Dear Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles City Council Members,
Kayla Kaiser and I (J. Mike Kaiser) are constantly discussing with others (family and friends) how great the public transportation is that we use on a daily basis. Although, the only stressful aspect of "blended commuting" with a bicycle is also among the most commonly asked questions regarding our use of the train: Do you take your bicycle on the train? Can you take your bicycle on the train? Are there dedicated spaces for bicycles on the train? Unfortunately, we cannot offer the people the assurance of a guaranteed spot for their bicycle on each Metrolink Train. I wish their was--and You can help us with this--Please!
The lack of a dedicated 'bicycle car' on each Metrolink Train has occupied my mind over the last year and a half. In the paragraphs below, I cite excerpts from an "American Heart Association Public Policy Agenda (AHA)" which aims to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) through a reduction of associated causes: obesity and diabetes. Additionally, there are concerns that are addressed that have far larger implications for the Nation as a whole: National Security, Climate Change, Fossil Fuel expenditures. I hope that you might take the lead and ensure that on each Metrolink Train, there is a dedicated bicycle car (1 at least) after considering the reasons listed in this letter. In addition to this letter, I have included a 'power point presentation' that is titled "Motivation for a Dedicated Bicycle Car on each Metrolink train"--which is 17 short slides in length and lists motivations/facts that are expanded on below. Both documents have been attached for clarity on the AHA data cited. With this in mind, let me explain the problem at hand which is a motivation for a 'dedicated bicycle car' on each train.
Obesity has become a serious epidemic in our Nation with far reaching implications. California is a car-centric state--no disputing that fact. California is also a progressive state and should be an ambassador to other states in the Nation to lead a reduction in obesity and related diseases that eventually lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death. Over the last year, there have been articles discussing the proposed bullet train and repairing sidewalks in large cities such as downtown Los Angeles (projected costs of $$$'s Millions) to improve pedestrian access and initiate wellness. These are good in theory, but are far off from a financial and practical (implementation) principle standpoint. That is why I propose implementing a strategy of ensuring (at least 1 per train) bicycle cars on the Metrolink Train system--since the infrastructure is already in place--low cost solution and 'high marks' on implementing wellness initiatives--results for future grants (money for city growth).
The American Heart Association released a "Public Policy Agenda 2010-2014" which aims to address the rise in Cardiovascular Disease Rates at the Federal, State, and Local level. Here is an excerpt from the report describing the 'background' of the report:
"The American Heart Association's (AHA) public policy agenda provides our federal, state, and local advocacy staff with strategic guidance and direction on policy issues and positions that align with and support the Association's mission and strategic priorities. Additionally, each year the AHA scans the political landscape to identify opportunities and establishes federal and state priorities that serve to focus our immediate advocacy efforts on those issues that present the greatest opportunity for success in achieving mission and strategic priority related health impact through public policy."
You might be asking yourself why is this important for a politician to take seriously. In the 'demographics' section of the "Executive Summary" are the data from a variety of studies to highlight the extent of the reach of Cardiovascular Disease. Here is an excerpt to highlight specific numbers and age-groups shown below:
"... Heart disease and stoke are the number 1 and 4 causes of death, respectively, in the U.S. (Lloyd-Jones, Adams et al, 2009). Lifetime cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in people free of disease at age 40 is 2 in 3 for men and more than 1 in 2 for women. (Lloyd-Jones, Adams et al. 2009). As the baby boomers age, heart disease deaths are projected to increase 2.5 times faster than population, and the prevalence of heart disease is projected to increase by 16% each decade(Foot, Lewis et al. 2000). Deaths from the most common type of stroke (ischemic stroke) are projected to increase nearly 100 percent to 275,000 between 2000 and 2032 (Elkins and Johnston 2003). CVD cost our nation an estimated $298 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity in 2008, making it the most costly disease."
Wow! Disturbing to say the least. Now, what can you do as mayor? Help out by starting to improve bicycle, pedestrian, public transportation infrastructure. The AHA recommends different grant agencies (National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Prosthetic Research (VA), State and Local agencies, to name a few) that have funds available to address a variety of paths toward mitigating CVD and are contained (websites listed in) the documents provided as attachments. How do you know if the improvements are considered important to addressing the rising rates of CVD? Here are three excerpts that address the need from three perspectives: "Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions," "Community Development Programs," and "National Security".
1) First, from "Greenhouse Gas Emission" perspective:
"The United States is a car-centered society for many reasons--a reduction in costs to own, insure, and fuel vehicles, convenience, fear of crime, commuting, and community designs that discourage walking, cycling, or use of public transportation, all leading to a concomitant decline active transport (2007). The transportation sector is the only sector for which CO2 emissions have been steadily increasing since 1970 (2007). The decline of exercise with less active travel because of the over use of cars leads to small energy imbalances each day that accumulate throughout the year and contribute to weight gain. Whereas, opportunities to increase active living such as biking or walking to work are positively associated with fitness and inversely associated with BMI, obesity, triglyceride levels, blood pressure and insulin levels (Gordon-Larsen, Boone-Heinonen et al. 2009).
Obesity requires greater use of fossil fuels (Edwards and Roberts 2009). One study calculated that the United uses an additional 1 billion gallons of fuel each year due to passenger overweight and obesity, accounting for up to 0.8% of the nation's annual fuel consumption and causing 20 billion pounds or more of carbon dioxide emissions (Jacobson 2006; Jacobson 2009). More than 39 million gallons of fuel are estimated to be used annually for each additional pound of average passenger weight (Jacobson 2009). Additionally, because food production is a major contributor to global warming, a leaner population consuming more foods gown locally will produce fewer greenhouse gases than a population that is obese and purchases foods transported over larger distances (Jacobson 2006)."
