If you've lived in SoCal since 2008, you've probably noticed that the region has become an easier place to get around without a car. You can now jump on the Gold Line in Azusa and ride a train to Santa Monica and back for only $3.50! For the same price, you can even take your bike with you and check out the Expo Line bike path or ride along the beach.
Measure M - aka the “Los Angeles County Traffic Improvement Plan" - is a half-cent sales tax measure that would provide over $850 million per year to improve transportation and mobility options for all in Los Angeles County.
While it is by no means perfect, Measure M has a lot to like in it, especially for San Gabriel Valley residents! Here are five reasons why we are supporting Measure M.
1. Over $4 billion during the next 50 years will be dedicated to walking and biking projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities. This includes over $900 million for first-and-last mile improvements that improve access to transit, "complete streets," and safe-routes-to-school projects.
2. Completing the Los Angeles River and San Gabriel Valley Greenways. Measure M includes funding to create a safer, more connected bicycle network where people of all ages and abilities can ride for recreation and to get to work, school, and services.
3. Extension of the Foothill Gold Line to Claremont! - The long-planned and awaited extension of the Foothill Gold Line to Claremont would significantly improve the mobility options for SGV residents along the gridlocked 210-freeway corridor. This project has been given priority status in Measure M, meaning it will be among the first new rail lines to break ground if it passes in November!
4. Local funding for local improvements - 17% of all funding generated by Measure M will go directly to local cities, which can be used for a variety of projects, including sidewalk and roadway repair/maintenance, improved transit access, and better bikeways. This will help communities implement bicycle and pedestrian plans as well as address other local needs!
5. Funding countywide walking and biking programs. Measure M reserves about $20 million per year for walking and biking programs and projects that will serve the whole county. This would provide a stable funding source for ongoing program costs currently subject to the uncertainty of grant funding, including Safe Routes to School, bike safety classes, public education campaigns, open streets, and bike share.
For these reasons and more, BikeSGV strongly endorses Measure M and urges you to join us and #VoteYesOnM this November!
For more information about Measure M, please visit:
For information on how to vote, to register to vote, check your status, and more, please visit:
- Update/Register to Vote: www.registertovote.ca.gov
- Check your Voter Status: www.lavote.net/vrstatus
#BikeTheVote #WalkTheVote #VoteCA
