Comments on: Does A Bikeway Access Gate Closing Alone In Los Angeles Make Any Sound? http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/ sic • \’sik\ adverb [Latin] (circa 1859): intentionally so written — used after a printed word or passage to indicate that it is exactly as printed or to indicate that it exactly reproduces an original (Ex. Tom said he seed [sic] it all). Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:03:00 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Cyclist Attacked on Ballona Creek Bikeway That Police Had No Idea Existed | Los Angeles Metblogs http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/comment-page-1/#comment-33684 Cyclist Attacked on Ballona Creek Bikeway That Police Had No Idea Existed | Los Angeles Metblogs Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:45:50 +0000 http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/#comment-33684 [...] is in the vicinity of the controversial bikeway gate closure the LAPD supported in order to mitigate an alleged crime spike occuring in the neighborhood [...] [...] is in the vicinity of the controversial bikeway gate closure the LAPD supported in order to mitigate an alleged crime spike occuring in the neighborhood [...]

]]> By: Streetsblog http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/comment-page-1/#comment-31464 Streetsblog Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:56:13 +0000 http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/#comment-31464 [...] The LAPD Testifies on the Gate ClosureYesterday, the City Council Transportation Committee followed the advice of the LAPD and voted to approve a trial closure of one of the entrances to the Ballona Creek trail along Culver Drive between Purdue Avenue and Sawtelle Boulevard.  An amendment by Committee Chair Wendy Greuel requires that a detailed series of goal posts be put in place to measure the closure’s success before the resolution comes before the full Council.After months of debate since this issue first appeared on the Transportation Committee Agenda in March, the local LAPD commander wrote a letter to the City Council urging them to “temporarily” close the gate for 90 days so that they could assess it’s impact on the community.  But not providing any other alternatives other than a closure, the LAPD did the Council and local Councilman Bill Rosendahl a disservice; forcing a clash between trail users who view the gate as a safe entrance and exit from the trail and those living adjacent to the gate who view it as a hotbed of gang activity because it provides an extra escape route.Much of the testimony from the bike community was similar to what’s been said before.  Concerns were raised about the safety of people on the trail, the potential crashes that would occur by forcing all those wishing to enter or exit the crash to do so off more heavily traveled roadways and even if the safety measure was needed at all.  Local bike advocate Howard Hackett pointed out that it had been more than 100 days since the Transportation Committee first addressed the potential closure and there had been no crime reported in the area.  How could a closed gate over a 90-day period improve on that record?In response, the LAPD’s representatives admitted that crime in the area has gone down 46% in the first two months of 2008 compared to the same time period in 2007.Oddly, in response to questions about why the gate closure would be a full-time closure and not just at night, the LAPD responded that crime in the area is a 24-hour problem and not just isolated to evening hours.  This is a direct contradiction to comments made by Lou Corbin, whose house is directly across the street and is a leading proponent of gate closure, at previous meetings where he stated that the problem is during the day when people aren’t home and their houses get vandalized and burglarized.  There was no effort to contradict Corbin at previous meetings when the debate was about whether or not increased lighting could improve the crime situation in the area.The meeting also featured a sharp exchange between Councilman Richard Alarcon and Rosendahl over whether the community had done enough to warrant the city stepping in.  Alarcon fixated on the lack of a community watch program and forcefully argued that closing access to a public amenity before the community had tried policing itself was the wrong way to go about things.  Rosendahl noted that the police in his district get no funds from the city’s gang prevention program and we should support their request for a closure. Alarcon also asked the million-dollar question for which there is no reply, “If they don’t have trouble breaking into a house, how are they going to be stopped by a fence?”  Earlier, Alex Thompson testified to the ease of using bolt cutters to quickly making a whole in a chain link fence.  Other bike advocates wondered how difficult it would be to just jump or climb the four-foot obstacle to get to the trail.Before ultimately voting to move the motion forward, Wendy Greuel commented on the incomplete nature of the LAPD’s proposal.  Greuel was concerned that if the evaluation was limited to asking the community if it “felt more safe” that the gate would remain closed forever regardless of its impact on safety.  Before a final vote the committee agreed that a detailed evaluation criteria would need to be in place before the council could give final approval.One issue that remained unresolved was whether the closure could impact future funding of trail projects in the city.  