HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-17-2012 Agn Rivoire B1�1— A ;J _ _ I
(an uary 17, 2012
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Deputy Director, Long Range Planning
City Council
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Council Members:
The San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition proudly supports the staff recommendation to adopt a
resolution to create a General Plan Task Force for the Land Use and Circulation Elements update and
define its term and responsibilities.
The Land Use and Circulation Elements of the General Plan have an incredible impact on transportation
in the City of San Luis Obispo. With over 600 members countywide, our efforts to improve local
transportation infrastructure are motivated directly by the wants and needs of local citizens who believe
that access to active transportation is an essential component of community wellbeing. Our mission is to
transform the central coast into a safer and more livable community by promoting biking and walking for
everyday transportation and recreation. We thank you for hearing our arguments in the past and believe
our experience and perspective is essential to creating an effective General Plan Task Force.
Given the extensive interactions between the bike community and the City Council over the years you
know well that the rational for building a bike friendly community often looks through both health,
economic, and environmental lenses. Meanwhile, we know that varying interests will be represented
within the General Plan Task Force and that the setup of multiple committees is a possible alternative.
Insofar as we argue that riding a bike is healthy, economical, and reduces pollution we find it difficult to
determine where we might fit if multiple committees are formed. We believe that one committee filled with
varied viewpoints will increase the quality of the committee's output and force the committee members to
reconcile differing opinions internally rather than forcing the reconciliation process onto the shoulders of
City staff. Creating a solitary General Plan Task Force that proactively embraces diverse perspectives is
the most efficient and effective option.
Once again, please approve the staff recommendation to adopt a resolution to create a General Plan
Task Force and define its term and responsibilities. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
1 ..?
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Dan Rivoire, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition
860 Pacific St, Suite 105 1 San Luis Obispo: CA 93101 1 (805) 517 2055 1 wwwslobikelaneor8