Subject:     Bicycle Newsletter 6-2-00  ELECTION SPECIAL!
Date:        6/2/00 4:18 PM
Received:    6/2/00 4:21 PM
From:        Michael Bluejay, bluejay@mail.com
To:          Newsletter subscribers, austin-bike-news@topica.com

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     /__/   ==       
      /_____/       BICYCLING IN AUSTIN NEWSLETTER
  ___/ \  _/ \___   covering bikes as alternative transportation
 /  /\  \/___/\  \ 
 \___/   &   \___/  bluejay@mail.com  *  michaelbluejay.com/bicycle

  Michael Bluejay, editor                              June 2, 2000
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[See the very end of the newsletter for how to subscribe/unsubscribe.]

[Please visit our website:  http://michaelbluejay.com/bicycle ]


T H E  R E V O L U T I O N   W I L L   N O T   B E   M O T O R I Z E D 
######################################################################
#### C O N T E N T S :
####
####     ** ELECTION SPECIAL:  CITY COUNCIL PLACE 2 RACE
####   
####         BETWEEN RAUL ALVAREZ AND RAFAEL QUINTANILLA **
####
####   
####   INTRODUCTION & ENDORSEMENT
####   
####   SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES' POSITIONS
####   
####   RESPONSES TO OUR QUESTIONS
####   
####   CANDIDATES' POSITIONS, FROM THEIR CAMPAIGN WEBSITES
####
######################################################################


======================================================================
 INTRODUCTION & ENDORSEMENT
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday's runoff for the Place 2 seat on the Austin City Council 
between Raul Alvarez and Rafael Quintanilla is expected to be very 
close.  And notable about this race is the attention placed on 
transportation issues -- not just by the candidates, but by the other 
media as well; the Austin Chronicle's lead questions in their 
candidate interview centered on the construction of State Highway 130.

Alvarez has the support of nearly every environmental group in the 
city, and his resume boasts his chairing the Lone Star Chapter of the 
Austin Sierra Club, as well as being a board member of the Trans Texas 
Alliance (a transportation group).  Quintanilla is controversial for 
his opposition to SOS in 1992, but says that his earlier opposition 
was a mistake, and that he now fully supports protection of Austin's 
environment, including support for alternative transportation. Indeed,
the candidates agree in several areas.  For example, both favor light
rail, a citizens review board for the police department, and an
eastern alignment for S.H. 130.

We are convinced of Quintanilla's sincerity and are pleased with his 
support for alternative transportation, but in reviewing the candi-
dates' answers, we feel that Alvarez is much more committed to pushing
for progressive transportation reforms.  Bicycling in Austin therefore
endorses Raul Alvarez in the Place 2 race.  Below you'll find our 
report about the candidates.


======================================================================
 CANDIDATE SUMMARY
----------------------------------------------------------------------

                     Alvarez                      Quintanilla
                -------------------------   -------------------------
Notable         Austin Chronicle            Austin American-Statesman
Endorsements    Sunshine Project for        Austin Police Association
                  Police Accountability     Circle C PAC
                Austin Lesbian/Gay          Austin AFL/CIO
                  Political Caucus          Hispanic Contractors
                Austin Sierra Club            Association PAC
                SOS Action                  The Village Newspaper
                Travis County Green Party   Austin Apartment Assn.
                several democratic groups   several democratic groups

Website address:    raulalvarez.org             quintanilla.org


                                Alvarez          Quintanilla
                               ------------      -----------
Favors construction of
SH 130                         did not say          Yes

Favors eastern alignment
of SH 130                         Yes               Yes

Supports light rail               Yes               Yes

Would allow City employees to
"cash in" their parking spaces    Yes               Yes

Favors Citizens Review Board
 for police officers              Yes               Yes

Supports keeping police officers
 off the review board              No               Yes

Supports increased funding of
City's Bicycle Program            Yes             uncertain

Favors banning car parking
in bike lanes                     Yes             uncertain

Supports increased points
for bicycle access in
Smart Growth Matrix               Yes            did not say

Number of bicycle advocates
actively campaigning for
candidate*                         3                 0

Support full repeal of bicycle
helmet law (currently kids-only)   No                No

Rides a bicycle                   Yes                No

Would bicycle to work
if elected                        Yes                No

*Eric Anderson, Tommy Eden, and Kathryn Otto.  There may be others on 
both sides, but these are the ones who have been vocal enough that we 
know about them.