This point was brought up multiple times during testimony; but when a Metro lobbyist was asked point blank if this were the case, he replied that he would have to look it up.In the end, the Committee moved the proposal by a 4-1 vote, with Alarcon voting against.  Actually, I’m just assuming the vote was 4-1 and not 3-1-1 or 3-2.  Councilman Parks didn’t move for most of the debate and never spoke.  Some of those in the audience wondered whether or not the Councilman had fallen asleep.  Regardless, the full council will take up the issue later this summer. First photo by Alex Thompson.Second photo by Will Campbell. [...] [...] The LAPD Testifies on the Gate ClosureYesterday, the City Council Transportation Committee followed the advice of the LAPD and voted to approve a trial closure of one of the entrances to the Ballona Creek trail along Culver Drive between Purdue Avenue and Sawtelle Boulevard.  An amendment by Committee Chair Wendy Greuel requires that a detailed series of goal posts be put in place to measure the closure’s success before the resolution comes before the full Council.After months of debate since this issue first appeared on the Transportation Committee Agenda in March, the local LAPD commander wrote a letter to the City Council urging them to “temporarily” close the gate for 90 days so that they could assess it’s impact on the community.  But not providing any other alternatives other than a closure, the LAPD did the Council and local Councilman Bill Rosendahl a disservice; forcing a clash between trail users who view the gate as a safe entrance and exit from the trail and those living adjacent to the gate who view it as a hotbed of gang activity because it provides an extra escape route.Much of the testimony from the bike community was similar to what’s been said before.  Concerns were raised about the safety of people on the trail, the potential crashes that would occur by forcing all those wishing to enter or exit the crash to do so off more heavily traveled roadways and even if the safety measure was needed at all.  Local bike advocate Howard Hackett pointed out that it had been more than 100 days since the Transportation Committee first addressed the potential closure and there had been no crime reported in the area.  How could a closed gate over a 90-day period improve on that record?In response, the LAPD’s representatives admitted that crime in the area has gone down 46% in the first two months of 2008 compared to the same time period in 2007.Oddly, in response to questions about why the gate closure would be a full-time closure and not just at night, the LAPD responded that crime in the area is a 24-hour problem and not just isolated to evening hours.  This is a direct contradiction to comments made by Lou Corbin, whose house is directly across the street and is a leading proponent of gate closure, at previous meetings where he stated that the problem is during the day when people aren’t home and their houses get vandalized and burglarized.  There was no effort to contradict Corbin at previous meetings when the debate was about whether or not increased lighting could improve the crime situation in the area.The meeting also featured a sharp exchange between Councilman Richard Alarcon and Rosendahl over whether the community had done enough to warrant the city stepping in.  Alarcon fixated on the lack of a community watch program and forcefully argued that closing access to a public amenity before the community had tried policing itself was the wrong way to go about things.  Rosendahl noted that the police in his district get no funds from the city’s gang prevention program and we should support their request for a closure. Alarcon also asked the million-dollar question for which there is no reply, “If they don’t have trouble breaking into a house, how are they going to be stopped by a fence?”  Earlier, Alex Thompson testified to the ease of using bolt cutters to quickly making a whole in a chain link fence.  Other bike advocates wondered how difficult it would be to just jump or climb the four-foot obstacle to get to the trail.Before ultimately voting to move the motion forward, Wendy Greuel commented on the incomplete nature of the LAPD’s proposal.  Greuel was concerned that if the evaluation was limited to asking the community if it “felt more safe” that the gate would remain closed forever regardless of its impact on safety.  Before a final vote the committee agreed that a detailed evaluation criteria would need to be in place before the council could give final approval.One issue that remained unresolved was whether the closure could impact future funding of trail projects in the city.  This point was brought up multiple times during testimony; but when a Metro lobbyist was asked point blank if this were the case, he replied that he would have to look it up.In the end, the Committee moved the proposal by a 4-1 vote, with Alarcon voting against.  Actually, I’m just assuming the vote was 4-1 and not 3-1-1 or 3-2.  Councilman Parks didn’t move for most of the debate and never spoke.  Some of those in the audience wondered whether or not the Councilman had fallen asleep.  Regardless, the full council will take up the issue later this summer. First photo by Alex Thompson.Second photo by Will Campbell. [...]

