2023 Election Candidate Questions- Bike Fort Collins

ERIC HAMRICK – CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 2

MELANIE POTYONDY – CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 4

• Do you ever ride a mountain bike on our local trails?

I do not. However, my husband gets out on the trails on his Black Sheep bikes as often as he can, and my two sons (especially my 7-year-old) both enjoy the Spring Canyon bike park and the singletrack trails through the open space near our home.

• How often do you recreate in any way on our local trails and which is your favorite?

I frequently hike at Pine Ridge Natural Area, our family hikes at Reservoir Ridge and Picnic Boulders, and my 7-year-old enjoys biking at Pine Ridge with my husband.

• Singletrack trails and outdoor recreation in general are a major economic component of northern Colorado. OMBA envisions trail expansion as a substantial economic driver in Fort Collins, similar to the Bentonville and northwest Arkansas area, which sees an annual economic benefit of over $150M from recreational trails. How do you see recreational trails impacting our local economy & what will you do as a member of City Council to increase this value for Fort Collins?

With the continuity of trails stretching from Loveland to LaPorte, our craft brewery scene, and our unique downtown, I could see Fort Collins becoming a northern Colorado mountain biking destination. Expansion of mountain biking trails and/or the creation of a bike park might help us to maximize our potential in this domain.

• Youth mountain biking is exploding in popularity around the state and the nation.  However, access to mountain biking trails for all ability levels in Fort Collins remains extremely limited, especially for non-driving youth. Current options are the more advanced Foothills Trail or otherwise require riding along busy roadways, such as south Taft Hill or CR 38E toward Horsetooth to access county trails, which exposes major safety concerns.  What will you do to allow for safe accessible singletrack trails for youth riders of all ages from our urban areas?

Extension of the Fossil Creek Bike Trail, west of Taft, southward to Coyote Ridge might mitigate safety concerns for individuals seeking to access the single-track trails at Coyote Ridge without needing a car. In general, increased connection between City bike infrastructure and mountain bike trails might prove fruitful.

• Bike parks have become active community hubs in many cities & towns across the US & the world. The City of Boulder opened Valmont Bike Park in 2011 to rave reviews, and it is now the Gold Standard for all community bike parks. We have also seen recent bike park additions to many towns along the Front Range & throughout Colorado, such as Berthoud, Firestone, Erie, Golden, Frisco, Leadville, Minturn, Basalt and more.  With no local options, many Fort Collins residents drive themselves and their kids to Boulder and beyond nearly every weekend for this activity. Do you see this as a local need and would you support developing a large-scale municipal bike park in Fort Collins?

Our city prides itself on being healthy, active, and bicycle-friendly and I think a bike park fits right in with those values. An easily accessible bike terrain park would provide Fort Collins residents with ample opportunities for recreation and social connection, fitness, and enjoyment of nature, all while enhancing our climate future by minimizing miles driven to access bike parks in surrounding communities. Having spoken with many neighbors in District 4 while campaigning, a local bike park appears to be a high priority for a wide variety of residents.

• Expanding on the last question…as a complement to the new Poudre Whitewater Park, a downtown area bike park within Legacy Park has been discussed as a possible location.  Designing & building it to fit well within the natural environment along the Poudre River corridor within Legacy Park would create new access to high-quality outdoor recreation & nature connections for many area residents & families, especially for several underserved communities north of the river.  Do you see this as a positive or a negative for the City and why?

I am generally in favor of expanding recreational opportunities for our city, and like the idea of more trails in proximity to the whitewater park and Old Town. However, I am hesitant to support proposals for any sort of development in the North College area that have not been vetted by the existing (primarily Latino) community that lives there. I support the City’s efforts to meaningfully transform the North College corridor in conjunction with those citizens most likely to be impacted, with specific emphasis on enhancement vs. gentrification, and I would not support deviations from that mission. However, as stated earlier, I believe a bike park in Fort Collins would be a beneficial project to explore; I believe the city can and should identify an appropriate, accessible venue for this resource, assuming Legacy Park is not the ideal spot.

1. Fort Collins has been a leader in developing a robust, interconnected paved trail system throughout our urban areas. One glaring gap, however, is the lack of connectivity to open space trails on the west side of town such as Lory State Park, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and Coyote Ridge, where the vast majority of trail users are forced to drive to already overcrowded trailheads.  Nearly every weekend and now many weekdays see hundreds of vehicles turned away from local trailheads due to full parking lots.  Most of these vehicles then drive from property to property trying to find parking so they can recreate.  Or, they park illegally which leads to additional negative issues.  OMBA’s Trails Vision Plan supports the development of new multi-use singletrack trails around the south side of Horsetooth Reservoir, the north side of Horsetooth Reservoir, and between Cathy Fromme & Coyote Ridge to create a fully connected trail system encircling the reservoir. What benefits do you see with this interconnected system, and what would you do to support this taking shape?

