City of LA Bike Summit Questions + Ideas
Thread started by
ohaijoe at 08.11.10 - 4:55 pm
Mayor V tweeted the following link to where you can submit questions and ideas for the upcoming Bike Summit. The most popular submissions will be addressed at the summit.
Please take a sec to submit a question, or vote up those submitted by others!
City of LA Bike Summit Questions
Mayor Villaraigosa believes that, with its flat landscape and enviable climate, Los Angeles should be a haven for cyclists.
On August 16th, at the MTA Board Room at One Gateway Plaza, the Mayor will be meeting with community members to discuss how we can make bicycling in LA safer, easier, and more enjoyable.
In addition to taking questions from attendees, the Mayor will answer the most popular questions submitted here.
So take a few minutes to vote up the questions or ideas that you want the Mayor to address, or submit your own.
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bad link!
http://www.google.com/moderator/#16/e=26e51
ohaijoe08.11.10 - 4:57 pm
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Thanks for setting it up. Good idea. Hopefully it won't be spammed by the trolls
Foldie responding to a
comment by ohaijoe
08.11.10 - 5:05 pm
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You can flag trolls, or vote their submissions up or down.
It's unclear who started this, but the tweet came from the Mayor's office.
Very cool, guess this makes a pre-summit summit unnecessary.
ohaijoe08.11.10 - 5:08 pm
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This is a fantastic tool, especially for those of us who care about these issues but cannot get off work to attend the "summit."
SkeletonKey08.11.10 - 5:52 pm
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Exactly, and it gives everyone a voice. If we, and the city, make good use of these tools, you can bet we'll see more of it in the future.
L.A.'s a little behind on Gov2.0 technology, glad to see them stepping up their online outreach.
ohaijoe responding to a
comment by SkeletonKey
08.11.10 - 6:01 pm
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GREAT questions so far. working on mine....
Roadblock08.11.10 - 6:01 pm
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just submitted mine: http://goo.gl/mod/ujtf
Very glad to see many of my concerns already being addressed.
ohaijoe responding to a
comment by Roadblock
08.11.10 - 6:19 pm
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275 votes in the 3 hrs it's been live. Not bad. Guesses on how many there will be come Monday am?
dudeonabike08.11.10 - 8:08 pm
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1,000 + should be easy, but we can do much better than that.
Let's keep pushing it here, on Twitter and FB or wherever else.... a virtual tour de force!
ohaijoe08.11.10 - 8:37 pm
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I'm coming with arm slings for everyone that wants one.
ubrayj0208.11.10 - 11:27 pm
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What I don't like about this is that it forebodes of a controlled environment and no public comment, so he won't have to answer the hard questions.
danceralamode08.12.10 - 1:02 am
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But does it preclude public comment? This is from the Google moderator page:
In addition to taking questions from attendees, the Mayor will answer the most popular questions submitted here.
champagne responding to a
comment by danceralamode
08.12.10 - 9:20 am
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Just did it.
I liked the "dinosaur" theme in Roadblock's questions.
Vote em up, people.
dudeonabike08.12.10 - 10:32 am
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It seems like he's going to take public comment. You had a couple really good questions. Good work.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by danceralamode
08.12.10 - 12:36 pm
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Thanks. I know that he says there will be public comment but can't you imagine this: first he does an introduction, then we hear from the organizations invited to speak, then he answers the voted up questions then time for public comment but OOPS! no time left, the Mayor has to go! That's all I'm saying. I'm voting up the questions I really want to see answered.
I really liked Ross's questions about kids on bikes and cycling education in schools as well as other people's questions about reaching out to the Spanish-speaking community and low-income neighborhoods. Honestly, the moderator shows that we all have a lot of questions, and I'd like to see them all answered. Baby steps, right?
danceralamode responding to a
comment by Roadblock
08.12.10 - 2:58 pm
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Hey man, your link shows *my* questions--you plagiarizing son of a bi..... oh, wait, you mean if I'm signed in to Google it will automatically show *my* questions rather than someone else's?? Apologies.
dudeonabike responding to a
comment by Antranik
08.12.10 - 2:59 pm
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I'd like to hear Mayor V ask us some questions of his own...:))
alicestrong08.12.10 - 3:06 pm
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I have mixed feelings about public comment.... it's good to get the people's voices heard but many times it's people who arent prepared with anything to say or they repeat points already made...
