Wendy Bozel
Candidate for: Mayor
wendy4baltimore.org
Describe your vision of a healthy, safe, and equitable transportation system for Baltimore city and what roles walking, biking, and public transportation play in that vision.
A vision for a healthy, safe, and equitable transportation system in Baltimore City involves creating an environment where all residents can easily access affordable, efficient, and sustainable transportation options regardless of their socioeconomic status or physical abilities. This vision prioritizes the well-being and safety of individuals, promotes active lifestyles, reduces environmental impact, and fosters social inclusion and economic opportunity. Walking, biking, and public transportation play crucial roles in achieving this vision:
Walking: Promoting walking as a primary mode of transportation enhances public health by encouraging physical activity and reducing air pollution. A healthy transportation system in Baltimore City should prioritize the creation and maintenance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian bridges, and well-lit pathways. Implementing traffic calming measures and pedestrian-friendly urban design further enhances safety and accessibility for pedestrians. Additionally, promoting walkable neighborhoods with mixed land uses encourages residents to walk for daily errands, recreation, and commuting.
Biking: Biking infrastructure plays a vital role in providing residents with safe and convenient options for active transportation. Investing in bike lanes, protected bike paths, bike-sharing programs, and secure bike parking facilities encourages more people to choose cycling as a mode of transportation. A comprehensive bike network that connects neighborhoods, commercial areas, schools, and employment centers promotes equity by providing affordable transportation options for all residents. Furthermore, supporting initiatives such as bike education programs, community bike workshops, and bike-friendly policies fosters a culture of cycling and ensures the safety of cyclists on Baltimore's streets.
Public Transportation: A robust public transportation system is the backbone of an equitable transportation system in Baltimore City. Investing in reliable, affordable, and accessible public transit services, including buses, light rail, and subway, reduces traffic congestion, improves air quality, and enhances mobility for residents, particularly those without access to private vehicles. Prioritizing transit-oriented development encourages compact, mixed-use developments around transit hubs, increasing access to jobs, education, healthcare, and recreational opportunities. Moreover, implementing fare equity policies, enhancing bus frequency and reliability, and improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities ensure that public transportation meets the diverse needs of Baltimore's residents.
In conclusion, a healthy, safe, and equitable transportation system for Baltimore City prioritizes walking, biking, and public transportation as integral components. By investing in infrastructure, policies, and programs that support these modes of transportation, Baltimore can create a more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban environment for all residents.
To meet Baltimore City’s adopted climate goals, we must shift at least 10% of current automobile vehicle miles traveled to active transportation and public transit. What is your plan to achieve this goal?
Investment in Infrastructure: Allocate funding to develop and enhance infrastructure for active transportation and public transit. This includes expanding and improving bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian bridges, and bus lanes. Implement traffic calming measures in residential neighborhoods to make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Promotion and Education: Launch public awareness campaigns to promote the benefits of walking, biking, and public transit. Educate residents about available transportation options, route maps, schedules, and safety tips. Work with schools, community organizations, and employers to encourage walking and biking to school and work through programs such as Safe Routes to School and commuter challenges.
Complete Streets Policy: Implement a Complete Streets policy that ensures all transportation projects consider the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users, and motorists. Prioritize the design and construction of streets that accommodate multiple modes of transportation safely and efficiently.
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Encourage transit-oriented development around public transit hubs to promote mixed-use, walkable communities. Offer incentives for developers to build affordable housing, retail, and commercial spaces within walking distance of transit stations. Integrate bike-sharing programs and bike parking facilities into transit-oriented developments to facilitate seamless connections between biking and public transit.
Fare Incentives and Subsidies: Implement fare incentives and subsidies to make public transit more affordable and accessible, particularly for low-income residents. Offer discounted or free transit passes for students, seniors, and individuals receiving public assistance. Explore innovative fare structures such as fare capping, income-based fares, and employer-sponsored transit benefits.
Bike Infrastructure Expansion: Expand the bike network by adding more bike lanes, protected bike paths, and bike-sharing stations throughout the city. Prioritize bike infrastructure projects in underserved neighborhoods and areas with high potential for bike commuting. Provide bike education programs, workshops, and resources to encourage safe cycling practices and build confidence among residents.
Transit Service Improvements: Enhance the quality, frequency, and reliability of public transit services to attract more riders. Invest in new buses, improved bus shelters, real-time arrival information systems, and technology upgrades to streamline transit operations and improve the passenger experience. Conduct outreach and engagement efforts to gather feedback from riders and address their needs and concerns.
