Ward 6 candidates at a League of Women Voters forum urged data-driven changes to pedestrian and bicycle safety and recommended more public engagement on roadway redesigns.

"The city has created this Safe Streets for All Action Plan," said Caitlin Halapa, noting the plan identifies high-frequency and high-impact intersections and bicycle- and pedestrian-specific data. Halapa pointed to a hazardous corridor near Bridal and Boston Street and said the Route 114 study by the state offers an opportunity to reconsider North Street configurations.

Halapa proposed consolidating bike lanes on one side of North Street to create a multi-use path and said changes are often paint-and-post, reversible steps: "The good news is that it's paint post, so it's fairly easy to change it." She argued a combined path could help less-experienced cyclists and keep emergency vehicles moving.

Marlene Warner said that some residents want restored parking on North Street; she told the forum she hears complaints about lost curbspace and slow-moving traffic. "So, my my thoughts are 1 lane. And that would bring back, the parking for the residents. It would allow emergency vehicles to get by," Warner said, describing concerns about emergency access when bike lane treatments and parked cars reduce maneuvering room.

Robert K. Meyer and Halapa both cited specific intersections residents identified for attention: Liberty Hill and Appleton; Tremont and School and Grove; and Harmony Grove and Grove and Mason. Halapa recommended public education so drivers understand how to approach bike lanes and crosswalks: "We need to tell people... how to drive around a bike lane." Warner highlighted the North Street overpass and structural concerns that limit design options, noting state involvement is required.

Candidates agreed on the need for more resident input before final designs are adopted and recommended the city use the Route 114 study to advance safety improvements.

Ending: Candidates urged the city to pair technical studies with outreach and education to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists while addressing resident concerns about parking and emergency access.