Grapevine City Elections 2021
Once again, Bike Friendly Grapevine has asked candidates for Grapevine Mayor & City Council for their thoughts on safe cycling in our city. Since bike riding, whether for exercise, commuting or just for fun, impacts the quality of life daily and we think hearing from people that can have an impact on that experience is valuable. You can use their input as a tool to help make your choice for our city’s leadership.
Below is the questionnaire we sent and the candidates’ responses. Voting starts next Monday, April 19 at the Grapevine Rec Center.
Happy Voting!
Our Questionnaire:
Hello Grapevine City Council Candidate :
Thank you for running for Grapevine City Council. We are very excited that you are willing to help lead our city into the future. I work with an organization called Bike Friendly Grapevine. This is a group of citizens that works to promote safe and fun bicycle commuting in our city as well as a more walk-able, live-able city for all. We believe it helps support our local businesses as well as cleaner air and healthier residents. Grapevine is a town prized for its outdoor lifestyle by residents and visitors alike and we believe safe cycling is just an extension of this.
Every election year we invite our candidates to give us their opinions on bike commuting-related topics. They are published in our newsletter as well as on our social media and websites. We welcome your input. If you would like to be included in our publications please return, by April 15, your responses to the following short questions:
1. Would you support a comprehensive on-road bike plan for the city?
2. Would you support a Safe Passing ordinance to protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists?
3. How do you see bikes playing a transportation role for visitors arriving by train in Grapevine?
4. Given the increase of uses on our trails by pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchairs, skaters, dogs, etc. do you have any thoughts on expanding our trail system?
5. And do you have any other suggestions for getting around Grapevine by bike or on foot?
I know your time is limited and valuable and we really appreciate your feedback.
Thanks again for running and for responding.
Terry Musar, Bike Friendly Grapevine
Responses:
Mayoral Race-
William D Tate (incumbent)
- Now bikers have unlimited use of our roads and trials. Some roads are pretty narrow and some have curves especially around the lake. I worry about biker’s safety though we have not to my knowledge had any accidents. I would be interested in looking at a comprehensive plan developed by our Park and Recreation staff and board, to put bikes in safety corridors and would like a public hearing to take community impute before we make a final decision.
- Bicycles are a way of life and are often used in our community. I am interested in any suggestions to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclist. I do worry about safety. We have reworked Main Street to provide greater safety for pedestrians. Safety is always an issue to consider. I personally like seeing the bikes.
- The bikes are allowed on our commuter trains which is important because there is not many alternatives available at the end of the commuter line. Especially in Fort Worth. Those coming to Grapevine with their bicycles have a lot of alternatives to ride and enjoy here. We need to get people and bikers back on the trains which is a real concern.
- We now have 67 miles of connecting trials which is probably the highest per capita in Texas. We are in the center of the system and it will naturally continue to expand.
- A lot of people have figured out the best routes and paths. I do not ride a bike, so I have not explored those possibilities but believe with have provided inviting alternatives to bikers.
Nick Kaufman
Hi Terry and thank you for reaching out. Great questions. I have responded below.
1. Would you support a comprehensive on-road bike plan for the city? Yes, I am a biker myself. We need to create and connect a network of trails and bike lanes that will promote safety and security. I am in support of encouraging our residents to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
2. Would you support a Safe Passing ordinance to protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists? Yes, I would support a safe passing ordinance like the one that has been put in place in several Texas cities. This Safe Passing Bill states that it will establish a standard safe passing distance of 3 ft (or 6 ft for Commercial Vehicles) that only applies when road conditions allow. It also prohibits the “right hook” (turning dangerously in front of a vulnerable road user) and failing to yield when making a left turn at an intersection.
