2016 Election: Ricardo Flores on Issues that Matter to BikeSD Supporters in District 9

Our board sent questionaires to candidates running for city council and we will be posting their responses here. Ricardo Flores is running to replace Councilmember Marti Emerald who currently represents District 9.Our endorsements will be posted tomorrow, Friday.

Ricardo Flores. Photo via Flores' website.
Ricardo Flores. Photo via Flores’ website.

1) How do you envision the growth of cycling in San Diego – be it for transportation, recreation, or otherwise? Do you see cycling as a community builder?

As a candidate for office I have had the incredible opportunity to walk all of the neighborhoods of District 9.  Having this experience has enhanced my connection to my community.  To me riding a bike is similar, albeit more efficient.  There are also health and environmental benefits as well, but for me it’s the experience of being immersed, present, and one with my community that is greatly enhanced by riding a bike.  If we plan correctly today, decades from now, riding a bike should be an essential option for commuting in our neighborhoods.

2) What steps must be taken to ensure the success of San Diego’s “Vision Zero” goals – and what action will you take to deliver on D9 “VZ” corridors, El Cajon Blvd and University Avenue?

First the plan needs to completed.  As the Councilmember for District 9 my job would then be to work with the community and bike advocates to prioritize each project in the district and go after funding to complete them.  As we identify money for each project we also need to “project manage” them until completion.

3) Do you support the Kensington-Talmadge Community Planning Group desire to add a right-turn lane on El Cajon Blvd at Fairmont Ave, eliminating a planned traffic calming feature (sidewalk bulb-out)? Do you desire to see more or less traffic calming along highly traveled D9 corridors?

Let me take this question in reverse. As envisioned in Vision Zero and adopted by the Council, I strongly support more traffic calming measures on highly traveled District 9  corridors.  As to the first question, the construction of a right-turn lane on El Cajon Boulevard and Fairmount Avenue is a major priority for the Kensington-Talmadge Community Planning Group (KTCPG).  I feel strongly that local government works best when it works with residents to accomplish their goals.  I have worked with the KTCPG on this issue and it is my understanding that City staff agrees with the idea.  I am unaware
of the additions of a bulb-out at this location as referenced in the question.  I would be very interested to discuss this further with representatives of BikeSD to learn more about this.

4) Will you support more road-diets like that on Fairmont Avenue in City Heights? Is ‘Level-of-Service’ a satisfactory traffic measure when weighing improvements in neighborhood safety?

Yes.  I absolutely believe the term “Level-of-Service” should be expanded to include walking, bicycling, and public transportation.

5) Given the myriad of competing interests in D9 neighborhoods, how will you handle individuals and groups, alike, whose interests and actions run counter to the City’s transportation and street design goals as laid out in the Climate Action Plan, and Vision Zero initiative?

I have already had experience doing this while serving as District 9’s Chief of Staff.  The College Area Community Council (CCAC) did not support bike lanes on College Avenue, just North of Montezuma.  I brought together City engineers, bike advocates, and members of the CCAC to determine if a compromise could be reached.  Unfortunately, this was not possible.  The goal of the CCAC was to add an additional car lane but that was physically impossible, so the bike lane will ultimately be built.  This is an example of how I’ll work with groups that at times have competing priorities. The goal is to seek a solution for all parties but in the end a decision must be made that will follow community plans and other City adopted policy positions.

6) Multiple studies have shown that increased bicycle accessibility, is good for local businesses – and that this even holds true when on-street parking is reduced. How can the information gap between advocates and businesses be bridged to advance our common interests of safe, thriving neighborhoods? Further, at which point do you say to those who refuse to engage as responsible and reasonable partners in the community’s progress, that the cycle of arguments must end so we may act for the common good?

Similar to question 5 you need to work with all of the different interested parties to find a solution. Ultimately if a solution with all the interested parties cannot be reached then a decision should be made with guidance from the current community plans and policy plans like Vision Zero and the Climate Action Plan.

7) What (if any) plans and decisions, with respect to increasing cycling accessibility, have been made in the past by government agencies and elected officials that you disagree with? Did you make public that disagreement? And do you see an opportunity, if elected, to reverse it?

That’s a difficult question since I don’t really know all of the community and political dynamics at play with regard to past cycling decisions in San Diego.  That said I am proud of the decision our office reached with regarding to the bike lanes on College Avenue.  I felt they were fair and we were able to preserve our strong relationship with the community even though we came to different conclusion.

8) Will you support the implementation of the 2011 San Diego Bicycle Master Plan Update, including budgetary requirements for its completion and success?

Yes.

9) If you have one, share a favorite cycling memory – and let us know how it shapes your desire to see safe streets in San Diego for all residents, across generations?

As a child my dad took me to Qualcomm (at the time, Jack Murphy) Stadium to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels.  I remember the exhilaration of riding on two wheels and the freedom of space in the empty parking lot.

10) Finally – If elected, will you commit to meeting with BikeSD representatives on a regular basis to continue the dialog around improving all D9 neighborhoods, and making San Diego the world’s greatest city for cycling?

Yes, absolutely.

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