======================================================================
 RESPONSES TO OUR QUESTIONS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 Thanks to members of the austin-bikes email discussion list, who
 reviewed our draft list of questions and submitted some of their own.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
WOULD YOU WORK TO INCREASE, MAINTAIN, OR DECREASE FUNDING FOR THE 
CITY'S BICYCLE PROGRAM?  BY HOW MUCH WOULD YOU INCREASE OR DECREASE 
FUNDING?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  I am not familiar with the funding levels for the 
Bicycle Program.  I would like to meet with you to receive your ideas
and recommendations.

   ALVAREZ:  I support increasing the city's investment in both 
bicycle and pedestrian facilities.  For the health of our citizens and 
environment, and as part of a comprehensive package of solutions to 
our transportation crisis, I believe this should be a top priority.  I 
also think we need to institutionalize a steady, annual revenue stream 
for bike/ped facilities just as CAMPO does.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IT IS CURRENTLY LEGAL FOR CARS TO PARK IN MOST BICYCLE LANES IN THE 
CITY.  WOULD YOU SUPPORT A BAN ON PARKING IN BICYCLE LANES?  IF SO, 
WOULD YOU SPONSOR SUCH A RESOLUTION?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  It seems to me that the City should have a work 
session dedicated to a discussion concerning bicycle lanes and their 
use.  I want to hear all the pros and cons before making a decision.

   ALVAREZ:  We need to look to banning parking in bike lanes on 
arterials and collector streets.  In neighborhoods, leaders in the 
cycling community need to come together with neighborhood residents to 
find a mutually agreeable solution.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CURRENTLY, THE SMART GROWTH MATRIX AWARDS MORE POINTS FOR CAR PARKING 
THAN FOR BICYCLE ACCESS.  SHOULD MORE POINTS BE AWARDED FOR BICYCLE 
ACCESS IN THE SMART GROWTH MATRIX?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  I do believe that the Smart Growth matrix should 
award points for bicycle access.

   ALVAREZ:  The Smart Growth Matrix has many flaws.  This would 
appear to be yet another.  I support reviewing, adjusting, and better 
defining the Matrix.  I certainly believe that Smart Growth should 
emphasize and credit alternative transportation, like cycling, over 
measures which encourage the further use of automobiles.  In addition 
to traditional bike facilities like racks and access points, we ought 
to awarding points for facilities that would really encourage biking, 
such as lockers and showers.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
HOW, SPECIFICALLY, WOULD YOU PROMOTE BICYCLING?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  Bicycling can be promoted by policies such as the 
matrix discussed above and the creation of more trails safe for 
cycling.

   ALVAREZ:  In addition to increasing our investment in lanes, 
trails, etc., I think we ought to boost our public education efforts, 
in terms of both promoting cycling and promoting safety awareness for 
motorist.  We also need to make sure cycling needs are integrated into 
road planning better.  We need better access from hike/bike trails to 
roads.  We need a north/south dedicated bike lanes east of Congress.  
We also need safer, more convenient ways for cyclists to cross I-35 
and Mopac.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
HOW OFTEN DO YOU RIDE A BICYCLE?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  I do not ride or own a bicycle.  My family could not 
afford bicycles so I never learned to ride one safely.

   ALVAREZ:  Before the campaign began, I didn't even own a car.  I 
used my bike, the bus and carpooling to get most everywhere I went.  
Unfortunately, during the campaign period, I have not been able to 
ride my bike nearly as much as I would like.  After the election, I 
plan to make up for lost rides!


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU RODE A BICYCLE, AND WHERE DID YOU RIDE?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  [See previous answer.]

   ALVAREZ:  The last recreation ride I took was in the "Political 
Pedal" in May.  I might note that my opponent did not participate in 
the event to promote cycling.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IF ELECTED, HOW OFTEN WOULD YOU BICYCLE TO WORK?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  [See previous answer.]

   ALVAREZ:  As often as possible.  I plan to have my bike and the bus 
serve as my primary mode of transportation.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DO YOU SUPPORT LIGHT RAIL FOR AUSTIN?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  I support alternative means of transportation such as 
rail.  I would like more choices for all our residents.

   ALVAREZ:  Yes.  Further, we need to have bike/ped facilities in 
place that will serve the rail system as soon as it's running, not 
further down the line.  This will promote both cycling/walking and the 
use of the rail system.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
WHAT THREE THINGS WOULD BEST IMPROVE CAPITAL METRO BUS SERVICE?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  Capital Metro should provide more direct, non-stop 
service from areas such as Ben White and 183. There should be more 
service along busy routes.  Buses should be smaller where there is 
less demand.

