BIKEable Communities posed a series of 5 questions to each of the active candidates for elected positions in Long Beach that will be contested in the upcoming election on Tuesday June 3.

Below are the answers from Long Beach Mayoral Candidate Robert Garcia to 5 questions posed by BIKEable Communities regarding active living, Biking and walking in Long Beach.

Active living, bicycling and walking in Long Beach

1. Can having an active living oriented, bike and pedestrian friendly culture be an important business differentiator for Long Beach.  Can it help us attract new businesses and new resident that are looking for a city that promotes an active life style along with a business friendly environment. If so, what as an elected civic leader would you do to help deep us ahead of the pack. Yes and yes.  We have made huge strides in making Long Beach a bike and pedestrian friendly city, but we cannot stop now.  We must create more bike lanes and bike boulevards in Long Beach.  If we truly want people to bike to their destination in the city, we must make it easy and safe for them to do so.  Both bike riders and car drivers must understand the new rules of the road and that they must look out for each other. New developments need to be pedestrian and bike friendly.  

           Our downtown can also be a model for a walkable community.  As the number of units increases and more retail opens up, it will be easy for downtown dwellers to walk to most places and bike to others.  
2. Studies from Portland other US cities show people on bicycles spend more per month in local business districts than those arriving by other modes.  Bicycling and walk also promote a “shop local” mindset (it’s difficult to get to a far away store to shop if you are walking or biking). What steps would you take to ensure that local businesses in your district are able to benefit from better access by bicyclists? 
           There is no question that bicycle friendly business corridors are good for business and good for the city.  In addition to the benefits mentioned in your question, cyclists are more likely to try new businesses.  

           The city should designate more “bicycle and pedestrian business corridors.”  These corridors would have reduced parking requirements and plenty of bike racks.  These corridors would allow for more retail space as the need to create more parking lots would be reduced.  It would be more economical for new businesses to open as they would not need to meet current parking requirements.  These corridors or districts should be near public transportation to encourage people to walk as well.

3. Childhood obesity and chronic weight related health issues are a major problem in the city of Long Beach.  In six of Long Beach’s zip codes residents diagnosed with diabetes, sugar diabetes or pre diabetes is 20% or greater.  As an elected official how would you use your position to foster an active lining agenda that will make measurable improvements in these chronic but often preventable diseases?The promotion of a healthy lifestyle must be citywide.  Our city Health Department and Parks, Recreation and Marine should work with our schools so we are communicating a universal message.  We must promote an active lifestyle through message and infrastructure.

    

   The Bike Sharing program we are bringing to Long Beach is another great way to get more people on bikes.  This program will begin later this year with bike stations throughout the city.  As mentioned previously, bike lanes and boulevards are also critical.  A safe place to ride is important.  Pedestrian friendly developments are also important.  We must encourage people to walk.  Like cycling, it is good for their health and good for the environment.

4. Would you support a business are resident council on active living that would provide guidance for city policy?

   Absolutely.  I have been an ardent supporter of transparency and public participation in government.  All the good ideas do not come from elected officials and city staff.  A council on active living would be a great way to expand the opportunities available to our residents to live actively.  They would also be a wonderful way to help promote those opportunities.

5. Will you commit to using your leadership position in the community to “walk the walk” by personally walking and biking during your tenure in office? Yes.  I am already a frequent walker and biker.  I rarely use my car for local trips and often use the Blue Line when I need to go to Los Angeles.  My partner and I only have one car between us. I will continue to ride my bike and walk whenever possible and will encourage others to do so as well.