1.What is your vision to help people ride and walk safely in our community? What actual steps might you take to achieve your vision?

Safe transportation, whether it be by car, bike, foot, scooter, wheelchair, etc., has been one of my central focus points for the past few years. Realizing that safe and accessible transportation is key to a healthy society, a well functioning economy, and a fundamental need for every resident and visitor, must be a top priority for a city that wishes to be a safe haven for its citizens.

Solutions I personally have participated in up to this point, and will continue to work diligently on, include, formation of the Bicycle Collective, a not for profit that helps people in the community receive and repair bicycles for transportation and recreation.  Additionally, I have been an active member of the Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance board of directors, advocating for safe, healthy, cycling/pedestrian infrastructure in our city, county, and state.  The past four years as I have served on the council, I have worked very hard to ensure we are heading in the healthy direction of connected bike paths and lanes, safe pedestrian infrastructure, including road design that views safety for ALL road users as its top priority.  I worked with the city engineers and planners, along with SUBA, Healthy Dixie, and other advisory organizations, to create an Active Transportation Plan, a Complete Streets Plan, and lobbied for the hiring of our first ever Active Transportation Manager at the City.  The hiring of this manager has already paid off ten fold, as he has been diligently seeking grants, reviewing plans for safety, and elevating the conversation around achieving our vision of safe transportation for all.  I am currently working with him and others to create a trail etiquette plan that will be the first of its kind in the State of Utah.  Additionally, I worked with our police department to come up with a program called Watch Your Six that they rolled out to the public incredibly successfully, receiving positive feedback from citizens about educating residents in regards to the six most deadly behaviors of automobile drivers.

2. Forty years ago, more than 60% of school children in the US walked or rode a bicycle to school. Today, that figure is less than 10%. This decline in bicycling and walking and physical activity in general has been mirrored by dramatic increases in negative health impacts for kids. What would you do to reverse this trend? What role do you think the city should play in making it safer for children to walk and bike to school?

Through my work with the Bicycle Collective and Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance, I believe I have demonstrated that this is a top priority for me, not only as an elected official, but simply as a human living in this city who has a desire for every single resident to have access to healthy and safe transportation.  As a child, I loved riding my bike and walking to school.  It was accessible for me.  My belief is that the city’s role is to design safe infrastructure to start out.  The key is in the design.  When our streets, trails, and sidewalks are designed with the human element in mind, we are protecting our most valuable asset, our people.  There is no higher need.

3. Do you agree that Complete Streets (a design philosophy that provides safe accommodations for all Users…vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) is the approach local municipalities needs to take when designing and reconstructing roads.

Yes.  And I have been very actively engaged in making this happen, not only for the city of St. George but for the entire county.  I currently serve on the Dixie Transportation Executive Committee, where we discuss the road design needs of the entire county, with UDOT in attendance.  This has been an excellent opportunity to be at the table when design decisions are in their infancy so I can speak to the need for complete street design.

4. Tell us about your personal experiences riding a bike, running or walking for recreation, exercise or transportation.

When I was 5 years old, my cousin taught me to ride a bike without my parents knowledge.  A few weeks later when my dad mentioned to a bike salesman that I didn’t know how to ride, I was very proud to jump on a bike and prove him wrong!  Bikes have been enhancing my quality of life ever since that day. I moved to downtown St. George a few years ago and have loved being so close to needs that I can walk, run, or ride my bike to the majority of my meetings for the city as well as to the grocery store, park, restaurant, concert, play…. You name it.  My husband Darrin and I have actively participated in running races, triathlons, and bike races and rides for many years.  We enjoy the opportunities provided to us living in such a health focused community with incredible weather!  St George is truly an amazing place to live that inspires health and wellness.

5. Is there anything else that you would like to share about Active Transportation in Washington County?

The request I receive most often is this: Please do not allow our city to become like Los Angeles.  When that comment is made, what they are meaning is, please do not let our quality of life suffer because of horrible traffic congestion, bad air quality, crime, lack of preservation of vital open spaces….They mean so many things when they say this, but the key is this: if we follow the exact same pattern LA followed, we will get the same result!  We must be willing to create our own pattern.  A pattern that is focused on healthy quality of life for all.  That means designing streets and roadways for all modalities.  Active transportation is vital as part of a healthy future for us now and for future generations.

