15-Minute Fredericksburg

Click on each question to expand and see each candidate's responses.

Kenneth Gantt:

During the week, I work in the northern Virginia area of Ballston/Marymount University, therefore I’m out early on the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) returning late in the evening, occasionally I take the FRED bus to the train station. On the weekends, when I tend to venture down and around town this generally by driving then walking. I would say that most of the time, my navigation of the city is by walking and sometimes by jogging. I only recently began biking again, so that will be a work in progress around the community, especially using the VCR trail, and Battlefield Historical area.

David Cropper:

As a long-time resident of Fredericksburg in Ward One, I get around most days by driving, as I am an active Realtor and spend a lot of time in the car; however, I do enjoy the VCR trail that runs from my neighborhood to downtown. I also enjoy the trail near my office during my lunch breaks near Old Mill Park.

M.D. "Matt" Rowe:

I mostly get around Fredericksburg by car. Living in Ward 1, on the western side of the city, means being in a community designed with a suburban character that is naturally more car oriented. When I visit other parts of the city, especially Downtown, I often park and then walk to enjoy the area. I have tried our transit system, but the current lead times where I live make it less practical for my daily needs. I believe we can explore new innovative ideas to make transit more appealing, even for residents who typically drive, so that it becomes a true alternative choice for more people.

Kenneth Gantt:

I advocate for a Complete Streets policy, ensuring infrastructure improvements accommodate all users—including pedestrians, motorists, cyclists, and individuals with mobility challenges. Priorities include expanding crosswalks, enhancing street lighting, implementing traffic-calming measures in residential neighborhoods, and investing in ADA-compliant sidewalks that provide connectivity throughout the city.

David Cropper:

This isn't an either/or issue—it’s about thoughtful planning. We can design streets that work for everyone, especially downtown. That means investing in better crosswalks and protected bike lanes, but we also need to recognize the needs of drivers, particularly for freight, emergency vehicles, and commuters. My approach is about integration: using proven strategies like complete streets design to ensure everyone—whether on foot, bike, or behind the wheel—can move safely and efficiently through our city. Let's look at cities such as Charlottesville, which has a walkable town. We can redirect some traffic away from Caroline Street, blocking it off from Wolfe Street to William Street, creating a pedestrian-only area, as well as al fresco dining. This could also allow the City to bring in more small businesses by allowing vendor carts.

M.D. "Matt" Rowe:

I believe we can preserve both pedestrian safety and reasonable vehicular access by using thoughtful street design. In some areas, road diets can be effective tools to slow traffic and create a safer environment for people walking or biking. At the same time, we should avoid the pitfalls of induced demand, where adding lanes only leads to more congestion. Safe crosswalks with flashing lights and reflective paint are essential for protecting pedestrians and encouraging walking. Balancing these priorities will help ensure our streets work for everyone no matter how they choose to get around.