Jason Pyeron, Candidate for City Council-12th District

 In an effort to educate voters, we will be posting responses to our candidate questionnaire. Questionnaires were emailed to each candidate running for City Council, President of City Council, and Mayor. Candidates have until March 4th to submit. We are publishing results in the order they are received. 

How frequently do you use a mode of transportation other than your car to navigate the city? Based on your experience, where should the city prioritize resources for transportation?

JP: I try to go across town without my car as much as possible. I take the train to work aNd back every day and every Saturday morning I go for a bike ride.  We need to expand services into areas that need it most. Lets look and see how we fan expand alternative transportation options around all of Baltimore.

What role do you believe biking and walking improvements can play in creating a safer, healthier, more livable Baltimore?  

JP: I am looking to implement the Bike Idaho Rolling Stop

Often road redesigns that improve the safety for people on bikes or people walking do so in a way that removes priority for single occupant vehicles. This can look like removing lanes for travel or decreasing available street parking. Can you describe how you would manage public expectations during project implementation, and handle any backlash from constituents that don’t share in the City’s vision for complete streets?

JP: We need to remember that not everyone has a car and that’s ok too.  We have to share the road and we have to make sure we are including everyone when projects and its implementation come up. Just because the number of residents who ride bikes or walk less than the number of those who don’t, doesn’t mean that the majority wins in this.  We have to work together and I refuse to accept the notion that compromise is a bad word.

Recent audits have discovered that the Department of Transportation struggles to measure key performance indicators. The city’s procurement and project management processes have also faced scrutiny. This has led to significant delays of key improvements to bicycle infrastructure in Baltimore. How will you work to improve performance and accountability of city agencies like the Department of Transportation under your leadership?

JP: The Dept of Transportation needs to do better, period.  By delaying improvements to not just bicycle projects but all the projects, the only thing that is doing is hurting the people they too are suppose to serve. When elected, I am going to insist that there be more transparency from this agency.  In addition I will work with them to host monthly transportation meetings with the neighborhood associations.

 The percentage of people choosing to take public transit or ride a bike for transportation is increasing in Baltimore, while the percentage of residents without access to a vehicle is over 30%. How would you rate the city’s current investment in sustainable transportation solutions for its residents, and as a council person what would you do to support increased investment?

JP: It’s true more and more residents are taking public transit and with that the city needs to do more. This isn’t the time to cut bus lines, but expand them.  This isn’t the time to have less bike lanes but see where we can put more of them.  The city must do a better job and when I am elected, I will make sure that I am doing all that I can to help make that possible.

 A recent study by Harvard economists found that the single strongest factor affecting the odds of a child escaping poverty is not the test scores of his or her local schools or the crime in the community; it is the percent of workers in his or her neighborhood who have long commutes. How do you plan to improve transportation options and commute times for our most vulnerable residents?

JP: I could not agree more with this.  What is an 8 hour day for one person with a car becomes 11 to 12 hours a day for someone who has to take public transit.  That means they work (traveling include) at least 60 hours a week.  Now, take a large portion of their paycheck and now imagine they are only making minimum wage.  This is an outrage and a simple fix.  We want to grow the local economy? Give people money to spend!  Allow more accurate bus routes and ensure busses are on time and go from where people live to where people work! This can help solve many issues of our city.  I see this is an economic issues and I will do all that I can to fight for the people who elect me.

What other information about your candidacy would you like to share with our members?  

JP: I think finding more alternative ways to get around town outside of a car should be encouraged.  When I am elected I am going to talk with not only Bikemore but also any other agencies who want to reduce the carbon footprint and also find ways to make not only a better transportation experience for the residents who take it, but want to make a Better Baltimore.

Bike Share is Coming to Baltimore!

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L to R, Caitlin Doolin, Bike and Pedestrian Planner, BCDOT; Jay Decker, Bike Share Coordinator, BCDOT; Liz Cornish, Bikemore 

Good things come to those who wait. After six years of lessons learned and a few false starts, today the city approved Bewegen (Be-Wee-Gen, hard "g") as the City's official bike share vendor. The system, which is set to launch in Fall 2016, will include in it's initial phase 50 stations and 500 bikes, 200 of which will be Pedelec bikes making it the largest fleet of pedal assist bikes in North and South America. 

