November 2022 Election 2022 San Anselmo Town Council Candidate Questionnaire

2. If you own a bike, what type of bike(s) do you have and ride? If not, when was the last time you rode a bike, and where (on vacation, for example)?

Steve Burdo: 

I own a City Bike that I bought at a yard sale in Terra Linda in 2009. At the time, I did not have need for a car because my office was in San Rafael and I was using bike as my primary form of transit (as I had since I moved to Marin in 2006). The bike has stayed with me through the years and is now used for errands or rides around town.

Ford Greene:

Ibis Ripley carbon mountain bike: since April 2018: I have over 10,000 mountain miles on it.
Trek Fuel mountain bike
Colnago C-40 carbon Road Bike

Tarrell Kullaway:

I have ALL the bikes – every kind – all made by my late husband except my e-cargo bike which is a Benno Boost.

Guy Meyer:

My last two bikes were a Trek and a Schwinn. I rode them everywhere for everything, commute, errands.

Vision

3. In your own words, describe your vision for the future of transportation in San Anselmo.

Steve Burdo: 

• Less cars, with a greater percentage of electric vehicles and infrastructure to support them.

• Better public transit options that make it easier for people to transition from cars to a more bike/ped and public transit oriented commuter plan.

• More bike lanes coupled with the necessary protections that make it safer for people to bike in our town and region.

• A more walkable and bikable downtown.

• Thoughtful traffic planning at the hub that places a better emphasis on bike and pedestrian traffic and safety.

Ford Greene:

As building residences continues, traffic will increase. As traffic gets worse, people will be more inclined to use both analogue and e-bikes as a matter of both efficiency and convenience. In San Anselmo, we have bicycle routes which will continue to guide usage. To think that San Anselmo Avenue will be blocked off to cars is neither practical nor realistic. It will continue to be shared.

The east-west improvements in San Rafael on the west end of Second Street will greatly improve the lack of good east/west bikeways running from Fairfax/San Anselmo along Greenfield to San Rafael and the Transit Center.

Tarrell Kullaway:

I have a vision that everyone who is capable of riding a bike rides everywhere, every day for fun and to get around. I’d like bikes to be the first thing most people think of when they leave their house to run an errand. Not everyone can ride or walk easily, but those who can should be able to ride or walk without concern for their safety. I envision a San Anselmo where parents have zero worries about the safety of their children walking to the park, a place where older adults are able to stay active and healthy well into their late years by walking and riding on streets and trails that are 100% safe.

Guy Meyer:

 My vision for the future of transportation in San Anselmo is a world of pedestrians, bicyclists, & public transportation, with more and more people finding life simpler using cars less or even a lifestyle car-free.

Traffic

A large proportion of peak hour traffic is made of people driving their children to school. While some people live too far to easily walk or bike to school, many parents are simply afraid to let their children travel by foot or by bicycle because of the high volume and speeds of car traffic.

4. What strategies would make more parents feel safe with their children walking or biking to school, thereby reducing traffic and making everyone else’s trip to school a little safer?

Steve Burdo: 

With respect to San Anselmo, I would first point to the great work that’s been done around Brookside, Hidden Valley, and Wade Thomas through the Safe Routes to School Program. Additionally, I think our current council has done a good job of prioritizing bike/ped interests by forming the first-ever town Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

I live right next to Archie Williams High School and see countless kids each week biking and walking right next to speeding cars on SFD Blvd during peak commute hours with zero protection. Bike/ped safety is a big concern for many, particularly parents, and something I have been proud.

To make people feel more safe I would recommend the following:

• Increased enforcement of speed limit during peak commute hours.

• Reduce the speed limit on SFD and other town roads where needed.

• Increase bike lane access and safety on main thoroughfares and improve road/sidewalk/bike lane conditions on routes that are designated by Safe Routes to School.

• Increase signage and public information about recommended bike routes for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Ford Greene:

As a child from the First or Second Grade on, I rode my bike or walked a mile and half each way every day from our home in Winship Park to Ross School. Now, an effective response would be to organize kids into commuting groups that are chaperoned by one or more adults gleaned from the families of children who are riding their bikes or walking. Parents would feel safer knowing that their children are part of a group of kids and that group of kids is protected by an interested parent on a bike. Like developing any other good habit, the hardest part is starting the habit and gaining momentum. Bike riding is fun and efficient. People just need to start.

