Candidate Questionnaire 2024

West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition Candidate Questionnaire
West Hollywood City Council Election — Tuesday, November 5, 2024

On Tuesday, November 5th, West Hollywood voters will head to the polls to decide two of the City Council’s five seats. The seats are “at large”, meaning each council member represents the entire city.

The West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition crafted a questionnaire and sent it to all nine candidates. The completed questionnaires are linked to below, in alphabetical order.

As a chapter of a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, we cannot endorse candidates, but we hope you find this information helpful as you educate yourselves about candidates.

For a sample ballot & precinct map, please visit the City’s Election Information Web page.

Completed questionnaires:

Larry Block
John Erickson
Danny Hang

We have not yet received responses from the following candidates:

Jordan Cockeram
Dorian J. Jackson
Stefanie LaHart
George Nickle
William West Seegmiller
Zekiah “Z” Wright

Larry Block Responses

1. What mode(s) of transportation do you use, and why?

My vehicle is a Bintelli street legal electric golf cart. It goes up to 25 mph and is the solution for urban mobility. My visual impairment motivated the need for a different solution to live, work, and play in West Hollywood. If everybody adopted an electric golf cart such as mine, there would be lower carbon emissions, ample parking, enough room for bike lanes, and our streets would be safer.

2. Would (or do) you feel safe biking and/or using an e-scooter as a primary mode of transportation for short and medium-length trips? Why or why not?

No. Due to my visual impairment, I’ve adopted a new way to get around town. Slightly bigger than a scooter, but with only 25% of the footprint of a traditional auto.

3. What do you think the city should do to improve safety and convenience of bicycling (and other micromobility) in West Hollywood? Is there anywhere you feel the city should add bike lanes, greenways (streets with traffic calming features such as traffic circles), and/or protections (physical separations from cars, such as bollards or concrete curbs) to existing or new bike lanes?

Safety is the top concern. I would prefer to see protected bike lanes on major arterial routes such as Beverly Blvd. and Santa Monica Blvd. We have used traffic circles, speed humps, and other types of traffic calming measures in some neighborhoods such as Tri-West and Hollywood-West. Doheny Dr. may be in need of some traffic calming measures. I’m not convinced that concrete curbs are a safety solution and would welcome changes to our mobility plan with proper public input.

4. What are your thoughts on West Hollywood’s Target Vision Zero Plan, which aims to create complete streets to reduce collisions between vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, scooter riders, and other road users?

Somewhere back in 2015, I founded CrossSafe WeHo after the death of Clint Bounds. The idea of zero fatalities in West Hollywood was our goal. We re-tooled Santa Monica Blvd to create better traffic flow, and created a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists on the most dangerous stretch of Santa Monica Blvd between Doheny and La Cienega.

5. What do you think the city should do to promote and/or incentivize alternatives to driving, such as bikes, scooters, and walking, in West Hollywood?

Continue to support the free bike program as well as provide incentives for scooter ownership. In order to stimulate walking in West Hollywood we need to keep our streets clean and safe, without attacks from homeless and mentally ill people.

6. What changes or improvements, if any, would you like to see in the city’s policy on shared scooters, bike-share, and other micromobility devices?

I’m not in favor of on-demand scooters laying on the streets, but do support incentives to have local businesses and scooter depots throughout the city. We need the infrastructure to support changes in our transportation habits. The metro plan should be finalized before we can create the proper infrastructure to redesign our city for less reliance on cars.

7. What are your thoughts on bringing Metro Rail to West Hollywood, and for first-mile, last-mile access to and from subway stations?

I’m looking forward to bringing the rail to West Hollywood, but am concerned about the construction period and its effects on our small businesses. I favor Metro stops along Beverly and Melrose and do not favor any plan which will displace or disrupt businesses along Santa Monica Blvd. The last mile north could be a local jitney or maybe the company that owns those delivery robots can start transporting people.

8. Given the recent discussion of a “car free” Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, how might West Hollywood help to facilitate and promote alternative modes of transportation during the Olympic Games?

The Metro bus terminal is located in the heart of West Hollywood. Hundreds of buses already service greater Los Angeles from West Hollywood. We need to expand that capacity. We’d also need to expedite bus lanes and offer free metro passes for all residents during the Olympics.

