Secretary answers audience questions on $2 billion in bike funding, housing impacts on mobility and e‑bike education bill

During a brief question‑and‑answer session, audience members pressed the secretary about funding scale, housing impacts on mobility and pending e‑bike education legislation.

On a question asking how to obtain $2 billion for bike projects immediately, the secretary said a figure of that magnitude is "very plausible" over time but would require time, local planning, district capacity and additional policy and funding support from state and federal sources. "It's gonna take time, but we will get there," he said, adding that the governor's budget and federal infrastructure funds help create the conditions for larger investments.

Asked how the housing crisis affects mobility and what the department is doing about behavior change to increase biking, the secretary said the department must work with land‑use authorities so destinations are closer, and that infrastructure must be more than paint—protected and connected facilities are necessary to attract novice riders. He emphasized building networks that serve all ages and abilities and connecting bike infrastructure to transit.

On the legislatively referenced AD 1946 (asked as a proposal to require Caltrans to develop online educational material about e‑bikes), the secretary said he was not yet familiar with the bill, that he does not take positions on pending legislation, but he supports broader public education on e‑bike safety and noted related responsibilities may involve DMV and other agencies.

Why it matters: The exchanges underscore that scaling active‑transportation investments depends on aligning planning, land use, funding and education; the secretary reiterated that both infrastructure and outreach are necessary to increase ridership.

What the secretary did not do: He declined to comment on pending legislation and did not endorse specific bills during the session.