]]> By: Streetsblog » Expansion and Gate Closures on Bike Themed City Council Agenda http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/comment-page-1/#comment-31345 Streetsblog » Expansion and Gate Closures on Bike Themed City Council Agenda Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:01:24 +0000 http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/#comment-31345 [...] Needed Safety Amenity or Hotbed of Gang ActivityThis Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., the Los Angeles City Council’s Transportation Committee will meet and there’s four important bike-related matters on the agenda. The most controversial of those issues will be the final debate on whether or not to close the entrance to the Ballona Creek Bicycle Trail along Culver Drive between Purdue Avenue and Sawtelle Boulevard.  Residents living adjacently to the entrance have charged that because it provides an escape route, the entrance has become an attractive place for gangbangers and miscreants to gather and conduct illicit activities.  At past meetings, residents have described drug deals, home invasions and even a shoot out that all occurred in their neighborhood as a result of the gate being opened.For their part, cyclists argue that closing the gate will make the trail  less safe for users and do nothing for the community.  The police seem unable, or unwilling, to step up enforcement in the neighborhood which is the preferred solution for both the local and cycling communities.Back in March the committee held a hearing on a resolution to close the trail, sponsored by local Councilman Bill Rosendahl.  The committee ordered the LAPD to work with the community and cyclists to devise a compromise, after making it clear the Committee favors the position of the community.   The LAPD’s “compromise” position is to close the entrance for 90 days and see what, if any, impacts it has had on crime.  In addition to the closure, there’s three items on the agenda that should make cyclists smile.First, is the motion by Council President Eric Garcetti and Councilman Ed Reyes ordering LADOT to pilot a Sharrows program.  Sharrows are pavement markings that encourage cyclists to travel outside of the “door zone” in areas where there is parking and remind cars to “Share the Road” with bicycles.  The pilot program consists of placing Sharrows on Vermont Avenue, between Hollywood Boulevard and 4th Street and on Fountain Avenue, between the 101 Freeway and Hoover Street.Second, Councilman Reyes is seeking to use the city’s Bicycle Master Plan to bring modern bike amenities, such as Bike Boulevards and a Bike-Share program, to his district in  East LA.  Once these facilities prove as popular as they are in other cities, the programs would be expanded city-wide.Also on the agenda is a Garcetti backed motion that would require that LADOT examine how to fit more bikes on DASH and Commuter Express buses.  Both bus services are controlled by the city.Photo: Will Campbell  [...] [...] Needed Safety Amenity or Hotbed of Gang ActivityThis Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., the Los Angeles City Council’s Transportation Committee will meet and there’s four important bike-related matters on the agenda. The most controversial of those issues will be the final debate on whether or not to close the entrance to the Ballona Creek Bicycle Trail along Culver Drive between Purdue Avenue and Sawtelle Boulevard.  Residents living adjacently to the entrance have charged that because it provides an escape route, the entrance has become an attractive place for gangbangers and miscreants to gather and conduct illicit activities.  At past meetings, residents have described drug deals, home invasions and even a shoot out that all occurred in their neighborhood as a result of the gate being opened.For their part, cyclists argue that closing the gate will make the trail  less safe for users and do nothing for the community.  The police seem unable, or unwilling, to step up enforcement in the neighborhood which is the preferred solution for both the local and cycling communities.Back in March the committee held a hearing on a resolution to close the trail, sponsored by local Councilman Bill Rosendahl.  The committee ordered the LAPD to work with the community and cyclists to devise a compromise, after making it clear the Committee favors the position of the community.   The LAPD’s “compromise” position is to close the entrance for 90 days and see what, if any, impacts it has had on crime.  In addition to the closure, there’s three items on the agenda that should make cyclists smile.First, is the motion by Council President Eric Garcetti and Councilman Ed Reyes ordering LADOT to pilot a Sharrows program.  Sharrows are pavement markings that encourage cyclists to travel outside of the “door zone” in areas where there is parking and remind cars to “Share the Road” with bicycles.  The pilot program consists of placing Sharrows on Vermont Avenue, between Hollywood Boulevard and 4th Street and on Fountain Avenue, between the 101 Freeway and Hoover Street.Second, Councilman Reyes is seeking to use the city’s Bicycle Master Plan to bring modern bike amenities, such as Bike Boulevards and a Bike-Share program, to his district in  East LA.  Once these facilities prove as popular as they are in other cities, the programs would be expanded city-wide.Also on the agenda is a Garcetti backed motion that would require that LADOT examine how to fit more bikes on DASH and Commuter Express buses.  Both bus services are controlled by the city.Photo: Will Campbell  [...]