Bikes

The bikes, which we got to test ride today, are some of the lightest bike share bikes on the market. The non-pedal assist bikes feature eight gears. Both bikes feature a front basket that can hold up to 55 pounds. Both bikes feature a skirt guard, front fender, enclosed drivetrain, front and rear lights, and a digital display and speaker. 

The Pedelec bikes feature a battery that can operate autonomously for one day (60 miles, or 24 hours) on a single one hour charge. 

Stations

The stations are fully modular. The City purchased 5 solar canopy stations. Stations can also be quickly configured using geofence technology--creating flexibility to create additional stations to coincide with special events (think O's games or Artscape). 

The stations automatically lock the bike once docked, and have an option to lock the bike using an integrated cable lock if the station is full. The system also allows you to temporarily lock the bike outside of the system to help accommodate quick errands. But similarly to how Zipcar works, in that only the member with that car reserved can unlock the vehicle, new riders can only unlock bikes from official docking stations or kiosks, and the member using that bike can only lock or unlock it outside the docks. 

Station locations have not been finalized. Bewegen will work closely with the City and Bikemore to engage in a thorough and equitable community engagement process to ensure citizens needs are considered. We can say with confidence though, that given the size of the initial launch and the need for the system to remain densely sited, it's impossible for every Baltimore neighborhood to receive a station during Phase One. Bikemore will be advocating for priority areas that balance the need for bike share to serve as a transportation option--connecting our downtown work centers to surrounding neighborhoods, and providing equitable access to bike share as a viable recreation option in places like Druid Hill Park and Lake Montebello. Removing barriers to bicycling begins with providing access to biking as a form of recreation. 

Check Out Process

Membership pricing has not yet been determined. We do know however, that bikes will be available for check out using a credit card at kiosk for daily rentals and RFID key similar to Capitol Bike Share or a cash membership option for the unbanked for monthly or annual members. One of the most exciting payment options includes integration with the Charm Card transit pass, and the ability to check out the bike using a mobile phone app. 

It's important to note that integration with Capital Bike Share in DC was not part of the initial contract, but the barriers to integration have more to do with coordinating each jurisdiction, and less to do with technology. Bewegen is confident that the technology available on their bikes leaves the door open to integrating with Capital Bike Share down the line. We will continue to advocate for this integration with Capital Bike Share and look forward to beginning discussions with our partners in DC. 

Building Community Support for Bike Share

One of the best things bike share does is normalize every day bike riding. We know the number one way to improve the safety of people who bike, is to increase the number of people who ride. Bike share programs do this incredibly well, providing a comfortable, stable upright riding experience--without having to think through some of the barriers to bike riding: where will I lock up, where will I store my bike in my home, what if I want to ride to a location but take transit back, etc. Bike share also has the ability to dramatically improve first and last mile solutions for transit riders. In a city with a challenged public transportation system, bike share also has the ability to limit transfers, improving the on time reliability of transit. 

But given the challenges the City has faced upon launch, and the many years the naysayers have had to develop their gripes, the politics of launching bike share presents a real challenge. One of the most exciting parts of the contract includes Bewegen locating their North American headquarters in Baltimore, creating approximately 80 new local jobs.  Already having launched a successful program in Birmingham, AL, and set to launch Richmond, VA ahead of Baltimore, Bewegen and their pedal assist bike share systems are positioned for growth. Having their headquarters in Baltimore has the real potential to put us on the map as innovators in how bicycles integrate into urban life.  Also, we were impressed at the City's ability to turn a $2.3 million dollar contract into 80 local jobs, solidifying the fact that bikes truly mean business. 

It's also really important that our members have all the facts available to them, so that they can truly be the new system's best ambassadors. That is why we are partnering with BCDOT to provide a bike share open house where Bikemore members will have a chance to test ride the bike share bikes and ask questions of city staff. Stay tuned for our announcement of the date and time of that event. We expect to host it sometime in April or May. 

The community engagement process to answer questions and determine specifics of operation including station siting and membership rates is just beginning. Bikemore is committed to leading this effort in partnership with the City so that an inclusive, successful system of bike share in Baltimore is achieved. We are currently soliciting funds to help this effort. If you or your organization would like to support us please donate here, or contact Liz Cornish, liz@bikemore.net to learn more. 

