UCLA Bicycle Academy: Update on the UCLA Healthy Access proposal

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Update on the UCLA Healthy Access proposal

Here's an update from Professor David Eisenberg, who met with administration regarding the proposed Healthy Access Initiative:

Yesterday the bicycle committee had its first meeting. The membership consists of Jack Powazek, vice chancellor for administration, Richard Jackson from the School of Public Health, Nurit Katz UCLA sustainability officer, Renee Fortier, UCLA transportation administrator, Michael Goldstein of the Healthy Campus Initiative, and me.

There was unanimity that bicycle commuting to Campus must become safer and more convenient. Everyone agreed that we must establish safe bicycle routes from the East, South, Southwest, and West. Further requests to open the path across the National Cemetery will be postponed, however, until UCLA irons out some other difficulties. The same group will meet every quarter to assess progress and to adjust plans. One plan is for a safe route from Santa Monica Hospital to UCLA hospital. Another is a safe route along the LA country Club, and up Comstock and Wyton to Campus. Another is up Westwood Blvd or Glendon from Wellworth to Campus. Another is a safe route from the Expo station.

Here's what you can do to help:

1. We need to organize all the various bicycle groups connected with UCLA into one solid constituency to support the goals of safer routes. If you can help with this, please let us know!

2. More faculty members to sign our letter (see earlier post). Who can help undertake this task?

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Our Board

Phillip Bonacich (President) is emeritus professor of sociology with an interest in the economy of power in groups. He is a long time bicycle commuter and his daughter, Cory Caletti, is a senior transportation planner and bicycle program manager for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission. Phillip cycles from Mar Vista.
Michael Cahn (Secretary) has "invented" the Bicycle Academy in 2008. He occasionally teaches a class on the history of transportation for the history department. He is a former board member of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition and previously served as secretary of the Cambridge Cycling Campaign. He runs a secondhand bookshop in Cambridge (UK). He cycles from Santa Monica.
Jack Katz (Director) is professor of sociology with an interest in video documentation of the interactions of cycling in urban traffic. He would like to work with others to evaluate local candidates for political office for their track record on cycling issues. He picked up a 20$ bike at a garage sale on the way back from the car repair place 15 years ago, and would never be without one since. In the morning, he puts the bike on the 20 / 720 bus near Koreatown, and enjoys the ride back from campus.
Michael Manville (Director) is a professor of Urban Planning at the Luskin School of Public Affairs. He rides to campus from West Hollywood. Lucky him, he says he has been able to avoid for car commute for most of the positions he has held in the past. He is an active participant in regional planning issues and contributes to legislative initiatives on housing and transport.
Suzanne Paulson (Director) is a professor of Atmospheric & Oceanic Science and at the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. She rides to campus from Sunset Park in Santa Monica on a quality steel bike. She has cycling company on her commute because her son Ry attends Geffen Academy on campus. He likes to use her panniers to transport his books to school.
Alex Purves (Director) is an Associate Professor of Classics at UCLA. She bicycles to campus from Santa Monica and also cycles with son to his elementary school. She is currently writing a book on Homer, who knew neither bicycles nor cars, but who did sing of the odd collision between chariots and pedestrians.
David Williams (Director) is a professor of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology at UCLA. He does research and teaches on the retina, and would like to see more motorists using their retina to view the road rather than their smart phones. He cycles in Westwood, but prefers places where there are fewer motor vehicles.

Purpose and Membership

The purpose of the UCLA Bicycle Academy is to improve conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians at UCLA. The Academy will
* Advocate for bicyclists’ and pedestrians’ interest on UCLA facilities
* Work with the campus and agencies and communities surrounding the campus in order to improve bicycle and pedestrian access to campus.
* Host social and educational events with a focus on bicycle/pedestrian issues related to UCLA.
Membership is open to current or former staff or faculty or visiting scholars of UCLA. Partners and family members of the above are also eligible as members. Students are welcome to all our functions.