Before I was aware of what "planning" was, I knew that I loved living in places (Boulder, Denver, Alexandria) where I could walk to my job, the store, the park, school, etc. I felt grounded, safe, and part of a community. When I realized that there was an academic and professional field for this kind of "stuff", it wasn't just one light bulb, but like ten thousand of them going off in my head. I knew I wanted to work toward helping people deemphasize the importance of the car in their life.
A lot of people come to Los Angeles and end up falling in love with their car. I quickly realized that how much I loved Los Angeles was proportionately related to the amount of time I spent on my bike, and out of a car. My love of bicycling for utility and commuting is something I can't keep to myself - I have to share it with others because I believe in what it can do for people, neighborhoods, communities, and cities. I love working for Alta because I believe that making it easier for people to bicycle enables people to live healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives.
Prior to his work at Alta, David was the Bicycle Coordinator for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). David’s role as the Bicycle Coordinator focused on increasing the mobility of Los Angeles residents by encouraging multi-modal commuting. Before coming to the transportation field, he worked as a communications consultant. David’s outreach experience ranges form the neighborhood to national level.
Recent Projects
- Los Angeles Bicycle Master Plan Update
As a part of the Los Angeles Bicycle Master Plan team, David brings his experience in public input/research to help create a plan that addresses and reflects the concerns of Los Angeles bicyclists. David is a daily bicycle commuter in Los Angeles – and as such contributes valuable firsthand knowledge to the project. - Metro Bicycle Locker Survey
David created and distributed surveys to individuals renting bicycle lockers through out Los Angeles County. Using the completed surveys, David created a set of policies that helped Metro maximize the efficiency of the locker program. Policies included pricing strategies, contract options and recommendations on locker location. - Bicycle & Rail User Analysis
David conducted research on bicyclist’s use of rail during peak hour commuting. The Bicycle & Rail User Analysis helped Metro accurately understand the presence of bicycle-commuters on trains and how enforcing restrictions could adversely affect this group of riders.
Other Related Experience
- Steering Committee Member, Cyclists Inciting Change through Live Exchange (C.I.C.L.E) 2007-Present
- Volunteer, The Bikerowave, 2007-Present