Calvin Young III, Democratic Candidate for Mayor

 In an effort to educate voters, we will be posting responses to our candidate questionnaire. Questionnaires were emailed to each candidate running for City Council, President of City Council, and Mayor. Candidates have until March 4th to submit. We are publishing results in the order they are received. 

How frequently do you use a mode of transportation other than your car to navigate the city? Based on your experience, where should the city prioritize resources for transportation?

CYIII: I usually walk to where I need to go, but sometimes I rely on an automobile to get from place to place. Baltimore has largely focused its resources on road improvements for automobiles. As someone who usually walks, this over-emphasis on auto transit can create hazardous situations for pedestrians and bicyclist alike. The City should prioritize its resources on quick fixes that improve safety, such as adding flexible posts, making sidewalks and entry ways ADA accessible and doing more to educate the public on the responsibility of between drivers and pedestrians and drivers and bicyclist. A transportation system that more easily moves people and commerce will result in a more economically and culturally vibrant metropolis.

What role do you believe biking and walking improvements can play in creating a safer, healthier, more livable Baltimore?

CYIII: Biking and walking both provide great exercise and are pollution free. The more people who are encouraged to walk and bike the less congestion there will be, and the healthier residents will be.

Are you supportive of the city’s plan to implement bike share in 2016? If so, what do you believe to be the critical components of success?

CYIII: I am in full support of the City's plan to implement a bike share program. In order to have a successful bike share program we must be mindful of: 1. station density, i.e. define the average spacing, and place a station within walking distance, 2. define the number of bikes per residents, 3. have quality bikes that are regularly maintained, and 4. have easy to use stations. A bike share program in Baltimore is something I am committed to, and I will work closely with community members to learn about what they want out of a bike share program.

Recent audits have discovered that the Department of Transportation struggles to measure key performance indicators. The city’s procurement and project management processes have also faced scrutiny. This has led to significant delays of key improvements to bicycle infrastructure in Baltimore. How will you work to improve performance and accountability of city agencies like the Department of Transportation under your leadership?

CYIII: Prudent use of city funds is must be the goal of every agency, including the Department of Transportation. Unfortunately, so little is known about the DOT's procurement and project management process. As mayor, I will work with the City Council to both ensure accountability and robust oversight of DOT.

What impact do you see increasing rates of biking and walking in Baltimore having on the public health and safety of our residents? In what ways will your administration invest in the creation of safe places to encourage more people to engage in physical activity?

CYIII: Increasing the rate of sustainable transportation will improve public health for our residents. My administration will focus on making sure that transportation plans and investments account for all modes of travel - this includes increase funding and making sure that city dollars are used more efficiently.

A recent study by Harvard economists found that the single strongest factor affecting the odds of a child escaping poverty is not the test scores of his or her local schools or the crime in the community; it is the percent of workers in his or her neighborhood who have long commutes. How do you plan to improve transportation options and commute times for our most vulnerable residents?

CYIII: While residents are largely vehicle-dependent, those who do not have a vehicle are individuals who can't afford one. These are the individuals who are largely dependent on bus service, so making improvements to bus service is essential to reducing commute times.

Often road redesigns that improve the safety for people on bikes or people walking do so in a way that removes priority for single occupancy vehicles. This can look like removing lanes for travel or decreasing available street parking. Can you describe how you would manage public expectations during project implementation, and handle any backlash from constituents that don’t share in the City’s vision for complete streets?

CYIII: Change takes getting used to. The goal is not to change for the sake of changing, or for replacing. Changes to infrastructure represent change, and can feel like a threat to what many know to be the way this city has felt and operated for the past couple generations. We can't ignore that, and we have to engage all people in the process of change. However there is a growing group of residents who want a more sustainable city - me included. In order to get to a more sustainable, and more people and future-friendly place, we have to invest in the infrastructure and transportation modes that get us there. Seeking understanding, being equitable, and being open minded should always be priorities in conversations about how our City evolves.

What other information about your candidacy would you like to share with our members?

CYII: I am running for Mayor because our City is in state of emergency, and needs bold and fresh leadership to get us out of the mess career politicians have created. There are so many aspects of our local government that have failed our residents, including transportation services. We must elect a Mayor who understands that we all benefit from a transportation system that can move people and commerce in a sustainable way.