John Erickson Responses

1. What mode(s) of transportation do you use, and why?

When I worked at City Hall, I got to and from work via the #4 or #704 bus because there was a stop right at City Hall. I only use my car when necessary. I will use the Metro Red Line to get to and from my work at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles because it’s become more accessible. But because my job requires quite a bit of travel during the day on routes not serviced by Metro, I frequently have to use my car. In WeHo, I walk. I also use an e-scooter to get to and from areas or my e-bike to get around Los Angeles (which is my favorite way to travel).

2. Would (or do) you feel safe biking and/or using an e-scooter as a primary mode of transportation for short and medium-length trips? Why or why not?

No. Currently our transportation infrastructure doesn’t prioritize the safety of cyclists on par with cars, and the idea of sharing lanes on roadways with cars moving at 50 mph seems too risky. We need to do more to protect bikers and pedestrians. While the city is making improvements, and we have been investing heavily to implement them in the last 4 years, they are not enough to help individuals feel safe biking/e-scooter as a primary mode of transportation. If we start building and investing in our cities for modes other than cars, we can build a better city that is safer for all.

The City has been actively working to install and implement our Pedestrian and Mobility Plan for years. Specifically, when we look at where we are at now, we are looking at not only Santa Monica Blvd., but also Fountain Ave., and then Gardner/Vista and Willoughby for better bike lane and pedestrian improvements. This includes not only improving sidewalks but also investing our streets and sidewalks to ensure that we can all coexist in a walkable and bikeable city. This is also why we’ve passed a policy last year to ensure that when we do major infrastructure redesigns that we include protected bike lanes. I support all aspects to make sure our streets and sidewalks are safer for everyone.

I supported our West Hollywood Target Vision Zero Plan, but it isn’t working until we are actually able to deliver on the promises and goals of our investments in our streets and sidewalks. We’ve made some progress but we’re still seeing people get hit by cars or be put at risk. I’ve asked for quarterly Vision Zero updates on our regular council agendas, so we can continue to track the progress and ensure that we’re providing real time facts to people to ensure they too can see that serious human risks that come at not protecting our streets and sidewalks from cars or other dangers.

5. What do you think the city should do to promote and/or incentivize alternatives to driving, such as bikes, scooters, and walking, in West Hollywood?

The primary work we have to do is safety. We know that the average trip length of cars in the area is well within a reasonable range for bicycles to become a much more heavily utilized mode of transportation. We can educate the public about bike share, increase available bicycle parking in commercial areas, and publicize maps of bike routes and bike parking to members of the community. Once we have strengthened safety for bicyclists and have upgraded our infrastructure, we can look at how we can partner with hotels in the area to encourage use of bikes, like providing information on routes and bike share. By providing all these different types of transportations, we can continue to allow people to get out of cars. As we have seen by the pilot program for the scooters, which is now permanent, the usage numbers were incredibly high. I don’t like that scooters are left on sidewalks and I’d like to install permanent docking stations in our neighborhoods to remove this from our streets and sidewalks and further promote accessibility and sidewalk access as this program continues to move forward.

6. What changes or improvements, if any, would you like to see in the city’s policy on shared scooters, bike-share, and other micromobility devices?

I’ve advocated for the city to be part of the Metro bike share program and continue to ensure that our shared scooter program moves into the next phase of creating permanent docking stations and other parking options so we’re not having scooters along our sidewalks but rather near high traffic areas to ensure that they can be properly stored. This is the next phase of what we need to do while also bringing about new ways that we can have bike-share in West Hollywood, as it has been very successful in other major cities. These companies also are still in a state of flux and I’d like to see at the end of this current contract cycle what type of revenue generating aspects so the city to then directly invest in new infrastructure improvements for the program. These companies continue to evolve and we’re going to have to continue to be able to mold with the market to ensure we’re still able to provide this demanded transit service to our residents and visitors that use them.

7. What are your thoughts on bringing Metro Rail to West Hollywood, and for first-mile, last-mile access to and from subway stations?

