ATAT City Council Candidate Questionnaire
See responses from the candidates below!
Jenny Snell
About you
Name: Jenny Snell
What Office are you running for? City Council, District 1
On average, how often do you ride a bike, walk for recreation or transportation, or take public transportation? Bike: 4-5x per week on avg; walk: every day; public transit: 3-4x per month
Approach
What do bicycling, walking, and public transportation mean to you?
In short, a lot. Bikes have done a lot for me in my life, when it comes to fitness and mental health. Daily walks give me and my family time to be together and be active while out in our community, and I look forward to that time each day. Public transit here in the Denver area has proven to be very beneficial to get downtown for games, shows, etc. without worrying about parking or being in traffic. I am a big fan of using public transit overall, and it is usually the way we get around when traveling to other cities or countries. These experiences have helped me to see what could be possible here, in thinking about ways that our public transit could be better and more robust. I must also mention that I own a business that is based entirely on a bicycle, so my love and dedication to bikes goes far beyond just personal use.
What is the biggest barrier that Wheat Ridge faces to make it safer and more attractive to walk and bike?
Create low-stress ways to successfully get around. It’s possible to ride to most places, if you are a confident rider who can navigate busy streets, high car traffic, and non-direct routes. (some really high-stress situations come to mind-definitely not for everyone!) You can also put your bike in your car and drive to a trailhead or a more bike-friendly area, but that’s just silly. What I mean is create routes for ANY cyclist to be able to ride from their home to the store, to restaurants, the library, etc. Access to bike lanes depends largely on where you live, and if you’re lucky enough to live on or near a street with a bike lane, getting to some places is much easier, as is getting to the Clear Creek Trail. What’s the key to all this? Make safe bike routes a priority. (my opinion)
Will you support increased funding for infrastructure for walking, biking, and transit?
YES always.
Safety
What actions would you take to support improving infrastructure designed to protect or otherwise make vulnerable road users (bike riders & pedestrians, kids getting to school, seniors, etc.) safer?
I’d be happy to assist with talking to residents, leading rides or walks or other outreach efforts. I’m also dedicated to being vocal and advocating for these changes; and utilizing my social channels to get the word out on any plans for improvements. I will support any way I can.
How would you support a citywide program or strategy (such as Vision Zero) to improve roadway safety with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries?
I’m 100% on board for Vision Zero (or something similar). I have seen (specifically Vision zero) this be hugely successful in other communities, and I’d love to see it here. Similar to my answer above, I’d be on board to help, assist, get the word out, etc.
What do you think the city’s role is in making sure sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit stops are clear of snow and debris so people can use them safely?
Similar to paths in parks and the Clear Creek Path, I feel the maintenance for bike lanes and transit stops fall under the city’s duties. Sidewalks are a little trickier, since they are to be maintained by the respective homeowner. I understand that there are folks who are not physically able to maintain sidewalks in our community, and that creates an opportunity for discussion around how these areas are maintained. I do know there are talks of creating groups that go out and assist with shoveling in the winter, and I am behind this and would absolutely volunteer to help.
Projects and Policies
How will you support policies that increase opportunities for Wheat Ridge residents to bike, walk, and take transit?
I will support any of these policies and will do my best to amplify the plans out to my audience. Since, like many of these questions, would affect my business, it is important to me that walking and biking are as accessible as possible to all folks who want to participate.
What are your highest priorities related to the Wheat Ridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (i.e., which specific projects)?
The two that resonate the most to me now (they are all important, and we have already made good strides toward some) are:
Traffic calming/ speed management: One of my campaign’s top priorities is Safe Streets. This means all: Bikes, Peds, and cars too. Most of us witness speeding in our city daily. The need for speeding enforcement/ management is a sizeable one but would also benefit all users of the road. Many of the traffic calming treatments mentioned in the Bike/ Ped master plan are viable ones, and I fully support those to combat motor vehicles speeding through our city.
A City-wide bike map. As our city continues to grow, and the number of bikes and pedestrians also increases, this type of map would be a great asset. I’d also support an electronic version, perhaps in an app. With color-coding safe walking and biking routes, this could be an easy adaptation for young or inexperienced riders. It could also serve as an opportunity for our local businesses to advertise, especially if they are connected to cycling in some way.
Final Word
Is there anything else you would like the Wheat Ridge ATATs to know about your positions or candidacy?
The ATATs hold a very special place in my heart, and I am grateful to their great work over the years. As a former officer, I understand the heart and passion that makes the ATATs who they are, and what a huge benefit this organization is to our community. You have my continued support and I look forward to working with you in any way that I can. Thank you for putting this together-it is important to me as a community member to know where all our city leadership stands on improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Wheat Ridge.
Clarence Fullard
About you
Name: Clarence Fullard
What Office are you running for? Wheat Ridge City Council District 1
On average, how often do you ride a bike, walk for recreation or transportation, or take public transportation?
Bike = every day to pick up my kid from daycare and to ride around town.
Walk = every day on streets with no sidewalks, streets with mini-sidewalks, and streets with regular sidewalks! All can be experienced within a mile walk in District 1.
