vision for how La Verne can become a more walkable / bikeable city? What are the most urgent needs, and If elected, how will you ensure these are addressed?
Mayoral Candidate Responses
Don Kendrick
With the striping of the bike lanes in La Verne, traffic is slowing. Hallelujah! Many people walk in La Verne, and many people drive to La Verne to walk. The more walkers and people on bikes, the better. When I was growing up in La Verne, all kids rode bikes, we need to get back to that. I would like to see more lawful bike riders, as many disobey laws knowingly, which is very unfortunate. We all need to set examples for others to follow, in all aspects of our lives.
Tim Hepburn
We have been addressing this already with the bike lanes and curbing that has been installed in the past few months. I want to make sure with our new active transportation commission that we have open discussion on our future with all of our residents.
Zach Gibson
This is complex because the city as a whole has to make a commitment to not only supporting alternative forms of transportation but actively participating in sustainable methods of transportation on a larger scale. While I am very pro-sustainability and would promote incentives that encourage alternative transportation and reducing carbon footprints, as an elected official my responsibility would ultimately be to reflect the needs and wants of the full population. I do believe, though, that the potential for education and outreach exists, and with the Complete Streets Policy along with the Active Transportation Committee, citizens who are involved in bringing these projects and discussions to our city will have the opportunity to bring more measures, plans, and grants before council and city government to be heard, therefore increasing discussion, education, and participation in alternative transportation.
City Council Candidate Responses
Jeremy Milici
First of all, I would like to say that I have spent my campaign going door to door and business to business, meeting with residents in order to better understand our city’s virtues and vices. This has helped me see how our local government can better serve our community. I also hold Civil Service positions in both the City of Azusa and Pomona, having helped carry out community orientated events and programs for some time now. From these experiences, I have learned that when local government includes the public and actively pursues the betterment of their individual lives our residents begin to view their city in a far more positive light.
I saw how much Cic La Via brought together the community of Pomona. It was just so awesome. Closing down entire streets and allowing our city’s families to ride all over the road created an atmosphere of fun and togetherness. No matter one’s race, creed or socioeconomic background, everyone enjoys hopping on a bike and going for a cruise. I want to see our residents have these experiences far more regularly! This is why I believe the closure of Sierra La Verne Country Club offers a unique opportunity for our city to partner with the County and State and invest in this land, making it into an astonishingly beautiful trail and botanical garden which can then connect to other various trails and walkways constructed though out our city.
Cities such as Claremont and Pasadena have made such investments and now see an overall improvement in both their local economies and overall appearance. Additionally, residents will be more willing to take part in physical activities, spend time together as a family and lower overall CO2 emission levels. We have so much untapped potential here in La Verne and must focus on pursuing projects that our residents can actually partake in on a daily basis. I believe making La Verne more walkable and bikeable is a prime example of these positive initiatives.
Kenny Chang
The way, the city currently , is not a walkable or bikeable city. the foothill blvd and the old town La Verne has the potential to be re-designed into a walkable and bikeable area for more desirable and sustainable quality of life. additional parking area can also be added near hiking trail area to accommodate and encourage outdoor activities at the northern area of La Verne.
Rich Gill
Thank you for this Question, I do understand that exercise is a valuable asset to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have noticed that bike lanes have been added to Baseline and other locations in the city this month. In order to gain a better understanding of how best to enhance the city to Cyclers and Walkers a commission should be put together of both to get a better idea to move forward.
Rick Crosby
In the past two years the city has taken an active role in providing safety pathways for bicyclists. As the city council member I would want to make sure we have proper signage and police presence protecting our roadways for all commuters, either in vehicles or bicycles.
Wally Emory
Education courtesy from drivers and bikeriders is a must we must respect each others right of way.
Wendy Lau
Some of the needs for a more walkable/bikeable/runnable city would be to ensure safe pathways for all. There are streets that are difficult to navigate in the early mornings and evenings due to lack of lighting and/or sidewalk areas that are uneven. It is important to identify these areas and work to make them as safe and user-friendly as possible. It is important for residents to know that due to staffing constraints, public works may not be aware of the conditions of sidewalks or access points. It is key to let people know how and who to get in touch with to identify these areas so that we can work to make them safer.