Expanding rail access to West Hollywood will continue to support the success of our small businesses and make it easier for residents to get around. We know there’s huge support for West Hollywood dedicating funds to making sure this happens – and in the 2020’s, not 2046. Regarding last-mile, as mentioned earlier, we should expand our use of bike-share and integrate micro-mobility into our strategic planning to dramatically reduce private vehicle usage, reduce traffic, make our streets safer, our air cleaner, and our residents happier. Fortunately, for most West Hollywood residents, depending on the route chosen, most people in the city will in reality live just a few blocks from a stop. I have continued to support bringing Metro Rail to West Hollywood and advocating for statewide changes, so we can finance the project as well as ensuring that we’d have robust public comment to ensure the Metro Board and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors know how popular and important this is to the future of our city.

We need to be part of the regional solutions to bringing about a “car free” Olympics. When I was in Paris, I biked everywhere or took public transportation to and from events. It was easy, cheap, and stress-free. We need to lobby the federal, state, and county governments to ensure that they not only fully fund but also expedite the permitting and planning processes of rabid bus lanes, Metro, and other modes of travel that don’t rely on cars. The completion of the already under construction Metro routes must be prioritized so they finish ahead of time and we must also ensure that LAX’s People Mover also finishes and connects people directly to Metro options and not car-centric options. I plan on ensuring that the City is at the forefront of this advocacy to ensure that we’re doing all we can to not only directly invest in improving our streets but also lobbying and advocating for continued regional Metro success to ensure we’re ready for 2028. Also, a car free Olympics doesn’t mean having gas powered busses but rather we need to ensure that whatever modes of transportation we’re investing in also include electric options so we’re not continuing to add to our climate crisis.

Danny Hang Responses

1. What mode(s) of transportation do you use, and why?

I use a car, I ride scooters, I walk and I take the metro when I need to. I use the modes of transportation based on what is most feasible, convenient and environmentally responsible.

2. Would (or do) you feel safe biking and/or using an e-scooter as a primary mode of transportation for short and medium-length trips? Why or why not?

I strongly support biking and e-scooters as environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and convenient options for transportation. However, I believe that for many residents and myself, safety concerns remain significant obstacles. While West Hollywood has made strides in developing bike lanes and promoting alternative modes of transport, we still face challenges with inconsistent bike infrastructure, dangerous intersections, and inadequate protection from car traffic.

If elected, I would advocate for expanding protected bike lanes, improving signage, and ensuring that e-scooters and bikes have safer paths for travel. It’s important that we address these gaps so that more residents, including myself, would feel fully safe using these green transportation options without worrying about accidents or confrontations with vehicles. Public awareness campaigns on sharing the road would also be critical to fostering a safer environment for all commuters.

This approach balances my personal views with policy advocacy, addressing existing safety concerns while emphasizing future improvements.

I believe the city must prioritize expanding protected bike lanes and creating a safer, more connected network for micromobility. Installing physical barriers, such as bollards or concrete curbs, between bike lanes and car traffic on busy streets would significantly enhance cyclist safety. We should also develop “greenways” on quieter residential streets, using traffic calming features like traffic circles and speed bumps to encourage safer, slower traffic while prioritizing bikes, e-scooters, and pedestrians. Streets like Fountain Avenue, where speeding, safety and accessibility are issues, would greatly benefit from these changes.

Additionally, we need to ensure bike lanes are part of a cohesive network connecting key destinations like parks, schools, shopping areas, and transit hubs. Safe bike parking should be widely available throughout the city, particularly near popular locations.

I support the Target Vision Zero Plan and its commitment to creating safer streets for everyone—whether they’re pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, or drivers. The initiative’s goal to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries is not only ambitious but necessary, given the increasing density of our city and the diverse modes of transportation being used. By prioritizing complete streets—designed to accommodate all road users safely and efficiently—we can create an environment where people feel confident walking, biking, or using micromobility options without fearing collisions or accidents.

To ensure the plan’s success, we must focus on key elements like protected bike lanes, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and better traffic enforcement. I believe more streets in West Hollywood should be designed with traffic calming features such as curb extensions, improved lighting, and clearly marked crosswalks. Additionally, the plan should continue to integrate advanced technology such as smart signals that give pedestrians and cyclists more time to cross intersections. If elected, I would work to accelerate its implementation while gathering feedback from residents to ensure it serves everyone equitably.