   ALVAREZ:  (1) Expanded Dillo service to popular destination points 
and outlying areas; and Dillo service to nighttime entertainment 
districts until at least 2:00 a.m.  (2) We need to look to Bus Rapid 
Transit (dedicated bus lanes) as a transportation solution.
(3) Smaller buses running more frequently, running on time, and 
running on natural gas. (4) We also need more bike racks on the buses.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
WOULD YOU SUPPORT ALLOWING CITY EMPLOYEES TO "CASH IN" THEIR ALLOTTED 
PARKING SPACES FOR A MONTHLY SUM OF MONEY?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  Yes.

   ALVAREZ:  Yes.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DO YOU SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF S.H. 130, AND WHY?

FOLLOWUP:  IF YOUR ANSWER IS THAT S.H. 130 WILL DECREASE CONGESTION ON 
I-35, PLEASE EXPLAIN THAT POSITION IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT THE TEXAS 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (TXDOT) CLAIMS ONLY A 5.4% REDUCTION IN 
I-35 TRAFFIC FROM S.H. 130 (AND ONLY A 3.24% REDUCTION IF THE HIGHWAY 
IS BUILT AS A TOLL ROAD, AS IS PLANNED.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  I do support SH 130 because I believe we need to 
relieve traffic on IH 35.  It is too congested and dangerous.  I am 
concerned not only about reduction; I am also aware that our 
population will double over the next 20 years.  We must begin to build 
new roadways now to be ready 10-15 years from now.

   ALVAREZ:  I have concerns about the sprawl-inducing effects of the 
highway.  If it does get built, it needs to go east of the lake and 
have limited access points so that it will not destroy neighborhoods 
or the plans for destination parks in East Austin, and so that it will 
serve as a true bypass.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TXDOT WANTS A WESTERN ALIGNMENT FOR S.H. 130.  THE AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL 
VOTED IN FAVOR OF AN EASTERN ALIGNMENT INSTEAD.  IF TXDOT BUILDS IT 
WITH THE WESTERN ALIGNMENT ANYWAY, WOULD YOU STILL FAVOR AUSTIN'S 
BUYING AND DONATING RIGHT-OF-WAY TO TXDOT?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  I want to continue to push for an eastern alignment.

   ALVAREZ:  No.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
HOW, SPECIFICALLY, WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE CARPOOLING?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  Carpooling can be encouraged by HOV lanes and by 
employer incentives.  I would work on both of these ideas.

   ALVAREZ:  We need to work with major employers, particularly within 
the context of offering development incentives, to offer support and 
get commitments for facilitating carpooling programs.  We also need to 
look at the use of HOV lanes to promote carpooling.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT AUSTIN IS ABOUT TO FACE FEDERAL PENALTIES 
FOR FAILING TO MEET AIR QUALITY STANDARDS, WOULD YOU SUPPORT MANDATORY 
VEHICLE EMISSIONS TESTING FOR AUSTIN?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  It appears that we will have little choice.  I am 
concerned about the cost to low income residents.  We should consider 
assistance to them.

   ALVAREZ: If we are going to get a handle on our air quality 
problems, motorists will have to shoulder their fair share of the 
burden.  However, we need to make sure we're not just putting the cost 
of cleaning up our air on working people.  We need to reduce 
stationary source emissions and off-road vehicle emissions as well.  
We also need cleaner burning fuels, more fuel-efficient cars, and 
higher use of renewable resources


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A VOLUNTEER WITH THE YELLOW BIKE PROJECT CLAIMS THAT POLICE DEPARTMENT 
STATISTICS SHOW THAT OVER 90% OF THE NO-BIKE-HELMET TICKETS GIVEN TO 
YOUTH HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO MINORITY YOUTH.  IF ELECTED, WOULD YOU 
ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, AND IF SO, HOW?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  I oppose any form of discrimination and will speak 
with the City Manager and Police Chief about this allegation.  Again, 
if there is a financial problem, we should try to help.

   ALVAREZ:  We need to improve record-keeping procedures so we can 
document and rectify racial profiling.  This would be one of the first 
things I would ask the Citizens Review Board to look at.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DO YOU FAVOR A FULL REPEAL OF THE BICYCLE HELMET LAW?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  I do not support a repeal.  I do think we must be 
concerned about head injuries.