6. Do you support the renewal of the St. George General Obligation bond which is on the ballot this Fall. Do you plan to personally advocate for its renewal?

YES!  And I have been actively advocating for it.  We need this bond to pass in order to complete the trail, parks, and recreation projects that will create transportation connectivity, place a park in our city boundaries within a mile of every home, make sure the recreation and sports faculties residents have told us are top priority to them can be completed, and to ensure we continue to have quality of life as a top tier priority for the city.  Our overall theme at the city is ACTIVITY AND OPTIMISM.  This focus has blessed lives as well as our economy!

Thank you for the excellent questions!

1.What is your vision to help people ride and walk safely in our community? What actual steps might you take to achieve your vision?

I envision the trail system in St. George becoming part of the overall transportation system and used extensively by a larger section of our residents.  Advances in e-bike and other technology will make using these modes of transport, along with traditional bikes and walking, more common place among our residents.  These active transportations plans (some of which are already in place) will become part of the overall General Plan of the city in the future.  For this plan to be successful, safe connection of all the trail systems and bike routes will need to be completed.  The pedestrian bridge under Bluff Street at Exit 6 is a good example of this kind of safe connection.  The passage of the extension of the General Obligation Bond on the ballot this year will be the first step to ensuring a portion of the funding for this plan.

2. Forty years ago, more than 60% of school children in the US walked or rode a bicycle to school. Today, that figure is less than 10%. This decline in bicycling and walking and physical activity in general has been mirrored by dramatic increases in negative health impacts for kids. What would you do to reverse this trend? What role do you think the city should play in making it safer for children to walk and bike to school?

My answer to question 1 is part of this solution.  Maintaining communities where parents feel it is safe for their children to walk or bike to school (adequate policing and low crime rates) will be key to moving the needle on this issue.  Parent and School District buy-in on any plan to reverse this trend will be essential to any measure of success.

3. Do you agree that Complete Streets (a design philosophy that provides safe accommodations for all Users…vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) is the approach local municipalities needs to take when designing and reconstructing roads.

I do with respect to certain streets within the community.  In some instances, this may not be feasible but generally speaking, the Complete Streets philosophy should be used moving forward.

4. Tell us about your personal experiences riding a bike, running or walking for recreation, exercise or transportation.

I have ridden mountain bikes and road bikes in the past.  Most recently, I have been riding an electric mountain bike, but not very regularly.   

5. Is there anything else that you would like to share about Active Transportation in Washington County?

As the city continues to grow, active transportation will have to play a more significant role in the overall transportation plans throughout the county.  If not, we are setting ourselves up to become another large commuter city, which I believe would change the very nature of this community. 

For St. George City Candidates…an additional question.

6. Do you support the renewal of the St. George General Obligation bond which is on the ballot this Fall. Do you plan to personally advocate for its renewal?

Yes. Yes.

