Benton Bakke

North Mankato Candidate Questionnaire

The following responses were submitted by Benton Bakke 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 North Mankato?

Yes

1b. Why or why not?

There are some parts of North Mankato that are less safe feeling on the bike, but there are many residential areas where traffic moves at a calmer pace that I can use to get where I'm going.

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

I think that a system to assist cyclists in going from Lower North to Upper North would be a big help in improving the convenience of active transportation. Making the bus lines free to use, and all equipped with bike racks, would also make it easier to get around without using a personal vehicle.

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.

We have some excellent trails in North Mankato, especially in Lower North. In Upper North, I'd like to see a bike lane added connecting the trail that goes from the end of Mary Lane to Spring Lake Park all the way to Culvers, where it would connect with the trail that goes parallel to Highway 14. The sidewalks on the Lor Ray bridge over 14 need to be made wider and more protected from traffic. Crossings to and from the bridge would benefit from a push-button-for-flashing-lights system, as well.

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

Studies have shown that getting people out of the car is most easily accomplished by frustrating the flow of traffic. I don't think that going out of our way to do this would be the best option, though; repaving and overhauling roads is the best time to narrow roads and add in calming features. I think that designing walkways and biking areas that are attractive, to draw them out of cars instead of repulsing them out of cars, is a better strategy. I'd like to pilot a food boulevard and native boulevard program in places where we want to encourage more foot and bike traffic.

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

We want to make sure that children aren't using electric mobility equipment that can go speeds that are unsafe for them, but I would push for openness to the city having shared mobility options. This is something I would want to do in concert with Mankato, because if the system stops at the river, folks won't be as likely to use it. I would want to study what strategies for a system like this would lead to the best outcomes and participation before implementing anything large, though.

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.

Many residents are not fans of roundabouts, but designs of roads that include bump-outs and other constrictions, making the road do slight zig-zags so drivers can't just go straight, and allowing trees and signs to be uncomfortably close to the road are the sort of calming strategies that I would be very comfortable with advocating for. Road diets are not universally applicable, but when a road needs to be fully redone, it should be considered whether narrowing the road and widening the sidewalk is appropriate to the context.

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?

I definitely want to see wider sidewalks where possible, and an increased priority for clearing trails after snow. I'd also consider trialing having the city keep the sidewalks clear on some streets, with some of the cost paid by homeowners.

9. How can the city work with local businesses to improve bike parking throughout North Mankato?

Mandating bicycle parking areas for new businesses, and allowing businesses to reduce parking lot requirements with greater bike parking provision.

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

I bike to nearby parks when I can, because I enjoy experiencing the environment on the way.

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

Yes