Policy and Regulation Updates: Review and update zoning codes, land use regulations, and transportation policies to prioritize active transportation and public transit. Integrate climate goals, equity considerations, and health outcomes into transportation planning processes. Advocate for state and federal funding and policy support for sustainable transportation initiatives.
By implementing these strategies in collaboration with community stakeholders, government agencies, and transportation providers, Baltimore City can successfully shift a significant portion of automobile vehicle miles traveled to active transportation and public transit, contributing to the achievement of its climate goals and creating a more sustainable and equitable transportation system.
What is your plan to continue to reduce the number of injuries and deaths on Baltimore City roadways each year?
Reducing the number of injuries and deaths on Baltimore City roadways requires a multifaceted approach that addresses various factors contributing to traffic accidents.
When I was President of Upper Fells Point I wrote and received a grant for traffics calming art. We worked as a community and painted artwork on busy intersection. This caused less crashes. the following comprehensive plan to continue this reduction:
Comprehensive Traffic Safety Analysis: Conduct a thorough analysis of traffic crash data to identify high-risk areas, intersections, and corridors with a history of accidents. Utilize this data to prioritize safety improvements and target resources effectively.
Infrastructure Improvements: Invest in engineering solutions to improve roadway safety, such as installing traffic calming measures, redesigning intersections for better visibility and pedestrian safety, adding dedicated bike lanes and crosswalks, and upgrading signage and pavement markings. Implement Complete Streets principles to ensure streets accommodate all users safely.
Speed Management: Implement strategies to reduce speeding, a leading factor in traffic fatalities. This includes setting appropriate speed limits, implementing traffic calming measures (e.g., speed humps, raised crosswalks), deploying automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones and high-risk areas, and conducting targeted enforcement efforts by law enforcement
How often do you walk, bike or use public transit to reach daily destinations? If not often (or at all), what would make you more likely to use non-personal vehicle modes of transportation?
I walk to many destinations, especially work. I only have a 15 minute walk.
In 2017, Baltimore City adopted the Separated Bike Lane Network Plan Addendum to the Bike Master Plan. This called for connecting 85% of Baltimore’s neighborhoods to safe, all-ages bike infrastructure by 2022. Less than 20% of this network has been built. What would you do to accelerate implementation?
Increased Funding Allocation: Advocate for increased funding specifically earmarked for the construction of bike infrastructure projects in Baltimore City. This could involve seeking additional state, federal, and private funding sources dedicated to active transportation initiatives. Securing a stable and substantial funding stream will provide the necessary resources to accelerate the implementation of the separated bike lane network.
Streamlined Permitting and Approval Processes: Simplify and expedite the permitting and approval processes required for bike infrastructure projects. Establish a dedicated team or task force responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and implementation of bike lanes to ensure efficient coordination among city departments, agencies, and stakeholders. Reduce bureaucratic barriers and streamline decision-making to speed up the construction timeline for bike infrastructure projects.
Prioritization of High-Impact Projects: Prioritize the implementation of separated bike lanes in areas with high demand, high traffic volumes, and high rates of bike-related crashes. Identify key corridors and neighborhoods where bike infrastructure will have the most significant impact on improving safety, connectivity, and access to essential destinations such as schools, employment centers, transit hubs, and commercial districts. Focus resources on completing critical gaps in the bike network to create a more connected and cohesive system.
Community Engagement and Public Outreach: Engage with community groups, advocacy organizations, and residents to build support for bike infrastructure projects and gather input on project design and priorities. Conduct public meetings, workshops, and surveys to solicit feedback, address concerns, and generate enthusiasm for active transportation initiatives. Collaborate with local businesses, schools, and community leaders to promote the benefits of biking and foster a culture of cycling in Baltimore City.
Innovative Design Solutions: Explore innovative design solutions and pilot projects to accelerate the implementation of separated bike lanes. This could include the use of quick-build techniques such as temporary materials, paint, and bollards to create low-cost, interim bike lanes that can be installed rapidly and adjusted based on feedback and usage data. Experiment with innovative intersection treatments, signal timing, and traffic calming measures to enhance safety and usability for cyclists.
Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish performance metrics and monitoring mechanisms to track the progress and effectiveness of the separated bike lane network. Regularly evaluate the impact of bike infrastructure projects on safety, ridership, mode share, and community satisfaction. Use data-driven insights to identify areas for improvement and refine implementation strategies to ensure the continued success of the bike network expansion efforts.
By implementing these strategies and leveraging partnerships with stakeholders, Baltimore City can accelerate the implementation of the Separated Bike Lane Network Plan and make significant progress towards connecting 85% of neighborhoods to safe, all-ages bike infrastructure.
