SLO County Bicycle Coalition

By Gregory L. "Greg" Haas

Election Response

1. How often do you ride a bicycle and for what use (recreation or transportation)?

How often do you use public transportation?

In the past, before I developed tendonitis in my knee, I used a touring bike for recreation and transportation to work. While my wife and I own two new hybrid bikes we cycle infrequently and do not use it for transportation. My job with Congresswoman Lois Capps requires that I have ready personal transportation to travel in the congressional district. Instead of public transportation we carpool together several times a week. When I travel to the state Capitol or Washington D.C. I do take advantage of public transportation.

2. With the recent rise of fuel prices and the health problems related to physical inactivity, how important is bicycling and walking to the future of SLO County? I believe providing recreational opportunities are essential to a healthy and vibrant community. I am the Chairman of the non-profit Recreation Enhances Community (REC) Foundation in Paso Robles. Our main goal is to enhance recreation and encourage more opportunities for recreation in Paso Robles. I support the need for more activities found in parks and public open spaces. The city is currently not meeting its stated goals of 7 acres of parks or open spaces per 1,000 residents. I have been a long supporter of increasing the amount and improving the quality of bicycle and walking paths in the city.

3. What past accomplishments demonstrate your capacity to improve bicycle transportation and other non-auto forms of transportation? As I stated before, I am one of the founding members and current chairman of the REC Foundation, where we advocate for improved recreation opportunities, such as bike paths. I have worked extensively with cities in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, as well as with the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), to secure Federal funding for bike paths throughout the Central Coast including the Bob Jones Bike Path. I am also a member of the Salinas River Corridor Committee, which is exploring, among other goals, designs for walking, bike, and equestrian paths along the scenic Salinas River in Paso Robles

4. How will you make SLO County less auto dependent and a better place for bicycling and walking? From the standpoint of the Paso Robles City Council, I will work to add parks and expand the bike trail system throughout the city. I am a supporter of public transportation and an advocate for reducing traffic congestion. As a councilman, I will support SLOCOG's efforts to improve public transportation and improve trails throughout the county, including the De Ansa Trail. I will work to develop a bicycle education and promotion program for families so they can learn safe cycling practices and encourage bicycling as a family activity. I will look for areas where new bike lanes can be added to the roadway system and examine where improved signage can promote cycling in the city.

5. What else should members of the SLO County Bike Coalition know about you before going to the polls?

I'm running for city council because our community deserves the kind of leadership that will make decisions and set a course that will improve the lives of every family and resident in Paso Robles. I have a record of finding common sense solutions to the challenges we face and creating opportunities wherever possible. On the City Council I will support economic development and businesses that provide head-of-household jobs and work hard to be sure Paso Robles remains a unique community with a range of housing choices, a diverse and skilled workforce, great cultural and recreational opportunities, and a character and quality of life unlike any other.