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. Below are Cloverdale City Council candidates’ responses to our questionnaire on bicycling in Sonoma County. Thanks to the candidates for their time and thoughtful answers!
NOTE: None of these candidates are members of SCBC.
TREVOR AMBROSINI
HANNAH ELIZABETH GART
TODD LANDS
MARK LASKEY
Do you ride a bicycle in Sonoma County for transportation or recreation? We ride for recreation. Although I have found myself more inclined to ride my e-bike around town for miscellaneous chores! (Hardware store, post office, etc.)
How would you characterize the experience of cycling here? We feel as safe as the pathways we ride. Of course we are always vigilant of our surroundings. We ride mostly in town but have ventured off to the Joe Rodota trail and other areas in the county. We have transitioned to e-bikes and that has given us a newfound sense of adventure.
What are your community’s/Sonoma County’s biggest transportation challenges, and how does bicycling fit into your vision of future development? I would like to see bike lanes implemented with all new planned developments and road improvements.
If elected, what will you do to improve cycling safety and encourage more people in the county to ride? I would propose to implement regular “weekend rides” as a community event to get people out of their cars and enjoy cycling. With all there is to see, it’s better to see it on a bike! More bike lanes would improve on overall safety for the rider and the motorist.
Our visions and goals are often tempered by available budgets, staff time and public focus. How will you seek to balance improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and safety with your other policy priorities? As not all people are willing to bike to work or enjoy riding as a leisure activity, I would try to steer the conversation that most people would ride a bike if they felt safe in their neighborhood. So more bike lanes with a curb separation, like here in Cloverdale, would be ideal.
Are there any specific projects in your jurisdiction – either planned or imagined – that you are particularly excited to see implemented? I see Cloverdale is part of the Great Redwood Trail project. This project will give more cyclists a safe place to enjoy the beauty of this beautiful place we call home!