Westwood4all 5 April 2015
Press Release: Bike Lanes for Westwood Blvd?
A community group called Westwood4all has released an online questionnaire to advance the discussion about bike lanes on Westwood Blvd. The aim is to provide accurate numbers about local support for bicycle facilities on Westwood Blvd. Results will be shared with elected officials so that they can make an informed decision.
When planning a transportation network, the opinion of local residents is just one factor in a very complex equation. An informed decision by elected officials will also consider the network as a whole, the effects on the neighborhood, on business, safety, parking, environment, congestion, public health, etc. But if the general attitude of the local community towards bicycle infrastructure is known, then a controversial issue can be settled more easily.
So far, the cycling community has posted a petition with 500 signatories. A number of UCLA stakeholders have also called for bike lanes. The Business Improvement District in the Westwood Village has recently voted for bike lanes in the village. One the other hand, the leadership of some local homeowner groups and of the Westwood Neighborhood Council have objected to the plan. Our effort may help to resolve this conflict by documenting local attitudes for or against bicycle infrastructure on Westwood Blvd.
Background & Timeline:
March 2011: The Los Angeles Bike Plan is adopted unanimously by the City Council. It shows bike facilities on Westwood Blvd between Expo Line and UCLA as part of the Bicycle Backbone Network.
Feb 2013: At a community meeting leaders of homeowner groups strongly object to the plan.
Nov 2013: Councilmember Koretz cancels the planning process and instructs the department of transportation not to proceed with a study.
Nov 2014: Ryan Snyder of Ryan Snyder Associates develops an alternative plan, called the "Remove Nothing Plan." It has been presented to many civic groups, but no action is taken.
Winter 2014: During a series of public meetings, many members of the public speak in favor of bike lanes. Koretz staff indicates that a compromise may be found, but insists that bicycle infrastructure "must not impact car traffic." Proponents of safe and welcoming bike infrastructure say that the boulevard should serve all users. They say that cars and bikes impact each other all the time on our roads and they question if it is fair to demand that bicycling should have "no impact" on cars. Those objecting to bike lanes on the boulevard say that it may slow car traffic, increase congestion, and that the road is inherently unsafe for people on bikes. They say that bikes should be accommodated on side streets, away from heavy vehicle traffic and buses.
Contact: Westwood4all@gmail.com
Calla Wiemer studies cyclist endangerment and parking for Westwood Blvd
Additional Links:
http://bicyclela.org/