Public transportation = Use public transportation (rail) to get to downtown entertainment and to go west to work on occasion. 26th is also an important bus route for many of my neighbors and I’ve taken it multiple times as well. I’ve spent lots of time in big cities like D.C. and traveled to Vienna, Austria and Paris, France and know and understand the freedom provided by rapid public transport.
Approach
What do bicycling, walking, and public transportation mean to you?
Freedom! I’m a bicycle fanatic. I rode BMX as a kid, rode road bike as a young adult, and continue to build “xbikes” to this day (vintage 90s bike frames with modern components). I’m a mountain biker and a dirt jumper. But these days, you’ll find me riding around town on an e-cargo bike with a toddler on the back. And that toddler has two bikes of her own already and she’s just about 2! My wife rides to work on occasion, and rides for fun with local clubs. Bicycling is one of the more important ways we recreate and our most important tool for getting around town.
When it comes to hoofing’ it on foot, I had a realization a couple years ago when my kid was born. Deficient sidewalks, sidewalk blockages, and disjointed sidewalk systems became more apparent to me once I was pushing a stroller. And it got me thinking about how many other wheel-bound folks are out there struggling to get by on our outdated sidewalks and bicycle pathways. It means a great deal to me to look out for other modes of transportation and not be so car centric. At the same time, I’m a driver just like everyone else and recognize the need for efficient car travel but think there’s a happy medium that can be found to provide attention to all modes of transportation.
What is the biggest barrier that Wheat Ridge faces to make it safer and more attractive to walk and bike?
Funding! The city budget can’t handle the kind of infrastructure projects we need to tackle to get sidewalks and bikeways into shape. We have a unique opportunity to change that with the extension of the 0.5 cent sales tax this fall. With that funding, the city will have a lot of work to do to prioritize projects in the coming years. Exciting times!
Will you support increased funding for infrastructure for walking, biking, and transit?
Yes!
Safety
What actions would you take to support improving infrastructure designed to protect or otherwise make vulnerable road users (bike riders & pedestrians, kids getting to school, seniors, etc.) safer?
We have an albatross on our hands that is Sheridan Boulevard. It’s a no-go zone for bikes, strollers, scooters, etc. We can start by providing ADA-compliant sidewalks and crossings all up and down our Wheat Ridge section and leverage our work to get our sister cities to pay up for their shares as well. Next, we can do a lot for the peripheral parts of town like in my district along 26th where we can cost share with neighbors like Edgewater to provide safe crosswalks so pedestrians, bikes, strollers, scooters, etc. can get across safely. I think we can leverage our own funding to encourage neighboring cities to pay for improvements as well and make the money go even further.
How would you support a citywide program or strategy (such as Vision Zero) to improve roadway safety with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries?
I’ll commit to working with the civil engineers at Wheat Ridge to identify solutions that can slow down cars and reduce fatalities. My strategy is to put money towards low hanging fruit solutions to get the most bang for our buck when it comes to improving safety.
What do you think the city’s role is in making sure sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit stops are clear of snow and debris so people can use them safely?
The city has a clear role in coordinating snow and debris removal. We have toothless requirements for residents to clear sidewalks and crosswalks, but we all know how effective that is. I would like to explore ways to have the city take a more active role in snow removal for alternative transportation methods. Clear sidewalks, not just roads!
Projects and Policies
How will you support policies that increase opportunities for Wheat Ridge residents to bike, walk, and take transit?
I commit to encouraging fellow council members to do what’s right to get more cars off the roads. That might include rebates and other incentives for alternative transportation methods. If folks can get an e-bike and ride the three miles downtown, that gets more cars off I-70! Same goes for walking and buses; remove roadblocks (pun intended) and set walkers and bussers free!
What are your highest priorities related to the Wheat Ridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (i.e., which specific projects)?
I want to see traffic calming projects pick up. The plan acknowledges that they’ve not been widely implemented, and that’s a shame. In District 1, we’ve benefited from our neighbors in Edgewater investing in traffic calming on the city border. It’s time for Wheat Ridge to step up and keep bikers and walkers safe by reducing the number of speeding cars on our streets.
Final Word
Is there anything else you would like the Wheat Ridge ATATs to know about your positions or candidacy?
I’m not just an advocate for the above ideas—I’m a skilled project and program manager. I manage large budgets and make pragmatic decisions in my day job. I’ve fought for the health of our natural environment my entire career and have a track record of getting things done and cutting red tape. I’m relentless and effective. I care about my neighbors and my city and have the skills to make real change happen.
Dan Larson
About you
Name: Dan Larson
What Office are you running for? Wheat Ridge City Council District 4
On average, how often do you ride a bike, walk for recreation or transportation, or take public transportation? Bicycle riding infrequently. Walk the puppy twice daily. Ride RTD rail downtown monthly for Rockies game during the season.
Approach
What do bicycling, walking, and public transportation mean to you?