The bike community needs to get organized like the BRU. That group shows up in full force no matter what time what day with yellow shirts or all the same color has a few speakers and basically just makes a show of force. The bike community is too busy pissing on each other's work and fighting each other to get it together.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by danceralamode
08.12.10 - 3:39 pm
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From the Mayor's FB event, and always remember, for every person who speaks out, there are typically many who don't.
"Thank You for the Invitation, unfortunately I as well will be at work during these hours." - Hector S.
" I'd like to go but I'm a working joe and that's a tough time." - John V
"Work prevents me from going to this, but give 'em hell guys!" - John K
" Gotta work. Will be there in spirit." - John M (lotsa Johns!)
"this is great but for us that work that would love to be there its hard to make it on a monday at 9am when one is at work! Will try and get there but not sure it will work out" - Mitch F
" Sorry But Duty calls and I must work no work no pay but I would be there if I could." - Sylvia R
" I can't afford to take a day off from work but we, The Wilmington Community Bike Coalition, support this event." - Salvador L
" If I didnt have to teach/train all day, I would be there!" - Melissa G
"Can't take off work that morning, sorry...I hope we get some more advocacy for bike riding in LA!!!" - Johann D
"Some people actually have jobs." - Vito G
" I would LOVE to attend - but I have to work during those hours! Can there be a skype or other online connection to the meeting?" - Karen H
" Could somebody please note to the Mayor that attendance of relevant bicycle commuters will be significantly restricted by the 9am-11am schedule? This is when a good chunk of the working population start their work day." - Anthony F
"@Anthony F: I agree with you. I was hoping this would be a Saturday morning thing...I would definitely get my bike going but on a Monday morning...can't get away from the morning madness at work..." - Maria S
"Such short notice?" - Lydia E
" I will try to make it, i need to see if i can make arrangements with my employer." - Johnny P
Alex Thompson08.12.10 - 5:46 pm
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I hope that people who can't make the meeting will at least submit a question...
alicestrong responding to a
comment by Alex Thompson
08.12.10 - 5:53 pm
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how come out of 5000+ invitees most of the ones complaining about work are all linked to the Boxes and AT as friends... what going on here...
anyways... enough heckling Alex, we got your point. Lots of people will be at work. great. keep working to make this a failure but can you do it on bikeside or something. we've got some people here who despite the woeful timing of the meeting are still willing to go.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by Alex Thompson
08.12.10 - 6:54 pm
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put it this way.... what other advocacy groups get to have a meeting with the mayor in off hours? I'm being serious. I'm sure there are some..... lets compare voting power and see if we really are getting shafted.
Roadblock08.12.10 - 7:05 pm
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@danceralamode Me Joe?
It looks like Mayor V's google moderator tool eliminates the needs for a pre-summit-summit, and there's a general lack of interest in such a meeting anyway.
I'd just encourage anyone who can't or doesn't want to go to the bike summit to contribute a question or votes online to share their voice so that we (cyclists) will have as big of a showing as possible, virtual or IRL.
Every little bit helps.
ohaijoe responding to a
comment by danceralamode
08.12.10 - 7:07 pm
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The people at the helm of the Bus Rider's Union pull in six-figure salaries. If there were highly paid, full time bike activists in this town whose job was to deliver a simple message and raise a ruckus at this public summit, I guarantee it would put the BRU to shame.
That does not mean that the policies and ideas of a professional bike activist group would necessarily be good for cyclists or the city as a whole, however.
angle responding to a
comment by Roadblock
08.12.10 - 7:37 pm
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I'm not saying that a little more notice on the summit wouldn't help more people re-arrange their schedules but this is how it goes all the time at City Hall. Earlier this year, the arts community galvanized within days to go protest at the City Council meeting and have hundreds of arts supporters show up and speak. The funding they wanted protected was their livelihood. We're talking about our LIVES not our livelihoods here. Not everyone will be able to make it, but I think a lot of us will do whatever we can to be there.
danceralamode responding to a
comment by Alex Thompson
08.12.10 - 8:15 pm
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impromtu meeting in 45 minutes. 1739 Vermont just north of hollywood blvd. 65 beers on tap. everyone get moving!
