What is your main mode of transportation around Eureka? Have you ever ridden the bus in Eureka? Have you ever ridden a bike in Eureka? Have you ever used a mobility device in Eureka, such as a wheelchair, cane, scooter, or crutches? Have you ever walked further than half a mile in Eureka (not counting Arts Alive or similar events)? Do you think Eureka’s infrastructure is safe and equitable for users of the above modes of transportation, compared to motorists? Why or why not?

— Big Al

Responses

Casey Dresser

I drive, walk, ride my bike and have taken the bus in Eureka. I have not used a mobility scooter, but have a friend who does. Yes, I have walked and biked way more than a half a mile in town. I enjoy walking around Eureka and do it quite often. In my experience Eureka has been a pleasure, and mostly safe, to walk and bike in. The only problems I have had are with garbage and “pop-up drug dens” blocking the sidewalk. And being harassed by the occupants of these “pop-up drug dens.” These are issues I have discussed at length and will be addressing right away when I get in office. As far as the bus, I had a fine experience (long wait though), but I have heard many stories of people having bad and unsafe experiences with other riders on the local bus. Obviously this will be something the city will have to work together with ETS and the HTA on to improve safety. As I have said before, the safety of the citizens of Eureka is one of my top concerns. I just texted my friend who uses a mobility scooter and was told the infrastructure of Eureka is “atrocious” as far as using a mobility scooter. From my friend: “Most residential neighborhoods do not have continuous sidewalks, forcing [her] to roll in the street for long stretches. Cars race by barely missing [her] by inches. It’s terrifying and only a matter of time before [she] get(s) hit.” Fixing the roads in Eureka is a big concern of mine and something that will get addressed immediately. But this issue with our sidewalks and the dangers they impose on our neighbors in mobility scooters, wheelchairs, those with vision problems and other issues is also a huge public safety problem and is now at the top of my list, along with improving our roads. Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention.

Anil Dwivedi

My primary mode of transportation is driving, but I have experienced Eureka in several different ways.

I have ridden Eureka’s buses many times, and I regularly walk throughout our city. I have walked more than five miles at a time through Eureka, not for an event, but simply getting around and experiencing our neighborhoods, downtown, Old Town and streets on foot.

And when you walk Eureka, you see things differently than you do from behind the wheel. I have personally noticed many areas where sidewalks, crossings, cleanliness, lighting, or street conditions are very bad and unsafe for pedestrians. These are not small issues. They affect seniors, families, people with disabilities, residents who don’t own cars, local businesses, and visitors experiencing Eureka for the first time.

I have not ridden a bicycle in Eureka, and I have not personally needed a wheelchair or other mobility device. I won’t pretend to have firsthand experience that I don’t have. But you shouldn’t have to use a wheelchair yourself to understand that someone who does deserves safe, accessible sidewalks and crossings.

Making Eureka exceptionally clean and safe for everyone is one of my highest priorities.

I want Eureka to become a destination where people come to experience our beautiful waterfront, historic Old Town, architecture, businesses and surrounding natural beauty and where they feel comfortable parking their car, getting out, and exploring our city on foot.

We should build a transportation system that works for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, seniors and people with disabilities. Improving one way of getting around shouldn’t unnecessarily make another worse.

My goal is simple: whether you live here, work here, or are visiting Eureka for the first time, you should feel safe walking our streets and proud of the city around you. A clean, safe and walkable Eureka isn’t just good for residents it’s essential to becoming the welcoming tourist destination I know Eureka can be.

Anil Dwivedi

 

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