2025 Candidates on Walking and Biking in Newburyport

2025 Candidates on Walking and Biking in Newburyport

We invited the Newburyport candidates for mayor, city council, and school committee to share their thoughts and perspectives about walking and biking in Newburyport. We sent the following four questions to all candidates by email and heard back from almost everyone. We have provided all of their responses in the individual links below.

  1. If elected, what would be your top priorities for improving safety and comfort for people walking and biking in Newburyport? Are there specific locations that you would like the City to focus on in the next few years? Are there specific initiatives or policies you would support?
  1. What do you think the City is doing well in terms of bike and pedestrian facilities and infrastructure? What could be improved?
  1. Snow and ice can block sidewalks, curb ramps, bus stops, and bike lanes for days, making it difficult for people who walk, roll, bike, or rely on transit to travel safely. Clearing these areas quickly is essential for maintaining year-round accessibility. How do you envision improving accessibility for walkers and bikers during winter weather events?
  1. Safe walking and biking routes to school help children have the freedom and independence to move around the community and reduce car trips for parents and guardians. Is there anything the City should do to promote safe options for kids walking and biking to school?

The candidates’ responses are linked below.

Mayor

Sean Reardon (incumbent)
James McCauley

City Council

At-Large (5 open seats)
Edward Cameron *
Rani Eng
Sarah Hall
Ben Harman *
Afroz Khan *
Heather Shand *
Mark Wright *

* current City Councillor

Ward 4
Beth Trach

Ward 5
Lisa Medina Smith

Ward 6
Mary DeLai
James Eichhorst

School Committee

(3 open seats)
Juliet Walker (incumbent)
Lauren Eramo
John Ricci