Roadblock responding to a
comment by danceralamode
08.12.10 - 8:32 pm
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Dammit, I just started making a homemade veggie wholewheat pizza! It's cooking now. =(
danceralamode responding to a
comment by Roadblock
08.12.10 - 8:38 pm
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Well, it won't take 45 minutes to cook...Okay, 65 beers on tap, you say?
danceralamode responding to a
comment by Roadblock
08.12.10 - 8:41 pm
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I'm always down for a beer summit! ;0)
ohaijoe responding to a
comment by danceralamode
08.12.10 - 8:49 pm
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good fucking god... how in the fuck do a bunch of bus riders drum up that much money?! why can't the LA bike community make this happen!?
Roadblock responding to a
comment by angle
08.12.10 - 8:57 pm
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Dude, gimme a minute, I don't ride as fast as you.
danceralamode responding to a
comment by Roadblock
08.12.10 - 8:58 pm
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Interesting example Amanda. Many people in city politics viewed the way those budget meetings were run as an example of using process against the people. I was in the loop on the Arts protests, as well as others, and I can tell you that their win was the exception not the rule. Every group funded in the city was put on the chopping block, and it was a contest to see who could turn out the most on their day. If your cuts came up two days, and you turned out people on the first day but not the second - surprise - your item got called and the cuts approved on the second day. All in all the budget process was strongly criticized as anti-democratic.
Some people are assuming that you must either
a) criticize the process
OR
b) participate
but not both. Not the case. Bikeside has been preparing for the Summit and we will be present and prepared . . . that doesn't mean we can't still point out the flaws in the process.
The point missing from this entire discussion is that PROCESS is THE city wide issue. It's the issue in every area of city politics right now. It's not arcane to call attention to anti-democratic processes . . . it is in fact normal and accepted in LA's political life. It is also effective.
Alex Thompson responding to a
comment by danceralamode
08.12.10 - 10:59 pm
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It's not arcane to call attention to anti-democratic processes.
Very good point, Alex. Look at Vancouver, BC. They're often cited as a leader in urban design in North America, but it didn't get that way by having one powerful person calling the shots.
City planners, businesspeople and local residents came together through a consensus-building process known as CityPlan to create a plan for growth. It's very similar to the neighborhood councils in LA, except it's taken seriously and people get involved with it.
And it was this, not the Big Man politics that we idealize in LA that made Vancouver a world leader.
+1
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by Alex Thompson
08.12.10 - 11:49 pm
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I don't know why you're trying to make it seem like I'm arguing with you. I've said at least twice now on different threads that I both agree with you that it would be better if it were at a different time and that I hope you are able to change the date/time through your efforts.
My point was simply that we have to prepare (as you have said Bikeside is preparing) for the fact that the meeting will be Monday and get as many cyclists there as we can. And there are a lot of people who are able to re-arrange their schedules, we just have to communicate to them how important it is for them to show up, and that it will benefit them to make themselves available.
danceralamode responding to a
comment by Alex Thompson
08.13.10 - 3:32 am
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Sorry Amanda - communication fail. You were saying that this happens at City Hall all the time. My point is, yes, it does, but when it happens people don't like it and the complain voraciously about it . . . and that process has been a big issue because of that. So it's not out of line, ungrateful, or unusual for cyclists to go after a flawed process, as this is normal in more mature constituencies like the unions or the arts.
Some people, not necessarily you, right out of the gate were all "this is gonna happen, make the best of it." Another approach would have been to attack bad process, and prepare in private for the contingency that the Summit occurs as planned - this way you're not giving in publicly, but you are ready.
Iain - I always forget about Vancouverism. They, along with Bogota, Barcelona and Nashville, is an example we should keep in our minds alongside Copenhagen & Amsterdam & Portland. We here a lot about those last three places, but that's just one approach and there are other approaches that LA can take from = LA has larger issues with urban planning and the approach in Northern Europe may not address those.
Good process tends to produce good results.
Do you think that this question approach is good process? I think it is . . . interesting. I think it would have been best if the Mayor & his staff primarily listened at this meeting, but this question process has made it so that we cyclists - who are experts in our own needs - will be asking questions, instead of making statements. I also noticed that questions that are uncontroversial do best - one No vote cancels about two Yes votes, so a question that doesn't get many Nos does better than one which gets many Yeses, but also a number of Nos. Since one can vote on as many questions they like, people don't make as many choices as might be ideal. Google Moderator is an interesting tool that I wasn't aware of, and I'm curious to play with it and see how configurable it is = can you limit the number of votes or change the value of a No? Can you change how questions are valued?