Gordon Stick, Candidate for City Council- 12th District

 In an effort to educate voters, we will be posting responses to our candidate questionnaire. Questionnaires were emailed to each candidate running for City Council, President of City Council, and Mayor. Candidates have until March 4th to submit. We are publishing results in the order they are received. 

How frequently do you use a mode of transportation other than your car to navigate the city? Based on your experience, where should the city prioritize resources for transportation?

GS: Currently I walk, drive, or ride the light rail as my primary transportation to destinations in the city. My favorite way to travel is biking. The city lacks the infrastructure to make biking safe therefore I only bike recreationally; late at night when there is less traffic or in areas outside of the city.

The city should encourage the use of electric and human powered transportation. Parking needs to be addressed. The current design of curbside parking spaces is crowding our streets. That space could be better used for transportation.

What role do you believe biking and walking improvements can play in creating a safer, healthier, more livable Baltimore?

GS: Biking and walking can play a role in creating a safer, healthier, more livable Baltimore. Providing better services such as safe bike lanes or additional areas to walk will encourage more citizens to walk and bike. Having more foot traffic through our local neighborhoods will stimulate small businesses and economic growth.

Having a large population of walkers and bikers in our city also promotes a healthier population and environment. Staying active on a daily basis is extremely important especially in a time when rates of inactive lifestyle and chronic diseases like diabetes are on the rise.

Often road redesigns that improve the safety for people on bikes or people walking do so in a way that removes priority for single occupant vehicles. This can look like removing lanes for travel or decreasing available street parking. Can you describe how you would manage public expectations during project implementation, and handle any backlash from constituents that don’t share in the City’s vision for complete streets?

GS: The dilemma of finding a parking spot is time consuming. Finding the solution for this issue will generate support from the community.

Recent audits have discovered that the Department of Transportation struggles to measure key performance indicators. The city’s procurement and project management processes have also faced scrutiny. This has led to significant delays of key improvements to bicycle infrastructure in Baltimore. How will you work to improve performance and accountability of city agencies like the Department of Transportation under your leadership?

GS: I will stay honest, fair, and hold others accountable.

The percentage of people choosing to take public transit or ride a bike for transportation is increasing in Baltimore, while the percentage of residents without access to a vehicle is over 30%. How would you rate the city’s current investment in sustainable transportation solutions for its residents, and as a council person what would you do to support increased investment?

GS: The application of Baltimore City's current transportation investment is insufficient. To increase investment I would solicit the bike industry to invest in our city.

A recent study by Harvard economists found that the single strongest factor affecting the odds of a child escaping poverty is not the test scores of his or her local schools or the crime in the community; it is the percent of workers in his or her neighborhood who have long commutes. How do you plan to improve transportation options and commute times for our most vulnerable residents?

GS: Bringing businesses into the community is the most effective way to reduce commute times. The vacant areas of Baltimore City need to be revitalized to create destinations desirable for travel, work, and leisure.

What other information about your candidacy would you like to share with our members?

GS: Many other countries have incorporated biking as a staple of their transportation. It is affordable, practical, and healthy. I would like to see more biking in Baltimore City.

Zeke Cohen, Candidate for City Council-1st District

 In an effort to educate voters, we will be posting responses to our candidate questionnaire. Questionnaires were emailed to each candidate running for City Council, President of City Council, and Mayor. Candidates have until March 4th to submit. We are publishing results in the order they are received. 

How frequently do you use a mode of transportation other than your car to navigate the city? Based on your experience, where should the city prioritize resources for transportation?

ZC: I walk to work every day (unless it's pouring rain, or I'm feeling extra lazy). I walk to my gym, the grocery store, and to restaurants and shops in the First District.

Unfortunately, most residents in the First District do not live where they work. For the higher poverty areas like O'Donnell Heights, Graceland Park, Baltimore Highlands and Broening Manor, people without a car are at an enormous disadvantage. Many of the residents I speak to in these neighborhoods have found employment at Amazon, or in downtown Baltimore, but with only one bus line traveling through the Eastern part of the District, they are often late for work. That is unacceptable. I think that we should go back to our Governor, and demand that he reconsider the decision to terminate the Red Line. I also think that we need to do a true impact study before adopting the City Link plan. I would like to see rapid bus lanes, GPS equipment on the buses, and expansion of the Circulator. At the expensive of sounding like a heretic, I would also like to see charge for the Circulator, why should the bus that mainly serves tourists be free while everyone else has to pay?

