Help pedal-pusher push pedals

Blogger Brayj Against the Machine is big on biking, and he’s looking for ways to make Los Angeles more friendly for pedestrians and bicyclists.

He recently examined transit sales taxes Proposition A and C, passed in 1980 and 1990, respectively, and is looking for help to getting more local funds to expand walker- and biker-friendly venues in Los Angeles.

Both propositions provide for local return funds. These funds are given by Metro to cities, and the cities determine where the money must be spent. On the other hand, Proposition A forbids bikeway and bike lane funding. Proposition C, though, would allow for bike lane development, if it competes for discretionary funding. Needless to say, it is a very competitive category.

Brayj’s frustration is understandable. Both local sales taxes are clear in what can be funded and where money must go to, and the money is overwhelming raised for commuting. Bicycles lose out because they are still treated as a recreational mode, rather than a commuting mode to compete directly with automobile travel.

The future, though, is bright for pedal-pushers. Transit agencies and planners are increasingly taking the concerns of bicyclists into account, partly because the bicycling community has done well raising its awareness. The Metro Orange Line has a parallel bikeway, most buses now include bike racks on the front, and the Los Angeles River will have a concourse for bicyclists.