Below is
2017 Bike The Vote L.A. City Council District 7 endorsement
Fred Flores’ full questionnaire response to Bike The Vote L.A.:
1. What role do you see for walking, transit, and biking in the daily lives of Angelenos, particularly those who lack access to cars and rely on these other modes as their primary way of getting around?
The role of pedestrians is no different than those who own or have access to motor vehicles. People should not be defined in regards to their modes of transportation. People should always have a choice when it comes to transporting themselves from one place to another. Alternative modes of transportation help control traffic and congestion created by an overabundance of individual motorist traveling to and from work 24/7. We need to recognize the benefits of public transportation that not only helps to decrease traffic, It’s also a source of revenue for our cities, counties, states, and nation. We should promote the tax-deductible opportunities for those who use public transportation or personal accommodations like non-motor vehicles known as Bikes. I will always support and advocate for those who walk, ride bikes and use our public transit system. If elected I will work to improve the conditions and environment for Buses, Subways, Trains, and Bikeways. This includes street routes, surrounding frwy’s, and parking structures. When we construct public parking lots we should always include areas for motorcycles and bikes.
2. A high percentage of people without access to cars in Northeast Los Angeles, especially immigrants, depend on bikes as a way to get to work and school, but lack safe options to commute. Additionally the prevalence of speeding on L.A. streets takes a deadly toll on those who walk and bike, including seniors and children. Mobility Plan 2035 established “safety first” as the priority in transportation decisions, and the City has since adopted the ‘Vision Zero’ program with the goal of eliminating traffic-deaths within 10 years. Do you support prioritizing the safety of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable commuters, both in CD7 on High Injury Network streets like Van Nuys Blvd and Foothill Blvd, and throughout Los Angeles, even when there may be trade-offs in terms of automotive travel time or on-street parking?
Yes, I do support efforts to prioritize the safety of all our commuters. Yes, our most vulnerable are those who walk. I’ am familiar with the Vision Zero program and I fully support the department’s efforts. Our San Fernando Valley community has had to mourn the loss of innocent lives, pedestrian and bike riders due to accidents caused by distracted motorist. When it comes to safety measures that can help save lives. There can be no shortcuts.
3. Los Angeles’ traffic woes are compounded by the reality that many parents and workers don’t feel safe commuting even short distances or performing school drop-offs on foot or by bike. What would you do as Councilmember to improve active transportation options around schools, public transit, and in commercial districts to provide better transportation options for CD7 residents?
To improve better transportation options for parents and students going to school and work. We may need to hire more crossing guards, Design Larger Informative Signs that remind commuters of their surroundings. Provide more signal lights, residential street bumps. Develop safe routes for those who walk or bike, by identifying and designating detour option for motorist. Before any solution is implemented I would first choose to educate the community regarding the facts about the potential dangers. I will address their concerns and listen to their suggestions.
4. Angelenos recently approved Metro’s transportation funding plan, Measure M, with an impressive mandate of support from over 71% of voters. The East San Fernando Valley Corridor project – a light rail or bus rapid transit line running along Van Nuys Blvd and San Fernando Road – is set to be one of the first projects to be funded under the Measure. How do you see this project transforming the way that people get around the 7th District; and what role do you see for first and last mile pedestrian, bike, and transit connections in the success of this transit line?
I voted yes on Measure M. and I did so to improve and fund the efforts of the Metro transit system. However in CD7 from Van Nuys Blvd to San Fernando Road continuing to Foothill, we already have a successful rapid bus line (744-233) San Fernando Road has 4 bus lines that just need to run more often. Rapid lines run every 15 min, but they do not stop on every block, so the alternative bus that follows should also run every 15 minutes. It would help if Rapid buses ran on Sat & Sun. I would like to see the schedule for all routes in the district reflect each other, along with the transfer connections, so trans commuters can plan accordingly and reach destination on time. These routes should always have bike and walk paths (if there are no sidewalks) If a light rail were to be consider. We would have to displace local business and residence. That is something I would not support. I would like to study the option of continuing the construction of the Metro Redline. This would be an underground project that would extend the redline from North Hollywood station to the SFV. Helping commuters reach, Sun Valley, Sunland, Hansen Dam, Sylmar, Granada Hills, Northridge, and Chatsworth quicker than they do today.
5. The Pacoima Wash Greenway is a multi-modal corridor which links parks, schools, and services to the San Gabriel Mountains. This project has been in the works since 2006 and has broad community support. A portion of this project was recently funded by a state Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant receiving the second highest score; however, the funded portion is entirely within the City of San Fernando. Will you commit to work toward extending the greenway into Sylmar, Pacoima, and eventually to the Los Angeles River as called for in the Pacoima Wash Vision Plan?
I worked hand in hand with the city of San Fernando to make sure this project happened. While working for Congressmen Howard Berman I made sure that federal funds were awarded to the Pacoima wash greenway project. I absolutely will commit to extending this greenway to Sylmar, Pacoima, and the Los Angeles River. This was the original plan. I want to finish what I started with the other supporters and implementers of this project.
6. Los Angeles is beginning to employ bike share as a new transportation option, but many barriers to access remain, particularly the cost of riding and the fact that a credit card is needed to use the system. Some cities have offered subsidies to low-income riders and cash payment options to address these issues. What can the City of Los Angeles do to help as many residents as possible enjoy the benefits that bike share will bring?
This is a concern of mine also. First off I want to work at bringing the bike share opportunity to the CD7 district. Second, I want low-income Veterans, Disabled and Students to have full access in using.
I feel the Tap card they already use to pay for the buses and rail system is the obvious option to pay for the use of the bikes.