Candidate campaign page: http://danielwaynelee.com/
Environmental advocate and social welfare activist Daniel Lee offers a bold and fresh vision for Culver City coupled with solid support for implementation of livable streets. In his response to Bike The Vote L.A.’s questionnaire, Mr. Lee demonstrates that he is ready to make the tough decisions needed to implement connected bicycle infrastructure, support for implementing bike share, and for adopting a Vision Zero policy to end traffic deaths in Culver City. Mr. Lee understands the dual benefits of improved bicycle infrastructure in improving quality and safety for current bike commuters, as well as in providing a greater range of healthy, sustainable mobility options for people who aren’t currently commuting by bike. Mr. Lee also shows that he understands the importance of maintaining a convenient and walkable City through his opposition to recent removal of crosswalks on Jefferson Blvd. Daniel Lee is a thoughtful and needed voice for safer streets for Culver City.
Bike The Vote L.A. 2016 Grade: A
(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?
Lee: An ideal transportation system would be low cost to free, frequent, highly used and not dependent on cars. We already have the expo line, the culver transit center and we are very close to the west la transit center. Culver City needs to make sure that these transit options and the Culver City, Santa Monica and Metro buses are easily connected and accessible for young, old and disabled. A low cost system would encourage people to live work and play in Culver City.
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?
Lee: Definitely.
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?
Lee: I support both of these projects as they promote bike riding and safety. There are a number of people who both bike and drive and it may be the encouragement needed to bike more.
4. Would you support bringing a bike share system to Culver City, and if so, what will you do to expedite its installation?
Lee: I would support a bike share system in Culver City if it were based around downtown Culver City, the Expo Line Station and the Ballona Creek Bike path. The city in general should take steps to become more bike-able and walkable but I would want to make sure that all options were considered prior to approval.
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?
Lee: I do not support the removal of crosswalks at Duquesne or Summertime Lane and I was at the city council meeting when the vote to remove both crosswalks went through. I was disappointed in the presentation from city staff as they did not satisfactorily explain how removing the crosswalks would actually significantly improve traffic. Some of the other street improvements could have gone ahead without removing the crosswalks.
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?
Lee: I sparingly bike in Culver City. I mostly walk. If there were more dedicated bike lanes in the city that were clearly identified (with color perhaps) I would feel more comfortable biking in Culver City.