Finally, I believe the city must begin to prioritize public transit, and transit oriented development instead of continuing to build in a way that promotes driving. It is a culture shift that will require political will.

What role do you believe biking and walking improvements can play in creating a safer, healthier, more livable Baltimore?

ZC: The best cities in the world are all walkable and bikeable. I believe in dense, diverse, safe, complete streets. We know that foot traffic reduces crime. We know that in a city with some of the best medical institutions in the world, we have a population that is sick. The rates of diabetes and obesity are tragic throughout our city. Biking and walking promote health and overall well being. Finally, biking and walking make our city more livable because they promote human interaction. When you walk through a neighborhood, you can't ignore the blight, the drugs, the kids, the hope, the charm and everything else. When you drive, you can shut all of that out. Walking and biking make us more connected.

Often road redesigns that improve the safety for people on bikes or people walking do so in a way that removes priority for single occupant vehicles. This can look like removing lanes for travel or decreasing available street parking. Can you describe how you would manage public expectations during project implementation, and handle any backlash from constituents that don’t share in the City’s vision for complete streets?

ZC: The question of removing lanes and parking has been extremely challenging in the First District. That is because the city has failed to effectively communicate with residents. Residents in the First District helped create the Southeast Complete Streets Plan. Then the city chose to completely ignore the plan. That is unacceptable and erodes public trust. As City Councilman, I will actively communicate with constituents. Communication includes listening. I will bring our developers, business leaders and DOT to the table, as well as our community groups. We can get Complete Streets right, but it is going to take organizing and trust building.

Recent audits have discovered that the Department of Transportation struggles to measure key performance indicators. The city’s procurement and project management processes have also faced scrutiny. This has led to significant delays of key improvements to bicycle infrastructure in Baltimore. How will you work to improve performance and accountability of city agencies like the Department of Transportation under your leadership?

ZC: I run a non profit. Every year I get audited. If I misspend a single dollar, I lose my tax exempt status. Yet we live in a city with a $3 billion budget, and no measures for fiscal accountability. I can understand the frustration of residents that feel their tax dollars are being misspent. That needs to change. I will work to make sure every agency is regularly audited and performance metrics are put in place to make sure we are accountable for the money we spend.

The percentage of people choosing to take public transit or ride a bike for transportation is increasing in Baltimore, while the percentage of residents without access to a vehicle is over 30%. How would you rate the city’s current investment in sustainable transportation solutions for its residents, and as a council person what would you do to support increased investment?

ZC: I would rate our investment in sustainable transportation as failing. Folks in the Eastern part of my district are unable to get to work. My students are often unable to get to my after school program on time. At first I thought they were being teenagers, but then I spent a week taking the bus. And I was constantly late. I felt like I was back in high school. That is simply unacceptable.

Although the MTA is a state agency, the Council can play a role in holding them accountable and organizing with residents on the ground. I am encouraged by the oversight legislation that Delegate Lierman put forward but I think the city government should do more to support her efforts. We need to invest city dollars into our transit and infrastructure.

A recent study by Harvard economists found that the single strongest factor affecting the odds of a child escaping poverty is not the test scores of his or her local schools or the crime in the community; it is the percent of workers in his or her neighborhood who have long commutes. How do you plan to improve transportation options and commute times for our most vulnerable residents?

ZC: I site that study all the time. As previously mentioned, folks in O'Donnell Heights simply can't get to work on time. I would begin with a true impact study for the City Link plan. Lets find out who really needs more bus lanes. Lets find out where the rapid lanes make the most sense. Lets get GPS tracking onto our buses. I also want to continue to push for the Red Line. One Governor should not be able to stop a $3 billion dollar investment. I think we should organize the environmental, transit and business communities and go back to our Governor to say we demand rail. It is a slap in the face of Baltimore that he is proceeding with the Purple Line.

What other information about your candidacy would you like to share with our members?

ZC: I believe that transit, education, economic well being and safety are all interconnected. We need to start seeing the connections and talking across sectors to ensure that everyone in Baltimore has a bright future.