Local elections are an opportunity to voice your support for a more bike-friendly Sonoma County! We’re here to help you Bike the Vote by sharing our positions on relevant ballot measures, as well as Board of Supervisors candidates’ responses to our questions on bicycling issues.
The only local transportation-related initiative on the June ballot, Measure B, would extend Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit’s (SMART) existing 1/4 cent sales tax to fund the train and multiuse path. SCBC fully supports Measure B! Much progress has been made on the pathway since the failed measure in 2020; with new leadership and other improvements, SMART expands our range of non-auto transportation.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition cannot endorse candidates for public office, but we are able to share information so that you can arrive at your own conclusion. We have distributed a questionnaire to all County Board of Supervisor candidates, and we will post all of the responses as we receive them.
Our colleagues at the Marin County Bicycle Coalition sent similar questionnaires to candidates for State Assembly; the results for District 12 (Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park and part of Santa Rosa) are here.
DISTRICT 2 SUPERVISOR CANDIDATES
SYLVIA LEMUS
Do you ride a bicycle in Sonoma County for transportation or recreation? How would you characterize the experience of cycling here? I own a hybrid bicycle that I need to become more comfortable to ride. Once I’m more comfortable I’ll ride and my first goal will be to ride my bicycle to my parents in Moorland (Southwest Santa Rosa). I enjoy seeing folks of all ages and backgrounds cycling through our community and would like to see more of that. Some of my family members are avid cyclists and I admire their dedication and affinity for cycling.
What are your district’s/Sonoma County’s biggest transportation challenges? How does bicycling fit into your vision of future development? The rural character of District 2, and many areas of Sonoma County outside of the 9 cities, poses challenges for our transportation system as a whole. Rural roads in unincorporated areas, many with drainage ditches alongside the roadways, makes investing in bicycle and pedestrian pathways a costly proposition. I was alarmed to see that just Tier I improvement projects in the County’s updated Active Transportation Plan topping $336 million – and want to ensure that we can both improve our roads and invest in our growing network of bike lanes and multi-use pathways in the county in the most efficient way possible. While road conditions are important, reducing traffic, improving safety, and creating a more walkable, bikeable future, are all key transportation priorities of mine. I believe we have more opportunities to mandate active transportation (including streets, sidewalks, and bike paths) into future development proposals, but we still have our significant existing infrastructure that we must look at and prioritize to connect more of our communities and improve the overall bicycle and transportation infrastructure network. Currently, in Cotati we have some road improvements planned on Hwy 116 that include a roundabout and bike and pedestrian safety features. Sidewalk gap projects and work also offer an opportunity for the adjacent roadway to include cycle safety features, lining, and more. Additionally, there’s some roundabout projects slated for Penngrove and Petaluma, and believe it critical to ensure cycle safety features are included in the planning.
If elected, what will you do to encourage more people in the county to bicycle and to improve cycling safety? First and foremost, I want to ensure that funds raised for bicycling and improving safety – primarily from the Go Sonoma Act and grant sources, are invested in projects that will improve connectivity and safety as soon as possible. I would seek the input of leaders of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, including my friend and fellow Cotati resident Eris Weaver, on how to best achieve those goals. I recognize there are many potential projects on paper, though funding for most is either non-existent or limited, meaning taking these plans and putting them into action will take time. I am not well-versed on bicycling transportation infrastructure investments in the county as a whole in terms of what comes next and is the most immediate priority, but will be certain to maintain a stake in the future of our transportation infrastructure from our cycling community to identify viable and measurable outcomes for key projects that could or will be funded in the years ahead.
Our visions and goals are often tempered by available budget, staff time and public focus.. How does improving bicycling infrastructure and safety rank among your other policy priorities? Our transportation infrastructure – primarily for smoother roads and streets, infrastructure to support cyclists and pedestrians, and projects that reduce traffic and improve safety, will all rank high on my to-do list. First and foremost, we need to sustain investments in our transportation infrastructure, and keep the positive momentum over the last decade moving forward, despite the threats posed by federal budget cuts in this division and in other areas. I will welcome the input of transportation stakeholders including the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition to ensure we have both open communication and a commitment to keep the good work going on cycling, and more broadly, our transportation infrastructure, moving forward.