Alex Thompson responding to a
comment by danceralamode
08.13.10 - 10:34 am
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I Honestly don't see what is anti democratic about this process. The Mayor is having a meeting to discuss cycling issues and the public is invited to make comments both via web and in person.
Let's hammer home some good points on Monday.
Some points I intend to make...
-Implementation of bike plan in coordination with repaving schedule.
-Directive to LAPD and CA to be Extra vigilant in pursuing and prosecuting vulnerable user hit and runs to the full extent of the law which at this point is inadequate but until the laws change the ca and da can get tough.
-include cycling considerations in 30/10. Bikeways bikelanes bike paths Adjoining rail projects
-push ladot to make better applications for safe routes to school funding
-include cycling education and awareness in DMV tests and manuals
Roadblock responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
08.13.10 - 10:42 am
reply
@Alex - You can actually submit statements, too.
"City of LA Bike Summit Questions + Ideas".
Looks like most, if not all, are only submitting questions.
ohaijoe responding to a
comment by Alex Thompson
08.13.10 - 10:45 am
reply
Well, the thing with the moderator questions is that he gets to prepare answers and educate himself on the issues beforehand, so maybe that's a good thing. If he and his staff have to start examining these issues, maybe a real conversation can begin? (Yes, I'm being optimistic.)
I have mixed emotions about the way Google Moderator rates questions, but I've been checking it pretty frequently and so far I'm fairly pleased with the top rated questions. My big concern is that through this process, it's possible less controversial questions can be voted up and only those answered and there might not be enough time for public comment/questions.
danceralamode responding to a
comment by Alex Thompson
08.13.10 - 10:52 am
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Google moderator looks like a good tool. One thing it does is makes sure the bike doucherati don't control the conversation. Sure they can get their douchy friends to game the system by voting for their questions, but at least my questions can be heard.
Less controversial questions may be important to some people. Don't forget there are many flavors of bike ridazz and all their voices should be heard. I can see already bike path questions are getting voted down because some people don't like them.
Why is this question not at the top?
""Why aren't there better snacks at this summit? I came here for free food and the pizza ran out already??? What are you going to do about that?""
Foldie responding to a
comment by danceralamode
08.13.10 - 11:01 am
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There needs to be an EIR on this bike plan. The "potential" bike lanes in the plan will never get built unless we have an EIR for the plan up front.
ubrayj0208.13.10 - 11:04 am
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"Some people, not necessarily you, right out of the gate were all "this is gonna happen, make the best of it." Another approach would have been to attack bad process, and prepare in private for the contingency that the Summit occurs as planned - this way you're not giving in publicly, but you are ready. "
AT I actually love you man believe it or not. I think you will eventually be a political leader and a good one at that.
but your solution here was to put out an angry blog that at best made you personally look like a political n00b for thinking that you could get the Mayor capitulate to the bike community and change "the process" that every other lobby group and union has to go through, at worst appeared to speak for the entire bike community making us look like selfish brats and even worse put a negative spin amongst the bike community itself on something that should have been celebrated amongst bike riders. The Mayor is finally getting with bikes!
still another approach would be accept that the bike lobby is not going to be the ones to change "the process" - ugly as it is - and use your leadership skills to get the bike community together and actually look like we are an organized political force like they have in other cities. that means reaching out to every org and having the political capital to do it. instead you went off and "prepared in private" (how is this democratic) while the rest of the bike community was torn between taking your words seriously perhaps not bothering to try and to get time off - and actually preparing for this meeting. basically it has a deflating effect for the bike community. your words carry weight man and too often you use them for divisive actions. when will you get it? you have the power and the time to make things happen.
had you simply realized from the get go that you weren't going to change anything about "the process" and just focused on the issues and getting bodies into the building showing that this is important to the community and rallied everyone to a call to arms for this meeting you would be looking like a hero instead of a n00bish hypocrite for going to this meeting anyway after so loudly denouncing it. Like I said, you are awesome, you are destined to make it politically if you can deal with the fact that "the process" might not ever change, and if it does, it won't happen over night.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by Alex Thompson
08.13.10 - 12:02 pm
reply
Alex,
As always I love you, I respect you, and i think you use the word "fail" so much it loses its meaning and impact.
Process is important ... but if we spent all of our time debating and arguing which route to take, we will never leave the house. We need balance.
I think that you are at your best when you rightly level your critical insights at our most pressing issues.
When you spend time harshing on other's that are working for your same cause, it often steals from credibility and relevance you have rightly earned.