1. What is your vision to help people ride and walk safely in our community? What actual steps might you take to achieve your vision? – I will continue to work with parks and public works to make sure our active transportation plan is implemented and being reviewed on a regular basis so we can ensure to get the best, and safest, routes possible for our citizens. I would also continue to make sure we are striving toward interconnectivity within our city and with surrounding cities. 
2. Forty years ago, more than 60% of school children in the US walked or rode a bicycle to school. Today, that figure is less than 10%. This decline in bicycling and walking and physical activity in general has been mirrored by dramatic increases in negative health impacts for kids. What would you do to reverse this trend? What role do you think the city should play in making it safer for children to walk and bike to school? This is something I have not given much thought to but as I was reading it, it took me back to my elementary and middle school days where myself and all of my friends would ride our bikes to school…and almost everywhere. I think the skate park we are building in Washington City will help to get kids out more and more but this does not help much with the kids and riding their bikes to school. I could see working with the school district to plan safe biking/scootering routes to school and maybe incentivizing the kids to ride their bikes/scooters to school. This gets a little more difficult if the kids live some distance away or if the family does not have means to purchase a bike/scooter. We could work with the state to get grants for this to help with these families. We could also have regular “bike rodeos” at the schools to show that riding your bike/scooter to school is something that is fun to do. 
3. Do you agree that Complete Streets (a design philosophy that provides safe accommodations for all Users…vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) is the approach local municipalities need to take when designing and reconstructing roads. – We need to always keep this in mind as well as the safety of all who use the roads. We need to be teaching this to drivers and to bikers alike so that everyone is on the same page and that one is not better than the other. We need to be on the roads together and we need to be respectful of each other. This can be achieved and we need to work together to make this happen for the betterment of all members of our communities. 
4. Tell us about your personal experiences riding a bike, running or walking for recreation, exercise or transportation. – I currently exercise in our work gym as I don’t like the heat or the cold 😉 and this is why I don’t ride outside. I always say that “bike”, “walk”, “hike”, “run (I spell it runn) and “jog” (I spell it jogg) all have 4 letters and I don’t use four letter words in my vocabulary but admire people who do and applaud them for their efforts in their way of staying fit. These ways are not for me as I prefer to exercise in a climate controlled gym. This is the running joke in our family but my kids love to bike and scooter around the neighborhood and to the local park. 
5. Is there anything else that you would like to share about Active Transportation in Washington County? – We do have an active transportation plan that is slowly being implemented and is also being worked on and reviewed occasionally. Could I do better with this? Yes, and I will do better as we move forward. I am always open to having conversations on how to improve this and our quality of life here in Washington City and can be reached via email at blmartinsen@gmail.com or via text at 435-229-1198

I hope this helps and thank you for sending this out. 

What is your vision to help people ride and walk safely in our community? What actual steps might you take to achieve your vision?

The vision I see is more trails. I have personally designed a lot of the trails in this city. Like the 2 boardwalk trails along the Virgin River. Currently we are working on the canal Trail which would be the north south in our city. 

2. Forty years ago, more than 60% of school children in the US walked or rode a bicycle to school. Today, that figure is less than 10%. This decline in bicycling and walking and physical activity in general has been mirrored by dramatic increases in negative health impacts for kids. What would you do to reverse this trend? What role do you think the city should play in making it safer for children to walk and bike to school?

I like this question. I think the way a city can help is make safer routes. Some route have busy road and that make parent nervous. Since City can’t decide we’re the schools are located we can help with police patrols around those roadways. 

3. Do you agree that Complete Streets (a design philosophy that provides safe accommodations for all Users…vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) is the approach local municipalities needs to take when designing and reconstructing roads.

Yes I agree. I have been pushing for developers to construct full roadways in design instead of partiall roadways. 

4. Tell us about your personal experiences riding a bike, running or walking for recreation, exercise or transportation.

I am an active biker and runner.

5. Is there anything else that you would like to share about Active Transportation in Washington County?

 I love your group an appreciate you asking questions. 

1) As our city boundaries continue to expand traditional bicycle
recreation areas are in some cases pushed aside in favor of development.
My vision on Washington City Council has and will be to include dedicated
bicycle lanes as well as safety measures to encourage their use. Planning
needs to be included in the General plan and executed in zoning and
development regulation. I have been instrumental in bringing to fruition the
Washington Wheels Park located on East George Washington Parkway.
The 15 acre site was donated after I shared my vision for the regional park
with property owners. Amenities include skateboarding, BMX tracks, as
well as other bicycle venues. Ground breaking has began with a completion
date of fall 2024.

2) As a teacher at Washington Elementary for 32 years I noted the
decline of kids walking and biking to school. Parents became a lot more
willing to drive their children over the years. There has been marked
improvement in the communication process between the WCSD and
Washington City when new schools are going to be built that allows time for
planning, funding and implementation for street lights, flashing lights,
crossing guards as well as, the critical element of funding all of which
comes from the city for these types of improvements. I have worked
directly with WFIS, Heritage Elementary, and CCMS CCHS to implement
safety measures. The latest was the addition of a stoplight at the
intersection of 240 East and George Washington Blvd. after parental
concerns came forward. The traffic light was approved and will be installed
as soon as the materials arrive.

3) I do support Complete Streets type input from planning to building
and maintaining. They advocate streets designed and operated to enable
safe use and support mobility for all users.

