Candidate campaign page: http://tiggs4council.nationbuilder.com/
Marcus Tiggs carries a depth of knowledge of bicycle infrastructure and the benefits of a transportation system that offers options to different modes. We greatly appreciate his support for Vision Zero, the need to reduce speeding in order to improve roadway safety, and his desire to bring bike share to Culver City. Two items give us pause in Mr. Tiggs platform: 1) his support of an unbalanced plan that removed crosswalks from Jefferson Blvd. to prioritize speeding traffic through Culver City, and 2) his lukewarm support for protected bike lanes. We hope to see Mr. Tiggs develop these positions as the need for quality pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure becomes a more clear component of improving roadway safety, and as protected bike lanes become more and more common as a proven, safety-enhancing design treatment. We look forward to seeing Marcus Tiggs as an advocate for a balanced transportation system in Culver City.
Bike The Vote L.A. 2016 Grade: B+
(See below for full candidate questionnaire response)
1. What would an ideal transportation system for Culver City consist of? What mode options, considerations for people of different ages and abilities, and innovative features would that transportation system include?
Tiggs: A Layered roadway system prioritize modes of transportation (transit / bicycle / vehicle). My ideal transportation system for Culver City is a balanced system via a layered network to safeguard safety and mobility of all users (i.e. the disabled, seniors, children, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists). A robust transportation system must accommodate public needs and consider safety of all users. This would be the foundation of a well-planned transportation system. A positive transportation system uses multiple modes to give range of mobility options for users. Each street would accommodate all modes while a layered network serves to emphasize a particular mode on a particular street as part of a larger system. A layered network approach has the benefit of increasing connectivity between modes. Expanding active transportation networks increase opportunities for the transit dependent to better connect people to work and play.
2. With so many people on foot and on bike killed each year while commuting in Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles recently adopted a “Vision Zero” policy to work towards eliminating traffic deaths in the City of L.A. by 2025. Would you support adopting Vision Zero for Culver City?
Tiggs: Yes. In implementing Vision Zero we would want to prioritize areas of the City with the most need for safety improvements. Vision Zero policies can slow down traffic on the streets, hence reduce the amount of accidents. With Vision Zero as a road safety policy it would promote smart behaviors for all users. Smart roadway design that anticipates mistakes would further reduce severe collisions resulting in injury or death. Several other cities throughout the U.S. have successfully adopted the Vision Zero (i.e. New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Chicago, San Jose, and San Diego).
3. Culver City is considering implementing protected bike lanes – bike lanes separated from vehicles by a physical barrier – in two key locations: 1) on National Blvd to close the gap between the two halves of the Expo Bike Path that extend to USC/Expo Park to the East and Santa Monica to the West, and 2) on Washington Blvd connecting the Expo Line Culver City station to Downtown Culver City. Do you support these projects, which may require a dedication of developer land and/or a reduction of on-street car parking spaces?
Tiggs: Implementation of separated bike lanes (“SBL”) requires safety research and design guidance. I would request city staff provide an assessment of accident data on SBLs. Developing SBL planning / design information based on safety studies can better accommodate bicycle transportation and promote safety for all transportation users. Accounting for fact SBLs can reduce on-street parking, it is critical for all stakeholders (i.e. residents, businesses and riders). Culver City needs a walkable Washington Blvd (Expo Line CC Station / Downtown CC). Bicycle infrastructure (“BI”) can also bring positive economic impacts to local business. Urban cyclists are an attractive demographic for local businesses. Cyclists are selective, skilled, loyal and spend more money where they shop than their driving counterparts. A safe BI is important to cyclists and the community as a whole thus important for businesses who want to attract cyclists.
4. Would you support bringing a bike share system to Culver City, and if so, what will you do to expedite its installation?
Tiggs: I do support a bike share system. As of August 2014, more than 600 cities worldwide had a bike-sharing program. Locally, Santa Monica just rolled out a program which extends as far south as Venice. LACMTA recently voted to approve Metro’s selected vendor, Bicycle Transit Systems, Inc. to launch a long-awaited regional bike share program in L.A. County. As part of a bike sharing pilot project, the firm will install almost 1,100 bikes at 65 stations in DTLA. Due to budget constraints, to fund a bike share system the city would need find a corporate sponsor, seek a grants from Federal Transit Administration or other agencies. This funding in part could possibly come from developer impact fees as well
5. The City Council recently voted to prioritize vehicular travel through Culver City over providing pedestrian access for local residents to businesses and Culver City Park. Do you support the removal of crosswalks at Duquesne & Jefferson and Summertime Lane/Jordan Way & Jefferson?
Tiggs: Yes. The city staff with the help from an outside traffic engineering firm spent countless months reviewing ways to maintain the crosswalks however with the balancing of pedestrian needs and that of traffic flow the removal appears to have been the proper choice. While pedestrians lose access easterly pedestrian and cyclist safety will be improved. For instance on Duquesne, parking will be removed from the Duquesne bridge, thereby providing a greater buffer for cyclists. The project also supports cyclists with the addition of a new northbound bicycle left-turn lane from Duquesne onto the La Ballona Creed Bike Path.
6. Do you presently bike in Culver City? What are your experiences, or if not, what would it take to make you feel comfortable biking on city streets?
Tiggs: I do not regularly bike however my wife does. I would feel more comfortable biking in the city if there were more dedicated bicycle lanes.