Clark Fawcett
October 5, 20231.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.