Tarrell Kullaway:

• Bike/Ped infrastructure that physically separates cars from people who walk and bike.

• Slow cars through speed calming practices such as speed cameras

• In 2024, a new state policy will enable us to lower speed limits. Studies show that lowering speed limits to 20MPH in school zones SAVES LIVES. I will ask town staff to review areas where speed limits can be reduced and push to implement 20MPH in school zones. I will then push for the money raised through speeding tickets in those areas to go to Safe Routes to Schools programming – on bike safety education in the schools.

Guy Meyer:

When I was in grammar school we had a ‘Safety Patrol’ . The older kids (6th graders) were proud to wear an over-the-shoulder belt that had a little medal on it. We had assigned routes that met every morning and again at the end of the day. We walked the equivalent of approximately 4 or 5 city blocks bringing our various  ‘flocks’ to school and home again. In this way, perhaps older children and/or even parents could supervise walking, walking bicycles or riding bikes to school a little safer.

A survey from the Transportation Authority of Marin (Figure 18, p. 51) found that over half of Marinites would like to bike more than they currently do. This backs up research that shows that over 50% of adults are interested in biking, but concerned about the threat of fast-moving cars.

5. What concrete steps can be taken to allay these concerns and make people feel safe on bicycles?

Steve Burdo: 

Similar to my above answer:

To make people feel more safe I would recommend the following:

• Increased enforcement of speed limit during peak commute hours.

• Reduce the speed limit on SFD and other town roads where needed.

• Increase bike lane access and safety on main thoroughfares and improve road/sidewalk/bike lane conditions on routes that are designated by Safe Routes to School.

• Increase signage and public information about recommended bike routes for bicyclists and pedestrians.

• Cultivate a more accepting culture of bicycle and pedestrian transportation.

Ford Greene:

The biggest threat from moving cars is generated by people who have their noses in their phones. A public education program utilizing public banners in conjunction with stepped up police enforcement would help this. In addition, to the maximum extent possible, separating intense auto usage by means of bike lanes would help, e.g., a bike lane along Center between Fairfax and San Anselmo; there is enough room on the shoulder to do this. Also, a public education program helping drivers know how to manage driving in proximity to cyclists would help. Many drivers do not know how to safely pass cyclists and therefore do not pass and instead of passing become frustrated. Public education directed at cyclists not to ride side by side in high traffic areas, and to stay to the right when cars are around would help, too.

I would also continue to advocate for “Idaho Stop” rules. Idaho’s rule is pretty straightforward. If a cyclist approaches a stop sign, he or she needs to slow down and look for traffic. If there’s already a pedestrian, car, or another bike there, then the other vehicle has the right of way. If there’s no traffic, however, the cyclist can slowly proceed. Basically, for bikers, a stop sign is a yield sign. If a cyclist approaches a red light, meanwhile, he or she needs to stop fully. Again, if there’s any oncoming traffic or a pedestrian, it has the right of way. If there’s not, the cyclist can proceed cautiously through the intersection. Put simply, red light is a stop sign

Tarrell Kullaway:

• Physically separate cars from bikes

• Lower speed limits

Guy Meyer:

The threat of fast moving cars is very real, particularly with drivers who lack good precautionary skills.  They often do not see anything except what is right in front of them and even then they can be distracted.  Bicyclists also need to realize that they are fast moving vehicles and their actions can represent a threat to pedestrians and others.  I would like to see San Anselmo take a more active role in preventing commuters from using local streets to bypass the Hub Intersection.

Safety

Traffic deaths and injuries are on the rise, both nationally and in Marin (this includes all road users, not just bicyclists). Many cities in California have enacted so-called Vision Zero
resolutions, setting an explicit goal to eliminate traffic deaths.

6. If elected to town Council, will you support such a resolution? If so, what actions do you see as being needed to improve safety? What are the relative roles of infrastructure, enforcement, and education?