]]> By: Streetsblog LA » Community and Cyclists Clash on Ballona Creek Trail Gate http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/comment-page-1/#comment-27867 Streetsblog LA » Community and Cyclists Clash on Ballona Creek Trail Gate Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:08:00 +0000 http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/#comment-27867 [...] Photo of Entrance by Will Campbell [...] [...] Photo of Entrance by Will Campbell [...]

]]> By: Sally L. Ehrmann http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/comment-page-1/#comment-27804 Sally L. Ehrmann Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:03:55 +0000 http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/#comment-27804 The bike path neede more traffic not less in order to become safer. Residents of the Mar Vista Housing project and students from Culver City High School are among those that may be terroizing bicyclist as well as residents along the bike path. In my opinion the path is too isolated. More public access not less is required. How about some commercial development? The bike path neede more traffic not less in order to become safer. Residents of the Mar Vista Housing project and students from Culver City High School are among those that may be terroizing bicyclist as well as residents along the bike path. In my opinion the path is too isolated. More public access not less is required. How about some commercial development?

]]> By: Will http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/comment-page-1/#comment-27795 Will Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:07:02 +0000 http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/#comment-27795 I got the same letter Greg and I'm bummed I'll be out of town next week and unable to attend. I did forward it on to my fellow pedalers in the Bike Writers Collective and I believe one is planning to be there. I got the same letter Greg and I’m bummed I’ll be out of town next week and unable to attend. I did forward it on to my fellow pedalers in the Bike Writers Collective and I believe one is planning to be there.

]]> By: Greg http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/comment-page-1/#comment-27787 Greg Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:09:34 +0000 http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/#comment-27787 I received the below after writing to Rosendahl expressing my displeasure over the possible closing. We need to get a large amount of people there: Hello, Thank you for contacting the Office of Councilmember Rosendahl regarding the Ballona Creek bike path. A public meeting will be held on Thursday, April 3rd 6-7:30pm in Councilmember Rosendahl's Westchester Field Office located at 7166 W. Manchester Blvd.Westchester, CA 90045 to discuss community concerns. Representatives from the Los Angeles Police Department and Department of Transportation will be present. I encourage you to attend and share your perspective. If you have any questions, please email or call me. Regards, Nicole A. Velásquez Field Deputy Councilmember Bill Rosendahl City of Los Angeles, 11th District 7166 W. Manchester Blvd. Westchester, CA 90045 PH: (310) 568-8772 FAX: (310) 410-3946 EMAIL: nicole.velasquez@lacity.org www.councilmanrosendahl.com I received the below after writing to Rosendahl expressing my displeasure over the possible closing. We need to get a large amount of people there:

