Jessica Hatanpa

Mankato Candidate Questionnaire

The following responses were submitted by Jessica Hatanpa 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?

1b. Why or why not?

I don’t feel comfortable with the number of scooters and e-bikes on the road. I don’t think enough riders or drivers understand the rules of the road, age limits and which roads or trails these should be ridden on. Regular biking on some of the beautiful trails in and around Mankato are typically safe and well maintained. However, riding through some of the older neighborhoods is difficult with narrow roads and parking on both sides.

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

I believe the city can continue to make trail and sidewalk connections, when appropriate, while doing construction projects. I think signs reminding e riders of rules would be useful on trails or near parks. I also think consistent social media messaging from the city would keep residents informed of current and changing rules of the road.

I would love to have public safety go into schools, Vine, and college campuses to teach bike/scooter/ebike rules and safety. There is a need for education at all ages.

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.

Keeping an updated inventory of trails and sidewalks will allow the city to plan for those connections when local road or other infrastructure projects are planned nearby.

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?

The city has a large social media reach and uses the Convention and Visitors Bureau as its connection to leisure and activities in our area. Both should do more to promote all the trails that are available to residents.

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

I think these should continue to be explored. As companies expand options to different cities, Mankato should be open to discussions with different companies and new technologies.

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.

Bump outs, mini roundabouts, traffic signs, flashing lights and chicanes should be reviewed in every street project to see if appropriate based on the neighborhood.

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

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?

Encouraging residents to report broken sidewalks and businesses or residential homes that do not clear the snow in a timely manner, will increase the ease of travel for everyone using those sidewalks.

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)?

The city could use social media, mailings or knock on the door to inform building owners that many residents find it useful to have bike rakes near by. Residents should also encourage places they frequent to add bike rakes.

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

Car- my work and children’s school is not close to my house. Having active children and 2 jobs I make several trips around town everyday.

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

Maybe