Steve Burdo: 

I would absolutely support that resolution. As the current Vice-Mayor of San Anselmo, I’d be happy to sponsor the resolution.

Ford Greene:

Yes. Measures set forth in my response to Question 5.

Personal Experience: In 2001, the day before the Terrible Two in Sonoma County that I was registered to ride, while descending White’s Hill into Fairfax on my road bike I was been hit by a car that tried to pass and then corrected into me and spent five days in Marin General’s Intensive Care Unit as a result. As an endurance rider on the road, I have experienced drivers playing “chicken” with me, throwing full cans of soda and rocks at me and pepper spraying me.

Infrastructure: Better separation of cars and bikes in high density areas; better demarked and more bike lanes.

Enforcement: More tickets for people who drive distractedly and/or with their noses in their phones instead of keeping their eyes on the road. Idaho Stop rules for bikes.

Education: as to cars, how to drive when in proximity of cyclists. As to bikes, how to ride when in proximity of cars.

Tarrell Kullaway:

Absolutely.

Infrastructure: lower speed limits and physical separation

Enforcement: focus on cars speeding

Education: Increased funding to the Safe Routes to Schools program

Guy Meyer:

I do not have enough information on what Vision Zero actually proposes. Though I have found the website I would need more information as to what proposals are on the table. As mentioned I would like to see San Anselmo take a more active role in preventing commuters from using local streets to bypass the Hub Intersection. I actively advocate that we build an ethic of working where you live and or Public Transportation commutes. Perhaps with tax credits.I propose we halt mandated density and prepare for and build a more Green Peaceful community. I advocate the people of San Anselmo embrace a SloMo ethic and see how much fun that could be if we began dedicating some days for that if not every Sunday

Climate Change

The latest IPCC report states clearly that greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced quickly in order to stave off the worst effects of climate change. According to San Anselmo’s most recent Greenhouse Gas Inventory, transportation accounts for a majority (53%) of local greenhouse gas emissions. Given that battery electric cars make up 3% of California’s vehicle fleet, and only 12% of new cars sold.

7. does reducing overall driving have a role in meeting our climate targets? If so, what policies can support transit, walking, and bicycling in place of driving for short trips?

Steve Burdo: 

I believe it does. And while the percentage of battery electric vehicles in San Anselmo is likely higher than the state average, the point remains – one of the best ways San Anselmo can achieve and/or exceed our climate targets is to reduce vehicle miles traveled.

I believe the best policies for doing so are remote work policies. These policies became much more acceptable and widespread due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As someone who benefited from such policies, my weekly vehicle miles traveled in my Ford Escape Hybrid dropped by 75%. I was proud to support the Town’s remote work policy during the pandemic and support making the program a permanent fixture.

Beyond remote work, two other policies that would work towards that goal in San Anselmo would be 1) creating better public transit options, and 2) creating better and safer bike/pedestrian access on main roads and transfer routes.

Ford Greene:

Yes. Reducing driving gasoline-powered cars is imperative. One policy is making it easier to possess, drive and charge electric cars. More public charging stations.

Policies that make biking and walking safer and easier will help. Also, public education programs that show how biking is faster, leads to better physical fitness and is more fun than driving cars will help move public attention toward being more open to riding and walking for short trips.

Tarrell Kullaway:

Yes. E-cars help, but they contribute to toxic runoff in our precious watershed. They are also very resource-heavy to produce. Walking, biking and transit need to be a part of the solution.

We will need to get to a place where people don’t automatically reach for their car keys. As more and more people experience the joys of getting around by bike, more are taking up the cause. I, myself, have committed to taking all trips 4 miles or less by bike or foot. Not everyone is physically able to do this, but those who are can really make an impact.

Guy Meyer:

Yes indeed. Reducing overall driving not only helps create a safer environment for bicyclists and pedestrians but it is ‘the low hanging fruit’ as some have described the process of doing what you are able. If everyone attempted to designate once a week car-free day then you have something very tangible. The biggest policy I will stand for is believing that the people have the power. That when asked the people will respond. When the people respond willingly we begin to turn the world around.. on to a sustainable track. 