Hello,

Thank you for contacting the Office of Councilmember Rosendahl
regarding the Ballona Creek bike path. A public meeting will be held on
Thursday, April 3rd 6-7:30pm in Councilmember Rosendahl’s Westchester
Field Office located at 7166 W. Manchester Blvd.Westchester, CA 90045 to
discuss community concerns. Representatives from the Los Angeles Police
Department and Department of Transportation will be present. I encourage
you to attend and share your perspective.

If you have any questions, please email or call me.

Regards,

Nicole A. Velásquez
Field Deputy
Councilmember Bill Rosendahl
City of Los Angeles, 11th District
7166 W. Manchester Blvd.
Westchester, CA 90045
PH: (310) 568-8772
FAX: (310) 410-3946
EMAIL: nicole.velasquez@lacity.org
http://www.councilmanrosendahl.com

]]> By: Not A Rider http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/comment-page-1/#comment-27749 Not A Rider Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:11:29 +0000 http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/#comment-27749 How 'bout Rosendahl stop stealing funds away from LAPD, and have them actually arrest and prosecute scum, rather than protecting them? Closing gates does not prevent crime. Any elementary school principal knows that - it only keeps the law-abiding out. Strict law enforcement, with lots of visible beat/bike cops, responsive to the citizens, is the best way to secure the streets. But we need to know that LAPD will actually answer their phone, show up when we call, and arrest the scum. In my experience, thanks to Rosendahl, they just drive by and wave. How ’bout Rosendahl stop stealing funds away from LAPD, and have them actually arrest and prosecute scum, rather than protecting them?

Closing gates does not prevent crime. Any elementary school principal knows that – it only keeps the law-abiding out.

Strict law enforcement, with lots of visible beat/bike cops, responsive to the citizens, is the best way to secure the streets. But we need to know that LAPD will actually answer their phone, show up when we call, and arrest the scum.
In my experience, thanks to Rosendahl, they just drive by and wave.

]]> By: Mid-Week Round-Up | Los Angeles Metblogs http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/comment-page-1/#comment-27739 Mid-Week Round-Up | Los Angeles Metblogs Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:35:00 +0000 http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/#comment-27739 [...] own Will Campbell opposes the closing of an access gate to a bike path. Why does the city seem so determined to discourage bikes? [...] [...] own Will Campbell opposes the closing of an access gate to a bike path. Why does the city seem so determined to discourage bikes? [...]

]]> By: ubrayj02 http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/comment-page-1/#comment-27719 ubrayj02 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:33:47 +0000 http://www.wildbell.com/2008/03/24/does-a-bikeway-access-gate-closing-alone-in-los-angeles-make-any-sound/#comment-27719 Imagine if they gated and locked the onramp to the freeways in L.A.? "I'm sorry folks, criminals use this here road. It's safer if it's locked up." I've had this happen to me a few times in the Arroyo Seco bikepath in Highland Park. I won't go into details, but they made me late by locking the gate, and I spent a good fifteen minutes on several separate occasions beating the shit out of their gates. I haven't seen them locked (except when it rains - the bike path is in a river bed) since. Bolt cutters indeed! Midnight ninja mission? Imagine if they gated and locked the onramp to the freeways in L.A.?

“I’m sorry folks, criminals use this here road. It’s safer if it’s locked up.”

I’ve had this happen to me a few times in the Arroyo Seco bikepath in Highland Park.

I won’t go into details, but they made me late by locking the gate, and I spent a good fifteen minutes on several separate occasions beating the shit out of their gates. I haven’t seen them locked (except when it rains – the bike path is in a river bed) since.

Bolt cutters indeed! Midnight ninja mission?

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