2) Second, from a "Community Development" perspective:
"Urban and community development are important areas for public health advocacy. Several studies have found that the way communities are designed and developed impacts access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities and correlates with obesity. Youth whose schools are located near a fast food outlet eat fewer fruits and vegetables, drink more soda and are more likely to be obese than students at other schools (Davis and Carpenter 2009). There is a disparate prevalence of urban corner stores in low-income and high-minority communities and purchase from these stores contribute significantly to thier energy intake and consumption of less healthy foods and beverages by urban school children (Borradaile, Sherman et al 2009). Projects such as farmers' markets, community gardens, promotion of culturally specific foods for ethnic minorities and Native Americans, local food production and promotion, youth agricultural and culinary training programs are all important means to address healthy food access, affordability, and behavior choices in communities. Better neighborhood resources such as safe sidewalks, green spaces, parks, public transportation, and ready access to fruits and vegetables leads to as much as 38% less risk for developing diabetes when these communities are compared with those that do not have these resources (Auchincloss, Diez Roux et al. 2009).
Cities across the United States are debating the best ways to convert vacant lots or brown fields within the context of economic development. Community gardens, small parks, and open green spaces are excellent options for these areas. Cities need to find ways to finance their development and maintenance. Studies have shown that community gardens positively impact surrounding residential properties, increase rates of home ownership and spur economic redevelopment (Been 2007). Other studies have shown the direct cost-benefit of building bike/pedestrian trails by reducing health care costs associated with physical inactivity. For every dollar invested in building these trails, nearly $3 in medical cost savings may be achieved (Wang, Macera et al. 2005). Additionally, linking different parts of the community with trails and walkways opens up the opportunity for community integration, more efficient land use, lower traffic congestion, and better quality of life."
3) Third, from a "National Security" perspective:
"The obesity epidemic and fitness levels of the U.S. population are impacting military recruitment, and the numbers of men and women who may be able to qualify for enrollment at police academies or pass fitness tests given to emergency responders or military personnel (2005). One recent study released by the generals and admirals of Mission: Readiness revealed that 75% of young Americans are unable to serve in the military because they have either failed to graduate high school, engaged in criminal activity, or are physically or mentally unfit (2005). According to the Army, very few soldiers enter the military physically fit, and so the services rely heavily on their basic training system to provide effective physical fitness training (2009). For these same reasons, obesity prevalence is impacting recruitment to police academies and potential effectiveness of emergency response. Ultimately, this has ramifications for U.S. National Security. It will be important for the AHA to underscore this point in its policy advocacy work to create an important rationale for policy-makers to incorporate obesity prevention policy throughout the different levels of government in a coordinated way."
I think the point has been made from an evidential standpoint that there is a need to encourage a reduction in obesity through an enhanced city infrastructure avenue. Over the last year, my wife and I have commuted to and from work by both bicycle and train. This mode of transportation has transformed our lives through living a 'higher quality (health) of life.' In addition, we have used our monthly train passes to travel throughout Southern California via Metrolink/Amtrak with our bicycles. We are grateful to be able to travel through blended commuting in our leisure time along with our work commute during the week.
We are professionals in the University system (California State University at Northridge) with backgrounds in Chemistry (Both have Ph.D.'s in Chemistry). We are normal people that have chosen to enhance our health and reduce our stress through the use of public transportation. Additionally, we promote awareness of health and other issues related to wellness with our website:http://www.kaiserwellnesscenter.com. Over the last year, we have catalogued various routes and have additional information (links, articles, etc) that are informative for any person interested in improving their overall quality of life. This website is not profit motivated, just two normal citizens trying to improve their health and quality of life.
Additionally, I have served Our Country in the US Air Force and can completely understand the issue the military faces with the rise in 'inactivity' due to obesity. As a Navy man yourself Mayor Garcetti --the possibility of 75% of the Los Angeles City population not being able to enlist (due to obesity or sedentary lives) in our forces should bother you and inspire changes toward wellness like this simple measure I (along with friends and my wife). This is a large concern and is more reason for local politicians to improve infrastructure to encourage use of public transportation and walking/bicycling throughout the city and state. If you are not compelled to believe the data (75% of all potential enlistee's) cited by the AHA, check out the video -- a TED talk -- by US Army General Hertling discussing the obesity epidemic and how National Security is adversely affected by clicking--here!
I would like to close with a passage from a speech by Simon Sinek--a leadership professional in a recentTED talk that summarizes why I am reaching out to you--A Community Leader:
"...The only variables are the conditions inside the organization, and that's where leadership matters, because it's the leader that sets the tone. When a leader makes the choice to put the safety and lives of the people inside the organization first, to sacrifice their comforts and sacrifice the tangible resutls, so that the people remain and feel safe and feel like they belong, remarkable things happen."
You might not think or run this city like a corporation Sir. But at least make us feel safe and liberate us to be able to inspire others to use public transportation to enhance the quality of the lives around us--Ensure at least 1 bicycle car per Metrolink Train.
Thank you for taking the time out to help us out on this matter. Have a great day.
Sincerely,
J. Mike Kaiser
John Michael Kaiser
Instrument Manager
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
California State University at Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330-8262
Ph:(818)677-6887