4) I bought an electric bicycle with the bigger wheels from Open Road
Motorsports they took the time to insure my experience and I love it! I ride a
24 mile loop from my house in the Washington Fields around Bloomington
and back. I am a former off road motorcycle rider so that makes it even
more fun. I often take my grandkids on shorter rides. I really like that it gets
them off the screens and spending quality family time exercising, the way
kids should be!

5) Personal health is paramount in having a quality of life. I appreciate
the Bicycle Alliance and the great work done there by my friends in
securing the active lifestyle we all need.

1. What is your vision to help people ride and walk safely in our community? What actual steps might you take to achieve your vision?

We definitely need walkable communities and better pathways that connect all of Washington County so people can safely enjoy the beautiful scenery that we live in. I would love to see trails that connect from Enterprise to Toquerville. Obviously that would take cooperation with multiple city councils, and I would definitely be open to that.

2. Forty years ago, more than 60% of school children in the US walked or rode a bicycle to school. Today, that figure is less than 10%. This decline in bicycling and walking and physical activity in general has been mirrored by dramatic increases in negative health impacts for kids. What would you do to reverse this trend? What role do you think the city should play in making it safer for children to walk and bike to school?

Our society is seeing an overall decline in physical activity and socialization. I am sure a large part of this is due to an increase in screen time. We all need to do what we can to encourage physical activity and imaginative, social play. It starts with adults being good models of healthy habits and limited screen time. As a speech language pathologist in the school district, I see how important physical activity is and have a true understanding of how kids get to school. Most are dropped off in a vehicle. I think a big reason not as many ride to school or walk is that parents don’t feel safe in allowing their kids to ride or walk to school. As a City Council member, we need to support measures that include increased safety officers near schools, and crosswalks, as well as supporting any volunteer efforts to help children and parents feel comfortable walking or biking to school.

3. Do you agree that Complete Streets (a design philosophy that provides safe accommodations for all Users…vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) is the approach local municipalities needs to take when designing and reconstructing roads.

I like that the updated master plan for downtown Hurricane includes this type of model to address the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

4. Tell us about your personal experiences riding a bike, running or walking for recreation, exercise or transportation.

I have always enjoyed hiking. There is something very relaxing about getting out into nature and away from every day distractions. I love to listen to the sounds of nature and focus on what being outside has to offer. I always feel ready to tackle our things after I have had a nice hike or walk. I walk my dog each day and find it a true delight and highlight. I have I have many friends who bike and share the same experiences with me that I have had.

5. Is there anything else that you would like to share about Active Transportation in Washington County?

As a speech/language pathologist in the schools working with students with disabilities, I see firsthand how we need more support for those who have disabilities. I think we need to carefully consider those needs and support policies and goals that help people of all abilities to be as independent as possible with accessing the community in regards to transportation.

1. What is your vision to help people ride and walk safely in our community? What actual steps might you take to achieve your vision?

I would love to see people able to walk and bike safely in our community. My wife hauled my children to school each day not because of lack of available sidewalks or safety, but more of a habit. Over the last few years of my employment with the City of Hurricane the attitude of the citizens changed on providing sidewalks. In my early years everyone wanted sidewalks but in the later years people did not use them to walk. Most were because the driveways caused an unlevel walking surface. This can be changed with rolled curb or landscaping strips but in areas were these exist people still walk in the road. The best thing we ever did was build a couple of asphalt paths in place of sidewalks with a small separation from the roadway. These are always being used for bikes, skateboards and walkers. I would like to see these included in the street instead of sidewalks. I tried my best to encourage connectivity between subdivisions but he City Council did not require it. The City of Hurricane has too many cul-de-sacs subdivisions isolating them from their neighbors. This creates more traffic and discourages walking. I want to see all subdivisions connected

2. Forty years ago, more than 60% of school children in the US walked or rode a bicycle to school. Today, that figure is less than 10%. This decline in bicycling and walking and physical activity in general has been mirrored by dramatic increases in negative health impacts for kids. What would you do to reverse this trend? What role do you think the city should play in making it safer for children to walk and bike to school?