3. How do you see bikes playing a transportation role for visitors arriving by train in Grapevine? I believe more and more cyclists are traveling in the train with their bikes and are choosing to ride and experience our city trails. I expect this to increase as more people feel comfortable to travel by train after the pandemic and as restrictions continue to be lifted. Bike use will only increase across the metroplex as our community continues to mature. Whenever you get off a train in Europe, you see hundreds of parked bikes. We are eventually heading in this direction and we should have a long-term plan in place.
4. Given the increase of uses on our trails by pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchairs, skaters, dogs, etc. do you have any thoughts on expanding our trail system?I will always be in support of any item that expands our trails and outdoor green spaces for people to enjoy. One of the good things that came from last year, is getting people back outside and enjoying mother nature. Trails are a great way to encourage people to do that safely.
5. And do you have any other suggestions for getting around Grapevine by bike or on foot? I believe we need an ongoing master plan for our infrastructure and roads. As improvements are made, bike lanes and sidewalks can be included keeping our residents’ health and wellbeing as a top priority.
City Council Place 2
Sharon Spenser Rogers (incumbent)
Hello Terry,
As you may know, it is a very busy season and I apologize for this late response. Your inquiry was one of 19 I have received.
My practice is to study and analyze the ideas and information which come before the Council. Only with full details and complete information on a given topic can a wise decision be reached because while the devil is in the details, so too can be the crowning glory that makes a project worthy of consideration.
Having attended Council meetings for several years, I trust you recognize that I give my full attention to all topics and render a decision that is in the best interest of our wonderful city and our citizens.
Kind regards,
Sharron (Spencer) Rogers
Theresa Lopez Strayer
Thank you, Terry for allowing me to answer your five questions. For the first question. I surely do support a comprehensive on-road plan, for our city. I love seeing cyclists’ riders enjoying the outdoors and exercising. For the second question. Yes, I would support a Safe Passing ordinance to protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. I viewed our city as a place to come and enjoy, even if you’re not a resident, just the same as our lake. Anything that can make it safer is always a good thing. For the third question. I think with the proper rules and safety restrictions that bikers coming in to visit our city would absolutely love to have them available when they arrive at the train station. Reservations in an orderly manner. For the fourth question. Being honest, no I have not given any thought to the expansion of our trail system, however, it could be presented to the council on what you, as cyclists would like to see. For your fifth question. Yes, I think that our Grapevine transportation buses could have routes going around the city to help lessen traffic. Times of operations, pick-up and drop off booth locations. Once again thank you for asking, I love seeing you all ride and our driving public need to be aware of your presence.... Enjoy and be safe.
City Council Place 1
Paul Slechta (incumbent-running unopposed)
1. Would you support a comprehensive on-road bike plan for the city?
Yes! To me an on-road bike plan would allow cyclists to enjoy the roads safely. It would
also promote a healthier Grapevine. I think a public hearing on this subject would be a great start.
2. Would you support a Safe Passing ordinance to protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists?
I am in favor of any measures that will make it safer for both pedestrians and cyclists.
3. How do you see bikes playing a transportation role for visitors arriving by train in Grapevine?
I still see people getting on and off the train with their bikes. Of course, not as many as before Covid. Bike use is only going to increase, and the train is a perfect opportunity for cyclists to come enjoy our trails as well as everything else our city has to offer.
4. Given the increase of uses on our trails by pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchairs, skaters, dogs, etc. do you have any thoughts on expanding our trail system?
I only see the activity on our trails increasing in the future. I am confident that our trail system will continue to expand. A recent example would be the Silver Lake Park Project, renamed Settlers Park (located near the Hilton). Developments include pedestrian trails, nature trails, primitive camping, picnic facilities and a fishing pier. This project was made possible by the 15.9-acre land donation from Grapevine Equity Partners, LLC. In addition to the activities at Settler's Park, the new trails will connect to the over 67-mile city-wide trail system and link over 1,00 acres of park space.
5. And do you have any other suggestions for getting around Grapevine by bike or on foot?
Just that we continue to work to improve access as well as signage for pedestrians and cyclists.