   ALVAREZ:  There is some evidence that helmet laws actually reduce 
cycling to the point that the public health implications are worse 
with the helmet laws than without.  However, I have not studied this 
information and would want to review it very closely before I 
advocated a repeal of the helmet law for youth.  An approach such as 
the Texas Bicycling Coalition's youth education program, and the 
provision of helmets for low-income families might be a better 
approach.  Again, though, I am not prepared at this point to advocate 
for a repeal of the youth helmet law.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CYCLISTS COMPLAIN THAT THEY ARE OFTEN TICKETED OR EVEN JAILED FOR 
MINOR TRAFFIC OFFENSES, WHILE MOTORISTS WHO INJURE OR KILL CYCLISTS 
FACE NO PENALTIES, OFTEN NOT EVEN A TRAFFIC CITATION.  IF ELECTED, 
WOULD YOU ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, AND IF SO, HOW?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  Traffic laws must be equally enforced against all 
violators.  I will speak with the City Manager and Police Chief.

   ALVAREZ:  The reason cyclists are riding on sidewalks and being 
ticketed is because we have inadequate bike facilities and because 
many motorists are not as respectful of cyclists as they should be.  
The real way to address this problem is tackle these problems.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DO YOU FAVOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD TO ADDRESS 
COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE?  IF SO, SHOULD SUCH A BOARD INCLUDE A 
POLICE OFFICER?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   QUINTANILLA:  I do favor a citizens review board.  I don't believe 
it should include police officers.

   ALVAREZ:  Yes, I favor such a review board.  In fact, I was 
endorsed by the Sunshine Project for Police Accountability.  I believe 
including a police officer on the board will help the board be a more 
viable, effective body.



======================================================================
 CANDIDATES' POSITIONS STATED ON THEIR WEBSITES
----------------------------------------------------------------------

QUINTANILLA
-----------
Rafael Quintanilla supports the construction of the Highway 130 bypass 
along an eastern alignment.  "We must relieve congestion on IH-35; it 
is dangerous and long delays cost productivity and add to pollution of 
our air."  Rafael supports mass transit. "We cannot build enough roads 
to solve all traffic problems.  We must use all available 
alternatives."

Traffic gridlocks are becoming the norm rather than jut rush hour 
inconveniences. The completion of the overpass at I-35 and Ben White 
is still several years away and at best will provide only partial 
relief. In the meantime, a concerted effort must be made by City 
planners and traffic engineers to find solutions and make prompt 
improvements. The project to synchronize traffic signals must be 
speeded up. Also steps must be taken to ease congestion by promoting 
and implementing alternative transportation projects.

ALVAREZ
-------
Improve existing roadways and transportation infrastructure, and 
increase transit alternatives to ease traffic congestion. 

Consider new traffic generation and the cumulative traffic impact for 
all proposed development. 

Use safety and accident data and citizen input to identify traffic 
hotspots and prioritize road spending. 

Increase funding for pedestrian and bicycle improvements in order to 
make our neighborhood streets safer and make these transportation 
alternatives more viable. 

Work with AISD to establish a "Safe and Healthy Routes to School 
Program" in order to identify improvements needed to make walking and 
biking to school safe and desirable. 

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of infrastructure conditions and 
capacity in areas targeted for significant development in order to 
ensure that infrastructure can sustain planned development. 


======================================================================
 PUBLICATION / SUBSCRIPTION INFO            by Michael Bluejay, editor
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
      http://michaelbluejay.com/bicycle    bluejay@mail.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------

We currently have 578 subscribers, up 32 from the last issue.  (In the 
previous issues we were up 44, 10, 14, and 14.)

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Before writing with questions, please check the Biking in Austin 
website to see if your question is answered there.  Here are some 
useful links:

  Bike Safety...........   michaelbluejay.com/bicycle/safety.html
  Back Issues...........   michaelbluejay.com/bicycle/newsletters
  Traffic Laws..........   michaelbluejay.com/bicycle/laws.html
  No Justice for Cyclists  michaelbluejay.com/bicycle/justice
  Calendar..............   michaelbluejay.com/bicycle/calendar.html
  City's Bicycle Program.  www.ci.austin.tx.us/bicycle
  Tracking License Plates  www.publicdata.com

Don't worry about copying, saving, and bookmarking 
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these sites appear on the Bicycling in Austin website, for one-stop 
URL shopping.

Thanks for reading this far.  Ride safely! :)  -MBJ-


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