Peter Garner

North Mankato Candidate Questionnaire

The following responses were submitted by Peter Garner 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?

Currently I feel safe biking in Lower North as the neighborhood is generally navegable despite the lack of established bike lanes. If I had a scooter, I would feel comfortable traveling to Upper North if needed as there is the established bike trail along 14. I greatly enjoy biking from my house to Belgrade Ave or taking the Gran Fondo Loop when I have time for a long ride.

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

The City of North Mankato should consider putting a bike/scooter lane on multiple corridors, including Belgrade Ave, Lookout Dr, Judson Bottom Rd, Lee Blvd and Webster Ave. Fortunately the planned roundabout on 169 and Lookout Dr will make bicycling safer and more accessible at busy intersections.

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.

Ideas to improve connections to trail systems include improved and increased trail signage, a dedicated section of the City website for trail maps and information, and safety measures for busy intersections such as Lookout Dr and Judson Bottom Rd so residents can access these areas.

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?

The City should promote alternatives to driving by striving to incorporate North Mankato into the Greater Mankato bike community. This can look like including North Mankato in the Mankato River Ramble, encouraging Nicollet Bike and Ski and local clubs to sponsor events in North Mankato, and potentially hosting local events centered around alternative activities. The City should also incorporate and promote clean energy initiatives as part of the Climate Action Plan, to reduce emissions and reduce noise pollution in the community.

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

The City should promote and establish guidelines for the incorporation of shared-use corridors including roads and trails. These guidelines would be around speed limit, merging and right-of way rules, and requirements for bikers/scooters to follow traffic laws and etiquette.

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.

Some ways to add traffic calming measures include one putting speed bumps on busier streets such as Center St, Range St, Howard Dr, and Lake St to name a few. Another way is to continue installing 4-way stops; make the intersection of Sherman St and Belgrade Ave as a permanent stop.

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?

The City should continue to require that local businesses keep sidewalks clear during the winter. The City should also assume responsibility for keeping public pathways clear; as it can be difficult for some residents to clear these pathways and it hinders alternative transportation and walkability.

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

The City should establish expanded bike parking in busy areas such as the existing structure at the Spring Lake Park Pool. The City can also always put in more bike racks at local business to help improve bike parking.

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

I regularly drive and use my bike. I use my car for long distance and activities such as grocery shopping or doing errands in Upper North. I use my bike to go short distances and for casual outings that do not require loading multiple materials. Using my bike helps reduce congestion and pollution in our community and is a great form of exercise.

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

Yes