Addressing Traffic Congestion
Longmont’s rapid growth has outpaced our infrastructure, leading to significant traffic congestion. Many of our roads, originally designed for a population of 80,000 or less, now serve over 100,000 residents. The result is clogged roads, longer commutes, and dangerous intersections. In 2023 alone, Longmont saw more than 2,000 crashes, including 68 serious or fatal incidents.
City engineers often insist our roads aren’t “at capacity,” but anyone who drives in Longmont knows otherwise. Residents experience daily gridlock, unsafe crosswalks, and bottlenecks that spreadsheets don’t capture. We must start listening to community voices—not just technical models—before approving new development. That means ensuring every project comes with the infrastructure needed to support its traffic impacts.
To address this, Jake advocates for a comprehensive, multimodal transportation strategy that emphasizes walkability, cycling infrastructure, and public transit enhancements. By investing in pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and dedicated bike lanes, we can reduce reliance on cars, alleviate congestion, and promote a healthier, more sustainable community.
Jake also supports the city’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. Creating safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers aligns perfectly with his vision of a Longmont where everyone can move safely and efficiently, no matter how they get around.
A key component of easing congestion is improving transit. RIDE Longmont, our new on-demand microtransit service, has already shown great promise by providing affordable, flexible options for residents. Jake believes we can dramatically expand RIDE Longmont—longer hours, wider coverage, and better accessibility—so it becomes a real alternative to single-occupancy car trips.
Beyond RIDE, Jake will also push to hold RTD accountable for providing reliable service that actually meets Longmont’s needs. He supports expanded transit connections to Denver International Airport, whether through RIDE Longmont or a contract partner, so residents don’t have to put more cars on the road just to catch a flight. And by encouraging mixed-use development, we can build neighborhoods where people can live, work, and shop without driving across town, reducing traffic at the source.
By focusing on sustainable growth, requiring infrastructure with new development, expanding transit options, and pushing for safety measures through Vision Zero, Jake will work to reduce traffic congestion and create a Longmont where getting around is safe, easy, and efficient for everyone.