I am in support of trail systems that would divert bikers off roads to the greatest extent possible, which this proposal seems to accommodate. I would support a collaborative approach to expanding our mountain biking trail system, and this could potentially be a boon to both the safety of bike riders and our climate goals. With members of my family wanting to access trails on the other side of the reservoir and not having a bike-friendly route to do so, I have a personal interest in expanding the trail system.

• Through an open public input process, a significant number of community residents voiced strong support for the inclusion of a bike park as part of a larger multi-use space in the former Hughes Stadium property.  In 2021, Fort Collins residents voted to approve a ballot measure requiring the City to attempt to acquire the property for uses such as “parks, recreation, and open lands, natural areas, and wildlife rescue and restoration.”  Inclusion of a bike park within this property clearly fits well within this ballot language.  Do you support the inclusion of a bike park as part of a larger multi-functional space within this property?  Why or why not?

The city is currently in the process of collecting data from community members about what the most desired uses for the Hughes property are. Hughes is a very large property that our city is fortunate to have acquired. I believe a bike terrain park could be integrated into a portion of it in a thoughtful, attractive, and relatively low-impact manner that fits with the values of Fort Collins residents. 

• Our Climate Future Plan accurately identifies the need to greatly reduce carbon emissions throughout our community.  In the questions above you get a sense of a recurring theme…the need for most of our community residents and visitors to drive to access a highly sought after experience that has high value to many in our community – that being trail-based recreation.  Whether that’s driving to Boulder for a bike park experience, or driving to Horsetooth for a hike, forcing more people into vehicles so they can recreate outdoors completely goes against everything Our Climate Future Plan represents.  Combined with the well-known health & wellness, mental health, stress, and economic benefits of trails, please tell us how you will support efforts to significantly improve safe & well-connected access for these trail-based recreation experiences.

Reducing travel by car, especially single-occupant vehicles, is critical to the city reaching its ambitious climate goals. The more individuals we can get into the habit of using active alternatives to cars for leisure and transportation, the closer we will get to carbon neutrality. I support programming, infrastructure, and equipment subsidies that enhance residents’ ability to navigate our city car-free; scooters, skateboards, traditional bikes, and e-bikes, paired with low-emission buses and ride shares, are all key components of our city’s climate action plan. 

EMILY FRANCIS – CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 6

• How often do you recreate in any way on our local trails and which is your favorite?

I am an avid trail runner and new to mountain biking. My favorite trail in town is Maxwell/Pineridge because it is walking distance from my house. I also enjoy Timber and Nomad trails in Lory State Park.

• Singletrack trails and outdoor recreation in general are a major economic component of northern Colorado. OMBA envisions trail expansion as a substantial economic driver in Fort Collins, similar to the Bentonville and northwest Arkansas area, which sees an annual economic benefit of over $150M from recreational trails. How do you see recreational trails impacting our local economy & what will you do as a member of City Council to increase this value for Fort Collins?

Fort Collins is lucky to have attractive and accessible natural areas and trail systems. These are a benefit to both residents and visitors. Fort Collins has long shown their support for outdoor recreation and I will continue to represent those values at City Hall.

• Youth mountain biking is exploding in popularity around the state and the nation.  However, access to mountain biking trails for all ability levels in Fort Collins remains extremely limited, especially for non-driving youth. Current options are the more advanced Foothills Trail or otherwise require riding along busy roadways, such as south Taft Hill or CR 38E toward Horsetooth to access county trails, which exposes major safety concerns.  What will you do to allow for safe accessible singletrack trails for youth riders of all ages from our urban areas?

It is important to keep and expand our accessible trail system in Fort Collins. Much of the land suitable for single track is owned by Larimer County. Working with the County on a joint partnership to expand trail access would help riders of all ages, and one I would pursue.

• Bike parks have become active community hubs in many cities & towns across the US & the world. The City of Boulder opened Valmont Bike Park in 2011 to rave reviews, and it is now the Gold Standard for all community bike parks. We have also seen recent bike park additions to many towns along the Front Range & throughout Colorado, such as Berthoud, Firestone, Erie, Golden, Frisco, Leadville, Minturn, Basalt and more.  With no local options, many Fort Collins residents drive themselves and their kids to Boulder and beyond nearly every weekend for this activity. Do you see this as a local need and would you support developing a large-scale municipal bike park in Fort Collins?

