Daily Archives: April 26, 2016

Volunteers Needed: Study Examines New Ways to Fund Transportation Infrastructure

California’s roads are deteriorating at a faster rate than they can be fixed.  The state’s transportation infrastructure is no longer able to keep up with the system’s needs.  Using a large, statewide study, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) will be looking at driver data to consider whether a road user fee is a sustainable long-term alternative to the current gasoline tax.

The California Road Charge Pilot program is seeking 5,000 volunteers representing California’s diverse drivers for a nine-month study launching this summer.  Volunteers will have a variety of options for tracking and reporting their mileage to the study.  Participation is free, and no actual fee will be collected during the study.  Instead, participants will submit simulated payments.  Interested participants can sign up at www.CaliforniaRoadChargePilot.com.

As California’s roads, bridges and highways continue to deteriorate rapidly, a new option to pay for transportation infrastructure is needed.  The main source of funding for road repairs is the 18 cents per gallon gasoline tax which was last raised over 20 years ago in 1994. Today, adjusted for inflation, it is only worth about 9 cents per gallon.  This comes to about $762 annually per driver and will lead to a multi-billion dollar shortfall in funding.

This information provided courtesy of the League of California Cities.

 

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Share the Road This May: Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Month

With the exceptional weather we experience living in Goleta, many of us ride our bicycles and motorcycles year-round. As sharing the road becomes even more prominent throughout the upcoming spring and summer months, so does the importance of both cyclist and driver safety.

In recognition of May as Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Month, the California Office of Traffic Safety offers some important safety tips for both drivers and cyclists alike.

Motorists:

  1. Perform regular checks for cyclists – Cyclists are not always easy to spot.  Slow down, remain cautious and check mirrors and blind spots regularly – especially when changing lanes or pulling out of driveways and parking lots.
  2. Alert cyclists of intentions – Before changing lanes or merging with traffic, drivers should always alert nearby cyclists by utilizing their turn signals.
  3. Maintain safe following distance – Cyclists require more time to maneuver around obstacles or stop in an emergency. Take extra caution and allow a minimum of three to four seconds when following a cyclist.

Cyclists:

  1. Increase visibility with brightly colored protective gear – Cyclists should not assume they are fully visible to drivers, even in the daylight. Whether on a bicycle or motorcycle, wearing brightly-colored, reflective gear will aid in remaining visible to motorists at all times.
  2. Use hand and turn signals – Cyclists should always alert drivers of their intentions by utilizing hand or turn signals before making a turn or lane change.
  3. Adhere to traffic laws – Cyclists maintain the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, and should obey all traffic laws. Among other rules of the road, cyclists are required to follow traffic signals and stop signs, signal intentions and travel with the flow of traffic.The California Office of Traffic Safety encourages all drivers and cyclists to work together to make our roads a safe place for all.  For more tips on bicycle and motorcycle safety, or to learn about OTS’ additional efforts, log on to www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS or www.twitter.com/OTS_CA, or visit www.ots.ca.gov.

Reduce Your Natural Gas and Electricity Usage

Southern California may experience electrical service interruptions this summer. As part of the aftermath to the Aliso Canyon natural gas leak, all of Southern California could see up to 14 days of scheduled blackouts this summer, and more throughout the year, due to a shortage of natural gas. These findings are based on an action plan released by the state’s energy regulators and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Southern California Edison (SCE) will work hard to minimize the impact, but residents must reduce their electric and natural gas consumption as well. SCE will expand customer programs to reduce the use of electricity when needed and they are exploring contracts for electricity resources outside of Southern California. To learn about the programs SCE has in place to address potential electric emergencies, please click here.

To learn how residents can participate in energy conservation and efficiency programs, please click here.