We mentioned earlier today that the South Bay Bicycle Coalition Plus has prepared a candidate survey for people running for office in Torrance.
Below you’ll find the full questionnaire, as well as the responses they’ve received to date.
If anyone else has something similar to share, let me know.
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RE: 2026 Torrance Candidate Questionnaire –
South Bay Bicycle Coalition Plus (SBBC+)
To: Candidates for Torrance Mayor and City Council
From: Kyle Richardson, SBBC+
Date: April 2, 2026
Dear Candidates,
For several years, the South Bay Bicycle Coalition (SBBC+) has engaged with local candidates to facilitate meaningful discussions regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety. To accommodate your busy schedules, we are utilizing a written questionnaire in lieu of an in-person forum.
About SBBC+
The South Bay Bicycle Coalition is a neutral 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We do not endorse candidates or provide opinions on which individual is best suited for office. Our goal is to provide voters with clear information on where candidates stand on active transportation issues.
The results of this questionnaire will be shared with our network of approximately 1,500 active community members and distributed to local news outlets, including the Easy Reader and Beach Reporter.
Election Overview
On June 2, 2026 , Torrance residents will elect a Mayor and three City Council members. We are reaching out to the following candidates:
- Mayor: George Chen, Sharon Kalani
- District 1: Jonatan Kaji, David Kartsonis
- District 3: Asam Sheikh, Mike Mauno
- District 5: Michelle Brooks, Betty Lieu, Harry Ward
Submission Guidelines
- Word Limit: Please limit each response to 250 words.
- Profile: Please include a brief candidate profile with your submission.
- Deadline: Please submit your responses to the undersigned by May 1, 2026.
Questionnaire:
1. Active Living: If elected, how would you encourage residents to become more active (e.g., walking or cycling more)?
2. Safety: What specific steps would you take to make our streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities?
3. Regional Transit: Do you support the Redondo Beach Boulevard Metro Active Transportation Program, and would you direct the Public Works Department to prioritize the implementation of protected bike lanes along this corridor?
4. Infrastructure Pace: Since the adoption of the South Bay Bicycle Master Plan in 2012, Torrance has implemented roughly 10% of the proposed network. To ensure a connected community is realized within a modern timeframe, a more robust pace is required. Do you support the completion of this plan, and what specific strategies would you champion to accelerate its delivery?
5. E-Bike Policy: Following public safety concerns, the City Council restricted Class 3 e-bike usage in December 2025. However, much of the documented reckless behavior involves high-powered “e-motos” rather than traditional electric bicycles. Before implementing further restrictions, will you commit to engaging with local bicycle communities to understand the technical and legal distinctions between street-legal e-bikes and unregulated electric motorcycles?
6. Closing Statement (Optional): Please provide a final statement to the voters.
Thank you for your time and your commitment to the City of Torrance.
Sincerely,
Kyle Richardson South Bay Bicycle Coalition Plus, Inc.
The South Bay Bicycle Coalition is designated by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your donation qualifies as a charitable contribution under the applicable federal tax law.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Torrance, CA — The South Bay Bicycle Coalition (SBBC+) has released candidate responses to its 2026 bicycle and pedestrian safety questionnaire ahead of the June 2 Torrance municipal election. Of the 9 candidates contacted, four responded.
Candidates were asked where they stand on safer streets, bike lanes, Safe Routes to School, the Redondo Beach Boulevard Metro Active Transportation Program, and e-bike policy.
The responses show growing recognition that safer streets, connected bike infrastructure, and walkable neighborhoods are increasingly important issues for Torrance residents.
What Candidates Said
Several candidates highlighted:
- Safer sidewalks, intersections, and crosswalks
- Protected or connected bicycle infrastructure
- Traffic calming near schools and parks
- Expanded Safe Routes to School programs
- Increased implementation of the South Bay Bicycle Coalition Master Plan
- Better distinction between legal e-bikes and high-powered electric motorcycles (“e-motos”)
- Community engagement before adopting additional restrictions
Many candidates also emphasized balancing safety, mobility, neighborhood concerns, and regional connectivity.
Candidate Highlights
Mayoral Race
Sharon Kalani
Mayoral candidate Sharon Kalani stated that “a more active Torrance starts with safer streets” and expressed support for safer sidewalks, traffic calming, connected bike routes, and expanded Safe Routes to School programs.
Kalani also voiced support for evaluating protected bike lanes along Redondo Beach Boulevard and called for accelerating implementation of the South Bay Bicycle Coalition Master Plan through grant funding, regional coordination, and integrating bicycle improvements into resurfacing projects.
Regarding e-bike policy, Kalani emphasized the importance of distinguishing legal Class 1–3 e-bikes from illegal or modified electric motorcycles and stated that policy should focus on unsafe behavior and enforcement of existing laws rather than broad restrictions on responsible riders.
Torrance City Council – District 1
David Kartsonis
District 1 candidate David Kartsonis stated that Torrance has “dropped the ball on cycling infrastructure” and called for prioritizing implementation of the SBBC+ Master Plan. Kartsonis highlighted the success of the North Torrance Bike Bus and said he would work to standardize bike bus programs throughout the city, including creating marked bike bus routes to schools.
He also expressed strong support for the Redondo Beach Boulevard Metro Active Transportation Program, calling it an already-funded project that would improve safety and regional connectivity.
On e-bike policy, Kartsonis stated that “Class III e-bikes are not e-motos” and said the city should focus on dangerous behavior rather than restricting bicycles themselves.
Torrance City Council – District 3
Asam Sheikh
District 3 candidate Asam Sheikh emphasized maintaining sidewalks, crosswalks, parks, trails, and recreational spaces to encourage active living.
Sheikh stated that public safety is a top priority and supported improvements including better street lighting, sidewalk maintenance, and safer intersections near schools and parks.
While not taking a definitive position on the Redondo Beach Boulevard Metro Active Transportation Program, Sheikh stressed the importance of public outreach, traffic analysis, and involvement from the Traffic Commission before major transportation decisions are made.
Sheikh also expressed support for engaging bicycle communities and industry experts before adopting additional e-bike restrictions.Torrance City Council – District 5
Betty Lieu
District 5 candidate Betty Lieu expressed support for promoting walkable and bikeable neighborhoods and community events that encourage active transportation.
Lieu stated that Torrance should continue expanding bike lanes and traffic calming infrastructure while promoting safety education.
Although Lieu did not take a formal position on the Redondo Beach Boulevard Metro Active Transportation Program before it comes before council, she said the project’s goals align with her values.
Lieu also emphasized the importance of stakeholder input and informed decision-making regarding future e-bike policies.
Candidate Participation
The following candidates did not submit completed responses to the questionnaire:
● George Chen (Mayor)
● Jonathan Kaji (District 1)
● Mike Mauno (District 3)
● Michelle Brooks (District 5)
● Harry Ward (District 5)
Why It Matters
Residents across Torrance have increasingly called for safer streets, especially near schools and along major corridors. Programs like local bike buses have helped demonstrate growing demand for safer options for families walking and biking around the city.
SBBC+ said the 2026 election gives voters an opportunity to evaluate where candidates stand on traffic safety, active transportation, public health, and infrastructure investment.
North Torrance Bike Bus
About the South Bay Bicycle Coalition
The South Bay Bicycle Coalition (SBBC+) is a community advocacy organization working to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, expand active transportation infrastructure, and promote healthier, more sustainable mobility throughout the South Bay region. SBBC+ is designated by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non profit organization. Donations qualify as a charitable contribution under the applicable federal tax lax.