Project Delivery

Bicycle/pedestrian plan implementation is notoriously slow with typically fewer than one new bike lane project opening every year.

8. What steps would you take to hasten the project delivery process from inception to ribbon-cutting?

Steve Burdo: 

1) At the outset – Meet with the town manager, pubic works director and other relevant staff and stakeholders to agree upon the plan and timeline.

2) Throughout – Work with staff and stakeholders to ensure the plan remains on track and do everything I can on the council to expedite the process.

This is the simple process I followed in my efforts to make the needed improvements to Memorial Park happen. In April of 2019, I brought together both supporters and opponents of Measure M, the 2019 San Anselmo ballot measure to improve Memorial Park. Working together, we came up with a plan and a three year timeline to make improvements to the playground, skate park, drainage and irrigation system, playing fields and the walk/bike path around the park. As we are approaching the three year mark, the final piece of the project – the replacement of the fields, drainage and irrigation system – recently began on Sept. 6th and will be finished in November, right on schedule.

Ford Greene:

The recent 100-plus degree multiday heat wave should help people recognize the consequences of the continued failure to reduce GHG fast enough. Project speed can be built into the legislation adopted at the Town Council level by requiring performance benchmarks on a timeline to be included in the contract for construction.

Tarrell Kullaway:

Absolutely everything I can.

Guy Meyer:

I urge all bicyclists to join in the relaxed culture of San Anselmo. San Anselmo is an idyllic town in many ways and as a bicyclist for many years there is hardly an area I can imagine that is as Bicycle friendly as San Anselmo and the Ross Valley. Any Bike lanes through San Anselmo neighborhood Streets should be an item that clearly benefited all. Our own local activities will gradually deliver an awesome Green future, wherein new asphalt need not be added but can be gradually removed.

In all things, there is a tension between “perfect but slow” and “quick and good enough.” Recent years have seen a move toward so-called “quick-build” infrastructure, allowing reconfiguration of streets to facilitate safer walking/biking without a years-long engineering process. While quick-build projects may be less aesthetically pleasing than the standard process, they are cheaper and happen much faster.

9. How do you rank aesthetic concerns of biking/waking infrastructure in comparison to those of cost and project speed?

Steve Burdo: 

As someone who works in the area of public safety, I always believe in safety first and care much less about aesthetics. I also like to get things done, so I’m naturally supportive of quick build projects.

Ford Greene:

At this point getting the project implemented quickly has a higher priority than making it aesthetically pleasing.

Tarrell Kullaway:

We need to get projects on the ground as fast as possible so people can experience the joys of safe cycling and walking. Studies show that once these projects are implemented, they almost always become cherished and the public fights for them to be made permanent.

Guy Meyer:

I believe all projects should be judged on how they impact local neighborhoods, with the goal for every community to work on an annual reduction of Carbon Emissions. I think we have to proceed very carefully at imposing biking infrastructure. ‘Project speed’ seems to me to be a questionable motivation, prone to outcomes not foreseen, and too much like the way the world is currently run. (not particularly for the benefit of all Life)

Car Parking

Much of Marin has narrow streets, but on-street parking typically takes up between 30-40% of the street space between the curbs, and is often in tension with the need for dedicated bike lanes.

10. In your mind, are bike lanes ever sufficiently important to justify removing on-street parking, and in what circumstances would you consider that to be the case?

Steve Burdo: 

I believe they are, depending on the road and traffic flow (including bike/ped). One circumstance that comes to mind is where parking is creating an impediment to dedicated bike routes where a bike lane would make conditions safer.

Ford Greene:

Yes. When there is a street of high bike use, a bike lane may preempt parking that impedes the flow of bike transportation.

Tarrell Kullaway:

In most cases.
All studies show that the only way to change behavior away from driving is to incentivize not driving by making it the cheaper option. Free parking is shown again and again to prevent
people from walking or biking.

Guy Meyer:

Re: Narrow Streets and Bike Lanes. I believe we can change our world by peacefully adapting, changing our own behaviour might change the world. I would have to see an example, I don’t know if narrow back streets need ‘Bike Lanes’.