This is a difficult trend. When I was in high school the parking lot was very small and mostly the teachers used it. Now it appears every kid has a car and drives to school. I don’t know how you get the trend changed. There are many more options now to use than there were when I was a kid. Skateboards, scooters, electric bikes, etc. I believe the city should encourage using other methods than cars by making the streets safer and possibly having events throughout the year to encourage walking or biking. I play Pokémon and in doing so you receive rewards for walking. Some kind of a reward system on events for those who walk of bike more.

3. Do you agree that Complete Streets (a design philosophy that provides safe accommodations for all Users…vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) is the approach local municipalities needs to take when designing and reconstructing roads.

I believe a complete street is the way to go, I am not sure what that entails. As I mentioned above the asphalt path concept has proven better to me than the sidewalk. I don’t think we should get into a one kind fits all, but be flexible to create what works best not just the traditional

4. Tell us about your personal experiences riding a bike, running or walking for recreation, exercise or transportation.

I am probably not a good example of this. I like to walk and do so on occasion. My wife has never been a walker and now has limitations that keep her from doing much. When I go by myself, I do more walking but not when I go with her. A friend and I go walking some mornings. As I mentioned I walk while playing Pokémon. Part of the reason for playing is to get me out more and walk, and it gives me a chance to play with my grandchildren. Biking has never been a big thing. I have had bikes and used them sparingly. I rode a bike to work at one time in my life, but I didn’t like getting to work all sweaty. I would hardly dare ride not now because I don’t feel safe.

5. Is there anything else that you would like to share about Active Transportation in Washington County?

I don’t know that I have anything else to say. I like to see others out on bikes, scooters, and walking. I would love to see more paved trails for walking and biking. I feel safer on these. Maybe we need to have more walk in pick ups at local businesses rather than the drive throughs.

1.     What is your vision to help people ride and walk safely in our community? What actual steps might you take to achieve your vision

Response: First, obtain information from the police department data on accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Armed with the information determine where and when traffic enforcement is needed and for what violations.
 
Cities provide pedestrian walking paths but permit motorized bicycle to travel at seeds which can be dangerous.  Need to evaluate the speeds for changes in us
The best practice is when cities have bicycle paths separate from pedestrians and the vehicle roadway. Have dedicated bicycle areas as they have walking paths. Also have required stops for vehicles who enter highways which cross bicycle and pedestrian paths. As well as stop signs posted for those paths.

2.     Forty years ago, more than 60% of school children in the US walked or rode a bicycle to school. Today, that figure is less than 10%. This decline in bicycling and walking and physical activity in general has been mirrored by dramatic increases in negative health impacts for kids. What would you do to reverse this trend? What role do you think the city should play in making it safer for children to walk and bike to school?

 Response: Unfortunately, our social attitude toward the bicycle has changed.  Some of the issue is it is “NOT COOL” to ride a bike to school. Parents/family’s  believe it is no longer safe to ride because of threats (perceived or actual). Ivins police department has such a small police department it cannot adequately provide sufficient presents to dismiss those thoughts.

 If Ivins implemented the above items and promoted safe bicycle storage racks to prevent theft it would help. Also have a ride for health day one or two days a week it may help including city workers.  

3. Do you agree that Complete Streets (a design philosophy that provides safe accommodations for all Users…vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) is the approach local municipalities needs to take when designing and reconstructing roads?

Response: In cities I have lived in have promoted safety for all.   I personally as a Police officer promoted all the forementioned actions as well as traffic enforcement and documenting engineering modifications to correct issues  I noted.

4. Tell us about your personal experiences riding a bike, running or walking for recreation, exercise or transportation.

Response: I personally have ridden bicycles for more years than I want to remember.  My first bicycle was a Schwin continental.  I had along with my friends had ridden on road trips. I have continued riding all my life.  I recently sold my Trek Madone which I had ridden for the past few years.

I am looking for a new bike to continue riding for a different reason exercise.

5. Is there anything else that you would like to share about Active Transportation in Washington County?

Response: I wish the bus service in the county would be expanded to better service residential communities as well as more frequently.  Also have bicycle racks.

1. What is your vision to help people ride and walk safely in our community? What actual steps might you take to achieve your vision?