5. What do you think the city should do to promote and/or incentivize alternatives to driving, such as bikes, scooters, and walking, in West Hollywood?

The city should take a proactive approach to promoting and incentivizing alternatives to driving, including biking, scootering, and walking. First, we need to improve infrastructure to make these alternatives more appealing and safe. Expanding protected bike lanes, improving sidewalks, and creating more pedestrian-friendly streets would encourage people to choose these modes of transportation over driving. Streetscape improvements, such as wider sidewalks, more shade trees, and pedestrian lighting, can make walking a more enjoyable experience, while designated scooter lanes and parking areas would help reduce conflicts with pedestrians and cars.

In addition to infrastructure, the city should explore financial and convenience incentives. This could include subsidized bike or scooter-share memberships, discounts on public transit, and parking incentives for residents who use alternatives to cars. Expanding partnerships with local businesses to offer discounts or promotions to people who walk, bike, or scooter to their establishments could create a culture that embraces and rewards sustainable, car-free transportation. By combining these strategies, we can reduce congestion, improve air quality, and create a more vibrant, walkable West Hollywood.

6. What changes or improvements, if any, would you like to see in the city’s policy on shared scooters, bike-share, and other micromobility devices?

I believe there are several key changes and improvements that could enhance the city’s policy on shared scooters, bike-share, and other micromobility devices. First and foremost, we need better infrastructure to support these modes of transportation. Expanding protected bike lanes and creating designated parking zones for shared scooters and bikes would reduce sidewalk clutter and enhance safety for all users, including pedestrians. These designated zones should be clearly marked and conveniently located near key destinations such as parks, shopping districts, and transit hubs.

Additionally, I would advocate for improved regulation and enforcement to ensure that shared micromobility devices are used responsibly. This could include stricter speed limits in congested areas, clearer signage for where scooters and bikes can and cannot be ridden, and better public education campaigns on safe riding practices. I also believe the city should work closely with micromobility companies to improve data sharing, so we can identify where devices are being used most frequently and adjust policies to meet demand while addressing any issues. Lastly, making these services more accessible and affordable to low-income residents would help ensure that everyone can benefit from the convenience and sustainability of micromobility options.

7. What are your thoughts on bringing Metro Rail to West Hollywood, and for first-mile, last-mile access to and from subway stations?

I strongly support bringing Metro Rail to West Hollywood. Expanding public transit into our city would provide significant benefits, including reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and offering a more sustainable, accessible alternative to driving. The Metro Rail project has the potential to connect West Hollywood to the broader Los Angeles region more efficiently, making it easier for residents, workers, and visitors to get around without relying on cars. This would align with our city’s environmental goals and enhance mobility for people from all walks of life, especially those who rely on public transportation.

In terms of first-mile, last-mile access to and from subway stations, the city should prioritize creating safe, convenient, and connected routes. This means expanding protected bike lanes and enhancing pedestrian infrastructure to make walking and biking to stations easy and appealing. I would also advocate for seamless integration with existing micromobility options, such as bike-share and e-scooters, by placing docking stations or parking zones near Metro stops. Additionally, we could explore shuttle services or ride-share partnerships to help residents in areas farther from the stations.

I believe the 2028 Olympics present a unique opportunity for West Hollywood to showcase our commitment to sustainability by facilitating and promoting alternative modes of transportation during the Games.

First, we can accelerate the development of our protected bike lanes and pedestrian pathways to make it easier and safer for people to walk or bike throughout the city. By creating designated, well-marked routes to key Olympic venues and transit hubs, we can encourage visitors and residents to rely on non-car transportation. Additionally, expanding our partnerships with micromobility companies—such as shared bikes and scooters—can offer more convenient ways to move around the city. We should also collaborate with Metro to ensure efficient first-mile, last-mile connectivity to any nearby Olympic venues, using shuttle services, enhanced bus routes, and expanded bike-share stations near Metro stops.

Finally, West Hollywood could introduce temporary incentives during the Olympics, such as free or discounted bike- and scooter-share rides, car-free zones in high-traffic areas, and special event parking restrictions to discourage car use. Public outreach and education campaigns would also be essential to inform residents and visitors about their transportation options.