I am supportive of a bike park in Fort Collins. Finding the best location that is accessible and equitable would be important to ensure kids can easily access the bike park.

• Expanding on the last question…as a complement to the new Poudre Whitewater Park, a downtown area bike park within Legacy Park has been discussed as a possible location.  Designing & building it to fit well within the natural environment along the Poudre River corridor within Legacy Park would create new access to high-quality outdoor recreation & nature connections for many area residents & families, especially for several underserved communities north of the river.  Do you see this as a positive or a negative for the City and why?

I think looking at an array of options to find the best location would be necessary. Ensuring for accessibility, equity, environmental impacts, and other factors would need to be considered. It would be important to have youth at the table to gain their insight and perspective. 

1. Fort Collins has been a leader in developing a robust, interconnected paved trail system throughout our urban areas. One glaring gap, however, is the lack of connectivity to open space trails on the west side of town such as Lory State Park, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and Coyote Ridge, where the vast majority of trail users are forced to drive to already overcrowded trailheads.  Nearly every weekend and now many weekdays see hundreds of vehicles turned away from local trailheads due to full parking lots.  Most of these vehicles then drive from property to property trying to find parking so they can recreate.  Or, they park illegally which leads to additional negative issues.  OMBA’s Trails Vision Plan supports the development of new multi-use singletrack trails around the south side of Horsetooth Reservoir, the north side of Horsetooth Reservoir, and between Cathy Fromme & Coyote Ridge to create a fully connected trail system encircling the reservoir. What benefits do you see with this interconnected system, and what would you do to support this taking shape?

Having a connected trail system is beneficial for everyone. It reduces vehicle miles traveled, provides and array of options for different riding abilities, and provides more access. It is great that so many residents want to get outdoors and appreciate our natural environment, it is important we mitigate impacts and plan correctly. As mentioned above, it would be beneficial to work with Larimer County in these endeavors. 

• Through an open public input process, a significant number of community residents voiced strong support for the inclusion of a bike park as part of a larger multi-use space in the former Hughes Stadium property.  In 2021, Fort Collins residents voted to approve a ballot measure requiring the City to attempt to acquire the property for uses such as “parks, recreation, and open lands, natural areas, and wildlife rescue and restoration.”  Inclusion of a bike park within this property clearly fits well within this ballot language.  Do you support the inclusion of a bike park as part of a larger multi-functional space within this property?  Why or why not?

As mentioned above, I think it would be beneficial to expand the scope and see where is the best place to build a bike park in Fort Collins. It would be important to me that people can easily and safely bike to the bike park.

• Our Climate Future Plan accurately identifies the need to greatly reduce carbon emissions throughout our community.  In the questions above you get a sense of a recurring theme…the need for most of our community residents and visitors to drive to access a highly sought after experience that has high value to many in our community – that being trail-based recreation.  Whether that’s driving to Boulder for a bike park experience, or driving to Horsetooth for a hike, forcing more people into vehicles so they can recreate outdoors completely goes against everything Our Climate Future Plan represents.  Combined with the well-known health & wellness, mental health, stress, and economic benefits of trails, please tell us how you will support efforts to significantly improve safe & well-connected access for these trail-based recreation experiences.

As an outdoor enthusiast and resident who spends hours on our trail system every week I can personally speak to the benefits (mentally, physically, emotionally, economically) of outdoor recreation and connecting with our natural environment. Having safe, accessible, well connected trails is critical to building a system that is open to all residents. It is important to me to work with our regional partners, youth, and users to understand and build a better system for now and the future.

ERIC HAMRICK – CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 2

GENERAL

ACTIVE MODES PLAN

The City’s most current Active Modes Plan combines and updates the City’s 2011 Pedestrian Plan and 2014 Bicycle Plan as well as incorporating micromobility devices such as scooters and skateboards.

Question: What should be the City’s role in supporting (including funding) active modes of transportation as a safe, affordable, efficient and convenient travel option for people of all ethnicities, ages and abilities?

Answer: I support an integrated approach to transportation that maximizes the different modes to create efficiency for the user in terms of time, cost, comfort, safety, accessibility and convenience. Expanded public transportation must be funded to ensure that it is integrated with active transportation modes and infrastructure (e.g., bicycle-sharing stations), and connects with all parts of our community. Fort Collins has been among the fastest growing cities in Colorado and in the country. More cars, often exceeding a safe speed, are an increasing safety risk for bikers and pedestrians. We need better traffic enforcement, more effective public transit, more low stress bike routes, and safer sidewalks. I support the goals and objectives of The Vision Zero Action Plan which aims to create safer streets so there are no deaths or serious injuries by 2032. The largest constraint to walkability and bike-ability is not distance, but rather fast moving, multilane vehicular traffic, especially for the young, senior citizens or anyone with a disability.

