District 3: Blake McCrary
In a typical week, how often do you travel by transit, bicycle, or foot, without the use of a car? Would you commit to going car-free for one week per year?
I ride the Frontrunner train to Lehi 3x per week and have logged over 2,000 miles on my Rad Power e-bikes biking throughout Salt Lake City. I believe in leading by example when it comes to sustainable transportation and city livability. I would gladly commit to going car-free for one week each year.
Community councils continuously field complaints of drivers speeding in neighborhoods. How would you address this in your district?
Speeding on residential streets is one of the top concerns I hear from Avenues residents—especially along 2nd and 3rd Avenue. On 3rd, there’s an eight-block stretch with no stop signs and a downhill grade that encourages cars to exceed 35 mph. I’d work with Transportation to install a few speed humps (less steep than what we have today) or a stop sign mid-corridor, and to add more painted crosswalks and raised intersections near Wasatch Elementary.
In light of SB 195, which took away much of the autonomy the city had with its streets, how does the city government work with the state going forward? How does the city continue to make progress on its goals?
SB 195 was a clear signal that SLC needs to do a better job engaging residents and coordinating with the state. To make progress, we need a citywide bike map that’s clear, consistent, and predictable so residents and UDOT both know which corridors are meant for bikes and which are not. Once that plan is adopted, the city should invest in making those designated routes truly excellent, rather than scattering resources across half-finished projects. Think more 9-lines and fewer painted bike lanes.
At the same time, City Council must rebuild trust by staying closely in touch with neighborhood concerns. SB 195 came in part because SLC residents felt unheard. If Chris Wharton had a better pulse on the needs of his district, we likely wouldn't have SB 195 today.