Personally, I do not ride a bicycle and have not since my college days. However, bicycling is a significant activity for many people and its participation is growing. I walk frequently but mostly for recreation. I consider walking to be important in maintaining health and vitality and so does my puppy. Regarding public transportation, I grew up in Chicago, so I grew up riding public transportation. I currently work from home but if I was working downtown, I would likely take the RTD at least as frequently as I drove.
What is the biggest barrier that Wheat Ridge faces to make it safer and more attractive to walk and bike?
For pedestrians, safe accessible sidewalks are required along primary corridors and most connector streets. The city should continue investing in bicycle lanes and bike paths as it realizes the goals laid out in its original Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and the subsequent update. A consistent and practical capital improvement program aimed at filling gaps and identifying high-priority destinations will improve bicycle and pedestrian access.
Will you support increased funding for infrastructure for walking, biking, and transit?
Wheat Ridge has a solid record of support and currently funds capital projects aimed at improving bicycle transportation. Likewise, sidewalk improvement projects continue to be funded, although many areas that might benefit from improvements await funding. The city’s investment in access to the RTD G Line, including significant capital investment in Ward Road Station infrastructure, has helped spur development of a new community where none existed. Residents in the city’s New Northwest Side now enjoy access to improved streets and highways as well as RTD rail and bus transportation.
Safety
What actions would you take to support improving infrastructure designed to protect or otherwise make vulnerable road users (bike riders and pedestrians, kids getting to school, seniors, etc.) safer?
As noted above, the city has invested and continues to invest in projects that improve safety and accessibility for bicyclists, pedestrians, school children and seniors. I support this investment.
How would you support a citywide program or strategy (such as Vision Zero) to improve roadway safety with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries?
Continuous improvement of street and highway safety for all users – motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians – must be a priority. Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Arvada and Jefferson County itself, have not yet received certification in the CDOT Strategic Highway Safety Plan. This statewide plan provides “innovative and data-driven approaches to improving highway safety that leverages the success of proven safety programs to decrease fatalities, serious injuries and crashes.” I support an effort by the city to earn SHSP certification.
What do you think the city’s role is in making sure sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit stops are clear of snow and debris so people can use them safely?
Wheat Ridge operates a robust snow removal plan that includes salaries and overtime, snowmelt chemicals and a fleet of vehicles. Yet even those efforts are not intended to clear most side streets when snowfall amounts are heavy. Although an aggregate figure for snow removal is not included in the city budget, it easily exceeds $1 million. Additional snow removal activities by Wheat Ridge for clearing sidewalks and bike lanes would be problematic and expensive.
Projects and Policies
How will you support policies that increase opportunities for Wheat Ridge residents to bike, walk, and take transit?
The city continues to invest in bicycle and pedestrian safety. The Wheat Ridge 2024 budget includes $1.6 million under its bicycle and pedestrian improvement program. According to the city budget document, the program “includes a variety of projects such as re-striping streets to add bike lanes, closing gaps in sidewalks, and adding other bicycle and pedestrian facilities. For 2024, design will begin on a shared-use path on the west side of Wadsworth Boulevard between 32nd and 35th Avenues, including reconstructing the intersection of 32nd and Wadsworth to better accommodate bicycles and pedestrians. Starting in 2025, design will begin to add bicycle and pedestrian facilities to 35th Ave. between Wadsworth and Sheridan Blvds. Additionally, $11 million in grants have been secured to assist in funding these two projects. CDOT will contribute $700,000 towards the Wadsworth path.”
“These facilities will provide alternate transportation and recreation options for citizens including improved and safer access to schools, parks, businesses, and other destinations. In many cases, it also reduces roadway speeds and enhances livability in neighborhoods, as well as improving linkages within Wheat Ridge and with neighboring communities.”
What are your highest priorities related to the Wheat Ridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (i.e. which specific projects)?
A continued and deliberate implementation of the plan as designed, approved and funded should be a priority.
Final Word
Is there anything else you would like the Wheat Ridge ATATs to know about your positions or candidacy?
As a close-in suburb of Denver, vehicle traffic in Wheat Ridge is considerable. Data from DRCOG shows that Wadsworth and Kipling, the city’s two primary arterial streets, carry as much or more vehicle traffic than Sheridan or Federal, the two busiest Denver streets west of Broadway. Anyone who has driven from 26th Ave. to I-70 on Kipling between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. on a weekday can attest to how much time they have lost waiting to proceed north.
Wheat Ridge recognizes the costs of such congestion, both in terms of lost time and added pollution. Appropriately, the city continues to fund traffic research for ways to alleviate daily congestion on its arterials. In addition to the $1.6 million investment in bicycle and pedestrian capital improvements, it has also allocated $100,000 to fund improvements in ADA accessibility, $140,000 in street striping for streets and intersections to improve motorist and pedestrian safety, $3 million in asphalt paving and crack sealing, $125,000 in its Neighborhood Traffic Management program, and $67,000 in traffic signal improvements. For a city the size of Wheat Ridge, the portion of its budget (about 6%) dedicated to improving access and safety for all users – motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, is commendable.
I support continued investment in the implementation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as well as investment in improving transportation safety and reducing traffic congestion.