In 2018, Baltimore City received national recognition for passing the first equity driven Complete Streets ordinance in the country. This legislation contains a modal hierarchy prioritizing vulnerable road users and mandates best practices in roadway configuration and design. Are you committed to retaining this ordinance and the current practices and modal hierarchy it mandates?
The equity-driven Complete Streets ordinance passed by Baltimore City in 2018 represents a significant milestone in promoting safer, more accessible, and inclusive transportation infrastructure. This legislation prioritizes vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit riders, over traditional modes of transportation like private vehicles. It mandates best practices in roadway configuration and design to ensure that streets accommodate all users, regardless of their mode of transportation, age, ability, or socioeconomic status.
Retaining this ordinance and the current practices and modal hierarchy it mandates is crucial for several reasons:
Equity and Social Justice: The ordinance prioritizes equity by focusing on the needs of vulnerable road users who are often marginalized in transportation planning processes. By ensuring that transportation infrastructure serves all residents, regardless of their mode of transportation, the ordinance promotes social justice and reduces disparities in access to safe and reliable transportation options.
Safety: The modal hierarchy outlined in the ordinance emphasizes the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users, which are often more vulnerable to traffic-related injuries and fatalities than motor vehicle occupants. By prioritizing these modes of transportation, the ordinance helps create safer streets for all users, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting public health.
Health and Sustainability: Complete Streets policies promote active transportation modes like walking and cycling, which have numerous health and environmental benefits. By encouraging walking and biking as viable transportation options, the ordinance contributes to improved public health outcomes, reduced air pollution, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.
Economic Development: Complete Streets policies can also spur economic development by creating more vibrant, walkable, and bike-friendly neighborhoods. By enhancing the accessibility and attractiveness of commercial districts and mixed-use areas, the ordinance supports local businesses, increases property values, and attracts investment.
Overall, retaining the equity-driven Complete Streets ordinance and the modal hierarchy it mandates is essential for advancing transportation equity, safety, public health, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality in Baltimore City. Continuing to prioritize the needs of vulnerable road users and implementing best practices in roadway design will contribute to creating a more inclusive and livable city for all residents.
What is your position on The Red Line alternatives? If a surface route is selected, are you committed to ensuring the route has 100% dedicated right-of-way, even if it may require significant parking removal? Are you committed to the in-development multi-use trail segment along Boston Street and a parallel separated bike facility in a northern alignment, even if they may require significant parking removal as well?
The Red Line alternatives represent critical transportation infrastructure decisions for Baltimore City, with implications for mobility, accessibility, and community impact. When evaluating alternatives, it's essential to consider various factors, including transportation demand, projected ridership, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and community preferences.
If a surface route is selected for The Red Line or any transit project, ensuring 100% dedicated right-of-way can significantly enhance the effectiveness and reliability of public transit service. Dedicated right-of-way minimizes congestion and delays caused by mixed traffic, improving travel times and reliability for transit riders. However, achieving dedicated right-of-way may require trade-offs, such as the removal of parking spaces or adjustments to roadway configurations. Balancing the needs of different stakeholders and mitigating potential impacts on parking availability are essential considerations in the planning process.
Similarly, incorporating parallel separated bike facilities can enhance the safety and usability of cycling infrastructure along The Red Line route. Separated bike lanes provide dedicated space for cyclists, reducing conflicts with motor vehicles and improving the overall cycling experience. However, implementing separated bike facilities may also require adjustments to existing roadways, including the potential removal of parking spaces. Striking a balance between the needs of cyclists, transit users, motorists, and residents is crucial in designing inclusive and equitable transportation infrastructure.
Ultimately, decisions regarding The Red Line alternatives should be guided by comprehensive planning processes that engage stakeholders, consider diverse perspectives, and prioritize the goals of improving mobility, accessibility, safety, and sustainability in Baltimore City. Collaboration among government agencies, community organizations, advocacy groups, and residents is essential in developing transportation solutions that meet the needs of all Baltimoreans while minimizing adverse impacts on neighborhoods and the environment.
What is your position on the MTA’s North/South Corridor alternatives? If a surface route is selected, are you committed to ensuring the route has 100% dedicated right-of-way, even if it may require significant parking removal? Are you committed to a parallel separated bike facility, even if it may require significant parking removal as well?
Dedicated Right-of-Way: Ensuring 100% dedicated right-of-way for transit improves service reliability and efficiency, benefiting both current and potential riders. By separating transit vehicles from general traffic, delays caused by congestion can be minimized, resulting in faster and more predictable travel times. While achieving dedicated right-of-way may necessitate trade-offs like parking removal or roadway adjustments, these sacrifices are often justified by the broader benefits of enhanced transit service.