I believe the more shared use paths, sidewalks and bikes lanes we can include in our community the better.  I believe Ivins is doing a good job and I support working with developers and the city to continually improve convenient access to multimodal routes while minimizing exposure to motor vehicle traffic.

2. Forty years ago, more than 60% of school children in the US walked or rode a bicycle to school. Today, that figure is less than 10%. This decline in bicycling and walking and physical activity in general has been mirrored by dramatic increases in negative health impacts for kids. What would you do to reverse this trend? What role do you think the city should play in making it safer for children to walk and bike to school?

A lot of this education begins at home.  At the same time I encourage organizations such as Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance to work with our public safety department and the local schools to make presentations and get the children excited about walking and biking to school.  Rampage Bikes has been tremendously successful in Ivins and I think they would be great supporters of getting the word out about the health benefits of walking and riding. 

For the past 3 years I have been actively involved in working with residents on Puerto Dr and the city to improve Puerto’s safety.  Due to the city’s growth Puerto has become a dangerous route for pedestrians and bikers in particular for kids going to and from school.  I completed a traffic study on Puerto and encouraged residents to send emails to the city explaining their concerns.  In response the city has taken action most recently the city painted the bike lanes on Puerto.  Now the city believes they have the funding to add sidewalks and other traffic calming/reducing solutions.  

3. Do you agree that Complete Streets (a design philosophy that provides safe accommodations for all Users…vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) is the approach local municipalities needs to take when designing and reconstructing roads.

I like what I have read about the Complete Street design philosophy.  I think Ivins works well with developers in developing new safe roads and also does well  pursuing grants and other available funding for reconstructing and improving safe accommodations for all Users.

I also think the mayor and city council  would support hearing from the Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance a couple of times a year  in regards to where the city’s road system is in the greatest need of design and reconstruction and what suggestions/ideas/support Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance could offer.  Also in that presentation it would be great to hear what’s working well for walkers and bikers in Ivins.

4. Tell us about your personal experiences riding a bike, running or walking for recreation, exercise or transportation.

I am probably what you would classify as a “casual and less confident” biker rider.  I am a big walker and use my “StreetStrider” 3 times a week for exercise.

5. Is there anything else that you would like to share about Active Transportation in Washington County?

Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance

1. What is your vision to help people ride and walk safely in our community? What
   actual steps might you take to achieve your vision?
   As an avid cyclist, I get very nervous when riding on the streets – especially where an
   adequate bike path is unavailable. In Ivins, we have many great bike and walking
   paths and I would like to see these enhanced and included in all new developments.
   We read a lot about “walking communities” but I am not sure we have articulated
   what that looks like, so I think we need to start there.
2. Forty years ago, more than 60% of school children in the US walked or rode a
   bicycle to school. Today, that figure is less than 10%. This decline in bicycling and
   walking and physical activity in general has been mirrored by dramatic increases in
   negative health impacts for kids. What would you do to reverse this trend? What
   role do you think the city should play in making it safer for children to walk and bike
   to school?

We are facing this challenge in Ivins currently. We have the two schools in proximity
with the Vista school having the biggest safety concern in my opinion. Vista School
has students coming from all over the area – so many cannot walk or ride bikes due
to distance and safety. We need to address the driving drop-off and pick-up in this
situation, but our hands are tied due to land constraints. Action is being taken on
Puerto Drive to at least provide sidewalks to enhance walking safety where none exist
now. Sadly, Center Street has developed with increasing speed and traffic that needs
to be addressed.

3. Do you agree that Complete Streets (a design philosophy that provides safe
   accommodations for all Users…vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) is the approach
   local municipalities need to take when designing and reconstructing roads?
   
   This sounds like a great idea. In Ivins, roads are created by the developer as part of
   their development. I think the burden would be on the developer to create this type of
   design. This would also depend on the State and what they will allow the municipality
   to have a “say” in going forward as they are looking to take much of that control
   away.
4. Tell us about your personal experiences riding a bike, running or walking for
   recreation, exercise or transportation.
   
   My husband and I love to cycle and walk both for recreation and exercise! The
   beautiful weather, trails and open spaces here make both possible year-round.
5. Is there anything else that you would like to share about Active Transportation
   in Washington County?