Statement by BikeSD and RideSD onCouncil President Joe LaCava’s Appointment to the SANDAG Board of Directors
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Council President Joe LaCava on his appointment as Vice Chair of the SANDAG Board of Directors. This is a significant opportunity to advance equitable, sustainable, and people-centered transportation projects across the region.
Council President LaCava has shown strong leadership in supporting active transportation initiatives in San Diego, and we look forward to his continued efforts as a champion for regional active transportation, public transit, and Vision Zero projects at SANDAG. With his leadership, we hope to see the tide shift toward prioritizing the infrastructure investments our region needs to meet its climate, safety, and mobility goals.
For too long, the SANDAG Board has been dominated by loud voices opposed to proper investment in public and active transportation projects - projects that can save San Diegan’s lives and money. Council President LaCava has the opportunity to bring balance to these discussions and elevate the case for a connected, multi-modal transportation future.
BikeSD and RideSD are local, grassroots organizations that educate the public and build community around biking and transit. We engage people in the planning process to produce a more livable City for all. Below are our priorities:
BikeSD’s Priorities
BikeSD urges Council President LaCava to ensure commitments made in the 2013 Regional Bike Early Action Program are upheld, particularly these high-priority projects:
University Avenue: This corridor continues to exhibit Level of Travel Stress 4 conditions, endangering bicyclists and pedestrians and contributing to 142 bicycle collisions in Mid-City, including two fatalities.
Robinson Bridge: Critical gap in the Mid-City to Uptown network, forcing bicyclists onto unsafe conditions on University Avenue.
Monroe Bikeway: Continued research is needed to identify alternatives, whether through re-routing or re-design, to ensure this project is implemented.
Let’s not have another Pershing Drive, where opportunities for life saving infrastructure came far too late.
RideSD’s Priorities
RideSD calls for focused investment in:
NextGen Rapid Bus Projects: Deliver the next generation of Rapid buses promptly, with dedicated transit lanes and treatments that ensure they are a competitive, reliable transportation alternative.
LOSSAN Corridor: Protecting and rebuilding this vital rail corridor for regional connectivity, trade, and national security.
Airport Transit Connection: Ensuring that any new transit connection to the airport complements and does not negatively impact existing transit lines.
Council President LaCava’s leadership can help fulfill SANDAG’s promises while paving the way for a safer, more sustainable, and better-connected San Diego. Together, we can build a transportation system that works for everyone.
