2022 Election: Questionnaire for MV City Council Candidates

Lucas’s Response

1. Where do you walk and bike in Mountain View? In what areas do you enjoy biking and walking the most? What areas have you found require the most focused improvements to the pedestrian and cyclist experience?

I have walked and biked almost every neighborhood and commercial area throughout the City, but most often I walk or bike in the San Antonio Shopping Center area (where I live) and in Downtown Mountain View. I am generally comfortable biking or walking anywhere, but I enjoy riding on trails and off-street biking facilities because they are safest and most pleasant. Downtown and City parks and open spaces are most pleasant to walk. The highest priority areas for focused improvements, in my opinion, are California Street, El Camino Real, Middlefield Road, Rengstorff Avenue, Latham Street, and areas near schools..

2. What changes would you implement to encourage more children to get around Mountain View by biking and walking and to reduce the risk of future injuries and fatalities?

I support constructing protected bike lanes and protected intersections to improve safety and encourage children to bike. Similarly, bulb-outs, landscaping (especially tree canopy), and other pedestrian improvements and amenities will encourage walking and reduce injuries and fatalities. While safety trainings are helpful, safe and well-maintained infrastructure, along with a pleasant environment, will do far more to encourage walking and biking.

3. What goals would you set for increasing active transport commutes in Mountain View in the next few years?

I support implementing the planned projects that will dramatically improve the safety of key corridors throughout the City. These include the California Street Complete Street Improvements Project and the El Camino Real Streetscape Plan. Additionally, I hope to work on the new Active Transportation Plan and advocate for greenways and landscaping, closing key gaps in bike/ped infrastructure, and prioritizing complete street improvements when pavement maintenance occurs. Finally, I believe that land use planning that increases housing opportunities in or near job centers will provide alternative options to driving, including walking and biking to work. This will require implementing the North Bayshore and East Whisman Precise Plans.

4. What infrastructure changes would you propose in Mountain View to make biking, walking and taking public transit safe and comfortable for all street users?

Complete street improvements should be implemented whenever pavement maintenance occurs. Routine resurfacing is a great opportunity to implement protected bike lanes, lane width reductions, road diets, and other safety improvements that encourage biking and walking. The City is implementing significant transit improvements also through the Precise Plans – for example, the Charleston Transit Corridor and Shoreline reversible bus lane projects will improve transit access and convenience. Right-of-way acquisitions from redevelopment allow for additional opportunities for bicycle/pedestrian improvements.

5. Castro Street remains the heart of our community, a place for dining, shopping, and events. What do you think must be done to make Castro Street an even more welcoming place for people to gather and enjoy?

I support implementing the Pedestrian Mall and closing the first three blocks of Castro Street to vehicle traffic. With sufficient investment in amenities and support for the businesses in Downtown, this will go a long way in improving the pedestrian environment and helping preserve the vitality of Castro Street. I also support improving bicycle facilities in and near Downtown, implementing the grade separation and access project (but exploring whether the ramp to Shoreline Blvd is actually necessary), and updating the Downtown Precise Plan to support land uses that contribute to the pedestrian environment and incentivize alternative ways to travel to and from Downtown.

6. Advocating for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements can be controversial because it often requires making difficult decisions about car-centered amenities such as traffic lanes or parking. Tell us about a time when you took a tough stand to advocate for active transportation (or if you haven’t held office, tell us about a stand you plan to take).