Question:  What role do you see active transportation playing in City’ ability to achieve its goal and reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 (vs. 2005 levels), on its way to carbon neutrality by 2050?

Answer: Increased funding in active modes of transportation is critical in supporting air quality goals and in conforming with EPA compliance standards. I support mixed use community design where commercial, residential and retail co-exist and greater density on transit and bike routes. I support the Fort Collins City Council Resolution adopting an interim greenhouse gas emissions goal of 50% below the 2005 baseline by 2026. In a time when negative climate effects (with a high societal cost) are becoming more common, we must not stop looking for ways to lower our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Lastly, it’s generally well accepted that biking is better for the environment since it produces no pollution and consumes no fossil fuels.

BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE

Significant areas of our local community have gaps or intersections and areas that need improvement as it relates to safe bicycling and walking infrastructure. In addition to being a safety hazard, they discourage residents from these activities, as a recently completed Multi-modal Index also highlights. Bike Fort Collins has begun to feature some of these ‘opportunities’ on our website as Intersection/Facility Focuses, as well as made presentations to the city’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and Transportation Board.

Question: How would you approach these opportunities and other infrastructure gaps relative to bicycle safety?

Answer: As mentioned above I support the goals and objectives of The Vision Zero Action Plan which aims to create safer streets so there are no deaths or serious injuries by 2032. Expanded public transportation must be funded to ensure that it is integrated with active transportation modes and infrastructure (e.g., bicycle-sharing stations), and connects with all parts of our community.  Heavy recreational use of our city’s trail system is one of the major challenges facing our programs. This is leading to increased operational and maintenance costs and conflict among the various recreational/users interests (walkers, runners, scooters, skateboards, etc.). I believe that we must increase funding and prioritize active modes of transportation in the face of continued growth and use. 

FORT COLLINS BIKE PARK

Bike Fort Collins is a partner in an initiative started by our peer organization, Overland Mountain Bike Association, to bring a Bike Park to the City of Fort Collins. While Fort Collins is the progressive and bicycle friendly city that it is, many residents have to travel to places like Boulder (see Valmont Bike Park) to access such an amenity. In surveying the community for input during the 2020 Parks & Rec 10-Year Master Planning process, if ‘Mountain Bike Courses’ hadn’t been listed separately from ‘Bike Park’ (as they are contained within Bike Parks), the combined category would have been among the top-four identified/desired amenities by the community. See survey results.

Question: Do you support the planning and construction of a Bike Park for the Fort Collins community? Why or why not?

Answer: Yes. Biking is one of the most popular activities in Fort Collins for all ages and skill levels. A bike park is in high demand and would serve the community’s interest by providing a place for social gatherings, family-friendly activities, and recreation accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

MELANIE POTYONDY – CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 4

GENERAL

ACTIVE MODES PLAN

The City’s most current Active Modes Plan combines and updates the City’s 2011 Pedestrian Plan and 2014 Bicycle Plan as well as incorporating micromobility devices such as scooters and skateboards.

Question: What should be the City’s role in supporting (including funding) active modes of transportation as a safe, affordable, efficient and convenient travel option for people of all ethnicities, ages and abilities?

Answer: I believe the City should continue to expand the urban trail system, invest in infrastructure that mitigates issues at problem intersections, and explore and/or invest in expanded mountain biking routes that minimize hiker/biker conflicts. They should also continue to champion e-bikes, to extend bicycling opportunities to individuals with long commutes, physical limitations, or other obstacles that inhibit a traditional bicycle meeting their needs. Finally, the City should explore and/or expand media and incentive programs that encourage bike commuting to work and school, as well as funding for individuals who experience challenges to purchasing or maintaining a bike.

Question:  What role do you see active transportation playing in City’ ability to achieve its goal and reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 (vs. 2005 levels), on its way to carbon neutrality by 2050?

Answer: Reducing travel by car, especially single-occupant vehicles, is critical to the city reaching its ambitious climate goals. The more individuals we can get into the habit of using active alternatives to cars for leisure and transportation, the closer we will get to carbon neutrality. I support programming, infrastructure, and equipment subsidies that enhance residents’ ability to navigate our city car-free; bikes, scooters, skateboards, traditional bikes, and e-bikes, paired with low-emission buses and ride shares, are all key components of our city’s climate action plan.

BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE

Significant areas of our local community have gaps or intersections and areas that need improvement as it relates to safe bicycling and walking infrastructure. In addition to being a safety hazard, they discourage residents from these activities, as a recently completed Multi-modal Index also highlights. Bike Fort Collins has begun to feature some of these ‘opportunities’ on our website as Intersection/Facility Focuses, as well as made presentations to the city’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and Transportation Board.

Question: How would you approach these opportunities and other infrastructure gaps relative to bicycle safety?

Answer: I think it is imperative that the City continually identify and monitor intersections that have proven inefficient and/or unsafe, including review of data collected by outside agencies, like Bike Fort Collins. Underpasses and overpasses are ideal solutions in some settings and, in cases where these are inappropriate or prohibitively expensive solutions, improved crosswalks (i.e., clearly marked, flashing lights, immediate stop) might be a good alternative. Protected bike lanes on main thoroughfares (e.g., recent improvements on Mulberry) could significantly improve riders’ sense of safety and willingness to expand their bike routes. Finally, improvements to the stormwater system to decrease biking issues related to gutter/street flooding and/or ice accumulation would improve rideability.

FORT COLLINS BIKE PARK

Bike Fort Collins is a partner in an initiative started by our peer organization, Overland Mountain Bike Association, to bring a Bike Park to the City of Fort Collins. While Fort Collins is the progressive and bicycle friendly city that it is, many residents have to travel to places like Boulder (see Valmont Bike Park) to access such an amenity. In surveying the community for input during the 2020 Parks & Rec 10-Year Master Planning process, if ‘Mountain Bike Courses’ hadn’t been listed separately from ‘Bike Park’ (as they are contained within Bike Parks), the combined category would have been among the top-four identified/desired amenities by the community. See survey results.

Question: Do you support the planning and construction of a Bike Park for the Fort Collins community? Why or why not?

Answer: Our city prides itself on being healthy, active, and bicycle-friendly and I think a bike park fits right in with those values. An easily accessible bike terrain park would provide Fort Collins residents with ample opportunities for recreation and social connection, fitness, and enjoyment of nature, all while enhancing our climate future by minimizing miles driven to access bike parks in surrounding communities. Having spoken with many neighbors in District 4 while campaigning, a local bike park appears to be a high priority for a wide variety of residents.

EMILY FRANCIS – CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 6

GENERAL

ACTIVE MODES PLAN

The City’s most current Active Modes Plan combines and updates the City’s 2011 Pedestrian Plan and 2014 Bicycle Plan as well as incorporating micromobility devices such as scooters and skateboards.

Question: What should be the City’s role in supporting (including funding) active modes of transportation as a safe, affordable, efficient and convenient travel option for people of all ethnicities, ages and abilities?

Answer: Providing safe routes and transit opportunities that are accessible and encourage travel options that work 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.

Question:  What role do you see active transportation playing in City’ ability to achieve its goal and reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 (vs. 2005 levels), on its way to carbon neutrality by 2050?

Answer: Transportation is a key and vital part to reaching our climate goals. With a significant portion of carbon emissions coming from vehicle miles traveled, alternative transportation has to be part of the solution.

BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE

Significant areas of our local community have gaps or intersections and areas that need improvement as it relates to safe bicycling and walking infrastructure. In addition to being a safety hazard, they discourage residents from these activities, as a recently completed Multi-modal Index also highlights. Bike Fort Collins has begun to feature some of these ‘opportunities’ on our website as Intersection/Facility Focuses, as well as made presentations to the city’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and Transportation Board.

Question: How would you approach these opportunities and other infrastructure gaps relative to bicycle safety?

Answer: There are areas of town that don’t connect well or have bicycle friendly streets that ensure safety and comfort. Particularly areas of town that were built prior to present day best practices, including many parts of District 6. It is important to have a complete picture of where infrastructure is lacking and prioritize improvements based on safety, equity, and accessibility.

FORT COLLINS BIKE PARK

Bike Fort Collins is a partner in an initiative started by our peer organization, Overland Mountain Bike Association, to bring a Bike Park to the City of Fort Collins. While Fort Collins is the progressive and bicycle friendly city that it is, many residents have to travel to places like Boulder (see Valmont Bike Park) to access such an amenity. In surveying the community for input during the 2020 Parks & Rec 10-Year Master Planning process, if ‘Mountain Bike Courses’ hadn’t been listed separately from ‘Bike Park’ (as they are contained within Bike Parks), the combined category would have been among the top-four identified/desired amenities by the community. See survey results.

Question: Do you support the planning and construction of a Bike Park for the Fort Collins community? Why or why not?

Answer: Yes, I think looking at an array of options to find the best location would be necessary. Ensuring accessibility, equity, environmental impacts, and other factors would need to be considered. It would be important to have youth at the table to gain their insight and perspective.