Don Friend

Mankato Candidate Questionnaire

The following responses were submitted by Don Friend as part of the Greater Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates 2026 Candidate Questionnaire.

Responses are presented as submitted and have not been edited for content.

1. Would (or do) you feel safe biking and/or using an e-scooter as a primary mode of transportation for short and medium-length trips in Mankato?

Yes

1b. Why or why not?

With some planning, there are routes safe for cyclists in Mankato. That being said, there are many places that are not bicycle- or scooter-friendly and need improved active transportation corridors.

2. What do you think the city should do to improve safety and convenience of bicycling (and other micromobility) in Mankato?

Increase the number of bump-outs as well as dedicated bike/walk paths and trails, as well as sand and plow them regularly in winter.

3. Please provide ideas to improve connections to the trail systems for those neighborhoods that don’t have safe access to improve active transportation opportunities.

Increase public transit to trails, expand bicycle networks to and from residential areas and to and from retail areas to existing trails.

4. What do you think the city should do to promote and/or incentivize alternatives to driving, such as bikes, scooters, and walking, in Mankato?

Increase education on public transportation and driving alternatives in the schools and in workplaces. Publicize organizations or opportunities such as Week Without Driving, create carpool and rideshare opportunities, and implement Safe Routes to Schools programs in all local schools.

5. What do you think the city’s policy should be on shared scooters, bike-share, and other micromobility devices?

Have them available throughout the city, along with clearly marked guidelines for age limits for e-scooters and e-bikes, as well as for safe operation.

6. Should the city consider adding traffic calming to motor vehicle cut-through traffic on residential streets that are often used as thoroughfares?

Yes

6b. If you answered yes to question #6, please provide some traffic calming suggestions.

Increase the number and frequency of bump-outs and medians. To prepare the city for this, consider multiple demonstration projects set-up in partnership MnDOT.

7. Are you in favor of reducing the speed limit in residential areas to 20 mph, unless otherwise posted?

Yes

8. What can the city do to improve walkability, including wheelchair and other mobility devices, access through the winter, keeping sidewalks and paths clear of snow and ice?

Include plowing and sanding and salting of bike paths as a regular part of city snowplow duties.

9. How can the city work with local businesses to improve bike parking throughout Mankato (specifically older businesses that existed prior to adoption of the biking ordinance)?

Create a program, i.e. set aside funds, to add a certain number of bike racks per year throughout the city for older businesses. Bike rack design should more than the unwieldy city standard wrought iron bike rack that is not even clear it’s a bike rack.

10. What mode(s) of transportation do you use, and why?

I usually bike or walk to work because it is relatively close to my home and it is expensive to park. Otherwise, I usually drive.

11. Would you support the city developing and facilitating an active transportation advisory committee?

Yes