Stay focused, choose your words and your battles carefully and you will find many of us right behind you as you help lead the bike revolution.
Sniping and condescending to fellow bike activists will more and more often lead to people reacting with indifference to actions of yours that should rightly be supported and celebrated.
I hope to see you tonight,
Ride on.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by Alex Thompson
08.13.10 - 12:27 pm
reply
"136 people have submitted 87 questions and cast 2,248 votes
but what do you think?"
Woo! MORMORMORMOR!
ohaijoe responding to a
comment by trickmilla
08.13.10 - 12:37 pm
reply
I posted a new question. I'm tired of reading news reports of people dying.
http://goo.gl/mod/UEw9
danceralamode responding to a
comment by ohaijoe
08.13.10 - 12:58 pm
reply
*vote it up!*
Good call, I was just going back to see if anyone addressed hit n' runs.
ohaijoe responding to a
comment by danceralamode
08.13.10 - 1:01 pm
reply
so far Joseph posted my favorite: http://goo.gl/mod/Bghj
Roadblock08.13.10 - 1:02 pm
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The #1 question concerns lack of bike parking?
The wording of some of the questions is questionable and others pigeonhole the response.
Oh well, I submitted a few of my own burning questions, did some voting, and will try to make it into the peanut gallery on monday, hopefully I'll get a piece of pizza before it runs out.
dave08.13.10 - 1:35 pm
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Part of me wants to ask, "Would you feel comfortable with a family member or loved one cycling on city streets from Getty House in Hancock Park to City Hall? downtown?"
anty08.13.10 - 3:42 pm
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I have so many questions I want to add more question marks
anty08.13.10 - 3:43 pm
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Hardly the most hard-hitting or important question, I'll admit. In my defense by the time I was able to weigh in there were already 40 questions up. I didn't see the point in just rewording what had already been asked, so I tried to choose a subject that hadn't been covered.
While hardly a matter of life death (like hit & runs, for example), available and well- thought out bike parking will go a long way towards getting people out of their cars and using bikes as an integrated part of their daily lives.
mr rollers responding to a
comment by dave
08.13.10 - 4:33 pm
reply
IMHO: it's a good idea for everyone to vote up questions that task the mayor with accomplishing specific goals, or projects that have a stated timeline. This will mean that he will be accountable if they don't get implemented.
angle responding to a
comment by trickmilla
08.13.10 - 4:35 pm
reply
Adequate bike parking is certainly important, maybe it was the timing of when I viewed the website.
I'm surprised that more people aren't concerned about how families on bikes are accommodated. For me to give up my car I'd definitely need more infrastructure from the city to support group trips. I think people may have been confusing this with recreational weekend riding. My kids or grandkids are almost glued to me on the weekends and without my truck, bike riding beyond the immediate neighborhood is not happening. Three bike racks on buses are nice but being able to bring the bikes onboard would be better. Also a families worth of day passes to avoid transfer fees gets expensive.
dave responding to a
comment by mr rollers
08.13.10 - 5:10 pm
reply
Most of my concerns were already addressed, so I just voted for the ones I liked.
For my one question, I tried to pick specific, relatively easy to implement, items that affect me the most while commuting to and from work throughout the week.
I've been hit once, have 2-3 close calls per week (I ride a lot), all due to one of three easily avoidable things drivers tend to do:
1.) open doors without checking mirrors
2.) failure to signal when changing lanes
3.) texting/talking while driving
I'd think if the mayor could help step up enforcement in these areas, which could be an immediate change, it'd go a long way to make the roads a little safer for cyclists until better infrastructure is in place.
Here's my question: http://goo.gl/mod/ujtf
ohaijoe responding to a
comment by angle
08.13.10 - 5:11 pm
reply
I voted. I wish I could rate the questions from -10 to + a billion.
There were already too many questions so my contribution was to not contribute any more.
marino08.13.10 - 6:29 pm
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will someone ask the mayor when can we expect to see some changes made and how can the public keep an eye on what has been done since the bike summit. i still say he never rode a bike and its all an evil ploy to enact a helmet law.
metalduane08.20.10 - 10:19 am
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don't let the helmet bullshit distract you. focus on the positive and the practical.
accountability measures were discussed at the summit. talk to one of the bike advocacy groups if you want to personally put your eye on things.
lackflag responding to a
comment by metalduane
08.20.10 - 1:07 pm
reply
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