Sandra Oachs

North Mankato Candidate Questionnaire

The following responses were submitted by Sandra Oachs 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?

I enjoy biking for recreation and generally feel comfortable on the trails I use around my neighborhood near Highway 41. I use other parts of the network less often, so I cannot speak to every route. For me, a bike or scooter would not be practical as my primary transportation: I transport code-regulated food, paperwork, and tools for work, and my daily trip between upper and lower North Mankato includes the hill. I’m not physically fit enough—or have the endurance (yet)—to accomplish such a feat every day.

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

Safety should always come first, especially on routes children and families use to reach schools and activities. The city’s Active Transportation Action Plan (ATAP) identifies crossings and missing connections that need attention. Improving those links would make trips to schools, trails, and businesses safer and easier by bike or scooter. Prioritizing the projects means weighing safety benefit, cost, and ongoing maintenance. I also want more e-bike education and an easier way for young riders and their families to find information about available trails, where bikes and scooters can be used, the rules and speeds, and how to share streets and trails.

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.

The ATAP proposes a protected trail along Lookout Drive to connect Upper and Lower North Mankato. Where a neighborhood sidewalk stops short of a trail, extending it would complete that connection. Where a busy street cuts off access, the crossing needs attention. Walking and biking audits with neighborhood residents would show where routes break down and which improvements would make the biggest difference.

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 can promote walking, biking, and scootering with clear maps showing nearby trails, routes to schools and businesses, and where each type of travel is allowed. The city would keep that information current; schools could share it in family materials or make it available at conferences, and businesses could display a map or QR code for customers and employees. Local groups could use those same routes for walks or rides that let residents try them together. I’m open to other incentives, but I’d want to know their cost and whether they would help people make trips they otherwise wouldn’t.

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

I’m open to shared bikes and scooters, provided there are clear rules for where they can be used and parked, and sidewalks remain accessible for people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. An operator needs to be responsible for maintaining the devices, responding to complaints, and removing those left in the wrong place. I’d want the costs and responsibilities clear before the city agrees to a program, then review how it works before making a long-term commitment.

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.

I do support testing measures, but it also depends upon the street configuration. Options could include more visible or raised crossings, curb extensions, or speed bumps. Before making any change permanent, it’s important to understand whether it actually slows traffic versus shifting the problem to another neighborhood street or interferes with emergency access.

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 would start by hearing from people who walk or use wheelchairs and other mobility devices about where routes are difficult or incomplete, then look at those locations to identify practical improvements. For winter access, I would review complaints and check reported routes after snowfalls, including sidewalks, curb ramps, crossings, and paths. That would help the city address specific gaps rather than assume the same solution is needed everywhere.

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

Over the years, the city has added bike racks in business areas, including downtown Belgrade and Commerce Drive. The city could ask local businesses and regular cyclists where additional racks may be needed, then work with property owners to choose practical locations. For each location, the city and businesses should be clear about who provides the space, pays for and installs the rack, and maintains it.

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

Most days, I drive because it’s the practical choice for my work responsibilities. I’ve also used ride-sharing services, walked, and biked to places. Cycling is something I really enjoy for recreation—I even completed a mini-triathlon, which was a lot of fun. My current commitments don’t leave as much time for biking as I’d like, but I hope to ride more often in the future.

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

Yes