Are there any specific projects in your jurisdiction – either planned or imagined – that you are particularly excited to see implemented? City of Cotati is currently in the process of the design for a roundabout on Hwy 1116 in Cotati that has bike safety features. As I learn about dangerous areas for cyclists and potential tension points, I would like to consider adding bike safety features. I continue my support for the Great Redwood Trail, as a potential route for pedestrians and cyclists to move around the region in a safe manner. It is important to close the gaps along the trail and possibly provide wayfinding where there is a diversion from the trail. Also, a project I would be in support of is holding a cycling fair/event to bring cyclists of all levels and encouraging those not comfortable with cycling to learn and go out in varied level groups. This should be done in various communities and in bilingual manner to encourage our entire community to learn and become involved in cycling.
JOANNA PAUN
Do you ride a bicycle in Sonoma County for transportation or recreation? How would you characterize the experience of cycling here? Yes, I’ve enjoyed biking in Sonoma County recreationally and have many family and friends who use it as a main transportation option for getting around locally. One of the things that makes Sonoma County so special is the incredible access we have to scenic roads, trails, and communities. At the same time, I know many cyclists experience real concerns around safety, connectivity, and infrastructure gaps.
While there have been important improvements in recent years, too many roads still feel unsafe for families, students, commuters, and older adults who want to bike regularly. In many areas, bike lanes are inconsistent or disconnected, and rural roads can present additional hazards due to limited shoulders, traffic speeds, and wildfire evacuation concerns. I believe we have an opportunity to make cycling a more realistic and safe transportation option for more people across the county.
What are your district’s/Sonoma County’s biggest transportation challenges? How does bicycling fit into your vision of future development? One of Sonoma County’s biggest transportation challenges is balancing growth, affordability, environmental sustainability, and mobility. Traffic congestion, aging infrastructure, limited transit connectivity, and the high cost of transportation all affect quality of life for residents.
Bicycling should absolutely be part of the solution. Investing in safe bike infrastructure helps reduce congestion, supports climate goals, improves public health, and creates more affordable transportation options for working families, students, and seniors. I also believe transportation planning must better connect neighborhoods, schools, business districts, and transit hubs in ways that are practical and accessible for everyday use, not just recreation.
As a Trustee for Petaluma City Schools, I’ve seen firsthand how important safe routes to school are for students and families. Transportation decisions directly impact safety, accessibility, and community well-being, especially for young people and families who may not always have reliable access to a car.
If elected, what will you do to encourage more people in the county to bicycle and to improve cycling safety? If elected, I would support investments in connected and protected bike infrastructure, safer intersections, improved road maintenance, and expanded Safe Routes to School programs. I also believe we need stronger coordination between local jurisdictions, schools, regional
transportation agencies, and public safety officials to ensure projects are planned with long-term connectivity and safety in mind.
Encouraging more people to bike also means making cycling feel accessible and safe for everyday residents — not just experienced cyclists. That includes improving education and awareness for both drivers and cyclists, supporting multimodal transportation options, and ensuring underserved communities are included in transportation planning conversations.
I’m especially interested in projects that improve access for students, working families, and residents who rely on alternative transportation options as part of their daily lives.
Our visions and goals are often tempered by available budget, staff time and public focus. How does improving bicycling infrastructure and safety rank among your other policy priorities? I view bicycle infrastructure and safety as part of a larger conversation about public safety, community health, sustainability, and quality of life. While Sonoma County faces many competing priorities, investments in safe transportation infrastructure provide long-term benefits across multiple areas — including climate resilience, public health, traffic reduction, and economic accessibility.
I believe we should actively pursue state and federal funding opportunities that support active transportation and climate-smart infrastructure improvements. Thoughtful transportation investments can strengthen communities while also helping us meet broader environmental and public safety goals.
Are there any specific projects in your jurisdiction — either planned or imagined — that you are particularly excited to see implemented? I’m encouraged by ongoing conversations around expanding safe bike and pedestrian connections between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial areas throughout District 2 and Sonoma County more broadly. I’m especially excited about projects that improve connectivity for students and families, strengthen Safe Routes to School programs, and create safer multimodal corridors that reduce reliance on cars for short trips.
