It's Election Season. How will your candidates make your town more bikeable and walkable?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does” - Margaret Mead

Election season is upon us.  Elections for a variety of muncipal offices across Connecticut will take place on Tuesday, November 5.  While the big money and media attention that go along with presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial elections is not at play this year, the offices that are up for grabs are the very ones that will--or won't--make your town safer, better place to bike and walk. 

This is the perfect time for grassroots activists like you to get involved ask important questions of the candidates and make sure that making a bikeable, walkable community is a real priority for whomever you vote for. 
 
Step 1:  Find out who's on the ballot, and for which office at the Secretary of the State website.

Step 2:  Find out what the candidates have been saying about their positions on different topics and aspirations. Check your local newspaper. Check your local online news outlets, like Patch. 

Step 3:  Get engaged.  Pick and choose as you like, but do something!

• Contact the candidates yourself to ask where they stand on making your town a more bikeable and walkable.  You can usually find an email address or phone number for most of them. What do they think about your town's pace for complete streets implementation? What about Safe Routes to Schools? How could your town's walk score be better?
• Attend a debate or candidates forum and ask about biking and walking issues if the format permits.  Or, talk to organizers to get it on the agenda ahead of time. The League of Women Voters lists debates and forums on their website. Check there to get started. 
• Write a letter to the editor or OpEd.
• Get your friends to write a letter to the editor.
• Then VOTE! It's your democracy.  Make your voice heard!