Separated Bike Facilities: Incorporating parallel separated bike lanes along the corridor not only improves safety for cyclists but also promotes multimodal transportation options. Separated bike facilities provide dedicated space for cyclists, reducing conflicts with motor vehicles and encouraging more people to choose cycling as a mode of transportation. While implementing separated bike facilities may require adjustments to existing roadways, the long-term benefits in terms of improved safety, accessibility, and health outcomes justify these efforts.
Ultimately, decisions regarding the North/South Corridor alternatives should be guided by a transparent and inclusive planning process that engages stakeholders and considers the diverse needs and preferences of the community. Collaboration among government agencies, community organizations, advocacy groups, and residents is essential in developing transportation solutions that enhance mobility, accessibility, safety, and sustainability while minimizing negative impacts on neighborhoods and the environment. By prioritizing dedicated right-of-way for transit and incorporating separated bike facilities, Baltimore City can create a more efficient, equitable, and multimodal transportation network that serves the needs of all residents.
The Baltimore Greenway Trails Network is an adopted city plan to create a 35 mile multi-use trail loop through Baltimore, connecting the vast majority of city neighborhoods and institutions to parks, greenspace, and existing trails. Are you supportive of this effort, and if so how will you ensure portions of the project in your district are constructed?
Supporting the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network is an opportunity to enhance connectivity, promote active transportation, and improve access to green spaces throughout the city. This initiative aligns with various goals such as promoting public health, fostering economic development, and increasing recreational opportunities for residents.
To ensure portions of the project in a specific district are constructed, several steps can be taken:
Community Engagement: Engage with local residents, community organizations, and stakeholders to build support for the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network. Solicit input on trail routing, amenities, and design features to ensure that the project meets the needs and preferences of the community.
Collaboration with City Agencies: Work closely with relevant city agencies, such as the Department of Transportation, Department of Recreation and Parks, and Department of Planning, to coordinate efforts and secure resources for trail construction. Advocate for funding and prioritize the implementation of trail segments in your district based on community needs and strategic priorities.
Partnerships and Funding: Seek partnerships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, businesses, and other stakeholders to leverage additional resources and expertise for trail construction. Explore grant opportunities, private donations, and public-private partnerships to fund the development and maintenance of trail segments in your district.
Policy Support: Advocate for policies and ordinances that support the development and maintenance of multi-use trails in Baltimore City. This may include zoning regulations, land use policies, and transportation planning initiatives that prioritize active transportation and green infrastructure.
Public Awareness and Education: Raise awareness about the benefits of the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network and the importance of investing in multi-use trails. Educate residents, businesses, and policymakers about the positive impacts of trails on public health, economic development, and community cohesion.
By actively supporting the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network and collaborating with stakeholders, policymakers can ensure that portions of the project are constructed in their district, contributing to a more connected, healthy, and vibrant city for all residents.
Agree or disagree?Do you support maintaining the city’s micro-mobility program that provides dockless bikes and scooters?
Yes
Would you support creation of a government subsidized bike share system?
Yes
Would you support local legislation to subsidize the purchase of e-bikes and membership for micro-mobility or bike share systems?
Yes
Are you committed to retaining every piece of separated bike infrastructure in the city that’s been built?
Yes
Cars are often longer than a single rowhome is wide. Households with multiple vehicles compete for parking in front of other neighbors’ homes. Do you support scaling residential permit parking fees to either the size of or number of vehicles in a household so those with more vehicles parked on city streets pay their fair share?
Yes
Do you support a citywide speed limit of 25mph on arterials and 20mph on neighborhood streets?
Yes
Do you support banning turns on red at all intersections that permit pedestrian crossing?
Yes
Do you support expanding automated enforcement to all roads that have high rates of crashes and speeding, not just near school zones?
Yes
Do you support legislation to create income-based traffic enforcement fine reductions or waivers locally?
Yes
Do you support allowing increased density adjacent to high-quality transit, grocery stores, Main Street districts, and in other high-amenity neighborhoods?
Yes
Do you support increasing Transit Oriented Development zoning to include all areas within a quarter mile of high-frequency bus routes and a half-mile of light rail and metro stations?
Yes
Minimum parking requirements are shown to increase housing costs while limiting potential density and making neighborhoods less walkable. Do you support removing parking minimums from new development?
No
Do you support removing single family residential zoning categories, so that people can choose to build and live in a variety of housing options citywide?
Yes