I’m also interested in seeing stronger regional coordination so bike infrastructure projects connect more seamlessly across jurisdictions rather than existing as isolated segments. Long-term planning that integrates transportation, housing, environmental resilience, and public safety will be essential as Sonoma County continues to grow and adapt to future challenges.
DISTRICT 4 SUPERVISOR CANDIDATES
TOM SCHWEDHELM
Do you ride a bicycle in Sonoma County for transportation or recreation? How would you characterize the experience of cycling here? I am an avid cyclist, primarily doing so for recreation, with long rides throughout our unincorporated rural communities, whether it be North County, West County, or other scenic and enjoyable routes. I have had less time to cycle as I’ve been campaigning for Supervisor, but depending on the day, my experience can either be enjoyable or problematic, given the variables between road conditions, vehicles that are sometimes bothered by the presence of cyclists on our roadways, and other unique circumstances. It’s an overall pleasant experience, but that’s not always the case.
What are your district’s/Sonoma County’s biggest transportation challenges? How does bicycling fit into your vision of future development? One of the biggest North County transportation challenges is identifying funding to build the SMART train and adjacent bicycle and pedestrian pathways from Windsor to Cloverdale. Construction just broke on the Healdsburg extension, but I want to ensure that we can deliver on our promise to voters by looking at that next step of getting the line to Cloverdale once the Healdsburg extension is completed. Equally important is funding and closing gaps in the adjacent SMART Pathway. Currently, there is a large gap from Airport Blvd. to North Santa Rosa, and additional gaps between Cotati and Petaluma, Petaluma and Novato, and other missing pieces in Marin County in places like Novato, where I grew up. Beyond SMART, other transportation challenges include the large geographical area of the district and lightly populated distant rural communities, where active transportation and transit is more logistically complicated than urban centers along Highway 101.
If elected, what will you do to encourage more people in the county to bicycle and to improve cycling safety? As a starting point, I think we need to continue focusing on improved infrastructure that helps improve safety. The bike-ped overcrossing connecting SRJC to Coddingtown is a great example of creating a safer, more convenient way to travel without a car. There are limits to putting in bike path infrastructure on rural county roads, but in our municipal areas and more densely-populated unincorporated communities, there is progress, whether it be a Class I or in ideal circumstances, Class IV bike lanes being installed as part of road repair and improvement projects. While those infrastructure improvements are optimal, low-cost alternatives, such as bollards separating vehicle and bike lanes, are helpful starting points for local governments who can’t afford costlier improvement projects.
Our visions and goals are often tempered by available budget, staff time and public focus.. How does improving bicycling infrastructure and safety rank among your other policy priorities? Our transportation infrastructure – including smoother roads, streets, and better bicycle and pedestrian pathways and sidewalks, rank high on my priority list. To me, improving our transportation infrastructure is one of the most fundamental and important investments local governments can make – and something I hope to continue investing and improving upon. There’s no question that it often boils down to funding, and I recognize there are challenging budgetary times ahead, but between a committed Board of Supervisors and Go Sonoma Act funding, I’m cautiously optimistic we can continue to make progress in this area.
Are there any specific projects in your jurisdiction – either planned or imagined – that you are particularly excited to see implemented? While I’m not sure I’ll make a complete round trip, I look forward to the day when I can ride my bike along the entire 70-mile SMART Pathway, and beyond that and assuming I’m still able, along The Great Redwood Trail. This will become an incredible asset to both locals and tourists who want to enjoy Sonoma County’s natural beauty. I am also excited about better connecting our network of county parks to rural arterial corridors. Recent funding for a new multi-use trail connecting Riverfront Regional Park to Wohler Road will create a wonderful connection between West County and West Windsor. I look forward to seeing this project through, and looking at other ways to create more of these kinds of opportunities. Lastly, after years of planning, I’m excited to see the Highway 101 overcrossing connect SRJC and Coddingtown with a landmark bike-ped bridge that will stand out in the heart of our city. It’ll be a wonderful addition for students using SMART to get to SRJC, and for JC-area students and residents to be able to walk to Coddingtown or SMART for travel, shopping, or dining in the future, while also reducing the safety issues associated with going under Highway 101 at Steele Lane.
last updated 05/27/2026