Sports Backers and Bike Walk RVA are both pretty invested in bicycle transport here in Richmond.
Sports Backers and Bike Walk RVA are both pretty invested in bicycle transport here in Richmond.
Whether it’s recreational or commuting, the two groups have advocated to increase the city’s bike-profile with events, community rides and recently installed bike lanes.
And now, with about two months to election day, the groups have banded together to ask bike-related questions of the eight mayoral candidates seeking the most powerful seat in RVA.
“It’s clear that some candidates get it; they understand biking and walking for transportation should be accessible for every Richmond resident,” said the groups in an email sent out this week. But they noticed some problems from a few candidates as well, clarifying some candidates “still see sidewalks and bike lanes as recreational luxuries, not as essential transportation options.”
The full questionnaire can be found here, but here are some highlights we found keeping in mind our own preference for a bike-friendly city:
Jon Baliles:
As a Council member, I have added funding for increasing bicycle infrastructure and pedestrian crossing infrastructure as a category in the Capital Improvement budget.
We must work to find a balanced approach for our streets that incorporate these guidelines and promotes all modes of transit on our streets.
We’ve learned that forcing plans on neighborhoods does not create buy-in.
Jack Berry:
We should build safe, walking and biking infrastructure that is part of a comprehensive network, not just a series of disconnected fragments.
As the City prepares to update its Master Plan, the Complete Streets policy should be integrated into every neighborhood plan.
Speed limits should be reviewed and enforcement actions should be coordinated.
There should be goals, annual targets and accountability to the community for achieving results.
Bobby Junes:
Would have the Planning Commission start to enforce or start to acknowledge the Complete Street Resolution.
Start by composing a “Street Index Sheet”. This document to list Type of street project undertaken, Date Start, Date Complete, District, Cost, and Primary User.
Joe Morrissey: I will challenge both the public and the private sectors to develop a series of“Richmond Moves” walking- and biking-designated routes of varying lengths and difficulty around all areas of the city.
If an initiative or Resolution measurably increases the quality of the public health and welfare I will find the money to make it happen – quite possibly by reallocating funds from boondoggles such as the Redskin Camp.
Michelle Mosby: The added benefit to investing in our multimodal infrastructure results in a healthier lifestyle and, for many, these this safe infrastructure is a necessity to their daily lives.
In order to achieve the intent of our Complete Streets Policy, our City must develop a multimodal transportation system plan that includes all modes of transportation.
Levar Stoney: I will find the political will necessary to fully implement the Bicycle Master Plan by actively engaging the community and having a working relationship with City Council.
Using data driven governance to ensure safety is working in cities across America, and it can work here too.
Bruce Tyler: First we must start with repairing and replacing sidewalks throughout our city.
I will continue to propose funding in our capital budgets to implement more of the recommendations in the Richmond Bicycle Master Plan.
Lawrence Williams: I have been advocating greenway development since the 2004 elections and would like to think my advocacy to make Richmond the most livable city in America has finally paid off.
I would focus on two and three dimensional zoning approaches that create strong corridors and sense of place.
Check out the candidates full answers to the groups questions here.
