CalBike enthusiastically endorses John Laird for Senate District 17.

As former California Secretary for Natural Resources, John Laird is well-poised to create a stronger climate policy through a cross-sector approach. This includes building higher housing densities in major urban areas, restoring the commitment to operations funds for public transportation, and making a financial commitment to underserved communities so that they are not priced out of being a part of the transportation solution. These may seem like minor proposals in combatting our climate crisis, but transportation advocates know these will be bold and important moves for Senate District 17 and all of California.

SD 17 covers California’s central coast from Santa Cruz to San Luis Obispo. The area is highly dependent on cars. Laird still understands that significantly increasing the Active Transportation Program and creating alternatives to cars are important for his constituents. In his response to whether 1.6% of the total transportation budget is enough for biking and walking investments, Laird said he is “clearly committed to doing significantly more” as he did for nine years as a member of his local transportation commission. And that “more” includes prioritizing state transportation allocations for low-income populations, according to Laird. He has already shown his commitment to increased funding for under-served communities during his eight years at California’s Strategic Growth Council.

The rest of his questionnaire responses are equally impressive for their breadth and depth of knowledge. For these reasons, we are excited to see John Laird emerge as a prominent candidate in the Senate District 17 race. We look forward to seeing him provide the leadership needed to work toward safer and more sustainable transportation alternatives for all Californians.

CalBike is pleased to endorse John Laird for Senate District 17. Please visit his website to see how you can pitch in and vote for John Laird by November 3, 2020. 

Click here to see John Laird’s full questionnaire responses.

View all of CalBike’s general election endorsements and Bike the Vote!