As a heads up, this election will be mail only. By March 18 all registered voters will be mailed their ballots and will need to be returned to the City Clerk by 7 p.m. on April 2.
All voters will be electing a new mayor, and voters in Districts 2, 4 and 6 will be electing representatives. In addition to those elections, voters will be presented with ballot and financial issues, or initiated, referred ordinances and/or resolutions.
As your local bicycling nonprofit, Bike Fort Collins feels informed voters are an important mechanism to support safe enjoyable roads for ALL cyclists in our community. Each election year there are candidates for both local offices and local ballot measures that could have some impact upon our bicycling environment. With the objective of educating voters on local candidates views towards bicycling, we’ve sent a short questionnaire to this years candidates. The questions and responses are below are from Emily Gorgol, Councilmember District 6.
Bike Fort Collins cannot take any official position endorsing candidates, this is information for you to potentially consider when making your own decisions.
QUESTIONS IN BOLD AND ANSWERS IN REGULAR TEXT:
Do you regularly ride a bicycle?
Yes! I bike to work, for leisure and recreation (mostly in the Spring/Summer/Fall). I also raced collegiate for CSU and PSU (Portland State University).
If so, where is your favorite place to ride?
Along the Horsetooth Dams out to Masonville.
What do you feel are the top two barriers to bicycling in Fort Collins?
Connectivity/Infrastructure. There are some areas of town that don’t connect well or have bicycle friendly streets to ensure safety and comfort.
Cost- Although we have great cycling advocate groups and businesses that help reduce cost burden, cost is still a barrier to bicycling.
What should be the City’s role in supporting transit as a safe, affordable, efficient and convenient travel option for people of all ages and abilities?
Providing safe routes and transit opportunities that are accessible and encourage travel options for all residents. In addition, working with and understanding the barriers that community members face when trying to use alternative modes of transportation to better align infrastructure and services. The city does a great job promoting cycling through events (bike to work day, etc) and safe routes to school.
Do you support paid public parking? Please explain your reasoning.
Yes, it can help recoup costs and may encourage use of other modes of transportation.
Vision Zero
The Transportation systems section of our new City Plan draft refers to developing a safety enhancement action plan for all modes based on the City’s commitment to Vision Zero. Denver has adopted a Vision Zero action plan including mandatory progress reporting.
Should the City of Fort Collins have a formal role supporting, implementing, and reporting on Vision Zero?
Yes.
If so, what should that role be?
This is a local and regional and will need many partners to support and work towards this goal. The city can act as a convener and collaborator as well as provide the platform for reporting.
Distracted Driving
What is your opinion of the Distracted Driving Bill (SB 19-012), currently under consideration in the State legislature?
I support this bill. Drivers should not be using their phones while driving, it is too dangerous.
Infrastructure
Significant areas of our local community have gaps in local bicycling and walking infrastructure. In addition to the safety hazard they discourage residents from these activities.
How would you approach filling in those infrastructure gaps?
The updated City Plan and Master Transit plan have outlined areas of improvement to support bicycling and walking infrastructure. I would work with community members to ensure that we are prioritizing the gaps and addressing the issues in an equitable way so all residents have access to safe opportunities.